ignition DODGE CARAVAN 2004 4.G Repair Manual

WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of ªPº or
ªNº if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when
the engine is idling normally and when your right
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
Brake/Transmission Interlock System
This system prevents you from moving the gear shift out
of Park and into any gear unless the brake pedal is
pressed. This system is active only while the ignition
switch is in the ON position. Always depress thebrake
pedal first,before moving the gear selector out of PARK.
Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock System
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting out of
PARK unless the key is in the OFF or ON positions.
NOTE:If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the
key in the ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety
feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and
stopped but the key cannot be removed until you obtain
service.
Four Speed Automatic Transmission
The electronically controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle, may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles.
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transmission operating temperature exceeds acceptable
limits. This is done to prevent transmission damage due
to overheating.
ALL WHEEL DRIVE Ð IF EQUIPPED
This feature provides full time, on-demand, All Wheel
Drive (AWD). The system is automatic with no driver
inputs or additional driving skills required. Under nor-
mal driving conditions, the front wheels provide most of
the traction. If the front wheels begin to lose traction,
power is shifted automatically to the rear wheels. The
greater the front wheel traction loss, the greater the
power transfer to the rear wheels.
CAUTION!
All wheels must have the same size and type tires.
Unequal tire sizes must not be used. Unequal tire
size may cause failure of the power transfer unit
and/or the viscous coupling.
PARKING BRAKE
When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch on, the brake light in the instrument cluster will
turn on.
NOTE:This light only shows that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and place the gear selector in the
STARTING AND OPERATING 235
5

Park position. To release the parking brake, pull out on
the parking brake release located on the left side of the
instrument panel.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector in Park, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the selector out of park. As anadded precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb
on a downhill grade and away from the curb on a uphill
grade.
The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is danger-
ous for a number of reasons. A child or others could
be injured. Children should be warned not to touch
the parking brake, brake pedal or the gear selector
lever. Don't leave the keys in the ignition. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
236 STARTING AND OPERATING

The ABS light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem. The light will come on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and may stay on for
as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not come on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
bulb repaired as soon as possible.
If both the Brake Warning Light and the ABS Light
remain on, the Anti-Lock brakes (ABS) and Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD) systems are not function-
ing. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.When the vehicle is driven over approximately 15 mph
(25 km/h), you may also hear a slight clicking sound as
well as some related motor noises. These noises are the
system performing its self check cycle to ensure that the
ABS system is working properly. This self check occurs
each time the vehicle is started and accelerated past
approximately 15 mph (25 km/h).
ABS is activated during braking under certain road or
stopping conditions. ABS-inducing conditions can in-
clude ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose
debris, or panic stops.
You also may experience the following when the brake
system goes into Anti-lock:
²The ABS motor running (it may continue to run for a
short time after the stop),
²the clicking sound of solenoid valves,
²brake pedal pulsations,
238 STARTING AND OPERATING

are significantly underinflated. It is particularly impor-
tant, therefore, for you to check the tire pressure in all of
your tires regularly and maintain proper pressure.
1,2,3, OR 4 TIRE(S) LOW PRESSURE
Low tire pressure levels of 28 psi [1.9 bars] (193 kPa) or
less detected in one or more tires.
Inspect all tires for proper inflation pressure, once proper
tire pressure has been set the TPM system warning will
reset automatically once ignition switch has been turned
ON.
1,2,3, OR 4 TIRE(S) HIGH PRESSURE
High tire pressure levels of 48 psi [3.3 bars] (330 kPa) or
more detected in one or more tires.
Inspect all tires for proper inflation pressure, once proper
tire pressure has been set the TPM system warning will
reset automatically once ignition switch has been turned
ON.
SERVICE TIRE PRESSURE SYSTEM/SEE
OWNER'S MANUAL
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPM) system requires
service.
See your authorized dealer for service.
TIRE PRESSURE UNAVAILABLE
The TPM system function is temporarily unavailable due
to external electromagnetic interference, such as portable
electronic devices, or near by radio or TV towers.
Move the vehicle to an area free from radio, TV antennas
and transmitting towers or disconnect any portable elec-
tronic devices, once the external interference is removed
the TPM system will resume normal operation and ªTIRE
PRESSURE NOW AVAILABLEº will appear in the over-
head console display.
260 STARTING AND OPERATING

Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle's
performance:
²The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
damage the emission control system, and could result
in loss of warranty coverage.
²An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out-of-tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
²The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers are not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives are not
the responsibility of the manufacturer and may not be
covered under the New Vehicle Warranty.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Flasher..................280
mIf Your Engine Overheats.................281
mJacking And Tire Changing................282
NJack Location........................283
NSpare Tire Stowage....................283
NPreparations For Jacking................284
NJacking Instructions....................285
mJump-Starting Procedures If Battery Is Low....288
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces..............290
NAcceleration.........................290NTraction............................290
mFreeing A Stuck Vehicle..................291
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle................291
NWith Ignition Key.....................291
NWithout The Ignition Key...............293
NTowing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................293
NTowing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
With A Tow Dolley....................293
6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The hazard flasher switch is located in the center of the
instrument panel above 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 willflash 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.
280 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Spare Tire Removal
Fit the jack-handle over the drive nut. Rotate the nut to
the left until the spare is on the ground with enough slack
cable to allow you to pull the tire out from under the
vehicle.
CAUTION!
The winch mechanism is designed for use with the
jack handle only. Use of an air wrench or other
power tools is not recommended and can damage the
winch.
When the spare is clear, tilt the retainer at the end of the
cable and pull it through the center of the wheel.
Preparations For Jacking
Park the vehicle on a firm level surface, avoid ice or
slippery areas,set the parking brakeand place the gear
selector in PARK. Turn OFF the ignition.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off
the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
²Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.
284 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES IF BATTERY IS
LOW
WARNING!
Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever
the hood is raised. It can start anytime the ignition
switch is on. You can be hurt by the fan.
WARNING!
²Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the en-
gine has started, ignite and damage the converter and
vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start from
another vehicle. This type of start can be dangerous if
done improperly, so follow this procedure carefully.
²Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow
battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing. Don't
lean over battery when attaching clamps or allow the
clamps to touch each other. If acid splashes in eyes or
on skin, flush contaminated area immediately with
large quantities of water.
²A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. Keep flame or spark away from the
vent holes. Do not use a booster battery or any other
booster source with an output that exceeds 12 volts.
288 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES