2004 DODGE CARAVAN battery

Belts should be inspected for evidence of cuts, cracks, or
glazing, and replaced if there is indication of damage
which could result in belt failure. If adjustment is re-
quired, the belts must be adjusted according to the
specifications and procedures described in the Service
Manual. Low generator belt tension can cause battery
failure. A special tool is required to properly measure
tension and to restore belt tension to factory specifica-
tions.
Also check belt routing to make sure there is no interfer-
ence between the belts and other engine components.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the specified mileage. The entire set should be
replaced if there is any malfunction due to a faulty sparkplug, malfunctioning spark plugs can damage the cata-
lytic converter. For proper type of replacement spark
plugs, refer to the ªVehicle Emission Control Informa-
tionº label in the engine compartment.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at
the intervals shown on Schedule ªAº. If, however, you
drive the vehicle frequently under dusty or severe con-
ditions, the filter element should be inspected periodi-
cally and replaced if necessary at the intervals shown on
Schedule ªBº.
308 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the MAINTENANCE-FREE battery is perma-
nently sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
WARNING!
²Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can
burn or even blind you. Don't allow battery fluid
to contact your eyes, skin or clothing. Don't lean
over a battery when attaching clamps. If acid
splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the area imme-
diately with large amounts of water.
²Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep
flame or sparks away from the battery. Don't use
a booster battery or any other booster source with
an output greater than 12 volts. Don't allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
²Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 311
7

CAUTION!
²It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to
the negative post. Battery posts are marked posi-
tive (+) and negative (-) and identified on the
battery case. Cable clamps should be tight on the
terminal posts and free of corrosion.
²If a ªfast chargerº is used while battery is in
vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables
before connecting the charger to battery. Do not
use a ªfast chargerº to provide starting voltage.
Air Conditioner
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an Authorized Dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a system
performance check. Drive belt tension should also be
checked at this time.
312 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (IPM)
An Integrated Power Module is located in the engine
compartment near the battery. This center contains fuses
and relays. A label that identifies each component is
printed on the inside of the cover.
CAUTION!
²When installing the Integrated Power Module
cover, it is important to ensure the cover is prop-
erly positioned and fully latched. Failure to do so
may allow water to get into the Integrated Power
Module, and possibly result in a electrical system
failure.
²When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to
use only a fuse having the correct amperage
rating. The use of a fuse with a rating other than
indicated may result in a dangerous electrical
system overload. If a properly rated fuse contin-
ues to blow, it indicates a problem in the circuit
that must be corrected.
336 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:
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 (i.e. vacation) 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
insure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 337
7

²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).L
²Off-road or desert operation.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule9B9.
Second is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule9B9.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transmission; add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 349
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Filter............................... 328
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 328
Fluid Level Check...................... 327
Interlock System....................... 232
Reset Mode.......................... 233
Selection Of Lubricant................326,345
Shifting............................. 233
Special Additives...................... 329
Ball Joints............................. 314
Battery............................... 311
Gas Caution.......................... 311
Jump Starting......................... 288
Keyless Transmitter Replacement............ 25
Saving Feature........................ 101
Bearings.............................. 330
Belts, Drive............................ 307
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 315
B-Pillar Location........................ 247Brake, Parking.......................... 235
Brake System........................237,323
Anti-Lock........................... 237
Fluid Check.......................324,345
Hoses.............................. 323
Warning Light........................ 151
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 232
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 70
Bulb Replacement....................... 339
Bulbs, Light............................ 338
Calibration, Compass..................... 112
Capacities, Fluid........................ 343
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 270
Radiator............................ 320
Car Washes............................ 331
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 269
Cargo ................................ 135
INDEX 383
10

Key-In Reminder......................... 13
Keyless Entry System...................... 20
Keys................................. 12
Knee Bolster..........................52,54
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 39
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren) . 62
Latches
Hood............................... 96
Lead Free Gasoline...................... 266
Liftgate................................ 33
Lights...............................72,98
Airbag........................52,57,72,152
Alarm.............................. 154
Anti-Lock........................... 153
Automatic Headlights................... 100
Back-Up............................. 342
Battery Saver......................... 101
Brake Warning........................ 151Bulb Replacement...................338,339
Center Mounted Stop................... 343
Cruise.............................. 157
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................ 99
Door Ajar........................... 151
Engine Temperature Warning.............. 154
Fog .............................102,341
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 280
Headlight Switch....................... 99
Headlights........................... 339
Headlights On Reminder................. 101
High Beam Indicator.................158,159
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 103
Illuminated Entry....................... 16
Interior............................98,99
License............................. 343
Liftgate Ajar.......................... 151
Lights On Reminder.................... 101
Low Fuel............................ 151
INDEX 389
10