warning DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2006 Owners 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 PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM — IF
EQUIPPED
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) system 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
a receiver located in the instrument panel.
NOTE: The tire pressure monitoring system on your
vehicle will warn you when one of your tires is signifi-
cantly underinflated and when some combinations of
your tires are significantly underinflated. It is particularly
important, therefore, for you to check the tire pressure in
all of your tires regularly and maintain proper pressure. 1,2,3, OR 4 TIRE(S) LOW PRESSURE
Low tire pressure levels of 28 psi [1.9 bars] (193 kPa) or
less detected in one or more tires.
Inspect all tires for proper inflation pressure, once proper
tire pressure has been set the TPMS system warning will
reset automatically once ignition switch has been turned
ON.
CHECK TPM SYSTEM
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) system re-
quires service.
See your authorized dealer for service. STARTING AND OPERATING 337
5

CAUTION!The TPMS system has been optimized for the origi-
nal equipment tires and wheels. TPMS system pres-
sures have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable 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 or balance beads if your
vehicle is equipped with TPMS system as damage to
the sensors may result.
NOTE:
• The TPMS system can inform the driver of a low tire
pressure condition of 28 psi [1.9 bars] (193 kPa) or less. The TPMS system is not intended to replace normal
tire care and maintenance, nor to provide warning of a
tire failure or condition.
• The TPMS system should not be used as a tire
pressure gauge while adjusting your tire pressure.
CAUTION!After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent
moisture and dirt entry into the valve stem, which
could damage the wheel rim sensor.338 STARTING AND OPERATING

Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
• 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. STARTING AND OPERATING 345
5

NOTE:
• Tighten the fuel filler cap until you hear a “ clicking ”
sound. This is an indication that the fuel filler cap is
properly tightened. If the vehicle diagnostic system
determines that the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged, GASCAP will be displayed in
the instrument cluster odometer. Tighten the fuel filler
cap properly and press the odometer reset button to
turn the GASCAP message off. If the problem contin-
ues, the message will appear the next time the vehicle
is started. See Section 7 of this manual for more
information. Make sure that the fuel filler cap is
tightened each time the vehicle is refueled.
• When the fuel nozzle “ clicks ” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full. WARNING!• Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
• Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
• A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling. STARTING AND OPERATING 347
5

WARNING!Because the front wheels drive and steer the vehicle,
it is important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition
can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have an accident.
Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and front
and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to insure that it
is not over the GVWR. Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle ’ s
GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle by axle and side by side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate. STARTING AND OPERATING 349
5

WARNING!It is important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition
can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have an accident.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the
trailer. In most cases it should not be less than 10% or
more than 15% of the trailer load. You must consider this
as part of the load on your vehicle.
Frontal Area
The maximum height and maximum width of the front of
a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue that typically provides adjustable friction associated with
the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer
swaying motions while traveling.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or
some other connecting point of the vehicle. These kind of
hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they ’ re commonly used to tow small- and medium-sized
trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing hitch includes a receiver attached
to the tow vehicle, plus a removable hitch head and
spring bar assembly that fits into the receiver opening
and hook up brackets that connect the spring bars to the
trailer frame.352 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle driv-
etrain components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!• Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805
km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage
your vehicle.
• During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer
towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR,
or GCWR, ratings. WARNING!Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.358 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
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 STARTING AND OPERATING 361
5

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIESCONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................366

If Your Engine Overheats .................367

Jacking And Tire Changing ................368
▫ Jacking Instructions — Stow ’ n Go Seating . . . 369
▫ Jacking Instructions — Non Stow ’ nGo
Seating .............................381

Jump-Starting Procedures If Battery Is Low ....387

Driving On Slippery Surfaces ..............389
▫ Acceleration .........................389 ▫ Traction ............................389

Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................390

Towing A Disabled Vehicle ................391
▫ With Ignition Key .....................391
▫ Without The Ignition Key ...............392
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground) ............................392
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
With A Tow Dolly .....................392
6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The hazard flasher switch is located in the center of the
instrument panel above the radio. To engage the Hazard Warning Flashers, depress the
switch on the instrument panel. When the Hazard Warn-
ing Switch is activated, all directional turn signals will
flash on and off to warn oncoming traffic of an emer-
gency. Push the switch a second time to turn off the
flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning Flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition switch is OFF.
NOTE: With extended use, the Hazard Warning Flash-
ers may wear down your battery.Hazard Flasher Switch366 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES