2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN engine

CAUTION!
For vehicles equipped with Stow 'n Go seating, the
Winch Mechanism is designed specifically to stow a
COMPACT Spare Tire ONLY. Do not attempt to use
the Winch to stow the Full Size 'Flat' Tire, or any
other Full Size Tire. Vehicle damage may result.
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURE
WARNING!
²DO NOT attempt to push or tow the vehicle to get it started. Vehicles
equipped with an automatic transmission cannot be started this way.
Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
²If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables may be used to obtain
a start from another vehicle. This type of start can be dangerous if done
improperly, so follow this procedure carefully.
²Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; DO NOT allow battery fluid to
contact eyes, skin or clothing. Don't lean over battery when attaching
clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other. If acid splashes in the eyes
or on the skin, flush the contaminated area immediately with large
quantities of water.
²A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. Keep
all flames or sparks away from the vent holes. DO NOT use a booster
battery or any other booster source with an output that exceeds 12 volts.
²During cold weather when temperatures are below freezing point, electro-
lyte in a discharged battery may freeze. DO NOT attempt jump-starting
because the battery could rupture or explode. The battery temperature must
be brought up above freezing point before attempting jump-start.
²Take special care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the hood is
raised. The cooling fan is electrically operated and can start anytime the
ignition switch is ON. You can be hurt by the fan.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 425
6

When jump-starting, proceed as follows:
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When a boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach and
without letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake,
place the automatic transmission selector lever into
PARK and turn the ignition switch to the OFF position for
both vehicles.
3. Turn OFF the heater, radio and all unnecessary elec-
trical loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the discharged battery. Connect the other end
of the same cable to the positive terminal of the booster
battery.WARNING!
DO NOT permit vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.
5. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery, and then to the engine of the
vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure there is a
good contact on the engine.
WARNING!
DO NOT connect the cable to the negative post of the
discharge battery. The resulting electrical spark could
cause the battery to explode.
426 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

6. Start the engine in the vehicle which has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
7. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.
WARNING!
Any procedure other than the jump-starting process
listed could result in:
²Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out
the battery vent;
²Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion;
²Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift the gear selector lever back and
forth between REVERSE and DRIVE. Usually the least
amount of accelerator pedal pressure to maintain the
rocking motion without spinning the wheels is most
effective.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure some-
one. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster than 35
mph (55 km/h) when you are stuck. And don't let
anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the
speed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 427
6

CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It
can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 35 mph (55 km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Towing With The Ignition Key
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions: The gear selector lever must be in NEUTRAL, the
distance to be traveled must not exceed 100 mi (160 km),
and the towing speed must not exceed 44 mph (72
km/h). Exceeding these towing limits may cause a trans-
mission geartrain failure. If the transmission is not op-
erative, or if the vehicle is to be towed more than 100 mi
(160 km), the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels off the ground.
CAUTION!
²Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front
with sling type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.
²Always use wheel lift equipment when towing
from the front. The only other approved method of
towing is with a flat bed truck.
²Do not tow the vehicle from the rear. Damage to
the rear sheet metal, liftgate and fascia will occur.
428 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m3.3L Engine Compartment................434
m3.8L Engine Compartment................435
m4.0L Engine Compartment................436
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II........437
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message Ð gASCAP . . . 438
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................438
mReplacement Parts......................440
mAuthorized Dealer Service................440mMaintenance Procedures..................441
NEngine Oil..........................441
NEngine Oil Filter......................444
NDrive Belt...........................445
NSpark Plugs.........................445
NEngine Air Cleaner....................445
NCatalytic Converter....................446
NMaintenance-Free Battery................448
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............450
7

NCenter High-Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL) . . . 485
NLicense Light........................485
mFluids And Capacities...................486mFluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts........487
NEngine.............................487
NChassis............................488
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 433
7

3.3L ENGINE COMPARTMENT
434 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

3.8L ENGINE COMPARTMENT
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 435
7