parking brake DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2006 User Guide

• 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
5

Jacking Instructions — 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 369
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 381
6

WARNING!• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could
enter the catalytic converter 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 quan-
tities 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. 1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach and
without letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake,
place the automatic transmission in PARK and turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position for both vehicles.
3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the discharged battery. Connect the other end
of the same cable to the positive terminal of the booster
battery.388 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transmission and of the fluid.
To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level,
the following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (PARK). Wipe the area
around the dipstick clean to eliminate the possibility of
dirt entering the transmission. 5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180 ° F (82 ° C), which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle has
been driven at least 15 miles (24 km). The fluid cannot be
comfortably held between the finger tips. Cold is when
the fluid is below 80 ° F (27 ° C).
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked “ HOT ” (between the upper
two holes in the dipstick).
b. If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked “ COLD ” .
If the fluid level indicates low, add sufficient fluid to
bring to the proper level.426 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Interlock System ....................... 310
Reset Mode .......................... 311
Selection Of Lubricant ................ 425,445
Shifting ............................. 311
Special Additives ...................... 427
Automatic Transmission ................... 424
Adding Fluid ......................... 426
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 427
Fluid Change ......................... 427
Fluid Level Check ...................... 426
Fluid Type ........................ 425,445
Ball Joints ............................. 412
Battery ............................... 409
Gas Caution .......................... 409
Jump Starting ......................... 387
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 25
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 145
Bearings .............................. 428 Belts, Drive ............................ 405
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 413
B-Pillar Location ........................ 324
Brake Fluid ............................ 445
Brake, Parking .......................... 313
Brake System ........................ 314,421
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 315
Fluid Check .......................... 423
Hoses .............................. 422
Warning Light ........................ 205
Brakes ............................. 314,421
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 310
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 82
Bulb Replacement ....................... 438
Bulbs, Light ............................ 437
Calibration, Compass ..................... 159
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 443 INDEX 483
10

Panic Alarm ............................ 23
Parking Brake .......................... 313
Parking On Hill ......................... 313
Passing Light ........................... 148
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 153
Pets, Transporting ........................ 78
Phone, Cellular .......................... 94
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect ™ ) ............. 94
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 324
Power
Brakes .............................. 314
Distribution Center ..................... 434
Door Locks ........................... 18
Lift Gate ............................. 35
Mirrors .............................. 92
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .......... 175
Seats ............................... 118
Sliding Door .......................... 30
Steering ............................. 317 Steering, Checking ..................... 412
Sunroof ............................. 173
Windows ............................. 41
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 445
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 53
Preparation for Jacking ................. 369,381
Pretensioners
Seat Belts ............................. 51
Programmable Electronic Features ...... 164,169,172
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry) ............... 23,169,172
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 331
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) ....... 416,418
Radio Broadcast Signals ................... 212
Radio Operation ................... 234,252,274
Radio Remote Controls ................. 258,270
Radio, Satellite .......................... 266
Radio (Sound Systems) ......... 214,224,234,244,251 INDEX 493
10