Chrysler 2009 Grand Caravan User manual

2009 GENERAL INFORMATION
Vehicle Quick Reference - Grand Caravan, Town & Country
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED FLUIDS
DESCRIPTION
LUBRICANT RECOMMENDATIONS
CHASSIS
BODY
FLUID TYPES
When service is required, Chrysler recommends that only Mopar® brand parts, lubricants and chemicals be
used. Mopar® provides the best engineered products for servicing Chrysler vehicles.
Only lubricants bearing designations defined by the following organization should be used to service a Chrysler
vehicle:
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
American Petroleum Institute (API)
National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI)
European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA)
API QUALITY CLASSIFICATION
COMPONENT FLUID, LUBRICANT, OR GENUINE PART
Steering Gear AND Linkage, Ball Joints, Prop
Shafts AND Yokes, Wheel Bearings Mopar® Multi-Purpose Lubricant NLGI Grade 2 EP, GC-LB
COMPONENT FLUID, LUBRICANT, AND GENUINE PART
Door AND Hood Mopar® Engine Oil
Swing Gate Mopar® Multi-Purpose Lube NLGI Grade 2 EP,
GC-LB
Latches: Door, Hood/Safety Catch, Swing Gate Mopar® Multi-Purpose Lube NLGI Grade 2 EP,
GC-LB
Seat Regulator AND Track Mopar® Multi-Purpose Lube NLGI Grade 2 EP,
GC-LB
Lock Cylinders Mopar® Lock Cylinder Lube
2009 Chrysler Town & Country LX
2009 GENERAL INFORMATION Vehicle Quick Reference - Grand Caravan, Town & Country
2009 Chrysler Town & Country LX
2009 GENERAL INFORMATION Vehicle Quick Reference - Grand Caravan, Town & Country
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Fig. 1: American Petroleum Institute Symbol
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
This symbol on the front of an oil container means that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum
Institute (API) to meet all the lubrication requirements specified by Chrysler.
ENGINE OIL
When service is required, Chrysler recommends that only Mopar® brand parts, lubricants and chemicals be
used. Mopar® provides the best engineered products for servicing Chrysler vehicles.
Only lubricants bearing designations defined by the following organization should be used.
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
American Petroleum Institute (API)
National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI)
Association des Constructeurs Europeens d' Automobiles (European Automobile Manufacturers
Association) (ACEA)
API CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE SYMBOL
WARNING: New or used engine oil can be irritating to the skin. Avoid prolonged or
repeated skin contact with engine oil. Contaminants in used engine oil,
caused by internal combustion, can be hazardous to your health.
Thoroughly wash exposed skin with soap and water. Do not wash skin
with gasoline, diesel fuel, thinner, or solvents, health problems can result.
Do not pollute, dispose of used engine oil properly. Contact your dealer
or government agency for location of collection center in your area.
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Fig. 2: Identifying API Certification Mark
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
Use an engine oil that is API Certified and Licensed to display the certification mark. MOPAR® provides
engine oils that meet or exceed, Material Standard MS-6395 requirement.
SAE VISCOSITY
Fig. 3: Identifying Oil Filler Cap
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
Engine oils are designed to improve low temperature starting and vehicle fuel economy. Refer to the
engine oil filler cap for the preferred engine oil viscosity grade for each vehicle . SAE viscosity grades are
used to specify the correct viscosity oil for an engine. Use only Multi-Viscosity oils. These are specified with a
dual SAE viscosity grade which indicates the cold (5W) to hot (20, 30) temperature performance range of the
oil.
ACEA CATEGORIES
For countries that use the ACEA European Oil Categories for service fill oils, use engine oils that meet the
requirements of ACEA A1/B1, A2/B2, or A3/B3.
CONTAINER IDENTIFICATION
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Fig. 4: Identifying API Certification Mark
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
The Engine Oil Certification Mark was developed and trademarked by the API to refer customers to those
engine oils preferred by the automobile manufacturers. This symbol means that the oil has been certified and
licensed by the American Petroleum Institute (API). This certification mark will only be found on the front of
the oil containers . Those oils that do not display the "Mark" on the front of the container should not be used.
Chrysler only recommends API Certified engine oils that meet the requirements of Material Standard MS-6395.
Use Mopar or an equivalent oil meeting the specification MS-6395.
SYNTHETIC ENGINE OILS
There are a number of engine oils being promoted as either synthetic or semi-synthetic. If you chose to use such
a product, use only those oils that are certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API) to display the
"Certification Mark" and show SAE viscosity grade recommended for each vehicle. Follow the service schedule
that describes your driving type.
ENGINE OIL ADDITIVES/SUPPLEMENTS
The manufacturer does not recommend the addition of any engine oil additives/supplements to the specified
engine oil. Engine oil additives/supplements should not be used to enhance engine oil performance. Engine oil
additives/supplements should not be used to extend engine oil change intervals. No additive is known to be safe
for engine durability and can degrade emission components. Additives can contain undesirable materials that
harm the long term durability of engines and emission systems by:
Increasing the level of Phosphorus and Sulfur in the engine oil. The API Certified Engine Oils control the
Phosphorus and Sulfur contents of the oil to levels that reduce the contamination effect on the vehicles
emission control system.
Altering the viscosity characteristics of the engine oil so that it no longer meets the requirements of the
specified viscosity grade.
Creating potential for an undesirable additive compatibility interaction in the engine crankcase. The
engine oils contain a performance additive system carefully developed to optimize the oils performance in
the engine. The addition of supplements may cause the oil to thicken prematurely, cause excessive
deposit build-up and potentially shorten engine life.
ENGINE COOLANT
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The cooling system is designed around the coolant. The coolant must accept heat from engine metal, in the
cylinder head area near the exhaust valves and engine block. Then coolant carries the heat to the radiator where
the tube/fin radiator can transfer the heat to the air.
The use of aluminum cylinder blocks, cylinder heads, and water pumps requires special corrosion protection.
Mopar® Antifreeze/Coolant, 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula (MS-9769), or the equivalent ethylene glycol based
coolant with hybrid organic corrosion inhibitors (called HOAT, for Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) is
recommended. This coolant offers the best engine cooling without corrosion when mixed with 50% Ethylene
Glycol and 50% distilled water to obtain a freeze point of -37.°C (-35.°F). If it loses color or becomes
contaminated, drain, flush, and replace with fresh properly mixed coolant solution.
The green coolant MUST NOT BE MIXED with the orange or magenta coolants. When replacing coolant the
complete system flush must be performed before using the replacement coolant.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Your engine is designed to meet all emissions regulations and provide excellent fuel economy and performance
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 regular 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 resulting from operation
with a heav
y
spark knock ma
y
not be covered b
y
the new vehicle warrant
y
.
WARNING: Antifreeze is an ethylene glycol based coolant and is harmful if swallowed
or inhaled. If swallowed, drink two glasses of water and induce vomiting.
If inhaled, move to fresh air area. Seek medical attention immediately. Do
not store in open or unmarked containers. Wash skin and clothing
thoroughly after coming in contact with ethylene glycol. Keep out of reach
of children. Dispose of glycol based coolant properly, contact your
government agency for location of collection center in your area. Do not
open a cooling system when the engine is at operating temperature or hot
under pressure, personal injury can result. Avoid radiator cooling fan
when engine compartment related service is performed, personal injury
can result.
CAUTION: Use of Propylene Glycol based coolants is not recommended, as they
provide less freeze protection and less boiling protection.
CAUTION: Mopar.® Antifreeze/Coolant, 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula (MS-9769) may
not be mixed with any other type of antifreeze. Doing so will reduce the
corrosion protection and may result in premature water pump seal failure.
If non-HOAT coolant is introduced into the cooling system in an
emergency, it should be replaced with the specified coolant as soon as
possible.
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Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experience 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,
p
erformance and durability for your vehicle. Chrysler recommends 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 "reformulated" gasoline.
Reformulated gasoline contain oxygenates, and are specifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and
improve air quality.
Chrysler strongly supports the use of reformulated gasoline. Properly blended reformulated gasoline will
p
rovide 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.
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 number
without MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduce spark plug life and reduce emission system performance in
some vehicles. Chrysler recommends 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 gasoline retailer whether or
not his/her 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 allowed in the United States. MMT is prohibited in Federal and California reformulated 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 California reformulated gasoline with low sulfur. If such fuels are not available
in states adopting California emission standards, your vehicles will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission control system performance may be adversely affected. Gasoline sold
outside of California is permitted to have higher sulfur levels which may affect the performance of the vehicle's
catalytic converter. This may cause the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), Check Engine or Service Engine
Soon light to illuminate. Chrysler recommends that you try a different brand of unleaded gasoline having lower
CAUTION: DO NOT use gasoline containing METHANOL. Gasoline containing
methanol may damage critical fuel system components.
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sulfur to determine if the problem is fuel related prior to returning your vehicle to an authorized dealer for
service.
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
The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law. Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
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.
When pulling a heavy load or driving a fully loaded vehicle when the humidity is low and the temperature
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 performance
problems resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not the responsibility of Chrysler Corporation
and may not be covered under the new vehicle warranty.
AUTOMATIC/MANUAL TRANSAXLE FLUID
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Mopar® ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) is required in the automatic Substitute fluids can induce
transmission problems and/or failure.
CAUTION: If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), Check Engine or Service Engine
Soon light is flashing, immediate service is required; see appropriate
Diagnostic Information .
CAUTION: Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle's performance:
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control systems can result in civil
penalties being assessed against you.
NOTE: Refer to 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 accommodates the differential as well.
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Mopa
r
® 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
Chrysler 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 supported to the satisfaction of Chrysler and these additives
must not be used. The use of transmission "sealers" should also be avoided, since they may adversely affect the
integrity of transmission seals.
BRAKE FLUID
The brake fluid used in this vehicle must conform to DOT 3 specifications and SAE J1703 standards. No other
type of brake fluid is recommended or approved for usage in the vehicle brake system. Use only Mopar® Brake
Fluid or equivalent from a tightly sealed container.
BRAKE FLUID - EXPORT
The brake fluid used in this vehicle must conform to DOT 3 specifications and SAE J1703 standards. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, brake fluid conforming to DOT 4 specifications may be used in its place. The fluids
are compatible, but DOT 4 usage may require additional fluid maintenance. No other type of brake fluid is
recommended or approved for usage in the vehicle brake system. Use only Mopar® Brake Fluid or equivalent
from a tightly sealed container.
CAUTION: Never use reclaimed brake fluid or fluid from a container which has been
left open. An open container of brake fluid will absorb moisture from the
air and contaminate the fluid.
CAUTION: Never use any type of a petroleum-based fluid in the brake hydraulic
system. Use of such type fluids will result in seal damage of the vehicle
brake hydraulic system causing a failure of the vehicle brake system.
Petroleum based fluids would be items such as engine oil, transmission
fluid, power steering fluid, etc.
CAUTION: Never use reclaimed brake fluid or fluid from an container which has been
left open. An open container of brake fluid will absorb moisture from the
air and contaminate the fluid.
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POWER STEERING FLUID
The recommended fluid for the power steering system is Mopar® Power Steering fluid + 4 or Mopar® ATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid. Both Fluids have the same material standard specifications (MS-9602).
Mopar® ATF+4 (and Mopar® Power Steering fluid + 4), when new, is red in color. ATF+4 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
p
ermanent and is not an indicator of fluid condition. As the vehicle is driven, ATF+4 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.
The power steering system is filled-for-life at the factory and requires no regular maintenance. Although not
required at specific intervals, the fluid level may be checked periodically. Check the fluid level anytime there is
a system noise or fluid leak suspected. Refer to Steering/Pump/FLUID - Standard Procedure .
A/C REFRIGERANT
The refrigerant used in this air conditioning system is a HydroFluoroCarbon (HFC), type R-134a. Unlike R-12,
which is a ChloroFluoroCarbon (CFC), R-134a refrigerant does not contain ozone-depleting chlorine. R-134a
refrigerant is a non-toxic, non-flammable, clear and colorless liquefied gas.
The A/C refrigerant system is filled-for-life at the factory and requires no regular maintenance. Although not
required at specific intervals, the charge level should be checked if system performance deteriorates or if a noise
or leak is suspected. Refer to Heating and Air Conditioning/Plumbing - Diagnosis and Testing .
SPECIFICATIONS
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
ENGINE
CAUTION: Never use any type of a petroleum-based fluid in the brake hydraulic
system. Use of such type fluids will result in seal damage of the vehicle
brake hydraulic system causing a failure of the vehicle brake system.
Petroleum based fluids would be items such as engine oil, transmission
fluid, power steering fluid, etc.
CAUTION: R-134a refrigerant is not compatible with R-12 refrigerant in an A/C
system. Even a small amount of R-12 refrigerant added to an R-134a
refrigerant system will cause A/C compressor failure.
Description Type Part Number Capacities
U.S. Metric
Cooling System
MOPAR®
Antifreeze/Coolant 5
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<-- Engine Coolant
(3.8L and 4.0L
Engines)
Year/100,000 Mile
Formula HOAT
(Hybrid Organic
Additive Technology)
1 Gallon -
05066386AA 16.3 Quarts 15.2 Liters
<-- Engine Coolant
(3.3L Engine)
MOPAR®
Antifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile
Formula HOAT
(Hybrid Organic
Additive Technology)
1 Gallon -
05066386AA 13.4 Quarts 12.6 Liters
<-- Engine Coolant
(2.8L Engine)
MOPAR®
Antifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile
Formula HOAT
(Hybrid Organic
Additive Technology)
1 Gallon -
05066386AA 17.3 Quarts 16.6 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
<--<--/<--<--<--
Engine Oil (3.3L
and 3.8L Engine)
Domestic and
Export Non ACEA
MOPAR® API
Certified SAE 5W-20
engine oil, meeting the
requirements of
Chrysler Material
Standard MS-6395.
1 Quart -
04761872AC 5 Quarts 4.7 Liters
5 Quarts -
04761851AD
<--<--<-- Engine
Oil (4.0L Engine)
Domestic and
Export Non ACEA
MOPAR® API
Certified SAE 10W-30
engine oil, meeting the
requirements of
Chrysler Material
Standard MS-6395.
1 Quart -
04761839AC 5.5 Quarts 5.2 Liters
5 Quarts -
04761845AD
<--<--<--<-- Engine
Oil (2.8L Diesel
Engine)
SAE 0W-40 Diesel
Engine Oils
confirming to API
(American Petroleum
Institute) Quality CI-4
or CJ-4. For countries
that use the ACEA
European Oil
Categories for Service
Fill Oils, use engine
oils meeting the
requirements of ACEA
C3 and approved to
MB 229.31 or MB
229.51.
1 Quart -
05127394AA 7 Quarts 6.6 Liters
Engine Oil Filter
(3.3 and 3.8L
MOPAR® Engine Oil
Filter 04105409AC N/A N/A
2009 Chrysler Town & Country LX
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