2007 DODGE CARAVAN traction control

•There is a Traction Control System malfunction
•The system has been deactivated to prevent damage to
the brake system due to overheated brake tempera-
tures
NOTE: 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.
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 do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
STARTING AND OPERATING 325
5

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!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the
end of the steering wheel travel will increase the
steering fluid temperature and it should be avoided
when possible. Damage to the power steering pump
may occur.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the front wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when
there is a difference in the surface traction under the front
(driving) wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of
the front wheels. You could lose control of the
vehicle and possibly have an accident. Accelerate
slowly and carefully whenever there is likely to be
poor traction (ice, snow, wet mud, loose sand, etc.).
326 STARTING AND OPERATING

Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
NOTE:
•P (Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: P215/65R15 95H.
STARTING AND OPERATING 327
5

may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by law.
492 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Head Phones........................... 268
Head Restraints ......................... 125
Headlights ............................ 151
Bulb Replacement ...................... 456
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ........ 156
Lights On Reminder .................... 153
Replacing ............................ 456
Time Delay .......................... 154
Heated Seats ........................... 126
Heater ............................... 278
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 315
Hitches Trailer Towing ........................ 371
HomeLink (Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 177
Hood Release .......................... 149
Hook, Coat ............................ 198
Hoses ............................. 439,442
Ignition ............................... 12 Key ................................. 12
Ignition Key Removal ..................... 12
Illuminated Entry ........................ 20
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ................... 15
Indicator, Traction Control ................. 218
Infant Restraint ........................ 75,76
Information Center ...................... 172
Information Center, Vehicle ................. 172
Inside Rearview Mirror .................... 96
Instrument Cluster ................. 209,210,211
Instrument Panel and Controls .............. 208
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ............. 450
Integrated Child Seat ...................... 74
Integrated Power Module (Fuses) ............ 452
Interior Appearance Care .................. 448
Interior Lights ....................... 151,152
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) .....157,301,303
Introduction ............................. 4
INDEX 503
10

Load Capacity..................... 332,333
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ........... 347
Quality Grading ....................... 491
Radial .............................. 339
Replacement ......................... 343
Rotation ............................. 346
Safety ........................... 327,336
Sizes ............................... 328
Snow Tires ........................... 346
Spare Tire ......................... 389,400
Spinning ............................ 341
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 342
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 374
Towing ............................... 367
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 408
Guide .............................. 372
Recreational ....................... 382,410
Weight .............................. 372
Traction Control ................... 158,218,324 Traction Control Switch
.................158,324
Trailer Towing .......................... 367
Cooling System Tips .................... 382
Hitches ............................. 371
Minimum Requirements ................. 376
Trailer and Tongue Weight ................ 374
Wiring .............................. 380
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 372
Trailer Weight .......................... 372
Transaxle ............................. 315
Automatic ......................... 12,315
Operation ........................... 315
Overdrive ........................... 318
Selection of Lubricant ................443,463
Transmission ........................... 442
Automatic ........................... 442
Filter ............................... 445
Fluid ............................ 443,463
512 INDEX