engine DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2006 Owner's Manual

21. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. The light will illu-
minate when the key is in the ON position before engine
start. If the bulb does not come when turning the key
from OFF to ON, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert to serious
conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or
severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible if this occurs. (See page 399
for more information.) 22. Trac Off Indicator — If Equipped
This display indicator should illuminate for approxi-
mately four seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON.
The “ TRAC OFF ” Indicator will flash if the traction
control is in use.
The “ TRAC OFF ” Indicator will illuminate if:
• The Traction Control switch has been used to turn
the system OFF.
• There is a Traction Control System malfunction
• The system has been deactivated to prevent damage
to the brake system due to overheated brake tem-
peratures.
NOTE: Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the TRAC and
the OFF indicators located in the instrument cluster.210 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Defrost Mode
Air comes from the windshield and side window demist
outlets. Use this setting when necessary to defrost your
windshield and side windows.
NOTE: For improved safety, the compressor is activated
and the recirculation mode is deactivated when Mix or Defrost modes are selected. This is done to assist in
drying the air and it will help in keeping the windows
from fogging.
Manual Air Conditioning Operation
To turn on the air conditioning, set the front
blower control to any position except O (OFF) and
press the A/C button which is located next to the
recirculation button. An indicator light on the A/C
button shows that the air conditioning is on.
Cool dehumidified air comes through the outlets selected
by the Mode Control. To turn off the air conditioning,
press the A/C button a second time. The indicator light
will turn off.
NOTE:
• The compressor will not engage until the engine has
been running for a few seconds.Defrost Outlets UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 279
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A/C Recirculation Programming
The recirculation control is programmed to cancel the
recirculation mode when the ignition key is turned OFF
and will reset to outside air mode when the ignition key
is turned ON. The frequent use of outside air will help
keep odors from building up within the air conditioner-
heater housing. It is recommended that the recirculation
mode be used as little as possible, especially in humid
climates.
For hot and dry climates, or people who are allergic to
pollen and find frequent use of the recirculation mode
necessary, the recirculation mode can be programmed to
not automatically reset to the outside mode by using the
following procedures:
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
• Set the mode control to “ PANEL ” . • Depress and hold in the “ Rear Wipe/Wash ” button.
• Start the engine, and continue to hold in the “ Rear
Wipe/Wash ” button until the indicator light starts
flashing repeatedly.
• Press the recirculation button until the indicator light
remains lit.
• The selection will be stored when the ignition switch is
turned OFF or if the “ Rear Wipe/Wash ” button is
pressed.
If the recirculation indicator light is lit, the recirculation
mode will not reset when the engine is started. If the
recirculation indicator light is not lit, the recirculation
mode will reset to the outside air mode when the engine
is started. The programmed status can be changed back
and forth by following the above mentioned procedure. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 281
4

• The temperature can be displayed in U.S. or Metric by
selecting the US/M customer programmable feature.
Refer to the “ Overhead Console-Customer Program-
mable Features ” in Section 3 of this manual.
To provide you with maximum comfort in the automatic
mode, during cold start-ups the blower fan will remain
off and “ DELAY ” will appear in the front ATC display
until the engine warms up. Also, an estimate of the time
remaining until the “ DELAY ” is over will appear peri-
odically in the display. However, the fan will engage
immediately if the defrost mode is selected or by rotating
the blower control to any fixed blower speed.
This feature may be disabled using the following proce-
dure:
• Press and hold the Heated Rear Window and Auto LO
buttons for 5 seconds. • The “ DELAY ” symbol will flash to indicate that the
feature as been disabled.
This feature may be enabled using the following proce-
dure:
• Press and hold the Heated Rear Window and Auto HI
buttons for 5 seconds.
• The “ DELAY ” symbol will flash to indicate that the
feature as been enabled.
Power Button
This button turns the entire system ON/OFF. When the
system is turned on it will return to the previous settings.
Manual Operation
This system offers a full complement of manual override
features. The “ AUTO ” symbol in the front ATC display
will be turned off when the system is being used in the
manual mode.286 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Rear Mode Control
The Rear Mode Control, located in
the headliner near the center of
the vehicle can be used to select
between Auto, Headliner, Bi-
Level and Floor modes.
Auto Mode
The rear system automatically maintains the correct
mode and comfort level desired by the rear seat occu-
pants.
Floor Mode
Air comes from the floor outlets. Bi-Level Mode
Air comes from both the headliner outlets and the
floor outlets.
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.
Headliner Mode
Air comes from the outlets in the headliner. Each of
these outlets can be individually adjusted to direct
the flow of air. Moving the air vane knob on the outlets to
one side will shut off the air flow.
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 50% solution of ethylene294 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to section 7, Maintenance Procedures, of this manual for
proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
To insure 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 section 7, Maintenance
Procedures, of this manual for proper coolant selection.
Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-
tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh
air and high blower setting. This will insure adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild rainy
or humid weather. To clear the windows, select  defrost 
or  mix  mode and increase the front blower speed. Do
not use the Recirculation mode without A/C for long
periods as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow and if they
enter the plenum they could plug the water drains. In
winter months make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush and snow. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 295
4

Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer is shared. It is located in the front of
the engine compartment on the passenger side and
should be checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill
the reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not radia-
tor antifreeze) and operate the system for a few seconds
to flush out the residual water.
The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid
when the Low Washer Fluid Light illuminates. Washer Fluid Reservoir UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 299
4

STARTING AND OPERATINGCONTENTS
Starting Procedures .....................304
▫ 2.4L Engine .........................304
▫ 3.3L And 3.8L Engine ..................306

Engine Block Heater — If Equipped .........309

Automatic Transmission ..................309
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock System .......310
▫ Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock
System .............................310
▫ Four Speed Automatic Transmission ........310
Parking Brake .........................313

Brake System ..........................314
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System — If Equipped .....315

Power Steering ........................317

Traction Control — If Equipped ............318

Tire Safety Information ...................320
▫ Tire Markings ........................320
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ..........323
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........3245

STARTING PROCEDURES
CAUTION!Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds, can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
WARNING!Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting into any driving gear. 2.4L Engine
Normal Starting of either a cold or a warm engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the “ START ” position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine has not started
within 3 seconds, slightly depress the accelerator pedal
while continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start
within 15 seconds, turn the key to the “ OFF ” position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting
procedure.
Cold Weather (Below 0 ° Cor32 ° F) or High Altitude
(Above 4,000 feet at all temperatures). If engine has not
been started within past 3 to 4 hours, slightly depress and
hold the accelerator pedal before attempting to start a
cold engine. Turn the key to the “ START ” position. When
the engine starts, release first the key, then the accelerator
pedal. If the engine fails to start within 15 seconds,
discontinue cranking and return the key to the “ OFF ”
position. Repeat the starting procedure.304 STARTING AND OPERATING

Extremely Cold Weather (below
29 ° Cor
20 ° F). To
insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your dealer) is recommended.
WARNING!Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start from a
booster battery or the battery in another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly.
See section 6 of this manual for the proper jump
starting procedures and follow them carefully. WARNING!Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“ NORMAL STARTING ” , “ COLD WEATHER ” or “ HIGH
ALTITUDE ” procedures, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there
while cranking the engine. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded. STARTING AND OPERATING 305
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