2006 DODGE CARAVAN air conditioning

WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer
to Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
•The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under 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 repairman.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter—If Equipped
The A/C Air Filter—if so equipped, is found behind the
filter access door located under the instrument panel on
the passenger side. To replace the filter slide the lock
toward the rear of the vehicle (unlock position). Remove
the access door and pull the filter downward. When
installing a new filter, ensure its proper orientation. Align
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 411
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the black arrow on the bottom of the filter frame with the
direction of airflow (away from the blower motor and
towards the center of the car).
Refer to the“Maintenance Schedules”section of this
manual for the recommended air conditioning filter
replacement intervals.
Power Steering—Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
The front suspension ball joints are permanently sealed.
No regular maintenance is required for these compo-
nents.
412 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles (a
few kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
420 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

air conditioning system at idle for about five minutes
in the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
insure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS—Interior Bulb Number
Center & Rear Dome Light.................. 578
Center & Rear Reading Lights............... 578
Front Door Courtesy Light.................. 578
Front Header Reading Lights—If Equipped..... 578
Instrument Cluster Lights.................PC74
Liftgate Light(s).......................... 578
Overhead Console Reading Lights..........PC579
Removable Console Light—If Equipped....... 194
Visor Vanity Lights....................6501966NOTE:For lighted switches, see your dealer for replace-
ment instructions.
All of the interior bulbs are glass wedge base or glass
cartridge types. Aluminum base bulbs are not approved
and should not be used for replacement.
LIGHT BULBS—Exterior Bulb Number
Back-up, Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, & Sidemarker. . . 3057
Center High-Mounted Stop Light............. 921
Fog Light—If Equipped..................9145
Front Side marker, Park/Turn Signal........3457AK
Headlight.............................9007
Headlight (Long Wheel Base)............... H13
License................................ 168
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437
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Miles 3, 000 6, 000 9, 000 12, 000 15, 000 18, 000
(Kilometers) (5 000 ) (10 000 ) (15 000) (20 000) (25 000) (30 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXXX X
Rotate Tires X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if
necessary. *XXXX X
Replace theengine air cleaner filter.*X
Inspect and adjust the power steering pump
belt tension on 2.4 liter engines.X
Inspect the generator belt on 2.4 liter engines,
replace if necessary.X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X
452 SCHEDULE“B”
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Miles 21, 000 24, 000 27, 000 30, 000 33, 000 36, 000
(Kilometers) (35 000) (40 000) (45 000) (50 000) (55 000) (60 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXXX X
Rotate Tires X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if
necessary. *XXX X X
Replace theengine air cleaner filter.X
Replace thespark plugs2.4 liter engines. X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. X
Inspect and adjust the power steering pump
belt tension on 2.4 liter engines.X
Inspect the generator belt on 2.4 liter engines,
replace if necessary.X
Inspect thePCV valveand replace as neces-
sary.*X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X
SCHEDULE“B”453
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Miles 39, 000 42, 000 45, 000 48, 000 51, 000 54, 000
(Kilometers) (65 000) (70 000) (75 000) (80 000) (85 000) (90 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXXX X
Rotate Tires X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if
necessary. *XX XX X
Replace theengine air cleaner filter.*X
Inspect and adjust the power steering pump
belt tension on 2.4 liter engines.X
Inspect the generator belt on 2.4 liter engines,
replace if necessary.X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X
454 SCHEDULE“B”
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Miles 57, 000 60, 000 63, 000 66, 000 69, 000 72, 000
(Kilometers) (95 000) (100 000) (105 000) (110 000) (115 000) (120 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X XXXXX
Rotate Tires X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary. * XXXXX
Replace theengine air cleaner filter.X
Replace thespark plugs
on 2.4 liter engines.X
Replace theignition cables
on 2.4 liter engines.X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. X
Inspect and adjust the power steering pump belt tension
on 2.4 liter engines.X
Inspect the generator belt on 2.4 liter engines, replace if
necessary.X
Inspect thePCV valve
and replace if necessary.*X
Inspect the serpentine drive belt on 3.3 liter and 3.8 liter
engines, replace if necessary.X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X
SCHEDULE“B”455
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