towing DODGE CARAVAN 2010 Owner's Manual

NOTE:Moving the shift lever into third gear (with
four-speed transmission) or fifth gear (with six-speed
transmission) while operating the vehicle under heavy
operating conditions will improve performance and ex-
tend transmission life by reducing excessive 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. Refer to “Mainte-
nance Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level before
towing.
•The six-speed automatic transmission is sealed and
requires an authorized dealer to check the transmis-
sion fluid.
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped
•
Do not 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.
402 STARTING AND OPERATING
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Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
•City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL but do not increase engine idle
speed.
•Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
•Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
(BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle behind another vehicle (flat-
towing with all four wheels on the ground) is not
recommended.
NOTE: If the vehicle requires towing, make sure all four
wheels are off the ground.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 403
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flasher ................ 406
 If Your Engine Overheats ................ 406
 Jacking And Tire Changing ............... 407
▫ Jack Location ....................... 408
▫ Spare Tire Removal ................... 409
▫ Preparations For Jacking ............... 410
▫ Jacking Instructions ................... 410
▫ Wheel Nuts ........................ 419 ▫
Secure The Spare Tire ................. 419
 Jump-Starting Procedure ................ 421
▫ Preparations For Jump-Start ............. 422
▫ Jump-Starting Procedure ............... 423
 Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................. 425
 Towing A Disabled Vehicle ............... 426
▫ Towing With The Ignition Key ........... 426
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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.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Towing With The Ignition Key
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions:
•The shift lever must be in NEUTRAL.
•The distance to be traveled must not exceed 15 miles
(25 km).
•The towing speed must not exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
CAUTION!
Exceeding these towing limits may cause severe
transmission damage. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
If the transmission is inoperative, or if the vehicle is to be
towed more than 15 miles (25 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. (Continued)
426 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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CAUTION! (Continued)
•Always use wheel lift equipment when towing
from the front. The only other approved method of
towing is with a flatbed 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 ON position, not in
the LOCK or ACC positions.
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACC position. Make certain the trans-
mission remains in NEUTRAL.
Towing Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the OFF position. The only approved
method of towing without the ignition key is with a
flatbed truck. Proper towing equipment is necessary to
prevent damage to the vehicle.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat
Towing With All Four Wheels On The Ground)
Flat towing of vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission, is only permitted within the limitations
described in this section.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle With
A Tow Dolly
The manufacturer does not recommend that you tow a
front wheel drive vehicle on a tow dolly. Vehicle damage
may occur.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 427
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ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“gASCAP” message will display in the odometer or a
“CHECK GASCAP” message will be displayed in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 433
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To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
WARNING!
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can
burn or even blind you. Do not allow battery fluid
to contact your eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not lean
over a battery when attaching clamps. If acid
splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the area imme-
diately with large amounts of water. Refer to
“Jump-Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In
Emergencies” for further information.
•Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep
flame or sparks away from the battery. Do not use
a booster battery or any other booster source with
an output greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
•Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 443
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54,000 Miles (90,000 km) or
54 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
60,000 Miles (100,000 km) or 60 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter if using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Flush and replace the engine coolant at 60 months if not done at 102,000 miles
(170 000 km).
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 489
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ConnectorUCI ................................ 283
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ......... 283
Console .............................. 208
Console, Floor .......................... 208
Console, Overhead ....................... 183
Console, Removable ...................... 212
Contract, Service ........................ 503
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 451
Cooling System ......................... 449
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 451
Coolant Capacity ...................... 477
Coolant Level ...................... 449,452
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 452
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 450
Inspection ........................... 452
Points to Remember .................... 453
Pressure Cap ......................... 451
Radiator Cap ......................... 451 Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)
......450,477,478
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 168
Cupholders ......................... 199,464
Customer Assistance ..................... 501
Daytime Running Lights ................... 159
Dealer Service .......................... 436
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 213
Defroster, Windshield ...............102,300,310
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 433
Dimmer Control ........................ 156
Dipsticks Automatic Transaxle .................... 458
Automatic Transmission ................. 457
Oil (Engine) .......................... 437
Power Steering ........................ 335
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 426
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INDEX 513
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GaugesCoolant Temperature ................... 227
Fuel ............................... 227
Speedometer ......................... 228
Tachometer .......................... 230
Gearshift .............................. 326
General Information .................. 16,26,372
Glass Cleaning .......................... 463
Grocery Bag Retainer ..................... 144
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...............384,388
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .............384,387
Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect™) ............. 122
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising,
or Shallow Standing Water ............... 333
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 406
Head Restraints ......................... 129 Headlights
............................ 157
Bulb Replacement ...................... 474
Cleaning ............................ 463
Lights On Reminder .................... 159
Passing ............................. 162
Replacing ........................... 474
Time Delay .......................... 158
Washers ............................. 158
Heated Mirrors ......................... 113
Heated Seats ........................... 128
Heater ............................... 298
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 323
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 161
Hitches Trailer Towing ........................ 392
HomeLink (Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 186
Hood Release .......................... 153
Hook, Coat ............................ 207
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INDEX 517
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