oil level 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

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!
•Getting 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.
•The jack is designed to use as a tool for chang-
ing 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.
•For vehicles equipped with Stow ’n Go seating,
if it is necessary to retrieve the spare tire from
under the vehicle on the side of the vehicle close
to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to
avoid the danger of being hit.
386 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
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.
Engine Oil Dipstick
420 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as Mopar Lock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
The rubber edges of the wiper blades and the windshield
should be cleaned periodically with a sponge or soft cloth
and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accu-
mulations of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield. Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
Windshield and Rear Window Washers
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer is shared. It is located in the engine
compartment and should be checked for fluid level at
regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield
washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze) and operate the
system for a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid
when the Low Washer Fluid Light illuminates.
432 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

replaced 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 — 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
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir. Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturers recommended brake fluid, refer
to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid
type.WARNING!
Use of brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or unidentified as to specification, may
result in sudden brake failure during hard pro-
longed braking. You could have an accident.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 441
7

4. Replace the bulb, reinstall the socket and reattach the
CHMSL.
License Light
1. Remove the two lens assembly mounting screws. 2. Pull the bulb out of the socket. Replace the bulb and
reattach the lens assembly.
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIESU.S. Metric
Fuel 20 Gallons 76 Liters
Engine Oil-with filter 2.4 Liter Engines (SAE 5W-30, API Certified) 5.0 qts 4.7 Liters
3.3 & 3.8 Liter Engines (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 5.0 qts 4.7 Liters
Cooling System * 2.4 Liter Engines (Mopar  Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000
Mile Formula or equivalent) 11.4 qts 10.7 Liters
3.3 & 3.8 Liter Engines (Mopar  Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) † 13.4 qts 12.6 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
† * Add 2.9 quarts (2.8 liters) if equipped with a rear heater.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 461
7

•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice). \b
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE: Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule B.
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 467
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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, 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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Compass Variance....................... 170
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 171
Console, Overhead ....................... 167
Console, Removable ................... 193,194
Contract, Service ........................ 488
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 436
Cooling System ......................... 434
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 436
Coolant Capacity ...................... 461
Coolant Level ...................... 434,437
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 437
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 435
Inspection ........................... 437
Points to Remember .................... 438
Pressure Cap ......................... 436
Radiator Cap ......................... 436
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......435,461,462
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 164
Cruise Light ........................... 219 Cup Holder
......................... 187,450
Customer Assistance ..................... 486
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 73
Daytime Running Lights ................... 153
Dealer Service .......................... 419
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 304
Defroster, Windshield ................90,283,295
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 416
Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player ............. 259
Dimmer Control ........................ 152
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ................. 444
Oil (Engine) .......................... 420
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 408
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 437
Engine Oil ........................... 423
Domelight ............................. 152
INDEX 499
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Door Ajar Light......................... 213
Door Locks ............................. 27
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 29
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 177
Drive Belts ............................ 423
Drive Shaft Universal Joints ................ 431
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................... 326
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System) ...... 259
E-85 Fuel ............................. 360
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 98
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 185
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 164
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 172
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 384
Jacking ........................ 386,387,399
Jump Starting ......................... 405 Overheating
.......................... 385
Emission Control System Maintenance ......417,466
Engine ............................ 414,415
Air Cleaner .......................... 425
Air Cleaner Filter ...................... 424
Block Heater ......................... 315
Break-In Recommendations ................ 88
Checking Oil Level ..................... 420
Compartment ...................... 414,415
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................... 462
Cooling ............................. 434
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 43,356
Flooded, Starting ...................... 313
Fuel Requirements .................. 353,461
Oil ........................... 420,461,462
Oil Change Interval .................... 421
Oil Disposal .......................... 423
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 422
Oil Filter Disposal ...................... 423
500 INDEX