check engine DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2004 Owner's Manual

² Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
² If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
² Maintain coolant concentration at 50% ethylene glycol
antifreeze (minimum) in water for proper corrosion
protection of your engine which contains aluminum
components.
² Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
² Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also. ² 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 cooling performance.
² Increasing engine speed at idle does not reduce cool-
ant temperature! Put transmission in NEUTRAL and
let engine idle at normal engine idle speed.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.322 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE: Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of
hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before hose is re-
placed based on leakage.
NOTE: Inspection of brake hoses should be performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for surface
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any evidence
of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be replaced immediately! Eventual deterioration of the hose
can take place resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.
WARNING!Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Master Cylinder Ð ABS Brakes Brake Fluid Level
Check
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing underhood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light indicates system failure.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
ªFULLº mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.324 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturers recommended brake fluid, refer
to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
WARNING!Use of brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or unidentified as to specification, may
result in sudden brake failure during hard pro-
longed braking. You could have an accident. WARNING!Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
CAUTION!Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid, all brake seal components could be
damaged causing partial or complete brake failure. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 325
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CAUTION!Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturers recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type. Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
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 of the fluid.
To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level,
the following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (PARK). Wipe the area
around the dipstick clean to eliminate the possibility of
dirt entering the transmission. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 327
7

² Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice). L
² Off-road or desert operation.
NOTE: Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule 9 B 9 .
Second is Schedule ªAº . It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule 9 B 9 .
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
CAUTION!Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle. At Each Stop for Fuel
² Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
² Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
² Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
² Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
² Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transmission; add as needed.
² Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 349
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At Each Oil Change
² Change the engine oil filter.
² Inspect the exhaust system.
² Inspect the brake hoses.
² Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents. ² Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
² Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
Tire Rotation
² Rotate the tires at 6,000 miles (10 000 km).350 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 75, 000 78, 000 81, 000 84, 000 87, 000 90, 000
(Kilometers) (120 000) (125 000) (130 000) (134 000) (139 000) (144 000)
Inspect engine accessory drive belts on 3.3 li-
ter and 3.8 liter engines, replace if necessary. ³ XX
Check the PCV valve and replace if necessary.
Not required if previously changed.* X
Change the All Wheel Drive power transfer
unit fluid. (See the note at the end of this
chart.) XX
Change the All Wheel Drive (AWD) overrun-
ning clutch and rear carrier fluid. (See note at
the end of this chart) X
Replace the engine timing belt on 2.4 liter
engines. * X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X SCHEDULE ªBº 359
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Miles 42, 000 48, 000 54, 000 60, 000 66, 000 72, 000
(Kilometers) (67 000) (77 000) (86 000) (96 000) (106 000) (115 000)
[Months] [42] [48] [54] [60] [66] [72]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X XXXX
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if
necessary. * XXX XX
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. X
Replace the spark plugs on 2.4 liter engines. X
Replace the ignition cables 2.4 liter engines. X
Inspect and adjust the power steering pump
belt tension on 2.4 liter engines. X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. X
Inspect the generator belt on 2.4 liter engines,
replace if necessary. XX
Check the PCV valve and replace, if neces-
sary.* X364 SCHEDULE ªAº
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Miles 78, 000 84, 000 90, 000 96, 000 100, 000
(Kilometers) (125 000) (134 000) (144 000) (154 000) (160 000)
[Months] [78] [84] [90] [96]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if neces-
sary. * XX XX
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. X
Replace the spark plugs on 2.4 liter engines. X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. X
Inspect and adjust the power steering pump belt
tension on 2.4 liter engines. X
Inspect the generator belt on 2.4 liter engines, re-
place if necessary. X
Check and replace the PCV valve , if necessary.* X
Inspect the serpentine drive belt on 3.3 liter and 3.8
liter engines, replace if necessary. ³ X366 SCHEDULE ªAº
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Miles 102, 000 108, 000 114, 000 120, 000
(Kilometers) (163 000) (173 000) (182 000) (192 000)
[Months] [102] [108] [114] [120]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary. * X X X
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. X
Replace the spark plugs on 2.4 liter engines. X
Replace the ignition cables 2.4 liter engines. X
Inspect and adjust the power steering pump belt tension
on 2.4 liter engines. X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. X
Check the PCV valve and replace, if necessary.* X
Inspect the serpentine drive belt on 3.3 liter and 3.8 liter
engines, replace if necessary. ³ XX
Replace the engine timing belt on 2.4 liter engines only. X368 SCHEDULE ªAº
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