2006 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN wheel

Front Mode Control
The mode control allows you to
choose from several patterns of air
distribution.
NOTE: To improve your selection choices, the system
allows you to operate at intermediate positions between
the major modes. These intermediate positions are iden-
tified by the small dots. Panel Mode
Air comes from the outlets in the instrument panel. Each of
these outlets can be individually adjusted to direct the flow
of air. Moving the air vane knob on the center outlets
down, will close off the air flow from the center outlets. The
thumbwheel next to the outboard outlets can be rotated to
regulate or shut off the air flow from these outlets. Panel Outlets276 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE: Each of these features operate independently
from each other. If any one feature is controlled manually,
the remaining features will continue to operate automati-
cally.
The left blower control knob can be set to any fixed
blower speed by rotating the knob from low to high. The
fan will now operate at a fixed speed until additional
speeds are selected or either the  Auto HI  or  Auto LO 
buttons are pressed. This allows the front occupants to
control the volume of air circulated in the vehicle and
cancel the “ AUTO ” mode.
The operator can also select the direction of the air by
rotating the right mode control knob to one of the
following positions. Panel Mode
Air comes from the outlets in the instrument panel. Each of
these outlets can be individually adjusted to direct the flow
of air. Moving the air vane knob on the center outlets
down, will close off the air flow from the center outlets. The
thumbwheel next to the outboard outlets can be rotated to
regulate or shut off the air flow from these outlets. Panel OutletsUNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 287
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▫ 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
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added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb
on a downhill grade and away from the curb on a uphill
grade.
The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is danger-
ous for a number of reasons. A child or others could
be injured. Children should be warned not to touch
the parking brake, brake pedal or the gear selector
lever. Don ’ t leave the keys in the ignition. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle. WARNING!Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before
driving: failure to do so can lead to brake failure, and
an accident.
BRAKE SYSTEM
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (for
example, repeated brake applications with the engine
off), the brakes will still function. The effort required to
brake the vehicle will be much greater than that required
with the power system operating.
Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic
brake systems. If either of the two hydraulic
systems lose normal capability, the remaining
system will still function. There will be some
loss of overall braking effectiveness. This may be evident314 STARTING AND OPERATING

by increased pedal travel during application, greater
pedal force required to slow or stop, and potential
activation of the Brake Warning Lamp.
Anti-Lock Brake System — If Equipped
The Anti-Lock Brake System provides increased vehicle
stability and brake performance under most braking
conditions. The system automatically “ pumps ” the
brakes during severe braking conditions to prevent
wheel lock-up.
WARNING!Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to an accident.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just
press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to
slow down or stop. The ABS light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake
System. The light will come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position
and may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not come on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
bulb repaired as soon as possible.
If both the Brake Warning Light and the ABS Light
remain on, the Anti-Lock brakes (ABS) and Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD) systems are not function-
ing. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required. STARTING AND OPERATING 315
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WARNING!• Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
• The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
• The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user ’ s safety
or the safety of others. All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason, the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE: Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system. STARTING AND OPERATING 317
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Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short period of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and does not in any
way damage the steering system.
WARNING!Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible. CAUTION!Prolong operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
TRACTION CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
The Traction Control System reduces wheel slip and
maintains traction at the driving (front) wheels. The
system reduces wheel slip by engaging the brake on the
wheel that is losing traction (spinning). The system
operates at speeds below 35 mph (56 km/h).318 STARTING AND OPERATING

loading may be required for high speed vehicle opera-
tion. Refer to original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer for recommended safe operating speeds, loading
and cold tire inflation pressures.
WARNING!High speed driving with your vehicle under maxi-
mum load is dangerous. The added strain on your
tires could cause them to fail. You could have a
serious accident. Don ’ t drive a vehicle loaded to the
maximum capacity at continuous speeds above 75
mph (120 km/h). Radial-Ply Tires
WARNING!Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires
on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle
poorly. The instability could cause an accident. Al-
ways use radial ply tires in sets of four (or 6, in case
of trucks with dual rear wheels). Never combine
them with other types of tires.
Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable only in
the tread area because of sidewall flexing. Consult your
authorized tire dealer for radial tire repairs. STARTING AND OPERATING 331
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