tow DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2011 5.G Owner's Manual

WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake
system may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a
collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., mayilluminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will
drive normally and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We
recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Indicator Light/Brake Assist System (BAS)
Warning Light
• If the ESC/BAS warning light comes on continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected.
• If this light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), we
recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the chargingsystem light remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with
the charging system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stopthe vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound for four
minutes when this light turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, werecommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
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- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
• This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed
in the PARK position; the light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized service center immediately. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is required and you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing.
- Air Bag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have thevehicle serviced by an authorized service center immediately.
Fuel Cap/Loose Gas Cap Message
• If a “gas cap” message (shown as gASCAP) appears, tighten the gas cap until a“clicking” sound is heard.
• Press the odometer reset button to turn the message off.
• If the message continues to appear for more than three days after tightening the gas cap, see your authorized service center.
Oil Change Indicator
Message
• If an “oil change” message (shown as CHAngE OIL) appears and a single chime sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
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JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
Jack Location
• The jack, jack handle and winch handle tools are stowed behind the rear left sidetrim panel in the rear cargo area. Turn the two cover latches to release the cover.
• Remove the pouch containing thescissors jack, jack handle, and tools.
Spare Tire Removal
• The spare tire is stowed inside aprotective cover located under the
center of the vehicle between the front
doors by means of a cable winch
mechanism. The “spare tire drive” nut
is located on the floor, under a plastic
cap at the front of the floor console.
• The tool pouch contains three pieces and can be assembled into a spare tire hook; to remove the compact spare tire/cover assembly from under the vehicle, or a
Winch T-handle; to raise/lower the compact spare tire/cover assembly.
To Access Spare Tire Winch Drive Nut
• To access the spare tire winch drive nut and lower the spare tire, you will need torefer to one of the following center console configurations.
Super Console • For vehicles equipped with the Super Console, the spare tire winch assembly drive nut is located beneath the console.
1. Pull the lower drawer out from therear of the floor console.
2. Open the front drawer to expose the storage compartment.
3. Remove the liner from the console's storage compartment to access the
spare tire winch drive nut.
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Front jack location is on the sill flange of
the vehicle body and is located 6 in
(150 mm) from door edge.
NOTE: In some situations the jack may
need to be placed on its side in order to be
pushed under the vehicle. Return the jack
to its correct orientation once it is under
the vehicle.
3. Place the wrench on the jack screw and turn to the right until the jack
head is properly engaged in the
described location. Do not raise the
vehicle until you are sure the jack is
securely engaged.
4. Raise the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the right, using the swivel
wrench. Raise the vehicle only until
the tire just clears the surface and
enough clearance is obtained to
install the spare tire. Minimum tire
lift provides maximum stability.
5. Remove the wheel lug nuts, for vehicles with wheel covers, remove
the cover from the wheel by hand. Do
not pry the wheel cover off. Then pull
the wheel off the hub.
6. Install the compact spare tire. Lightly tighten the lug nuts.
NOTE:
• Do not install the wheel cover on the compact spare.
• Do not use a hammer or force to install the wheel covers. 7. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the left.
8. 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.
The correct wheel nut tightness is 102 ft lbs (138 N·m). If in doubt about the
correct tightness, have them checked with a torque wrench by your authorized
dealer or at a service station.
9. Lower the jack to its fully-closed position.
10. Place the deflated (flat) tire and compact spare tire cover assembly in the rear cargo area. Do not stow the deflated tire in the spare tire location. Have the
full-sized tire repaired or replaced, as soon as possible.
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11. Stow the cable and wheel spacer before driving the vehicle. Reassemble thewinch handle extensions to form a “T” and fit the winch T-handle over the drive
nut. Rotate the nut to the right until the winch mechanism clicks at least three
times.
12. Stow the jack, jack handle and winch handle tools back in the stowage compartment.
13. Check the compact spare tire pressure as soon as possible. Correct the tire pressure, as required.
Securing The Spare Tire
1. Assemble the winch handle extensions to form a T-handle and fit the winchT-handle over the drive nut. Rotate the nut to the left until the winch mechanism
stops turning freely. This will allow enough slack in the cable to allow you to pull
the wheel spacer out from under the vehicle.
2. Assemble the winch handle extensions to form the spare tire hook, and pull the wheel spacer from under the vehicle.
3. Turn the compact spare tire so that the valve stem is down, and place the tire into the spare tire/cover assembly. Slide the wheel spacer through the center of the
wheel and spare tire/cover assembly, so that the two retainer tabs snap out and
engage the spare tire cover on the opposite side.
4. Using the winch T-handle, rotate the drive nut to the right until the compact spare tire/cover assembly is drawn into place against the underside of the vehicle.
5. Continue to rotate the nut to the right until you hear the winch mechanism click three times. It cannot be overtightened. Check under the vehicle to ensure the
compact spare tire/cover assembly is positioned correctly against the underside of
the vehicle.
Road Tire Installation
Vehicles Equipped With Wheel Covers
1. Mount the road tire on the axle.
2. To ease the installation process for steel wheels with wheel covers, install two lug nuts on the mounting studs which are on each side of the valve stem. Install the
lug nuts with the cone shaped end of the nut toward the wheel. Lightly tighten
the lug nuts.
3. Align the valve notch in the wheel cover with the valve stem on the wheel. Install the cover by hand, snapping the cover over the two lug nuts. Do not use a hammer
or excessive force to install the cover.
4. Install the remaining lug nuts with the cone shaped end of the nut toward the wheel. Lightly tighten the lug nuts. To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the
jack, do not tighten the lug nuts fully until the vehicle is lowered to the ground.
