2005 DODGE CARAVAN brake fluid

WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid, all brake seal components could be
damaged causing partial or complete brake failure.
Fuel System Hoses
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with hoses which have unique material charac-
teristics to provide adequate sealing and resist attack by
deteriorated gasoline.
Use only the manufacturers specified hoses in any fuel
system servicing. It is mandatory to replace all clamps
that have been loosened or removed during service. Care
should be taken in installing new clamps to insure they
are properly torqued.
Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
All automatic transmissions are equipped with a conven-
tional filler tube and dipstick. If fluid is added, it should
be added through the dipstick hole in the case.
402 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transmission and of the fluid.
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 parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (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 finger tips. Cold is when
the fluid is below 80°F (27°C).
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“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 low, add sufficient fluid to
bring to the proper level.
404 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 423
7

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 coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transmission; add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
428 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
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A
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D
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L
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S

Adding Fuel........................... 334
Adding Washer Fluid..................286,392
Additives, Fuel......................... 332
Adjustable Pedals....................... 146
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 388
Air Conditioning.....................262,267
Air Conditioning Controls................. 262
Air Conditioning Filter.................284,389
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 284
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone.............270,279
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 388
Air Conditioning System..........262,267,272,388
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 263
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 317
Airbag................................ 53
Airbag Deployment....................... 65
Airbag Light...................57,58,68,84,199
Airbag Maintenance....................... 67
Airbag, Window......................... 54Alarm Light........................... 200
Alarm System........................... 27
Alignment and Balance................... 324
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 257
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........395,396,421
Disposal............................ 397
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 303
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 199
Anti-Theft Security Alarm.................. 27
Appearance Care........................ 406
Arming Theft System...................... 27
Ashtray............................... 171
Auto Down Power Windows................ 40
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 92
Automatic Door Locks...................19,20
Automatic Headlights.................... 136
Automatic Temperature Control............. 272
Automatic Transaxle...................... 297
458 INDEX

Interlock System....................... 298
Reset Mode.......................... 299
Selection Of Lubricant................403,423
Shifting............................. 299
Special Additives...................... 405
Automatic Transmission................... 402
Adding Fluid......................... 404
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 405
Fluid Change......................... 405
Fluid Level Check...................... 404
Fluid Type........................403,423
Ball Joints............................. 390
Battery............................... 387
Gas Caution.......................... 387
Jump Starting......................... 365
Keyless Transmitter Replacement............ 26
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 137
Bearings.............................. 406Belts, Drive............................ 383
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 391
B-Pillar Location........................ 312
Brake Fluid............................ 423
Brake, Parking.......................... 301
Brake System........................302,399
Anti-Lock........................... 303
Fluid Check.......................... 401
Hoses.............................. 400
Warning Light........................ 197
Brakes.............................302,399
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 298
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 82
Bulb Replacement....................... 416
Bulbs, Light............................ 415
Calibration, Compass..................... 152
Capacities, Fluid........................ 421
INDEX 459
10

Temperature Gauge..................... 200
Exhaust Gas Caution..............38,83,333,393
Exhaust System......................... 393
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 52
Exterior Folding Mirrors................... 93
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 384
Air Conditioning....................284,389
Automatic Transaxle.................... 405
Engine Oil........................383,422
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 383
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 344
Turn Signal.....................197,418,419
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 355
Fluid Capacities......................... 421
Fluid Leaks............................. 85Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 404
Brake............................... 401
Power Steering........................ 390
Fog Light Service........................ 419
Fog Lights..........................138,419
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 368
Fuel................................. 330
Adding............................. 334
Additives............................ 332
Clean Air............................ 331
Filler Cap............................ 334
Gasoline............................ 330
Gauge.............................. 196
Hoses.............................. 402
Light............................... 197
Octane Rating......................330,422
Requirements......................330,421
Tank Capacity........................ 421
INDEX 463
10

Phone, Cellular.......................... 96
Phone, Hands-Free....................... 96
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 313
Power
Brakes.............................. 302
Distribution Center..................... 412
Door Locks........................... 18
Lift Gate............................. 36
Mirrors.............................. 94
Outlet.............................. 168
Seats............................... 108
Sliding Door.......................... 31
Steering............................. 305
Steering, Checking..................... 390
Sunroof............................. 165
Windows............................. 39
Power Steering Fluid..................... 423
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 52
Preparation for Jacking.................347,359Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 50
Programmable Electronic Features......156,160,164
Programming Transmitters............23,160,164
Radial Ply Tires......................... 320
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......395,396
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 205
Radio Operation...................217,234,261
Radio Remote Controls.................246,258
Radio, Satellite.......................... 254
Radio (Sound Systems)...........206,216,226,233
Rear Air Conditioning.................270,279
Rear Cup Holder........................ 172
Rear Heater............................ 270
Rear Seat Removal....................124,126
Rear Seating Flexibility.................128,130
Rear Window Defroster................... 287
Rear Window Features.................... 284
INDEX 469
10