maintenance DODGE CARAVAN 2008 5.G Service Manual

NOTE:
²The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle's
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
²Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
²Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 mi (10 000 km) or six months, whichever
comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If this
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your dealer, the message can be reset by referring to
the steps described under ªOil Change Requiredº in ªUse
Factory Settingsº of the EVIC section in this manual orunder ªOdometer/Trip Odometerº in the ªInstrument
Cluster Descriptions section of this manual.
At Each Stop For Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD, SAFE or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once A Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 491
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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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Required Maintenance Intervals
Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. 6,000 10 000 6
Rotate Tires. 6,000 10 000 6
If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty
or off-road conditions. Inspect the engine air cleaner
filter, replace if necessary.12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary. 12,000 20 000 12
Replace the air conditioning filter. 12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the CV Joints. Perform the first inspection at
12,000 mi (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
Inspect Exhaust System. Perform the first inspection at
12,000 mi (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot
seals, replace if necessary.24,000 40 000 24
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. 30,000 50 000 30
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 493
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Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter if
using your vehicle for any of the following: police,
taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing.60,000 100 000 60
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. ² 90,000 150 000 90
Flush and replace the engine coolant. 102,000 170 000 60
Replace the ignition cables on 3.3L, 3.8L engines. 102,000 170 000 102
Replace the spark plugs on 3.3L, 3.8L, 4.0L engines. 102,000 170 000 102
Replace the timing belt on 4.0L engines. 102,000 170 000 102
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter. 120,000 200 000 120
Replace Accessory Drive Belt(s). 120,000 200 000 120
² This maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer to the owner, but is not required to maintain emissions
warranty.
494 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 495
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SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR
YOUR VEHICLE
Prepare For The Appointment
If you're having warranty work done, be sure to have the
right papers with you. Take your warranty folder. All
work to be performed may not be covered by the
warranty. Discuss additional charges with the service
manager. Keep a maintenance log of your vehicle's
service history. This can often provide a clue to the
current problem.
Prepare A List
Make a written list of your vehicle's problems or the
specific work you want done. If you've had an accident
or work done that is not on your maintenance log, let the
service advisor know.
Be Reasonable With Requests
If you list a number of items and you must have your
vehicle by the end of the day, discuss the situation with
the service advisor and list the items in order of priority.
At many authorized dealers, you may obtain a rental
vehicle at a minimal daily charge. If you need a rental, it
is advisable to make these arrangements when you call
for an appointment.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE
The manufacturer and its authorized dealers are vitally
interested in your satisfaction. We want you to be happy
with our products and services.
Warranty service must be done by an authorized dealer.
We strongly recommend that you take the vehicle to an
authorized selling dealer. They know you and the vehicle
best, and are most concerned that you get prompt and
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 499
9

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 458
Adding Fuel........................... 382
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 455
Additives, Fuel......................... 380
Adjustable Pedals....................... 177
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 445
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 450
Air Conditioning........................ 301
Air Conditioning Controls................. 301
Air Conditioning Filter.................320,451
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 319
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone.............307,314
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 450
Air Conditioning System.............301,309,450
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 305
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 358
Airbag..............................66,74
Airbag Deployment....................... 75
Airbag Light...................67,73,77,94,233Airbag Maintenance....................... 76
Airbag, Side........................68,72,74
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)...........70,72,74
Alarm Light........................... 233
Alarm (Security Alarm).................... 18
Alignment and Balance................... 366
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 288
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........457,458,486
Disposal............................ 459
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 338
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............227,339
Anti-Theft System........................ 18
Appearance Care........................ 467
Ashtray............................... 201
Assistance Towing....................... 117
Audio Systems (Radio).................280,283
Auto Down Power Windows................ 39
Auto Up Power Windows................40,194
508 INDEX

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

Coin Holder........................... 201
Cold Weather Operation................... 325
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 300
Compact Spare Tire...................... 361
Compass........................238,240,246
Compass Calibration..................240,246
Compass Variance....................240,247
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 244
Connector
UCI ................................ 292
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......... 292
Console.............................. 201
Console, Floor.......................... 201
Console, Overhead....................... 182
Console, Removable...................207,211
Contract, Service........................ 501
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 458
Cooling System......................... 456
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 458Coolant Capacity...................... 486
Coolant Level......................456,459
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 459
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 457
Inspection........................... 459
Points to Remember.................... 460
Pressure Cap......................... 458
Radiator Cap......................... 458
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......457,486,487
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 179
Cup Holder.........................200,473
Customer Assistance..................... 499
Data Recorder, Event...................... 78
Daytime Running Lights................... 163
Dealer Service.......................... 440
Defroster, Rear Window................... 320
Defroster, Windshield................94,303,313
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 437
INDEX 511
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Emission Control System Maintenance......438,490
Engine........................93,434,435,436
Air Cleaner.......................... 445
Block Heater......................... 327
Break-In Recommendations................ 93
Checking Oil Level..................... 441
Compartment......................435,436
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 487
Cooling............................. 456
Exhaust Gas Caution..................51,381
Flooded, Starting...................... 326
Fuel Requirements..................377,486
Oil ...........................441,486,487
Oil Change Interval.................... 442
Oil Disposal.......................... 444
Oil Filler Cap......................434,443
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 444
Oil Selection.......................442,486
Oil Synthetic......................... 444Operation............................ 93
Overheating.......................... 410
Starting............................. 324
Temperature Gauge..................... 226
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 74
Event Data Recorder...................... 78
Exhaust Gas Caution..............51,95,381,448
Exhaust System......................... 447
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 66
Exterior Folding Mirrors................... 102
Fabric Care.........................470,471
Filler Location Fuel...................... 226
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 445
Air Conditioning....................320,451
Engine Oil........................444,487
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 444
INDEX 513
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