DODGE CARAVAN 2005 4.G Owners Manual

Rear Blower Control
The rear blower control, located in
the headliner near the center of
the vehicle has an“OFF”,
“AUTO”and a range of blower
speeds.
The rear blower control knob can be manually set to
“OFF”or any fixed blower speed by rotating the knob
from low to high. This allows the rear seat occupants to
control the volume of air circulated in the rear of the
vehicle.CAUTION!
Interior air enters the Rear Automatic Temperature
Control System through an intake grille located in
the passenger side trim panel behind the third seat.
The heater outlets are located in the passenger side
trim panel just behind the sliding door. Do not block
or place objects directly in front of the inlet grille or
heater outlets. The electrical system could overload
causing damage to the blower motor.
Rear Temperature Control
To change the temperature in the rear of the vehicle, press
the temperature control button down for cold and up for
heated air.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 281
4

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 ethylene
282 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to section 7, Maintenance Procedures, of this manual for
proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
To insure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is function-
ing properly and the proper amount, type, and concen-
tration of coolant is used. Refer to section 7, Maintenance
Procedures, of this manual for proper coolant selection.
Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-
tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh
air and high blower setting. This will insure adequatesystem lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild rainy
or humid weather. To clear the windows, selectdefrost
ormixmode and increase the front blower speed. Do
not use the Recirculation mode without A/C for long
periods as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow and if they
enter the plenum they could plug the water drains. In
winter months make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush and snow.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 283
4

Operating Tips A/C Air Filter—If Equipped
The climate control system filters out dust, pollen and
some odors from the air. Strong odors can not be totally
filtered out. Refer to MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE,
“Air Conditioner Maintenance”for filter replacement
instructions.
REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Intermittent Rear Wiper Operation—Manual
Temperature Control Only
The controls are located on the Manual Tempera-
ture Control head above the front blower control.
When the button is pressed and released and the
Ignition Switch in ON, the rear wiper will operate at a
fixed interval of about 8 seconds. As vehicle speed
increases, the time delay will shorten. The LED indicator
will light when the wiper is ON. Pressing and releasing
the button again with turn the wiper off.
284 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Rear Washer Operation—Manual Temperature
Control Only
The controls are located on the Manual Tempera-
ture Control head above the front blower control.
Press and hold the button for as long as spray is
desired. If the button is depressed and held while the
Intermittent wiper is on, the wiper will operated for a few
seconds after the button is released, then resume inter-
mittent operation. If the button was pressed and held
when the intermittent wiper is off, the wiper will operate
for two cycles, then turn off. The LED will not illuminate
when Washer is selected and Intermittent is OFF.
NOTE:The washer will stop spraying if the switch is
pressed longer than 10 seconds.
Vehicles equipped with Automatic Temperature Control,
the controls for these features are located in the middle of
the instrument panel above the radio.
Rear Wiper Operation—Automatic Temperature
Control Only
Press this button to have the rear wiper have a
continuous wipe. When the ignition switch is in the
ON/RUN position, the rear wiper switch position as well
as an indicator light will show that the wiper is ON.
Rear Window Wiper/Washer Controls
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 285
4

Intermittent Rear Wiper Operation—Automatic
Temperature Control Only
When this button is pressed and the ignition
switch is in the ON position, the rear wiper will
operate at a fixed interval of about 8 seconds. As
vehicle speed increases, the time delay will shorten. The
switch position as well as an indicator light will show
when the wiper is ON.
Rear Washer Operation—Automatic
Temperature Control Only
Press and hold the button as long as spray is
desired. If the switch is depressed while the wipers
are on, the wipers will operate for a few seconds
after the switch is released then resume the previously set
mode of intermittent wiper or continuous wipe. If the
switch is depressed when the wipers are off, the wipers
will operate for two cycles, then turn off.NOTE:The washers will stop spraying if the switch is
pressed longer than 10 seconds.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer is shared. It is located in the front of
the engine compartment on the passenger side and
should be checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill
the reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not radia-
tor antifreeze) and operate the system for a few seconds
to flush out the residual water.
286 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid
when the Low Washer Fluid Light illuminates.
Electric Rear Window Defroster—If Equipped
Press this button to turn on the rear window
defroster and the optional heated mirrors. A light
will show that the defroster is on. The defroster automati-
cally turns off after about 10 minutes of operation.
If your vehicle is equipped with Infrared Three-Zone
Automatic Temperature Control the rear defroster sym-
bol will show in the display screen when the rear
window defroster is on.
Washer Fluid Reservoir
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 287
4

CAUTION!
To avoid damaging the electrical conductors of the
rear window defroster, do not use scrapers, sharp
instruments, or abrasive window cleaners on the
interior surface of the window.
Labels can be peeled off after soaking with warm
water.
288 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures.....................292
▫2.4L Engine.........................292
▫3.3L And 3.8L Engine..................294

Engine Block Heater—If Equipped.........296

Automatic Transmission..................297
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock System.......298
▫Automatic Transmission Ignition
Interlock System......................298
▫Four Speed Automatic Transmission........298
Parking Brake.........................301

Brake System..........................302
▫Anti-Lock Brake System—If Equipped.....303

Power Steering........................305

Traction Control—If Equipped............306

Tire Safety Information...................308
▫Tire Markings........................308
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........311
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........312
5

Ti re s—General Information................316
▫Tire Pressure.........................316
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................317
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................320
▫Compact Spare Tire—If Equipped.........320
▫Limited Use Spare—If Equipped.........321
▫Tire Spinning........................322
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................322
▫Replacement Tires.....................323
▫Alignment And Balance.................324

Tire Pressure Monitor System—If Equipped . . . 325
▫1,2,3, Or 4 Tire(s) Low Pressure...........325
▫1,2,3, Or 4 Tire(s) High Pressure...........325▫Check TPM System....................326
▫General Information...................327

Tire Chains...........................327

Snow Tires...........................329

Tire Rotation Recommendations............329

Fuel Requirements......................330
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................331
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............331
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................331
▫Materials Added To Fuel................332
▫Fuel System Cautions..................332
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............333
290 STARTING AND OPERATING