2006 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.
424 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.
426 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 445
7

•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
•Off-road or desert operation.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for ScheduleB.
Second is Schedule“A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
uleB.
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.
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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 449
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•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.
450 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 57, 000 60, 000 63, 000 66, 000 69, 000 72, 000
(Kilometers) (95 000) (100 000) (105 000) (110 000) (115 000) (120 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X XXXXX
Rotate Tires X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary. * XXXXX
Replace theengine air cleaner filter.X
Replace thespark plugs
on 2.4 liter engines.X
Replace theignition cables
on 2.4 liter engines.X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. X
Inspect and adjust the power steering pump belt tension
on 2.4 liter engines.X
Inspect the generator belt on 2.4 liter engines, replace if
necessary.X
Inspect thePCV valve
and replace if necessary.*X
Inspect the serpentine drive belt on 3.3 liter and 3.8 liter
engines, replace if necessary.X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X
SCHEDULE“B”455
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Miles 108, 000 111, 000 114, 000 117, 000 120, 000
(Kilometers) (180 000) (185 000) (190 000) (195 000) (200 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Rotate Tires X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary. * X X X X
Replace theengine air cleaner filter.X
Replace thespark plugs
on 2.4 liter engines.X
Replace theignition cables
on 2.4 liter engines.X
Inspect and adjust the power steering pump belt tension on
2.4 liter engines.X
Inspect the generator belt on 2.4 liter engines, replace if
necessary.X
Inspect the serpentine drive belt on 3.3 liter and 3.8 liter
engines, replace if necessary.‡X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals.X
Inspect thePCV valve
and replace as necessary.*X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X
SCHEDULE“B”459
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Adding Fuel........................... 346
Adding Washer Fluid..................299,414
Additives, Fuel......................... 344
Adjustable Pedals....................... 153
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 410
Air Conditioning.....................274,279
Air Conditioning Controls................. 274
Air Conditioning Filter.................296,411
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 296
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone.............282,291
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 410
Air Conditioning System..........274,279,284,410
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 275
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 329
Airbag................................ 54
Airbag Deployment....................... 66
Airbag Light...................59,60,68,84,206
Airbag Maintenance....................... 68
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)............... 55Alarm Light........................... 208
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 26
Alignment and Balance................... 336
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 269
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........417,418,443
Disposal............................ 419
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 315
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 207
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 26
Appearance Care........................ 428
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 27
Ashtray............................... 178
Auto Down Power Windows................ 41
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 90
Automatic Door Locks...................19,20
Automatic Headlights.................... 145
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 284
Automatic Transaxle...................... 309
482 INDEX