check engine light DODGE CARAVAN 2009 User Guide

In the event power assist is lost for any reason (for
example, repeated brake applications with the engine
off), the brakes will still function. The effort required to
brake the vehicle will be much greater than that required
with the power system operating.
WARNING!
•Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot rest-
ing or riding on the brake pedal can result in
abnormally high brake temperatures, excessive
lining wear, and possible brake damage. You
would not have your full braking capacity in an
emergency.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is dan-
gerous. A significant decrease in braking perfor-
mance or vehicle stability during braking may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle or
will make your vehicle harder to control. You
could have an accident. Have the vehicle checked
immediately.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system that includes TCS (Traction Control
System), BAS (Brake Assist System) and ESP (Electronic
Stability Program). These systems complement the ABS
(Anti-Lock Brake System) by optimizing the vehicle
braking capability during emergency braking maneu-
vers.
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The automatic transaxle fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to the “Main-
tenance Schedule” in Section 8 of this manual for trans-
axle fluid change intervals.
NOTE:
•Check the automatic transaxle fluid level before tow-
ing.
•The six-speed automatic transaxle is sealed and re-
quires an authorized dealer to check the transaxle
fluid.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
•
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
•When 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.
•Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips — Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transaxle overheating,
take the following actions:
•City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transaxle
gear selector lever in NEUTRAL but do not increase
engine idle speed.
•Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
•Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
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ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — 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 “Malfunction Indicator Light.” 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!
•Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” 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.
•If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message — gASCAP
Should the “Loose Fuel Filler Cap” or “gASCAP” 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
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filler cap message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster. Tighten the gas cap until aclickingsound 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 your 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 MalfunctionIndicator 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 your 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, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
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attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MOPAR
Lock Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
The rubber edges of the wiper blades and the windshield
should be cleaned periodically with a sponge or soft cloth
and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accu-
mulations of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.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.
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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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Camera, Rear........................... 192
Capacities, Fluid........................ 479
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 387
Oil (Engine).......................... 440
Power Steering........................ 338
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 453
Car Washes............................ 461
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 382
Cargo Compartment
Luggage Carrier....................... 225
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 216
Caution, Exhaust Gas.................53,95,382
Cellular Phone....................... 115,301
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 478
Chains, Tire............................ 367
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 412
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 350Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............242,436
Child Restraint........................81,83
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 86
Child Safety Locks........................ 47
Child Seat.............................. 89
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 379
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 462
Climate Control......................... 301
Clock...........................263,267,276
Coat Hook............................ 216
Coin Holder........................... 217
Cold Weather Operation................... 325
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 300
Compact Spare Tire...................... 361
Compass........................248,251,257
Compass Calibration..................251,257
Compass Variance....................250,258
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Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 454
Engine Oil........................... 441
Domelight............................. 173
Door Locks............................. 31
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 34
Door Opener, Garage..................... 197
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 448
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 334
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water......................... 335
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™).... 297
E-85 Fuel............................. 383
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 104
Electrical Power Outlets................... 206
Electronic Brake Control System............. 344
Brake Assist System.................... 346Electronic Stability Program............... 347
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 183
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 347
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC).............................192,252
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 410
Jacking...........................412,415
Jump Starting......................... 424
Overheating.......................... 410
Emission Control System Maintenance......436,484
Engine............................433,434
Air Cleaner.......................... 441
Block Heater......................... 327
Break-In Recommendations................ 93
Checking Oil Level..................... 438
Compartment......................433,434
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 480
Cooling............................. 450
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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
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Airbag......................66,71,75,94,244
Alarm.............................. 244
Anti-Lock........................... 237
Automatic Headlights................... 174
Back-Up............................. 477
Battery Saver......................... 177
Brake Assist Warning................... 348
Brake Warning........................ 238
Bulb Replacement...................474,475
Center Mounted Stop................... 478
Daytime Running...................... 176
Dimmer Switch, Headlight............... 174
Engine Temperature Warning.............. 243
Fog ..........................177,244,476
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 410
Headlight Switch...................... 174
Headlights........................... 475
Headlights On Reminder................. 176
High Beam Indicator.................... 237High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 179
Illuminated Entry....................... 20
Interior..........................172,174
License............................. 478
Lights On Reminder.................... 176
Low Fuel............................ 245
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 242
Oil Pressure.......................... 244
Park.............................174,476
Passing............................. 179
Reading............................. 195
Rear Servicing........................ 477
Rear Tail............................ 477
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 244
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............. 244
Service...........................474,475
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 242
Side Marker.......................... 477
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 244
INDEX 521
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