towing DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2013 5.G Owner's Guide

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS...........560
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS............560
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING..........561
▫Jack Location........................562
▫Spare Tire Removal....................563
▫To Access Spare Tire Winch Drive Nut.......563
▫Spare Tire Tools.......................565
▫Spare Tire Removal Instructions...........566
▫Preparations For Jacking................568▫Jacking Instructions...................569
▫Securing The Spare Tire.................575
▫Road Tire Installation...................577
JUMP-STARTING......................579
▫Preparations For Jump-Start..............580
▫Jump-Starting Procedure................581
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE.............583
SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE................585
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE...........586
6

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the Ground ALL MODELS
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:
•Transmission inNEUTRAL
•25 mph (40 km/h)maxspeed
•15 miles (24 km)maxdistanceWheel lift Rear
Front OK
FlatbedALL BEST METHOD
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for this purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer ’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to
main structural members of the vehicle, not to bumpers
or associated brackets. State and local laws regarding
vehicles under tow must be observed.If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN
position, not the ACC position.
If the vehicle’s battery is discharged, seeShift Lever
OverrideinWhat To Do In Emergenciesfor instruc-
tions on shifting the transmission out of PARK for
towing.
586 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
•Do not use sling type equipment when towing.
Damage to the fascia will occur.
•When securing the vehicle to a flatbed truck, do not
attach to front or rear suspension components.
Damage to your vehicle may result from improper
towing.
•Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
mission may result.
Without the Key Fob
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK/OFF position. The only
approved method of towing without the ignition key is
with a flatbed truck. Proper towing equipment is neces-
sary to prevent damage to the vehicle.With Ignition Key
The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheels OFF the ground using a flatbed. If flatbed
equipment is not available, and the transmission is
operable, the vehicle may be flat towed (with all four
wheels on the ground) under the following conditions:
•The transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
•The towing distance must not exceed 15 miles (24 km).
•
The towing speed must not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle must
be towed faster than 25 mph (40 km/h) or farther than
15 miles (24 km), it must be towed with the front
wheels OFF the ground (using a flatbed truck, or wheel
lift equipment with the front wheels raised).6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 587

CAUTION!
Towing faster than 25 mph (40 km/h) or farther than
15 mi (24 km) with front wheels on the ground can
cause severe transmission damage. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission damage. Dam-
age from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
588 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
592 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
602 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s) if using your
vehicle for any of the following:
police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing.X
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s).X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if
necessary.X
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply.
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S646 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............611
Adding Fuel.............................537
Adding Washer Fluid......................608
Additives, Fuel...........................531
Adjustable Pedals.........................235
Airbag..................................74
Airbag Deployment........................85
Airbag Light.............................82
Airbag Maintenance........................87
Airbag, Side..............................78
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)................78
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter). . . .599
Air Conditioner Maintenance.................604
Air Conditioning..........................431
Air Conditioning Controls...................431
Air Conditioning Filter.....................455
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone.................437
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.................604
Air Conditioning System....................431Air Conditioning System, Zone Control..........431
Air Pressure, Tires.........................507
Alarm Light.............................320
Alarm (Security Alarm)......................17
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle...............7
Antenna, Satellite Radio.....................373
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..................610
Disposal..............................613
Anti-Lock Warning Light....................314
Anti-Theft System..........................17
Appearance Care.........................619
Ashtray................................278
Assistance Towing.........................160
Assist, Hill Start..........................493
Auto Down Power Windows..................42
Automatic Dimming Mirror..................131
Automatic Door Locks......................38
Automatic Headlights......................222
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..........440
662 INDEX

Cooling System...........................608
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...............611
Coolant Capacity.......................638
Coolant Level..........................609
Disposal of Used Coolant.................613
Drain, Flush, and Refill...................610
Inspection............................613
Points to Remember.....................613
Pressure Cap..........................612
Radiator Cap..........................612
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).............610
Corrosion Protection.......................619
Cupholders.............................274
Customer Assistance.......................651
Data Recorder, Event.......................88
Daytime Running Lights....................224
Dealer Service............................595
Defroster, Windshield......................119Delay (Intermittent) Wipers..................230
Diagnostic System, Onboard.................592
Dimmer Control..........................225
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission..................618
Oil (Engine)...........................597
Power Steering.........................481
Disabled Vehicle Towing....................586
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................613
Door Locks..............................35
Door Opener, Garage.......................256
Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water................................478
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy......336
E-85 Fuel...............................533
Economy (Fuel) Mode......................466
10
INDEX 665

Gross Axle Weight Rating...................539
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating..................539
GVWR.................................539
Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising,
or Shallow Standing Water.................478
Hazard Warning Flasher....................560
Headlights
Bulb Replacement.......................635
Cleaning.............................623
Lights On Reminder.....................224
Passing..............................228
Replacing.............................635
Time Delay............................223
Washers..............................223
Head Restraints..........................192
Heated Mirrors...........................134
Heater.................................431Heater, Engine Block.......................464
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch. . . .228
Hill Start Assist...........................493
Hitches
Trailer Towing.........................546
HomeLink® (Garage Door Opener)............256
Hood Release............................220
Hook, Coat..............................284
Ignition.................................14
Key..................................12
Ignition Key Removal.......................14
Illuminated Entry..........................20
Immobilizer (Sentry Key)....................15
Infant Restraint...........................89
Information Center, Vehicle..................325
Inside Rearview Mirror.....................130
Instrument Cluster........................309
Instrument Panel and Controls................308
10
INDEX 669