heating DODGE CARAVAN 2011 User Guide

A/C button is not pressed. This dehumidifies the air to
help dry the windshield. To improve fuel economy, use
these modes only when necessary.
6. Electronic Rear Window DefrostPress this button to turn on the rear window
defroster and the heated outside mirrors (if
equipped). An indicator in the button will illuminate
when the rear window defroster is on. The rear window
defroster automatically turns off after approximately
10 minutes. For an additional five minutes of operation,
press the button a second time.
NOTE:
•You can turn off the heated mirror feature at anytime
by pressing the rear window defroster switch a second
time.
•To prevent excessive battery drain, use the rear win-
dow defroster only when the engine is operating.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to
the heating elements:
•Use care when washing the inside of the rear
window. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on
the interior surface of the window. Use a soft cloth
and a mild washing solution, wiping parallel to
the heating elements. Labels can be peeled off
after soaking with warm water.
•Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abra-
sive window cleaners on the interior surface of the
window.
•Keep all objects a safe distance from the window.
7. Recirculation Control Button Press this button to choose between outside air
intake or recirculation of the air inside the
vehicle. A lamp will illuminate when you are in
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 323
ProCarManuals.com

7. Front Defrost ModeAir is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use DEFROST mode with
maximum blower and temperature settings for best
windshield and side window defrosting.
NOTE: The air conditioning compressor operates in
MIX and DEFROST, or a blend of these modes even if the
A/C button is not pressed. This dehumidifies the air to
help dry the windshield. To improve fuel economy, use
these modes only when necessary.
8. Electronic Rear Window Defrost Press this button to turn on the rear window
defroster and the heated outside mirrors (if
equipped). An indicator in the button will illuminate
when the rear window defroster is on. The rear window
defroster automatically turns off after approximately
10 minutes. For an additional five minutes of operation,
press the button a second time. NOTE:
•You can turn off the heated mirror feature at anytime
by pressing the rear window defroster switch a second
time.
•To prevent excessive battery drain, use the rear win-
dow defroster only when the engine is operating.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to
the heating elements:
•Use care when washing the inside of the rear
window. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on
the interior surface of the window. Use a soft cloth
and a mild washing solution, wiping parallel to
the heating elements. Labels can be peeled off
after soaking with warm water.
(Continued)
328 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
ProCarManuals.com

NOTE:In many temperature positions, the BI-LEVEL
mode is designed to provide cooler air out of the head-
liner outlets and warmer air from the floor outlets.
Floor Mode Air comes from the floor outlets.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50% ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is function-
ing properly and the proper amount, type, and concen-
tration of coolant is used. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for proper
coolant selection. Use of the air RECIRCULATION mode
during Winter months is not recommended, because it
may cause window fogging.
Vacation/Storage
Before you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes, in
fresh air with the blower setting on high. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 343
ProCarManuals.com

WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never
overload them.
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure.
Safety
WARNING!
•Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause collisions.
•Under-inflation increases tire flexing and can re-
sult in over-heating and tire failure.
•Over-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can
cause damage that result in tire failure.
•Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting
in loss of vehicle control.
•Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.(Continued)
386 STARTING AND OPERATING
ProCarManuals.com

NOTE:
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level before
towing.
•The transmission is sealed and requires an authorized
dealer to check the transmission fluid.
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped
•
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
•When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
•Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
•City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL but do not increase engine idle
speed.
•Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
•Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 435
ProCarManuals.com

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located in the
lower center area of the instrument panel.Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all directional
turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Press the switch a second time to
turn off the Hazard Warning flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.
NOTE: With extended use the Hazard Warning flashers
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•On the highways — slow down.
•In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission
in NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
•If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
•You can also turn the temperature control to maximum
heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control
to high. This allows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
438 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
ProCarManuals.com

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then move the shift lever back and forth
between DRIVE and REVERSE. Using minimal accelera-
tor pedal pressure to maintain the rocking motion, with-
out spinning the wheels, is most effective.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the shift lever in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce
the risk of transmission failure during prolonged
efforts to free a stuck vehicle.NOTE:
To improve the vehicle’s traction when starting
off in deep snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to
switch the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) to “Partial
Off” mode. Refer to “Electronic Brake Control System” in
“Starting and Operating” for further information.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
•Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no
transmission shifting occurring).
460 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
ProCarManuals.com

CAUTION!
•The catalytic converter requires the use of un-
leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions con-
trol device and may seriously reduce engine per-
formance and cause serious damage to the engine.
•Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.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.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 477
ProCarManuals.com

Door Locks, Automatic.................... 35
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 197
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 362
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................. 363
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 274
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) .... 317
E-85 Fuel ............................. 412
Economy (Fuel) Mode .................... 356
Electric Remote Mirrors ................... 115
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 207
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 371
Brake Assist System ................... 372
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 178
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 373
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) ............................. 191,265Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 438
Jacking ......................... 439,448
Jump Starting ....................... 456
Overheating ........................ 438
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 469
Engine Air Cleaner ......................... 475
Block Heater ........................ 353
Break-In Recommendations ............. 100
Checking Oil Level ................... 472
Compartment ....................... 467
Compartment Identification ............. 467
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................. 512
Cooling ........................... 484
Exhaust Gas Caution .............53,101,412
Flooded, Starting ..................... 352
Fuel Requirements ................. 408,511
Oil ......................... 472,511,512
544 INDEX
ProCarManuals.com

Oil Change Interval................... 473
Oil Disposal ........................ 474
Oil Filler Cap ....................... 474
Oil Filter Disposal .................... 474
Oil Selection ..................... 473,511
Oil Synthetic ........................ 474
Overheating ........................ 438
Starting ........................... 351
Temperature Gauge ................... 259
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 82
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 19
Ethanol ............................... 409
Event Data Recorder ...................... 86
Exhaust Gas Caution ................53,101,412
Exhaust System ...................... 101,476
Express Down Windows ................... 22
Extender, Seat Belt ........................ 72
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 115
Exterior Lights .......................... 104 Fabric Care
............................ 497
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 256
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 475
Air Conditioning .................. 345,480
Engine Oil ....................... 475,512
Engine Oil Disposal ................... 474
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 170
Flashers Hazard Warning ..................... 438
Turn Signal ................ 104,249,508,509
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ 453
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ...................... 415
Engine Oil ......................... 415
Fuel Requirements ................. 412,414
Maintenance ........................ 416
Replacement Parts .................... 416
Starting ........................... 415
10
INDEX 545
ProCarManuals.com