towing DODGE CARAVAN 2006 4.G Owner's Manual

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM—OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the“Malfunction Indicator Light.”It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the“Malfunction Indica-
tor Light”on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
•If the“Malfunction Indicator Light”is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
398 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Change Engine Oil
Road conditions and your kind of driving affects the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following list to see if any apply to you.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F(0°C).
•Stop and Go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
•Trailer towing.
•Taxi, Police or delivery service (commercial service).
•Off-Road or desert operation.IfANYof these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown in schedule“B”of the“Mainte-
nance Schedules”section of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on schedule“A”of the“Main-
tenance Schedules”section of this manual
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends engine oils that are API certified and meet
the requirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard
MS-6395.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 403
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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.
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transmission
can cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water
from entering the transmission after checking or
replenishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap
is reseated properly.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid should be changed on all
transmissions as follows:
Normal Usage—No change necessary
Severe Usage (fluid and filter)—Refer to Maintenance
Schedule“B”Severe Usage is defined as:
•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is driven regularly for
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for Mainte-
nance Schedules.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
Do not add any fluid additives to the transmission. The
only exception to this policy is the use of special dyes to
aid in detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission
sealers should be avoided as they may adversely affect
seals.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 427
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EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The“Scheduled”maintenance services, listed inbold
typemust be done at the times or mileages specified to
assure the continued proper functioning of the emission
control system. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sion control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part which has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
requiredservice for your vehicle.
First is Schedule“B”. It is for vehicles that are operated
under the conditions that are listed below and at the
beginning of the schedule.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F(0°C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
•Trailer towing.
448 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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SCHEDULE“B”
Follow schedule“B”if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions. Change
the automatic transmission fluid and filter every 60,000
miles (96 000 km) if the vehicle is usually operated under
one or more of the conditions marked with an.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F(0°C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
•Trailer towing.
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
•Off-road or desert operation.
SCHEDULE“B”451
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Miles 138, 000 141, 000 144, 000 147, 000 150, 000
(Kilometers) (230 000) (235 000) (240 000) (245 000) (250 000)
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. X
Inspect thePCV valveand replace as necessary.* X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X
* This maintenance is recommended by the manufacture
to the owner but is not required to maintain the emis-
sions warranty.
‡This maintenance is not required if previously replaced.
This maintenance is required only for police, taxi,
limousine type operation, or trailer towing.Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
462 SCHEDULE“B”
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Compass Variance....................... 160
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 162
Console, Overhead....................... 158
Console, Removable...................184,185
Contract, Service........................ 476
Coolant Pressure Cap..................... 418
Cooling System......................... 416
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 418
Coolant Capacity...................... 443
Coolant Level......................416,419
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 419
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 417
Inspection........................... 419
Points to Remember.................... 420
Pressure Cap......................... 418
Radiator Cap......................... 418
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......417,443,444
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 155
Cruise Light........................... 211Cup Holder.........................177,432
Customer Assistance..................... 474
Daytime Running Lights................... 145
Dealer Service.......................... 400
Defroster, Rear Window................... 300
Defroster, Windshield................84,279,290
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 398
Dimmer Control........................ 144
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 426
Oil (Engine).......................... 401
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 391
Disarming, Theft System................... 27
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 419
Engine Oil........................... 405
Domelight............................. 144
Door Ajar Light......................... 205
INDEX 485
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Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 353
HomeLink(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 167
Hood Release.......................... 141
Hook, Coat............................ 189
Hoses.............................421,424
Ignition
Key ................................. 12
Illuminated Entry........................ 16
Immobilizer (Sentry Key)................... 13
Indicator, Traction Control................. 210
Infant Restraint.......................... 70
Information Center...................... 163
Information Center, Vehicle................. 163
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 90
Instrument Cluster.................202,203,204
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 201
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 432Integrated Child Seat...................... 69
Integrated Power Module.................. 434
Interior Appearance Care.................. 430
Interior Lights.......................143,144
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers).....149,296,298
Introduction............................. 4
Jack Location..................370,372,382,383
Jack Operation....................368,372,383
Jacking Instructions...................372,383
Jump Starting.......................... 387
Key, Programming........................ 15
Key, Replacement........................ 15
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer)................... 13
Key-In Reminder......................... 13
Keyless Entry System...................... 20
Keys................................. 12
Knee Bolster............................ 59
INDEX 489
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Rear Air Conditioning.................282,291
Rear Cup Holder........................ 179
Rear Heater............................ 282
Rear Seat Removal....................133,135
Rear Seating Flexibility.................138,139
Rear Window Defroster................... 300
Rear Window Features.................... 296
Rear Wiper/Washer...................297,298
Rearview Mirrors........................ 90
Reclining Front Seats..................... 120
Recreational Towing...................363,392
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 52
Remote Control......................... 258
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)................. 20
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls........ 270
Removable Floor Console...............184,185
Replacement Keys........................ 15
Replacement Parts....................... 400
Replacement Tires....................... 335Reporting Safety Defects................... 477
Restraint, Head......................... 119
Restraints, Child.......................69,76
Restraints, Infant......................... 70
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck................ 390
Roof Rack (Luggage Rack)................. 190
Rotation, Tires.......................... 341
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 83
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 84
Safety Defects, Reporting.................. 477
Safety, Exhaust Gas....................... 37
Safety Information, Tire................... 320
Safety Tips............................. 83
Satellite Radio.......................... 266
Satellite Radio Antenna................... 269
Schedule, Maintenance.................... 448
Seat Belt Maintenance.................... 432
Seat Belt Reminder....................... 52
494 INDEX