stop start DODGE CARAVAN 2007 4.G Owner's Manual

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.
TIRE CHAINS
Use only compact chains, or other traction aids that meet
SAE type “Class S” specifications. Chains must be the
proper size for the vehicle, as recommended by the chain
manufacturer.
NOTE: Do not use tire chains on a compact spare tire.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe the
following precautions:
•Because of restricted chain clearance between tires and
other suspension components, it is important that only
chains in good condition are used. Broken chains can
cause serious damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if
noise occurs that could indicate chain breakage. Re-
move the damaged parts of the chain before further use.
•Install chains on the front wheels as tightly as possible
and then retighten after driving about12mile (0.8 km).
•Do not exceed 45 mph (70 km/h).
•Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
•Do not drive for prolonged period on dry pavement.
•Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s instructions on
the method of installation, operating speed, and condi-
tions for use. Always use the lower suggested operating
speed of the chain manufacturer if different than the
speed recommended by the manufacture.
STARTING AND OPERATING 345
5

Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure Warnings
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lamp will
illuminate in the instrument cluster and an audible
chime will be activated when one or more of the
four active road tire pressures are low. The audible chime
will sound once every ignition cycle for each low tire
condition that it detects.
Should this occur you should stop as soon as possible,
check the inflation pressure of each tire on your vehicle,
and inflate each tire to the pressure recommended by the
vehicle tire pressure placard. The system will automati-
cally update and the Tire Pressure Monitor System Tell-
tale Lamp will extinguish once the updated tire pres-
sure(s) have been received.
NOTE: The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 10
minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h) to receive this infor-
mation. NOTE:
A low spare or compact tire pressure will not
cause the Tire Pressure Monitor System Telltale Lamp to
illuminate or the chime to sound.
Base Tire Pressure Monitoring System with
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — If
Equipped
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) 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 the Re-
ceiver Module.
NOTE: It is particularly important, for you to check the
tire pressure in all of your tires regularly and too main-
tain the proper pressure.
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) consists of the
following components:
STARTING AND OPERATING 349
5

•Receiver Module
•4 Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors
•Various Tire Pressure Monitoring System Messages,
which display in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)
•Tire Pressure Monitoring System Telltale Lamp
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lamp will illumi-
nate in the instrument cluster and an audible chime will
be activated when one or more of the four active road tire
pressures are low. The audible chime will sound once
every ignition cycle for each low tire condition that it
detects. In addition, the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) will display the number of tire(s) that are
low, followed by the “Tire Low Pressure” text message. Should this occur you should stop as soon as possible,
check the inflation pressure of each tire on your vehicle,
and inflate each tire to the pressure recommended by the
vehicle tire pressure placard. The system will automati-
cally update, the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
Telltale Lamp will extinguish once the updated tire
pressure have been received.
NOTE:
The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 10
minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h) to receive this infor-
mation.
NOTE: A low spare or compact tire pressure will not
cause the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Telltale
Lamp to illuminate or the chime to sound.
350 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent
moisture and dirt from entering the valve stem,
which could damage the wheel rim sensor.
NOTE:
•The Tire Pressure Monitoring System does not monitor
the temporary spare tire.
•The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance, or to provide warning of a tire
failure or condition.
•The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge
while adjusting your tire pressure.
•Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Underin-
flation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
•The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the Tire
Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lamp.
Using Your Compact Spare — Basic Tire
Pressure Monitoring System Only
Your vehicle is equipped with a compact spare wheel and
tire assembly that does not have a tire pressure monitor-
ing sensor. Therefore, it will not be monitored by the Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). In the event that a
compact spare tire is used to replace a low pressure road
tire, the next ignition key cycle will still show the Tire
352 STARTING AND OPERATING

•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
•Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle to
prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex-
haust gases from entering the vehicle.
ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is located behind the fuel filler door on the
left side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged,
be sure the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
STARTING AND OPERATING 357
5

CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
STARTING AND OPERATING 379
5

Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may includ ea4and7pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
NOTE: Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
4 - Pin Connector
380 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3” range
should be selected.
NOTE: Using the “3” 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 Schedule “B” in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.
NOTE: Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
7 - Pin Connector
STARTING AND OPERATING 381
5

Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)

Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When 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.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips — Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral but do not increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
refer 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.
382 STARTING AND OPERATING

Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Engine Oil Dipstick
420 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE