steering wheel DODGE CARAVAN 2005 4.G User Guide

RADIO GENERAL INFORMATION
Radio Broadcast Signals
Your new radio will provide excellent reception under
most operating conditions. Like any system, however, car
radios have performance limitations, due to mobile op-
eration and natural phenomena, which might lead you to
believe your sound system is malfunctioning. To help
you understand and save you concern about these“ap-
parent”malfunctions, you must understand a point or
two about the transmission and reception of radio sig-
nals.
Two Types of Signals
There are two basic types of radio signals... AM or
Amplitude Modulation, in which the transmitted sound
causes the amplitude, or height, of the radio waves to
vary... and FM or Frequency Modulation, in which the
frequency of the wave is varied to carry the sound.
Electrical Disturbances
Radio waves may pick up electrical disturbances during
transmission. They mainly affect the wave amplitude,
and thus remain a part of the AM reception. They
interfere very little with the frequency variations that
carry the FM signal.
AM Reception
AM sound is based on wave amplitude, so AM reception
can be disrupted by such things as lightning, power lines
and neon signs.
FM Reception
Because FM transmission is based on frequency varia-
tions, interference that consists of amplitude variations
can be filtered out, leaving the reception relatively clear,
which is the major feature of FM radio.
NOTE:On vehicles so equipped the radio, steering
wheel radio controls and 6 disc CD/DVD changer will
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 205
4

Reception Quality
Satellite reception may be interrupted due to one of the
following reasons.
•The vehicle is parked in an underground parking
structure or under a physical obstacle.
•Dense tree coverage may interrupt reception in the
form of short audio mutes.
•Driving under wide bridges or along tall buildings can
cause intermittent reception.
•Placing objects over or too close to the antenna can
cause signal blockage.
REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS—IF
EQUIPPED
The remote sound system controls are located on the rear
surface of the steering wheel at the 3 and 9 O’clock
positions.
Remote Sound System Controls
258 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING!
•Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason, the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
STARTING AND OPERATING 305
5

WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolong operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
TRACTION CONTROL—IF EQUIPPED
The Traction Control System reduces wheel slip and
maintains traction at the driving (front) wheels. The
system reduces wheel slip by engaging the brake on the
wheel that is losing traction (spinning). The system
operates at speeds below 35 mph (56 km/h).
The system is always in the“stand by”mode unless,
•The Traction Control Switch has been used to turn the
system OFF
306 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Do 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.
•Never 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.
•Failure 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:
•Fast tire wear.
•Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
•Vehicle 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.
324 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
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
someone. 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).
368 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
With Ignition Key
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), and the towing speed must not exceed 44 mph (72
km/h). Exceeding these towing limits may cause a trans-
mission geartrain failure. If the transmission is not op-
erative, 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.
CAUTION!
•Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front
with sling type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.
•Always use wheel lift equipment when towing
from the front. The only other approved method
of towing is with a flat bed 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 OFF position, not
in the LOCK or ACCESSORY positions.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 369
6

▫Steering Shaft Seal....................391
▫Steering Linkage......................391
▫Drive Shaft Universal Joints..............391
▫Body Lubrication.....................391
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................392
▫Windshield And Rear Window Washers.....392
▫Exhaust System......................393
▫Cooling System.......................394
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......399
▫Brakes.............................399
▫Master Cylinder—ABS Brakes Brake
Fluid Level Check.....................401
▫Fuel System Hoses....................402▫Automatic Transmission................402
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........406
▫Appearance Care And Protection
From Corrosion......................406
▫Cleaning The Instrument Panel And Underseat
Cup Holders........................410

Integrated Power Module (IPM)............412

Vehicle Storage........................415

Replacement Light Bulbs.................415

Bulb Replacement......................416
▫Headlights..........................416
▫Front Park/Turn Signal And
Sidemarker Lights.....................418
▫Front Fog Light......................419
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Steering
Column Controls...................... 138
Linkage............................. 391
Power...........................305,390
Shaft Seal............................ 391
Tilt Column.......................... 142
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls............................. 258
Storage............................173,415
Storage Bin............................ 173
Storage, Vehicle......................283,415
Storing Your Vehicle...................... 415
Sun Roof.............................. 165
Sun Visor Extension....................... 95
Sunglass Storage........................ 151
Sunroof Maintenance..................... 167
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag........ 53
Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 383
System, Navigation...................... 240Tachometer............................ 199
Tape Player............................ 221
Temperature Control, Automatic............. 272
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......200,345
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint............... 74
Theft Alarm............................ 27
Theft System............................ 27
Theft System Arming...................... 27
Theft System Disarming.................... 28
Tilt Steering Column..................... 142
Tire and Loading Information Placard......312,313
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 311
Tire Markings.......................... 308
Tire Safety Information.................... 308
Tires ............................85,316,455
Air Pressure.......................... 316
Alignment........................... 324
Chains.............................. 327
Changing............................ 346
472 INDEX