JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING - Dodge Caravan Owners Manual

WARNING!
*Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous.
The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you.
You could be crushed. Never get any part of your
body under a vehicle that is on a jack. If you need
to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service
center where it can be raised on a lift.
*The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing
tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the
vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.

WARNING!
For vehicles equipped with Stow ’n Go seating, if it
is necessary to retrieve the spare tire from under the
vehicle on the side of the vehicle close to moving
traffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the
danger of being hit.

Jack Location
The jack, jack handle and winch handle tools are stowed
behind the rear left side trim panel in the rear cargo area.
Turn the two cover latches to release the cover.

Rear Compartment Features
1 - Tie Down 5 - Liftgate Close Switch
2 - Switch Bank 6 - Bag Holders
3 - Tire Jack/Handle 7 - Child Seat LATCH Anchor
4 - Cubby/Speaker 8 - Rechargeable Flash Light

Remove the pouch containing the scissors jack, jack
handle, and tools.

Spare Tire Removal
For vehicles equipped with Stow ’n Go seating, the spare
tire is stowed inside a protective cover located under the
center of the vehicle by means of a cable winch mechanism.
The “spare tire drive” nut is located on the floor,
under a plastic cap at the front of the floor console.
NOTE: The base console, if equipped, must be removed
to raise and lower the spare tire. Refer to “Console
Features” in Section 3, for the console removal procedure.
The tool pouch contains three pieces and can be assembled
into a Spare Tire Hook; to remove the compact
spare tire/cover assembly from under the vehicle, or a
Winch “T” Handle; to raise/lower the compact spare
tire/cover assembly.

Preparations For Jacking
Park the vehicle on a firm level surface, avoid ice or
slippery areas, set the parking brake and place the gear
selector in PARK. Turn OFF the ignition.
* Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.
* Block both the front and rear
of the wheel diagonally opposite
the jacking position. For
example, if changing the right
front tire, block the left rear
wheel.
* Passengers should not remain in the vehicle when the
vehicle is being jacked.

WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to
help prevent personal injury or damage to your
vehicle:
² Always park on a firm, level surface as far from
the edge of the roadway as possible before raising
the vehicle.
² Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to
be raised.
² Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic
transmission in park; a manual transmission in
reverse.

WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to
help prevent personal injury or damage to your
vehicle:
² Never start or run the engine with the vehicle on a
jack.
² Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a
jack.
² Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
² Only use the jack in the positions indicated and
for lifting this vehicle during a tire change.
² If working on or near a roadway, be extremely
careful of motor traffic.
² To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated are
securely stowed, spares must be stowed with the
valve stem facing the ground.
² Turn on the Hazard warning flasher.

1. Loosen (but do not remove) the wheel lug nuts by
turning them to the left one turn while the wheel is still
on the ground.
2. To remove the compact spare tire/cover assembly,
assemble the winch handle extensions to form a “T’ and
fit the winch “T” handle over the drive nut. Rotate the
nut to the left until the winch mechanism stops turning
freely. This will allow enough slack in the cable to allow
you to pull the spare tire out from under the vehicle.

CAUTION!
The winch mechanism is designed for use with the
winch “T” handle only. Use of an air wrench or other
power tools is not recommended and can damage the
winch.
3. Assemble the winch handle extensions to form the
Spare Tire Hook and pull the compact spare tire/cover
assembly from under the vehicle.

WARNING!
Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The
vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never get any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. If you need to get
under a raised vehicle, take it to a service center
where it can be raised on a lift.

NOTE: If either front tire is flat, it may be necessary to
jack up the vehicle to remove the compact spare tire/
cover assembly from under the vehicle. Refer to jack
engagement locations in the following steps for proper
jack placement.

4. When the compact spare tire/cover assembly is clear
of the vehicle, stand the tire/cover assembly upright and
remove the wheel spacer by squeezing the two retaining
tabs together.

5. There are two jack engagement locations on each side
of the vehicle body. These locations are on the sill flange
of the vehicle body.

NOTE: Rear jack location is between a pair of downstanding
tabs on the sill flange of the vehicle body.
Front jack location is on the sill flange of the vehicle body
and aligns with the front door edge.

