2008 DODGE CARAVAN trailer

²Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).
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!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
STARTING AND OPERATING 403
5

Towing Requirements Ð Trailer Lights and Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four-pin or a
seven-pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer
harness and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following four-pin connector and seven-pin
connector illustrations.
Four-Pin Connector
404 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Towing Tips Ð Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE gear can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting occurs while in DRIVE, move the gear
selector lever into third gear (with four-speed transmis-
sion) or fifth gear (with six-speed transmission).
NOTE:Moving the gear selector lever into third gear
(with four-speed transmission) or fifth gear (with six-
speed transmission) while operating the vehicle under
heavy operating conditions will improve performance
and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shift-
ing and heat build up. This action will also provide better
engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to the ªMain-
tenance Scheduleº in Section 8 of this manual for trans-
mission fluid change intervals.
Seven-Pin Connector
STARTING AND OPERATING 405
5

FUSES/TIPM
CavityCartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
J21 20 Amp
YellowÐ Front/Rear Washer
J22 25 Amp
NaturalÐ Sunroof Module
M1 Ð 15 Amp
BlueCenter High Mounted
Stop Light (CHMSL)/
Brake Switch
M2 Ð 20 Amp
YellowTrailer Lighting
M3 Ð 20 Amp
YellowÐ
M4 Ð 10 Amp
RedTrailer Tow
M5 Ð 25 Amp
NaturalInverter
M6 Ð 20 Amp
YellowÐFUSES/TIPM
CavityCartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M7 Ð 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet #2 (BATT/
ACC SELECT)
M8 Ð 20 Amp
YellowFront Heated Seat (If
Equipped)
M9 Ð 20 Amp
YellowRear Heated Seat (If
Equipped)
M10 Ð 20 Amp
YellowIgnition Off Draw Ð Ve-
hicle Entertainment Sys-
tem (IOD-VES), Satellite
Digital Audio Receiver
(SDARS), DVD, Hands-
Free Module (HFM),
Universal Garage Door
Opener (UGDO), Vanity
Lamp (VANITY LP)
M11 Ð 10 Amp
Red(Ignition Off Draw) IOD-
HVAC/ATC, MW
SENSR, Underhood
Lamp (UH LMP)
476 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FUSES/TIPM
CavityCartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M12 Ð 30 Amp
GreenAmplifier (AMP)
M13 Ð 20 Amp
YellowIgnition Off DrawÐ
Cabin Compartment
Node (IOD-CCN), Wire-
less Control Module
(WCM), SIREN, Clock
Module (CLK MOD),
Multi-Function Control
Switch (MULTIFCTN
SW)
M14 Ð 20 Amp
YellowTrailer Tow (Export
Only)FUSES/TIPM
CavityCartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M15 Ð 20 Amp
YellowCOL MOD, IR SNS,
Heater Ventilation, Air
Conditioning/Automatic
Temperature Control
(HVAC/ATC), Rear View
Mirror (RR VW MIR),
Cabin Compartment
Node (CCN), Transfer
Case Switch (T-CASE
SW), RUN/ST, Multi-
Function Control Switch
(MULTIFTCN SW), Tire
Pressure Monitor (TPM),
Glow Plug Module
(GLW PLG MOD) Ð Ex-
port Diesel Only
M16 Ð 10 Amp
RedOccupant Restraint
Controller/Occupant
Classification Module
(ORC/OCM)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 477
7

Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter if
using your vehicle for any of the following: police,
taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing.60,000 100 000 60
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. ² 90,000 150 000 90
Flush and replace the engine coolant. 102,000 170 000 60
Replace the ignition cables on 3.3L, 3.8L engines. 102,000 170 000 102
Replace the spark plugs on 3.3L, 3.8L, 4.0L engines. 102,000 170 000 102
Replace the timing belt on 4.0L engines. 102,000 170 000 102
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter. 120,000 200 000 120
Replace Accessory Drive Belt(s). 120,000 200 000 120
² This maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer to the owner, but is not required to maintain emissions
warranty.
494 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Passing............................. 170
Replacing............................ 482
Time Delay.......................... 164
Heated Seats........................... 135
Heater............................... 301
Heater, Engine Block..................... 327
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 170
Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 397
HomeLinkt(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 185
Hood Release.......................... 158
Hook, Coat............................ 214
Hoses................................ 461
Ignition............................... 14
Key ...............................12,14
Ignition Key Removal..................... 14
Illuminated Entry........................ 20
Immobilizer (Sentry Key)................... 15Infant Restraint........................81,83
Information Center, Vehicle................. 241
Inside Rearview Mirror................... 100
Instrument Cluster.................224,225,226
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 223
Instrument Panel Cover................... 470
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 472
Integrated Power Module (Fuses)............ 474
Interior Appearance Care.................. 470
Interior Lights.......................160,162
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)........... 169
Introduction............................. 4
Jack Location........................... 413
Jack Operation.......................... 412
Jump Starting.......................... 425
Key, Programming........................ 17
Key, Replacement........................ 16
516 INDEX

Tread Wear Indicators................... 364
Wheel Nut Torque..................... 422
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 399
Towing............................... 393
24-Hour Towing Assistance............... 117
Disabled Vehicle....................... 428
Guide.............................. 398
Recreational.......................407,429
Weight.............................. 398
Towing Assistance....................... 117
Traction Control......................... 340
Traction Control Switch................... 340
Trailer Towing.......................... 393
Cooling System Tips.................... 406
Hitches............................. 397
Minimum Requirements................. 400
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 399
Wiring.............................. 404
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 398Trailer Weight.......................... 398
Transaxle............................. 328
Automatic........................... 328
Operation........................... 328
Overdrive........................... 332
Selection of Lubricant................465,488
Transmission........................... 464
Automatic........................... 464
Fluid............................465,488
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry).. 26
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) . . 185
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)........ 21
Transporting Pets........................ 89
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 364
Trip Computer.......................... 238
Trip Odometer.......................... 229
Turn Signals...................166,227,483,484
UCI Connector......................... 292
INDEX 525
10