5. Lower the vehicle to the ground by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
6. Finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down on the wrench while at the end of the handle for increased leverage. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern until each nut
has been tightened twice. The correct tightness of each lug nut is 102 ft/lbs
(138 N·m). If in doubt about the correct tightness, have them checked with a
torque wrench by your authorized dealer or service station.
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7. After 25 miles (40 km) check the lug nut torque with a torque wrench to ensurethat all lug nuts are properly seated against the wheel.
Vehicles Without Wheel Covers 1. Mount the road tire on the axle.
2. Install the remaining lug nuts with the cone shaped end of the nut toward the wheel. Lightly tighten the lug nuts.
3. Lower the vehicle to the ground by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
4. Finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down on the wrench while at the end of the handle for increased leverage. Tightening the lug nuts in a star pattern until each
nut has been tightened twice. The correct tightness of each lug nut is 102 ft/lbs
(138 N·m). If in doubt about the correct tightness, have them checked with a
torque wrench by your authorized dealer or service station.
5. After 25 miles (40 km) check the lug nut torque with a torque wrench to ensure that all lug nuts are properly seated against the wheel.
CAUTION!
• The winch mechanism is designed for use with the winch T-handle only. Useof an air wrench or other power tools is not recommended and can damage
the winch.
• Do not attempt to raise the vehicle by jacking on locations other than those indicated in the Jacking Instructions for this vehicle.
• Do not attempt to raise the vehicle by jacking on locations other than those indicated.
• Be sure to mount the spare tire with the valve stem facing outward. The vehicle could be damaged if the spare tire is mounted incorrectly.
• The winch mechanism is designed for use with the winch T-handle only. Use of an air wrench or other power tools is not recommended and can damage
the winch.
• The compact spare tire/cover assembly must be used when the compact spare tire is stored. Failure to use this cover could drastically reduce the life
of the compact spare tire.
• 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.
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WARNING!
• Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to movingtraffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
• Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You could be crushed. Never put any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack.
• Never start or run the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service center where it can be raised on a
lift.
• The jack is designed to be used as a tool for changing tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
• 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 being hit when operating the jack
or changing the wheel.
• Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to help prevent personal injury or damage to your vehicle:
• Always park on a firm, level surface as far from the edge of the roadway as possible before raising the vehicle.
• Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
• Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to be raised.
• Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic transmission in PARK; a manual transmission in REVERSE.
• Never start or run the engine with the vehicle on a jack.
• Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Only use the jack in the positions indicated and for lifting this vehicle during a tire change.
• If working on or near a roadway, be extremely careful of motor traffic.
• To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are securely stowed, spares must be stowed with the valve stem facing the ground.
• Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You could be crushed. Never get any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. If you need to get under a raised vehicle,
take it to a service center where it can be raised on a lift.
(Continued)
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WARNING!(Continued)
• Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make the vehicle less stable. Itcould slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only
enough to remove the tire.
• To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not tighten the lug nuts fully until the vehicle has been lowered.
• A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or hard stop could endanger the occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided. Have the deflated (flat) tire repaired or replaced
immediately.
• A loose compact spare tire/cover assembly, thrown forward in a collision or hard stop could endanger the occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the
compact spare tire with the cover assembly in the place provided.
• Verify that both retainer tabs of the wheel spacer have been properly extended through the center of the wheel and spare tire/cover assembly.
Failure to properly engage both retainer tabs could result in loss of the spare
tire and cover assembly, which will cause vehicle damage and may cause loss
of vehicle control.
• To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not tighten the lug nuts fully until the vehicle is lowered to the ground.
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TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLEModelFlat Towing (all four
wheels on the ground)Flatbed Towing (all four
wheels suspended OFF
the ground)Front Wheels Raised,
Rear Wheels on the
GroundRear Wheels Raised,
Front Wheels on the
Ground
FWD Without a Key NOT Permitted Recommended
MethodNOT Permitted NOT Permitted
FWD With a Key Shift lever must be in
NEUTRAL. The
distance to be traveled
must not exceed 100
mi (160 km), and the
towing speed must not
exceed 44 mph
(72 km/h).Recommended
Method
NOT Permitted NOT Permitted
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MAINTENANCE CHART
Miles:
8,000 16,000 24,000 32,000 40,000 48,000 56,000 64,000 72,000 80,000 88,000 96,000
104,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78
Or Kilometers:
13,000 26,000 39,000 52,000 65,000 78,000 91,000
104,000
117,000 130,000 143,000 156,000 169,000
Change the engine oil and filter.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it
occurs before scheduled maintenance.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Open the left and right sliding doors (slowly) and inspect for ex-
cessive dirt. If noise exists, wipe clean and apply krytox lube to
the door rollers.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
If using your vehicle for any of the following: dusty or off-road
conditions. Inspect the engine air cleaner filter; replace if
necessary.
XXX
Replace the air conditioning filter.
XXXXXX
Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
XXXXXX
Inspect the CV joints.
XXXX
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for
cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper loose-
ness or end play; replace if necessary.
XXXXXX
Inspect the exhaust system.
X XXXX
Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
XXX
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter if using your
vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet or frequent
trailer towing.
X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 60 months or
104,000 miles (169,000 km) whichever comes first.
X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 104,000 miles
(169,000 km) or 60 months whichever comes first.
X
Replace the spark plugs (3.6L engine).
X
Inspect and replace the PCV valve if necessary.
X
• Refer to the Owner's Manual on the DVD for the complete maintenance schedule.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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