flat tire DODGE CARAVAN 2007 4.G Owner's Manual

Tires–General Information section of this manual on
Tire Pressures for proper tire inflation procedures.
Also, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to the Tires–General
Information section of this manual on Tread Wear
Indicators for the proper inspection procedure.
When replacing tires refer to the Tires–General Infor-
mation section of this manual on Replacement Tires for
proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires
with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase
the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes

Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).
378 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS

Hazard Warning Flasher ..................384

If Your Engine Overheats .................385

Jacking And Tire Changing ................386
▫ Jacking Instructions — Stow ’n Go Seating . . . 387
▫ Jacking Instructions — Non Stow ’n Go
Seating .............................399

Jump-Starting Procedure ..................405

Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................407

Towing A Disabled Vehicle ................408
▫ With Ignition Key .....................408
▫ Without The Ignition Key ...............409
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground) ............................410
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle With
A Tow Dolly .........................410
6

Jacking Instructions — Stow ’n Go Seating
Preparations For Jacking
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to help prevent
personal injury or damage to your vehicle:
•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.
•Always park on a firm, level surface before raising the vehicle.•Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to be raised.•Apply the parking brake firmly before jacking.•Never start the engine with the vehicle on a jack.•Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a jack.•Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.•Only use the jack in the positions indicated.•If working on or near a roadway, be extremely careful of motor
traffic.
•To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated are securely stowed,
spares must be stowed with the value stem facing the ground.
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.
•Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.
•Block 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.
•Passengers should not remain in the vehicle when the
vehicle is being jacked.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 387
6

CAUTION!
The winch mechanism is designed for use with the
winch “T” handle only. Use of an air wrench or other
power tools is not recommended and can damage the
winch.
3. Assemble the winch handle extensions to form the
Spare Tire Hook and pull the compact spare tire/cover
assembly from under the vehicle.
WARNING!
Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The
vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never get any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. If you need to get
under a raised vehicle, take it to a service center
where it can be raised on a lift.
NOTE: If either front tire is flat, it may be necessary to
jack up the vehicle to remove the compact spare tire/
cover assembly from under the vehicle. Refer to jack
engagement locations in the following steps for proper
jack placement.
Spare Tire Hook & Removal
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 391
6

10. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the
left.
11. Finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down on the
wrench while tightening for increased leverage. Alternate
lug nuts until each nut has been tightened twice. Correct
wheel nut tightness is 130 N·m (95 ft. lbs). If in doubt
about the correct tightness, have them checked with a
torque wrench by your dealer or at a service station.
12. 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.
13. Place the deflated (flat) tire and compact spare tire
cover assembly in the rear cargo area, have the tire
repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
WARNING!
A loose deflated (flat) tire thrown forward in a
collision or hard stop could injure the occupants in
the vehicle. Have the deflated (flat) tire repaired or
replaced immediately.
14. Stow the cable and wheel spacer before driving the
vehicle, reassemble the winch handle extensions to form
a “T’ and fit the winch “T” handle over the drive nut.
Rotate the nut to the right until the winch mechanism
clicks at least three times.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 395
6

CAUTION!
For vehicles equipped with Stow ’n Go seating, the
Winch Mechanism is designed specifically to stow a
COMPACT Spare Tire ONLY. Do not attempt to use
the Winch to stow the Full Size ’Flat’ Tire, or any
other Full Size Tire. Vehicle damage may result.
Jacking Instructions — Non Stow ’n Go Seating
Preparations For Jacking
Park the vehicle on a firm level surface, avoid ice or
slippery areas, set the parking brake and 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.
•Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.
•Block 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.
•Passengers should not remain in the vehicle when the
vehicle is being jacked.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 399
6

NOTE:Do not install the wheel cover on the compact
spare.
Do not use a hammer or force to install the wheel covers.
9. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the left.
10. Finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down on the
wrench while tightening for increased leverage. Alternate
lug nuts until each nut has been tightened twice. Correct
wheel nut tightness is 130 N·m (95 ft. lbs). If in doubt
about the correct tightness, have them checked with a
torque wrench by your dealer or at a service station.
11. 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.
12. Secure the flat or spare tire as follows:
•If 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.
•Turn 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.
404 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

•For convenience in checking the spare tire inflation,
stow with the valve stem toward the rear of the
vehicle.
•Using the jack handle, rotate the drive nut to the
right until the wheel is drawn into place against the
underside of the vehicle.
•Continue 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.
13. Stow the jack and jack handle.
14. Check the tire pressure as soon as possible. Correct
pressure as required.
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURE
WARNING!
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started.
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission cannot be
started this way. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic con-
verter and once the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start from another
vehicle. This type of start can be dangerous if done improperly,
so follow this procedure carefully.
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow battery
fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing. Don’t lean over battery
when attaching clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other.
If acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush contaminated area
immediately with large quantities of water.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Keep flame or spark away from the vent holes. Do
not use a booster battery or any other booster source with an
output that exceeds 12 volts.
•Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the hood
is raised. It can start anytime the ignition switch is on. You can
be hurt by the fan.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 405
6

WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for
a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, under inflation, or excessive load-
ing, either separately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and possible tire failure.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 493
9

Oil (Engine).......................... 422
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 436
Car Washes ............................ 447
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................. 356
Cargo Compartment Luggage Carrier ....................... 199
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 198
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance ......... 276
Cassette Tape Player ..................... 222
Catalytic Converter ...................... 425
Caution, Exhaust Gas ..............43,89,356,433
CD (Compact Disc) Changer .......231,238,255,259
CD (Compact Disc)
Player ............ 228,232,237,243,246,251,253,259
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance ........ 277
Cellular Phone ....................... 100,274
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 460
Center Lap Belts ......................... 53
Chains, Tire ............................ 345 Changing A Flat Tire
..................... 386
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 328
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light) ............................. 218,417
Child Restraint ...................... 75,76,77
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 79
Child Safety Locks ........................ 38
Child Seat ............................ 74,82
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 354
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 448
Climate Control ......................... 278
Clock ............................. 220,258
Coat Hook ............................ 198
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 277
Compact Disc (CD) Player ...............222,228
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 340
Compass .............................. 168
Compass Calibration ..................... 169
498 INDEX