fuel DODGE CARAVAN 2006 4.G Owners Manual

NOTE:The driver’s side sliding door cannot be opened
while the fuel door is open. This feature operates only
when the sliding door is fully closed prior to opening the
fuel door.
Sliding Door Open Flash
When the sliding door(s) are opened, the left and right
exterior hazard lights will flash for 12 seconds to alert
other drivers in the area that passenger(s) could be
entering or exiting the vehicle.
The Sliding Door Open Flash can be enabled or disabled
by performing the following procedure:
1. Place the key in the ignition switch.
2. Cycle the ignition switch ON/OFF four times ending
in the OFF position. (do not start the engine)
3. Within 10 seconds of the final cycle, press the hazard
switch.4. A single chime will sound to signify that you have
successfully completed the programming.
You can turn the feature back on by repeating the above
mentioned procedure or by performing the procedure in
the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), Cus-
tomer Programmable Features section on vehicles so
equipped.
Power Sliding Door—If Equipped
NOTE:The power sliding door must be unlocked before
the switches located on the trim panel, just in front of the
power sliding door will operate.
The power sliding door may be opened manually or by
using the buttons on the remote keyless entry transmitter.
Press the buttons on the remote keyless entry transmitter
twice within five seconds, to open a power sliding door.
Once the door is fully open, pressing the button twice
within five seconds a second time will close the door.
30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If the inside or outside door handles are used while the
power sliding door is activated, the power sliding door
feature will be canceled and the door must be opened or
closed manually.
To avoid unintentional operation of the power sliding
door from the rear seats, press the button located in the
overhead console to disable the switches for the rear seat
passengers.
NOTE:
•If anything obstructs the power sliding door while it is
closing or opening, the door will automatically reverse
to the closed or open position, provided it meets
sufficient resistance.
•The driver’s side sliding door cannot be opened while
the fuel door is open. This feature operates only when
the sliding door is fully closed prior to opening the
fuel door.
•If the power sliding door is not in the full open or close
position, it will fully open when a power sliding door
switch is pressed. To close the door, wait until it is fully
open and then press the switch again.
•The power sliding door switches will not operate if the
vehicle is in gear or the vehicle speed is above 0 mph
(0 km/h).
•If the power sliding door encounters multiple obstruc-
tions within the same cycle, the system will automati-
cally stop and must be opened or closed manually.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if caught in the path
of the sliding door. Make sure the door path is clear
before closing the door.
32 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6
to 8 seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the LED is not lit
during starting, have it checked. If the light
stays on or comes on while driving, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objectslodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
84 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Mini-Trip Computer
This displays information on the following:
•Average Fuel Economy (ECO AVG)
Shows the average fuel economy since the last reset.
•Distance To Empty (DTE)
Shows the estimated distance that can be travelled with
the fuel remaining in the tank. This estimated distance is
determined using the MPG for the last few minutes.
•Trip Odometer (ODO)
Shows the distance travelled since the last reset.
•Elapsed Time (ET)
Shows the accumulated ignition ON time since the last
reset.
•Off Mode
Shows a blank display.
•Step Button
Push this button to cycle through all the Compass/Mini-
trip Computer displays.
•US/M Button
Press this button to convert the display from U.S. to
metric.
To Reset The Display
Pressing the Reset button once will clear the resettable
function currently being displayed. Resettable functions
are average fuel economy, trip odometer and elapsed
time. Pressing the reset button twice within four seconds
will clear all resettable functions. Reset will only occur if
a resettable function is currently being displayed.
162 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
2. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lamp—If
Equipped
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one ormore of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accord-
ingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and
inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.
3. Low Fuel Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 3.0
gallons (11.0 liters) this light will turn on and
remain on until fuel is added.
204 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
210 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 211
4

Ti re s—General Information................328
▫Tire Pressure.........................328
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................329
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................331
▫Compact Spare Tire—If Equipped.........332
▫Limited Use Spare—If Equipped.........333
▫Tire Spinning........................333
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................334
▫Life Of Tire.........................335
▫Replacement Tires.....................335
▫Alignment And Balance.................336

Tire Pressure Monitor System—If Equipped . . . 337
▫1,2,3, Or 4 Tire(s) Low Pressure...........337▫Check TPM System....................337
▫General Information...................339

Tire Chains...........................339

Snow Tires...........................340

Tire Rotation Recommendations............341

Fuel Requirements......................342
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................342
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............343
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................343
▫Materials Added To Fuel................344
▫Fuel System Cautions..................344
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............345

Adding Fuel..........................346
302 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............346

Vehicle Loading........................348
▫Vehicle Certification Label...............348
▫Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).......348
▫Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).........348
▫Overloading.........................349
▫Loading............................349

Trailer Towing.........................350
▫Common Towing Definitions.............351▫Trailer Hitch Classification...............353
▫Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings).........353
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight..............356
▫Towing Requirements..................358
▫Towing Tips.........................362

Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 363
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................363
STARTING AND OPERATING 303
5

Extremely Cold Weather(below
29°Cor
20°F). To
insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your dealer) is recommended.
WARNING!
Do 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
engine 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 a
booster battery or the battery in another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly.
See section 6 of this manual for the proper jump
starting procedures and follow them carefully.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“NORMAL STARTING”,“COLD WEATHER”or“HIGH
ALTITUDE”procedures, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there
while cranking the engine. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded.
STARTING AND OPERATING 305
5