check engine DODGE CARAVAN 2005 4.G Owner's Manual

When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant recovery
bottle. Do not overfill.
Points to Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles of
operation, you may observe vapor coming from the front
of the engine compartment. This is normally a result of
moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity accumulat-
ing on the radiator and being vaporized when the
thermostat opens, allowing hot water to enter the radia-
tor.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT ethylene
glycol engine coolant (minimum) and distilled water
for proper corrosion protection of your engine which
contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
398 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transmission and of the fluid.
To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level,
the following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (PARK). Wipe the area
around the dipstick clean to eliminate the possibility of
dirt entering the transmission.5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82°C), which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle has
been driven at least 15 miles (24 km). The fluid cannot be
comfortably held between the finger tips. Cold is when
the fluid is below 80°F (27°C).
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked“HOT”(between the upper
two holes in the dipstick).
b. If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked“COLD”.
If the fluid level indicates low, add sufficient fluid to
bring to the proper level.
404 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
•Off-road or desert operation.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for ScheduleB.
Second is Schedule“A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
uleB.
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
•Check 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.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 427
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Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transmission; add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
428 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 75, 000 78, 000 81, 000 84, 000 87, 000 90, 000
(Kilometers) (120 000) (125 000) (130 000) (134 000) (139 000) (144 000)
Inspect the serpentine drive belt on 3.3 liter
and 3.8 liter engines, replace if necessary.‡XX
Check thePCV valveand replace if necessary.
Not required if previously changed.*X
Replace theengine timing belton 2.4 liter
engines. *X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X
436 SCHEDULE“B”
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Miles 42, 000 48, 000 54, 000 60, 000 66, 000 72, 000
(Kilometers) (67 000) (77 000) (86 000) (96 000) (106 000) (115 000)
[Months] [42] [48] [54] [60] [66] [72]
Check thePCV valveand replace, if neces-
sary.*X
Inspect the serpentine drive belt on 3.3 liter
and 3.8 liter engines, replace if necessary.‡XX
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 60
months, regardless of mileage.X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X X
442 SCHEDULE“A”
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Miles 78, 000 84, 000 90, 000 96, 000 100, 000
(Kilometers) (125 000) (134 000) (144 000) (154 000) (160 000)
[Months] [78] [84] [90] [96]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X
Rotate Tires X X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if neces-
sary. *XX XX
Replace theengine air cleaner filter.X
Replace thespark plugson 2.4 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, re-
place if necessary.X
Check and replace thePCV valve, if necessary.* X
Inspect the serpentine drive belt on 3.3 liter and 3.8
liter engines, replace if necessary.‡X
SCHEDULE“A”443
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Miles 102, 000 108, 000 114, 000 120, 000
(Kilometers) (163 000) (173 000) (182 000) (192 000)
[Months] [102] [108] [114] [120]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X
Rotate Tires X X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary. * X X X
Replace theengine air cleaner filter.X
Replace thespark plugson 2.4 liter engines. X
Replace theignition cables2.4 liter engines. X
Inspect and adjust the power steering pump belt tension
on 2.4 liter engines.X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. X
Check thePCV valveand replace, if necessary.* X
Inspect the serpentine drive belt on 3.3 liter and 3.8 liter
engines, replace if necessary.‡XX
Replace theengine timing belton 2.4 liter engines only. X
SCHEDULE“A”445
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Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 334
Oil (Engine).......................... 382
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 396
Car Washes............................ 407
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 333
Cargo Compartment
Luggage Carrier....................... 182
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 181
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 260
Cassette Tape Player................206,216,221
Catalytic Converter...................... 385
Caution, Exhaust Gas..............38,83,333,393
CD Changer................215,224,238,240,243
CD Player.........212,216,223,226,229,233,236,243
CD Player Maintenance................... 261
Cellular Phone........................96,261
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 420
Center Lap Belts......................... 50Chains, Tire............................ 327
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 346
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 309
Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light)......................202,377
Child Restraint.......................... 69
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 74
Child Safety Locks........................ 33
Child Seat............................68,76
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 331
Climate Control......................... 262
Clock................................ 204
Compact Disc Changer.................... 240
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 261
Compact Disc Player..................206,212
Compact Spare Tire...................... 320
Compass.............................. 151
Compass Calibration..................... 152
Compass Variance....................... 152
460 INDEX

Door Locks, Automatic.................... 19
Door Opener, Garage..................... 159
Drive Belts............................ 383
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 391
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 367
DVD Player............................ 243
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 94
Electrical Power Outlets................... 168
Electronic Speed Control................... 147
Electronic Vehicle Information Center......... 155
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 344
Jacking........................346,347,359
Jump Starting......................... 365
Overheating.......................... 345
Emission Control System Maintenance......377,426
Engine............................374,375Air Cleaner.......................... 385
Air Cleaner Filter...................... 384
Block Heater......................... 296
Break-In Recommendations................ 82
Checking Oil Level..................... 379
Compartment......................374,375
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 422
Cooling............................. 394
Exhaust Gas Caution..................38,333
Fails to Start.......................293,295
Fuel Requirements..................330,421
Oil ...........................379,421,422
Oil Change Interval.................... 381
Oil Disposal.......................... 383
Oil Filler Cap......................... 382
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 383
Oil Selection.......................381,421
Oil Synthetic......................... 383
Overheating.......................... 345
462 INDEX