2006 DODGE CARAVAN ECO mode

glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to section 7, Maintenance Procedures, of this manual for
proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
To insure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is function-
ing properly and the proper amount, type, and concen-
tration of coolant is used. Refer to section 7, Maintenance
Procedures, of this manual for proper coolant selection.
Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-
tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh
air and high blower setting. This will insure adequatesystem lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild rainy
or humid weather. To clear the windows, selectdefrost
ormixmode and increase the front blower speed. Do
not use the Recirculation mode without A/C for long
periods as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow and if they
enter the plenum they could plug the water drains. In
winter months make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush and snow.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 295
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

Reset Mode - Electronic Transmission
The transmission is monitored electronically for abnor-
mal conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause
damage, the transmission automatically shifts into sec-
ond gear. The transmission remains in second gear
despite the forward gear selected. Park (P), Reverse (R),
and Neutral (N) will continue to operate. This Reset
feature allows the vehicle to be driven to a dealer for
service without damaging the transmission.
In the event that the problem has been momentary, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward gears.
•Stop the vehicle and shift into Park (P).
•Turn the key to OFF then restart the engine.
•Shift into the desired range and resume driving.
NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, it is
recommended that you visit a dealer at your earliestpossible convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equip-
ment to determine if the problem could recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, dealer service is
required.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine
when shifting from PARK
or NEUTRAL positions into
another gear range.
“P”Park
Supplements the parking brake by locking the transmis-
sion. The engine can be started in this range. Never
attempt to use PARK while vehicle is in motion.
Apply parking brake when leaving vehicle in this range.
Transmission Gear Ranges
STARTING AND OPERATING 311
5

The system is always in the“stand by”mode unless,
•The Traction Control Switch has been used to turn the
system OFF
•There is a Traction Control System malfunction
•The system has been deactivated to prevent damage to
the brake system due to overheated brake tempera-
tures
NOTE:The Traction Control will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when in operation.
NOTE:Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the TRAC and
the OFF indicators located in the instrument cluster.
This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and is
a normal condition. The system will remain disabled for
about 4 minutes until the brakes have cooled. The system
will automatically reactivate and turn off the TRAC and
the OFF indicators.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow, turn
the Traction Control System OFF before attempting to
“rock”the vehicle free.
Traction Control Switch
STARTING AND OPERATING 319
5

Interlock System....................... 310
Reset Mode.......................... 311
Selection Of Lubricant................425,445
Shifting............................. 311
Special Additives...................... 427
Automatic Transmission................... 424
Adding Fluid......................... 426
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 427
Fluid Change......................... 427
Fluid Level Check...................... 426
Fluid Type........................425,445
Ball Joints............................. 412
Battery............................... 409
Gas Caution.......................... 409
Jump Starting......................... 387
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 145
Bearings.............................. 428Belts, Drive............................ 405
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 413
B-Pillar Location........................ 324
Brake Fluid............................ 445
Brake, Parking.......................... 313
Brake System........................314,421
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 315
Fluid Check.......................... 423
Hoses.............................. 422
Warning Light........................ 205
Brakes.............................314,421
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 310
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 82
Bulb Replacement....................... 438
Bulbs, Light............................ 437
Calibration, Compass..................... 159
Capacities, Fluid........................ 443
INDEX 483
10