brake fluid DODGE CARAVAN 2009 User Guide

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. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
WARNING!
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Use of a brake fluid that has a lower initial boiling
point than the recommended MOPARDOT 3
product or a brake fluid that is unidentified as to
FMVSS specification may result in sudden brake
failure during hard prolonged braking. You could
have an accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid — all brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 457
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Fluid Level Check — 3.8L and 4.0L Engines with
Six-Speed Automatic Transaxle — If Equipped
The six-speed automatic transaxle is a sealed unit and has
no dipstick. See your authorized dealer to have the
transaxle fluid checked or serviced.
Fluid Level Check — 3.3L Engine with Four-Speed
Automatic Transaxle — If Equipped
The dipstick is located just behind the radiator on the
lower right side.
To properly check the automatic transaxle fluid level, the
following procedure must be used:1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector lever momentarily in each gear
position, ending with the lever in PARK. Wipe the area
around the dipstick clean to eliminate the possibility of
dirt entering the transaxle.
5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82°C), which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle has
been driven at least 15 miles (24 km). The fluid cannot be
comfortably held between the fingertips. Cold is when
the fluid is below 80°F (27°C).
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
4 Speed ATX Diptstick
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 459
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Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic
TransaxleMOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Brake Master
CylinderMOPARDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids.
Power Steering
ReservoirMOPARPower Steering Fluid +4 or MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 481
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•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, the
brake master cylinder, the power steering and the
transaxle and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
486 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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60,000 Miles (100,000 km) or
60 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏Inspect the brake linings, replace if
necessary.
❏Change the automatic transaxle fluid &
filter if using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet or frequent
trailer towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
66,000 Miles (110,000 km) or
66 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 491
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120,000 Miles (200,000 km) or 120 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏Inspect the CV Joints.
❏Inspect the exhaust system.
❏Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals, replace if necessary.
❏Replace accessory drive belt(s).
❏Change the automatic transaxle fluid & filter.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
126,000 Miles (210,000 km) or
126 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
496 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Automatic Headlights.................... 174
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 310
Automatic Transaxle...................... 327
Adding Fluid......................... 459
Fluid Level Check...................... 459
Interlock System....................... 328
Selection Of Lubricant................458,481
Shifting............................. 329
Special Additives...................... 460
Automatic Transmission................458,460
Adding Fluid......................459,460
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 460
Fluid Change......................... 460
Fluid Level Check...................... 459
Fluid Type........................458,481
Battery............................... 444
Gas Caution.......................... 445
Jump Starting......................... 424Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 26
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 177
Blind Spot Monitoring.................... 106
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 448
B-Pillar Location........................ 354
Brake Assist System...................... 346
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 344
Brake Fluid............................ 481
Brake, Parking.......................... 339
Brake System........................343,456
Fluid Check.......................... 456
Warning Light........................ 238
Brakes.............................343,456
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 328
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 93
Bulb Replacement....................... 475
Bulbs, Light............................ 474
Calibration, Compass..................251,257
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Replacement Parts..................... 386
Starting............................. 385
Flooded Engine Starting................... 325
Floor Console.......................... 217
Fluid Capacities......................... 479
Fluid Leaks............................. 95
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 459
Automatic Transmission................. 459
Brake............................... 456
Power Steering........................ 338
Fluids................................ 480
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 480
Fog Light Service........................ 476
Fog Lights.......................177,244,476
Fold in Floor (Stow n Go) Seating........... 149
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 427
Fuel................................. 378
Adding............................. 387Additives............................ 381
Clean Air............................ 379
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................236,387
Filler Door (Gas Cap)................... 236
Gasoline............................ 378
Gauge.............................. 236
Light............................... 245
Octane Rating........................ 480
Requirements......................378,479
Tank Capacity........................ 479
Fuel, Flexible.............See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel System Caution..................... 382
Fueling............................... 387
Fuses................................ 467
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 197
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............387,388
Gasoline, Clean Air...................... 379
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 378
518 INDEX
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Phone, Cellular......................... 115
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect) ............. 115
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 354
Power
Brakes.............................. 343
Door Locks........................... 33
Lift Gate............................. 50
Mirrors............................. 104
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 206
Seats............................... 145
Sliding Door.......................... 43
Steering............................. 338
Sunroof............................. 204
Windows............................. 38
Windows, Express Down................. 23
Power Steering Fluid..................... 481
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 64
Preparation for Jacking.................... 414Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 62
Programmable Electronic Features............ 259
Radial Ply Tires......................... 361
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......451,453
Radio Operation........................ 301
Radio Remote Controls.................... 299
Radio, Satellite.......................291,297
Rear Air Conditioning.................308,315
Rear Camera........................... 192
Rear Cross Path......................... 112
Rear Heater............................ 308
Rear Park Sense System................... 186
Rear Window Defroster................... 223
Rearview Mirrors........................ 102
Reclining Front Seats..................... 148
Recorder, Event Data...................... 76
Recreational Towing...................407,429
524 INDEX
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