power steering fluid 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

All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason, the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolong operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
240 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m2.4L Engine...........................298
m3.3L/3.8L Engines......................299
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II........300
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................301
mReplacement Parts......................302
mDealer Service.........................302
mMaintenance Procedures..................303
NEngine Oil..........................303NEngine Oil Filter......................307
NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And Tension . . 307
NSpark Plugs.........................308
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter................308
NEngine Fuel Filter.....................309
NCatalytic Converter....................309
NMaintenance-Free Battery................311
NAir Conditioner......................312
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............314
7

NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............314
NSteering Shaft Seal....................314
NSteering Linkage......................315
NDrive Shaft Universal Joints..............315
NBody Lubrication.....................315
NWindshield Wiper Blades................316
NWindshield And Rear Window Washers.....316
NExhaust System......................317
NCooling System.......................318
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......322
NBrakes.............................323
NMaster Cylinder Ð ABS Brakes Brake Fluid
Level Check.........................324NFuel System Hoses....................326
NAutomatic Transmission................326
NAll Wheel Drive (AWD).................329
NFront And Rear Wheel Bearings...........330
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................330
NCleaning The Instrument Panel And
Underseat Cup Holders.................334
mIntegrated Power Module (IPM)............336
mVehicle Storage........................337
mReplacement Light Bulbs.................338
mBulb Replacement......................339
NHeadlights..........................339
296 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Power Steering Ð Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.9
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
The front suspension ball joints are permanently sealed.
No regular maintenance is required for these compo-
nents.
Steering Shaft Seal
The steering shaft seal, at the point where the shaft passes
through the bulkhead, is lubricated when it is installed. If
the seal becomes noisy when the steering shaft is turned,
it should be lubricated. Use only manufacturers recom-
mended lubricant, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubri-
cants and Genuine Parts for correct lubricant type.
314 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

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
AWD Power Transfer Unit MopartGear Lubricant 75W-90.
AWD Overrunning Clutch MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
AWD Rear Carrier MopartGear Lubricant 75W-90.
Brake Master Cylinder MopartDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4 or DOT 4+ is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 345
7

Miles 3, 000 6, 000 9, 000 12, 000 15, 000 18, 000
(Kilometers) (5 000 ) (10 000 ) (14 000) (19 000) (24 000) (29 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXXX X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if
necessary. *XXXX X
Replace theengine air cleaner filter.*X
Inspect and adjust the power steering pump
belt tension on 2.4 liter engines.X
Inspect the generator belt on 2.4 liter engines,
replace if necessary.X
Change the All Wheel Drive (AWD) power
transfer unit fluid. (See note at the end of this
chart)X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X
352 SCHEDULE ªBº
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Miles 21, 000 24, 000 27, 000 30, 000 33, 000 36, 000
(Kilometers) (34 000) (38 000) (43 000) (48 000) (53 000) (58 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXXX X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if
necessary. *XXX X X
Replace theengine air cleaner filter.X
Replace thespark plugs2.4 liter engines. X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. X
Inspect and adjust the power steering pump
belt tension on 2.4 liter engines.X
Inspect the generator belt on 2.4 liter engines,
replace if necessary.X
Inspect thePCV valveand replace as neces-
sary.*X
Change the All Wheel Drive (AWD) power
transfer unit fluid. (See note at the end of this
chart)X
SCHEDULE ªBº 353
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Miles 39, 000 42, 000 45, 000 48, 000 51, 000 54, 000
(Kilometers) (62 000) (67 000) (72 000) (77 000) (82 000) (86 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXXX X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if
necessary. *XX XX X
Replace theengine air cleaner filter.*X
Inspect and adjust the power steering pump
belt tension on 2.4 liter engines.X
Inspect the generator belt on 2.4 liter engines,
replace if necessary.X
Change the All Wheel Drive power transfer
unit fluid. (See the note at the end of this
chart.)X
Change the All Wheel Drive (AWD) overrun-
ning clutch and rear carrier fluid. (See note at
the end of this chart)X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X
SCHEDULE ªBº 355
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S