2004 DODGE CARAVAN Owners Manual

These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves and will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the indicators appear
in 2 or more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced.
Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (see the paragraph on tread
wear indicators). Refer to the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion placard for the size designation of your tire. The
service description and load identification will be found
on the original equipment tire. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, han-
dling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend that you
contact your original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer with any questions you may have on tire specifi-
cations or capability.
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WARNING!
²Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change suspen-
sion dimensions and performance characteristics,
resulting in changes to steering, handling, and brak-
ing of your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and suspension com-
ponents. You could lose control and have an accident
resulting in serious injury or death. Use only the tire
and wheel sizes with load ratings approved for your
vehicle.
²Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity,
other than what was originally equipped on your
vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could
result in tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have an accident.
²Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
²fast tire wear;
²uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear;
²vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
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Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) Ð IF EQUIPPED
CAUTION!
All Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles must have the same
size and type tires on all wheel positions. Unequal
tire sizes must not be used. Unequal tire size may
cause failure of the power transfer unit and/or the
viscous coupling.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM Ð IF
EQUIPPED
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPM) system uses
wireless technology with wheel rim mounted electronic
sensors to monitor tire pressure levels (EXCLUDING
THE SPARE TIRE). Sensors, mounted to each wheel as
part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure readings to
a receiver located in the overhead console.
NOTE:The tire pressure monitoring system on your
vehicle will warn you when one of your tires is signifi-
cantly underinflated and when some combinations of
your tires are significantly underinflated. However, there
are other combinations of significantly underinflated
tires for which your tire pressure monitoring system may
not warn you. These other combinations are relatively
common, accounting for approximately half the instances
in which vehicles have significantly underinflated tires.
For example, your system may not warn you when both
tires on the same side or on the same axle of your vehicle
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are significantly underinflated. It is particularly impor-
tant, therefore, for you to check the tire pressure in all of
your tires regularly and maintain proper pressure.
1,2,3, OR 4 TIRE(S) LOW PRESSURE
Low tire pressure levels of 28 psi [1.9 bars] (193 kPa) or
less detected in one or more tires.
Inspect all tires for proper inflation pressure, once proper
tire pressure has been set the TPM system warning will
reset automatically once ignition switch has been turned
ON.
1,2,3, OR 4 TIRE(S) HIGH PRESSURE
High tire pressure levels of 48 psi [3.3 bars] (330 kPa) or
more detected in one or more tires.
Inspect all tires for proper inflation pressure, once proper
tire pressure has been set the TPM system warning will
reset automatically once ignition switch has been turned
ON.
SERVICE TIRE PRESSURE SYSTEM/SEE
OWNER'S MANUAL
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPM) system requires
service.
See your authorized dealer for service.
TIRE PRESSURE UNAVAILABLE
The TPM system function is temporarily unavailable due
to external electromagnetic interference, such as portable
electronic devices, or near by radio or TV towers.
Move the vehicle to an area free from radio, TV antennas
and transmitting towers or disconnect any portable elec-
tronic devices, once the external interference is removed
the TPM system will resume normal operation and ªTIRE
PRESSURE NOW AVAILABLEº will appear in the over-
head console display.
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TIRE PRESSURE NOW AVAILABLE
The TPM system is functioning normally and the external
interference is no longer affecting the system.
SPARE TIRE IN USE? YES/NO
The TPM system requires more information to determine
the correct mode of operation, one or more of the vehicle
active tires has been replaced by the spare, a wheel rim
not equipped with a TPM sensor or the TPM system
requires service.
If the spare tire or non TPM sensor equipped wheel rim
is in active use (mounted on the vehicle), answer YES and
the TPM system will resume normal operation.
If the spare tire or non TPM sensor equipped wheel rim
isNOTin active use (mounted on the vehicle), answer
NO and the TPM system will resume normal operation.
ALL 5 TIRES WITH CAR? YES/NO
The TPM system requires more information to determine
the correct mode of operation, one or more of the vehicle
active tires has been replaced by the spare, a wheel rim
not equipped with a TPM sensor or the TPM system
requires service.
If the spare tire or non TPM sensor equipped wheel rim
is in active use (mounted on the vehicle), answer YES and
the TPM system will resume normal operation.
If the spare tire or non TPM sensor equipped wheel rim
isNOTin active use (mounted on the vehicle), answer
NO and the TPM system will resume normal operation.
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CAUTION!
The TPM system has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPM system pressures
have been established for the tire size equipped on
your vehicle. Undesirable operation or sensor dam-
age may result when using replacement equipment
that is not of the same size, type, and/or style.
After-market wheels can cause sensor damage. Do
not use tire sealant or balance beads if your vehicle
is equipped with TPM system as damage to the
sensors may result.
NOTE:
²The TPM system can inform the driver of a low tire
pressure condition of 28 psi [1.9 bars] (193 kPa) or less,
or high a tire pressure condition of 48 psi [3.3 bars]
(330 kPa) or more.
²The TPM system is not intended to replace normal tire
care and maintenance, nor to provide warning of a tire
failure or condition.
²The TPM system should not be used as a tire pressure
gauge while adjusting your tire pressure.
²The TPM system must be retrained after a tire rotation
or wheel rim mounted sensor replacement. See your
authorized dealer for service.
CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent
moisture and dirt entry into the valve stem, which
could damage the wheel rim sensor.
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General Information
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and
RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
²This device may not cause harmful interference.
²This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired op-
eration.
The tire pressure sensors are covered under one of the
following licenses:
United States.....................KR5S120123
Canada........................2671-S120123
TIRE CHAINS
Use only compact chains, or other traction aids that meet
SAE type ªClass Sº specifications. Chains must be the
proper size for the vehicle, as recommended by the chain
manufacturer.
NOTE:Do not use tire chains on a compact spare tire.
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CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe the
following precautions:
²Because of restricted chain clearance between tires and
other suspension components, it is important that only
chains in good condition are used. Broken chains can
cause serious damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if
noise occurs that could indicate chain breakage. Re-
move the damaged parts of the chain before further use.
²Install chains on the front wheels as tightly as possible
and then retighten after driving about1¤2mile (0.8 km).
²Do not exceed 45 mph (70 km/h).
²Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
²Do not use on rear wheels of All Wheel Drive (AWD)
vehicles.
²Do not drive for prolonged period on dry pavement.
²Observe the tire chain manufacturer's instructions on
the method of installation, operating speed, and condi-
tions for use. Always use the lower suggested operating
speed of the chain manufacturer if different than the
speed recommended by the manufacture.
NOTE:In order to avoid damage to tires, chains, and
your vehicle do not drive for a prolonged period of time
on dry pavement. Observe the tire chain manufacturer's
instructions on method of installation, operating speed,
and conditions for usage.
Always use the lower suggested operating speed if both
the chain manufacturer and vehicle manufacture suggest
a maximum speed. This notice applies to all chain
traction devices, including link and cable (radial) chains.
SNOW TIRES
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during winter. Standard tires are of the all season type
and satisfy this requirement as indicated by the M+S
designation on the tire side wall.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and
type to the original equipment tires. Use snow tires only
in sets of 4, failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
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