warning DODGE CARAVAN 2011 Owners Manual

WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the
original factory installed hydraulic master cylin-
der reservoir.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.(Continued)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 491
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WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transmission and the fluid.
The six–speed transmission is equipped with a capped
dipstick tube. It is sealed and should not be tampered
with. Your authorized dealer has the necessary tools to
ensure that the fluid level is set properly.
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only the manufacturer’s recommended trans-
mission fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. It is important that the transmission fluid be main-
tained at the prescribed level using the recommended
fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any trans-
mission; only the approved lubricant may be used.
492 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Interior Care
Instrument Panel Surfaces
The instrument panel cover has a low glare surface,
which minimizes reflections in the windshield. Do not
use protectants or other products which may cause
undesirable reflections. Use soap and warm water to
restore the low glare surface.
Cleaning Interior Trim
Interior trim should be cleaned starting with a damp
cloth, a damp cloth with MOPARTotal Clean or equiva-
lent, then MOPAR Spot & Stain Remover or equivalent
if absolutely necessary. Do not use harsh cleaners or
Armor All. Use MOPAR Total Clean or equivalent to
clean vinyl upholstery
Cleaning Leather Upholstery
MOPAR Total Clean or equivalent is specifically recom-
mended for leather upholstery. Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by regular
cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt
can act as an abrasive and damage the leather upholstery
and should be removed promptly with a damp cloth.
Stubborn soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth
and MOPAR
Total Clean or equivalent. Care should be
taken to avoid soaking your leather upholstery with any
liquid. Please do not use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids,
solvents, detergents, or ammonia-based cleaners to clean
your leather upholstery. Application of a leather condi-
tioner is not required to maintain the original condition.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 497
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† This maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer
to the owner, but is not required to maintain emissions
warranty.
WARNING!
•You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you
have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
•Failure to properly inspect and maintain your
vehicle could result in a component malfunction
and effect vehicle handling and performance. This
could cause an accident.
152,000 Miles (247,000 km) or
114 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
152,000 miles (247 000 km).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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S528 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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We appreciate that you have made a major investment
when you purchased the vehicle. An authorized dealer
has also made a major investment in facilities, tools, and
training to assure that you are absolutely delighted with
the ownership experience. You’ll be pleased with their
sincere efforts to resolve any warranty issues or related
concerns.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain, or emit, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects, or other reproductive harm. In addi-
tion, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain
products of component wear contain, or emit, chemi-
cals known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
See the Warranty Information Booklet, located on the
DVD, for the terms and provisions of Chrysler Group
LLC warranties applicable to this vehicle and market.
MOPARPARTS
MOPAR fluids, lubricants, parts, and accessories are
available from an authorized dealer. They are recom-
mended for your vehicle in order to help keep the vehicle
operating at its best.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
In the 50 United States and Washington, D.C.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect that could
cause a crash or cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying the
manufacturer.
534 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories were established by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The
specific grade rating assigned by the tire’s manufacturer
in each category is shown on the sidewall of the tires on
your vehicle.
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal safety
requirements in addition to these grades.
Treadwear
The Treadwear grade is a comparative rating, based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
times as well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however, and may departsignificantly from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices, and differences in road charac-
teristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. These grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement, as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 537
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Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat, when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of performance, which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel, than the minimum required by law.WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for
a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, under-inflation, or excessive load-
ing, either separately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and possible tire failure.
538 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
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Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 486
Adding Fuel ........................... 416
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 483
Additives, Fuel ......................... 410
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 177
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 475
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 479
Air Conditioning ........................ 321
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 321
Air Conditioning Filter .................345,480
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ............... 479
Air Conditioning System .............321,333,479
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control ........ 325
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 344
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone .............330,340
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 387
Airbag .............................. 72,81
Airbag Deployment ....................... 83
Airbag Light .................... 79,85,102,257Airbag Maintenance
....................... 84
Airbag, Side ........................ 76,78,81
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ...........77,78,81
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 17
Alarm Light ........................... 257
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 307
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 252
Anti-Theft System ........................ 17
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............485,511
Disposal ........................... 488
Appearance Care ........................ 494
Ashtray ............................... 217
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 40
Auto Up Power Windows .................. 40
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................ 114
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 35
Automatic Headlights .................... 165
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 333
540 INDEX
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Automatic TransaxleAdding Fluid ....................... 493
Fluid Level Check .................... 493
Selection Of Lubricant ..............492,513
Shifting ........................... 358
Special Additives ..................... 493
Automatic Transmission .............354,492,493
Adding Fluid ....................... 493
Fluid and Filter Changes ............... 493
Fluid Change ....................... 493
Fluid Type ...................... 492,513
B-Pillar Location ........................ 382
Battery ............................... 478
Jump Starting ....................... 456
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 26
Saving Feature (Protection) .............. 171
Belts, Seat ............................. 102
Blind Spot Monitoring .................... 118 Body Mechanism Lubrication
............... 482
Brake Assist System ...................... 372
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 371
Brake Fluid ............................ 513
Brake System ........................... 489
Fluid Check ........................ 490
Parking ........................... 367
Warning Light ....................... 257
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 355
Brakes ............................... 489
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ....... 100
Bulb Replacement ....................... 507
Bulbs, Light ......................... 104,507
Calibration, Compass .................. 265,278
Camera, Rear ........................... 191
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 511
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 416
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INDEX 541
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Oil (Engine)........................ 474
Power Steering ...................... 366
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 487
Car Washes ............................ 494
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..............101,412
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 224
Cargo Compartment Luggage Carrier ..................... 234
Caution, Exhaust Gas ...................... 53
Cellular Phone ....................... 127,321
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 510
Chains, Tire ............................ 395
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 439
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 378
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............254,469
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............ 101
Checks, Safety .......................... 101
Child Restraint ...................... 87,88,89Child Restraint Tether Anchors
............... 91
Child Safety Locks ........................ 47
Child Seat .............................. 91
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 408
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 496
Climate Control ......................... 321
Clock ............................. 287,296
Coat Hook ............................ 223
Coin Holder ........................... 224
Cold Weather Operation ................... 352
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 320
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 390
Compass ........................ 262,265,277
Compass Calibration .................. 265,278
Compass Variance .................... 264,278
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 276
Connector UCI .............................. 310
542 INDEX
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