2006 DODGE CARAVAN automatic transmission

If you press the power door lock switch while the key is
in the ignition, and any front door is open, the power
locks will not operate. This prevents you from acciden-
tally locking your keys in the vehicle. Removing the key
or closing the door will allow the locks to operate. A
chime will sound if the key is in the ignition switch and
a door is open, as a reminder to remove the key.
If you press the power door lock switch while the sliding
door is open, the sliding door will lock.
Auto Door Locks—If Equipped
The doors will lock automatically on vehicles with power
door locks if:
1. The transmission is in gear,
2. all doors are closed,
3. the vehicle speed is above 18 mph (29 km/h) and
4. the doors were not previously locked using the power
door lock switch or remote keyless entry transmitter.The Automatic Door Locks can be enabled or disabled by
performing the following procedure:
1. Close all doors and place the key in the ignition
switch.
2. Cycle the ignition switch ON/OFF four times ending
in the OFF position. (do not start the engine)
3. Within 10 seconds of the final cycle, press the interior
driver’s door lock switch to the LOCK position.
4. A single chime will sound to signify that you have
successfully completed the programming.
You can turn the feature back on by repeating the above
mentioned procedure or by performing the procedure in
the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), Cus-
tomer Programmable Features section on vehicles so
equipped. (See page 164 for more information.)
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
2

Auto Unlock On Exit—If Equipped
The doors will unlock automatically on vehicles with
power door locks if:
1. The Auto Door Locks feature is enabled and the Auto
Unlock On Exit feature is enabled,
2. the transmission was in gear and the vehicle speed
returned to 0 mph (0 km/h),
3. the transmission is in NEUTRAL or PARK,
4. any door is opened (excluding liftgate) and
5. the vehicle speed is 0 mph (0 km/h).
The Auto Unlock On Exit feature can be enabled or
disabled by performing the procedure in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), Customer Program-
mable Features section on vehicles so equipped. (See
page 164 for more information.)
NOTE:Use the Auto Door Locks and Auto Unlock
features in accordance with local laws.
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY—IF EQUIPPED
This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors and
liftgate, and activate the panic alarm, optional power
liftgate, left power sliding door, and right power sliding
door from distances up to about 23 feet (7 meters) using
a hand held radio transmitter. The transmitter need not
be pointed at the vehicle to activate the system.
NOTE:If the key is in the ignition switch, then all
buttons on that transmitter will be disabled. The buttons
on the remaining transmitters will work. If the vehicle is
shifted out of PARK, all the transmitter buttons are
disabled for all keys.
Two (2) transmitters may be supplied with the vehicle.
Vehicles built without the powered options will be
equipped from the factory with three button transmitters
and those built with power options will be equipped
with six button transmitters.
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Use Factory Settings
If“Ye s”is selected, all of the customer programmable
features will be set to the factory default and not dis-
played. If“No”is selected you can program the Vehicle
Information Center to your own personal preferences.
Auto Door Locks
When this feature is selected, all doors and the liftgate
lock automatically when the speed of the vehicle reaches
18 mph (29 km/h). Pressing the“STEP”button when in
this display will select“Ye s”or“No.”
Auto Unlock On Exit (Available Only When the
AUTO DOOR LOCKS Feature is Turned On)
When this feature is selected all the vehicle’s doors will
unlock whenever any door is opened if the vehicle is
stopped and the transmission is in“P”(Park) or“N”
(Neutral) position. Pressing the“STEP”button when in
this display will select“Ye s”or“No.”
Remote Unlock Driver’s Door 1st
When this feature is selected only the driver’s door will
unlock on the first press of the remote keyless entry
unlock button and require a second press to unlock the
remaining locked doors and liftgate. When“REMOTE
UNLOCK ALL DOORS”is selected all of the doors and
the liftgate will unlock at the first press of the remote
keyless entry unlock button. Pressing the“STEP”button
when in this display will select“DRIVER’S DOOR 1ST”
or“ALL DOORS”.
Remote Linked To Memory (Available with
Memory Seat and Pedals Only)
When this feature is selected, pressing the Unlock button
on any Remote Keyless Entry transmitter already linked
to memory will return the driver’s seat, driver’s outside
mirror, adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, and
radio station presets to their memory set positions.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 165
3

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.NOTE:You must apply the brakes before shifting from
Park.
19. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The light
should turn on momentarily when the engine is
started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
chime will sound for 4 minutes when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
20. High Beam Light
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever towards the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or low
beam.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 209
4

21. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. The light will illu-
minate when the key is in the ON position before engine
start. If the bulb does not come when turning the key
from OFF to ON, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert to serious
conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or
severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible if this occurs. (See page 399
for more information.)22. Trac Off Indicator—If Equipped
This display indicator should illuminate for approxi-
mately four seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON.
The“TRAC OFF”Indicator will flash if the traction
control is in use.
The“TRAC OFF”Indicator will illuminate if:
•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 tem-
peratures.
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.
210 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

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER—IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the driver side of the vehicle. It has a removable cap that
is located on the driver side of the Integrated Power
Module.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the
engine is at idle speed.
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
STARTING AND OPERATING 309
5

WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of“P”or
“N”if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when
the engine is idling normally and when your right
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
Brake/Transmission Interlock System
This system prevents you from moving the gear shift out
of Park and into any gear unless the brake pedal is
pressed. This system is active only while the ignition
switch is in the ON position. Always depress thebrake
pedal first,before moving the gear selector out of PARK.
Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock System
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting out of
PARK unless the key is in the OFF or ON positions.
NOTE:If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the
key in the ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety
feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and
stopped but the key cannot be removed until you obtain
service.
Four Speed Automatic Transmission
The electronically controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle, may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles.
310 STARTING AND OPERATING