tow DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2007 Owner's Manual

twist a 1
4
turn to attach the bin to the rail. Push the latch
handle down to lock the storage bin in place.
WARNING!In a collision, you or others in your vehicle could be
injured if the storage bins are not properly latched to
the Overhead Rail System. Always be sure the
storage bins are fully latched.
Removable Floor Console With Stow ’n Go
Seating — If Equipped
The removable floor console has a two power outlets,
storage tray, light, removable cell phone holder, tissue
holder, pen holder and a map holder. It can be removed
from the vehicle by pulling the release handle inside the
floor console.
To remove the console use the following procedure: 1. Open the console lid and remove the storage tray.
2. Pull up on the release handle located inside the floor
console, and slide the console rearward to disengage
from the floor.
3. Remove the floor console. Stow ’n Go Center Console Release Handle UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 193
3

To reinstall the console, open the console lid and remove
the storage tray. Pull up on the release handle and slide
the console forward to engage the front of the console
into the floor tray. Pivot the floor console down until it is
seated on the floor tray and release the handle. Pull up on
the console to be sure it is firmly attached.
WARNING!In an accident, serious injury could result if the
removable floor console is not properly installed.
Always be sure the removable floor console is fully
latched.
Cell Phone Holder Removal
1. Open the floor console lid and lift the cell phone
holder upward. 2. Squeeze the legs together to disengage the holder from
the floor console and remove the cell phone holder.
To reinstall the cell phone holder, align the pivot legs into
the guides and push forward to snap the legs into place.
Removable Floor Console Without Stow ’n Go
Seating — If Equipped
The removable floor console has a power outlet, storage
tray, light, cell phone holder, tissue holder, and a map
holder. It can be placed between either the front seats or
middle seats.
NOTE: When the console is located between the front
seats the outlet is protected by an automatic circuit
breaker and is powered directly from the battery, items
plugged into this outlet may discharge the battery
and/or prevent engine starting.194 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Rear Compartment Storage Bins
Your vehicle may be equipped with open storage bins
located in each rear trim panel.
Cargo/Tub Net
A cargo/tub net is available on vehicles equipped with
Stow ’n Go Seating. The cargo net fits in the second row
storage bin or the third row tub. The net is supported by
hooks located in these areas. Refer to instructions pro-
vided in the net kit.
Coat Hooks
Coat hooks are located along the headliner for the second
and third row seating positions. The coat hook load limit
is 10 lbs (4.5 kg). Exceeding the recommended load limit
can cause the coat hooks to break or disengage from the
vehicle. Cargo Area Storage
The seats in your vehicle are in-line which enables you to
stow long objects, such as lumber or skis, on the floor
without moving the seats.
NOTE: With all rear seat backs folded ,a4x8 foot sheet
of building material may be stored in the long-wheelbase
body style on top of the folded seats with the liftgate
closed. The front seats must be moved slightly forward of
the rearmost position. If the rear seats are removed no
front seat adjustment is needed and more than on e4x8
sheet of building material may be stored.
The liftgate sill plate has a raised line with the statement
“Load To This Line”. This line indicates how far rearward
cargo can be placed without interfering with liftgate
closing.198 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

15. Vehicle Theft Alarm Light — If Equipped
This light will flash for approximately 15 sec-
onds when the vehicle theft alarm is arming.
16. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range. CAUTION!Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads
“H“, pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer
drops back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the “H”, and you hear continuous
chimes, turn the engine off immediately, and call for
service.216 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING!A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure
Cap paragraph.
17. Washer Fluid Light
This light turns on when the washer fluid level
falls below approximately 1/4 filled. The light will
remain on until fluid is added.
18. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transaxle gear
selection. NOTE: You must apply the brakes before shifting from
Park.
19. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The light
should turn on momentarily when the engine is
started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
chime will sound for 4 minutes when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
20. High Beam Light
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever towards the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or low
beam. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 217
4

21. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. The light will illu-
minate when the key is in the ON position before engine
start. If the bulb does not come when turning the key
from OFF to ON, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert to serious
conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or
severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible if this occurs. 22. Trac Off Indicator — If Equipped
This display indicator should illuminate for approxi-
mately four seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON.
The “TRAC OFF” Indicator will flash if the traction
control is in use.
The “TRAC OFF” Indicator will illuminate if:
• The Traction Control switch has been used to turn
the system OFF.
• There is a Traction Control System malfunction
• The system has been deactivated to prevent damage
to the brake system due to overheated brake tem-
peratures.
NOTE: Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the TRAC and
the OFF indicators located in the instrument cluster.218 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

To stop the search, press SCAN a second time.
To Set The Radio Push-button Memory
When you are receiving a station that you wish to
commit to push-button memory, press the SET button.
SET 1 will show in the display window. Select the
push-button you wish to lock onto this station and press
and release that button. If a station is not selected within
5 seconds after pressing the SET button, the station will
continue to play but will not be locked into push-button
memory.
You may add a second station to each push-button by
repeating the above procedure with this exception: Press
the SET button twice and SET 2 will show in the display
window. Each button can be set for SET 1 and SET 2 in
both AM and FM. This allows a total of 10 AM and 10 FM
stations to be locked into memory. You can recall the
stations stored in SET 2 memory by pressing the push-
button twice. To Change From Clock To Radio Mode
Press the Time button to change the display between
radio frequency and time.
Operating Instructions — Tape Player
Insert the cassette with the exposed tape side toward the
right and the mechanical action of the player will gently
pull the cassette into the play position.
NOTE: When subjected to extremely cold temperatures,
the tape mechanism may require a few minutes to warm
up for proper operation. Sometimes poor playback may
be experienced due to a defective cassette tape. Clean and
demagnetize the tape heads at least twice a year.
Seek Button
Press the SEEK button up for the next selection on the
tape and down to return to the beginning of the current
selection.226 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

 Replacement Parts .....................363
 Maintenance .........................363

Vehicle Loading ........................363
 Vehicle Certification Label ...............364
 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) .......364
 Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) .........364
 Tire Size ............................365
 Rim Size ...........................365
 Inflation Pressure .....................365
 Curb Weight .........................365
 Overloading .........................365
 Loading ............................366
Trailer Towing .........................367
 Common Towing Definitions .............368
 Trailer Hitch Classification ...............371
 Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings) ............................372
 Trailer And Tongue Weight ..............374
 Towing Requirements ..................376
 Towing Tips .........................381

Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 382
 Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground) ............................382310 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission 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 a
booster battery or the battery in another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly.
See section 6 of this manual for the proper jump
starting procedures and follow them carefully. If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the “Normal Starting” procedure should
be repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.314 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!Never use Park position on an automatic transmis-
sion as a substitute for the parking brake. Always
apply parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible injury or
damage.
“R” Reverse
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
“N” Neutral
Engine may be started in this range.
“D” Overdrive
For most city and highway driving, it provides smoothest
upshifts and downshifts and best fuel economy. When
frequent transmission shifting occurs while using the
“D” Overdrive position, such as when operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, (i.e. in hilly
terrain, traveling into strong head winds or while towing
heavy trailers), using the “3” position will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build-up.
“3” Drive
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The transmis-
sion will operate normally in First, Second and Third
while in this range. The “3” position should also be used
when descending steep grades to prevent brake system
distress.
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.
“L” Low
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts will318 STARTING AND OPERATING