2014 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN engine overheat

CAUTION!
Accessories plugged into the vehicle power outlets
draw power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not
in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if plugged
in long enough without engine operation, the vehicle’s
battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery
life and/or prevent the engine from starting.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved using a rocking motion. Turn the
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between DRIVE
and REVERSE while gently pressing the accelerator. Use
the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure that will
maintain the rocking motion, without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the transmission 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: Press the ESC Off switch, to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in Partial Offmode
before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake
Control System” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information. Once the vehicle has been freed, press the
ESC Off switch again to restore ESC Onmode.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 597

CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting 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 trans-
mission shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck and do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE
If a malfunction occurs and the shift lever cannot be
moved out of the PARK position, you can use the
following procedure to temporarily move the shift lever:
1. Turn the engine OFF.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Using a small screwdriver or similar tool, remove the
shift lever override access cover (located near the top
right of the shift lever in the instrument panel).
598 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
•Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Breathing it can make you unconscious
and can eventually poison you. To avoid breathing
CO, refer to “Safety Tips/Exhaust Gas” in “Things
To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further
information.
• 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 ve-
hicle in areas where your exhaust system can con-
tact anything that can burn.
CAUTION!
• The catalytic converter requires the use of un-
leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions control
device and may seriously reduce engine perfor-
mance 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 615

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. To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•
Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
616 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is not recom-
mended and can result in cooling system damage. If
HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emergency,
have a authorized dealer drain, flush, and refill with
OAT coolant (conforming to MS-12106) as soon as
possible.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
recovery tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
• Do not open hot engine cooling system. 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 Engine 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
626 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Door Opener, Garage.......................260
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ................................476
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy ......338
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) ......383
E-85 Fuel ...............................534
Economy (Fuel) Mode ......................464
Electrical Power Outlets .....................273
Electric Remote Mirrors .....................135
Electronic Brake Control System ...............484
Brake Assist System .....................485
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........240
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............486
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......328
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ..................559
Jacking ...............................573 Jump Starting
..........................593
Overheating ...........................559
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........607
Engine Air Cleaner ...........................613
Block Heater ..........................462
Break-In Recommendations ................119
Checking Oil Level ......................611
Compartment ..........................605
Compartment Identification ................605
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................622
Cooling ..............................622
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................120
Flooded, Starting .......................460
Fuel Requirements ......................529
Oil..................................611
OilSelection...........................611
Oil Synthetic ..........................613
Overheating ...........................559
680 INDEX

Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................520
Mopar Parts .............................609
MTBE/ETBE ............................530
Multi-Function Control Lever .................230
New Vehicle Break-In Period .................119
Occupant Restraints ........................57
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ..................79
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................529
Odometer ...............................315
Oil Change Indicator .......................316
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..................316
Oil, Engine ..............................611
Capacity .............................653
Change Interval ........................611
Checking .............................611
Disposal ..............................613 Filter ................................613
Filter Disposal
.........................613
Identification Logo ......................612
Materials Added to ......................613
Recommendation .......................611
Synthetic .............................613
Viscosity .............................612
OilFilter,Selection ........................613
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................606
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®) ............260
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................132
Overhead Console .........................256
Overhead Travel Information Center ............256
Overheating, Engine .......................324
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .............4
PaintCare ..............................632
Panic Alarm ..............................25
10
INDEX 687