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Chrysler Town, Dodge Caravan. Manual - part 5

FUEL REQUIREMENTS

The vehicle will operate on both unleaded gasoline

with an octane rating of 87, or E-85 fuel, or any mix-
ture of these two.

For best results, a refueling pattern that alternates

between E-85 and unleaded gasoline should be
avoided. When you do switch fuels, it is recom-
mended that

• you do not switch when the fuel gauge indicates

less than 1/4 full

• you do not add less than 5 gallons when refuel-

ing

• you operate the vehicle immediately after refuel-

ing for a period of at least 5 minutes

Observing these precautions will avoid possible

hard starting and/or significant deterioration in
driveability during warm up.

FFV STARTING

The characteristics of E-85 fuel make it unsuitable

for use when ambient temperatures fall below 0°F. In
the range of 0°F to 32°F, you may experience an
increase in the time it takes for your engine to start,
and a deterioration in driveability (sags and/or hesi-
tations) until the engine is fully warmed up.

Engine Operating on E-85 Fuel

If vehicle operates on E-85 fuel either full or part-

time, use only Mopar

t Flexible Fuel 5W-30 engine oil

or an equivalent that meets DaimlerChrysler Stan-
dard MS-9214. Equivalent commercial Flexible Fuel
engine oils may be labeled as Multi-Fuel, Variable
Fuel, Flexible Fuel, etc. These engine oils may be
satisfactory if they meet the DaimlerChrysler Stan-
dard.

SAE 5W-30 engine oil is preferred for use in Flex-

ible Fuel engines.

CAUTION: If Flexible Fuel engine oil is not used
when using E-85 fuel, engine wear or damage may
result.

CRUISING RANGE

Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gallon

than gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuel
consumption. You can expect your MPG and your
driving range to decrease by about 30% compared to
gasoline operation.

DESCRIPTION - TRANSMISSION FLUID

NOTE: Refer to the maintenance schedules for the
recommended

maintenance

(fluid/filter

change)

intervals for these transaxles.

NOTE: All transaxles have a common transmission
and differential sump. Filling the transaxle accom-
modates the differential as well.

TRANSMISSION FLUID

Mopar

t ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) is

required in the 41TE automatic and T850 manual
transaxles. Substitute fluids can induce transmission
problems and/or failure.

Mopar

t ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid)

when new is red in color. The ATF is dyed red so it
can be identified from other fluids used in the vehicle
such as engine oil or antifreeze. The red color is not
permanent and is not an indicator of fluid condition.
As the vehicle is driven, the ATF will begin to look
darker in color and may eventually become brown.
This is normal. ATF+4 also has a unique odor that
may change with age. Consequently, odor and color
cannot be used to indicate the fluid condition
or the need for a fluid change.

FLUID ADDITIVES

DaimlerChrysler strongly recommends against the

addition of any fluids to the transmission, other than
those automatic transmission fluids listed above.
Exceptions to this policy are the use of special dyes
to aid in detecting fluid leaks.

Various “special” additives and supplements exist

that claim to improve shift feel and/or quality. These
additives and others also claim to improve converter
clutch operation and inhibit overheating, oxidation,
varnish, and sludge. These claims have not been sup-
ported to the satisfaction of DaimlerChrysler and
these additives must not be used. The use of trans-
mission “sealers” should also be avoided, since they
may adversely affect the integrity of transmission
seals.

DESCRIPTION - FUEL REQUIREMENTS

Your engine is designed to meet all emissions reg-

ulations and provide excellent fuel economy and per-
formance when using high quality unleaded gasoline
having an octane rating of 87. The use of premium
gasoline is not recommended. The use of premium
gasoline will provide no benefit over high quality reg-
ular gasoline, and in some circumstances may result
in poorer performance.

Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not

harmful to your engine. However, continued heavy
spark knock at high speeds can cause damage and
immediate service is required. Engine damage result-
ing from operation with a heavy spark knock may
not be covered by the new vehicle warranty.

Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as

hard starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experi-

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LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE

FLUID TYPES (Continued)

ence these symptoms, try another brand of gasoline
before considering service for the vehicle.

Over 40 auto manufacturers world-wide have

issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifications
(the Worldwide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to define fuel
properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions,
performance and durability for your vehicle. We rec-
ommend the use of gasolines that meet the WWFC
specifications if they are available.

REFORMULATED GASOLINE

Many areas of the country require the use of

cleaner burning gasoline referred to as “reformulat-
ed” gasoline. Reformulated gasoline contain oxygen-
ates, and are specifically blended to reduce vehicle
emissions and improve air quality.

