2004 DODGE CARAVAN octane

FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Your vehicle is designed to meet all emis-
sion regulations and provide excellent fuel
economy when using high quality regular
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of
87. The use of premium gasoline is not
recommended. The use of premium gaso-
line will provide no benefit over high quality regular
gasolines, and in some circumstances, may result in
poorer performance.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required. Engine damage resulting from operating with a
heavy spark knock may not be covered by the new
vehicle warranty.Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of ªregularº gasoline be-
fore considering service for the vehicle.
Over 40 automobile manufacturers around the world
have issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifica-
tions (the World Wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to define
fuel properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions,
engine performance, and durability for your vehicle. The
manufacturer recommends the use of gasolines that meet
the WWFC specifications if they are available.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as ªReformulated Gasolineº.
Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates, and are spe-
cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im-
prove air quality.
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The manufacturer supports the use of reformulated gaso-
lines. Properly blended reformulated gasolines will pro-
vide excellent performance and durability of engine and
fuel system components.
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxy-
genates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE, and ETBE. Oxygen-
ates are required in some areas of the country during the
winter months to reduce carbon monoxide emissions.
Fuels blended with these oxygenates may be used in
your vehicle.
CAUTION!
DO NOT use gasolines containing Methanol. Use of
these blends may result in starting and driveability
problems and may damage critical fuel system com-
ponents.
Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline
blends are not the responsibility of the manufacturer and
may not be covered by the vehicle warranty. While MTBE
is an oxygenate made from Methanol, it does not have
the negative effects of Methanol.
MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase the octane num-
ber. Gasolines blended with MMT offer no performance
advantage beyond gasolines of the same octane number
without MMT. Gasolines blended with MMT have shown
to reduce spark plug life and reduce emission system
performance in some vehicles. The manufacturer recom-
mends using gasolines without MMT. Since the MMT
content of gasoline may not be indicated on the pump,
you should ask your gasoline retailer whether or not
his/her gasoline contains MMT.
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Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle's
performance:
²The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
damage the emission control system, and could result
in loss of warranty coverage.
²An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out-of-tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
²The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers are not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives are not
the responsibility of the manufacturer and may not be
covered under the New Vehicle Warranty.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
STARTING AND OPERATING 269
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Fuel................................. 266
Adding............................. 270
Additives............................ 268
Clean Air............................ 266
Filler Cap............................ 270
Filter............................... 309
Gasoline............................ 266
Gauge.............................. 151
Hoses.............................. 326
Light............................... 151
Octane Rating......................266,344
Requirements......................... 266
Tank Capacity........................ 343
Fueling............................... 270
Fuses................................ 336
Garage Door Opener..................... 119
GasCap .............................. 270
Gasoline.............................. 266Gasoline, Clean Air...................... 266
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 267
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 154
Fuel................................ 151
Speedometer......................... 151
Tachometer.......................... 153
Gearshift.............................. 233
General Information..................16,25,263
Glass Cleaning.......................... 333
Grocery Bag Retainer...................... 91
Gross Axle Weight Rating.................. 273
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 273
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 280
Head Phones........................... 192
Head Restraints.......................... 82
Headlights............................. 99
Bulb Replacement...................... 339
INDEX 387
10

Automatic Dimming..................... 77
Electric Remote........................ 79
Exterior Folding........................ 78
Heated.............................. 80
Outside.............................. 78
Rearview............................. 77
Vanity............................... 80
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 259
Mopar Parts.........................302,375
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 102
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 70
Occupant Restraints....................... 38
Octane Rating, Gasoline................... 266
Odometer............................. 157
Oil, Engine.........................303,344
Capacity............................ 343Change Interval....................... 305
Checking............................ 303
Disposal............................ 307
Filter............................307,344
Filter Disposal........................ 307
Identification Logo..................... 306
Materials Added to..................... 307
Recommendation...................... 305
Synthetic............................ 307
Viscosity............................ 306
Onboard Diagnostic System..............300,301
Opener, Garage Door..................... 119
Operator Manuals......................... 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 77
Overdrive............................. 234
Overhead Console....................... 110
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 110
Overheating, Engine...................154,281
Owner's Manual.......................4,376
INDEX 391
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