2008 DODGE CARAVAN check transmission fluid

Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
shallow standing water, consider the following Caution
and Warning before doing so.
CAUTION!
²Always check the depth of the standing water
before driving through it. Never drive through
standing water that is deeper than the bottom of
the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.
²Determine the condition of the road or the path
that is under water, and if there are any obstacles
in the way, before driving through the standing
water.
²Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
through standing water. This will minimize wave
effects.
CAUTION!
²Driving through standing water may cause dam-
age to your vehicle's drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle's fluids (i.e., engine oil,
transmission, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination
(i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in appearance)
after driving through standing water. Do not con-
tinue to operate the vehicle if any fluid appears
contaminated, as this may result in further dam-
age. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
²Getting water inside your vehicle's engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
STARTING AND OPERATING 347
5

NOTE:
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level before
towing.
²The six-speed automatic transmission is sealed and
requires an authorized dealer service center to check
the transmission fluid.
Towing Tips Ð Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
²
Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
²When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
²Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips Ð Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
²City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
gear selector lever in NEUTRAL but do not increase
engine idle speed.
²Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
²Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
²Refer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
406 STARTING AND OPERATING

If the fluid level indicates low, add sufficient fluid to
bring to the proper level.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transaxle can
cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water from
entering the transaxle after checking or replenishing
fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is reseated
properly.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Refer to the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Section 8 of this
manual for the recommended transaxle fluid and filter
change intervals.
If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the fluid
and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transaxle. The only exception to this policy is
the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid leaks. In
addition, avoid using transaxle sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
FRONT AND REAR WHEEL BEARINGS
Front and rear wheel bearings are permanently sealed.
No regular maintenance is required for these compo-
nents.
APPEARANCE CARE AND PROTECTION FROM
CORROSION
Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 467
7

²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
492 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
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Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 100
Automatic Door Locks...................34,35
Automatic Headlights.................... 163
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 309
Automatic Transaxle...................... 328
Adding Fluid......................... 465
Fluid Level Check...................... 465
Interlock System....................... 329
Reset Mode.......................... 334
Selection Of Lubricant................465,488
Shifting............................. 330
Special Additives...................... 467
Automatic Transmission................464,467
Adding Fluid......................466,467
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 467
Fluid Change......................... 467
Fluid Level Check...................... 466
Fluid Type........................465,488Ball Joints............................. 453
Battery............................... 448
Gas Caution.......................... 449
Jump Starting......................... 425
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 26
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 166
Bearings.............................. 467
Belts, Drive............................ 445
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 454
B-Pillar Location........................ 353
Brake Assist System...................... 341
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 340
Brake Fluid............................ 488
Brake, Parking.......................... 335
Brake System........................337,462
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 338
Fluid Check.......................... 463
Hoses.............................. 462
Warning Light........................ 228
INDEX 509
10

Brakes.............................337,462
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 328
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 93
Bulb Replacement....................... 482
Bulbs, Light............................ 481
Calibration, Compass..................240,246
Capacities, Fluid........................ 486
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 382
Oil (Engine).......................434,443
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 458
Car Washes............................ 468
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 381
Cargo Compartment
Luggage Carrier....................... 215
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 214
Catalytic Converter...................... 446
Caution, Exhaust Gas.................51,95,381CD (Compact Disc) Player...............280,283
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance........ 300
Cellular Phone.................104,283,284,299
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 485
Chains, Tire............................ 367
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 412
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 350
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............232,438
Child Restraint........................81,83
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 86
Child Safety Locks........................ 46
Child Seat.............................. 88
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 378
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 470
Climate Control......................... 301
Clock........................254,269,281,285
Coat Hook............................ 214
510 INDEX

Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 410
Turn Signal.....................227,483,484
Flash-To-Pass........................... 170
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 422
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range........................ 387
Engine Oil........................... 387
Fuel Requirements..................384,386
Maintenance.......................... 388
Replacement Parts..................... 387
Starting............................. 387
Flooded Engine Starting................... 326
Floor Console.......................... 201
Fluid Capacities......................... 486
Fluid Leaks............................. 94
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 465
Automatic Transmission................. 466Brake............................... 463
Power Steering........................ 452
Fluids................................ 487
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 487
Fog Light Service........................ 483
Fog Lights.......................165,233,483
Fold in Floor (Stow8n Go) Seating........... 138
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 427
Fuel................................. 377
Adding............................. 382
Additives............................ 380
Clean Air............................ 378
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................226,382
Filler Door (Gas Cap)................... 226
Gasoline............................ 377
Gauge.............................. 226
Hoses.............................. 461
Light............................... 234
Octane Rating........................ 487
514 INDEX