tire type CHRYSLER CARAVAN 2005 Owner's Manual

²Drill motor with 3M RolocŸ Bristle Disc (white
or yellow) (Fig. 3)
CAUTION: Excessive pressure or high RPM (beyond
the recommended speed), can damage the sealing
surfaces. The mild (white, 120 grit) bristle disc is
recommended. If necessary, the medium (yellow, 80
grit) bristle disc may be used on cast iron surfaces
with care.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
BEARING CLEARANCE USING PLASTIGAGE
Engine crankshaft bearing clearances can be deter-
mined by use of Plastigage or equivalent. The follow-
ing is the recommended procedure for the use of
Plastigage:
(1) Remove oil film from surface to be checked.
Plastigage is soluble in oil.
(2) Place a piece of Plastigage across the entire
width of the bearing shell in the cap approximately
6.35 mm (1/4 in.) off center and away from the oil
holes (Fig. 4). (In addition, suspected areas can be
checked by placing the Plastigage in the suspected
area). Torque the bearing cap/bed plate bolts of the
bearing being checked to the proper specifications.
(3) Remove the bearing cap and compare the
width of the flattened Plastigage with the metric
scale provided on the package. Locate the band clos-
est to the same width. This band shows the amount
of clearance in thousandths of a millimeter. Differ-
ences in readings between the ends indicate the
amount of taper present. Record all readings taken.
Compare the clearance measurements to specsifica-
tions found in the engine specifications table(Refer to9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS).Plastigage gen-
erally is accompanied by two scales. One scale
is in inches, the other is a metric scale.
NOTE: Plastigage is available in a variety of clear-
ance ranges. Use the most appropriate range for
the specifications you are checking.
(4) Install the proper crankshaft bearings to
achieve the specified bearing clearances.
REMOVAL - ENGINE ASSEMBLY
(1) Perform fuel pressure release procedure (Refer
to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(3) Remove air cleaner housing and inlet tube.
(4) Disconnect the fuel line from fuel rail. (Refer to
14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/FUEL LINES
- STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(5) Disconnect all vacuum hoses.
(6) Drain cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(7) Remove radiator fans. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL)
(8) Remove radiator upper and lower hoses.
NOTE: When the transaxle cooler lines are removed
from the rolled-groove type fittings at the transaxle,
damage to the inner wall of the hose will occur. To
prevent prevent potential leakage, the cooler hoses
must be cut off flush at the transaxle fitting, and a
service cooler hose splice kit must be installed
upon reassembly.
Fig. 3 Proper Tool Usage For Surface Preparation
1 - ABRASIVE PAD
2 - 3M ROLOCŸ BRISTLE DISC
3 - PLASTIC/WOOD SCRAPER
Fig. 4 Plastigage Placed in Lower ShellÐTypical
1 - PLASTIGAGE
9 - 12 ENGINE 2.4LRS
ENGINE 2.4L (Continued)

Calibrate the tester according to the manufactur-
er's instructions. The shop air source for testing
should maintain 483 kPa (70 psi) minimum, 1,379
kPa (200 psi) maximum, with 552 kPa (80 psi) rec-
ommended.
Perform the test procedures on each cylinder
according to the tester manufacturer's instructions.
While testing, listen for pressurized air escaping
through the throttle body, tailpipe and oil filler cap
opening. Check for bubbles in the coolant.
All gauge pressure indications should be equal,
with no more than 25% leakage per cylinder.
FOR EXAMPLE:At 552 kPa (80 psi) input pres-
sure, a minimum of 414 kPa (60 psi) should be main-
tained in the cylinder.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
BEARING CLEARANCE USING PLASTIGAGE
Engine crankshaft bearing clearances can be deter-
mined by use of Plastigage or equivalent. The follow-
ing is the recommended procedure for the use of
Plastigage:
(1) Remove oil film from surface to be checked.
Plastigage is soluble in oil.
(2) Place a piece of Plastigage across the entire
width of the bearing shell in the cap approximately
6.35 mm (1/4 in.) off center and away from the oil
holes (Fig. 3). (In addition, suspected areas can be
checked by placing the Plastigage in the suspected
area). Torque the bearing cap/bed plate bolts of the
bearing being checked to the proper specifications.
