Dodge Grand Caravan (2019 year). Manual

SCHEDULED SERVICING

Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.

Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that service
is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as
frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will influence
when the “Oil Change Required” message is displayed.
Severe Operating Conditions can cause the change oil
message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).

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 “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.

NOTE:

Under no circumstances should oil change inter-

vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), 12 months or 350
hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350
hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a concern
for fleet customers.

Severe Duty All Models

Change engine oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle is
operated in a dusty and off road environment or is
operated predominately at idle or only very low engine
RPM’s. This type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.

Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level.
• Check windshield washer fluid level.
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or

damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.

• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake

master cylinder, and power steering and fill as needed.

• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

335

Maintenance Plan

Required Maintenance Intervals

Refer to the maintenance schedules on the following page
for the required maintenance intervals.

At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:

• Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns

on.

• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Mileage or time passed

(whichever comes first)

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

80,000

90,000

100,000

10,000

120,000

130,000

140,000

150,000

Or Years:

Or Kilometers:

32,000

48,000

64,000

80,000

96,000

12,000

128,000

144,000

160,000

176,000

192,000

208,000

224,000

240,000

Additional Inspections

Inspect the CV joints.

Inspect front suspension, tie rod
ends, boot seals, and replace if nec-
essary.

Inspect the brake linings, replace as
necessary.

Additional Maintenance

Replace engine air filter.

Replace cabin/air conditioning filter.

Replace spark plugs. (**)

Flush and replace the engine cool-
ant at 10 years or 150,000 miles
(240,000 km) whichever comes first.

Change automatic transmission fluid
and filter if using your vehicle for
any of the following: police, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

337

Mileage or time passed

(whichever comes first)

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

80,000

90,000

100,000

10,000

120,000

130,000

140,000

150,000

Or Years:

Or Kilometers:

32,000

48,000

64,000

80,000

96,000

12,000

128,000

144,000

160,000

176,000

192,000

208,000

224,000

240,000

Change automatic transmission fluid
and filter.

Inspect and replace PCV valve if
necessary.

(**) The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply.

WARNING!

• You can be badly injured working on or around a

motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you
have the knowledge and the right equipment. If you
have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.

• Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle

could result in a component malfunction and effect
vehicle handling and performance. This could cause
an accident.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Checking Oil Level

To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must be
maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut OFF.

Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain the
oil level within the SAFE crosshatch marking on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at the
bottom of the mark will result in reading the top of the
mark on these engines.

CAUTION!

Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration, or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.

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.

Maintenance-Free Battery

Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic mainte-
nance required.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

WARNING!

• Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can

burn or even blind you. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact your eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not lean over
a battery when attaching clamps. If acid splashes in
eyes or on skin, flush the area immediately with
large amounts of water. Refer to “Jump Starting
Procedure” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further
information.

• Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep flame

or sparks away from the battery. Do not use a booster
battery or any other booster source with an output
greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable clamps to
touch each other.

• Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories con-

tain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.

CAUTION!

• It is essential when replacing the cables on the

battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to the
negative post. Battery posts are marked positive (+)
and negative (-) and are identified on the battery
case. Cable clamps should be tight on the terminal
posts and free of corrosion.

• If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in the

vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables before
connecting the charger to the battery. Do not use a
“fast charger” to provide starting voltage.

DEALER SERVICE

An authorized dealer has the qualified service personnel,
special tools, and equipment to perform all service opera-
tions in an expert manner. Service Manuals are available
which include detailed service information for your ve-
hicle. Refer to these Service Manuals before attempting any
procedure yourself.

NOTE:

Intentional tampering with emissions control sys-

tems may void your warranty and could result in civil
penalties being assessed against you.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

341

WARNING!

You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If you
have any doubt about your ability to perform a service
job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.

Engine Oil

Change Engine Oil

The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for further information.

NOTE:

Under no circumstances should oil change inter-

vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), twelve months or 350
hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350
hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a concern
for fleet customers.

Engine Oil Selection

For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only rec-
ommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet the
requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-6395.

American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol

This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American Pe-
troleum Institute (API). The manu-
facturer only recommends API Cer-
tified engine oils.

This symbol certifies 0W-20, 5W-20,
0W-30, 5W-30 and 10W-30 engine
oils.

CAUTION!

Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the
chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 3.6L Engine

Mopar SAE 5W-20 engine oil approved to FCA Material
Standard MS-6395 such as Pennzoil, Shell Helix or equiva-
lent is recommended for all operating temperatures. This
engine oil improves low temperature starting and vehicle
fuel economy.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to the “Engine Compart-
ment” illustration in this section.

NOTE:

Mopar SAE 5W-30 engine oil approved to FCA

Material Standard MS-6395 such as Pennzoil, Shell Helix or
equivalent may be used when SAE 5W-20 engine oil
meeting MS-6395 is not available.

Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certifi-
cation 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.

Synthetic engine oils which do not have both the engine oil
certification mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade
number should not be used.

Materials Added To Engine Oil

The manufacturer strongly recommends against the addi-
tion 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 an 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.

