oil pressure DODGE CARAVAN 2004 4.G Owners Manual

Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure
Cap paragraph.
15. Washer Fluid Light
This light turns on when the washer fluid level
falls below approximately 1/4 filled. The light will
remain on until fluid is added.
16. Transmission Range Indicator
This vacuum fluorescent display indicator shows the
automatic transaxle gear selection.17. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The light
should turn on momentarily when the engine is
started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
chime will sound for 4 minutes when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
18. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. The light will illu-
minate when the key is in the ON position before engine
start. If the bulb does not come when turning the key
from OFF to ON, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 155
4

WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7, Maintenance, of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
WARNING!
²Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous.
The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you.
You could be crushed. Never get any part of your
body under a vehicle that is on a jack. If you need
to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service
center where it can be raised on a lift.
²The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing
tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the
vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.
282 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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

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

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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Malfunction Indicator................... 155
Oil Pressure.......................... 155
Park.............................99,340
Passing............................. 103
Reading............................. 110
Rear Servicing........................ 342
Rear Tail............................ 342
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 153
Security Alarm........................ 154
Service...........................338,339
Service Engine Soon.................... 155
Side Marker.......................... 342
Theft Alarm.......................... 154
Turn Signal.....................102,340,342
Voltage............................. 153
Washer Fluid......................... 155
Load Leveling System.................... 141
Loading Vehicle...................135,272,274
Capacities........................... 274Tires ............................... 247
Locks
Door................................ 17
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) . 62
Lubrication, Body....................... 315
Luggage Rack.......................... 139
Lumbar Support......................... 84
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 311
Maintenance Procedures................... 303
Maintenance Schedule.................... 348
Light Duty Schedule9A9................. 363
Light Duty Schedule9B9................. 351
Schedule9A9......................... 363
Schedule9B9.......................... 351
Malfunction Indicator Light..............155,301
Manual, Service......................... 376
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 114
Mirrors................................ 77
390 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
10

Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls............................. 195
Storage............................132,337
Storage Bin............................ 132
Storage, Vehicle......................217,337
Storing Your Vehicle...................... 337
Sulfur in Gasoline....................... 268
Sun Roof.............................. 125
Sun Visor Extension....................... 80
Sunglass Storage........................ 111
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag........ 48
Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 307
Tachometer............................ 153
Temperature Control, Automatic............. 208
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......154,281
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint............... 62
Theft Alarm............................ 26
Theft System............................ 26Tilt Steering Column..................... 104
Tire and Loading Information Placard......... 247
Tire Markings.......................... 242
Tire Safety Information.................... 242
Tires ............................72,251,378
Alignment........................... 258
Chains.............................. 263
Changing............................ 282
Compact Spare........................ 255
High Speed.......................... 254
Inflation Pressures..................... 252
Jacking............................. 282
Load Capacity.....................247,248
Pressure Monitor System................. 259
Quality Grading....................... 378
Radial.............................. 255
Replacement.......................257,259
Rotation............................. 265
Safety...........................242,251
INDEX 395
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