(3) Remove the bearing cap and compare the
width of the flattened Plastigage with the metric
scale provided on the package. Locate the band clos-est to the same width. This band shows the amount
of clearance in thousandths of a millimeter. Differ-
ences in readings between the ends indicate the
amount of taper present. Record all readings taken.
Compare the clearance measurements to specsifica-
tions found in the engine specifications table(Refer to
9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS).Plastigage gen-
erally is accompanied by two scales. One scale
is in inches, the other is a metric scale.
NOTE: Plastigage is available in a variety of clear-
ance ranges. Use the most appropriate range for
the specifications you are checking.
(4) Install the proper crankshaft bearings to
achieve the specified bearing clearances.
FORM-IN-PLACE GASKETS AND SEALERS
There are numerous places where form-in-place
gaskets are used on the engine. Care must be taken
when applying form-in-place gaskets to assure
obtaining the desired results.Do not use form-in-
place gasket material unless specified.Bead size,
continuity, and location are of great importance. Too
thin a bead can result in leakage while too much can
result in spill-over which can break off and obstruct
fluid feed lines. A continuous bead of the proper
width is essential to obtain a leak-free gasket.
There are numerous types of form-in-place gasket
materials that are used in the engine area. Mopart
Engine RTV GEN II, MopartATF-RTV, and Mopart
Gasket Maker gasket materials, each have different
properties and can not be used in place of the other.
MOPARtENGINE RTV GEN IIis used to seal
components exposed to engine oil. This material is a
specially designed black silicone rubber RTV that
retains adhesion and sealing properties when
exposed to engine oil. Moisture in the air causes the
material to cure. This material is available in three
ounce tubes and has a shelf life of one year. After one
year this material will not properly cure. Always
inspect the package for the expiration date before
use.
MOPARtATF RTVis a specifically designed
black silicone rubber RTV that retains adhesion and
sealing properties to seal components exposed to
automatic transmission fluid, engine coolants, and
moisture. This material is available in three ounce
tubes and has a shelf life of one year. After one year
this material will not properly cure. Always inspect
the package for the expiration date before use.
MOPARtGASKET MAKERis an anaerobic type
gasket material. The material cures in the absence of
air when squeezed between two metallic surfaces. It
will not cure if left in the uncovered tube. The
anaerobic material is for use between two machined
surfaces. Do not use on flexible metal flanges.
Fig. 3 Plastigage Placed in Lower ShellÐTypical
1 - PLASTIGAGE
9 - 86 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)

STEERING WHEEL FEEL
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
STEERING WHEEL/
COLUMN CLICKING,
CLUNKING OR RATTLING.1. Loose steering coupling pinch
bolt.1. Replace pinch bolt and torque to
specifications.
2. Steering column bearings. 2. Replace steering column.
3. Excessive intermediate shaft
coupling free-play.3. Replace intermediate shaft.
STEERING WHEEL HAS
FORE AND AFT
LOOSENESS.1. Steering wheel retaining nut not
properly tightened and torqued.1. Tighten the steering wheel retaining nut
to its specified torque.
2. Steering column lower bearing
spring retainer slipped on steering
column shaft.2. Replace steering column.
3. Loose steering column to
instrument panel fasteners.3. Tighten fasteners to specified torque.
STEERING WHEEL, DASH
OR VEHICLE VIBRATES
DURING LOW SPEED OR
STANDSTILL STEERING
MANEUVERS.1. Air in the fluid of the power
steering system.1. Bleed air from system following the
power steering pump initial operation
service procedure.*
2. Tires not properly inflated. 2. Inflate tires to the specified pressure.
3. Excessive engine vibration. 3. Ensure that the engine is tuned properly.
4. Loose tie rod end jam nut. 4. Tighten the inner to outer tie rod jam nut
to the specified torque.
5.Overcharged air conditioning
system.5.Check air conditioning pump head
pressure and correct as necessary.
6. Grounded engine mount. 6. Repair as necessary.
7. Loose outer tie rod. 7. Replace outer tie rod.
STEERING CATCHES,
SURGES OR STICKS IN
CERTAIN POSITIONS OR
IS DIFFICULT TO TURN. ***1. Low power steering fluid level. 1. Fill power steering fluid reservoir to
specified level and check for leaks.
2. Tires not inflated to specified
pressure.2. Inflate tires to the specified pressure.
3. Lack of lubrication in front lower
control arm ball joints.3. Lubricate ball joints if ball joints are not a
lubricated-for-life type ball joint. If ball joint
is a lubricated-for-life ball joint, replace ball
joint.
4. Worn or binding lower control arm
ball joint.4. Replace lower control arm ball joint.
5. Lack of lubrication in steering gear
outer tie rod ends.5. Lubricate tie rod ends if they are not a
lubricated-for-life type. If tie rod end is a
lubricated-for-life type, replace tie rod end.
19 - 6 STEERINGRS
STEERING (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
6. Loose power steering pump drive
belt.6. Tighten the power steering pump drive
belt to specifications or replace automatic
tensioner where applicable. If drive belt is
worn or glazed, replace belt.
7. Faulty power steering pump
(Perform Power Steering Flow and
Pressure Test).7. Replace power steering pump.
8. Faulty power steering gear
(Perform Power Steering Flow and
Pressure Test).8. Replace power steering gear.
9. Excessive friction in steering
column or intermediate shaft/coupler.9. Isolate and correct condition.
10. Excessive friction in power
steering gear.10. Replace power steering gear.
11. Worn or binding seat and bearing
in front strut assembly.11. Replace seat and bearing in front strut
assembly.
STEERING WHEEL DOES
NOT RETURN TO
CENTER POSITION.1. Tires not inflated properly. 1. Inflate tires to specified pressure.
2. Improper front wheel alignment. 2. Check and adjust wheel alignment as
necessary.
3. Lack of lubrication causing binding
in front lower control arm ball joints.3. Lubricate ball joints if ball joints are not a
lubricated for life type of ball joint, then
inspect ball joint for wear, replace lower
control arm as necessary. If ball joint is a
lubricated for life ball joint, replace lower
control arm ball joint.
4. Steering column coupling joints
misaligned.4. Realign steering column coupling joints.
5. Steering wheel rubbing.** 5. Adjust steering column shrouds to
eliminate rubbing condition.
6. Damaged, mispositioned or
unlubricated steering column coupler
to dash seal.**6. Replace, reposition, or lubricate dash
seal.
7. Binding mount bearing in front
strut assembly.7. Replace mount bearing in front strut
assembly.
8. Binding shaft bearing in steering
column.8. Replace the steering column.
9. Excessive friction in steering
column coupling.9. Replace steering column coupling.
10. Excessive friction in power
steering gear.10. Replace power steering gear.
RSSTEERING19-7
STEERING (Continued)

FLUID COOLER
DESCRIPTION
Trailer Tow equipped vehicles are supplied with a
cooler for the power steering system fluid. The power
steering fluid cooler is located on the front suspen-
sion cradle crossmember reinforcement (Fig. 18).
OPERATION
The purpose of the power steering fluid cooler is to
keep the temperature of the power steering system
fluid from rising to a level that would affect the per-
formance of the power steering system.
The cooler used on this vehicle is referred to as a
fluid-to-air type cooler. This means that the air flow
across the tubes (and fines surrounding them) of the
cooler is used to extract the heat from the cooler
which it has absorbed from the power steering fluid
flowing through it. The cooler is placed in the power
steering fluid return line, between the steering gear
and the power steering fluid reservoir.
REMOVAL
(1) Using a siphon pump, remove as much fluid as
possible from the power steering fluid reservoir.
(2) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)(3) Remove the hose clamps at the cooler and
remove the hoses from the cooler inlet and outlet
tubes.
(4) Remove the 2 bolts attaching the power steer-
ing cooler cradle crossmember reinforcement (Fig.
19). Remove the cooler.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the power steering fluid cooler on the
cradle crossmember reinforcement (Fig. 19). Install
the mounting bolts and tighten to 11 N´m (100 in.
lbs.).
(2) Install power steering fluid hoses on the cooler.
Be sure hose clamps are installed on hose past
the upset bead on the power steering cooler
tubes.
(3) Lower the vehicle to a point where front tires
are just off the ground.
(4) Perform Power Steering Pump Initial Opera-
tion procedure. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
Fig. 18 Power Steering Cooler
1 - CRADLE CROSSMEMBER REINFORCEMENT
2 - POWER STEERING COOLER
Fig. 19 Power Steering Cooler
1 - CRADLE CROSSMEMBER REINFORCEMENT
2 - POWER STEERING COOLER
RSPUMP19-45

(9) Remove 2 bolts attaching power steering cooler
to cradle crossmember reinforcement (Fig. 24).
(10) Disconnect return hose at power steering gear
(Fig. 21).
(11) Remove power steering fluid return hose with
cooler from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L ENGINE
(1) Remove any used O-rings from ends of power
steering hose.
(2) Using a lint free towel, wipe clean hose ends,
power steering pump fitting and steering gear port.
(3) Install new O-ring on power steering gear end
of return hose. Lubricate O-ring using clean power
steering fluid.
CAUTION: Use care not to bend tube ends of the
power steering hoses when installing. Leaks and
restrictions may occur.
CAUTION: If a new return hose is being installed
and it does not have an insulating heat sleeve
installed, the heat shield from the original hose
must be transferred before hose installation.
(4) Route hose along rear of cradle crossmember
and start gear end of hose into gear port. Do not
tighten hose tube nut at this time.(5) Attach hose to suspension cradle crossmember
using two routing clamps and bolts (Fig. 20). Tighten
clamp bolts to 23 N´m (200 in. lbs.) torque.
(6) Tighten return hose tube nut at power steering
gear port to 31 N´m (275 in. lbs.) torque.
(7) Install the power steering fluid cooler on the
cradle crossmember reinforcement (Fig. 24). Install
the mounting bolts and tighten to 11 N´m (100 in.
lbs.).
CAUTION: Power steering fluid hoses must remain
away from the exhaust system and must not come
in contact with any unfriendly surfaces on the vehi-
cle.
(8) Route pump end of hose over cradle crossmem-
ber toward pump avoiding tight bends or kinking.
(9) Install return hose onto power steering pump
return fitting and secure with hose clamp (Fig. 20).
Tighten the screw-type clamp to a torque of 2 N´m
(18 in. lbs.).
CAUTION: To prevent overheating of power steering
fluid return hose, protective heat shield sleeve must
cover entire rubber hose.
(10) Slide insulating heat shield up over the clamp
on the return hose and tie-strap it in place.
(11) Install front emissions vapor canister. (Refer
to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL/EVAPORATIVE
EMISSIONS/VAPOR CANISTER - INSTALLATION)
(12) Lower vehicle.
(13) Fill and bleed the power steering system
using the Power Steering Pump Initial Operation
Procedure. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE)
(14) Inspect system for leaks.
INSTALLATION - 3.3L/3.8L ENGINE
(1) Remove any used O-rings from ends of power
steering hose.
(2) Using a lint free towel, wipe clean hose ends
and power steering gear hose port.
(3) Install a new O-ring on gear port end of power
steering fluid hose. Lubricate O-ring using clean
power steering fluid.
CAUTION: Use care not to bend tube ends of the
power steering hoses when installing. Leaks and
restrictions may occur.
CAUTION: Power steering fluid hoses must remain
away from the exhaust system and must not come
in contact with any unfriendly surfaces on the vehi-
cle.
Fig. 24 POWER STEERING COOLER
1 - CRADLE CROSSMEMBER REINFORCEMENT
2 - POWER STEERING COOLER
19 - 50 PUMPRS
HOSE - POWER STEERING RETURN (Continued)

RADIAL FORCE VARIATION
Radial Force Variation can be checked using the
Hunter GSP 9700 Vibration Control System (Wheel
Balancer) or equivalent, if available. This type of
equipment helps to correct ride disturbances by
reducing the radial force variation of an assembly
through re-indexing of the tire to wheel.
The equipment manufacturer or DaimlerChrysler
Corporation may supply reference values as guide-
lines. Radial force measurements above the reference
value may not always result in a ride disturbance,
nor do they automatically mean the assembly compo-
nents are out of specification. Do not replace compo-
nents based on radial force values alone. Balancing,
runout diagnosis, re-indexing, and subjective road
testing must be performed as outlined in previous
sections of this diagnosis and testing procedure.
Use the Radial Force equipment to identify suspect
assemblies and minimize the radial forces. After all
suspect assemblies are optimized, reinstall the
assemblies and road test the vehicle. If a disturbance
still exists and all other vibration diagnostic proce-
dures have been completed, replace one tire or one
wheel at a time, starting with the assembly having
the highest force variation. Be sure to minimize each
new assembly. Road test the vehicle following each
replacement. Continue this process until the distur-
bance is resolved.
NOTE: When using Radial Force equipment, it is
critically important to set proper tire inflation pres-
sure and ensure centering of the wheel on the
equipment spindle.
RADIAL FORCE VARIATION REFERENCE
VALUES
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Total Radial Force
Variation (RFV)Less Than 22 Lbs.   2
Lbs.
Radial First Harmonic
(R1H)Less Than 16 Lbs.   2
Lbs.
Radial Second Harmonic
(R2H)Less Than 12 Lbs.   2
Lbs.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE AND WHEEL
BALANCE
NOTE: Balance equipment must be calibrated and
maintained per equipment manufacturer's specifica-
tions.
Wheel balancing can be accomplished with either
on-vehicle or off-vehicle equipment.
NOTE: If using on-vehicle balancing equipment, on
the driving axle, remove the opposite wheel and tire
assembly.
It is recommended that a two-plane dynamic bal-
ancer be used when a wheel and tire assembly
requires balancing. A static balancer should only be
used when a two-plane balancer is not available.
Balance wheel and tire assemblies dynamically and
statically to less than 0.25 (
1¤4) ounce.
For static balancing, find location of heavy spot
causing imbalance. Counter balance wheel directly
opposite the heavy spot. Determine weight required
to counterbalance the area of imbalance. Place half of
this weight on theinnerrim flange and the other
half on theouterrim flange (Fig. 8).
For dynamic balancing, the balance equipment is
designed to indicate the location and amount of
weight to be applied to both the inner and outer rim
flanges (Fig. 9).
The aluminum wheels on this vehicle use a unique
wheel weight (Fig. 10). This wheel weight is designed
to fit the contoured surface of the wheel (Fig. 10).
When balancing an aluminum wheel, this wheel
weight must be used. Do not use any other type of
wheel weight. It will not properly fit the contour of
the wheel.
Always verify the Balance. When using off-vehicle
equipment, rotate assembly 180 degrees on balance
equipment to verify balance. Variation should not be
more than 0.125 (
1¤8) ounce. If variation is more than
0.125 ounce, balancing equipment could be malfunc-
tioning.
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-5
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)

OPERATION
The Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system uses
radio and sensor technology to monitor tire air pres-
sure levels. Sensors, mounted to each road wheel as
part of the valve stem, transmit a low frequency indi-
cating their individual pressure to a receiver located
in the Wireless Control Module (WCM) portion of the
Sentry Key Remote Electronic Entry Module
(SKREEM). These transmissions occur approximately
once every minute at speeds over 20 mph (32 km/h).
The Tire Pressure Monitoring system remains active
even if no tire pressure related message is displayed.
The sensors lay dormant (Park Mode), then wake
and start transmitting (Drive Mode) when the vehicle
first reaches speeds over 20 mph (32 km/h). Once the
wheels stop rotating for a period of approximately 30
minutes, the sensors shut down until again awaken.
Although not transmitting as when in Drive Mode,
while in Park Mode, the sensors still transmit
approximately once every 13 hours to let the receiver
know air pressure status at that time.
The receiver only receives information from the
four rotating tires. A fifth sensor may be located in
the spare tire wheel, depending on vehicle options.
Although this fifth sensor may be present, it does not
broadcast any information because it does not rotate.
When the system detects that a tire is going low,
below the Low Pressure (lamp) ON Threshold (See
following table), the driver is alerted to the situation.
The Base system illuminates an indicator lamp,
warning the driver of a pressure issue and sounds an
audible chime. In equipped with the Premium sys-
tem, the information is also displayed on the Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).
