2005 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN service interval

Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to
inflate for your protection in a collision. While
the airbag system is designed to be mainte-
nance free, if any of the following occurs, have
an authorized dealer service the system immediately.
• The AIRBAG light does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
• The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.
• The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving. DaimlerChrysler Corporation Integrated Child
Seat — If Equipped
Operating instructions for this seat are included with the
seat. If the instructions are not with the seat or in the
Owner ’ s Manual Package, replacement instructions can
be obtained.
To obtain Integrated Child Seat replacement
instructions:
Use the order form at the back of this manual and specify
publication number 81-016-1950.68 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Customer Programmable Features — If Equipped
Press the “ MENU ” button until one of the display choices
following appears:
Language
When in this display you may select one of five lan-
guages for all display nomenclature, including the trip
computer functions. Press the “ STEP ” button while in
this display selects English, Francaise, Deutsch, Italiano,
or Espanol. As you continue the displayed information
will be shown in the selected language.
Rear Park Assist — If Equipped
When this feature is selected the system scans for objects
behind the vehicle using four sensors located in the rear
bumper. Objects can be detected from up to 71 inches
(180 cm). Pressing the “ STEP ” button while in this
display will disable/enable the Rear Park Assist System. US or Metric
Pressing the “ STEP ” button when in this display selects
US or Metric. The overhead console and climate control
displays will be in the selected units.
Service Interval
When this feature is selected a service interval between
2,000 miles (3 200 km) and 6,000 miles (9 600 km) in 500
mile (800 km) increments may be selected. Pressing the
“ STEP ” button when in this display will select distances
between 2,000 miles (3 200 km) and 6,000 miles (9 600
km) in 500 mile (800 km) increments.
Reset Service Distance (Displays Only if Service
Interval was Changed)
When this feature is selected the current accumulated
service distance can be reset to the newly selected service
interval. Pressing the “ STEP ” button when in this display
will select “ Ye s ” or “ No. ”156 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic. MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain the required maintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
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. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 379
7

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.
• Day or night temperatures are below 32 ° F(0 ° C).
• Stop and Go driving.
• Extensive engine idling.
• Driving in dusty conditions.
• Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
• More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90 ° F (32 ° C).
• Trailer towing.
• Taxi, Police or delivery service (commercial service).
• Off-Road or desert operation. If ANY of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown in schedule “ B ” of the “ Mainte-
nance Schedules ” section of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on schedule “ A ” of the “ Main-
tenance Schedules ” 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 manufacturer only
recommends engine oils that are API certified and meet
the requirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard
MS-6395. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 381
7

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 spark plug, malfunctioning spark plugs can damage the cata-
lytic converter. For proper type of replacement spark
plugs, refer to the “ Vehicle Emission Control Informa-
tion ” label in the engine compartment.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at
the intervals shown on Schedule “ A ” . 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 “ B ” .384 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

frame with the direction of airflow (away from the
blower motor and towards the center of the car).
Refer to the “ Maintenance Schedules ” section of this
manual for the recommended air conditioning filter
replacement intervals.
Power Steering — Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.  WARNING!Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
The front suspension ball joints are permanently sealed.
No regular maintenance is required for these compo-
nents.390 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

• Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory cooling performance.
• Increasing engine speed at idle does not reduce cool-
ant temperature! Put transmission in NEUTRAL and
let engine idle at normal engine idle speed.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear. Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Schedules. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 399
7

• Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice). 
• Off-road or desert operation.
NOTE: Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule  B  .
Second is Schedule “ A ” . It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule  B  .
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
• Check 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.
• Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 427
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