2008 DODGE CARAVAN heating

under heavy loading conditions, (i.e., in hilly terrain,
traveling into strong head winds or while towing heavy
trailers). Under these conditions, using the ª3º range will
improve performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up.
CAUTION!
If the transmission operating temperature exceeds
acceptable limits, the vehicle computer will override
DRIVE and select ª5º range (on six-speed transmis-
sions) or ª3º range (on four-speed transmissions) by
changing shift points. This is done to prevent trans-
mission damage due to overheating.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows
you to move the gear selector lever to the left (-) or right
(+) when the gear selector lever is in the D (Drive)position, this allows the selection of the desired top gear.
For example, if the driver shifts the transmission into 3rd
gear, the transmission will never shift above 3rd gear, but
can shift down to 2nd or 1st gear automatically, when
needed.
Switching from ERS to D-Mode (Drive) can be done at any
vehicle speed. To shift from ªDriveº mode to ªERSº mode,
move gear selector lever to the left (-) once. The current gear
will be maintained as the top gear. To disable ERS, simply
press and hold the gear selector lever to the right (+) until
ªDº is displayed in the instrument cluster odometer.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid causing an accident or
personal injury.
STARTING AND OPERATING 333
5

before placing the gear selector lever in PARK, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the gear selector lever out of
PARK.
WARNING!
²Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage
or injury. Also be certain to leave an automatic
transmission in PARK, a manual transmission in
REVERSE or first gear. Failure to do so may allow
the vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury.
²Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving, failure to do so can lead to brake
problems due to excessive heating of the rear
brakes.
WARNING!
NEVER leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don't leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle
When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade, and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
The parking brake should always be applied whenever
the driver is not in the vehicle.
336 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level before
towing.
²The six-speed automatic transmission is sealed and
requires an authorized dealer service center to check
the transmission fluid.
Towing Tips Ð Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
²
Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
²When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
²Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips Ð Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
²City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
gear selector lever in NEUTRAL but do not increase
engine idle speed.
²Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
²Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
²Refer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
406 STARTING AND OPERATING

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The hazard flasher switch is located in the center of
the instrument panel below the radio.
To engage the Hazard Warning Flashers, depress the
switch on the instrument panel. When the Hazard Warn-
ing Switch is activated, all directional turn signals will
flash on and off to warn oncoming traffic of an emer-
gency. Push the switch a second time to turn off the
flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning Flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition switch is OFF.NOTE:With extended use, the Hazard Warning Flash-
ers may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways Ð Slow down.
²In city traffic Ð While stopped, shift the transmission
gear selector lever into NEUTRAL, but do not increase
engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
410 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It
can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 35 mph (55 km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Towing With The Ignition Key
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions: The gear selector lever must be in NEUTRAL, the
distance to be traveled must not exceed 100 mi (160 km),
and the towing speed must not exceed 44 mph (72
km/h). Exceeding these towing limits may cause a trans-
mission geartrain failure. If the transmission is not op-
erative, or if the vehicle is to be towed more than 100 mi
(160 km), the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels off the ground.
CAUTION!
²Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front
with sling type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.
²Always use wheel lift equipment when towing
from the front. The only other approved method of
towing is with a flat bed truck.
²Do not tow the vehicle from the rear. Damage to
the rear sheet metal, liftgate and fascia will occur.
428 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
vehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Thereafter, service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer's specifications, should be ob-
tained immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 447
7

Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player..........280,283
Dimmer Control........................ 162
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 170
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 465
Automatic Transmission................. 466
Oil (Engine).......................... 441
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 428
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 459
Engine Oil........................... 444
Domelight............................. 161
Door Locks............................. 31
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 34
Door Opener, Garage..................... 185
Drive Belts............................ 445
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 454
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 345Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water.............................. 346
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 297
E-85 Fuel............................. 384
Electric Remote Mirrors................102,103
Electrical Power Outlets................... 195
Electronic Brake Control System............. 340
Brake Assist System.................... 341
Electronic Stability Program............... 342
Electronic Range Select (ERS)............... 333
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 179
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 342
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 241
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 410
Jacking...........................412,415
Jump Starting......................... 425
Overheating.......................... 410
512 INDEX

Emission Control System Maintenance......438,490
Engine........................93,434,435,436
Air Cleaner.......................... 445
Block Heater......................... 327
Break-In Recommendations................ 93
Checking Oil Level..................... 441
Compartment......................435,436
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 487
Cooling............................. 456
Exhaust Gas Caution..................51,381
Flooded, Starting...................... 326
Fuel Requirements..................377,486
Oil ...........................441,486,487
Oil Change Interval.................... 442
Oil Disposal.......................... 444
Oil Filler Cap......................434,443
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 444
Oil Selection.......................442,486
Oil Synthetic......................... 444Operation............................ 93
Overheating.......................... 410
Starting............................. 324
Temperature Gauge..................... 226
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 74
Event Data Recorder...................... 78
Exhaust Gas Caution..............51,95,381,448
Exhaust System......................... 447
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 66
Exterior Folding Mirrors................... 102
Fabric Care.........................470,471
Filler Location Fuel...................... 226
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 445
Air Conditioning....................320,451
Engine Oil........................444,487
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 444
INDEX 513
10