checking oil DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2012 5.G Owners Manual

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.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized 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. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 101

CAUTION!
•Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-
form repairs and service when necessary could
result in more costly repairs, damage to other
components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-
mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized Chrysler Group LLC
dealership or qualified repair center.
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. 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.
550 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 8,000 miles (13 000 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 595

Caps, FillerFuel .............................. 490
Oil (Engine) ........................ 552
Power Steering ...................... 438
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 565
Car Washes ............................ 572
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..............100,486
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 260
Cargo Compartment Luggage Carrier ..................... 271
Caution, Exhaust Gas ...................... 51
Cellular Phone ....................... 125,392
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 588
Chains, Tire ............................ 470
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 514
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 453
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............291,547
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 99Checks, Safety
........................... 99
Child Restraint ...................... 85,86,87
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 90
Child Safety Locks ........................ 46
Child Seat .............................. 89
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 482
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 573
Climate Control ......................... 393
Clock ............................. 323,332
Coat Hook ............................ 260
Coin Holder ........................... 261
Cold Weather Operation ................... 420
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 392
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 465
Compass .............................. 313
Compass Calibration ..................... 314
Compass Variance ....................... 314
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 311
622 INDEX

DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 565
Engine Oil ......................... 552
Door Locks ............................. 32
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 35
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 231
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 434
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 435
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 310
E-85 Fuel ............................. 486
Economy (Fuel) Mode .................... 425
Electric Remote Mirrors ................... 114
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 244
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 443
Brake Assist System ................... 444
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 212Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
............. 445
Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) ....................... 224,300
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 513
Jacking ......................... 514,523
Jump Starting ....................... 532
Overheating ........................ 513
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 547
Engine Air Cleaner ......................... 553
Block Heater ........................ 422
Break-In Recommendations .............. 98
Checking Oil Level ................... 550
Compartment ....................... 545
Compartment Identification ............. 545
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................. 590
Cooling ........................... 562
Exhaust Gas Caution .............51,100,486
624 INDEX

Memory Seat........................ 1 15,192
Methanol ............................. 483
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 311
Mirrors ............................... 112
Automatic Dimming .................. 112
Electric Remote ...................... 114
Exterior Folding ..................... 114
Heated ............................ 115
Memory ........................... 192
Outside ........................... 113
Rearview .......................... 112
Vanity ............................ 116
Mode Fuel Saver ......................... 310
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 473
Mopar Parts ......................... 549,614
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 483
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 203Navigation System (Uconnect™ gps)
.......... 224
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 98
Occupant Restraints ................... 52,76,81
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) .............74,76,79
Odometer ............................. 286
Oil Change Indicator ................ 288,289,309
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ...........288,289,309
Oil, Engine ......................... 550,590
Capacity ........................... 589
Change Interval ..................... 551
Checking .......................... 550
Disposal ........................... 552
Filter .......................... 552,590
Filter Disposal ....................... 552
Identification Logo ................... 551
Materials Added to ................... 552
Recommendation .................. 551,589
Synthetic .......................... 552
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INDEX 631