2004 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN trailer

A load equalizing hitch is recommended for loaded
trailer weights above 1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for
weights above 2,000 lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances. WARNING!Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.278 STARTING AND OPERATING

Change Engine Oil
Road conditions and your kind of driving affects the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following list to see if any apply to you.
² Day or night temperatures are below 32ÉF (0ÉC).
² Stop and Go driving.
² Extensive engine idling.
² Driving in dusty conditions.
² Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
² More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC).
² Trailer towing.
² Taxi, Police or delivery service (commercial service).
² Off-Road or desert operation. If ANY of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown in schedule ªBº of the ªMainte-
nance Schedulesº section of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on schedule ªAº of the ªMain-
tenance Schedulesº section of this manual
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacture only
recommends engine oils that are API certified and meet
the requirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard
MS-6395. Use Mopar or an equivalent oil meeting the
specification MS-6395. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 305
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5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180ÉF (82ÉC), 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 finger tips. Cold is when
the fluid is below 80ÉF (27ÉC).
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked ªHOTº (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 ªCOLDº.
If the fluid level indicates low, add sufficient fluid to
bring 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 and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid should be changed on all
transmissions as follows:
Normal Usage Ð No change necessary
Severe Usage (fluid and filter) Ð 60,000 miles (96 000 km)
Severe Usage is defined as:
² Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is driven regularly for
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.328 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

transmission fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubri-
cants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. To assure
performance, it is important that the proper lubricant be
used.
Rear Carrier
The fluid should be maintained at the bottom of the filler
hole opening. if it becomes necessary to add or replace
the fluid, use only the manufacturers recommended
fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Fluid Changes
The fluid should be changed as follows:
Normal Usage No Service Required
Severe Usage
Power Transfer Unit 15,000 miles (24 000 km)
Overrunning Clutch 22,500 miles (36 000 km)
Rear Carrier 22,500 miles (36 000 km) Severe Usage is defined as:
1. More than 50% of vehicle operation in stop and go
traffic where the vehicle is driven regularly for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation, such as in heavy city
or in construction zone traffic,
2. Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is driven regularly for
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
Front And Rear Wheel Bearings
Front and rear wheel bearings are permanently sealed.
No regular maintenance is required for these compo-
nents.
Appearance Care and Protection from Corrosion
Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on330 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The ªScheduledº maintenance services, listed in bold
type must be done at the times or mileages specified to
assure the continued proper functioning of the emission
control system. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sion control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part which has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
required service for your vehicle.
First is Schedule ªBº . It is for vehicles that are operated
under the conditions that are listed below and at the
beginning of the schedule.
² Day or night temperatures are below 32É F (0É C).
² Stop and go driving.
² Extensive engine idling.
² Driving in dusty conditions.
² Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
² More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90É F (32É C).
² Trailer towing. L348 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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SCHEDULE ªBº
Follow schedule ªBº if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions. Change
the automatic transmission fluid and filter every 60,000
miles (96 000 km) if the vehicle is usually operated under
one or more of the conditions marked with an L .
² Day or night temperatures are below 32É F (0É C).
² Stop and go driving.
² Extensive engine idling. ² Driving in dusty conditions.
² Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
² More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90É F (32É C).
² Trailer towing. L
² Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice). L
² Off-road or desert operation. SCHEDULE ªBº 351
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Sizes ............................... 244
Snow Tires ........................... 264
Spare Tire ........................... 283
Spinning ............................ 256
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 256
Towing ............................... 275
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 291
Trailering ............................ 275
Traction Control ................... 105,156,241
Trailer Towing .......................... 275
Minimum Requirements ................. 275
Trailer and Tongue Weight ................ 276
Transaxle ........................... 231,326
Automatic ........................ 231,326
Filter ............................... 328
Operation ........................... 231
Overdrive ........................... 234
Selection of Lubricant ................ 326,345
Transmission ..................... See Transaxle Transmitter Battery Service .................. 25
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener ............ 119
Transmitter Programming ................... 23
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry ............ 20
Transporting Pets ........................ 66
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 256
Trip Odometer .......................... 157
Trip Odometer Reset Button ................ 157
Turn Signals ................ 102,158,159,340,342
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 378
Universal Joints ......................... 315
Universal Transmitter ..................... 119
Unleaded Gasoline ....................... 266
Vanity Mirrors ........................... 80
Variance, Compass ....................... 112
Vehicle Certification Label ................. 272
Vehicle Identification Number ................ 6396 INDEX