open gas tank DODGE CARAVAN 2009 Owners Manual

WARNING!
Ethanol vapors are extremely flammable and could
cause serious personal injury. Never have any smok-
ing materials lit in or near the vehicle when remov-
ing the fuel filler tube cap (gas cap) or filling the
tank. Do not use E-85 as a cleaning agent and never
use it near an open flame.
Fuel Requirements
If your vehicle is E-85 compatible, it will operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87, or E-85
fuel, or any mixture of these two fuels.
For best results, a refueling pattern that avoids alternat-
ing between E-85 and unleaded gasoline is recom-
mended.
When you do switch fuel types, it is recommended that:
•you do not add less than 5 gal (19 L) when refueling
•you drive the vehicle immediately after refueling for at
least 5 miles (8 km)
Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in drivability
during warm up.
NOTE:The characteristics of E-85 fuel require season-
ally adjusted fuel (ASTM D5798) for optimum engine
performance. With non-seasonally adjusted E-85 fuel,
you may experience hard starting and rough idle follow-
ing start-up, even if the above recommendations are
followed, especially when the ambient temperature is
below 32°F (0°C).
Starting
The characteristics of E-85 fuel make it unsuitable for use
when ambient temperatures fall below 0°F (-18°C). In the
range of 0°F (-18°C) to 32°F (0°C), you may experience an
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Maintenance
If you operate the vehicle using E-85 fuel, follow the
maintenance schedule section of this manual.
CAUTION!
Do not use ethanol mixture greater than 85% in your
vehicle. It will cause difficulty in cold starting and
may affect driveability.
ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
As a reminder, a fuel icon with an arrow
indicating which side of the vehicle the fuel
filler door is located on, is located in the
instrument cluster, just below the Fuel Gauge.
The gas cap is located behind the fuel filler door on the
left side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged,
be sure the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.NOTE:The driver’s side sliding door cannot be opened
while the fuel door is open. This feature operates only
when the sliding door is fully closed prior to opening the
fuel door.
CAUTION!
•Damage to the fuel system or emissions control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap
could let impurities into the fuel system and may
cause the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) to
turn on, due to fuel vapors escaping from the
system.
•To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
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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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