6. Place the wrench on the jack screw and turn to the
right until the jack head is properly engaged in the
described location. Do not raise the vehicle until you are
sure the jack is securely engaged.
7. Raise the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the right,
using the swivel wrench. Raise the vehicle only until the
tire just clears the surface and enough clearance is
obtained to install the spare tire. Minimum tire lift
provides maximum stability.
WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle less stable. It could slip off the jack and
hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough
to remove the tire.
8. Remove the wheel lug nuts, for vehicles with wheel
covers, remove the cover from the wheel by hand. Do not
pry the wheel cover off. Then pull the wheel off the hub.
9. Install the compact spare tire. Lightly tighten the lug
nuts. To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack,
do not tighten the lug nuts fully until the vehicle has been
lowered.
NOTE: Do not install the wheel cover on the compact
spare.
Do not use a hammer or force to install the wheel covers.

10. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the
left.
11. Finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down on the
wrench while tightening for increased leverage. Alternate
lug nuts until each nut has been tightened twice. Correct
wheel nut tightness is 95 ft lbs (130 N·m). If in doubt
about the correct tightness, have them checked with a
torque wrench by your authorized dealer or at a service
station.
12. Lower the jack to its fully-closed position.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the vehicle.
Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided. Have the deflated (flat) tire
repaired or replaced immediately.
13. Place the deflated (flat) tire and compact spare tire
cover assembly in the rear cargo area. Do not stow the
deflated tire in the spare tire location. Have the full
sized tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
14. Stow the cable and wheel spacer before driving the
vehicle. Reassemble the winch handle extensions to form
a “T’ and fit the winch “T” handle over the drive nut.
Rotate the nut to the right until the winch mechanism
clicks at least three times.
15. Stow the jack, jack handle and winch handle tools.
16. Check the compact spare tire pressure as soon as
possible. Correct pressure as required.
Wheel Nuts
All wheel nuts should be tightened occasionally to eliminate
the possibility of wheel studs being sheared or the
bolt holes in the wheels becoming elongated. This is
especially important during the first few hundred miles of operation, and after each time a tire is changed, to
allow the wheel nuts to become properly set. All nuts
should first be firmly seated against the wheel. The nuts
should then be tightened to recommended torque.
Tighten the nuts to final torque in increments. Progress
around the bolt circle, tightening the nut opposite to the
nut just previously tightened until final torque is
achieved. Recommended torque is 95 ft lbs (130 N·m).
Secure The Spare Tire As Follows:
1. To stow the compact spare tire/cover assembly on
vehicles equipped with Stow ’n Go seating, assemble the
winch handle extensions to form a “T’ and fit the winch
“T” handle over the drive nut. Rotate the nut to the left
until the winch mechanism stops turning freely. This will
allow enough slack in the cable to allow you to pull the
wheel spacer out from under the vehicle.
WARNING!
A loose compact spare tire/cover assembly, thrown
forward in a collision or hard stop could endanger
the occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the compact
spare tire with the cover assembly in the place
provided.
CAUTION!
The winch mechanism is designed for use with the
winch “T” handle only. Use of an air wrench or other
power tools is not recommended and can damage the
winch.

Spare Tire Hook and pull the wheel spacer from under
the vehicle.
3. Turn the compact spare tire so that the valve stem is
down and place the tire into the spare tire cover assembly.
Slide the wheel spacer through the center of the
wheel and spare tire cover assembly so that the two
retainer tabs snap out and engage the spare tire cover on
the opposite side.
CAUTION!
The compact spare tire cover assembly must be used
when the compact spare tire is stored. Failure to use
this cover could drastically reduce the life of the
compact spare tire.
WARNING!
Verify that ’both’ retainer tabs of the wheel spacer
have been properly extended through the center of
the wheel and spare tire cover assembly. Failure to
properly engage both retainer tabs could result in
loss of the spare tire & cover assembly, which will
cause vehicle damage and may cause loss of control
of the vehicle.
4. Using the winch “T” handle, rotate the drive nut to the
right until the compact spare tire/cover assembly is
drawn into place against the underside of the vehicle.
5. Continue to rotate the nut to the right until you hear
the winch mechanism click three times. It cannot be
overtightened. Check under the vehicle to ensure the
compact spare tire/cover assembly is positioned correctly
against the underside of the vehicle.


