2010 DODGE CARAVAN engine overheat

CAUTION!
•The catalytic converter requires the use of un-
leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions con-
trol device and may seriously reduce engine per-
formance and cause serious damage to the engine.
•Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
442 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add engine coolant (antifreeze)
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 en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child
or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean up
any ground spills immediately.
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 engine coolant (antifreeze) 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
452 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 452
Engine Oil ........................... 440
Domelight ............................. 156
Door Locks ............................. 30
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 33
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 186
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 332
Through Flowing, Rising,
or Shallow Standing Water ............... 333
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) .... 293
E-85 Fuel ............................. 377
Electric Remote Mirrors ................... 112
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 195
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 341
Brake Assist System .................... 342
Electronic Stability Program ............... 343Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)
...... 168
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 343
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) ............................. 181,244
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 406
Jacking ........................... 407,410
Jump Starting ......................... 421
Overheating .......................... 406
Emission Control System Maintenance ......434,482
Engine ............................ 431,432
Air Cleaner .......................... 440
Block Heater ......................... 323
Break-In Recommendations ................ 99
Checking Oil Level ..................... 437
Compartment ...................... 431,432
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................... 478
Cooling ............................. 449
Exhaust Gas Caution ...............51,100,377
514 INDEX
ProCarManuals.com

Flooded, Starting...................... 322
Fuel Requirements .................. 372,477
Oil ........................... 437,477,478
Oil Change Interval .................... 438
Oil Disposal .......................... 440
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 439
Oil Filter Disposal ..................... 440
Oil Selection ....................... 438,477
Oil Synthetic ......................... 439
Overheating .......................... 406
Starting ............................. 321
Temperature Gauge .................... 227
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 78
Exhaust Gas Caution ................51,100,377
Exhaust System ...................... 100,441
Express Down Windows ................... 22
Extender, Seat Belt ........................ 67
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 112
Exterior Lights .......................... 104 Fabric Care
............................ 462
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 227
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 440
Air Conditioning .................... 316,445
Engine Oil ........................ 440,478
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 440
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... 406
Turn Signal .................. 104,228,474,475
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 162
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ 418
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ....................... 380
Engine Oil ........................... 380
Fuel Requirements .................. 377,379
Maintenance ......................... 381
Replacement Parts ..................... 381
Starting ............................. 380
10
INDEX 515
ProCarManuals.com

Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 364
Mopar Parts ......................... 436,504
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 160
Navigation System (Uuconnect gps).......... 181
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 99
Occupant Restraints ................... 52,74,78
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ...........70,71,74,77
Odometer ............................. 231
Oil Change Indicator ................ 233,240,247
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ...........233,240,247
Oil, Engine ......................... 437,478
Capacity ............................ 477
Change Interval ....................... 438
Checking ............................ 437
Disposal ............................ 440
Filter ............................ 440,478Filter Disposal
........................ 440
Identification Logo ..................... 438
Materials Added to ..................... 439
Recommendation ................... 438,477
Synthetic ............................ 439
Viscosity ......................... 439,477
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............433,434
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 186
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ............... 110,111
Overhead Console ....................... 183
Overhead Travel Information Center .......... 183
Overheating, Engine ................... 227,406
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,505
Panic Alarm ............................ 23
Park Sense System, Rear ................... 171
Parking Brake .......................... 336
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 166
10
INDEX 521
ProCarManuals.com