We strongly support the use of reformulated gaso-

line. Properly blended reformulated gasoline will pro-
vide excellent performance and durability for the
engine and fuel system components.

GASOLINE/OXYGENATE BLENDS

Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with

oxygenates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE, and ETBE.
Oxygenates are required in some areas of the country
during the winter months to reduce carbon monoxide
emissions. Fuels blended with these oxygenates may
be used in your vehicle.

CAUTION: DO NOT use gasoline containing METH-
ANOL. Gasoline containing methanol may damage
critical fuel system components.

MMT IN GASOLINE

MMT is a manganese-containing metallic additive

that is blended into some gasoline to increase octane.
Gasoline blended with MMT provide no performance
advantage beyond gasoline of the same octane num-
ber without MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT
reduce spark plug life and reduce emission system
performance in some vehicles. We recommend that
gasoline free of MMT be used in your vehicle. The
MMT content of gasoline may not be indicated on the
gasoline pump; therefore, you should ask your gaso-
line retailer whether or not his/her gasoline contains
MMT.

It is even more important to look for gasoline with-

out MMT in Canada because MMT can be used at
levels higher than allowed in the United States.
MMT is prohibited in Federal and California refor-
mulated gasoline.

SULFUR IN GASOLINE

If you live in the northeast United States, your

vehicle may have been designed to meet California
low emission standards with Cleaner-Burning Cali-

fornia reformulated gasoline with low sulfur. If such
fuels are not available in states adopting California
emission standards, your vehicles will operate satis-
factorily on fuels meeting federal specifications, but
emission

control

system

performance

may

adversely affected. Gasoline sold outside of California
is permitted to have higher sulfur levels which may
affect the performance of the vehicle’s catalytic con-
verter. This may cause the Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (MIL), Check Engine or Service Engine Soon
light to illuminate. We recommend that you try a dif-
ferent brand of unleaded gasoline having lower sulfur
to determine if the problem is fuel related prior to
returning your vehicle to an authorized dealer for
service.

CAUTION: If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL),
Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light is flash-
ing, immediate service is required; see on-board
diagnostics system section.

MATERIALS ADDED TO FUEL

All gasoline sold in the United States and Canada

are required to contain effective detergent additives.
Use of additional detergents or other additives is not
needed under normal conditions.

FUEL SYSTEM CAUTIONS

CAUTION: Follow these guidelines to maintain your
vehicle’s performance:

• The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal

law. Using leaded gasoline can impair engine perfor-
mance, damage the emission control system, and
could result in loss of warranty coverage.

• An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition

malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.

• When pulling a heavy load or driving a fully

loaded vehicle when the humidity is low and the tem-
perature is high, use a premium unleaded fuel to
help prevent spark knock. If spark knock persists,
lighten the load, or engine piston damage may result.

• The use of fuel additives which are now being

sold as octane enhancers is not recommended. Most
of these products contain high concentrations of
methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle perfor-
mance problems resulting from the use of such fuels
or

additives

not

the

responsibility

DaimlerChrysler Corporation and may not be covered
under the new vehicle warranty.

LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE

0 - 5

FLUID TYPES (Continued)

NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.

DESCRIPTION - FUEL REQUIREMENTS -
DIESEL ENGINE

WARNING: DO NOT USE ALCOHOL OR GASOLINE
AS A FUEL BLENDING AGENT. THEY CAN BE
UNSTABLE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND
HAZARDOUS OR EXPLOSIVE WHEN MIXED WITH
DIESEL FUEL.

Use good quality diesel fuel from a reputable sup-

plier. For most year-round service, number 2 diesel
fuel meeting DIN EN 590 (Class 0 - 4) will provide
good performance. If the vehicle is exposed to
extreme cold (below -18°C/0°F) or is required to oper-
ate at colder than normal conditions for prolonged
periods, use climatize No. 2 diesel fuel or dilute the
No. 2 diesel fuel with 50% No. 1 diesel fuel as long as
it meets ASTM D 975: 1D and 2D and the quality of
lubrication behavior is in accordance with DIN EN
590. This will provide better protection from fuel gel-
ling or wax plugging of the fuel filters.

Diesel fuel is seldom completely free of water. To

prevent fuel system trouble, including fuel line freez-
ing in winter, drain the accumulated water from the
fuel/water separator using the fuel/water separator
drain provided. If you buy good quality fuel and fol-
low the cold weather advice above, fuel conditioners
should not be required in your vehicle. If available in
your area, a high cetane “premium” diesel fuel may
offer improved cold starting and warm up perfor-
mance.

DESCRIPTION - ENGINE OIL - DIESEL
ENGINES

Use only Diesel Engine Oil meeting standard MIL-

2104C or API Classification CD or higher or CCML
D4, D5.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADE

CAUTION: Low viscosity oils must have the proper
API quality or the CCMC G5 designation.

