warning DODGE CARAVAN 2007 4.G Owners Manual

WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure
to build up in the cooling system. To prevent
scalding or injury, do not remove the pressure cap
while the system is hot or under pressure.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or
engine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children
do not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Engine 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437
7

WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake And Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold. Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:
Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of
hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before hose is re-
placed based on leakage.
NOTE: Inspection of brake hoses should be performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for surface
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any evidence
of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be
440 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

replaced immediately! Eventual deterioration of the hose
can take place resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Master Cylinder — Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing underhood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light indicates system failure.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir. Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturers recommended brake fluid, refer
to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid
type.WARNING!
Use of brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or unidentified as to specification, may
result in sudden brake failure during hard pro-
longed braking. You could have an accident.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 441
7

WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid, all brake seal components could be
damaged causing partial or complete brake failure.
Fuel System Hoses
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with hoses which have unique material charac-
teristics to provide adequate sealing and resist attack by
deteriorated gasoline.
Use only the manufacturers specified hoses in any fuel
system servicing. It is mandatory to replace all clamps
that have been loosened or removed during service. Care
should be taken in installing new clamps to insure they
are properly torqued.
Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
All automatic transmissions are equipped with a conven-
tional filler tube and dipstick. If fluid is added, it should
be added through the dipstick hole in the case.
442 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by regular
cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt
can act as an abrasive and damage the leather upholstery
and should be removed promptly with a damp cloth.
Stubborn soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth
and Mopar Total Clean. Care should be taken to avoid
soaking your leather upholstery with any liquid. Please
do not use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents, deter-
gents, or ammonia based cleaners to clean your leather
upholstery. Application of a leather conditioner is not
required to maintain the original condition.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
Cleaning High Gloss Front Door B-pillar
Appliques
When cleaning the front door B-pillar appliques, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Remove all dirt with a wet soft rag. A mild soap
solution may be used, do not use high alcohol content or
abrasive cleaners. Glass cleaners are not recommended. If
soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp rag.
2. To maintain the high gloss shine, apply a scratch and
swirl remover onto a damp cloth and apply to door
applique. Rub the applique with a firm pressure then buff
lightly with a clean cotton cloth until a high gloss shine is
achieved.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with Mopar Glass Cleaner or any commercial household-
type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type cleaner.
Use caution when cleaning the inside rear window
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 449
7

Miles 102, 000 108, 000 114, 000 120, 000
(Kilometers) (170 000) (180 000) (190 000) (200 000)
[Months] [102] [108] [114] [120]
Inspect the serpentine drive belt on 3.3 liter and 3.8 liter
engines, replace if necessary. ‡ XX
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 120 months, if not
done at 102,000 miles. X
Replace the air conditioning filter. XX
‡ This maintenance is not required if previously replaced.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.
SCHEDULE “A” 483
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may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by law.
492 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for
a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, under inflation, or excessive load-
ing, either separately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and possible tire failure.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 493
9

Adding Fuel........................... 357
Adding Washer Fluid .................. 303,432
Additives, Fuel ......................... 355
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 163
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 428
Air Conditioning ..................... 278,284
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 278
Air Conditioning Filter .................301,429
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 301
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone .............286,296
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ............... 428
Air Conditioning System ..........278,284,289,428
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control ........ 279
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 337
Airbag ................................ 57
Airbag Deployment ....................... 69
Airbag Light ................... 62,63,72,90,214
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 71
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ............... 58 Alarm Light
........................... 216
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 18
Alignment and Balance ................... 344
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 274
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........435,436,461
Disposal ............................ 437
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 321
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 214
Anti-Theft System ........................ 18
Appearance Care ........................ 446
Ashtray ............................... 188
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 33
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 96
Automatic Door Locks ................... 29,30
Automatic Headlights .................... 153
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 289
Automatic Transaxle .................... 12,315
Interlock System ..................... 15,316
496 INDEX

Reset Mode.......................... 317
Selection Of Lubricant ................443,463
Shifting ............................. 317
Special Additives ...................... 445
Automatic Transmission ................... 442
Adding Fluid ......................... 444
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 445
Fluid Change ......................... 445
Fluid Level Check ...................... 444
Fluid Type ........................ 443,463
Ball Joints ............................. 430
Battery ............................... 427
Gas Caution .......................... 427
Jump Starting ......................... 405
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 26
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 153
Bearings .............................. 446
Belts, Drive ............................ 423 Body Mechanism Lubrication
............... 431
B-Pillar Location ........................ 332
Brake Fluid ............................ 463
Brake, Parking .......................... 319
Brake System ........................ 321,439
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 321
Fluid Check .......................... 441
Hoses .............................. 440
Warning Light ........................ 213
Brakes ............................. 321,439
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 316
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 88
Bulb Replacement ....................... 456
Bulbs, Light ............................ 455
Calibration, Compass ..................... 169
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 461
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ 357
INDEX 497
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