I tried doing a forum search and came up with nothing so I'm posting. How do you check the coolant level in the Aspen. I can't find any sort of sight gauge on the coolant tank? Also, I read in OM that it takes HOAT (can't remember what that stands for) but NOT to use propylene based coolant. Is that only available at the dealer cuz Autozone didn't have anything like that. Thanks, Mark

 

Page 406 in 2008 Aspen Owner's Manual. There's a dipstick in there, which is a little counterintuitive. Most of us are used to taking a look at the side of the bottle.

The EVIC will display "COOLANT LOW" if it needs to be topped off, but it couldn't hurt to check it from time to time.

Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) coolant is 5 year/100k mile product. You can buy it from the dealer, or find some Zerex G-05 (http://www.valvoline.com/products/br.../antifreeze/42). You can use non-HOAT in an emergency, but you should change back ASAP as the system was designed for this stuff. Ford and Mercedes have been using HOAT for quite awhile as well. I think Chrysler started using it around 2001 according to what I've seen online.

From Owner's Manual:

Coolant Level

The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine cold, the level of the coolant in the coolant
recovery bottle should be between the ranges indicated
on the bottle dipstick.

The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month.

When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.