2006 DODGE CARAVAN check transmission fluid

WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure
Cap paragraph.
17. Washer Fluid Light
This light turns on when the washer fluid level
falls below approximately 1/4 filled. The light will
remain on until fluid is added.
18. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transaxle gear
selection.NOTE:You must apply the brakes before shifting from
Park.
19. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The light
should turn on momentarily when the engine is
started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
chime will sound for 4 minutes when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
20. High Beam Light
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever towards the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or low
beam.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 209
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Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Towing Tips—Automatic Transmission
The“D”range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the“3”range
should be selected.
NOTE:Using the“3”range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule“B”in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
7 - Pin Connector
362 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Steering Shaft Seal....................413
▫Steering Linkage......................413
▫Drive Shaft Universal Joints..............413
▫Body Lubrication.....................413
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................414
▫Windshield And Rear Window Washers.....414
▫Exhaust System......................415
▫Cooling System.......................416
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......421
▫Brakes.............................421
▫Master Cylinder—Brake Fluid Level Check . . 423
▫Fuel System Hoses....................424
▫Automatic Transmission................424▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........428
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................428
▫Cleaning The Instrument Panel And Underseat
Cup Holders........................432

Integrated Power Module (IPM)............434

Vehicle Storage........................436

Replacement Light Bulbs.................437

Bulb Replacement......................438
▫Headlights..........................438
▫Front Park/Turn Signal And Sidemarker
Lights.............................439
▫Front Fog Light......................440
394 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

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—No change necessary
Severe Usage (fluid and filter)—Refer to Maintenance
Schedule“B”Severe Usage is defined as:
•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is driven regularly for
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for Mainte-
nance Schedules.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
Do not add any fluid additives to the transmission. The
only exception to this policy is the use of special dyes to
aid in detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission
sealers should be avoided as they may adversely affect
seals.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 427
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•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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Interlock System....................... 310
Reset Mode.......................... 311
Selection Of Lubricant................425,445
Shifting............................. 311
Special Additives...................... 427
Automatic Transmission................... 424
Adding Fluid......................... 426
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 427
Fluid Change......................... 427
Fluid Level Check...................... 426
Fluid Type........................425,445
Ball Joints............................. 412
Battery............................... 409
Gas Caution.......................... 409
Jump Starting......................... 387
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 145
Bearings.............................. 428Belts, Drive............................ 405
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 413
B-Pillar Location........................ 324
Brake Fluid............................ 445
Brake, Parking.......................... 313
Brake System........................314,421
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 315
Fluid Check.......................... 423
Hoses.............................. 422
Warning Light........................ 205
Brakes.............................314,421
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 310
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 82
Bulb Replacement....................... 438
Bulbs, Light............................ 437
Calibration, Compass..................... 159
Capacities, Fluid........................ 443
INDEX 483
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