towing CHRYSLER PACIFICA 2008 1.G Owner's Manual

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Towing Tips Ð Automatic Transmission
The ªDº range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the ª3º range
should be selected.
NOTE:Using the ª3º 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 Maintaining
Your Vehicle in Section 7 Maintenance Schedule in Sec-
tion 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
information and intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
7- Pin Connector
STARTING AND OPERATING 347
5

Towing Tips Ð Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
þ
Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
þWhen 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.
þUse speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips Ð Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
þCity Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral but do not increase engine idle speed.
þHighway Driving
Reduce speed.
þAir Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
þrefer 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.
348 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Flasher..................350
mIf Your Engine Overheats.................351
mJacking And Tire Changing................352
NJack Location........................352
NSpare Tire Stowage....................354
NPreparations For Jacking................355
NJacking Instructions....................356
mJump-Starting Procedure..................360mFreeing A Stuck Vehicle..................362
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle................363
NWith Ignition Key.....................363
NWithout The Ignition Key...............365
NTowing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................365
NTowing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
With A Tow Dolly.....................365
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and Drive. Usually the least accelerator pedal pressure to
maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure some-
one. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster than 35
mph (55 km/h) when you are stuck. And don't let
anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the
speed.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It
can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 35 mph (55 km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
With Ignition Key
Front Wheel Drive
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions: The gear selector must be in NEUTRAL, the
distance to be traveled must not exceed 100 miles (160
km), the towing speed must not exceed 44 mph (72
km/h), and both front and rear wheels must be on the
ground. Exceeding these towing limits may cause a
transmission geartrain failure. If the transmission is not
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 363
6

operative, or if the vehicle is to be towed more than 100
miles (160 km), the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels off the ground.
All Wheel Drive
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions: The gear selector must be in NEUTRAL, the
distance to be traveled must not exceed 100 miles (160
km), the towing speed must not exceed 44 mph (72
km/h), and both front and rear wheels must be on the
ground. If your vehicle must be towed farther or at a
higher rate of speed, it must be transported on a flat bed
truck.
All Transmissions
CAUTION!
²Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front
with sling type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.
²Always use wheel lift equipment when towing
from the front. The only other approved method of
towing is with a flat bed truck.
²Do not tow the vehicle from the rear. Damage to
the rear sheet metal, liftgate and fascia will occur.
²Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
mission may result.
364 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACCESSORY position. Make certain the
transmission remains in NEUTRAL.
Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. The only ap-
proved method of towing with out the ignition key is
with a flat bed truck. Proper towing equipment is neces-
sary 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 manufacturerdoes not recommendthat you tow an
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or front wheel drive vehicle on a
tow dolly. Vehicle damage may occur.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 365
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ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð 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 ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º 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 dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
²Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indica-
tor Lightº 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 per-
formed.
²If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the MAINTENANCE-FREE battery is perma-
nently sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
WARNING!
²Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can
burn or even blind you. Don't allow battery fluid
to contact your eyes, skin or clothing. Don't 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.
²Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep
flame or sparks away from the battery. Don't use a
booster battery or any other booster source with an
output greater than 12 volts. Don't allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
²Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling.
382 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Change Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) fluid. 60,000 100 000 60
Change Power Transfer Unit (PTU) fluid. 60,000 100 000 60
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter if
using your vehicle for any of the following: police,
taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing.60,000 100 000 60
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary.90,000 150 000 90
Flush and replace the engine coolant. 102,000 170 000 60
Replace the ignition cables on 3.3L and 3.8L engines.102,000 170 000 102
Replace the spark plugs on 3.8L, 4.0L engines.102,000 170 000 102
Replace the timing belt on 4.0L engine.102,000 170 000 102
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter. 120,000 200 000 120
Replace Accessory Drive Belt(s). 120,000 200 000 120
424 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Console, Overhead....................... 168
Contract, Service........................ 430
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 391
Cooling System......................... 389
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 391
Coolant Capacity...................... 416
Coolant Level......................389,392
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 392
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 390
Inspection........................... 392
Points to Remember.................... 393
Pressure Cap......................... 391
Radiator Cap......................... 391
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......390,416,417
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 144
Cruise Light........................... 193
Cup Holder.........................174,406
Customer Assistance..................... 428Data Recorder, Event...................... 65
Dealer Service.......................... 375
Defroster, Rear Window................... 269
Defroster, Windshield................79,256,265
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 141
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 372
Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player............. 232
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 139
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 399
Oil (Engine).......................... 376
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 363
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 392
Engine Oil........................... 379
Door Ajar Light......................... 197
Door Locks............................. 26
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 27
Door Opener, Garage..................... 146
INDEX 441
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