Engine Oil Filter Selection

This manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type dispos-
able oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The
quality of replacement filters varies considerably. Only
high quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. Mopar engine oil filters are high quality oil filters
and are recommended.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

343

Engine Air Cleaner Filter

Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the
proper maintenance intervals.

NOTE:

Be sure to follow the “Severe Duty Conditions”

maintenance interval if applicable.

WARNING!

The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) can
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine
backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc.) unless such removal is necessary
for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is
near the engine compartment before starting the ve-
hicle with the air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) removed. Failure to do so can result in serious
personal injury.

Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection

The quality of replacement engine air cleaner filters varies
considerably. Only high quality filters should be used to
assure most efficient service. Mopar engine air cleaner
filters are a high quality filter and are recommended.

Air Conditioner Maintenance

For best possible performance, your air conditioner should
be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer at the
start of each warm season. This service should include
cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance test.
Drive belt tension should also be checked at this time.

WARNING!

• Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants ap-

proved by the manufacturer for your air conditioning
system. Some unapproved refrigerants are flam-
mable and can explode, injuring you. Other unap-
proved refrigerants or lubricants can cause the sys-
tem to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Warranty Information Book, for further warranty
information.

• The air conditioning system contains refrigerant un-

der high pressure. To avoid risk of personal injury or
damage to the system, adding refrigerant or any
repair requiring lines to be disconnected should be
done by an experienced technician.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

CAUTION!

Do not use chemical flushes in your air conditioning
system as the chemicals can damage your air condition-
ing components. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling R-134a — If
Equipped

R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is an ozone-friendly substance. The
manufacturer recommends that air conditioning service be
performed by an authorized dealer or other service facili-
ties using recovery and recycling equipment.

NOTE:

Use only manufacturer approved A/C system PAG

compressor oil and refrigerants.

A/C Air Filter

Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in the “Scheduled Servic-
ing” chapter for the proper maintenance intervals.

WARNING!

Do not remove the cabin air filter while the vehicle is
running, or while the ignition is in the ACC or ON/
RUN mode. With the cabin air filter removed and the
blower operating, the blower can contact hands and
may propel dirt and debris into your eyes, resulting in
personal injury.

The A/C air filter is located in the fresh air inlet behind the
glove compartment. Perform the following procedure to
replace the filter:

1. Open the glove compartment and remove all contents.

2. Push in on the sides of the glove compartment, remove

tether and lower the door.

3. Pivot the glove compartment downward.

4. Disengage the two retaining tabs that secure the filter

cover to the HVAC housing, and remove the cover.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

345

5. Remove the A/C air filter by pulling it straight out of

the housing.

6. Install the A/C air filter with the arrow on the filter

pointing toward the floor. When installing the filter cover,
make sure the retaining tabs fully engage the cover.

CAUTION!

The cabin air filter is identified with an arrow to
indicate airflow direction through the filter. Failure to
properly install the filter will result in the need to
replace it more often.

7. Rotate the glove compartment door back into position

and reinstall tether.

Accessory Drive Belt Inspection

WARNING!

• Do not attempt to inspect an accessory drive belt

with vehicle running.

• When working near the radiator cooling fan, discon-

nect the fan motor lead. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time regardless of
ignition mode. You could be injured by the moving
fan blades.

• You can be badly injured working on or around a

motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.

A/C Air Filter Replacement

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

When inspecting accessory drive belts, small cracks that
run across ribbed surface of belt from rib to rib, are
considered normal. These are not a reason to replace belt.
However, cracks running along a rib (not across) are not
normal. Any belt with cracks running along a rib must be
replaced. Also have the belt replaced if it has excessive
wear, frayed cords or severe glazing.

Conditions that would require replacement:
• Rib chunking (one or more ribs has separated from belt

body)

• Rib or belt wear

• Longitudinal belt cracking (cracks between two ribs)
• Belt slips
• “Groove jumping⬙ (belt does not maintain correct posi-

tion on pulley)

• Belt broken (note: identify and correct problem before

new belt is installed)

• Noise (objectionable squeal, squeak, or rumble is heard

or felt while drive belt is in operation)

Some conditions can be caused by a faulty component such
as a belt pulley. Belt pulleys should be carefully inspected
for damage and proper alignment.

Belt replacement on some models requires the use of
special tools, we recommend having your vehicle serviced
at an authorized dealer.

Body Lubrication

Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate,
tailgate, decklid, sliding doors and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically with a lithium based grease, such as
Mopar Spray White Lube to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the applica-
tion of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be wiped

Accessory Belt (Serpentine Belt)

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

347

clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating excess oil
and grease should be removed. Particular attention should
also be given to hood latching components to ensure
proper function. When performing other underhood ser-
vices, the hood latch, release mechanism and safety catch
should be cleaned and lubricated.

The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant, such as Mopar Lock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.

Windshield Wiper Blades

Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumulations
of salt or road film.

Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods may
cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use washer
fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt from a
dry windshield.

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 depending

on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor perfor-
mance 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 necessary.

Exhaust System

The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into the
vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.

If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if the exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle;
or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have an authorized technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or
loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep into
the passenger compartment. In addition, have the exhaust
system inspected each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation or oil change. Replace as required.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Dodge Grand Caravan (2019 year). Manual - part 21