2009 DODGE CARAVAN check engine

Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
WARNING!
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Use of a brake fluid that has a lower initial boiling
point than the recommended MOPARDOT 3
product or a brake fluid that is unidentified as to
FMVSS specification may result in sudden brake
failure during hard prolonged braking. You could
have an accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid — all brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
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Fluid Level Check — 3.8L and 4.0L Engines with
Six-Speed Automatic Transaxle — If Equipped
The six-speed automatic transaxle is a sealed unit and has
no dipstick. See your authorized dealer to have the
transaxle fluid checked or serviced.
Fluid Level Check — 3.3L Engine with Four-Speed
Automatic Transaxle — If Equipped
The dipstick is located just behind the radiator on the
lower right side.
To properly check the automatic transaxle fluid level, the
following procedure must be used:1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector lever momentarily in each gear
position, ending with the lever in PARK. Wipe the area
around the dipstick clean to eliminate the possibility of
dirt entering the transaxle.
5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82°C), which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle has
been driven at least 15 miles (24 km). The fluid cannot be
comfortably held between the fingertips. Cold is when
the fluid is below 80°F (27°C).
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
4 Speed ATX Diptstick
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a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked “HOT” (between the upper
two holes in the dipstick).
b. If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked “COLD”.
If the fluid level indicates that it is low, add sufficient
fluid to bring it 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 “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance 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.
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
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
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NOTE:
•The 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.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months, which-
ever 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 “Oil Change Required” in “Use
Factory Settings” of the EVIC section in this manual orunder “Odometer/Trip Odometer” in the “Instrument
Cluster Descriptions section of this manual.
At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check 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.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 485
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•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, the
brake master cylinder, the power steering and the
transaxle and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
486 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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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
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Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 454
Engine Oil........................... 441
Domelight............................. 173
Door Locks............................. 31
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 34
Door Opener, Garage..................... 197
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 448
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 334
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water......................... 335
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™).... 297
E-85 Fuel............................. 383
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 104
Electrical Power Outlets................... 206
Electronic Brake Control System............. 344
Brake Assist System.................... 346Electronic Stability Program............... 347
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 183
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 347
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC).............................192,252
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 410
Jacking...........................412,415
Jump Starting......................... 424
Overheating.......................... 410
Emission Control System Maintenance......436,484
Engine............................433,434
Air Cleaner.......................... 441
Block Heater......................... 327
Break-In Recommendations................ 93
Checking Oil Level..................... 438
Compartment......................433,434
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 480
Cooling............................. 450
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Replacement Parts..................... 386
Starting............................. 385
Flooded Engine Starting................... 325
Floor Console.......................... 217
Fluid Capacities......................... 479
Fluid Leaks............................. 95
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 459
Automatic Transmission................. 459
Brake............................... 456
Power Steering........................ 338
Fluids................................ 480
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 480
Fog Light Service........................ 476
Fog Lights.......................177,244,476
Fold in Floor (Stow n Go) Seating........... 149
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 427
Fuel................................. 378
Adding............................. 387Additives............................ 381
Clean Air............................ 379
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................236,387
Filler Door (Gas Cap)................... 236
Gasoline............................ 378
Gauge.............................. 236
Light............................... 245
Octane Rating........................ 480
Requirements......................378,479
Tank Capacity........................ 479
Fuel, Flexible.............See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel System Caution..................... 382
Fueling............................... 387
Fuses................................ 467
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 197
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............387,388
Gasoline, Clean Air...................... 379
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 378
518 INDEX
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