manual transmission DODGE CARAVAN 2006 4.G Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: DODGE, Model Year: 2006, Model line: CARAVAN, Model: DODGE CARAVAN 2006 4.GPages: 504, PDF Size: 7.92 MB
Page 209 of 504
![DODGE CARAVAN 2006 4.G Owners Manual 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 lo DODGE CARAVAN 2006 4.G Owners Manual 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 lo](/img/12/5530/w960_5530-208.png)
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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 209
4
Page 356 of 504
![DODGE CARAVAN 2006 4.G Owners Manual Engine/Transmission GCWR (Gross Com-
bined Wt. Rating)Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.)Max. Tongue Wt.
3.3L & 3.8L
Automatic with
trailer tow package8,600 lbs (3900 kg) 40 SQ. FT.
(3.72 square DODGE CARAVAN 2006 4.G Owners Manual Engine/Transmission GCWR (Gross Com-
bined Wt. Rating)Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.)Max. Tongue Wt.
3.3L & 3.8L
Automatic with
trailer tow package8,600 lbs (3900 kg) 40 SQ. FT.
(3.72 square](/img/12/5530/w960_5530-355.png)
Engine/Transmission GCWR (Gross Com-
bined Wt. Rating)Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.)Max. Tongue Wt.
3.3L & 3.8L
Automatic with
trailer tow package8,600 lbs (3900 kg) 40 SQ. FT.
(3.72 square meters)Up to 2 persons &
Luggage 3,800 lbs
(1723 kg)*380 lbs (172 kg)
8,600 lbs (3900 kg) 40 SQ. FT.
(3.72 square meters)3 to 5 persons &
Luggage 3,350 lbs
(1519 kg)*335 lbs (152 kg)
8,600 lbs (3900 kg) 40 SQ. FT.
(3.72 square meters)6 to 7 persons &
Luggage 3,000 lbs
(1360 kg)*300 lbs (136 kg)
* For vehicles equipped with Fold-in-Floor seating, the Gross Trailer Weight must be reduced by 100 lbs (45 kg).
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE:The trailer tongue weight must be considered as
part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to the Tire–
Safety Information Section in this manual.
Trailer and Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to swayseverelyside to side
356 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 358 of 504
![DODGE CARAVAN 2006 4.G Owners Manual Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle driv-
etrain components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!
•Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805
k DODGE CARAVAN 2006 4.G Owners Manual Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle driv-
etrain components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!
•Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805
k](/img/12/5530/w960_5530-357.png)
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle driv-
etrain components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!
•Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805
km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage
your vehicle.
•During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer
towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR,
or GCWR, ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
358 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 359 of 504
![DODGE CARAVAN 2006 4.G Owners Manual •Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allo DODGE CARAVAN 2006 4.G Owners Manual •Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allo](/img/12/5530/w960_5530-358.png)
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
P for Park. Always, block orchockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight).
Towing Requirements—Tires
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to the
Ti re s–General Information section of this manual on
Tire Pressures for proper tire inflation procedures.
Also, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to the Tires–General
Information section of this manual on Tread Wear
Indicators for the proper inspection procedure.
STARTING AND OPERATING 359
5
Page 362 of 504
![DODGE CARAVAN 2006 4.G Owners Manual Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Towing Tips—Automatic Transmission
The“D”range can be selected wh DODGE CARAVAN 2006 4.G Owners Manual Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Towing Tips—Automatic Transmission
The“D”range can be selected wh](/img/12/5530/w960_5530-361.png)
Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Towing Tips—Automatic Transmission
The“D”range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the“3”range
should be selected.
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. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule“B”in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
7 - Pin Connector
362 STARTING AND OPERATING