brake DODGE CARAVAN 2006 4.G User Guide

WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure
Cap paragraph.
17. Washer Fluid Light
This light turns on when the washer fluid level
falls below approximately 1/4 filled. The light will
remain on until fluid is added.
18. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transaxle gear
selection.NOTE:You must apply the brakes before shifting from
Park.
19. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The light
should turn on momentarily when the engine is
started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
chime will sound for 4 minutes when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
20. High Beam Light
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever towards the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or low
beam.
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21. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. The light will illu-
minate when the key is in the ON position before engine
start. If the bulb does not come when turning the key
from OFF to ON, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert to serious
conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or
severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible if this occurs. (See page 399
for more information.)22. Trac Off Indicator—If Equipped
This display indicator should illuminate for approxi-
mately four seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON.
The“TRAC OFF”Indicator will flash if the traction
control is in use.
The“TRAC OFF”Indicator will illuminate if:
•The Traction Control switch has been used to turn
the system OFF.
•There is a Traction Control System malfunction
•The system has been deactivated to prevent damage
to the brake system due to overheated brake tem-
peratures.
NOTE:Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the TRAC and
the OFF indicators located in the instrument cluster.
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This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and is
a normal condition. The system will remain disabled for
about 4 minutes until the brakes have cooled. The system
will automatically reactivate and turn off the TRAC and
the OFF indicators.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow, turn
the Traction Control System OFF before attempting to
“rock”the vehicle free.
23. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.The trip odometer shows individual trip mileage. To
switch from odometer to trip odometer, press the Trip
Odometer button.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged,
GASCAP will be displayed in the instrument cluster
odometer. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press
the odometer reset button to turn the GASCAP message
off. If the problem continues, the message will appear the
next time the vehicle is started. See Section 7 of this
manual for more information.
24. Cruise Indicator
This display indicator shows that the Speed Control
System is ON.
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures.....................304
▫2.4L Engine.........................304
▫3.3L And 3.8L Engine..................306

Engine Block Heater—If Equipped.........309

Automatic Transmission..................309
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock System.......310
▫Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock
System.............................310
▫Four Speed Automatic Transmission........310
Parking Brake.........................313

Brake System..........................314
▫Anti-Lock Brake System—If Equipped.....315

Power Steering........................317

Traction Control—If Equipped............318

Tire Safety Information...................320
▫Tire Markings........................320
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........323
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........324
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STARTING PROCEDURES
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds, can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting into any driving gear.
2.4L Engine
Normal Startingof either a cold or a warm engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the“START”position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine has not started
within 3 seconds, slightly depress the accelerator pedal
while continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start
within 15 seconds, turn the key to the“OFF”position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting
procedure.
Cold Weather(Below 0°Cor32°F) orHigh Altitude
(Above 4,000 feet at all temperatures). If engine has not
been started within past 3 to 4 hours, slightly depress and
hold the accelerator pedal before attempting to start a
cold engine. Turn the key to the“START”position. When
the engine starts, release first the key, then the accelerator
pedal. If the engine fails to start within 15 seconds,
discontinue cranking and return the key to the“OFF”
position. Repeat the starting procedure.
304 STARTING AND OPERATING

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER—IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the driver side of the vehicle. It has a removable cap that
is located on the driver side of the Integrated Power
Module.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the
engine is at idle speed.
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
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WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of“P”or
“N”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.
310 STARTING AND OPERATING

Reset Mode - Electronic Transmission
The transmission is monitored electronically for abnor-
mal conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause
damage, the transmission automatically shifts into sec-
ond gear. The transmission remains in second gear
despite the forward gear selected. Park (P), Reverse (R),
and Neutral (N) will continue to operate. This Reset
feature allows the vehicle to be driven to a dealer for
service without damaging the transmission.
In the event that the problem has been momentary, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward gears.
•Stop the vehicle and shift into Park (P).
•Turn the key to OFF then restart the engine.
•Shift into the desired range and resume driving.
NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, it is
recommended that you visit a dealer at your earliestpossible convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equip-
ment to determine if the problem could recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, dealer service is
required.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine
when shifting from PARK
or NEUTRAL positions into
another gear range.
“P”Park
Supplements the parking brake by locking the transmis-
sion. The engine can be started in this range. Never
attempt to use PARK while vehicle is in motion.
Apply parking brake when leaving vehicle in this range.
Transmission Gear Ranges
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“R”Reverse
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
“N”Neutral
Engine may be started in this range.
“D”Overdrive
For most city and highway driving, it provides smoothest
upshifts and downshifts and best fuel economy. When
frequent transmission shifting occurs while using the
“D”Overdrive position, such as when operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions, (i.e. in hilly
terrain, traveling into strong head winds or while towing
heavy trailers), using the“3”position will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build-up.
“3”Drive
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The transmis-
sion will operate normally in First, Second and Thirdwhile in this range. The“3”position should also be used
when descending steep grades to prevent brake system
distress.
NOTE:Using the“3”range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up.
“L”Low
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts will
occur only to prevent engine overspeed while downshifts
occur earlier than other gear range selections.
NOTE:The vehicle computer will over ride Overdrive
and“3”Drive ranges by changing shift points if the
transmission operating temperature exceeds acceptable
limits. This is done to prevent transmission damage due
to overheating.
312 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
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 an
Parking Brake Release
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