When jump-starting, proceed as follows:
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When a boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach and
without letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake,
place the automatic transmission selector lever into
PARK and turn the ignition switch to the OFF position for
both vehicles.
3. Turn OFF the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the discharged battery. Connect the other end
of the same cable to the positive terminal of the booster
battery.

5. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery, and then to the engine of the
vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure there is a
good contact on the engine.
WARNING!
DO NOT connect the cable to the negative post of the
discharge battery. The resulting electrical spark could
cause the battery to explode.

6. Start the engine in the vehicle which has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
7. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS - Dodge Caravan Owners Manual

In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate action.
- On the highways — Slow down.
- In city traffic — While stopped, shift the transmission
gear selector lever into NEUTRAL, but do not increase
engine idle speed.

NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
the fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.

CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads “H”, pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back
into the normal range. If the pointer remains on the
“H”, turn the engine off immediately, and call for
service.

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, Maintenance, of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) - Dodge Caravan Owners Manual

This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP corrects
for over/under steering of the vehicle by applying
the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting
the over/under steer condition. Engine power
may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the
desired path.
ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle
path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual
path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match
the intended path, ESP applies the brake of the appropriate
wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or

• understeer condition.Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than appropriate for the steering wheel position.

• Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than appropriate for the steering wheel position.

ESP ON
This is the normal operating mode for ESP on 2WD
vehicles. Whenever the vehicle is started, the ESP system
will be in this mode. This mode should be used for most
driving situations. ESP should only be turned off for
specific reasons as noted below.

ESP Partial OFF
This mode is entered by momentarily depressing the ESP
OFF switch (located in the center switch bank, next to the
hazard flasher switch).
When in Partial OFF mode, the TCS portion of
ESP, except for the “limited slip” feature described
in the TCS section, has been disabled
and the ESP/TCS Indicator Light will be illuminated.
All other stability features of the ESP function
normally. This mode is intended to be used if the vehicle
is in deep snow, sand or gravel conditions and more
wheel spin than ESP would normally allow is required to  gain traction. To turn ESP on again, momentarily depress
the ESP OFF switch. This will restore the normal ESP ON
mode of operation.

NOTE: To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving
with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the Partial OFF
mode by pressing the ESP OFF switch. Once the situation
requiring ESP to be switched to the Partial OFF mode is
overcome, turn ESP back on by momentarily depressing
the ESP OFF switch. This may be done while the vehicle
is in motion.

ESP/BAS Warning Light
The malfunction indicator light for the ESP is
combined with BAS. The ESP/BAS Warning
light and the ESP/TCS Indicator Light in the
instrument cluster both come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position. They should
go out with the engine running. If the ESP/BAS Warning Light comes on continuously with the engine running, a
malfunction has been detected in either the ESP or the
BAS system. If this light remains on after several ignition
cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles/
kilometers at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see
your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected.
NOTE:

• The ESP/TCS Indicator Light and the ESP/BASWarning Light come on momentarily each time the ignition switch is turned ON.

• Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System will be ON even if it was turned off previously.

• The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clickingsounds when it is active, this is normal. The sounds will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the maneuver that caused the ESP activation.

Reset Mode - Electronic Transmission - Dodge Caravan Owners Manual

The transmission is monitored electronically for abnormal
conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause
damage, the transmission automatically shifts into 2nd
gear (3rd gear for six-speed). The transmission remains in
2nd gear (3rd gear for six-speed) despite the forward gear
selected. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue
to operate. This Reset feature allows the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized dealer for service without damaging
the transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
4. Restart the engine.
5. Shift into the desired gear range and resume driving.
NOTE: Even if the transmission can be reset, it is
recommended that you visit an authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.

PARKING BRAKE
When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch ON, the brake light in the instrument cluster will
turn on.
NOTE: This light only shows that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied by depressing the pedal located at
the bottom left of the instrument panel and place the gear
selector lever in the PARK position. To release the parking
brake, depress the emergency break pedal a second
time and let your foot up as you feel the brake disengage.
Be sure the parking brake is firmly set when parked and
the gear selector lever is in the PARK position. When
parking on a hill you should apply the parking brake

before placing the gear selector lever in PARK, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the gear selector lever out of
PARK.

