2005 DODGE CARAVAN stop start

by increased pedal travel during application, greater
pedal force required to slow or stop, and potential
activation of the Brake Warning Lamp.
Anti-Lock Brake System—If Equipped
The Anti-Lock Brake System provides increased vehicle
stability and brake performance under most braking
conditions. The system automatically“pumps”the
brakes during severe braking conditions to prevent
wheel lock-up.
WARNING!
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to an accident.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just
press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to
slow down or stop.
The ABS light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake
System. The light will come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position
and may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not come on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
bulb repaired as soon as possible.
If both the Brake Warning Light and the ABS Light
remain on, the Anti-Lock brakes (ABS) and Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD) systems are not function-
ing. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
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When the vehicle is driven over approximately 15 mph
(25 km/h), you may also hear a slight clicking sound as
well as some related motor noises. These noises are the
system performing its self check cycle to ensure that the
ABS system is working properly. This self check occurs
each time the vehicle is started and accelerated past
approximately 15 mph (25 km/h).
ABS is activated during braking under certain road or
stopping conditions. ABS-inducing conditions can in-
clude ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose
debris, or panic stops.
You also may experience the following when the brake
system goes into Anti-lock:
•The ABS motor running (it may continue to run for a
short time after the stop),
•the clicking sound of solenoid valves,
•brake pedal pulsations,
•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.
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WARNING!
Overloading of your tires 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.
TIRES—GENERAL 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. Safety—
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause
accidents.
•Under inflation increases tire flexing and can result in
tire failure.
•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.
•Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems. You
could lose control of your vehicle.
•Over inflated or under inflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle
control.
•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 recommended
cold tire inflation pressure.
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CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe the following
precautions:
•Because of restricted chain clearance between tires and other sus-
pension 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. Remove the damaged parts of the chain before further
use.
•Install chains on the front wheels as tightly as possible and then
retighten after driving about1⁄2mile (0.8 km).
•Do not exceed 45 mph (70 km/h).
•Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large bumps, especially
with a loaded vehicle.
•Do not use on rear wheels of All Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles.
•Do not drive for prolonged period on dry pavement.
•Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s instructions on the method of
installation, operating speed, and conditions 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.
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products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as agarage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
•Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle to
prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex-
haust gases from entering the vehicle.
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ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door on the left side
of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure
the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap
could let impurities into the fuel system.
NOTE:The driver’s side sliding door cannot be opened
while the fuel door is open. This feature operates only
when the sliding door is fully closed prior to opening the
fuel door.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not“top
off”the fuel tank after filling has stopped.
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
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•The tongue weight of the trailer.
•The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
•Remember that everything put in or on the trailer adds
to the load on your vehicle.
Tongue weight must be equal to at least 10% of Gross
Trailer Weight (GTW), but no more than 15% of GTW.
Towing Requirements
•
The maximum frontal area of the trailer cannot exceed
40 square feet (3.72 square meters).
•The trailer tongue load must be considered as part of
the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to the Tire–
Safety Information Section in this manual.
•The“D”range can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the“3”
range must be selected.NOTE:Using the“3”range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transaxle life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up.
•Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
•Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.
•The automatic transaxle fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more
than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule
“B”in section 8 of this manual for transaxle fluid
change intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transaxle fluid level before
towing.
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A load equalizing hitch is recommended for loaded
trailer weights above 1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for
weights above 2,000 lbs (907 kg).
Special care should be taken when towing a trailer with
heavy duty trailer tow package, without a load equaliz-
ing hitch, and with 6 to 7 passengers, to insure the rear
GAWR is not exceeded. Depending on your vehicle
model and options, the maximum trailer weight could
range from 0 to 2000 pounds.
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
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