tire type DODGE CARAVAN 2007 4.G Owners Manual

when a system fault is detected. The flash cycle will
repeat every ten minutes or until the fault condition is
removed and reset.
CAUTION!
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has
been optimized for the original equipment tires and
wheels. TPMS pressures and warning have been
established for the tire size equipped on your ve-
hicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor dam-
age may result when using replacement equipment
that is not of the same size, type, and / or style.
Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Do
not use tire sealant from a can, or balance beads if
your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as damage to
the sensors may result.
3. Low Fuel LightWhen the fuel level reaches approximately 3.0
gallons (11.0 liters) this light will turn on and
remain on until fuel is added.
4. Turn Signal Indicators The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
If the vehicle electronics sense that the vehicle has
traveled about one mile with the turn signals on, a chime
will sound to alert you to turn the signals off. If either
indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check for a defective
outside light bulb.
5. Liftgate Ajar This light turns on if the liftgate is not com-
pletely closed.
212 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

When the vehicle is driven over approximately 7 mph (11
km/h), you may also hear a slight clicking sound as well
as some related motor noises. These noises are the system
performing its self check cycle to ensure that the ABS
system is working properly. This self check occurs each
time the vehicle is started and accelerated past approxi-
mately 7 mph (11 km/h).
ABS is activated during braking under certain road or
stopping conditions. ABS-inducing conditions can in-
clude ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose
debris, or panic stops.
You also may experience the following when the brake
system goes into Anti-lock:
•The ABS motor running (it may continue to run for a
short time after the stop),
•the clicking sound of solenoid valves,
•brake pedal pulsations,
•and a slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the
end of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
WARNING!
The Anti-Lock Brake System contains sophisticated
electronic equipment that may be susceptible to
interference caused by improperly installed or high
output radio transmitting equipment. This interfer-
ence can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking
capability. Installation of such equipment should be
performed by qualified professionals.
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.
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5

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 under inflated.
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
“cold tire inflation pressure.” 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 1 mile
(1 km) afte r a 3 hour period. The cold tire inflation
pressure must not exceed the maximum inflation pres-
sure molded into the tire sidewall.
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
12 °F (7 °C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in
the winter.
338 STARTING AND OPERATING

Example: If garage temperature = 68 °F (20 °C) and the
outside temperature = 32 °F (0 °C) then the cold tire
inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa),
which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12 °F (7 °C) for this
outside temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13 to 40 kPa)
during operation. DO NOT reduce this normal pressure
build up or your tire pressure will be too low.
Tire Pressures for High Speed Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high
speeds, maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is very
important. Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle
loading may be required for high-speed vehicle opera-
tion. Refer to original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer for recommended safe operating speeds, loading
and cold tire inflation pressures.
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under maxi-
mum load is dangerous. The added strain on your
tires could cause them to fail. You could have a
serious accident. Don’t drive a vehicle loaded to the
maximum capacity at continuous speeds above 75
mph (120 km/h).
Radial-Ply Tires
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires
on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle
poorly. The instability could cause an accident. Al-
ways use radial ply tires in sets of four (or 6, in case
of trucks with dual rear wheels). Never combine
them with other types of tires.
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5

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.
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5

NOTE:In order to avoid damage to tires, chains, and
your vehicle do not drive for a prolonged period of time
on dry pavement. Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s
instructions on method of installation, operating speed,
and conditions for usage.
Always use the lower suggested operating speed if both
the chain manufacturer and vehicle manufacture suggest
a maximum speed. This notice applies to all chain
traction devices, including link and cable (radial) chains.
SNOW TIRES
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during winter. Standard tires are of the all season type
and satisfy this requirement as indicated by the M+S
designation on the tire sidewall.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and
type to the original equipment tires. Use snow tires only
in sets of 4, failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle. Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than what
was originally equipped with your vehicle and should
not be operated at sustained speeds over 75 mph (120
km/h).
TIRE ROTATION
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on all season type
tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain
mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride.
Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your
type of driving found in the “Maintenance Schedules”
346 STARTING AND OPERATING

Service Tire System Soon
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lamp will flash on
and off for 60 seconds in the instrument cluster, and an
audible chime will be activated when one or more of the
four active road tire pressures are low.
In addition the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) will display a “SERVICE TIRE SYSTEM SOON”
text message. The flash cycle will repeat every ten
minutes, without an audible chime, until the condition no
longer exists. The flash cycle sequence will repeat and an
audible chime will sound once every ignition cycle for
each condition that it detects.
NOTE: If a temporary spare tire is in use and none of
the remaining 3 active road tire pressures are low, a
“SERVICE TIRE SYSTEM SOON textual message will
appear in the EVIC after 10 minutes of driving,CAUTION!
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has
been optimized for the original equipment tires and
wheels. TPMS pressures have been established for
the tire size equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable
system operation or sensor damage may result when
using replacement equipment that is not of the same
size, type, and/or style. After-market wheels can
cause sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a
can, or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped
with a Tire Pressure Monitor System, as damage to
the sensors may result.
STARTING AND OPERATING 351
5

which will cause loss of control of the vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer accidents.
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch. Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
•The tongue weight of the trailer.
•The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
•The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE: Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or dealer-installed options,
must be considered as part of the total load on your
vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information plac-
ard in the Tire Safety Information Section of this manual
for the maximum combined weight of occupants and
cargo for your vehicle.
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•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

Belts should be inspected for evidence of cuts, cracks, or
glazing, and replaced if there is indication of damage
which could result in belt failure. If adjustment is re-
quired, the belts must be adjusted according to the
specifications and procedures described in the Service
Manual. Low generator belt tension can cause battery
failure. A special tool is required to properly measure
tension and to restore belt tension to factory specifica-
tions.
Also check belt routing to make sure there is no interfer-
ence between the belts and other engine components.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the specified mileage. The entire set should be replaced if there is any malfunction due to a faulty spark
plug, malfunctioning spark plugs can damage the cata-
lytic converter. For proper type of replacement spark
plugs, refer to the “Vehicle Emission Control Informa-
tion” label in the engine compartment.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at
the intervals shown on Schedule “A”. If, however, you
drive the vehicle frequently under dusty or severe con-
ditions, the filter element should be inspected periodi-
cally and replaced if necessary at the intervals shown on
Schedule “B”.
424 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE