steering wheel DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2006 User Guide

The system can be turned on or off through the electronic
vehicle information center (EVIC) when the vehicle is in
PARK. If the rear park assist system is turned off, a single
chime will sound and the EVIC will display the following
message “ PARK ASSIST DISABLED ” , when the vehicle is
in reverse.
NOTE:
• Ensure that the rear bumper is free of dirt and debris
to keep the system operating properly.
• Jackhammers, large trucks, and other vibrations could
affect the performance of the system.
If Service Park Assist System appears in the EVIC after
making sure the rear bumper is clean please see your
authorized dealer. ADJUSTABLE PEDALS — IF EQUIPPED
This feature allows both the brake and accelerator pedals
to move toward or away from the driver to provide
improved position with the steering wheel. The adjustable
pedal system is designed to allow a greater range of driver
comfort for steering wheel tilt and seat position. The
switch is located on the right side of the steering column.
Adjustable Pedal SwitchUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 153
3

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

you understand and save you concern about these “ ap-
parent ” malfunctions, you must understand a point or
two about the transmission and reception of radio sig-
nals.
Two Types of Signals
There are two basic types of radio signals... AM or
Amplitude Modulation, in which the transmitted sound
causes the amplitude, or height, of the radio waves to
vary... and FM or Frequency Modulation, in which the
frequency of the wave is varied to carry the sound.
Electrical Disturbances
Radio waves may pick up electrical disturbances during
transmission. They mainly affect the wave amplitude,
and thus remain a part of the AM reception. They
interfere very little with the frequency variations that
carry the FM signal. AM Reception
AM sound is based on wave amplitude, so AM reception
can be disrupted by such things as lightning, power lines
and neon signs.
FM Reception
Because FM transmission is based on frequency varia-
tions, interference that consists of amplitude variations
can be filtered out, leaving the reception relatively clear,
which is the major feature of FM radio.
NOTE: On vehicles so equipped the radio, steering
wheel radio controls and 6 disc CD/DVD changer will
remain active for up to 45 seconds after the ignition
switch has been turned off. Opening a vehicle front door
will cancel this feature. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 213
4

Reception Quality
Satellite reception may be interrupted due to one of the
following reasons.
• The vehicle is parked in an underground parking
structure or under a physical obstacle.
• Dense tree coverage may interrupt reception in the
form of short audio mutes.
• Driving under wide bridges or along tall buildings can
cause intermittent reception.
• Placing objects over or too close to the antenna can
cause signal blockage. REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS — IF
EQUIPPED
The remote sound system controls are located on the rear
surface of the steering wheel at the 3 and 9 O ’ clock
positions.
Remote Sound System Controls270 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING!• Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
• The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
• The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user ’ s safety
or the safety of others. All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason, the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE: Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system. STARTING AND OPERATING 317
5

Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short period of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and does not in any
way damage the steering system.
WARNING!Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible. CAUTION!Prolong operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
TRACTION CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
The Traction Control System reduces wheel slip and
maintains traction at the driving (front) wheels. The
system reduces wheel slip by engaging the brake on the
wheel that is losing traction (spinning). The system
operates at speeds below 35 mph (56 km/h).318 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!• Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change suspension
dimensions and performance characteristics, result-
ing in changes to steering, handling, and braking of
your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling
and stress to steering and suspension components.
You could lose control and have an accident resulting
in serious injury or death. Use only the tire and wheel
sizes with load ratings approved for your vehicle.
• Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity,
other than what was originally equipped on your
vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could
result in tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have an accident.
• Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control. CAUTION!Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
• Fast tire wear.
• Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
• Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.336 STARTING AND OPERATING

2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.
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 shift back and forth between Reverse
and Drive. Usually the least accelerator pedal pressure to
maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective. WARNING!Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle ’ s wheels faster
than 35 mph (55 km/h) when you are stuck. And
don ’ t let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter
what the speed.
CAUTION!Racing 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 35 mph (55 km/h).390 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
With Ignition Key
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions: The gear selector must be in NEUTRAL, the
distance to be traveled must not exceed 100 miles (160
km), and the towing speed must not exceed 44 mph (72
km/h). Exceeding these towing limits may cause a trans-
mission geartrain failure. If the transmission is not op-
erative, or if the vehicle is to be towed more than 100
miles (160 km), the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels off the ground. CAUTION!• Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front
with sling type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.
• Always use wheel lift equipment when towing
from the front. The only other approved method
of towing is with a flat bed truck.
• Do not tow the vehicle from the rear. Damage to
the rear sheet metal, liftgate and fascia will occur.
• Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
mission may result.
• If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the OFF position, not
in the LOCK or ACCESSORY positions. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 391
6

▫ Steering Shaft Seal ....................413
▫ Steering Linkage ......................413
▫ Drive Shaft Universal Joints ..............413
▫ Body Lubrication .....................413
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ................414
▫ Windshield And Rear Window Washers .....414
▫ Exhaust System ......................415
▫ Cooling System .......................416
▫ Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses .......421
▫ Brakes .............................421
▫ Master Cylinder — Brake Fluid Level Check . . 423
▫ Fuel System Hoses ....................424
▫ Automatic Transmission ................424 ▫ Front And Rear Wheel Bearings ...........428
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion ...........................428
▫ Cleaning The Instrument Panel And Underseat
Cup Holders ........................432

Integrated Power Module (IPM) ............434

Vehicle Storage ........................436

Replacement Light Bulbs .................437

Bulb Replacement ......................438
▫ Headlights ..........................438
▫ Front Park/Turn Signal And Sidemarker
Lights .............................439
▫ Front Fog Light ......................440394 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE