check engine light DODGE CARAVAN 2010 User Guide

NOTE:Moving the shift lever into third gear (with
four-speed transmission) or fifth gear (with six-speed
transmission) while operating the vehicle under heavy
operating conditions will improve performance and ex-
tend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and
heat build up. This action will also provide better engine
braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to “Mainte-
nance Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level before
towing.
•The six-speed automatic transmission is sealed and
requires an authorized dealer to check the transmis-
sion fluid.
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.
402 STARTING AND OPERATING
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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 (MIL).” 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 MIL 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 performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“gASCAP” message will display in the odometer or a
“CHECK GASCAP” message will be displayed in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 433
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“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in ”Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion. Tighten the gas cap until aclickingsound is heard.
This is an indication that the gas cap is properly tight-
ened.
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. This might indicate a damaged
cap. If the problem is detected twice in a row, the system
will turn on the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the
MIL light off.
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 “Malfunction
Indicator 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 may notbe 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. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
434 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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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.
NOTE:Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depend-
ing on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor
performance of blades may be present with chattering,
marks, water lines or wet spots. If any condition is
present please proceed to clean wiper blades with humid
cloth removing any debris that may be affecting its
function.
Adding Washer Fluid
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 at regular intervals.
Fill the reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not
radiator antifreeze) and operate the system for a few
seconds to flush out any residual water. The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid
when the Low Washer Fluid Light illuminates.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
After the engine has warmed, operate the defroster for a
few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or
freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. MOPAR All
Weather Windshield Washer Solution or equivalent, used
with water as directed on the container, aids cleaning
action, reduces the freezing point to avoid line clogging,
and is not harmful to paint or trim.
448 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, the
brake master cylinder, the power steering and the
transmission 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.
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S484 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Caps, FillerFuel ............................... 381
Oil (Engine) .......................... 439
Power Steering ........................ 335
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 451
Car Washes ............................ 460
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..............100,377
Cargo Compartment Luggage Carrier ....................... 215
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 208
Caution, Exhaust Gas ................... 51,377
Cellular Phone ....................... 122,297
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 476
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 407
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 347
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............234,434
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............ 100
Checks, Safety .......................... 100 Child Restraint
...................... 86,88,89
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 92
Child Safety Locks ........................ 46
Child Seat .............................. 91
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 373
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 461
Climate Control ......................... 297
Clock ........................ 258,260,263,272
Coat Hook ............................ 207
Coin Holder ........................... 208
Cold Weather Operation ................... 322
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 296
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 358
Compass ........................ 241,244,250
Compass Calibration .................. 244,250
Compass Variance .................... 243,251
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 248
512 INDEX
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DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 452
Engine Oil ........................... 440
Domelight ............................. 156
Door Locks ............................. 30
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 33
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 186
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 332
Through Flowing, Rising,
or Shallow Standing Water ............... 333
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) .... 293
E-85 Fuel ............................. 377
Electric Remote Mirrors ................... 112
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 195
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 341
Brake Assist System .................... 342
Electronic Stability Program ............... 343Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)
...... 168
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 343
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) ............................. 181,244
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 406
Jacking ........................... 407,410
Jump Starting ......................... 421
Overheating .......................... 406
Emission Control System Maintenance ......434,482
Engine ............................ 431,432
Air Cleaner .......................... 440
Block Heater ......................... 323
Break-In Recommendations ................ 99
Checking Oil Level ..................... 437
Compartment ...................... 431,432
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................... 478
Cooling ............................. 449
Exhaust Gas Caution ...............51,100,377
514 INDEX
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Flooded Engine Starting................... 322
Floor Console .......................... 208
Fluid Capacities ......................... 477
Fluid Leaks ............................ 104
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transaxle .................... 458
Automatic Transmission ................. 457
Brake .............................. 454
Power Steering ........................ 335
Fluids ................................ 478
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 478
Fog Light Service ........................ 474
Fog Lights ....................... 160,236,474
Fold in Floor (Stow \bn Go) Seating........... 132
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 425
Fuel ................................. 372
Adding ............................. 381
Additives ............................ 375
Clean Air ............................ 373 Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
................. 227,381
Filler Door (Gas Cap) ................... 227
Gasoline ............................ 372
Gauge .............................. 227
Light ............................... 237
Octane Rating ........................ 478
Requirements ...................... 372,477
Tank Capacity ........................ 477
Fuel, Flexible ............. See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel System Caution ..................... 376
Fueling ............................... 381
Fuses ................................ 465
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 186
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............381,383,433
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 373
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 372
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 374
516 INDEX
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Light Bulbs............................ 104
Lights ............................. 104,155
Airbag ....................... 76,81,102,237
Alarm .............................. 236
Anti-Lock ........................... 228
Automatic Headlights ................... 157
Back-Up ............................ 475
Battery Saver ......................... 160
Brake Assist Warning ................... 344
Brake Warning ........................ 229
Bulb Replacement ................... 473,474
Center Mounted Stop ................... 476
Daytime Running ...................... 159
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ............... 156
Engine Temperature Warning .............. 235
Exterior ............................. 104
Fog .......................... 160,236,474
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 406
Headlight Switch ...................... 157 Headlights
........................... 474
Headlights On Reminder ................. 159
High Beam Indicator .................... 228
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............. 161
Illuminated Entry ....................... 18
Interior .......................... 155,156
License ............................. 476
Lights On Reminder .................... 159
Low Fuel ............................ 237
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 234
Oil Pressure .......................... 236
Park ............................ 157,474
Passing ............................. 162
Reading ............................. 184
Rear Servicing ........................ 475
Rear Tail ............................ 475
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 236
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) .............. 236
Service ........................... 473,474
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INDEX 519
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Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 234
Side Marker.......................... 475
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) .............. 236
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........... 237
Turn Signal ..................... 104,474,475
Voltage ............................. 237
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 227
Load Leveling System .................... 214
Loading Vehicle ................... 208,383,385
Capacities ........................... 385
Tires ............................... 351
Locks Door ................................ 30
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) .............................. 92
Lubrication, Body ....................... 447
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack) ................. 215
Lumbar Support ........................ 126 Maintenance Free Battery
.................. 443
Maintenance Procedures ................... 436
Maintenance Schedule .................... 482
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 195
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 234,434
Manual, Service ......................... 505
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 184
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) ............. 149
Memory Seat ........................ 1 13,149
Mini-Trip Computer ................... 241,248
Mirrors ............................... 110
Automatic Dimming .................... 110
Electric Remote ....................... 112
Exterior Folding ....................... 112
Heated ............................. 113
Memory ............................ 149
Outside ............................. 111
Rearview ............................ 110
Vanity .............................. 114
520 INDEX
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