2009 DODGE CARAVAN fuel cap

WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and will cause the malfunction indicator
light to turn on.
NOTE:
•Tighten the fuel filler cap until you hear a “clicking”
sound. This is an indication that the fuel filler cap is
properly tightened.
•If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the Malfunc-
tion Indicator Light may come on. Be sure the gas cap
is tightened every time the vehicle is refueled.
WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If thegASCAPmessage is displayed in the instrument
cluster, this signifies a leak or change in the evaporative
system is detected. Sometimes this is the result of a
loosely fitting (or possibly damaged) filler cap. Tighten
the fuel filler cap properly and press the odometer reset
button to turn thegASCAPmessage off.
Make sure that the fuel filler cap is tightened each time
the vehicle is refueled.
388 STARTING AND OPERATING
ProCarManuals.com

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear
axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or
rear GAWR.
WARNING!
Because the front wheels drive and steer the vehicle,
it is important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition
can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have an accident.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label represents
the actual tire size on your vehicle. Replacement tires
must be equal to the load capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle, for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
390 STARTING AND OPERATING
ProCarManuals.com

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 3.3/3.8L.......... 433
Engine Compartment — 4.0L............. 434
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II....... 435
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message — Gascap . . . 435
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................ 436
Replacement Parts..................... 437
Dealer Service........................ 438
Maintenance Procedures................. 438▫Engine Oil......................... 438
▫Engine Oil Filter..................... 441
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter............... 441
▫Exhaust System...................... 442
▫Maintenance-Free Battery............... 444
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance............ 446
▫Steering Shaft Seal.................... 448
▫Drive Shaft Universal Joints............. 448
▫Body Lubrication..................... 448
7
ProCarManuals.com

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light.” It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
•If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message — gASCAP
Should the “Loose Fuel Filler Cap” or “gASCAP” 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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 435
7
ProCarManuals.com

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) — 3.3L & 3.8L
Gasoline Engines
SAE 5W-20engine 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
“Engine Compartment” in this section.
Lubricants that do not have both the engine oil certifica-
tion mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade number,
should not be used.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 4.0L Gasoline
Engines
SAE 10W-30engine oil is preferred for all operating
temperatures. 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
“Engine Compartment” in this section.
Lubricants that do not have both the engine oil certifica-
tion mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade number,
should not be used.
440 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)20 Gallons 76 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
3.3L and 3.8L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 5 Quarts 4.7 Liters
4.0 Liter Engine (SAE 10W-30, API Certified) 5.5 Quarts 5.2 Liters
Cooling System *
3.3, 3.8, and 4.0 Liter Engine (MOPAREngine Coolant/
Antifreeze 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula)13.4 Quarts 12.6 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level. Add 2.9 Qts (2.8 L) if equipped with a rear
heater.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 479
7
ProCarManuals.com

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine CoolantMOPARAntifreeze/Coolant Five Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT
(Hybrid Organic Additive Technology)
Engine Oil (3.3L and 3.8L Engines)Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of
Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your oil filler cap for
correct SAE grade
Engine Oil (4.0L Engine)Use API Certified SAE 10W-30 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements
of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your oil filler cap for
correct SAE grade
Oil Filter (3.3L and 3.8L Engines) MOPAR04105409 or equivalent
Oil Filter (4.0L Engine) MOPAR05281090 or equivalent
Spark Plugs (3.3L and 3.8L Engines) RE14PLP5 (Gap 0.050 in [1.27 mm])
Spark Plugs (4.0L Engine) ZFR5LP-13G (Gap 0.050 in [1.27 mm])
Fuel Selection (3.3L and 3.8L Engines) 87 Octane
Fuel Selection (4.0L Engine) 87 Octane Acceptable — 89 Recommended
480 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

Camera, Rear........................... 192
Capacities, Fluid........................ 479
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 387
Oil (Engine).......................... 440
Power Steering........................ 338
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 453
Car Washes............................ 461
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 382
Cargo Compartment
Luggage Carrier....................... 225
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 216
Caution, Exhaust Gas.................53,95,382
Cellular Phone....................... 115,301
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 478
Chains, Tire............................ 367
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 412
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 350Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............242,436
Child Restraint........................81,83
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 86
Child Safety Locks........................ 47
Child Seat.............................. 89
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 379
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 462
Climate Control......................... 301
Clock...........................263,267,276
Coat Hook............................ 216
Coin Holder........................... 217
Cold Weather Operation................... 325
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 300
Compact Spare Tire...................... 361
Compass........................248,251,257
Compass Calibration..................251,257
Compass Variance....................250,258
514 INDEX
ProCarManuals.com