2011 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN engine overheat

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then move the shift lever back and forth
between DRIVE and REVERSE. Using minimal accelera-
tor pedal pressure to maintain the rocking motion, with-
out spinning the wheels, is most effective.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the shift lever in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce
the risk of transmission failure during prolonged
efforts to free a stuck vehicle.NOTE:
To improve the vehicle’s traction when starting
off in deep snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to
switch the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) to “Partial
Off” mode. Refer to “Electronic Brake Control System” in
“Starting and Operating” for further information.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
•Revving 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 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no
transmission shifting occurring).
460 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 477

NOTE:Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types will
decrease the life of the engine coolant (antifreeze) and
will require more frequent coolant changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent the loss of
engine coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine
coolant (antifreeze) 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.
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 487

Door Locks, Automatic.................... 35
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 197
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 362
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................. 363
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 274
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) .... 317
E-85 Fuel ............................. 412
Economy (Fuel) Mode .................... 356
Electric Remote Mirrors ................... 115
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 207
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 371
Brake Assist System ................... 372
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 178
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 373
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) ............................. 191,265Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 438
Jacking ......................... 439,448
Jump Starting ....................... 456
Overheating ........................ 438
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 469
Engine Air Cleaner ......................... 475
Block Heater ........................ 353
Break-In Recommendations ............. 100
Checking Oil Level ................... 472
Compartment ....................... 467
Compartment Identification ............. 467
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................. 512
Cooling ........................... 484
Exhaust Gas Caution .............53,101,412
Flooded, Starting ..................... 352
Fuel Requirements ................. 408,511
Oil ......................... 472,511,512
544 INDEX

Oil Change Interval................... 473
Oil Disposal ........................ 474
Oil Filler Cap ....................... 474
Oil Filter Disposal .................... 474
Oil Selection ..................... 473,511
Oil Synthetic ........................ 474
Overheating ........................ 438
Starting ........................... 351
Temperature Gauge ................... 259
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 82
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 19
Ethanol ............................... 409
Event Data Recorder ...................... 86
Exhaust Gas Caution ................53,101,412
Exhaust System ...................... 101,476
Express Down Windows ................... 22
Extender, Seat Belt ........................ 72
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 115
Exterior Lights .......................... 104 Fabric Care
............................ 497
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 256
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 475
Air Conditioning .................. 345,480
Engine Oil ....................... 475,512
Engine Oil Disposal ................... 474
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 170
Flashers Hazard Warning ..................... 438
Turn Signal ................ 104,249,508,509
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ 453
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ...................... 415
Engine Oil ......................... 415
Fuel Requirements ................. 412,414
Maintenance ........................ 416
Replacement Parts .................... 416
Starting ........................... 415
10
INDEX 545

Overhead Console....................... 193
Overhead Travel Information Center .......... 193
Overheating, Engine ................... 260,438
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,535
Panic Alarm ............................ 23
Park Sense System, Rear ................... 182
Parking Brake .......................... 367
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 177
Personal Settings ........................ 279
Pets, Transporting ........................ 97
Phone, Cellular ......................... 127
Phone, Hands-Free (Uconnect™) ............. 127
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 382
Power Door Locks ......................... 34
Lift Gate ........................... 50
Mirrors ............................ 115
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ........ 207Seats
............................. 128
Sliding Door ......................... 43
Steering ........................ 365,366
Sunroof ........................... 204
Windows ........................... 37
Windows, Express Down ................ 22
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 513
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 71
Preparation for Jacking .................... 447
Pretensioners Seat Belts ........................... 65
Programmable Electronic Features ............ 279
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 389
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......484,487
Radio Operation ........................ 321
Radio Remote Controls .................... 319
Rear Air Conditioning .................330,340
Rear Camera ........................... 191
552 INDEX