WARNING!
² Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving
your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage
or injury. Also be certain to leave an automatic
transmission in PARK, a manual transmission in
REVERSE or first gear. Failure to do so may allow
the vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury.
² Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving, failure to do so can lead to brake
problems due to excessive heating of the rear
brakes.

WARNING!
NEVER leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously
or fatally injured. Don’t leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle
When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade, and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
The parking brake should always be applied whenever
the driver is not in the vehicle.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) - Dodge Caravan Owners Manual

ABS provides increased vehicle stability and brake performance
under most braking conditions. The system
automatically “pumps” the brakes during severe braking
conditions to prevent wheel lock-up.
ABS is activated during braking under certain road or
stopping conditions. ABS-inducing conditions can include
ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose
debris, or panic stops.
You may experience the following when the brake system
goes into Anti-lock:
² The ABS motor running (it may continue to run for a
short time after the stop).
² A clicking sound of solenoid valves.
² Brake pedal pulsations.
² Aslight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the end
of the stop.

WARNING!
² The Anti-Lock Brake System contains sophisticated
electronic equipment that may be susceptible
to interference caused by improperly installed
or high output radio transmitting
equipment. This interference can cause possible
loss of anti-lock braking capability. Installation of
such equipment should be performed by qualified
professionals.
² Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to an accident.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just
press firmly on your brake pedal when you need
to slow down or stop.

BRAKE SYSTEM - Dodge Caravan Owners Manual

Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic
brake systems. If either of the two hydraulic
systems loses normal capability, the remaining
system will still function. However, there will
be some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be
evident by increased pedal travel during application and
greater pedal force required to slow or stop the vehicle. In
addition, if the malfunction is caused by a leak in the
hydraulic system, the brake warning indicator will turn
on as the brake fluid level drops in the master cylinder.
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (for
example, repeated brake applications with the engine
off), the brakes will still function. The effort required to
brake the vehicle will be much greater than that required
with the power system operating.

WARNING!
² Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in
abnormally high brake temperatures, excessive
lining wear, and possible brake damage. You
wouldn’t have your full braking capacity in an
emergency.
² Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is dangerous.
A significant decrease in braking performance
or vehicle stability during braking may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle or
will make your vehicle harder to control. You
could have an accident. Have the vehicle checked
immediately.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - Dodge Caravan Owners Manual

CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:
² Shift the gear selector lever into PARK only after
the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
² Do not shift the gear selector lever from REVERSE,
PARK, or NEUTRAL into any forward
gear when the engine is above idle speed.
² Before shifting the gear selector lever into any
gear, make sure your foot is firmly on the brake
pedal.

NOTE: You MUST press and hold the brake pedal down
while shifting out of PARK.

WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the gear selector lever out of
PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the
brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly
forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the
vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift
into gear when the engine is idling normally and
when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
Brake/Transmission Interlock System
This system holds the shift lever in the PARK position
when the ignition switch is in the LOCK position. It also
prevents you, once the engine is started, from moving the
gear selector lever out of PARK and into any gear unless
the brake pedal is pressed. This system is active only
while the ignition switch is in the ON position. Always
press the brake pedal first before moving the gear selector
lever out of PARK.
Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock System
For electrical system malfunctions, there is an override
for the interlock system. In order to override this system,
remove the cover located to the top right of the gear
selector lever in the instrument panel. The override can
be activated by pressing the white-colored tab, which can
be accessed through the hole in the instrument panel.
While the override is pressed, the gear selector lever can
be moved out of the PARK position without pressing the
brake pedal. After operation, return the cover to its
original position.
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the gear selector lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting
the gear selector lever out of PARK unless the key is in
the LOCK/OFF or ON positions.
NOTE: If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the
key in the ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety
feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and
stopped but the key cannot be removed until you obtain
service.

Four-Speed or Six-Speed Automatic
Transmission
The electronically controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles (kilometers).
The transmission has only PRND shift positions. Downshifts
are carried out by an Electronic Range Select (ERS)
by moving the lever — / + while in the DRIVE position,
 the instrument cluster will display transmission gear
selection as 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 for six-speed and 4, 3, 2, 1 for
four-speed transmissions.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting the gear selector
lever from PARK or NEUTRAL positions into another
gear range.
PARK
Shifting the gear selector lever in PARK supplements the
parking brake by locking the transmission. The engine
can be started in this gear. Never attempt to use PARK
while vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking brake when
leaving the vehicle in this gear.
When parking on a flat surface, place the shift lever in the
PARK position first, and then apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK. As
an added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.

