check engine DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2010 5.G Owner's Manual

The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add engine coolant (antifreeze)
when the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or
remove the cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat
causes pressure to build up in the cooling system.
To prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the
pressure cap while the system is hot or under
pressure.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
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 for
452 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

engine 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. 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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 453

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 manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. Using the wrong type of brake fluid can
severely damage your brake system and/or impair
its performance. The proper type of brake fluid for
your vehicle is also labeled on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a accident.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.(Continued)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 455

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.
Fluid Level Check (3.3L Engine with Four-Speed
Automatic Transmission) – If Equipped
The dipstick is located just behind the radiator on the
lower right side.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 the parking brake.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion, ending with the shift lever in PARK. Wipe the area
around the dipstick clean to eliminate the possibility of
dirt entering the transmission.
5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82°C), which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle has
been driven at least 15 miles (24 km). The fluid cannot be
comfortably held between the fingertips. Cold is when
the fluid is below 80°F (27°C).7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 457

6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove the dipstick and note reading.a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked “HOT” (between the upper
two holes in the dipstick).
b. If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked “COLD”.
If the fluid level indicates that it is low, add sufficient
fluid to bring it to the proper level.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transmission
can cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water
from entering the transmission after checking or
replenishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap
is reseated properly.
Fluid Level Check (3.8L and 4.0L Engines with
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission) – If Equipped
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 “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
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.
458 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change,
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 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.8
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 483

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.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S484 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Caps, FillerFuel ............................... 381
Oil (Engine) .......................... 439
Power Steering ........................ 335
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 451
Car Washes ............................ 460
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..............100,377
Cargo Compartment Luggage Carrier ....................... 215
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 208
Caution, Exhaust Gas ................... 51,377
Cellular Phone ....................... 122,297
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 476
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 407
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 347
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............234,434
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............ 100
Checks, Safety .......................... 100 Child Restraint
...................... 86,88,89
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 92
Child Safety Locks ........................ 46
Child Seat .............................. 91
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 373
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 461
Climate Control ......................... 297
Clock ........................ 258,260,263,272
Coat Hook ............................ 207
Coin Holder ........................... 208
Cold Weather Operation ................... 322
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 296
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 358
Compass ........................ 241,244,250
Compass Calibration .................. 244,250
Compass Variance .................... 243,251
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 248
512 INDEX

DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 452
Engine Oil ........................... 440
Domelight ............................. 156
Door Locks ............................. 30
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 33
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 186
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 332
Through Flowing, Rising,
or Shallow Standing Water ............... 333
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) .... 293
E-85 Fuel ............................. 377
Electric Remote Mirrors ................... 112
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 195
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 341
Brake Assist System .................... 342
Electronic Stability Program ............... 343Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)
...... 168
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 343
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) ............................. 181,244
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 406
Jacking ........................... 407,410
Jump Starting ......................... 421
Overheating .......................... 406
Emission Control System Maintenance ......434,482
Engine ............................ 431,432
Air Cleaner .......................... 440
Block Heater ......................... 323
Break-In Recommendations ................ 99
Checking Oil Level ..................... 437
Compartment ...................... 431,432
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................... 478
Cooling ............................. 449
Exhaust Gas Caution ...............51,100,377
514 INDEX

Flooded Engine Starting................... 322
Floor Console .......................... 208
Fluid Capacities ......................... 477
Fluid Leaks ............................ 104
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transaxle .................... 458
Automatic Transmission ................. 457
Brake .............................. 454
Power Steering ........................ 335
Fluids ................................ 478
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 478
Fog Light Service ........................ 474
Fog Lights ....................... 160,236,474
Fold in Floor (Stow \bn Go) Seating........... 132
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 425
Fuel ................................. 372
Adding ............................. 381
Additives ............................ 375
Clean Air ............................ 373 Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
................. 227,381
Filler Door (Gas Cap) ................... 227
Gasoline ............................ 372
Gauge .............................. 227
Light ............................... 237
Octane Rating ........................ 478
Requirements ...................... 372,477
Tank Capacity ........................ 477
Fuel, Flexible ............. See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel System Caution ..................... 376
Fueling ............................... 381
Fuses ................................ 465
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 186
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............381,383,433
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 373
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 372
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 374
516 INDEX