power steering fluid DODGE CARAVAN 2006 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 objectslodged 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.
84 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short period of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and does not in any
way damage the 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.
TRACTION CONTROL—IF EQUIPPED
The Traction Control System reduces wheel slip and
maintains traction at the driving (front) wheels. The
system reduces wheel slip by engaging the brake on the
wheel that is losing traction (spinning). The system
operates at speeds below 35 mph (56 km/h).
318 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

2.4L Engine...........................396

3.3L/3.8L Engines......................397

Onboard Diagnostic System—OBDII........398

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................399

Replacement Parts......................400

Dealer Service.........................400

Maintenance Procedures..................401
▫Engine Oil..........................401▫Engine Oil Filter......................405
▫Drive Belts—Check Condition And Tension . . 405
▫Spark Plugs.........................406
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................406
▫Catalytic Converter....................407
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................409
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............410
▫Power Steering—Fluid Check............412
▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............412
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▫Steering Shaft Seal....................413
▫Steering Linkage......................413
▫Drive Shaft Universal Joints..............413
▫Body Lubrication.....................413
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................414
▫Windshield And Rear Window Washers.....414
▫Exhaust System......................415
▫Cooling System.......................416
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......421
▫Brakes.............................421
▫Master Cylinder—Brake Fluid Level Check . . 423
▫Fuel System Hoses....................424
▫Automatic Transmission................424▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........428
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................428
▫Cleaning The Instrument Panel And Underseat
Cup Holders........................432

Integrated Power Module (IPM)............434

Vehicle Storage........................436

Replacement Light Bulbs.................437

Bulb Replacement......................438
▫Headlights..........................438
▫Front Park/Turn Signal And Sidemarker
Lights.............................439
▫Front Fog Light......................440
394 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

the black arrow on the bottom of the filter frame with the
direction of airflow (away from the blower motor and
towards the center of the car).
Refer to the“Maintenance Schedules”section of this
manual for the recommended air conditioning filter
replacement intervals.
Power Steering—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.
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 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.
412 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake And Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.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 be
422 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 445
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Miles 57, 000 60, 000 63, 000 66, 000 69, 000 72, 000
(Kilometers) (95 000) (100 000) (105 000) (110 000) (115 000) (120 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X XXXXX
Rotate Tires X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary. * XXXXX
Replace theengine air cleaner filter.X
Replace thespark plugs
on 2.4 liter engines.X
Replace theignition cables
on 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, replace if
necessary.X
Inspect thePCV valve
and replace if necessary.*X
Inspect the serpentine drive belt on 3.3 liter and 3.8 liter
engines, replace if necessary.X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X
SCHEDULE“B”455
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Miles 108, 000 111, 000 114, 000 117, 000 120, 000
(Kilometers) (180 000) (185 000) (190 000) (195 000) (200 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Rotate Tires X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary. * X X X X
Replace theengine air cleaner filter.X
Replace thespark plugs
on 2.4 liter engines.X
Replace theignition cables
on 2.4 liter engines.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 the serpentine drive belt on 3.3 liter and 3.8 liter
engines, replace if necessary.‡X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals.X
Inspect thePCV valve
and replace as necessary.*X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X
SCHEDULE“B”459
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Temperature Gauge..................... 208
Exhaust Gas Caution..............37,83,345,415
Exhaust System......................... 415
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 53
Exterior Folding Mirrors................... 91
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 406
Air Conditioning....................296,411
Automatic Transaxle.................... 427
Engine Oil........................405,444
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 405
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 366
Turn Signal.....................205,439,441
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 377
Fluid Capacities......................... 443
Fluid Leaks............................. 84Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 426
Brake............................... 423
Power Steering........................ 412
Fluids................................ 444
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 444
Fog Light Service........................ 440
Fog Lights..........................146,440
Fold in Floor (Stown Go) Seating........... 123
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 390
Fuel................................. 342
Adding............................. 346
Additives............................ 344
Clean Air............................ 342
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 346
Gasoline............................ 342
Gauge.............................. 204
Hoses.............................. 424
Light............................... 204
INDEX 487
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