tow DODGE CARAVAN 2011 Manual PDF

•The towing distance to be traveled must not exceed
15 miles (24 km).
•The towing speed must not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle must
be towed faster than 25 mph (40 km/h) or farther than
15 miles (24 km), it must be towed with the front
wheels OFF the ground (using a flatbed truck, or wheel
lift equipment with the front wheels raised).
CAUTION!
Towing faster than 25 mph (40 km/h) or farther than
15 miles (24 km) with front wheels on the ground can
cause severe damage to the transmission. Such dam-
age is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. Flatbed towing is
the preferred towing method. However, if a flatbed
towing vehicle is not available, wheel lift towing equip-
ment may be used. Rear towing (with the front wheels on
the ground) is not allowed, as transmission damage will
occur. If rear towing is the only alternative, the front
wheels must be placed on a towing dolly. Proper towing
equipment is necessary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these towing methods can cause
severe transmission damage. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
464 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
ProCarManuals.com

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 (MIL).” 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 authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL 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 performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“gASCAP” message will display in the odometer or a
“CHECK GASCAP” message will be displayed in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
468 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•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 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
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
WARNING!
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can
burn or even blind you. Do not allow battery fluid
to contact your eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not lean
over a battery when attaching clamps. If acid
splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the area imme-
diately with large amounts of water. Refer to
“Jump-Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In
Emergencies” for further information.
•Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep
flame or sparks away from the battery. Do not use
a booster battery or any other booster source with
an output greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
•Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling.
478 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

WARNING!
Do not remove the A/C air filter while the blower is
operating or personal injury may result.
The A/C air filter is located in the fresh air inlet behind
the glove box. Perform the following procedure to re-
place the filter:
1. Open the glove compartment and remove all contents.
2. Push in on the sides of the glove compartment and
lower the door.
3. Pivot the glove compartment downward.
4. Disengage the two retaining tabs that secure the filter
cover to the HVAC housing, and remove the cover. 5. Remove the A/C air filter by pulling it straight out of
the housing.
6. Install the A/C air filter with the arrow on the filter
pointing toward the floor. When installing the filter
cover, make sure the retaining tabs fully engage the
cover.
A/C Air Filter Replacement
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 481
ProCarManuals.com

•If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider
mud or stone shields behind each wheel.
•Use MOPARTouch Up Paint or equivalent on
scratches as soon as possible. Your authorized dealer
has touch up paint to match the color of your vehicle.
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and
chrome-plated wheels, should be cleaned regularly with
a mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To remove
heavy soil and/or excessive brake dust, use MOPAR
Wheel Cleaner or equivalent or select a nonabrasive,
non-acidic cleaner. Do not use scouring pads, steel wool,
a bristle brush, or metal polishes. Only MOPAR or
equivalent is recommended. Do not use oven cleaner.
Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic solutions or
harsh brushes that may damage the wheels protective
finish.
Stain Repel Fabric Cleaning Procedure – If
Equipped
Stain Repel seats may be cleaned in the following man-
ner:
•Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting
with a clean, dry towel.
•Blot any remaining stain with a clean, damp towel.
•For tough stains, apply MOPAR Total Clean or
equivalent, or a mild soap solution to a clean, damp
cloth and remove the stain. Use a fresh, damp towel to
remove soap residue.
•For grease stains, apply MOPAR Multi-Purpose
Cleaner or a equivalent high quality cleaner to a clean,
damp cloth and remove the stain. Use a fresh, damp
towel to remove soap residue.
•Do not use any harsh solvents or any other form of
protectants on Stain Repel products.
496 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lightweight
and less susceptible to stone breakage than glass head-
lights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with MOPARGlass Cleaner or equivalent or any com-
mercial household-type glass cleaner. Never use an abra-
sive type cleaner. Use caution when cleaning the inside rear window equipped with electric defrosters or the
right rear quarter window equipped with the radio
antenna. Do not use scrapers or other sharp instruments
that may scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rearview mirror, spray cleaner on the
towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
498 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

CavityCartridge
Fuse Mini-Fuse Description
J14 40 Amp Green — Rear Window De-
fogger
J15 30 Amp Pink — Front Blower
J17 40 Amp Green — Starter Solenoid
J18 20 Amp Blue — Powertrain Control
Module Trans Range
J19 60 Amp Yellow — Radiator Fan
J20 30 Amp Pink — Front Wiper LO/HI
J21 20 Amp Blue — Front/Rear Washer
J22 25 Amp Natural — Sunroof ModuleCavity
Cartridge
Fuse Mini-Fuse Description
M1 — 15 Amp BlueRear Center Brake
Lamp/Brake Switch
M2 — — —
M3 — 20 Amp YellowSpare Fuse
M4 — 10 Amp RedTrailer Tow
M5 — 25 Amp NaturalInverter
M6 — 20 Amp YellowPower Outlet #1
(ACC), Rain Sensor
M7 — 20 Amp YellowPower Outlet #2
(BATT/ACC SE-
LECT)
M8 — 20 Amp YellowFront Heated Seat –
If Equipped
502 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

56,000 Miles (91,000 km) or
42 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
56,000 miles (91 000 km).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
64,000 Miles (104,000 km) or 48 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
64,000 miles (104 000 km).
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter(s) if using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S522 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
ProCarManuals.com

Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)....... 310
Conserving Fuel ........................ 274
Console .............................. 224
Console, Floor .......................... 224
Console, Overhead ....................... 193
Console, Removable ...................... 229
Contract, Service ........................ 533
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 487
Cooling System ......................... 484
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 486
Coolant Capacity ..................... 511
Coolant Level .................... 484,488
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 488
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 485
Inspection .......................... 488
Points to Remember .................. 488
Pressure Cap ........................ 487
Radiator Cap ....................... 487
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ....485,511,512 Cupholders
......................... 213,499
Customer Assistance ..................... 531
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 86
Daytime Running Lights ................... 167
Dealer Service .......................... 471
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 233
Defroster, Windshield .................. 103,338
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 468
Dimmer Control ........................ 167
Dipsticks Automatic Transaxle .................. 493
Oil (Engine) ........................ 472
Power Steering ...................... 366
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 462
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 488
Engine Oil ......................... 474
Door Locks ............................. 32
10
INDEX 543
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