WARNING!
Never use PARK position on an automatic transmission
as a substitute for the parking brake. Always
apply parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible injury or
damage.

WARNING!
Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should always
shift the gear selector lever into PARK, remove the
key from the ignition, and apply the parking brake.
Once the key is removed from the ignition, the
transmission gear selector lever is locked in the
PARK position, securing the vehicle against unwanted
movement. Furthermore, you should never
leave unattended children or pets inside a vehicle.
The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the transmission gear selector lever
into the PARK position:
² When shifting the gear selector lever into PARK,
depress the button on the gear selector lever and
firmly move the lever all the way forward until it
stops.
² Look at the shift indicator window on the console to
ensure gear selector lever is in the PARK position.
² When engaged in PARK, you will not be able to move
the gear selector lever rearward without depressing
the gear selector lever button.
CAUTION!
Before moving the gear selector lever out of PARK,
you must turn the ignition from LOCK/OFF to ON so
the steering wheel and gear selector lever are released.
Otherwise, damage to the steering column or
gear selector lever could result.

REVERSE
Use REVERSE for moving the vehicle rearward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL
Shift the gear selector lever into this gear only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop. The engine may be
started in this range.

WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have an accident.
DRIVE — Six-Speed Transmission
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, use the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) mode by moving the lever — / + and
select the “5” range when frequent transmission shifting
occurs while using the DRIVE range, such as when
operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions,
(i.e., in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds or
while towing heavy trailers). Under these conditions,
using the “5” range will improve performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat build-up.
DRIVE — Four-Speed Transmission
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, select the “3” range
when frequent transmission shifting occurs while using
the DRIVE range, such as when operating the vehicle

If The Engine Fails To Start - Dodge Caravan Owners Manual

WARNING!
² NEVER pour fuel or other flammable liquids into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
² DO NOT attempt to push or tow your vehicle to
get it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission 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.
² 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. Refer
to Section 6 of this manual for proper jumpstarting
procedures and follow them carefully.
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure, 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.

CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, DO NOT crank the
engine for more than 15–second intervals at one time.
Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accelerator
pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.

If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15–
second intervals of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the “Normal Starting” procedure should
be repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the
electrical cord to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical
outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the driver’s side of the vehicle. It has a removable cap
that is located on the driver side of the Integrated Power
Module.

WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the electrical cord before
driving. Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord
could cause electrocution.

Automatic Transmission - Dodge Caravan Owners Manual

The gear selector lever must be in the NEUTRAL or
PARK position before you can start the engine. Depress
the brake pedal before shifting into any driving gear.
Normal Starting (Above 32°F/0°C)

1. DO NOT depress the accelerator.
2. Use the Fob with Integrated Key to briefly turn the
ignition switch to the START position and release it as
soon as the starter engages. The starter motor will
continue to run, and it will disengage automatically
when the engine is running.
3. If the engine fails to start, the starter will disengage
automatically in 10 seconds. If this occurs, turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position, wait 10 to 15 seconds,
then repeat the normal starting procedure (Steps 1–3
above).

NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with a transmission
shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must be
depressed to shift out of PARK.
Extremely Cold Weather Starting — Below 220°F
(–29°C)
Follow the same instructions in the “Normal Starting”
procedure.
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
High Altitude Starting — Above 4,000 ft (1 219 m)
Follow the same instructions in the “Normal Starting”
procedure.
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your authorized dealer) is recommended.

STARTING PROCEDURES - Dodge Caravan Owners Manual

Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.

WARNING!
NEVER leave unattended children alone in a vehicle.
Leaving children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously
or fatally injured. Don’t leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.

WARNING!
DO NOT leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.

WARNING!
Be sure to turn off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch if you want to rest or sleep
in your car. Accidents can be caused by inadvertently
moving the gear selection lever. Accidents can also be
caused by pressing the accelerator pedal. This may
cause excessive heat in the exhaust system, resulting
in overheating and vehicle fire, which may cause
serious or fatal injuries.