fuel DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2009 5.G Owner's Guide

The automatic transaxle fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to the “Main-
tenance Schedule” in Section 8 of this manual for the
proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:
Check the automatic transaxle fluid level before tow-
ing.
The six-speed automatic transaxle is sealed and re-
quires an authorized dealer to check the transaxle
fluid.
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped

Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
STARTING AND OPERATING 4075

CAUTION!For vehicles equipped with Stow ’n Got
seating, the
winch mechanism is designed specifically to stow a
compact spare tire only. Do not attempt to use the
winch to stow the full size flat tire, or any other
full-size tire. Vehicle damage may result.
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURE WARNING!

Do not attempt to push or tow the vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission 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.
(Continued) WARNING! (Continued)

If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from another
vehicle. This type of start can be dangerous if done
improperly, so follow this procedure carefully.
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or cloth-
ing. Do not lean over a battery when attaching
clamps, or allow the clamps to touch each other. If
acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the contami-
nated area immediately with large quantities of
water.
A battery generates hydrogen gas, which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep all flames and sparks
away from the vent holes. Do not use a booster
battery or any other booster source with an output
that exceeds 12-Volts.
(Continued)
424 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLECONTENTS
m
Engine Compartment — 3.3/3.8L . . . . . . . . . 433
m Engine Compartment — 4.0L . . . . . . . . . . . . 434
m Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II . . . . . 435
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message — Gascap . . 435
m Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 436
m Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 437
m Dealer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 438 m
Maintenance Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 438
▫ Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439
▫ Engine Oil Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 442
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 442
▫ Exhaust System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 445
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . 446
▫ Body Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449 7

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD IIYour vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light.” It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
CAUTION!

Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message — gASCAP
Should the “Loose Fuel Filler Cap” or “gASCAP” mes-
sage appear, there may be a problem in the evaporative
system. Before taking the vehicle into an authorized
dealer, check first to see if the fuel filler cap is possibly
loose, improperly installed, or damaged. A loose fuel
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 435 7

CAUTION!Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, power steering or air conditioning.
Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed because of
component malfunction, use only the specified fluid
for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut OFF or before starting the
engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines. CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration, or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 439
7

Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 3.3L & 3.8L
Gasoline EnginesSAE 5W-20
engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your engine oil filler
cap also shows the recommended engine oil viscosity for
your vehicle.
For information on engine oil filler cap location, refer to
“Engine Compartment” in this section.
Lubricants that do not have both the engine oil certifica-
tion mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade number,
should not be used.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 4.0L Gasoline
Engines
SAE 10W-30 engine oil is preferred for all operating
temperatures. Your engine oil filler cap also shows the
recommended engine oil viscosity for your vehicle. For information on engine oil filler cap location, refer to
“Engine Compartment” in this section.
Lubricants that do not have both the engine oil certifica-
tion mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade number,
should not be used.
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes
are followed.
Materials Added to Engine Oil
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental
additives.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 441 7

used to assure most efficient service. MOPARtengine air
cleaner filters are a high quality filter and are
recommended.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required. WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, refer
to “Exhaust Gas” in the Safety Tips section of this
manual.
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 443 7

The numbers inside the TIPM cover correspond to the
following table.
FUSES/TIPM
Cavity Cartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
J1 40 Amp Green — Power Folding Seat
J2 30 Amp Pink — Power Liftgate Mod-
ule
J3 30 Amp Pink — Rear Door Module
(RR Door Node)
J4 25 Amp Natural — Driver Door Node
J5 25 Amp Natural — Passenger Door Node
J6 40 Amp Green — Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS) Pump/ESP
FUSES/TIPM
Cavity Cartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
J7 30 Amp Pink — Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS) Valve/ESP
J8 40 Amp Green — Power Memory Seat
(If Equipped)
J9 40 Amp Green — PZEV Motor/Flex
Fuel
J10 30 Amp Pink — Headlamp Wash
Relay/Manifold Tun-
ing Valve
J11 30 Amp Pink — Power Sliding Door
Module/Thatchum
Relay Lock Feed
J13 60 Amp Yellow — Ignition Off Draw
(IOD) — Main
J14 40 Amp Green — Rear Window Defog-
ger
468 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FUSES/TIPM
Cavity Cartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
M20 — 15 Amp BlueCabin Compartment
Node Interior Light
(CCN INT LIGHT),
Switch Bank (SW
BANK), Steering Con-
trol Module (SCM),
Switch Steering Wheel
M21 — 20 Amp YellowAuto Shut Down
(ASD #3)
M22 — 10 Amp RedRight Horn (RT
HORN (HI/LOW)
M23 — 10 Amp RedLeft Horn
(LT HORN (HI/LOW)
M24 — 25 Amp NaturalRear Wiper
(REAR WIPER)FUSES/TIPM
Cavity Cartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
M25 — 20 Amp YellowFuel Pump
(FUEL PUMP), Diesel
Lift Pump (DSL LIFT
PUMP) — Export
Only
M26 — 10 Amp RedPower Mirror Switch
(PWR MIRR SW),
Driver Window
Switch
(DRVR WIND SW)
M27 — 10 Amp RedIgnition Switch (IGN
SW), Window Module
(WIN MOD), PEM,
Steering Column Lock
472 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FUSES/TIPM
Cavity Cartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
M34 — 10 Amp RedPark Assist (PRK
ASST), Heater Ventila-
tion, Air Conditioning
Module (HVAC
MOD), Headlamp
Wash (HDLP WASH),
Compass (COMPAS),
IR Sensor, Rear Cam-
era, Lamp Door FT
Drv/Pass, Lamp
Flashlight, AHLM,
Relay Diesel Cabin
Heater, Rad Fan Die-
sel
M35 — 10 Amp RedHeated MirrorsFUSES/TIPM
Cavity Cartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
M36 — 20 Amp YellowPower Outlet #3
(BATT)
M37 — 10 Amp RedAnti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS), Electronic
Stability Program
(ESP), Stop Lamp
Switch (STP LP SW),
Fuel Pump Rly Hi
Control
M38 — 25 Amp NaturalDoor Lock/Unlock
Motors (LOCK/
UNLOCK MTRS),
Liftgate Lock/Unlock
Motors
474 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE