engine overheat DODGE CARAVAN 2012 User Guide

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).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck and do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE
If a malfunction occurs and the shift lever cannot be
moved out of the PARK position, you can use the
following procedure to temporarily move the shift lever:
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 537
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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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 555
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Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent the loss of
engine coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine
coolant (antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the
coolant recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
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 pres-
sure cap while the system is hot or under pressure.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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 disposal
rules 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
or pet, seek emergency assistance 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
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 565
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DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 565
Engine Oil ......................... 552
Door Locks ............................. 32
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 35
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 231
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 434
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 435
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 310
E-85 Fuel ............................. 486
Economy (Fuel) Mode .................... 425
Electric Remote Mirrors ................... 114
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 244
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 443
Brake Assist System ................... 444
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 212Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
............. 445
Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) ....................... 224,300
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 513
Jacking ......................... 514,523
Jump Starting ....................... 532
Overheating ........................ 513
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 547
Engine Air Cleaner ......................... 553
Block Heater ........................ 422
Break-In Recommendations .............. 98
Checking Oil Level ................... 550
Compartment ....................... 545
Compartment Identification ............. 545
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................. 590
Cooling ........................... 562
Exhaust Gas Caution .............51,100,486
624 INDEX
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Flooded, Starting..................... 420
Fuel Requirements ................. 482,589
Oil ......................... 550,589,590
Oil Change Interval ................... 551
Oil Disposal ........................ 552
Oil Filler Cap ....................... 552
Oil Filter Disposal .................... 552
Oil Selection ..................... 551,589
Oil Synthetic ........................ 552
Overheating ........................ 513
Starting ........................... 419
Temperature Gauge ................... 296
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 80
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 19
Ethanol ............................... 483
Event Data Recorder ...................... 84
Exhaust Gas Caution ................51,100,486
Exhaust System ...................... 100,554
Extender, Seat Belt ........................ 70 Exterior Folding Mirrors
................... 114
Exterior Lights .......................... 103
Fabric Care ............................ 574
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 293
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 553
Air Conditioning .................. 413,558
Engine Oil ....................... 552,590
Engine Oil Disposal ................... 552
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 204
Flashers Hazard Warning ..................... 513
Turn Signal ................ 103,286,587,588
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ...................... 489
Engine Oil ......................... 489
Fuel Requirements ................. 486,488
Maintenance ........................ 490
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INDEX 625
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Viscosity........................ 552,589
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............546,547
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®) ........... 231
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ............... 112,113
Overhead Console ....................... 227
Overhead Travel Information Center .......... 227
Overheating, Engine ................... 296,513
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,615
Panic Alarm ............................ 23
Park Sense System, Rear ................... 215
Parking Brake .......................... 439
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 210
Personal Settings ........................ 315
Pets, Transporting ........................ 95
Phone, Cellular ......................... 125
Phone, Hands-Free (Uconnect™) ............. 125
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 457Power
Door Locks ......................... 34
Lift Gate ........................... 49
Mirrors ............................ 114
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ........ 244
Seats ............................. 160
Sliding Door ......................... 42
Steering ........................ 437,438
Sunroof ........................... 241
Windows ........................... 36
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 591
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 69
Preparation for Jacking .................... 522
Pretensioners Seat Belts ........................... 64
Programmable Electronic Features ............ 315
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 464
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......562,565
632 INDEX
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