checking oil DODGE CARAVAN 2004 4.G Owners Manual

NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
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 proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 303
7

The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
304 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).L
²Off-road or desert operation.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule9B9.
Second is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule9B9.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transmission; add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 349
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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

Automatic Dimming..................... 77
Electric Remote........................ 79
Exterior Folding........................ 78
Heated.............................. 80
Outside.............................. 78
Rearview............................. 77
Vanity............................... 80
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 259
Mopar Parts.........................302,375
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 102
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 70
Occupant Restraints....................... 38
Octane Rating, Gasoline................... 266
Odometer............................. 157
Oil, Engine.........................303,344
Capacity............................ 343Change Interval....................... 305
Checking............................ 303
Disposal............................ 307
Filter............................307,344
Filter Disposal........................ 307
Identification Logo..................... 306
Materials Added to..................... 307
Recommendation...................... 305
Synthetic............................ 307
Viscosity............................ 306
Onboard Diagnostic System..............300,301
Opener, Garage Door..................... 119
Operator Manuals......................... 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 77
Overdrive............................. 234
Overhead Console....................... 110
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 110
Overheating, Engine...................154,281
Owner's Manual.......................4,376
INDEX 391
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