The radiator on a Dodge is the heart of the engine cooling system. Dodge recommends flushing the cooling system on a regular basis. Your service interval will vary depending on what model Dodge you own. If you are unable to flush the cooling system properly, draining the radiator and then refilling it with fresh coolant is a viable alternative. While not as thorough as a flush, the drain and fill will still remove the majority of the old coolant and allow you to equip your Dodge with fresh coolant until a flush can be performed.
Position the large drain pan directly underneath the radiator petcock, which should be located on the outer bottom edge of the radiator, normally the driver's side, facing back toward the engine. Make sure the drain pan can hold at least three gallons.
Open the radiator cap or overflow bottle cap, depending on how your particular Dodge is set up. The radiator cap is located on the radiator fill neck, either on the top center or top side of the radiator. The overflow tank is a clear plastic bottle usually located at the side of the engine well and can be identified by a black plastic cap marked "engine coolant." Never do this when the engine is warm, as hot steam can escape and cause serious injury or death. It's best to work on the cooling system after the vehicle has been sitting overnight.
Wrap the rag around the petcock and open it carefully, using the pliers to turn it. The rag protects the petcock from damage the pliers' jaws may cause. Allow the coolant to drain out until it's just dripping. Make note of the closed position of the petcock so you know how far to turn it back when closing it in Step 5.
Use the socket set to loosen the hose clamp on the lower radiator hose at the radiator. Pull the hose loose from the bottom of the radiator and allow the coolant to drain from the hose and radiator.
Close the radiator petcock with the pliers, using care not to over-tighten it.
Slide the lower radiator hose back onto the radiator and tighten the hose clamp until the rubber in the hose compresses into the slots in the hose clamp band and becomes flush with the outer surface of the band.
Fill the radiator with equal parts coolant and distilled water. Make sure not to mix coolant types.
