engine overheat DODGE CARAVAN 2005 4.G User Guide

NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
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 ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
vehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and thevehicle allowed to cool. Thereafter, service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer’s specifications, should be ob-
tained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•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 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
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
386 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•The warning words“DO NOT OPEN HOT”on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant 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
engine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or childrendo not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant recovery bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is ad-
equate. With the engine cold, the level of the coolant in
the coolant recovery bottle should be between the
“MAX”and“MIN”marks. The radiator normally re-
mains completely full, so there is no need to remove the
radiator cap except for checking coolant freeze point or
replacement with new antifreeze coolant. Your service
attendant should be advised of this. So long as the engine
operating temperature is satisfactory, the coolant recov-
ery bottle need only be checked once a month.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 397
7

Door Locks, Automatic.................... 19
Door Opener, Garage..................... 159
Drive Belts............................ 383
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 391
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 367
DVD Player............................ 243
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 94
Electrical Power Outlets................... 168
Electronic Speed Control................... 147
Electronic Vehicle Information Center......... 155
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 344
Jacking........................346,347,359
Jump Starting......................... 365
Overheating.......................... 345
Emission Control System Maintenance......377,426
Engine............................374,375Air Cleaner.......................... 385
Air Cleaner Filter...................... 384
Block Heater......................... 296
Break-In Recommendations................ 82
Checking Oil Level..................... 379
Compartment......................374,375
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 422
Cooling............................. 394
Exhaust Gas Caution..................38,333
Fails to Start.......................293,295
Fuel Requirements..................330,421
Oil ...........................379,421,422
Oil Change Interval.................... 381
Oil Disposal.......................... 383
Oil Filler Cap......................... 382
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 383
Oil Selection.......................381,421
Oil Synthetic......................... 383
Overheating.......................... 345
462 INDEX

Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 325
Mopar Parts.........................378,453
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 138
Navigation System....................... 240
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 82
Occupant Restraints....................... 41
Octane Rating, Gasoline................... 330
Odometer............................. 203
Oil, Engine.........................379,422
Capacity............................ 421
Change Interval....................... 381
Checking............................ 379
Disposal............................ 383
Filter............................383,422
Filter Disposal........................ 383
Identification Logo..................... 382
Materials Added to..................... 383Recommendation...................381,421
Synthetic............................ 383
Viscosity..........................382,421
Onboard Diagnostic System..............376,377
Opener, Garage Door..................... 159
Operator Manuals (Owner’s Manuals)........... 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 92
Overdrive............................. 300
Overhead Console....................... 150
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 150
Overheating, Engine...................201,345
Owner’s Manual.......................4,454
Panic Alarm............................ 23
Parking Brake.......................... 301
Parking On Hill......................... 301
Passing Light........................... 139
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 146
Pets, Transporting........................ 77
468 INDEX