service indicator DODGE CARAVAN 2008 5.G User Guide

Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed. Please see ªTread Wear
Indicatorsº and ªTire and Loading Informationº placard
for the size designation of your tire in this section. The
service description and load identification will be found
on the original equipment tire. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, han-
dling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend that you
contact your original equipment manufacturer or an
authorized tire dealer with any questions you may have
on tire specifications or capability.
WARNING!
DO NOT use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change suspension
dimensions and performance characteristics, result-
ing in changes to steering, handling, and braking of
your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling
and stress to steering and suspension components.
You could lose control and have an accident resulting
in serious injury or death. Use only the tire and
wheel sizes with load ratings approved for your
vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 365
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ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
²Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indica-
tor Lightº on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
²If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437
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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

EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed inbold type,
must be done at the times or mileages specified to ensure
the continued proper functioning of the Emissions Con-
trol System. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service should also be done anytime a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sions control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part that has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehiclesCHAngE OILwill flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehiclesOil Change Requiredwill be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 mi (805 km).
490 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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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

Service Engine Soon Light (Malfunction Indicator). . 232
Service Manuals........................ 504
Setting the Clock................254,269,281,285
Settings, Personal........................ 248
Shoulder Belts........................... 57
Signals, Turn...................166,227,483,484
Sliding Door............................ 41
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............... 345
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................. 367
Snow Tires............................ 368
Sound Systems (Radio).................280,283
Spare Tire.......................361,362,414
Spark Plugs............................ 445
Speed Control (Cruise Control).............. 179
Speedometer........................... 227
Starting............................... 324
Automatic Transmission................. 325
Cold Weather......................... 325
Engine Fails to Start.................... 326Remote.............................. 28
Starting and Operating.................... 324
Starting Procedures...................... 324
Steering
Column Controls...................... 166
Linkage............................. 453
Power...........................344,452
Shaft Seal............................ 453
Tilt Column.......................... 171
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System Controls... 299
Storage............................208,481
Storage Bin............................ 208
Storage, Vehicle......................318,481
Storing Your Vehicle...................... 481
Stow8n Go (Fold in Floor) Seats............. 138
Sun Roof.............................. 192
Sunglasses Storage....................... 183
Sunroof Maintenance..................... 195
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag........ 66
INDEX 523
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Tread Wear Indicators................... 364
Wheel Nut Torque..................... 422
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 399
Towing............................... 393
24-Hour Towing Assistance............... 117
Disabled Vehicle....................... 428
Guide.............................. 398
Recreational.......................407,429
Weight.............................. 398
Towing Assistance....................... 117
Traction Control......................... 340
Traction Control Switch................... 340
Trailer Towing.......................... 393
Cooling System Tips.................... 406
Hitches............................. 397
Minimum Requirements................. 400
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 399
Wiring.............................. 404
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 398Trailer Weight.......................... 398
Transaxle............................. 328
Automatic........................... 328
Operation........................... 328
Overdrive........................... 332
Selection of Lubricant................465,488
Transmission........................... 464
Automatic........................... 464
Fluid............................465,488
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry).. 26
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) . . 185
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)........ 21
Transporting Pets........................ 89
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 364
Trip Computer.......................... 238
Trip Odometer.......................... 229
Turn Signals...................166,227,483,484
UCI Connector......................... 292
INDEX 525
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