2007 DODGE CARAVAN oil temperature

For best results, a refueling pattern that alternates be-
tween E-85 and unleaded gasoline should be avoided.
When you do switch fuels, it is recommended that
•you do not switch when the fuel gauge indicates less
than 1/4 full
•you do not add less than 5 gallons (19L) when
refueling
•you operate the vehicle immediately after refueling for
a period of at least 5 minutes
Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in driveability
during warm up.
NOTE: When the ambient temperature is above 90°F
(32°C), you may experience hard starting and rough idle
following start up even if the above recommendations are
followed.
Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) and Gasoline Vehicles
Whether operating the vehicle on an E-85 ethanol fuel or
unleaded gasoline the engine oil requirements are the
same. Refer to the “Maintenance Procedures” section of
this manual for the proper quality and viscosity engine
oil.
Starting
The characteristics of E-85 fuel make it unsuitable for use
when ambient temperatures fall below 0°F (-18°C). In the
range of 0°F (-18°C) to 32°F (0°C), you may experience an
increase in the time it takes for your engine to start, and
a deterioration in drivability (sags and/or hesitations)
until the engine is fully warmed up.
362 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.
•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 equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
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 421
7

American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 2.4 Liter
Engines
SAE 5W-30 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your engine oil filler
cap also shows the recommended engine oil viscosity for
your vehicle. For information on engine oil filler cap location, refer to
the Engine Compartment illustration in this section.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 3.3/3.8 Liter
Engines
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy. Refer to your engine
oil filler cap for the recommended engine oil viscosity for
your vehicle.
For information on engine oil filler cap location, refer to
the Engine Compartment illustration in this section.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
422 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake And Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold. 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.
NOTE:
Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of
hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before hose is re-
placed based on leakage.
NOTE: Inspection of brake hoses should be performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for surface
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any evidence
of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be
440 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Oil Selection....................... 421,461
Oil Synthetic ......................... 423
Overheating .......................... 385
Temperature Gauge ..................... 216
Event Data Recorder ...................... 73
Exhaust Gas Caution ..............43,89,356,433
Exhaust System ......................... 433
Extender, Seat Belt ........................ 56
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 98
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 424
Air Conditioning .................... 301,429
Automatic Transaxle .................... 445
Engine Oil ........................ 423,462
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 423
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... 384
Turn Signal ..................... 212,458,459 Flat Tire Stowage
........................ 395
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ........................ 363
Engine Oil ........................... 362
Fuel Requirements .................. 360,361
Maintenance .......................... 363
Replacement Parts ..................... 363
Starting ............................. 362
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 313
Fluid Capacities ......................... 461
Fluid Leaks ............................. 90
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 444
Brake ............................... 441
Power Steering ........................ 430
Fluids ................................ 462
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 462
Fog Light Service ........................ 459
Fog Lights .......................... 154,459
INDEX 501
10

Wheel Lock........................... 14
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls .............................. 275
Storage ............................ 190,455
Storage Bin ............................ 190
Storage, Vehicle ...................... 300,455
Storing Your Vehicle ...................... 455
Stow n Go (Fold in Floor) Seats ............. 129
Sun Roof .............................. 183
Sun Visor Extension ....................... 99
Sunglasses Storage ....................... 168
Sunroof Maintenance ..................... 185
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag ........ 57
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... 423
System, Navigation ...................... 257
Tachometer ............................ 215
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) ........ 289
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant .......216,385 Tether Anchor, Child Restraint
............... 79
Tilt Steering Column ..................... 158
Tire and Loading Information Placard ......... 332
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 330
Tire Markings .......................... 327
Tire Safety Information .................... 327
Tires ............................ 90,336,491
Aging (Life of Tires) .................... 343
Air Pressure .......................... 336
Alignment ........................... 344
Chains .............................. 345
Changing ............................ 386
Compact Spare ........................ 340
Flat Changing ........................ 395
General Information .................... 336
High Speed .......................... 339
Inflation Pressures ..................... 337
Jacking ........................ 386,387,399
Life of Tires .......................... 343
INDEX 511
10