warning light DODGE CARAVAN 2004 4.G Owner's Manual

STARTING PROCEDURES
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds, can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting into any driving gear.
2.4L Engine
Normal Startingof either a cold or a warm engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the ªSTARTº position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine has not started
within 3 seconds, slightly depress the accelerator pedal
while continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start
within 15 seconds, turn the key to the ªOFFº position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting
procedure.
Cold Weather(Below 0É C or 32É F) orHigh Altitude
(Above 4,000 feet at all temperatures). If engine has not
been started within past 3 to 4 hours, slightly depress and
hold the accelerator pedal before attempting to start a
cold engine. Turn the key to the ªSTARTº position. When
the engine starts, release first the key, then the accelerator
pedal. If the engine fails to start within 15 seconds,
discontinue cranking and return the key to the ªOFFº
position. Repeat the starting procedure.
226 STARTING AND OPERATING

The ABS light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem. The light will come on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and may stay on for
as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not come on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
bulb repaired as soon as possible.
If both the Brake Warning Light and the ABS Light
remain on, the Anti-Lock brakes (ABS) and Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD) systems are not function-
ing. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.When the vehicle is driven over approximately 15 mph
(25 km/h), you may also hear a slight clicking sound as
well as some related motor noises. These noises are the
system performing its self check cycle to ensure that the
ABS system is working properly. This self check occurs
each time the vehicle is started and accelerated past
approximately 15 mph (25 km/h).
ABS is activated during braking under certain road or
stopping conditions. ABS-inducing conditions can in-
clude ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose
debris, or panic stops.
You also may experience the following when the brake
system goes into Anti-lock:
²The ABS motor running (it may continue to run for a
short time after the stop),
²the clicking sound of solenoid valves,
²brake pedal pulsations,
238 STARTING AND OPERATING

²and a slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the
end of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
WARNING!
The Anti-Lock Brake System contains sophisticated
electronic equipment that may be susceptible to
interference caused by improperly installed or high
output radio transmitting equipment. This interfer-
ence can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking
capability. Installation of such equipment should be
performed by qualified professionals.
WARNING!
²Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
²The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
STARTING AND OPERATING 239
5

Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle's
performance:
²The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
damage the emission control system, and could result
in loss of warranty coverage.
²An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out-of-tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
²The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers are not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives are not
the responsibility of the manufacturer and may not be
covered under the New Vehicle Warranty.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
STARTING AND OPERATING 269
5

²The trailer tongue load must be considered as part of
the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to the Tire±
Safety Information Section in this manual.
²The ªDº range can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the ª3º
range must be selected.
NOTE:Using the ª3º range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transaxle life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
²Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
²Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.
²The automatic transaxle fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more
than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule
ªBº in section 8 of this manual for transaxle fluid
change intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transaxle fluid level before
towing. Fluid discoloration, or a burnt odor, shows the
need for a transmission fluid and filter change.
276 STARTING AND OPERATING

properly engaged in the described location.Do not raise
the vehicle until you are sure the jack is securely
engaged.
5. Raise the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the right,
using the swivel wrench. Raise the vehicle only until the
tire just clears the surface and enough clearance is
obtained to install the spare tire. Minimum tire lift
provides maximum stability.
WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle less stable. It could slip off the jack and
hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough
to remove the tire.
6. Remove the wheel lug nuts, for vehicles with wheel
covers, remove the cover from the wheel by hand. Do not
pry the wheel cover off. Then pull the wheel off the hub.7. Install the spare wheel, for vehicles with wheel covers,
align the notch in the wheel cover with the valve stem on
the wheel. Install the cover on the wheel by hand only
and install the wheel lug nuts with the cone shaped end
of the nut toward the wheel. Lightly tighten the nuts. To
avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not
tighten the lug nuts fully until the vehicle has been
lowered.
NOTE:Do not install the wheel cover on the compact
spare.
Do not use a hammer or force to install the wheel covers.
8. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the left.
9. Finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down on the
wrench while tightening for increased leverage. Alternate
nuts until each nut has been tightened twice. Correct
wheel nut tightness is 130 N´m (95 ft. lbs). If in doubt
286 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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 bereplaced 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 Ð ABS Brakes 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
ªFULLº mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
324 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Fuel........................... 270
Adding Washer Fluid..................221,316
Additives, Fuel......................... 268
Adjustable Pedals....................... 106
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 312
Air Conditioning.....................199,203
Air Conditioning Controls................. 199
Air Conditioning Filter.................219,313
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 218
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone.............206,214
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 312
Air Conditioning System..........199,203,208,312
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 200
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 252
Airbag................................ 48
Airbag Deployment....................... 55
Airbag Light.....................52,57,72,152
Airbag Maintenance....................... 57
Airbag, Side............................ 54Alarm Light........................... 154
Alarm System........................... 26
Alignment and Balance................... 258
All Wheel Drive...................235,259,329
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antifreeze Disposal...................... 321
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............319,320
Anti-Lock Brake System................... 237
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 153
Anti-Theft Security Alarm.................. 26
Appearance Care........................ 330
Ashtray............................... 130
Auto Down Power Windows................ 37
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 77
Automatic Door Locks..................... 19
Automatic Headlights.................... 100
Automatic Temperature Control............. 208
Automatic Transaxle...................231,326
Adding Fluid......................... 345
382 INDEX

Filter............................... 328
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 328
Fluid Level Check...................... 327
Interlock System....................... 232
Reset Mode.......................... 233
Selection Of Lubricant................326,345
Shifting............................. 233
Special Additives...................... 329
Ball Joints............................. 314
Battery............................... 311
Gas Caution.......................... 311
Jump Starting......................... 288
Keyless Transmitter Replacement............ 25
Saving Feature........................ 101
Bearings.............................. 330
Belts, Drive............................ 307
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 315
B-Pillar Location........................ 247Brake, Parking.......................... 235
Brake System........................237,323
Anti-Lock........................... 237
Fluid Check.......................324,345
Hoses.............................. 323
Warning Light........................ 151
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 232
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 70
Bulb Replacement....................... 339
Bulbs, Light............................ 338
Calibration, Compass..................... 112
Capacities, Fluid........................ 343
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 270
Radiator............................ 320
Car Washes............................ 331
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 269
Cargo ................................ 135
INDEX 383
10

Air Cleaner Filter...................... 308
Block Heater......................... 230
Break-In Recommendations................ 70
Checking Oil Level..................... 303
Compartment......................298,299
Coolant............................. 344
Cooling............................. 318
Exhaust Gas Caution..................36,269
Fails to Start.......................227,229
Fuel Requirements..................... 266
Oil ..............................303,344
Oil Change Interval.................... 305
Oil Selection.......................... 305
Oil Synthetic......................... 307
Overheating.......................... 281
Temperature Gauge..................... 154
Exhaust Gas Caution..............36,71,269,317
Exhaust System......................... 317
Exterior Folding Mirrors................... 78Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 308
Air Conditioning....................219,313
Automatic Transaxle.................... 328
Engine Fuel.......................... 309
Engine Oil........................307,344
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 307
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 280
Turn Signal..................158,159,340,342
Fluid Capacities......................... 343
Fluid Leaks............................. 72
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 327
Brake............................... 345
Power Steering.....................314,345
Fog Light Service........................ 341
Fog Lights..........................102,341
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 291
386 INDEX