engine DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2006 Service Manual

Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives are not needed under
normal conditions and would result in additional cost.
Therefore you should not have to add anything to the
fuel.
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle ’ s
performance:
• The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
damage the emission control system. • An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
• The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers is not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.344 STARTING AND OPERATING

Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
• Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle. • Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
• Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle to
prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex-
haust gases from entering the vehicle. STARTING AND OPERATING 345
5

NOTE:
• Tighten the fuel filler cap until you hear a “ clicking ”
sound. This is an indication that the fuel filler cap is
properly tightened. If the vehicle diagnostic system
determines that the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged, GASCAP will be displayed in
the instrument cluster odometer. Tighten the fuel filler
cap properly and press the odometer reset button to
turn the GASCAP message off. If the problem contin-
ues, the message will appear the next time the vehicle
is started. See Section 7 of this manual for more
information. Make sure that the fuel filler cap is
tightened each time the vehicle is refueled.
• When the fuel nozzle “ clicks ” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full. WARNING!• Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
• Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
• A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling. STARTING AND OPERATING 347
5

Engine/Transmission GCWR (Gross Com-
bined Wt. Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
2.4L Automatic 5,200 lbs (2358 kg) 40 SQ. FT.
(3.72 square meters) Up to 2 persons &
Luggage 850 lbs
(385 kg) 85 lbs (39 kg)
5,200 lbs (2358 kg) 40 SQ. FT.
(3.72 square meters) 3 to 5 persons &
Luggage 400 lbs
(181 kg) 40 lbs (18 kg)
5,200 lbs (2358 kg) 40 SQ. FT.
(3.72 square meters) 6 to 7 persons &
Luggage Not Recom-
mended N/A354 STARTING AND OPERATING

Engine/Transmission GCWR (Gross Com-
bined Wt. Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
3.3L & 3.8L
Automatic 6,600 lbs (2993 kg) 40 SQ. FT.
(3.72 square meters) Up to 2 persons &
Luggage 1,800 lbs
(816 kg) 180 lbs (82 kg)
6,600 lbs (2993 kg) 40 SQ. FT.
(3.72 square meters) 3 to 5 persons &
Luggage 1,350 lbs
(612 kg) 135 lbs (61 kg)
6,600 lbs (2993 kg) 40 SQ. FT.
(3.72 square meters) 6 to 7 persons &
Luggage 1,000 lbs
(454 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg) STARTING AND OPERATING 355
5

Engine/Transmission GCWR (Gross Com-
bined Wt. Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
3.3L & 3.8L
Automatic with
trailer tow package 8,600 lbs (3900 kg) 40 SQ. FT.
(3.72 square meters) Up to 2 persons &
Luggage 3,800 lbs
(1723 kg)* 380 lbs (172 kg)
8,600 lbs (3900 kg) 40 SQ. FT.
(3.72 square meters) 3 to 5 persons &
Luggage 3,350 lbs
(1519 kg)* 335 lbs (152 kg)
8,600 lbs (3900 kg) 40 SQ. FT.
(3.72 square meters) 6 to 7 persons &
Luggage 3,000 lbs
(1360 kg)* 300 lbs (136 kg)
* For vehicles equipped with Fold-in-Floor seating, the Gross Trailer Weight must be reduced by 100 lbs (45 kg).
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as
part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to the Tire –
Safety Information Section in this manual. Trailer and Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to sway severely side to side356 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle driv-
etrain components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!• Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805
km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage
your vehicle.
• During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer
towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR,
or GCWR, ratings. WARNING!Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.358 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic. Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “ D ” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “ 3 ” range
should be selected.
NOTE: Using the “ 3 ” range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule “ B ” in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.
NOTE: Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.7 - Pin Connector362 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
Don ’ t 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.
Towing Tips — Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral but do not increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed. Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
refer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER
VEHICLE (Flat towing with all four wheels on the
ground)
Recreational towing for this vehicle is not recommended.
NOTE: If the vehicle requires towing make sure all four
wheels are off the ground. STARTING AND OPERATING 363
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIESCONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................366

If Your Engine Overheats .................367

Jacking And Tire Changing ................368
▫ Jacking Instructions — Stow ’ n Go Seating . . . 369
▫ Jacking Instructions — Non Stow ’ nGo
Seating .............................381

Jump-Starting Procedures If Battery Is Low ....387

Driving On Slippery Surfaces ..............389
▫ Acceleration .........................389 ▫ Traction ............................389

Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................390

Towing A Disabled Vehicle ................391
▫ With Ignition Key .....................391
▫ Without The Ignition Key ...............392
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground) ............................392
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
With A Tow Dolly .....................392
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