check engine light DODGE CARAVAN 2008 5.G User Guide

NOTE:
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level before
towing.
²The six-speed automatic transmission is sealed and
requires an authorized dealer service center to check
the transmission fluid.
Towing Tips Ð Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
²
Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
²When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
²Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips Ð Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
²City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
gear selector lever in NEUTRAL but do not increase
engine idle speed.
²Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
²Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
²Refer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
406 STARTING AND OPERATING

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message Ð gASCAP
Should the ªLoose Fuel Filler Capº or ªgASCAPº mes-
sage appear, there may be a problem in the evaporative
system. Before taking the vehicle into an authorized
dealer, check first to see if the fuel filler cap is possibly
loose, improperly installed, or damaged. A loose fuel
filler cap message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster. Tighten the gas cap until a9clicking9sound is
heard. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened. Press the odometer reset button to turn the
message off. If the problem persists, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started. If the problem
is detected twice in a row, the system will turn on the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving the prob-
lem will turn the MIL light off. Take your vehicle in to an
authorized dealer.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of this vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system
is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system maynotbe ready if the vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery, or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, the vehicle may fail the test.
438 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
After the engine has warmed, operate the defroster for a
few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or
freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. MopartAll
Weather Windshield Washer Solution, used with water as
directed on the container, aids cleaning action, reduces
the freezing point to avoid line clogging, and is not
harmful to paint or trim.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 455
7

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
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 Ð 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.
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 manufacturer's recommended brake fluid, refer
to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid
type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 463
7

²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
492 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Brakes.............................337,462
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 328
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 93
Bulb Replacement....................... 482
Bulbs, Light............................ 481
Calibration, Compass..................240,246
Capacities, Fluid........................ 486
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 382
Oil (Engine).......................434,443
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 458
Car Washes............................ 468
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 381
Cargo Compartment
Luggage Carrier....................... 215
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 214
Catalytic Converter...................... 446
Caution, Exhaust Gas.................51,95,381CD (Compact Disc) Player...............280,283
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance........ 300
Cellular Phone.................104,283,284,299
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 485
Chains, Tire............................ 367
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 412
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 350
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............232,438
Child Restraint........................81,83
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 86
Child Safety Locks........................ 46
Child Seat.............................. 88
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 378
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 470
Climate Control......................... 301
Clock........................254,269,281,285
Coat Hook............................ 214
510 INDEX

Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 410
Turn Signal.....................227,483,484
Flash-To-Pass........................... 170
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 422
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range........................ 387
Engine Oil........................... 387
Fuel Requirements..................384,386
Maintenance.......................... 388
Replacement Parts..................... 387
Starting............................. 387
Flooded Engine Starting................... 326
Floor Console.......................... 201
Fluid Capacities......................... 486
Fluid Leaks............................. 94
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 465
Automatic Transmission................. 466Brake............................... 463
Power Steering........................ 452
Fluids................................ 487
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 487
Fog Light Service........................ 483
Fog Lights.......................165,233,483
Fold in Floor (Stow8n Go) Seating........... 138
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 427
Fuel................................. 377
Adding............................. 382
Additives............................ 380
Clean Air............................ 378
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................226,382
Filler Door (Gas Cap)................... 226
Gasoline............................ 377
Gauge.............................. 226
Hoses.............................. 461
Light............................... 234
Octane Rating........................ 487
514 INDEX

License............................. 485
Lights On Reminder.................... 165
Low Fuel............................ 234
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 232
Oil Pressure.......................... 233
Park.............................162,483
Passing............................. 170
Reading............................. 183
Rear Servicing........................ 484
Rear Tail............................ 484
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 233
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............. 233
Service...........................481,482
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 232
Side Marker.......................... 484
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 233
Turn Signal.....................166,483,484
Voltage............................. 234
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 226Load Leveling System.................... 218
Loading Vehicle...................214,388,391
Capacities........................... 391
Tires ............................... 353
Locks
Door................................ 31
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH)... 86
Lubrication, Body....................... 454
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)................. 215
Lumbar Support........................ 137
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 448
Maintenance Procedures................... 441
Maintenance Schedule.................... 490
Maintenance, Sunroof..................... 195
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 232,438
Manual, Service......................... 504
Map/Reading Lights..................... 183
Memory Feature (Memory Seat)............. 155
518 INDEX

Outside Rearview Mirrors...............100,102
Overdrive............................. 332
Overhead Console....................... 182
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 182
Overheating, Engine...................226,410
Owner's Manual (Operator Manual).......... 504
Panic Alarm............................ 24
Park Sense System, Rear................... 171
Parking Brake.......................... 335
Parking On Hill......................... 335
Passing Light........................... 170
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 177
Personal Settings........................ 248
Pets, Transporting........................ 89
Phone, Cellular....................104,283,284
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnectŸ).......104,283,284
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 353Port
Universal Serial Bus (USB).............280,283
USB .............................280,283
Power
Brakes.............................. 337
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 474
Door Locks........................... 32
Lift Gate............................. 49
Mirrors..........................102,103
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 195
Seats............................... 133
Sliding Door.......................... 42
Steering............................. 344
Steering, Checking..................... 452
Sunroof............................. 192
Windows............................. 37
Power Steering Fluid..................... 488
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 65
Preparation for Jacking.................... 415
520 INDEX