indicator DODGE CARAVAN 2012 Repair Manual
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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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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 547
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CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration, or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for further informa-
tion.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends engine oils that are API certified and meet
the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the
chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.7
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in this
manual must be done at the times or mileages specified
to protect your vehicle warranty and ensure the best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving. Inspection and service should also be done
anytime a malfunction is suspected.
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, “Oil Change Required” will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Change Oil” message is displayed.
Depending on operating conditions, the message may
appear as early as 3,500 miles (5 630 km) since last reset.
Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within
the next 500 miles (805 km).
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NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change,
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•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.8
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Caps, FillerFuel .............................. 490
Oil (Engine) ........................ 552
Power Steering ...................... 438
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 565
Car Washes ............................ 572
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..............100,486
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 260
Cargo Compartment Luggage Carrier ..................... 271
Caution, Exhaust Gas ...................... 51
Cellular Phone ....................... 125,392
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 588
Chains, Tire ............................ 470
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 514
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 453
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............291,547
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 99Checks, Safety
........................... 99
Child Restraint ...................... 85,86,87
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 90
Child Safety Locks ........................ 46
Child Seat .............................. 89
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 482
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 573
Climate Control ......................... 393
Clock ............................. 323,332
Coat Hook ............................ 260
Coin Holder ........................... 261
Cold Weather Operation ................... 420
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 392
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 465
Compass .............................. 313
Compass Calibration ..................... 314
Compass Variance ....................... 314
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 311
622 INDEX
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LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren)....... 90
Latches ............................... 103
Hood ............................. 196
Lead Free Gasoline ...................... 482
Leaks, Fluid ........................... 103
Life of Tires ............................ 468
Liftgate ................................ 48
Light Bulbs ............................ 103
Lights ............................. 103,198
Airbag ..................... 77,83,101,293
Alarm ............................ 294
Anti-Lock .......................... 289
Automatic Headlights ................. 199
Back-Up ........................... 588
Battery Saver ....................... 204
Brake Assist Warning .................. 448
Brake Warning ...................... 294
Bulb Replacement ................. 585,586Center Mounted Stop
.................. 588
Daytime Running .................... 200
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .............. 201
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . 448
Engine Temperature Warning ............ 298
Exterior ........................... 103
Fog ......................... 200,286,587
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 513
Headlights ......................... 586
Headlights On Reminder ............... 200
High Beam Indicator .................. 286
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............ 204
Illuminated Entry ..................... 19
Interior ............................ 201
License ............................ 589
Lights On Reminder .................. 200
Low Fuel ....................... 297,306
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...... 291
Oil Pressure ........................ 297
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INDEX 629
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Park.............................. 587
Passing ............................ 204
Reading ........................... 228
Rear Servicing ....................... 588
Rear Tail ........................... 588
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 296
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............ 294
Service ......................... 585,586
Service Engine Soon
(Malfunction Indicator) ................ 291
Side Marker ........................ 588
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ............ 294
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ......... 289
Traction Control ..................... 448
Turn Signal ................... 103,587,588
Voltage ............................ 297
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 286
Load Leveling System .................... 270 Loading Vehicle
................... 260,492,494
Capacities .......................... 494
Tires .............................. 457
Locks Automatic Door ...................... 35
Door .............................. 32
Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren (LATCH) ....................... 90
Lubrication, Body ....................... 560
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack) ................. 271
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 556
Maintenance Procedures ................... 549
Maintenance Schedule .................... 594
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 244
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 291,547
Manual, Service ......................... 615
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 228
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) ............. 192
630 INDEX
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Memory Seat........................ 1 15,192
Methanol ............................. 483
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 311
Mirrors ............................... 112
Automatic Dimming .................. 112
Electric Remote ...................... 114
Exterior Folding ..................... 114
Heated ............................ 115
Memory ........................... 192
Outside ........................... 113
Rearview .......................... 112
Vanity ............................ 116
Mode Fuel Saver ......................... 310
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 473
Mopar Parts ......................... 549,614
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 483
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 203Navigation System (Uconnect™ gps)
.......... 224
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 98
Occupant Restraints ................... 52,76,81
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) .............74,76,79
Odometer ............................. 286
Oil Change Indicator ................ 288,289,309
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ...........288,289,309
Oil, Engine ......................... 550,590
Capacity ........................... 589
Change Interval ..................... 551
Checking .......................... 550
Disposal ........................... 552
Filter .......................... 552,590
Filter Disposal ....................... 552
Identification Logo ................... 551
Materials Added to ................... 552
Recommendation .................. 551,589
Synthetic .......................... 552
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INDEX 631
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Radio Operation........................ 392
Radio Remote Controls .................... 390
Rear Air Conditioning .................398,408
Rear Camera ........................... 224
Rear Cross Path ......................... 123
Rear Heater ............................ 398
Rear Park Sense System ................... 215
Rear Window Defroster ................... 269
Rearview Mirrors ........................ 112
Reclining Front Seats ..................... 167
Recorder, Event Data ...................... 84
Recreational Towing ...................... 509
Reformulated Gasoline .................... 482
Reminder, Seat Belt ....................... 68
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................. 20
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ........ 390
Remote Starting System .................... 29
Removable Floor Console .................. 265
Replacement Keys ........................ 16 Replacement Parts
....................... 549
Replacement Tires ....................... 469
Reporting Safety Defects ................... 614
Resetting Oil Change Indicator .........288,289,309
Restraint, Head ......................... 167
Restraints, Child ....................... 85,89
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck ................ 536
Roof Rack (Luggage Rack) ................. 271
Rotation, Tires .......................... 472
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle ................ 101
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle ............... 103
Safety Defects, Reporting .................. 614
Safety Information, Tire ................... 452
Safety Tips ............................. 99
Safety, Exhaust Gas .................... 51,100
Satellite Radio Antenna ................... 343
Schedule, Maintenance .................... 594
Seat Belt Maintenance .................... 576
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Seat Belt Reminder....................... 68
Seat Belts ........................... 52,101
Adjustable Shoulder Belt ................ 61
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage ...... 61
And Pregnant Women .................. 69
Child Restraint ..................... 85,87
Extender ........................... 70
Front Seat .......................... 55
Inspection .......................... 101
Pretensioners ........................ 64
Rear Seat ........................... 55
Seats ................................. 160
Adjustment ......................... 166
Fold in Floor (Stow nGo) .............. 172
Heated ............................ 163
Memory ........................... 192
Power ............................ 160
Reclining .......................... 167
Stow n Go (Fold in Floor) .............. 172 Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)
................ 17
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ..........563,590
Sentry Key (Immobilizer) ................... 15
Sentry Key Programming ................... 17
Sentry Key Replacement ................... 16
Service Assistance ....................... 611
Service Contract ......................... 613
Service Engine Soon Light
(Malfunction Indicator) .................... 291
Service Manuals ........................ 615
Setting the Clock ..................... 323,332
Settings, Personal ........................ 315
Shift Lever Override ...................... 537
Short Message Service (SMS) ................ 147
Shoulder Belts ........................... 55
Side Airbag ............................. 79
Signals, Turn ................ 103,203,286,587,588
Sliding Door ............................ 41
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On ............... 434
634 INDEX
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