air conditioning DODGE CARAVAN 2005 4.G Owners Manual

Satellite Radio—If Equipped..............254
▫System Activation.....................254
▫Electronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification
Number (ENS/SID)....................255
▫Selecting Satellite Mode In RBB, RAH And RBK
Radios.............................255
▫Selecting Satellite Mode In RBP, RBU, RAZ, RB1
And RBQ Radios.....................256
▫Selecting a Channel....................256
▫Storing And Selecting Pre-Set Channels......257
▫Using The PTY (Program Type) Button (If
Equipped)..........................257
▫PTY ButtonScan.....................257
▫PTY ButtonSeek.....................257▫Satellite Antenna......................257
▫Reception Quality.....................258

Remote Sound System Controls—
If Equipped...........................258
▫Radio Operation......................259
▫Tape Player.........................259
▫CD Player..........................260

Cassette Tape And Player Maintenance.......260

CD/DVD Disc Maintenance...............261

Radio Operation And Cellular Phones........261

Climate Controls.......................262
▫Manual Air Conditioning And
Heating System......................262
▫Front Mode Control...................263
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 191
4

▫Manual Air Conditioning Operation........267
▫Manual Rear Zone Climate Control—
If Equipped.........................270
▫Infrared Three-Zone Automatic Temperature
Control—If Equipped.................272

Rear Window Features...................284
▫Intermittent Rear Wiper Operation—Manual
Temperature Control Only...............284
▫Rear Washer Operation—Manual Temperature
Control Only........................285▫Rear Wiper Operation—Automatic Temperature
Control Only........................285
▫Intermittent Rear Wiper Operation—Automatic
Temperature Control Only...............286
▫Rear Washer Operation—Automatic Temperature
Control Only........................286
▫Electric Rear Window Defroster—
If Equipped.........................287
192 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CLIMATE CONTROLS
The Air Conditioning and Heating System is designed to
make you comfortable in all types of weather.
Manual Air Conditioning and Heating SystemFront Blower Control
The Front Blower Control selects whether the Cli-
mate Control System is ON or OFF. When the blower
control is set to the O (OFF) position the front blower will
turn off and the system will be placed in the Recirculation
mode. When the blower control is set to any position
other than off, it selects the amount of air delivered to the
passenger compartment. There are four blower speeds.
The fan speed increases as you
move the control clockwise.
Manual Air Conditioning and Heating Controls
262 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Defrost Mode
Air comes from the windshield and side window demist
outlets. Use this setting when necessary to defrost your
windshield and side windows.
NOTE:For improved safety, the compressor is activated
and the recirculation mode is deactivated when Mix orDefrost modes are selected. This is done to assist in
drying the air and it will help in keeping the windows
from fogging.
Manual Air Conditioning Operation
To turn on the air conditioning, set the front
blower control to any position except O (OFF) and
press the A/C button which is located next to the
recirculation button. An indicator light on the A/C
button shows that the air conditioning is on.
Cool dehumidified air comes through the outlets selected
by the Mode Control. To turn off the air conditioning,
press the A/C button a second time. The indicator light
will turn off.
NOTE:
•The compressor will not engage until the engine has
been running for a few seconds.
Defrost Outlets
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 267
4

•If your air conditioning performance seems lower than
expected, check the A/C air filter and the front of the
A/C condenser for an accumulation of dirt or insects.
The A/C condenser is located in front of the radiator.
The A/C air filter is located under the instrument
panel on the passenger side.
•Fabric type fascia protectors tend to block the amount
of air to the condenser and may reduce air condition-
ing performance.
Economy Mode
If economy mode is desired, press the A/C button to turn
off the indicator light, and the A/C compressor. Move the
temperature control lever to the desired temperature.
Recirculation Control
Press the recirculation button to recirculate the
air inside the vehicle. This is located next to the
A/C button. An indicator light on the button
shows that air is being recirculated. Use therecirculation mode to rapidly cool the inside of the
vehicle. The recirculation mode can also be used to
temporarily block out outside odors, smoke, and dust.
NOTE:
•When the ignition switch is turned OFF, the recircula-
tion feature will be cancelled.
•In cold weather, use of the Recirculation mode may
lead to excessive window fogging. The Recirculation
mode is not allowed in the Mix and Defrost modes to
improve window clearing operation. Recirculation
will be disabled automatically if these modes are
selected.
•If the recirculation button is pressed while in the Mix
or Defrost mode, the indicator light in the recirculation
button will flash 3 times indicating that recirculation is
not allowed.
268 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Defrost Mode
Air comes from the windshield and side window demist
outlets. Use this setting when necessary to defrost your
windshield and side windows.
NOTE:While operating in eitherAuto HIorAuto
LO, the system will not automatically sense the presenceof fog, mist, or ice on the windshield.Defrostmode
must be manually selected to clear the windshield and
side glass.
Thesnowflakeora/cbutton allows the opera-
tor to manually activate or deactivate the air
conditioning system. When the snowflake symbol
in the ATC display is on, cool, dehumidified air flows
through the air outlets. If economy mode is desired, press
the snowflake button to turn off the snowflake icon in the
ATC display and deactivate the air conditioning system.
Note: While operating inauto hiorauto lo, the air
conditioning system is always activated. If fog, or mist
appears on the windshield or side glass, selectdefrost
mode and increase blower speed.
Recirculation Control
When outside air contains smoke, odors, high
humidity, or if rapid cooling is desired, you
may wish to recirculate interior air by pressing
Defrost Outlets
278 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•On the highways—Slow down.
•In city traffic—While stopped, put transaxle in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
the fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads“H”, pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the
air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the“H”, turn the engine off immediately, and call for
service.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 345
6

WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer
to Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
•The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter
The filter access door is located under the instrument
panel on the passenger side. To replace the filter slide the
lock toward the rear of the vehicle (unlock position).
Remove the access door and pull the filter downward.
When installing a new filter, ensure its proper orienta-
tion. Align the black arrow on the bottom of the filter
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 389
7

frame with the direction of airflow (away from the
blower motor and towards the center of the car).
Refer to the“Maintenance Schedules”section of this
manual for the recommended air conditioning filter
replacement intervals.
Power Steering—Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
The front suspension ball joints are permanently sealed.
No regular maintenance is required for these compo-
nents.
390 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant recovery
bottle. Do not overfill.
Points to Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles of
operation, you may observe vapor coming from the front
of the engine compartment. This is normally a result of
moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity accumulat-
ing on the radiator and being vaporized when the
thermostat opens, allowing hot water to enter the radia-
tor.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT ethylene
glycol engine coolant (minimum) and distilled water
for proper corrosion protection of your engine which
contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
398 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE