2006 DODGE CARAVAN Owners Manual

Rear Washer Operation—Manual Temperature
Control Only
The controls are located on the Manual Tempera-
ture Control head above the front blower control.
Press and hold the button for as long as spray is
desired. If the button is depressed and held while the
Intermittent wiper is on, the wiper will operated for a few
seconds after the button is released, then resume inter-
mittent operation. If the button was pressed and held
when the intermittent wiper is off, the wiper will operate
for two cycles, then turn off. The LED will not illuminate
when Washer is selected and Intermittent is OFF.
NOTE:The washer will stop spraying if the switch is
pressed longer than 10 seconds.Vehicles equipped with Automatic Temperature Control,
the controls for these features are located in the middle of
the instrument panel above the radio.
Rear Wiper/Washer Controls
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 297
4

Rear Wiper Operation—Automatic Temperature
Control Only
Press this button to have the rear wiper have a
continuous wipe. When the ignition switch is in the
ON/RUN position, the rear wiper switch position as well
as an indicator light will show that the wiper is ON.
Intermittent Rear Wiper Operation—Automatic
Temperature Control Only
When this button is pressed and the ignition
switch is in the ON position, the rear wiper will
operate at a fixed interval of about 8 seconds. As
vehicle speed increases, the time delay will shorten. The
switch position as well as an indicator light will show
when the wiper is ON.
Rear Washer Operation—Automatic
Temperature Control Only
Press and hold the button as long as spray is
desired. If the switch is depressed while the wipers
are on, the wipers will operate for a few seconds
after the switch is released then resume the previously set
mode of intermittent wiper or continuous wipe. If the
switch is depressed when the wipers are off, the wipers
will operate for two cycles, then turn off.
NOTE:The washers will stop spraying if the switch is
pressed longer than 10 seconds.
298 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer is shared. It is located in the front of
the engine compartment on the passenger side and
should be checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill
the reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not radia-
tor antifreeze) and operate the system for a few seconds
to flush out the residual water.
The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid
when the Low Washer Fluid Light illuminates.
Washer Fluid Reservoir
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 299
4

Electric Rear Window Defroster—If Equipped
Press this button to turn on the rear window
defroster and the optional heated mirrors. A light
will show that the defroster is on. The defroster automati-
cally turns off after about 10 minutes of operation.
If your vehicle is equipped with Infrared Three-Zone
Automatic Temperature Control the rear defroster sym-
bol will show in the display screen when the rear
window defroster is on.CAUTION!
To avoid damaging the electrical conductors of the
rear window defroster, do not use scrapers, sharp
instruments, or abrasive window cleaners on the
interior surface of the window.
Labels can be peeled off after soaking with warm
water.
300 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures.....................304
▫2.4L Engine.........................304
▫3.3L And 3.8L Engine..................306

Engine Block Heater—If Equipped.........309

Automatic Transmission..................309
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock System.......310
▫Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock
System.............................310
▫Four Speed Automatic Transmission........310
Parking Brake.........................313

Brake System..........................314
▫Anti-Lock Brake System—If Equipped.....315

Power Steering........................317

Traction Control—If Equipped............318

Tire Safety Information...................320
▫Tire Markings........................320
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........323
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........324
5

Ti re s—General Information................328
▫Tire Pressure.........................328
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................329
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................331
▫Compact Spare Tire—If Equipped.........332
▫Limited Use Spare—If Equipped.........333
▫Tire Spinning........................333
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................334
▫Life Of Tire.........................335
▫Replacement Tires.....................335
▫Alignment And Balance.................336

Tire Pressure Monitor System—If Equipped . . . 337
▫1,2,3, Or 4 Tire(s) Low Pressure...........337▫Check TPM System....................337
▫General Information...................339

Tire Chains...........................339

Snow Tires...........................340

Tire Rotation Recommendations............341

Fuel Requirements......................342
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................342
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............343
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................343
▫Materials Added To Fuel................344
▫Fuel System Cautions..................344
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............345

Adding Fuel..........................346
302 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............346

Vehicle Loading........................348
▫Vehicle Certification Label...............348
▫Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).......348
▫Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).........348
▫Overloading.........................349
▫Loading............................349

Trailer Towing.........................350
▫Common Towing Definitions.............351▫Trailer Hitch Classification...............353
▫Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings).........353
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight..............356
▫Towing Requirements..................358
▫Towing Tips.........................362

Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 363
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................363
STARTING AND OPERATING 303
5

STARTING PROCEDURES
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds, can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting into any driving gear.
2.4L Engine
Normal Startingof either a cold or a warm engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the“START”position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine has not started
within 3 seconds, slightly depress the accelerator pedal
while continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start
within 15 seconds, turn the key to the“OFF”position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting
procedure.
Cold Weather(Below 0°Cor32°F) orHigh Altitude
(Above 4,000 feet at all temperatures). If engine has not
been started within past 3 to 4 hours, slightly depress and
hold the accelerator pedal before attempting to start a
cold engine. Turn the key to the“START”position. When
the engine starts, release first the key, then the accelerator
pedal. If the engine fails to start within 15 seconds,
discontinue cranking and return the key to the“OFF”
position. Repeat the starting procedure.
304 STARTING AND OPERATING