2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN check oil

Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
NOTE:Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depend-
ing on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor
performance of blades may be present with chattering,
marks, water lines or wet spots. If any of these conditions
are present, clean the wiper blades or replace as neces-
sary.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer is shared. It is located in the engine
compartment and should be checked at regular intervals.
Fill the reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not
radiator antifreeze) and operate the system for a few
seconds to flush out any residual water.
The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid
when the Low Washer Fluid Light illuminates.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
After the engine has warmed, operate the defroster for a
few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or
freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. MOPAR All
Weather Windshield Washer Solution or equivalent, used
with water as directed on the container, aids cleaning
action, reduces the freezing point to avoid line clogging,
and is not harmful to paint or trim.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 561

WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transmission and the fluid.
The six–speed transmission is equipped with a capped
dipstick tube. It is sealed and should not be tampered
with. Your authorized dealer has the necessary tools to
ensure that the fluid level is set properly.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 569

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 8,000 miles (13 000 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 a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
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.8
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 595

Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and the power steering 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.
•Open the left and right door (slowly) and inspect for
excessive dirt. If noise exist wipe clean and apply
krytox lube to the door rollers.
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.8
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S596 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Caps, FillerFuel .............................. 490
Oil (Engine) ........................ 552
Power Steering ...................... 438
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 565
Car Washes ............................ 572
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..............100,486
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 260
Cargo Compartment Luggage Carrier ..................... 271
Caution, Exhaust Gas ...................... 51
Cellular Phone ....................... 125,392
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 588
Chains, Tire ............................ 470
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 514
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 453
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............291,547
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 99Checks, Safety
........................... 99
Child Restraint ...................... 85,86,87
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 90
Child Safety Locks ........................ 46
Child Seat .............................. 89
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 482
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 573
Climate Control ......................... 393
Clock ............................. 323,332
Coat Hook ............................ 260
Coin Holder ........................... 261
Cold Weather Operation ................... 420
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 392
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 465
Compass .............................. 313
Compass Calibration ..................... 314
Compass Variance ....................... 314
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 311
622 INDEX

DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 565
Engine Oil ......................... 552
Door Locks ............................. 32
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 35
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 231
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 434
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 435
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 310
E-85 Fuel ............................. 486
Economy (Fuel) Mode .................... 425
Electric Remote Mirrors ................... 114
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 244
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 443
Brake Assist System ................... 444
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 212Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
............. 445
Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) ....................... 224,300
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 513
Jacking ......................... 514,523
Jump Starting ....................... 532
Overheating ........................ 513
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 547
Engine Air Cleaner ......................... 553
Block Heater ........................ 422
Break-In Recommendations .............. 98
Checking Oil Level ................... 550
Compartment ....................... 545
Compartment Identification ............. 545
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................. 590
Cooling ........................... 562
Exhaust Gas Caution .............51,100,486
624 INDEX

LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren)....... 90
Latches ............................... 103
Hood ............................. 196
Lead Free Gasoline ...................... 482
Leaks, Fluid ........................... 103
Life of Tires ............................ 468
Liftgate ................................ 48
Light Bulbs ............................ 103
Lights ............................. 103,198
Airbag ..................... 77,83,101,293
Alarm ............................ 294
Anti-Lock .......................... 289
Automatic Headlights ................. 199
Back-Up ........................... 588
Battery Saver ....................... 204
Brake Assist Warning .................. 448
Brake Warning ...................... 294
Bulb Replacement ................. 585,586Center Mounted Stop
.................. 588
Daytime Running .................... 200
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .............. 201
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . 448
Engine Temperature Warning ............ 298
Exterior ........................... 103
Fog ......................... 200,286,587
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 513
Headlights ......................... 586
Headlights On Reminder ............... 200
High Beam Indicator .................. 286
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............ 204
Illuminated Entry ..................... 19
Interior ............................ 201
License ............................ 589
Lights On Reminder .................. 200
Low Fuel ....................... 297,306
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...... 291
Oil Pressure ........................ 297
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INDEX 629

Memory Seat........................ 1 15,192
Methanol ............................. 483
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 311
Mirrors ............................... 112
Automatic Dimming .................. 112
Electric Remote ...................... 114
Exterior Folding ..................... 114
Heated ............................ 115
Memory ........................... 192
Outside ........................... 113
Rearview .......................... 112
Vanity ............................ 116
Mode Fuel Saver ......................... 310
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 473
Mopar Parts ......................... 549,614
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 483
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 203Navigation System (Uconnect™ gps)
.......... 224
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 98
Occupant Restraints ................... 52,76,81
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) .............74,76,79
Odometer ............................. 286
Oil Change Indicator ................ 288,289,309
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ...........288,289,309
Oil, Engine ......................... 550,590
Capacity ........................... 589
Change Interval ..................... 551
Checking .......................... 550
Disposal ........................... 552
Filter .......................... 552,590
Filter Disposal ....................... 552
Identification Logo ................... 551
Materials Added to ................... 552
Recommendation .................. 551,589
Synthetic .......................... 552
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INDEX 631