check engine light DODGE CARAVAN 2011 User Guide

NOTE:
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level before
towing.
•The transmission is sealed and requires an authorized
dealer to check the transmission fluid.
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped
•
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
•When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
•Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
•City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL but do not increase engine idle
speed.
•Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
•Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
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ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“gASCAP” message will display in the odometer or a
“CHECK GASCAP” message will be displayed in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
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“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in ”Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion. Tighten the gas cap until aclickingsound is heard.
This is an indication that the gas cap is properly tight-
ened.
Press the odometer reset button to turn the message off.
If the problem persists, the message will appear the next
time the vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged
cap. If the problem is detected twice in a row, the system
will turn on the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the
MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration. For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
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Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
NOTE:Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depend-
ing on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor
performance of blades may be present with chattering,
marks, water lines or wet spots. If any of these conditions
are present, clean the wiper blades or replace as neces-
sary.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer is shared. It is located in the engine
compartment and should be checked at regular intervals.
Fill the reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not
radiator antifreeze) and operate the system for a few
seconds to flush out any residual water.
The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid
when the Low Washer Fluid Light illuminates.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
After the engine has warmed, operate the defroster for a
few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or
freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. MOPAR All
Weather Windshield Washer Solution or equivalent, used
with water as directed on the container, aids cleaning
action, reduces the freezing point to avoid line clogging,
and is not harmful to paint or trim.
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•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut OFF. Checking the oil
level while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only
when the level is at or below the ADD, SAFE or MIN
mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, the
brake master cylinder, the power steering and the
transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
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M A I
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 517
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Oil (Engine)........................ 474
Power Steering ...................... 366
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 487
Car Washes ............................ 494
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..............101,412
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 224
Cargo Compartment Luggage Carrier ..................... 234
Caution, Exhaust Gas ...................... 53
Cellular Phone ....................... 127,321
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 510
Chains, Tire ............................ 395
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 439
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 378
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............254,469
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............ 101
Checks, Safety .......................... 101
Child Restraint ...................... 87,88,89Child Restraint Tether Anchors
............... 91
Child Safety Locks ........................ 47
Child Seat .............................. 91
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 408
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 496
Climate Control ......................... 321
Clock ............................. 287,296
Coat Hook ............................ 223
Coin Holder ........................... 224
Cold Weather Operation ................... 352
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 320
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 390
Compass ........................ 262,265,277
Compass Calibration .................. 265,278
Compass Variance .................... 264,278
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 276
Connector UCI .............................. 310
542 INDEX
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Flooded Engine Starting................... 352
Floor Console .......................... 224
Fluid Capacities ......................... 511
Fluid Leaks ............................ 105
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transaxle .................. 493
Brake ............................. 490
Power Steering ...................... 366
Fluids ................................ 512
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 512
Fog Light Service ........................ 508
Fog Lights ....................... 167,249,508
Fold in Floor (Stow \bn Go) Seating........... 139
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 460
Fuel ................................. 408
Adding ........................... 416
Additives .......................... 410
Clean Air .......................... 408
Conserving ......................... 274 Economy Mode
...................... 356
Ethanol ........................... 409
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............256,416
Filler Door (Gas Cap) .................. 256
Gasoline ........................... 408
Gauge ............................ 256
Light .......................... 260,270
Materials Added ..................... 410
Methanol .......................... 409
Octane Rating ....................... 512
Requirements .................... 408,511
Saver Mode ........................ 274
Tank Capacity ....................... 511
Fuel Optimizer ......................... 274
Fuel Saver ............................. 274
Fuel, Flexible ........................... 412
Fueling ............................... 416
Fuses ................................ 499
546 INDEX
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Hood............................. 163
Lead Free Gasoline ...................... 408
Leaks, Fluid ........................... 105
Life of Tires ............................ 393
Liftgate ................................ 49
Light Bulbs ............................ 104
Lights ............................. 104,165
Airbag ..................... 79,85,102,257
Alarm ............................ 257
Anti-Lock .......................... 252
Automatic Headlights ................. 165
Back-Up ........................... 509
Battery Saver ....................... 171
Brake Assist Warning .................. 375
Brake Warning ...................... 257
Bulb Replacement .................... 507
Center Mounted Stop .................. 510
Daytime Running .................... 167
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .............. 167 Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . 375
Engine Temperature Warning
............ 261
Exterior ........................... 104
Fog ......................... 167,249,508
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 438
Headlights ......................... 507
Headlights On Reminder ............... 166
High Beam Indicator .................. 249
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............ 170
Illuminated Entry ..................... 19
Interior ............................ 167
License ............................ 510
Lights On Reminder .................. 166
Low Fuel ....................... 260,270
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...... 254
Oil Pressure ........................ 261
Park .............................. 508
Passing ............................ 170
Reading ........................... 194
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Rear Servicing....................... 509
Rear Tail ........................... 509
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 259
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............ 257
Service ............................ 507
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator). . 254
Side Marker ........................ 509
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ............ 257
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ......... 253
Traction Control ..................... 375
Turn Signal ................... 104,508,509
Voltage ............................ 260
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 249
Load Leveling System .................... 234
Loading Vehicle ................... 224,418,421
Capacities .......................... 421
Tires .............................. 382
Locks Automatic Door ...................... 35 Door
.............................. 32
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH).. 91
Lubrication, Body ....................... 482
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack) ................. 234
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 478
Maintenance Procedures ................... 471
Maintenance Schedule .................... 516
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 206
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 254,469
Manual, Service ......................... 535
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 194
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) ............. 159
Memory Seat ........................ 1 16,159
Methanol ............................. 409
Mini-Trip Computer ................... 262,276
Mirrors ............................... 113
Automatic Dimming .................. 114
Electric Remote ...................... 115
550 INDEX
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