2006 DODGE CARAVAN octane

FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Your vehicle is designed to meet all emis-
sion regulations and provide excellent fuel
economy when using high quality regular
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of
87. The use of premium gasoline is not
recommended. The use of premium gaso-
line will provide no benefit over high quality regular
gasolines, and in some circumstances, may result in
poorer performance.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of“regular”gasoline be-
fore considering service for the vehicle.Over 40 automobile manufacturers around the world
have issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifica-
tions (the World Wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to define
fuel properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions,
engine performance, and durability for your vehicle. The
manufacturer recommends the use of gasolines that meet
the WWFC specifications if they are available.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as“Reformulated Gasoline”.
Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates, and are spe-
cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im-
prove air quality.
The manufacturer supports the use of reformulated gaso-
lines. Properly blended reformulated gasolines will pro-
vide excellent performance and durability of engine and
fuel system components.
342 STARTING AND OPERATING

Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxy-
genates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE, and ETBE. Oxygen-
ates are required in some areas of the country during the
winter months to reduce carbon monoxide emissions.
Fuels blended with these oxygenates may be used in
your vehicle.
CAUTION!
DO NOT use gasolines containing Methanol. Use of
these blends may result in starting and driveability
problems and may damage critical fuel system com-
ponents.
Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline
blends are not the responsibility of the manufacturer.
While MTBE is an oxygenate made from Methanol, it
does not have the negative effects of Methanol.
MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase the octane num-
ber. Gasolines blended with MMT offer no performance
advantage beyond gasolines of the same octane number
without MMT. Gasolines blended with MMT have shown
to reduce spark plug life and reduce emission system
performance in some vehicles. The manufacturer recom-
mends using gasolines without MMT. Since the MMT
content of gasoline may not be indicated on the pump,
you should ask your gasoline retailer whether or not
his/her gasoline contains MMT.
It is even more important to look for gasolines without
MMT in Canada, because MMT can be used at levels
higher than those allowed in the United States.
MMT is prohibited in Federal and California reformu-
lated gasolines.
STARTING AND OPERATING 343
5

Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives are not needed under
normal conditions and would result in additional cost.
Therefore you should not have to add anything to the
fuel.
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
•The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
damage the emission control system.
•An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
•The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers is not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
344 STARTING AND OPERATING

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate) 87
Octane20 Gallons 76 Liters
Engine Oil-with filter
2.4 Liter Engines (SAE 5W-30, API Certified) 5.0 qts 4.7 Liters
3.3 & 3.8 Liter Engines (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 5.0 qts 4.7 Liters
Cooling System *
2.4 Liter Engines (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000
Mile Formula or equivalent)11.4 qts 10.7 Liters
3.3 & 3.8 Liter Engines (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent)†13.4 qts 12.6 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
†* Add 2.9 quarts (2.8 liters) if equipped with a rear heater.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 443
7

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) or equivalent
2.4 Liter Engine Oil Use API Certified SAE 5W-30 engine oil. Refer to your oil filler cap for cor-
rect SAE grade, meeting DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
3.3/3.8 Liter Engine Oil Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 engine oil. Refer to your oil filler cap for cor-
rect SAE grade, meeting DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
Oil Filter 2.4 liter engines Mopar 4105409AB or equiv.
Oil Filter 3.3/3.8 liter engines Mopar 5281090 or equiv.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Fuel Selection 87 Octane
444 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Octane Rating......................342,444
Requirements......................342,443
Tank Capacity........................ 443
Fuel System Caution..................... 344
Fueling............................... 346
Fuses................................ 434
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 167
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap).................. 346
Gasoline, Clean Air...................... 342
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 342
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 343
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 208
Fuel................................ 204
Speedometer......................... 205
Tachometer.......................... 207
Gearshift.............................. 311
General Information..................16,25,339Glass Cleaning.......................... 431
Grocery Bag Retainer..................... 136
Gross Axle Weight Rating...............348,351
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.............348,351
Hands-Free Phone (UConnect™) .............. 94
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 366
Head Phones........................... 264
Head Restraints......................... 119
Headlights............................ 143
Bulb Replacement...................... 438
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 148
Lights On Reminder.................... 145
Replacing............................ 438
Time Delay.......................... 146
Heated Seats........................... 119
Heater............................... 274
Heater, Engine Block..................... 309
488 INDEX

Exterior Folding........................ 91
Heated.............................. 93
Outside.............................. 92
Rearview............................. 90
Vanity............................... 93
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 337
Mopar Parts.........................400,477
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 147
Navigation System....................... 257
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 82
Occupant Restraints....................... 42
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 342
Odometer............................. 211
Oil, Engine.........................401,444
Capacity............................ 443
Change Interval....................... 403Checking............................ 401
Disposal............................ 405
Filter............................405,444
Filter Disposal........................ 405
Identification Logo..................... 404
Materials Added to..................... 405
Recommendation...................403,443
Synthetic............................ 405
Viscosity..........................404,443
Onboard Diagnostic System..............398,399
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 167
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 90
Overdrive............................. 312
Overhead Console....................... 158
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 158
Overheating, Engine...................208,367
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).........4,478
492 INDEX