flat tire DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2006 User Guide

Limited Use Spare — If Equipped
The limited use spare tire is for temporary emergency use
on your vehicle. This tire is identified by a limited use
spare tire warning label located on the limited use spare
tire and wheel assembly. This tire may look like the
original equipped tire on the front or rear axle of your
vehicle, but it is not. Installation of this limited use spare
tire affects vehicle handling. Since it is not the same tire,
replace (or repair) the original tire and reinstall on the
vehicle at the first opportunity. WARNING!The limited use spare tires are for emergency use
only. Installation of this limited use spare tire affects
vehicle handling. With this tire, do not drive more
than 60 mph (100 km/h). Keep inflated to the cold
tire inflation pressure listed on either your tire
placard or limited use spare tire and wheel assembly.
Replace (or repair) the original tire at the first
opportunity and reinstall it on your vehicle. Failure
to do so could result in loss of vehicle control.
Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not
spin your vehicle ’ s wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h).
See the paragraph on Freeing A Stuck Vehicle in Section
6 of this manual. STARTING AND OPERATING 333
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Life of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including but not limited to:
• Driving style
• Tire pressure
• Distance driven
WARNING!Tires and spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have an accident result-
ing in serious injury or death. Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (see the paragraph on tread
wear indicators). Refer to the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion placard for the size designation of your tire. The
service description and load identification will be found
on the original equipment tire. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, han-
dling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend that you
contact your original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer with any questions you may have on tire specifi-
cations or capability. STARTING AND OPERATING 335
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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
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• Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
P for Park. Always, block or  chock  the trailer wheels.
• GCWR must not be exceeded.
• Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR 4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight).
Towing Requirements — Tires
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to the
Ti re s – 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. STARTING AND OPERATING 359
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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
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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. 4. When the compact spare tire/cover assembly is clear
of the vehicle, stand the tire/cover assembly upright and
remove the wheel spacer by squeezing the two retaining
tabs together.
5. There are two jack engagement locations on each side
of the body, refer to the following illustration.Spare Tire/Cover Removal Wheel Spacer Removal374 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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.
13. Secure the flat tire as follows:
• 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.
CAUTION!Vehicle damage will occur if the compact spare tire
cover assembly is installed without the compact
spare tire in position. Place the deflated (flat) tire
and compact spare tire cover assembly in the rear
cargo area. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 377
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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 381
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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.386 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 PROCEDURES IF BATTERY IS
LOW
WARNING!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 387
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