Once pressure in the suspect tire raises above the
Low Pressure (lamp) OFF Threshold, the lamp will
go out and the system returns to normal.
TPM THRESHOLD PRESSURES
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Placard Pressure (Cold) 36 PSI (248 kPa)
Low Pressure OFF Threshold 33 PSI (228 kPa)
Low Pressure ON Threshold 28 PSI (193 kPa)
SENSOR - TPM
DESCRIPTION
On vehicles equipped with Tire Pressure Monitor-
ing, one tire pressure sensor is mounted to each road
wheel (Fig. 18), and depending on factory wheel
options, a sensor may be located in the spare tire
wheel. Both aluminum and steel wheels are used in
this system, although sensors for one type wheel can-
not be used in the other type wheel.Each sensor has an internal battery that lasts up
to 10 years. The battery is not serviceable. At the
time of battery failure, the sensor must be replaced.
The serviceable components of the tire pressure sen-
sor are:
²Sensor-To-Wheel Grommet
²Valve Stem Cap
²Valve Stem Core
Valve stem caps and cores are specifically designed
for the tire pressure monitoring sensors. Although
similar to standard valve stem caps and cores, they
are different.
CAUTION: Do not use a standard valve stem cap or
core in a tire pressure sensor. Always use the orig-
inal equipment style sensor cap and core.
CAUTION: Do not reuse the Sensor-To-Wheel Grom-
met. Always use a new grommet when installing a
pressure sensor and properly torque the sensor
nut.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to install a tire pressure
sensor in an aftermarket wheel. Use only in original
style factory wheels.
OPERATION
The battery operated tire pressure sensors lay dor-
mant (Park Mode), then wake and start transmitting
(Drive Mode) when the vehicle first reaches speeds
over 20 mph (32 km/h). Once the wheels stop rotat-
ing for a period of approximately 30 minutes, the
sensors shut down until again awaken. Although not
transmitting as when in Drive Mode, while in Park
Mode, the sensors still transmit approximately once
every 13 hours to let the receiver know air pressure
status at that time.
Each sensor transmits tire pressure data approxi-
mately once every minute. Each sensor's (transmit-
ter) broadcast is uniquely coded so that the wireless
control module (WCM) can monitor the state of each
of the sensors on the four rotating road wheels. The
WCM (located in the SKREEM) automatically learns
and stores the sensor's ID while driving after a sen-
sor has been replaced. There is no retraining neces-
sary.
The receiver only receives information from the
four rotating tires. A fifth sensor may be located in
the spare tire wheel, depending on vehicle options.
Although this fifth sensor may be present, it does not
broadcast any information because it does not rotate.
For additional information, refer to Appropriate
Diagnostic Information.
22 - 10 TIRES/WHEELSRS
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING (Continued)

TIRES
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - TIRE
Tires are designed and engineered for each specific
vehicle. They provide the best overall performance
for normal operation. The ride and handling charac-
teristics match the vehicle's requirements. With
proper care they will give excellent reliability, trac-
tion, skid resistance, and tread life.
Driving habits have more effect on tire life than
any other factor. Careful drivers will obtain, in most
cases, much greater mileage than severe use or care-
less drivers. A few of the driving habits which will
shorten the life of any tire are:
²Rapid acceleration
²Severe application of brakes
²High-speed driving
²Taking turns at excessive speeds
²Striking curbs and other obstacles
²Operating vehicle with over or under inflated
tire pressures
Radial ply tires are more prone to irregular tread
wear. It is important to follow the tire rotation inter-
val shown in the section on Tire Rotation. This will
help to achieve a greater tread-life potential.
TIRE IDENTIFICATION
Tire type, size, load index and speed rating are
encoded in the letters and numbers imprinted on the
side wall of the tire. Refer to the Tire Identification
chart to decipher the code. For example purposes, the
tire size P225/60 R 16 97 T is used in the chart. An
All Season type tire will also have eitherM+S,M&
SorM-S(indicating mud and snow traction)
imprinted on the side wall. An Extra or Light Load
marking ªXLº or ªLLº may also be listed on the side-
wall. The absence of an ªXLº or ªLLº marking infers
a standard load tire.
TIRE IDENTIFICATION
PTIRE TYPE (Not
present on all tires)P - Passenger
T - Temporary
C - Commercial
LT - Light Truck
225SECTIONAL WIDTHSHOWN IN
MILLIMETERS
60ASPECT RATIOSECTIONAL HEIGHT
÷ SECTIONAL WIDTH
(Refer to Aspect Ratio
Figure 21 )
RCONSTRUCTION
TYPER - RADIAL
B - BIAS BELTED
D - DIAGONAL (BIAS)
16WHEEL DIAMETER SHOWN IN INCHES
97LOAD INDEX *
TSPEED RATING *
* NOTE: Consult the tire manufacturer regarding
any questions on tire specifications or capabilities.
TIRE CHAINS
Refer to the owners manual supplied with the vehi-
cle to determine whether the use of tire chains is per-
mitted on this vehicle.
DESCRIPTION - RADIAL-PLY TIRES
Radial-ply tires improve handling, tread life, ride
quality and decrease rolling resistance.
Fig. 21 Tire Aspect Ratio
1 - SECTIONAL WIDTH
2 - SECTIONAL HEIGHT
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-13

Radial-ply tires must always be used in sets of four
and under no circumstances should they be used on
the front only. It is recommended that tires from dif-
ferent manufacturers NOT be mixed. They may be
mixed with a temporary spare tire when necessary. A
maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) is recom-
mended while a temporary spare is in use.
Radial-ply tires have the same load-carrying capac-
ity as other types of tires of the same size. They also
use the same recommended inflation pressures.
DESCRIPTION - REPLACEMENT TIRES
WARNING: FAILURE TO EQUIP THE VEHICLE WITH
TIRES HAVING ADEQUATE SPEED CAPABILITY
CAN RESULT IN SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE.
WARNING: IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE SPEED
CAPABILITY OF THE VEHICLE, REPLACEMENT
TIRES MUST HAVE SPEED RATINGS EQUAL TO OR
HIGHER THAN THOSE FITTED TO THE VEHICLE AS
ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. IF TIRES WITH LOWER
SPEED RATINGS ARE FITTED, THE VEHICLE'S
HANDLING MAY BE AFFECTED AND THE SPEED
CAPABILITY OF THE VEHICLE MAY BE LOWERED
TO THE MAXIMUM SPEED CAPABILITY OF THE
REPLACEMENT TIRES. TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT
RESULTING IN SEVERE OR FATAL INJURY, CON-
SULT THE TIRE MANUFACTURER IN REGARDS TO
MAXIMUM SPEED RATINGS.
It is recommended that tires equivalent to the orig-
inal equipment tires be used when replacement is
needed.
Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may
adversely affect the safety and handling of the vehi-
cle.
The original equipment tires provide a proper com-
bination of many characteristics such as:
²Ride
²Noise
²Handling
²Durability
²Tread life²Traction
²Rolling resistance
²Speed capability
The use of tires smaller than the minimum tire
size approved for the vehicle can result in tire over-
loading and failure.
Use tires that have the approved load rating for
the vehicle and never overload them. Failure to equip
the vehicle with tires having adequate speed capabil-
ity can result in sudden tire failure and loss of vehi-
cle control.
The use of oversize tires may cause interference
with vehicle components. Under extremes of suspen-
sion and steering travel, interference with vehicle
components may cause tire damage.
DESCRIPTION - SPARE TIRE (TEMPORARY)
The temporary (convenience) spare tire is designed
for emergency use only. The original tire should be
repaired and reinstalled, or replaced with a new, at
the first opportunity.
The temporary (convenience) spare tire should be
inflated to the pressure listed on its sidewall. Do not
exceed speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph) when the tempo-
rary spare tire is in use on the vehicle. Refer to the
Owner's Manual for more details.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE NOISE
Unusual tire noise can be associated with tire and
wheel vibration or irregular tire wear. For vibration,
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). For irregular tire wear, (Refer to 22 -
TIRES/WHEELS/TIRES - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE/VEHICLE
LEAD
Use the following Vehicle Lead Diagnosis And Cor-
rection Chart to diagnose and correct a vehicle lead
or drift problem.
22 - 14 TIRES/WHEELSRS
TIRES (Continued)