To assure of properly formulated engine oils, it is

recommended that SAE Grade 10W-40 engine oils
that meet Chrysler material standard MS-6395, be
used in accordance to ACEA B3, B4 specification.
European Grade 10W-40 oils are also acceptable.

Oils of the SAE 5W-40 grade number are preferred

when minimum temperatures consistently fall below
-15°C.

FLUID CAPACITIES

SPECIFICATIONS - FLUID CAPACITIES

DESCRIPTION

SPECIFICATION

Fuel Tank (Gas)

75 L (20 gal.)

Fuel Tank (Diesel)

75 L (20 gal.)

Engine Oil* - 2.4 L

4.7 L (5.0 qts.)

Engine Oil* - 3.3/3.8 L

4.0 L (4.5 qts.)

Engine Oil* - 2.5 L

(Diesel)

6.0 L (6.3 qts.)

Cooling System** - 2.4 L

10.7 L (11.4 qts.)

Cooling System** - 2.5 L

Turbo Diesel with

Auxiliary Heater

13.8 L (14.6 qts.)

Cooling System** -

3.3/3.8 L without Auxiliary

Heater

12.6 L (13.4 qts.)

Cooling System** -

3.3/3.8 L with Auxiliary

Heater

15.4 L (16.3 qts.)

Automatic Transaxle -

Service Fill

3.8 L (4.0 qts.)

Automatic Transaxle -

41TE Overhaul Fill

9.2 L (9.7 qts.)

Manual Transaxle (T850

5-Speed)

2.4-2.7 L (2.5-2.9 qts.)

AWD Power Transfer Unit

1.15 L (2.4 pts.)

Power Steering

1.2 L (2.5 pts.)

AWD Bi-directional

Overrunning Clutch

0.575 L (1.22 pts.)

AWD Rear Carrier

0.7 L (1.48 pts.)

* (includes oil filter)

** (includes heater and recovery/reserve bottle)

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LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE

FLUID TYPES (Continued)

FLUID FILL/CHECK
LOCATIONS

DESCRIPTION

The fluid check/fill point locations are located in

each applicable service manual section.

LUBRICATION POINTS

DESCRIPTION

Lubrication point locations are located in each

applicable Sections.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

DESCRIPTION

Maintenance Schedule Information not included in

this section, is located in the appropriate Owner’s
Manual.

First is Schedule “B”. It is for vehicles that are

operated under the conditions that are listed below
and at the beginning of the schedule.

• Day or night temperatures are below 0° C (32°

F).

• Stop and go driving.

• Extensive engine idling.

• Driving in dusty conditions.

• Short trips of less than 16 km (10 miles).

• More than 50% of your driving is at sustained

high speeds during hot weather, above 32° C (90°
F).

• Trailer towing.L

• Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-

vice).

• Off-road or desert operation.

• If equipped for and operating with E-85

(ethanol) fuel.

NOTE: Most vehicles are operated under the condi-
tions listed for Schedule

(

Second is Schedule “A”. It is for vehicles that are

not operated under any of the conditions listed under
Schedule

9B9.

Use the schedule that best describes your driving

conditions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow
the interval that occurs first.

CAUTION: Failure to perform the required mainte-
nance items may result in damage to the vehicle.

At Each Stop for Fuel

• Check the engine oil level about 5 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 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.

• Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake

master cylinder, power steering and transmission
and add as needed.

• Check all lights and all other electrical items for

correct operation.

At Each Oil Change

• Change the engine oil filter.

• Inspect the exhaust system.

• Inspect the brake hoses.

• Inspect the CV joints and front suspension com-

ponents.

• Check the automatic transmission fluid level.

• Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.

• Rotate the tires at each oil change interval

shown on Schedule “A” 10 000 km (6,000 miles) or
every other interval shown on Schedule “B” 10 000
km (6,000 miles).

SCHEDULE “B”

Follow schedule “B” if you usually operate your

vehicle under one or more of the following conditions.
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter
every 77 000 km (48,000 miles) if the vehicle is usu-
ally operated under one or more of the conditions
marked with an

• Day or night temperatures are below 0° C (32° F).

• Stop and go driving.

• Extensive engine idling.

• Driving in dusty conditions.

• Short trips of less than 16 km (10 miles).

• More than 50% of your driving is at sustained

high

speeds

during

hot

weather,

above

32°

(90° F).

• Trailer towing.L

• Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-

vice).

• Off-road or desert operation.

• If equipped for and operating with E-85

(ethanol) fuel.

LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE

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