engine overheat DODGE CARAVAN 2009 User Guide

WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, refer
to “Exhaust Gas” in the Safety Tips section of this
manual.
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 443
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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 exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything 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 the
vehicle 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 transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the 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.
Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the maintenance-free battery is permanently
sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic
maintenance required.
444 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add engine coolant (antifreeze)
when the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or
remove the cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat
causes pressure to build up in the cooling system.
To prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the
pressure cap while the system is hot or under
pressure.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposalrules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a
child, contact a physician immediately. Clean up any
ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine cold, the level of the engine coolant (antifreeze) in
the coolant recovery bottle should be between the ranges
indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing en-
gine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service attendant
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Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 454
Engine Oil........................... 441
Domelight............................. 173
Door Locks............................. 31
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 34
Door Opener, Garage..................... 197
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 448
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 334
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water......................... 335
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™).... 297
E-85 Fuel............................. 383
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 104
Electrical Power Outlets................... 206
Electronic Brake Control System............. 344
Brake Assist System.................... 346Electronic Stability Program............... 347
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 183
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 347
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC).............................192,252
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 410
Jacking...........................412,415
Jump Starting......................... 424
Overheating.......................... 410
Emission Control System Maintenance......436,484
Engine............................433,434
Air Cleaner.......................... 441
Block Heater......................... 327
Break-In Recommendations................ 93
Checking Oil Level..................... 438
Compartment......................433,434
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 480
Cooling............................. 450
516 INDEX
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Exhaust Gas Caution..................53,382
Flooded, Starting...................... 325
Fuel Requirements..................378,479
Oil ...........................438,479,480
Oil Change Interval.................... 439
Oil Disposal.......................... 441
Oil Filler Cap......................... 440
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 441
Oil Selection.......................439,479
Oil Synthetic......................... 441
Overheating.......................... 410
Starting............................. 324
Temperature Gauge..................... 236
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 72
Event Data Recorder...................... 76
Exhaust Gas Caution..............53,95,382,443
Exhaust System......................... 442
Express Down Windows................... 23
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 64Exterior Folding Mirrors................... 104
Fabric Care.........................463,464
Filler Location Fuel...................... 236
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 441
Air Conditioning....................320,447
Engine Oil........................441,480
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 441
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 410
Turn Signal.....................237,476,477
Flash-To-Pass........................... 179
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 421
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range........................ 386
Engine Oil........................... 386
Fuel Requirements..................383,385
Maintenance.......................... 387
INDEX 517
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Multi-Function Control Lever............... 177
Navigation System....................... 192
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 93
Occupant Restraints...................55,70,73
Occupant Restraints (Sedan).............68,70,72
Odometer............................. 240
Oil Change Indicator................241,248,255
Oil Change Indicator, Reset...........241,248,255
Oil, Engine.........................438,480
Capacity............................ 479
Change Interval....................... 439
Checking............................ 438
Disposal............................ 441
Filter............................441,480
Filter Disposal........................ 441
Identification Logo..................... 440
Materials Added to..................... 441Recommendation...................439,479
Synthetic............................ 441
Viscosity..........................440,479
Onboard Diagnostic System..............435,436
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 197
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors...............102,103
Overhead Console....................... 194
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 194
Overheating, Engine...................236,410
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).........4,507
Panic Alarm............................ 24
Park Sense System, Rear................... 186
Parking Brake.......................... 339
Parking On Hill......................... 340
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 182
Personal Settings........................ 259
Pets, Transporting........................ 90
INDEX 523
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