steering DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2008 5.G Owner's Guide

CAUTION!
²Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
mission may result.
²If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the OFF position, not in
the LOCK or ACC positions.
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACC position. Make certain the trans-
mission remains in NEUTRAL.
Towing Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. The only ap-
proved method of towing with out the ignition key is
with a flat bed truck. Proper towing equipment is neces-
sary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat
towing with all four wheels on the ground)
Flat towing of vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission, is only permitted within the limitations
described in this section.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle With
A Tow Dolly
The manufacturerdoes not recommendthat you tow a
front wheel drive vehicle on a tow dolly. Vehicle damage
may occur.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 429
6

NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............452
NFront Suspension Ð Ball Joints............453
NSteering Shaft Seal....................453
NDrive Shaft Universal Joints..............454
NBody Lubrication.....................454
NWindshield Wiper Blades................454
NCooling System.......................456
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......461
NFuel System Connections................461
NBrakes.............................462
NAutomatic Transaxle...................464
NFront And Rear Wheel Bearings...........467NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................467
NCleaning The Instrument Panel Cup Holders . . 473
mFuses/Totally Integrated Power Module
(TIPM)..............................474
mVehicle Storage........................481
mReplacement Light Bulbs.................481
mBulb Replacement......................482
NHeadlights..........................482
NFront Park/Turn Signal And Side Marker
Lights.............................483
NFog Lights..........................483
NRear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, Side Marker And
Backup Lights........................484
432 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

4. Disengage the two retaining tabs that secure the filter
cover to the HVAC housing and remove the cover.
5. Remove the A/C Air Filter by pulling it straight out of
the housing.6. Install the A/C Air Filter with the arrow on the filter
pointing toward the floor. When installing the filter
cover, make sure the retaining tabs fully engage the
cover.
CAUTION!
The A/C Air Filter is labeled with an arrow to
indicate airflow direction through the filter. Failure
to properly install the filter will result in the need to
replace it more often.
7. Rotate the glove box door back into position.
POWER STEERING Ð FLUID CHECK
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
A/C Air Filter Replacement
452 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized DaimlerChrysler Dealership.9
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer's recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
FRONT SUSPENSION Ð BALL JOINTS
The front suspension ball joints are permanently sealed.
No regular maintenance is required for these compo-
nents.
STEERING SHAFT SEAL
The steering shaft seal, at the point where the shaft passes
through the bulkhead, is lubricated when it is installed. If
the seal becomes noisy when the steering shaft is turned,
it should be lubricated with a multipurpose grease.
Mopartmultipurpose lubricant is recommended.
Steering Linkage
The tie rod end ball joints are permanently lubricated and
do not require periodic maintenance.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 453
7

BRAKES
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Schedules.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake And Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Ensure 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.
462 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FUSES/TIPM
CavityCartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M17 Ð 15 Amp
BlueLeft Tail/License/Park
Lamp (LT-TAIL/LIC/
PRK LMP)
M18 Ð 15 Amp
BlueRight Tail/Park/Run
Lamp (RT-TAIL/PRK/
RUN LMP)
M19 Ð 25 Amp
NaturalAuto Shut Down (ASD
#1 and #2)
M20 Ð 15 Amp
BlueCabin Compartment
Node Interior Light
(CCN INT LIGHT),
Switch Bank (SW
BANK), Steering Control
Module (SCM)
M21 Ð 20 Amp
YellowAuto Shut Down (ASD
#3)
M22 Ð 10 Amp
RedRight Horn (RT HORN
(HI/LOW)FUSES/TIPM
CavityCartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M23 Ð 10 Amp
RedLeft Horn (LT HORN
(HI/LOW)
M24 Ð 25 Amp
NaturalRear Wiper (REAR
WIPER)
M25 Ð 20 Amp
YellowFuel Pump (FUEL
PUMP), Diesel Lift
Pump (DSL LIFT PUMP)
Ð Export Only
M26 Ð 10 Amp
RedPower Mirror Switch
(PWR MIRR SW), Driver
Window Switch (DRVR
WIND SW)
M27 Ð 10 Amp
RedIgnition Switch (IGN
SW), Window Module
(WIN MOD)
M28 Ð 10 Amp
RedNext Generation Control-
ler (NGC), Transmission
Feed (TRANS FEED),
J1962
478 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The Heated Mirrors, Lower Instrument Panel Power
Outlet and Removable Floor Console, when in the front
position are fused with self-resetting fuses that are only
serviceable by an authorized dealer. The power seats are
fused by a 30 Amp circuit breaker located under the
driver's seat. The Power Windows are fused by a 25 Amp
circuit breaker located under the instrument panel near
the steering column. If you experience temporary or
permanent loss of these systems, see your authorized
dealer for service.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for more than 21
days you may want to take steps to protect your battery.
You may do the following:
²Remove the 20 Amp mini-fuse in the Integrated Power
Module labeled Ignition-Off Draw (IOD).
²Or, disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
²Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service for two weeks or more, run the air conditioning
system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh air
and high blower setting. This will ensure adequate
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS Ð Interior Bulb Number
Center & Rear Dome Light.................. 578
Center & Rear Reading Lights............... 578
Front Door Courtesy Light.................. 578
Front Header Reading Lights Ð If Equipped..... 578
Instrument Cluster Lights.................PC74
Liftgate Light(s).......................... 578
Overhead Console Reading Lights..........PC579
Removable Console Light Ð If Equipped....... 194
Visor Vanity Lights....................6501966
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 481
7

Chassis
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS Ð CHASSIS
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Automatic Transmission MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Brake Master Cylinder MopartDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or
equivalent. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not available, then
DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake flu-
ids.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartPower Steering Fluid +4 or MopartATF+4 Au-
tomatic Transmission Fluid
488 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
492 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 410
Turn Signal.....................227,483,484
Flash-To-Pass........................... 170
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 422
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range........................ 387
Engine Oil........................... 387
Fuel Requirements..................384,386
Maintenance.......................... 388
Replacement Parts..................... 387
Starting............................. 387
Flooded Engine Starting................... 326
Floor Console.......................... 201
Fluid Capacities......................... 486
Fluid Leaks............................. 94
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 465
Automatic Transmission................. 466Brake............................... 463
Power Steering........................ 452
Fluids................................ 487
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 487
Fog Light Service........................ 483
Fog Lights.......................165,233,483
Fold in Floor (Stow8n Go) Seating........... 138
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 427
Fuel................................. 377
Adding............................. 382
Additives............................ 380
Clean Air............................ 378
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................226,382
Filler Door (Gas Cap)................... 226
Gasoline............................ 377
Gauge.............................. 226
Hoses.............................. 461
Light............................... 234
Octane Rating........................ 487
514 INDEX