check transmission fluid DODGE CARAVAN 2007 4.G Owners Manual

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.
17. Washer Fluid LightThis light turns on when the washer fluid level
falls below approximately 1/4 filled. The light will
remain on until fluid is added.
18. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transaxle gear
selection. NOTE:
You must apply the brakes before shifting from
Park.
19. 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.
20. High Beam Light This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever towards the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or low
beam.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 217
4

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3” range
should be selected.
NOTE: Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule “B” in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.
NOTE: Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
7 - Pin Connector
STARTING AND OPERATING 381
5

•For convenience in checking the spare tire inflation,
stow with the valve stem toward the rear of the
vehicle.
•Using the jack handle, rotate the drive nut to the
right until the wheel is drawn into place against the
underside of the vehicle.
•Continue to rotate the nut until you hear the mecha-
nism click three times. It cannot be overtightened.
Push against the tire several times to be sure it is
securely in place.
13. Stow the jack and jack handle.
14. Check the tire pressure as soon as possible. Correct
pressure as required.
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURE
WARNING!
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started.
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission cannot be
started this way. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic con-
verter and once the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start from another
vehicle. This type of start can be dangerous if done improperly,
so follow this procedure carefully.
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow battery
fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing. Don’t lean over battery
when attaching clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other.
If acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush contaminated area
immediately with large quantities of water.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Keep flame or spark away from the vent holes. Do
not use a booster battery or any other booster source with an
output that exceeds 12 volts.
•Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the hood
is raised. It can start anytime the ignition switch is on. You can
be hurt by the fan.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 405
6

▫Front Suspension Ball Joints ..............430
▫ Steering Shaft Seal ....................431
▫ Steering Linkage ......................431
▫ Drive Shaft Universal Joints ..............431
▫ Body Lubrication .....................431
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ................432
▫ Windshield And Rear Window Washers .....432
▫ Exhaust System ......................433
▫ Cooling System .......................434
▫ Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses .......439
▫ Brakes .............................439
▫ Master Cylinder — Brake Fluid Level Check . . 441
▫ Fuel System Hoses ....................442 ▫
Automatic Transmission ................442
▫ Front And Rear Wheel Bearings ...........446
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion ...........................446
▫ Cleaning The Instrument Panel And Underseat
Cup Holders ........................450

Fuses — Integrated Power Module ..........452

Vehicle Storage ........................455

Replacement Light Bulbs .................455

Bulb Replacement ......................456
▫ Headlights ..........................456
▫ Front Park/Turn Signal And Sidemarker
Lights .............................458
▫ Fog Lights ..........................459
412 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.
444 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transmission
can cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water
from entering the transmission after checking or
replenishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap
is reseated properly.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid should be changed on all
transmissions as follows:
Normal Usage — No change necessary
Severe Usage (fluid and filter) — Refer to Maintenance
Schedule “B” Severe Usage is defined as:
•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is driven regularly for
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
NOTE: Refer to Section 8 of this manual for Mainte-
nance Schedules.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
Do not add any fluid additives to the transmission. The
only exception to this policy is the use of special dyes to
aid in detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission
sealers should be avoided as they may adversely affect
seals.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 445
7

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, power steering and transmission and
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.
468 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Reset Mode.......................... 317
Selection Of Lubricant ................443,463
Shifting ............................. 317
Special Additives ...................... 445
Automatic Transmission ................... 442
Adding Fluid ......................... 444
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 445
Fluid Change ......................... 445
Fluid Level Check ...................... 444
Fluid Type ........................ 443,463
Ball Joints ............................. 430
Battery ............................... 427
Gas Caution .......................... 427
Jump Starting ......................... 405
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 26
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 153
Bearings .............................. 446
Belts, Drive ............................ 423 Body Mechanism Lubrication
............... 431
B-Pillar Location ........................ 332
Brake Fluid ............................ 463
Brake, Parking .......................... 319
Brake System ........................ 321,439
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 321
Fluid Check .......................... 441
Hoses .............................. 440
Warning Light ........................ 213
Brakes ............................. 321,439
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 316
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 88
Bulb Replacement ....................... 456
Bulbs, Light ............................ 455
Calibration, Compass ..................... 169
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 461
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ 357
INDEX 497
10

Oil Selection....................... 421,461
Oil Synthetic ......................... 423
Overheating .......................... 385
Temperature Gauge ..................... 216
Event Data Recorder ...................... 73
Exhaust Gas Caution ..............43,89,356,433
Exhaust System ......................... 433
Extender, Seat Belt ........................ 56
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 98
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 424
Air Conditioning .................... 301,429
Automatic Transaxle .................... 445
Engine Oil ........................ 423,462
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 423
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... 384
Turn Signal ..................... 212,458,459 Flat Tire Stowage
........................ 395
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ........................ 363
Engine Oil ........................... 362
Fuel Requirements .................. 360,361
Maintenance .......................... 363
Replacement Parts ..................... 363
Starting ............................. 362
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 313
Fluid Capacities ......................... 461
Fluid Leaks ............................. 90
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 444
Brake ............................... 441
Power Steering ........................ 430
Fluids ................................ 462
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 462
Fog Light Service ........................ 459
Fog Lights .......................... 154,459
INDEX 501
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