DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2007 Manual Online

WARNING!An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
increased head motion and possible injury to the
child. Use only the anchor positions directly behind
the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether
strap.
Child restraint systems having attachments designed to
connect to the lower anchorages are now available. Child
restraints having tether straps and hooks for connection
to the seatback tether anchorage have been available for
some time. In fact, many child restraint manufacturers
will provide add-on tether strap kits for some of their
older products.
NOTE: If your child restraint seat is not LATCH com-
patible, install the restraint using the vehicle seat belts. Fleet vehicles equipped with the LATCH system on the
3-passenger bench seat must have the seat adjusted to the
full rear position on the tracks when the LATCH system
is used. Also, when using the LATCH system, be sure the
seatback is two clicks rear of its full upright position.
Because the lower anchorages are to be introduced to
passenger carrying vehicles over a period of years, child
restraint systems having attachments for those anchor-
ages will continue to have features for installation in
vehicles using the lap or lap/shoulder belt. They will also
have tether straps, and you are urged to take advantage
of all of the available attachments provided with your
child restraint in any vehicle.
NOTE: When using the LATCH attaching system to
install a child restraint, please ensure that all seat belts
not being used for occupant restraints are stowed and out
of reach of children. It is recommended that before
installing the child restraint, buckle the seat belt so the THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 81
2

seat belt is tucked behind the child restraint and out of
reach. If the buckled seat belt interferes with the child
restraint installation, instead of tucking the seat belt
behind the child restraint, route the seat belt through the
child restraint belt path and then buckle it. This should
stow the seat belt out of the reach of an inquisitive child.
Remind all children in the vehicle that the seat belts are
not toys and should not be played with, and never leave
your child unattended in the vehicle.
Installing the Child Restraint System
If your fleet vehicle is equipped with LATCH anchorages
on the 3-passenger bench seat, do not install three child
restraints at the same time in this seat. The anchorages in
this seat are not designed to restrain three child restraints
at one time. Instead, you may install one child restraint at
the center position, or one child restraint at each of the
right and left positions. WARNING!Fleet Vehicles Only:
Do not install child restraint systems equipped with
LATCH attachments at all three seating positions in
the seat at one time. The LATCH anchorages in this
seat are designed to restrain no more than two child
restraints at a time in the event of a collision. Failure
to follow this may result in serious or fatal injury.
We urge that you carefully follow the directions of the
manufacturer when installing your child restraint. Many,
but not all, restraint systems will be equipped with
separate straps on each side, with each having a hook or
connector and a means for adjusting the tension in the
strap. Forward-facing toddler restraints and some
rearward-facing infant restraints will also be equipped
with a tether strap, a hook and means for adjusting the
tension in the strap.82 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

In general, you will first loosen the adjusters on the lower
straps and tether straps so that you can more easily attach
the hook or connector to the lower anchorages and tether
anchorages. Then tighten all three straps as you push the
child restraint rearward and downward into the seat.
Not all child restraint systems will be installed as we
have described here. Again, carefully follow the instruc-
tions that come with the child restraint system.
WARNING!Improper installation of a child restraint to the
LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of an infant or
child restraint. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly
when installing an infant or child restraint. Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet could be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
REAR SEAT DELETE FEATURE (COMMERCIAL
VEHICLES ONLY) — IF EQUIPPED
Commercial cargo vehicles are not designed for use as a
family vehicle and are not intended for carrying children
in the front passenger seat. However, if you must carry a
child in a vehicle without a rear seat, the passenger seat
should be moved to the full rearward position and the
child must be in a proper restraint system based on it’s
age, size and weight. NEVER carry a child in a rear facing THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 83
2

infant carrier in a vehicle without rear seats. In an
accident, serious injury or death may occur from the
deploying passenger air bag.
This vehicle is equipped with a child restraint tether
anchor located on the floor, behind the front passenger
seat. Use this tether anchor to secure only forward
facing child restraints equipped with an upper tether
strap.
WARNING!Rear Facing Infant restraints must never be secured
in the passenger seat of a vehicle with a passenger
airbag. In an accident a passenger airbag may deploy
causing severe injury or death to infants riding in
rear facing infant restraints. Restraining Infants and Small Children with Seat
Delete Feature (Commercial Vehicles Only)
There are different sizes and types of restraints for
children from newborn size to the child almost large
enough for an adult safety belt. Use the restraint that is
correct for your child:
• The rearward-facing infant carrier is for babies weigh-
ing up to about 20 lbs (9 kg), and less than one year
old. THIS TYPE OF SEAT CANNOT BE USED IN A
VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THE REAR SEAT DE-
LETE FEATURE (Commercial Vehicles Only).
• The forward-facing child seat is for children from
about 20 to 40 lbs (9 to 18 kg), and more than one year
old.
• A “convertible” child seat, one that is designed to be
used for children who are too heavy for a rear facing
infant seat, may be used IN THE FORWARD FACING
POSITION ONLY, IT MUST NEVER BE INSTALLED84 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

FACING TO THE REAR IN A VEHICLE EQUIPPED
WITH THE REAR SEAT DELETE FEATURE (Com-
mercial Vehicles Only). When a convertible seat is
properly installed forward facing, the vehicle seat
should be adjusted to the rear most position.
• Children more than 40 lbs (18 kg) should be secured in
the passenger seat in a child restraint or belt-
positioning booster seat with the seat adjusted to the
rear most position . Older children who do not use
child restraints or belt-positioning booster seats
should ride properly buckled in the passenger seat
with the seat adjusted to the rear most position. Never
allow children to slide the shoulder belt behind them
or under their arm.
Tether Installation For Commercial Vehicles With
Rear Seat Delete
To secure the child restraint upper tether strap to the
vehicle, follow the instructions shown: 1. Locate the child restraint tether anchor on the floor
just behind the front passenger seat.
Tether Anchor LocationTHINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 85
2

2. Extend the child restraint tether anchor forward to-
wards the front passenger seat. 3. Follow the child restraint manufacturer’s directions
for proper use of connecting the child restraint to the
extended tether strap.
4. If necessary, raise the passenger seat head restraint to
allow the tether strap to be routed under the head
restraint.
5. Route the tether strap beneath the head restraint
between the two head restraint posts. Ensure that the
child restraint tether strap is centered between the two
head restraint posts.
Tether To Anchor86 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

6. Using the hook attached to the child restraint tether
strap, attach the child restraint tether strap to the metal
ring on the vehicle tether anchor. 7. Following the child seat manufacturer’s instructions,
tighten the child restraint tether strap.
8. If necessary, reposition the seat head restraint.
9. Inspect the tether anchor strap for nicks, abrasions,
discoloration, and loose threads. If these, or any other
condition that might effect the performance of the strap is
observed, DO NOT USE. Contact your local
DaimlerChrysler dealership for a replacement part.
NOTE: Stow the child restraint tether strap in its
original position when not in use.Tether Strap Mounting THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 87
2

WARNING!The vehicle tether anchor is designed to be used
with a child restraint only. It should not be used for
any other purpose. Before use inspect the tether
anchor strap for nicks, abrasions, discoloration, and
loose threads. If these or any other condition that
might effect the performance of the strap is ob-
served, DO NOT USE, personal injury may result.
Contact your local DaimlerChrysler dealership for a
replacement part.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your new vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55
mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable. While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown in Section 7 of this manual. NON-DETERGENT
OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE
USED.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.88 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed. WARNING!If you are required to drive with the deck lid /
liftgate open, make sure that all windows are closed,
and the climate control blower switch is set at high
speed. DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc. If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 89
2

Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid, trans-
mission fluid or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause
should be located and corrected immediately.90 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE