checking oil DODGE CARAVAN 2008 5.G Owners Manual

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 mi (500 km). After
the initial 60 mi (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80
or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy-conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. For
the recommended viscosity and quality grades, refer to
ªMaintenance Proceduresº in Section 7. NON-
DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST
NEVER BE USED.A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD MAKE INSIDE
THE VEHICLE
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 93
2

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
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 five
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 441
7

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.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Section 8 of this
manual for information on this system.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
Engine Oil Dipstick
442 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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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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
10

Memory Seat........................104,155
Mini-Trip Computer...................238,244
Mirrors............................... 100
Automatic Dimming.................... 100
Electric Remote.....................102,103
Exterior Folding....................... 102
Memory............................. 155
Outside............................. 102
Rearview............................ 100
Vanity.............................. 101
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 369
Mopar Parts.........................440,503
MP3 Player.........................280,283
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 166
Navigation Radio........................ 283
Navigation System....................... 283
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 93Occupant Restraints...................55,72,75
Occupant Restraints (Sedan)...........68,70,72,74
Odometer............................. 229
Oil Change Indicator................230,237,243
Oil Change Indicator, Reset...........230,237,243
Oil, Engine.........................441,487
Capacity............................ 486
Change Interval....................... 442
Checking............................ 441
Disposal............................ 444
Filter............................444,487
Filter Disposal........................ 444
Identification Logo..................... 443
Materials Added to..................... 444
Recommendation...................442,486
Synthetic............................ 444
Viscosity..........................443,486
Onboard Diagnostic System..............437,438
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLinkt) ........... 185
INDEX 519
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