fuel DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2004 Owners Manual

² Avoid high impacts against the door stop when open-
ing the door. This is very important when your vehicle
is parked on an incline as the door will slide faster in
the downhill direction.
² There is a hold-open latch that is activated when the
sliding door is fully opened. This latch will keep your
sliding door open on any incline. To close the sliding
door after the hold-open latch is activated, you must
push the button on the inside grab handle or pull out
on the outside sliding door handle.
² Use the grab handle on the inside of the sliding door to
assist you in closing and securing the door.
Always make sure that the sliding door is fully latched
any time the vehicle is in motion. 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.
Power Sliding Door Ð If Equipped
NOTE: The power sliding door must be unlocked before
the switches located on the trim panel, just in front of the
power sliding door will operate.
The power sliding door may be opened manually or by
using the buttons on the remote keyless entry transmitter.
Press the buttons on the remote keyless entry transmitter
twice within five seconds, to open a power sliding door.
Once the door is fully open, pressing the button twice
within five seconds a second time will close the door. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29
2

If the inside or outside door handles are used while the
power sliding door is activated, the power sliding door
feature will be canceled and the door must be opened or
closed manually.
To avoid unintentional operation of the power sliding
door from the rear seats, press the button located in the
overhead console to disable the switches for the rear seat
passengers.
NOTE:
² If anything obstructs the power sliding door while it is
closing or opening, the door will automatically reverse
to the closed or open position, provided it meets
sufficient resistance.
² 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. ² The power sliding door must be in the full open or
close position for any of the switches to operate. If the
door is not in the full open or close positions it must be
opened or closed manually.
² The power sliding door switches will not operate if the
vehicle is in gear or the vehicle speed is above 0 mph
(0 km/h).
² If the power sliding door encounters multiple obstruc-
tions within the same cycle, the system will automati-
cally stop and must be opened or closed manually.
WARNING!You or others could be injured if caught in the path
of the sliding door. Make sure the door path is clear
before closing the door. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 31
2

Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure. Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Mini-Trip Computer
This displays information on the following:
² Average Fuel Economy (ECO AVG)
Shows the average fuel economy since the last reset.
² Distance To Empty (DTE)
Shows the estimated distance that can be travelled with
the fuel remaining in the tank. This estimated distance is
determined using the MPG for the last few minutes.
² Trip Odometer (ODO)
Shows the distance travelled since the last reset.
² Elapsed Time (ET)
Shows the accumulated ignition ON time since the last
reset.
² Off Mode
Shows a blank display. ² Step Button
Push this button to cycle through all the Compass/Mini-
trip Computer displays.
² US/M Button
Press this button to convert the display from U.S. to
metric.
To Reset The Display
Pressing the Reset button once will clear the resettable
function currently being displayed. Resettable functions
are average fuel economy, trip odometer and elapsed
time. Pressing the reset button twice within four seconds
will clear all resettable functions. Reset will only occur if
a resettable function is currently being displayed.114 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
2. Low Fuel Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 3.0
gallons (11.0 liters) this light will turn on and
remain on until fuel is added.
3. Liftgate Ajar
This light turns on if the liftgate is not com-
pletely closed.
4. Door Ajar Light
This light turns on if a door is not completely
closed. 5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
6. Brake System Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, there
is a low brake fluid level or there is a problem with the
anit-lock brake system.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. Failure of either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 151
4

WARNING!A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure
Cap paragraph.
15. Washer Fluid Light
This light turns on when the washer fluid level
falls below approximately 1/4 filled. The light will
remain on until fluid is added.
16. Transmission Range Indicator
This vacuum fluorescent display indicator shows the
automatic transaxle gear selection. 17. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The light
should turn on momentarily when the engine is
started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
chime will sound for 4 minutes when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
18. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. The light will illu-
minate when the key is in the ON position before engine
start. If the bulb does not come when turning the key
from OFF to ON, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 155
4

When the tire pressure monitoring system warning light
is lit, one or more of your tires is significantly underin-
flated. You should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure as
indicated on the tire and loading information placard.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Underinfla-
tion also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and
may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Each tire, including the spare, should be checked
monthly when cold and set to the recommended inflation
pressure as specified in the tire and loading information
placard and owner's manual. 24. Turn Signal Indicators Ð Base Cluster Only
The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
If the vehicle electronics sense that the vehicle has
traveled about one mile with the turn signals on, a chime
will sound to alert you to turn the signals off. If either
indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check for a defective
outside light bulb.
25. High Beam Light Ð Base Cluster Only
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever towards the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or low
beam.158 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

N Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........247
m TiresÐGeneral Information ................251
N Tire Pressure .........................251
N Tire Inflation Pressures .................252
N Radial-Ply Tires ......................255
N Compact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped .........255
N Tire Spinning ........................256
N Tread Wear Indicators ..................256
N Replacement Tires .....................257
N Alignment And Balance .................258
m All Wheel Drive (AWD) Ð If Equipped .......259
m Tire Pressure Monitor System Ð If Equipped . . . 259
N 1,2,3, Or 4 Tire(s) Low Pressure ...........260 N 1,2,3, Or 4 Tire(s) High Pressure ...........260
N Service Tire Pressure System/See Owner's
Manual ............................260
N Tire Pressure Unavailable ................260
N Tire Pressure Now Available .............261
N Spare Tire In Use? Yes/No ...............261
N All 5 Tires With Car? Yes/No .............261
N General Information ...................263
m Tire Chains ...........................263
m Snow Tires ...........................264
m Tire Rotation Recommendations ............265
m Fuel Requirements ......................266
N Reformulated Gasoline .................266224 STARTING AND OPERATING

N Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..............267
N MMT In Gasoline .....................267
N Sulfur In Gasoline .....................268
N Materials Added To Fuel ................268
N Fuel System Cautions ..................269
N Carbon Monoxide Warnings ..............269
m Adding Fuel ..........................270
N Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............270 m Vehicle Loading ........................272
N Vehicle Certification Label ...............272
N Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) .......273
N Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) .........273
N Overloading .........................273
N Loading ............................274
m Trailer Towing .........................275
N Warranty Requirements .................275 STARTING AND OPERATING 225
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Extremely Cold Weather (below 2 29ÉC or 2 20ÉF). To
insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your dealer) is recommended.
WARNING!Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start from a
booster battery or the battery in another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly.
See section 6 of this manual for the proper jump
starting procedures and follow them carefully. WARNING!Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
ªNORMAL STARTINGº, ªCOLD WEATHERº or ªHIGH
ALTITUDEº procedures, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there
while cranking the engine. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded. STARTING AND OPERATING 227
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