2006 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN coolant temperature

continuously. Refer to  Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Re-
minder System (BeltAlert ™ )  in the Occupant Restraints
section for more information.
14. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. If the engine is critically hot, a continuous
chime will sound for 4 minutes. After the chime
turns off, the engine will still be critically hot until the
light turns off.
15. Vehicle Theft Alarm Light — If Equipped
This light will flash for approximately 15 sec-
onds when the vehicle theft alarm is arming.
(See page 26 for more information.)
16. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily. The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads (H),
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “ H ” , and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call for service.208 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Rear Mode Control
The Rear Mode Control, located in
the headliner near the center of
the vehicle can be used to select
between Auto, Headliner, Bi-
Level and Floor modes.
Auto Mode
The rear system automatically maintains the correct
mode and comfort level desired by the rear seat occu-
pants.
Floor Mode
Air comes from the floor outlets. Bi-Level Mode
Air comes from both the headliner outlets and the
floor outlets.
NOTE: In many temperature positions, the bi-level
mode is designed to provide cooler air out of the head-
liner outlets and warmer air from the floor outlets.
Headliner Mode
Air comes from the outlets in the headliner. Each of
these outlets can be individually adjusted to direct
the flow of air. Moving the air vane knob on the outlets to
one side will shut off the air flow.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A 50% solution of ethylene294 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Cooling System
WARNING!• When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
• You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don ’ t open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant. Check the front of the A/C condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing
properly, the engine coolant (antifreeze) will begin to
drain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT RE-
MOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE
COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Engine Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant that allows extended maintenance intervals. This
coolant can be used up to 5 Years or 100,000 miles before
replacement. To prevent reducing this extended mainte-
nance period, it is important that you use the same
coolant throughout the life of your vehicle. Please review
these recommendations for using Hybrid Organic Addi-
tive Technology (HOAT) coolant.
When adding coolant, a minimum solution of 50% rec-
ommended Mopar Antifreeze/ Coolant 5 Year/100,000
Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technol-
ogy), or equivalent, in water should be used. Use higher
concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below

34 ° F(
37 ° C ) are anticipated.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/engine coolant solution. The use of lower quality water will reduce the amount of
corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner ’ s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE: Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant
changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to insure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.418 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!• The warning words “ DO NOT OPEN HOT ” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure
to build up in the cooling system. To prevent
scalding or injury, do not remove the pressure cap
while the system is hot or under pressure.
• Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or
engine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children do not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Engine Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine cold, the level of the coolant in the coolant
recovery bottle should be between the ranges indicated
on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 419
7

Adding Fuel ........................... 346
Adding Washer Fluid .................. 299,414
Additives, Fuel ......................... 344
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 153
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 410
Air Conditioning ..................... 274,279
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 274
Air Conditioning Filter ................. 296,411
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 296
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone ............. 282,291
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ............... 410
Air Conditioning System .......... 274,279,284,410
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control ........ 275
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 329
Airbag ................................ 54
Airbag Deployment ....................... 66
Airbag Light ................... 59,60,68,84,206
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 68
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ............... 55 Alarm Light ........................... 208
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 26
Alignment and Balance ................... 336
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 269
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........... 417,418,443
Disposal ............................ 419
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 315
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 207
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 26
Appearance Care ........................ 428
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm) ......... 27
Ashtray ............................... 178
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 41
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 90
Automatic Door Locks ................... 19,20
Automatic Headlights .................... 145
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 284
Automatic Transaxle ...................... 309482 INDEX

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 .................. 16,25,339 Glass 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 ..................... 309488 INDEX

Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ................. 339
Snow Tires ............................ 340
Spare Tire ..................... 332,333,371,382
Spark Plugs ............................ 406
Speed Control (Cruise Control) .............. 155
Speedometer ........................... 205
Starting ............................... 304
Engine Fails to Start ................. 305,307
Starting and Operating .................... 304
Steering
Column Controls ...................... 147
Linkage ............................. 413
Power ........................... 317,412
Shaft Seal ............................ 413
Tilt Column .......................... 150
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls ............................. 270
Storage ............................ 180,436
Storage Bin ............................ 180 Storage, Vehicle ...................... 295,436
Storing Your Vehicle ...................... 436
Stow  n Go (Fold in Floor) Seats ............. 123
Sun Roof .............................. 173
Sun Visor Extension ....................... 93
Sunglasses Storage ....................... 159
Sunroof Maintenance ..................... 175
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag ........ 54
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... 405
System, Navigation ...................... 257
Tachometer ............................ 207
Tape Player ............................ 238
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) ........ 284
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant ....... 208,367
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint ............... 74
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ................ 26
Theft System Arming ...................... 27
Theft System Disarming .................... 27496 INDEX