2005 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN coolant temperature

13. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for 5 to 8 seconds as a bulb check.
During the bulb check, if the driver ’ s seat belt is
unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb check or
when driving, if the driver seat belt remains unbuckled,
the Seat Belt Warning Light will flash or remain on
continuously. Refer to  Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Re-
minder System (BeltAlert ™ )  in the Occupant Restraints
section for more information.
14. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. If the engine is critically hot, a continuous
chime will sound for 4 minutes. After the chime
turns off, the engine will still be critically hot until the
light turns off. 15. Vehicle Theft Alarm Light — If Equipped
This light will flash for approximately 15 sec-
onds when the vehicle theft alarm is arming.
16. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.200 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads (H),
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “ H ” , and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call for service. WARNING!A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure
Cap paragraph.
17. Washer Fluid Light
This light turns on when the washer fluid level
falls below approximately 1/4 filled. The light will
remain on until fluid is added.
18. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transaxle gear
selection. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 201
4

Rear Mode Control
The Rear Mode Control, located in
the headliner near the center of
the vehicle can be used to select
between Auto, Headliner, Bi-
Level and Floor modes.
Auto Mode
The rear system automatically maintains the correct
mode and comfort level desired by the rear seat occu-
pants.
Floor Mode
Air comes from the floor outlets. Bi-Level Mode
Air comes from both the headliner outlets and the
floor outlets.
NOTE: In many temperature positions, the bi-level
mode is designed to provide cooler air out of the head-
liner outlets and warmer air from the floor outlets.
Headliner Mode
Air comes from the outlets in the headliner. Each of
these outlets can be individually adjusted to direct
the flow of air. Moving the air vane knob on the outlets to
one side will shut off the air flow.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A 50% solution of ethylene282 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Cooling System
Inspection
WARNING!• When working near the radiator cooling fan, turn
the ignition key to the OFF position. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at any time
when the ignition key is in the ON position.
• You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don ’ t open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator is hot. Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant. Check the front of the A/C condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the coolant pressure cap for proper
vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of coolant
from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing prop-
erly, the coolant will begin to drain from the coolant394 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Coolant
When adding coolant, or refilling the system, a minimum
solution of 50% recommended HOAT ethylene glycol
engine coolant (antifreeze) and distilled water should be
used. Use higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if
temperatures below
34 ° F(
37 ° C) are anticipated.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/engine coolant solution.
The use of lower quality water will reduce the amount of
corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner ’ s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE: Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant
changes. Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to insure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.396 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!• The warning words “ DO NOT OPEN HOT ” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure
to build up in the cooling system. To prevent
scalding or injury, do not remove the pressure cap
while the system is hot or under pressure.
• Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or
engine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children do not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant recovery bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is ad-
equate. With the engine cold, the level of the coolant in
the coolant recovery bottle should be between the
“ MAX ” and “ MIN ” marks. The radiator normally re-
mains completely full, so there is no need to remove the
radiator cap except for checking coolant freeze point or
replacement with new antifreeze coolant. Your service
attendant should be advised of this. So long as the engine
operating temperature is satisfactory, the coolant recov-
ery bottle need only be checked once a month. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 397
7

Adding Fuel ........................... 334
Adding Washer Fluid .................. 286,392
Additives, Fuel ......................... 332
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 146
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 388
Air Conditioning ..................... 262,267
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 262
Air Conditioning Filter ................. 284,389
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 284
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone ............. 270,279
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ............... 388
Air Conditioning System .......... 262,267,272,388
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control ........ 263
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 317
Airbag ................................ 53
Airbag Deployment ....................... 65
Airbag Light ................... 57,58,68,84,199
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 67
Airbag, Window ......................... 54 Alarm Light ........................... 200
Alarm System ........................... 27
Alignment and Balance ................... 324
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 257
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........... 395,396,421
Disposal ............................ 397
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 303
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 199
Anti-Theft Security Alarm .................. 27
Appearance Care ........................ 406
Arming Theft System ...................... 27
Ashtray ............................... 171
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 40
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 92
Automatic Door Locks ................... 19,20
Automatic Headlights .................... 136
Automatic Temperature Control ............. 272
Automatic Transaxle ...................... 297458 INDEX

Fuel System Caution ..................... 332
Fueling ............................... 334
Fuses ................................ 412
Garage Door Opener ..................... 159
GasCap .............................. 334
Gasoline .............................. 330
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 331
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 331
Gauges
Coolant Temperature .................... 200
Fuel ................................ 196
Speedometer ......................... 197
Tachometer .......................... 199
Gearshift .............................. 299
General Information .................. 16,25,327
Glass Cleaning .......................... 409
Grocery Bag Retainer ..................... 127
Gross Axle Weight Rating .................. 336 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ................ 336
Hands-Free Phone ........................ 96
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 344
Head Phones ........................... 252
Head Restraints ......................... 109
Headlights ............................ 135
Bulb Replacement ...................... 416
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ........ 139
Lights On Reminder .................... 137
Replacing ............................ 416
Time Delay .......................... 138
Heated Seats ........................... 110
Heater ............................... 262
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 296
Homelink Transmitter .................... 159
Hood Release .......................... 132
Hoses ............................. 399,402464 INDEX