2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN battery

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

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message Ð gASCAP
Should the ªLoose Fuel Filler Capº or ªgASCAPº mes-
sage appear, there may be a problem in the evaporative
system. Before taking the vehicle into an authorized
dealer, check first to see if the fuel filler cap is possibly
loose, improperly installed, or damaged. A loose fuel
filler cap message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster. Tighten the gas cap until a9clicking9sound is
heard. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened. Press the odometer reset button to turn the
message off. If the problem persists, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started. If the problem
is detected twice in a row, the system will turn on the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving the prob-
lem will turn the MIL light off. Take your vehicle in to an
authorized dealer.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of this vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system
is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system maynotbe ready if the vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery, or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, the vehicle may fail the test.
438 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

This vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if this vehicle's OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn the ignition key to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFFthe ignition key or start the engine. This means that the
vehicle's OBD II system isnot readyand you should
notproceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn OFF the ignition key or start
the engine. This means that the vehicle's OBD II
system isready,and you can proceed to the I/M
station.
If the OBD II system isnot ready,you should see an
authorized dealer or repair facility. If this vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive the vehicle
as you normally would in order for the OBD II system to
update. A recheck with the above test routine may then
indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether the vehicle's OBD II system is
ready or not ready, if the MIL is illuminated during
normal vehicle operation, you should have the vehicle
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 439
7

Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, refer
to ªExhaust Gasº in the Safety Tips section of this
manual.
MAINTENANCE-FREE BATTERY
The top of the MAINTENANCE-FREE battery is perma-
nently sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
448 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
²Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can
burn or even blind you. Don't allow battery fluid
to contact your eyes, skin or clothing. Don't lean
over a battery when attaching clamps. If acid
splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the area imme-
diately with large amounts of water.
²Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep
flame or sparks away from the battery. Don't use a
booster battery or any other booster source with an
output greater than 12 volts. Don't allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
²Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling.
CAUTION!
²It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to
the negative post. Battery posts are marked posi-
tive (+) and negative (-) and identified on the
battery case. Cable clamps should be tight on the
terminal posts and free of corrosion.
²If a ªfast chargerº is used while the battery is in
the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables
before connecting the charger to battery. Do not
use a ªfast chargerº to provide starting voltage.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 449
7

Installation
Place the liner into the cupholder drawer and press the
liner into place so that the retention tabs seat into the
corresponding openings in the drawer.
FUSES/TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE
(TIPM)
The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is located
in the engine compartment near the battery. This center
contains cartridge fuses and mini fuses. A label that
identifies each component may be printed or embossed
on the inside of the cover.
The numbers inside the TIPM cover correspond to the
following table.
TIPM Location
474 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The Heated Mirrors, Lower Instrument Panel Power
Outlet and Removable Floor Console, when in the front
position are fused with self-resetting fuses that are only
serviceable by an authorized dealer. The power seats are
fused by a 30 Amp circuit breaker located under the
driver's seat. The Power Windows are fused by a 25 Amp
circuit breaker located under the instrument panel near
the steering column. If you experience temporary or
permanent loss of these systems, see your authorized
dealer for service.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for more than 21
days you may want to take steps to protect your battery.
You may do the following:
²Remove the 20 Amp mini-fuse in the Integrated Power
Module labeled Ignition-Off Draw (IOD).
²Or, disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
²Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service for two weeks or more, run the air conditioning
system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh air
and high blower setting. This will ensure adequate
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS Ð Interior Bulb Number
Center & Rear Dome Light.................. 578
Center & Rear Reading Lights............... 578
Front Door Courtesy Light.................. 578
Front Header Reading Lights Ð If Equipped..... 578
Instrument Cluster Lights.................PC74
Liftgate Light(s).......................... 578
Overhead Console Reading Lights..........PC579
Removable Console Light Ð If Equipped....... 194
Visor Vanity Lights....................6501966
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 481
7

NOTE:
²The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle's
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
²Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
²Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 mi (10 000 km) or six months, whichever
comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If this
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your dealer, the message can be reset by referring to
the steps described under ªOil Change Requiredº in ªUse
Factory Settingsº of the EVIC section in this manual orunder ªOdometer/Trip Odometerº in the ªInstrument
Cluster Descriptions section of this manual.
At Each Stop For Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD, SAFE or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once A Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 491
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