2004 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN steering

AM Reception
AM sound is based on wave amplitude, so AM reception
can be disrupted by such things as lightning, power lines
and neon signs.
FM Reception
Because FM transmission is based on frequency varia-
tions, interference that consists of amplitude variations
can be filtered out, leaving the reception relatively clear,
which is the major feature of FM radio.
NOTE: On vehicles so equipped the radio, steering
wheel radio controls and 6 disc CD/DVD changer if
equipped, will remain active for up to 45 seconds after
the ignition switch has been turned off. Opening a
vehicle front door will cancel this feature. SALES CODE RAZÐAM/ FM STEREO RADIO
WITH CASSETTE TAPE PLAYER, CD PLAYER
AND CD CHANGER CONTROLS Ð IF EQUIPPED
Operating Instructions Ð Radio
NOTE: Power to operate the radio is controlled by the
ignition switch. It must be in the ON or ACC position to
operate the radio. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 161
4

NOTE: Follow the manufactures instructions for the
correct colors when connecting the RCA cables.
Operating Instructions Ð Video
Games/Camcorders
A video game unit or camcorder can be connected to the
rear audio/video system. Connect the cables to the RCA
jacks located on the front of the CD/DVD changer.
NOTE: To operate a video game unit a DC to AC
adapter may be required, plug the adapter into any
power outlet.
Follow the manufactures instructions for the correct
colors when connecting the RCA cables.
NOTE: MP3 player's, video game systems, camcorders
connected to the RCA jacks and CD's or DVD's inserted
into the CD/DVD changer can be heard through the
headphones. REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS Ð IF
EQUIPPED
The remote sound system controls are located on the rear
surface of the steering wheel at the 3 and 9 O'clock
positions.
The right hand rocker switch has a push button in the
center and controls the volume and mode of the sound UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 195
4

STARTING AND OPERATINGCONTENTS m Starting Procedures .....................226
N 2.4L Engine .........................226
N 3.3L And 3.8L Engine ..................228
m Engine Block Heater Ð If Equipped .........230
m Automatic Transmission ..................231
N Brake/Transmission Interlock System .......232
N Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock
System .............................232
N Four Speed Automatic Transmission ........232 m All Wheel Drive Ð If Equipped ............235
m Parking Brake .........................235
m Brake System ..........................237
N Anti-Lock Brake System Ð If Equipped .....237
m Power Steering ........................240
m Traction Control Ð If Equipped ............241
m Tire Safety Information ...................242
N Tire Markings ........................242
N Tire Identification Number (TIN) ..........2465

² and a slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the
end of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
WARNING!The Anti-Lock Brake System contains sophisticated
electronic equipment that may be susceptible to
interference caused by improperly installed or high
output radio transmitting equipment. This interfer-
ence can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking
capability. Installation of such equipment should be
performed by qualified professionals. WARNING!² Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
² The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
² The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others. STARTING AND OPERATING 239
5

All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason, the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE: Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system. WARNING!Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!Prolong operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.240 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!Overloading of your tire is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your vehicle-never
overload them.
TIRESÐGENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure: 1. SafetyÐ
WARNING!Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause
accidents.
² Under inflation increases tire flexing and can result in
tire failure.
² Over inflation reduces a tire's ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause
damage that results in tire failure.
² Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems.
You could lose control of your vehicle.
² Over inflated or under inflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
² Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle to
the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right or
left.
Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressure. STARTING AND OPERATING 251
5

WARNING!² Do 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.
² Never 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.
² Failure 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:
² fast tire wear;
² uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear;
² vehicle 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.258 STARTING AND OPERATING

Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than what
was originally equipped with your vehicle and should
not be operated at sustained speeds over 75 mph (120
km/h).
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on all season type
tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain
mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride.
Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your
type of driving found in the ªMaintenance Schedulesº Section of this manual. More frequent rotation is permis-
sible if desired. The reasons for any rapid or unusual
wear should be corrected prior to rotation being per-
formed.
NOTE: The Tire Pressure Monitor system must be
retrained following a tire rotation. See your authorized
dealer for service.
The suggested rotation method is the ªforward-crossº
shown in the following diagram. STARTING AND OPERATING 265
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