check engine DODGE CARAVAN 2011 Owner's Manual

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 of these conditions
are present, clean the wiper blades or replace as neces-
sary.
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.
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Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at anytime the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
•You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the
hood, do not open the hood until the radiator has
had time to cool. Never try to open a cooling
system pressure cap when the radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty orrusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled with fresh coolant. Check the front of
the A/C condenser for any accumulation of bugs, leaves,
etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water from a garden
hose vertically down the face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
engine coolant (antifreeze) from the radiator drain cock.
If the cap is sealing properly, the engine coolant (anti-
freeze) will begin to drain from the coolant recovery
bottle. DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE
CAP WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
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Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child
or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean up
any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine cold, the level of the engine coolant (antifreeze) in
the coolant recovery bottle should be between the ranges
indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking forengine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing the
engine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service atten-
dant of this. As long as the engine operating temperature
is satisfactory, the coolant bottle only needs to be checked
once a month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, it should be added to the
coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles (a
few kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
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If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in
the radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If
engine coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents
of the coolant recovery bottle must also be protected
against freezing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine, which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, also keep the front of
the condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.7
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CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
The six-speed automatic transmission is a sealed unit and
has no dipstick. See your authorized dealer to have the
transmission fluid checked or serviced.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.7
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•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut OFF. Checking the oil
level while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only
when the level is at or below the ADD, SAFE or MIN
mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 517
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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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Door Locks, Automatic.................... 35
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 197
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 362
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................. 363
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 274
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) .... 317
E-85 Fuel ............................. 412
Economy (Fuel) Mode .................... 356
Electric Remote Mirrors ................... 115
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 207
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 371
Brake Assist System ................... 372
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 178
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 373
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) ............................. 191,265Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 438
Jacking ......................... 439,448
Jump Starting ....................... 456
Overheating ........................ 438
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 469
Engine Air Cleaner ......................... 475
Block Heater ........................ 353
Break-In Recommendations ............. 100
Checking Oil Level ................... 472
Compartment ....................... 467
Compartment Identification ............. 467
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................. 512
Cooling ........................... 484
Exhaust Gas Caution .............53,101,412
Flooded, Starting ..................... 352
Fuel Requirements ................. 408,511
Oil ......................... 472,511,512
544 INDEX
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Flooded Engine Starting................... 352
Floor Console .......................... 224
Fluid Capacities ......................... 511
Fluid Leaks ............................ 105
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transaxle .................. 493
Brake ............................. 490
Power Steering ...................... 366
Fluids ................................ 512
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 512
Fog Light Service ........................ 508
Fog Lights ....................... 167,249,508
Fold in Floor (Stow \bn Go) Seating........... 139
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 460
Fuel ................................. 408
Adding ........................... 416
Additives .......................... 410
Clean Air .......................... 408
Conserving ......................... 274 Economy Mode
...................... 356
Ethanol ........................... 409
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............256,416
Filler Door (Gas Cap) .................. 256
Gasoline ........................... 408
Gauge ............................ 256
Light .......................... 260,270
Materials Added ..................... 410
Methanol .......................... 409
Octane Rating ....................... 512
Requirements .................... 408,511
Saver Mode ........................ 274
Tank Capacity ....................... 511
Fuel Optimizer ......................... 274
Fuel Saver ............................. 274
Fuel, Flexible ........................... 412
Fueling ............................... 416
Fuses ................................ 499
546 INDEX
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Hood............................. 163
Lead Free Gasoline ...................... 408
Leaks, Fluid ........................... 105
Life of Tires ............................ 393
Liftgate ................................ 49
Light Bulbs ............................ 104
Lights ............................. 104,165
Airbag ..................... 79,85,102,257
Alarm ............................ 257
Anti-Lock .......................... 252
Automatic Headlights ................. 165
Back-Up ........................... 509
Battery Saver ....................... 171
Brake Assist Warning .................. 375
Brake Warning ...................... 257
Bulb Replacement .................... 507
Center Mounted Stop .................. 510
Daytime Running .................... 167
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .............. 167 Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . 375
Engine Temperature Warning
............ 261
Exterior ........................... 104
Fog ......................... 167,249,508
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 438
Headlights ......................... 507
Headlights On Reminder ............... 166
High Beam Indicator .................. 249
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............ 170
Illuminated Entry ..................... 19
Interior ............................ 167
License ............................ 510
Lights On Reminder .................. 166
Low Fuel ....................... 260,270
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...... 254
Oil Pressure ........................ 261
Park .............................. 508
Passing ............................ 170
Reading ........................... 194
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INDEX 549
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