2012 DODGE CARAVAN fuel filter

To fix a Non-FFV vehicle inadvertently fueled once with
E-85 perform the following:
•change the engine oil and oil filter
•disconnect and reconnect the battery
•drain the fuel tank (see your authorized dealer)
More extensive repairs will be required for prolonged
exposure to E-85 fuel.
MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese-containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline
blended with MMT provides no performance advantage
beyond gasoline of the same octane number without
MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduces spark plug
life and reduces emissions system performance in some
vehicles. The manufacturer recommends that gasoline
without MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT content
of gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump, therefore, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether
the gasoline contains MMT. It is even more important to
look for gasoline without MMT in Canada, because MMT
can be used at levels higher than those allowed in the
United States. MMT is prohibited in Federal and Califor-
nia reformulated gasoline.
Materials Added To Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and they would result in additional cost.
Therefore, you should not have to add anything to the
fuel.
484 STARTING AND OPERATING
ProCarManuals.com

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE gear can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting occurs while in DRIVE, use the
Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control to select a
lower gear range.
NOTE:Selecting a lower gear range while operating the
vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to “Mainte-
nance Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped
•
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
•When 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.
•Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
•City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL but do not increase engine idle
speed.
•Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
508 STARTING AND OPERATING
ProCarManuals.com

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 3.6L ............. 545
 Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ...... 546
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 546
 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 547
 Replacement Parts ..................... 549
 Dealer Service ........................ 549
 Maintenance Procedures ................. 549
▫ Engine Oil ......................... 550 ▫
Engine Oil Filter ..................... 552
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 553
▫ Exhaust System ..................... 554
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 556
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 557
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 560
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 560
▫ Cooling System ..................... 562
▫ Brakes ............................ 567
7
ProCarManuals.com

Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
SAE 5W-30 engine 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 “Maintaining Your Vehicle”
for further information.
Lubricants that do not have both the engine oil certifica-
tion mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade number,
should not be used.
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes
are followed.
Materials Added To Engine Oil
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental
additives.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your authorized dealer, service
station, or governmental agency for advice on how and
where used oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in
your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new filter
at every engine oil change.
552 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

License Lamp
The license plate lamp is located under the tailgate light
bar and above the license plate.
1. Using a small screwdriver, press inward the locking
tab on the outboard side of the lamp assembly and pull
down on the lamp assembly for removal.2. Twist and remove the socket from the lamp assembly
and pull the bulb out to remove.
3. Push the bulb into the socket, twist the socket into the
lamp assembly and reinstall the lamp assembly into place
ensuring the locking tab is secure.
FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.
Metric
Fuel (Approximate) 20 Gallons76 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
3.6L Engine (SAE 5W-30, API Certified) 6 Quarts5.6 Liters
Cooling System *
3.6L Engine (MOPAR Engine Coolant/Antifreeze 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 589
ProCarManuals.com

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant Five Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT
(Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Engine Oil Use API Certified SAE 5W-30 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of
Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your oil filler cap for cor-
rect SAE grade.
Engine Oil Filter MOPAREngine Oil Filter or equivalent.
Spark Plugs RER8ZWYCB4 (Gap 0.043 in [1.1 mm])
Fuel Selection 87 Octane
590 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 564
Adding Fuel ........................... 490
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 561
Additives, Fuel ......................... 484
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 210
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 553
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 557
Air Conditioning ........................ 393
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 393
Air Conditioning Filter .................413,558
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ............... 557
Air Conditioning System .............393,400,557
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control ........ 393
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 413
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone .............398,408
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 462
Airbag .............................. 70,79
Airbag Deployment ....................... 81
Airbag Light .................... 77,83,101,293Airbag Maintenance
....................... 82
Airbag, Side ........................ 74,76,79
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ...........74,76,79
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 17
Alarm Light ........................... 294
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 343
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 289
Anti-Theft System ........................ 17
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............563,589
Disposal ........................... 565
Appearance Care ........................ 571
Ashtray ............................... 253
Assist, Hill Start ........................ 449
Assistance Towing ....................... 139
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 39
Auto Up Power Windows .................. 39
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................ 112
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 35
620 INDEX
ProCarManuals.com

Flooded, Starting..................... 420
Fuel Requirements ................. 482,589
Oil ......................... 550,589,590
Oil Change Interval ................... 551
Oil Disposal ........................ 552
Oil Filler Cap ....................... 552
Oil Filter Disposal .................... 552
Oil Selection ..................... 551,589
Oil Synthetic ........................ 552
Overheating ........................ 513
Starting ........................... 419
Temperature Gauge ................... 296
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 80
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 19
Ethanol ............................... 483
Event Data Recorder ...................... 84
Exhaust Gas Caution ................51,100,486
Exhaust System ...................... 100,554
Extender, Seat Belt ........................ 70 Exterior Folding Mirrors
................... 114
Exterior Lights .......................... 103
Fabric Care ............................ 574
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 293
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 553
Air Conditioning .................. 413,558
Engine Oil ....................... 552,590
Engine Oil Disposal ................... 552
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 204
Flashers Hazard Warning ..................... 513
Turn Signal ................ 103,286,587,588
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ...................... 489
Engine Oil ......................... 489
Fuel Requirements ................. 486,488
Maintenance ........................ 490
10
INDEX 625
ProCarManuals.com