tire change DODGE CARAVAN 2004 4.G Owners Manual

NOTE:Tire pressure menu items are available only on
vehicles equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitor Sys-
tem.
Customer Programmable Features Ð If Equipped
Press the ªMENUº button until one of the display choices
following appears:
Language
When in this display you may select one of five lan-
guages for all display nomenclature, including the trip
computer functions. Press the ªSTEPº button while in
this display selects English, Francaise, Deutsch, Italiano,
or Espanol. As you continue the displayed information
will be shown in the selected language.
US or Metric
Pressing the ªSTEPº button when in this display selects
US or Metric. The overhead console and climate control
displays will be in the selected units.
Service Interval
When this feature is selected a service interval between
2,000 miles (3 200 km) and 6,000 miles (9 600 km) in 500
mile (800 km) increments may be selected. Pressing the
ªSTEPº button when in this display will select distances
between 2,000 miles (3 200 km) and 6,000 miles (9 600
km) in 500 mile (800 km) increments.
Reset Service Distance (Displays Only if Service
Interval was Changed)
When this feature is selected the current accumulated
service distance can be reset to the newly selected service
interval. Pressing the ªSTEPº button when in this display
will select ªYesº or ªNo.º
Retrain Tire Sensors (Available with Tire Pressure
Monitor System Only)
The Tire Pressure Monitor system must be retrained
following a tire rotation or wheel rim mounted sensor
replacement. If you unintentionally choose ªYesº to train
116 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

20. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
The trip odometer shows individual trip mileage. To
switch from odometer to trip odometer, press the Trip
Odometer button.
21. Cruise Indicator
This vacuum fluorescent display indicator shows that the
Speed Control System is ON.22. Trip Odometer Button
Press this button to change the display from odometer to
trip odometer. The word TRIP will appear when in the
trip odometer mode.
Push in and hold the button for two seconds to reset the
trip odometer to 0 miles or kilometers. The odometer
must be in trip mode to reset.
23. Tire Pressure Monitor Warning Light Ð If
Equipped
This light will turn on when there is a Low tire
pressure condition. The light will also turn on
if a problem exist with any tire sensor. The light
will remain on until the tire pressure is prop-
erly set or the problem with the sensor is corrected.
This light will turn on momentarily as a bulb check when
the engine is started.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 157
4

The pressure should be checked and adjusted as well as
inspecting for signs of tire wear or visible damage at least
once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to
check tire pressure. Do not make a visual judgement
when determining proper inflation. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they are underinflated.
CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap±if equipped. This
will prevent moisture and dirt from entering the
valve stem, which could damage the valve stem.
Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always
ªcold tire inflation pressureº. Cold tire inflation pressure
is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not
been driven for at least 3 hours, or driven less than 1mile(1 km) after a 3 hour period. The cold tire inflation
pressure must not exceed the maximum inflation pres-
sure molded into the tire side wall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range
of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with
temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per
12É F (7É C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a garage especially in
the winter.
Example: If garage temperature = 68É F (20É C) and the
outside temperature = 32É F (0É C) then the cold tire
inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa),
which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12É F (7É C) for this
outside temperature condition.
STARTING AND OPERATING 253
5

WARNING!
²Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change suspen-
sion dimensions and performance characteristics,
resulting in changes to steering, handling, and brak-
ing of your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and suspension com-
ponents. You could lose control and have an accident
resulting in serious injury or death. Use only the tire
and wheel sizes with load ratings approved for your
vehicle.
²Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity,
other than what was originally equipped on your
vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could
result in tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have an accident.
²Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
²fast tire wear;
²uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear;
²vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
258 STARTING AND OPERATING

²The trailer tongue load must be considered as part of
the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to the Tire±
Safety Information Section in this manual.
²The ªDº range can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the ª3º
range must be selected.
NOTE:Using the ª3º range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transaxle life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
²Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
²Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.
²The automatic transaxle fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more
than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule
ªBº in section 8 of this manual for transaxle fluid
change intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transaxle fluid level before
towing. Fluid discoloration, or a burnt odor, shows the
need for a transmission fluid and filter change.
276 STARTING AND OPERATING

Spare Tire Removal
Fit the jack-handle over the drive nut. Rotate the nut to
the left until the spare is on the ground with enough slack
cable to allow you to pull the tire out from under the
vehicle.
CAUTION!
The winch mechanism is designed for use with the
jack handle only. Use of an air wrench or other
power tools is not recommended and can damage the
winch.
When the spare is clear, tilt the retainer at the end of the
cable and pull it through the center of the wheel.
Preparations For Jacking
Park the vehicle on a firm level surface, avoid ice or
slippery areas,set the parking brakeand place the gear
selector in PARK. Turn OFF the ignition.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off
the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
²Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.
284 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

²Block both the front and rear
of the wheel diagonally oppo-
site the jacking position. For
example, if changing the right
front tire, block the left rear
wheel.
²Passengers should not remain in the vehicle when the
vehicle is being jacked.
Jacking Instructions
1. Remove the spare wheel, scissors jack and jack-handle
from stowage.
2. 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.
3. There are two jack engagement locations on each side
of the body Ð see illustration.4. These locations are on the sill flange of the body and
consist of a pair of downstanding tabs. The jack is to be
located, engaging the flange, between the pair of tabs
closest to the wheel to be changed. Place the wrench on
the jack screw and turn to the right until the jack head is
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 285
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At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
Tire Rotation
²Rotate the tires at 6,000 miles (10 000 km).
350 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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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

Automatic Dimming..................... 77
Electric Remote........................ 79
Exterior Folding........................ 78
Heated.............................. 80
Outside.............................. 78
Rearview............................. 77
Vanity............................... 80
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 259
Mopar Parts.........................302,375
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 102
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 70
Occupant Restraints....................... 38
Octane Rating, Gasoline................... 266
Odometer............................. 157
Oil, Engine.........................303,344
Capacity............................ 343Change Interval....................... 305
Checking............................ 303
Disposal............................ 307
Filter............................307,344
Filter Disposal........................ 307
Identification Logo..................... 306
Materials Added to..................... 307
Recommendation...................... 305
Synthetic............................ 307
Viscosity............................ 306
Onboard Diagnostic System..............300,301
Opener, Garage Door..................... 119
Operator Manuals......................... 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 77
Overdrive............................. 234
Overhead Console....................... 110
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 110
Overheating, Engine...................154,281
Owner's Manual.......................4,376
INDEX 391
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