flat tire DODGE CARAVAN 2004 4.G User Guide

These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves and will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the indicators appear
in 2 or more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced.
Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (see the paragraph on tread
wear indicators). Refer to the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion placard for the size designation of your tire. The
service description and load identification will be found
on the original equipment tire. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, han-
dling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend that you
contact your original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer with any questions you may have on tire specifi-
cations or capability.
STARTING AND OPERATING 257
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Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) Ð IF EQUIPPED
CAUTION!
All Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles must have the same
size and type tires on all wheel positions. Unequal
tire sizes must not be used. Unequal tire size may
cause failure of the power transfer unit and/or the
viscous coupling.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM Ð IF
EQUIPPED
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPM) system uses
wireless technology with wheel rim mounted electronic
sensors to monitor tire pressure levels (EXCLUDING
THE SPARE TIRE). Sensors, mounted to each wheel as
part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure readings to
a receiver located in the overhead console.
NOTE:The tire pressure monitoring system on your
vehicle will warn you when one of your tires is signifi-
cantly underinflated and when some combinations of
your tires are significantly underinflated. However, there
are other combinations of significantly underinflated
tires for which your tire pressure monitoring system may
not warn you. These other combinations are relatively
common, accounting for approximately half the instances
in which vehicles have significantly underinflated tires.
For example, your system may not warn you when both
tires on the same side or on the same axle of your vehicle
STARTING AND OPERATING 259
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are significantly underinflated. It is particularly impor-
tant, therefore, for you to check the tire pressure in all of
your tires regularly and maintain proper pressure.
1,2,3, OR 4 TIRE(S) LOW PRESSURE
Low tire pressure levels of 28 psi [1.9 bars] (193 kPa) or
less detected in one or more tires.
Inspect all tires for proper inflation pressure, once proper
tire pressure has been set the TPM system warning will
reset automatically once ignition switch has been turned
ON.
1,2,3, OR 4 TIRE(S) HIGH PRESSURE
High tire pressure levels of 48 psi [3.3 bars] (330 kPa) or
more detected in one or more tires.
Inspect all tires for proper inflation pressure, once proper
tire pressure has been set the TPM system warning will
reset automatically once ignition switch has been turned
ON.
SERVICE TIRE PRESSURE SYSTEM/SEE
OWNER'S MANUAL
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPM) system requires
service.
See your authorized dealer for service.
TIRE PRESSURE UNAVAILABLE
The TPM system function is temporarily unavailable due
to external electromagnetic interference, such as portable
electronic devices, or near by radio or TV towers.
Move the vehicle to an area free from radio, TV antennas
and transmitting towers or disconnect any portable elec-
tronic devices, once the external interference is removed
the TPM system will resume normal operation and ªTIRE
PRESSURE NOW AVAILABLEº will appear in the over-
head console display.
260 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Flasher..................280
mIf Your Engine Overheats.................281
mJacking And Tire Changing................282
NJack Location........................283
NSpare Tire Stowage....................283
NPreparations For Jacking................284
NJacking Instructions....................285
mJump-Starting Procedures If Battery Is Low....288
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces..............290
NAcceleration.........................290NTraction............................290
mFreeing A Stuck Vehicle..................291
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle................291
NWith Ignition Key.....................291
NWithout The Ignition Key...............293
NTowing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................293
NTowing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
With A Tow Dolley....................293
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about the correct tightness, have them checked with a
torque wrench by your dealer or at a service station.
10. 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 ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
11. Secure the flat or spare tire as follows:
²If your vehicle is equipped with cast aluminum
wheels, the center cap of the wheel must be re-
moved prior to flat tire stowage. Store the center cap
inside the glove box or other storage compartment.
²Turn the wheel so that the valve-stem is down. Slide
the wheel retainer through the center of the wheel
and position it properly across the wheel opening.
²For convenience in checking the spare tire inflation,
stow with the valve-stem toward the rear of the
vehicle.
²Using the jack-handle, rotate the drive nut to the
right until the wheel is drawn into place against the
underside of the vehicle.
²Continue to rotate the nut until you hear the mecha-
nism click three times. It cannot be overtightened.
Push against the tire several times to be sure it is
securely in place.
12. Stow jack and handle.
13. Check the tire pressure as soon as possible. Correct
pressure as required.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 287
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DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the front wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when
there is a difference in the surface traction under the front
(driving) wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of
the front wheels. You could lose control of the
vehicle and possibly have an accident. Accelerate
slowly and carefully whenever there is likely to be
poor traction (ice, snow, wet mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.
290 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (highest), B, and C, repre-
senting the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance which all passen-
ger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.WARNING!
The temperature grade is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 379
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Cargo Compartment
Luggage Carrier....................... 139
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 197
Cassette Tape Player..................... 161
Catalytic Converter...................... 309
CD Changer......................170,182,187
CD Player...............167,171,174,178,180,187
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 343
Center Lap Belts......................... 47
Chains, Tire............................ 263
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 282
Child Restraint.......................... 58
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 62
Child Safety Locks........................ 32
Child Seat............................58,64
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 266
Climate Control......................... 199
Clock................................ 159
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 198Compact Disc Player..................161,167
Compact Spare Tire...................... 255
Compass.............................. 111
Compass Calibration..................... 112
Compass Variance....................... 112
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 114
Console, Overhead....................... 110
Console, Removable...................... 132
Contract, Service........................ 374
Coolant Pressure Cap..................... 320
Cooling System......................... 318
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 320
Coolant Capacity...................... 343
Coolant Level......................... 321
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 321
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 319
Inspection........................... 318
Points to Remember.................... 321
Pressure Cap......................... 320
384 INDEX

Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls............................. 195
Storage............................132,337
Storage Bin............................ 132
Storage, Vehicle......................217,337
Storing Your Vehicle...................... 337
Sulfur in Gasoline....................... 268
Sun Roof.............................. 125
Sun Visor Extension....................... 80
Sunglass Storage........................ 111
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag........ 48
Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 307
Tachometer............................ 153
Temperature Control, Automatic............. 208
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......154,281
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint............... 62
Theft Alarm............................ 26
Theft System............................ 26Tilt Steering Column..................... 104
Tire and Loading Information Placard......... 247
Tire Markings.......................... 242
Tire Safety Information.................... 242
Tires ............................72,251,378
Alignment........................... 258
Chains.............................. 263
Changing............................ 282
Compact Spare........................ 255
High Speed.......................... 254
Inflation Pressures..................... 252
Jacking............................. 282
Load Capacity.....................247,248
Pressure Monitor System................. 259
Quality Grading....................... 378
Radial.............................. 255
Replacement.......................257,259
Rotation............................. 265
Safety...........................242,251
INDEX 395
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