2005 DODGE CARAVAN brake

•There is a Traction Control System malfunction
•The system has been deactivated to prevent damage to
the brake system due to overheated brake tempera-
turesNOTE:The Traction Control will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when in operation.
NOTE:Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the TRAC and
the OFF indicators located in the instrument cluster.
This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and is
a normal condition. The system will remain disabled for
about 4 minutes until the brakes have cooled. The system
will automatically reactivate and turn off the TRAC and
the OFF indicators.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow, turn
the Traction Control System OFF before attempting to
“rock”the vehicle free.
Traction Control Switch
STARTING AND OPERATING 307
5

WARNING!
Because the front wheels drive and steer the vehicle,
it is important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition
can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have an accident.
Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and front
and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to insure that it
is not over the GVWR.Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s
GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle by axle and side by side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
STARTING AND OPERATING 337
5

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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 341
5

Jacking Instructions—Fold-in-Floor Seating
Preparations For Jacking
Park the vehicle on a firm level surface, avoid ice or
slippery areas,set the parking brakeand place the gear
selector in PARK. Turn OFF the ignition.
WARNING!
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 the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
•Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.
•Block both the front and rear
of the wheel diagonally oppo-
site the jacking position. For
example, if changing the right
front tire, block the left rear
wheel.
•Passengers should not remain in the vehicle when the
vehicle is being jacked.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 347
6

CAUTION!
For vehicles equipped with fold-in-floor seating, 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.
Jacking Instructions—Non Fold-in-Floor Seating
Preparations For Jacking
Park the vehicle on a firm level surface, avoid ice or
slippery areas,set the parking brakeand place the gear
selector in PARK. Turn OFF the ignition.
WARNING!
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 the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
•Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.
•Block both the front and rear
of the wheel diagonally oppo-
site the jacking position. For
example, if changing the right
front tire, block the left rear
wheel.
•Passengers should not remain in the vehicle when the
vehicle is being jacked.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 359
6

WARNING!
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could
enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle. If
the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables may
be used to obtain a start from another vehicle. This type
of start can be dangerous if done improperly, so follow
this procedure carefully.
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow
battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing. Don’t lean
over battery when attaching clamps or allow the clamps
to touch each other. If acid splashes in eyes or on skin,
flush contaminated area immediately with large quan-
tities of water.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. Keep flame or spark away from the vent
holes. Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source with an output that exceeds 12 volts.
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach and
without letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake,
place the automatic transmission in PARK and turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position for both vehicles.
3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the discharged battery. Connect the other end
of the same cable to the positive terminal of the booster
battery.
366 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

▫Steering Shaft Seal....................391
▫Steering Linkage......................391
▫Drive Shaft Universal Joints..............391
▫Body Lubrication.....................391
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................392
▫Windshield And Rear Window Washers.....392
▫Exhaust System......................393
▫Cooling System.......................394
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......399
▫Brakes.............................399
▫Master Cylinder—ABS Brakes Brake
Fluid Level Check.....................401
▫Fuel System Hoses....................402▫Automatic Transmission................402
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........406
▫Appearance Care And Protection
From Corrosion......................406
▫Cleaning The Instrument Panel And Underseat
Cup Holders........................410

Integrated Power Module (IPM)............412

Vehicle Storage........................415

Replacement Light Bulbs.................415

Bulb Replacement......................416
▫Headlights..........................416
▫Front Park/Turn Signal And
Sidemarker Lights.....................418
▫Front Fog Light......................419
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory cooling performance.
•Increasing engine speed at idle does not reduce cool-
ant temperature! Put transmission in NEUTRAL and
let engine idle at normal engine idle speed.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Schedules.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 399
7