2008 DODGE CARAVAN towing

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Flasher..................410
mIf Your Engine Overheats.................410
mJacking And Tire Changing................412
NJack Location........................413mJump-Starting Procedure..................425
mFreeing A Stuck Vehicle..................427
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle................428
NTowing With The Ignition Key............428
6

CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It
can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 35 mph (55 km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Towing With The Ignition Key
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions: The gear selector lever must be in NEUTRAL, the
distance to be traveled must not exceed 100 mi (160 km),
and the towing speed must not exceed 44 mph (72
km/h). Exceeding these towing limits may cause a trans-
mission geartrain failure. If the transmission is not op-
erative, or if the vehicle is to be towed more than 100 mi
(160 km), the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels off the ground.
CAUTION!
²Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front
with sling type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.
²Always use wheel lift equipment when towing
from the front. The only other approved method of
towing is with a flat bed truck.
²Do not tow the vehicle from the rear. Damage to
the rear sheet metal, liftgate and fascia will occur.
428 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
²Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
mission may result.
²If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the OFF position, not in
the LOCK or ACC positions.
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACC position. Make certain the trans-
mission remains in NEUTRAL.
Towing Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. The only ap-
proved method of towing with out the ignition key is
with a flat bed truck. Proper towing equipment is neces-
sary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat
towing with all four wheels on the ground)
Flat towing of vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission, is only permitted within the limitations
described in this section.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle With
A Tow Dolly
The manufacturerdoes not recommendthat you tow a
front wheel drive vehicle on a tow dolly. Vehicle damage
may occur.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 429
6

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
²Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indica-
tor Lightº on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
²If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437
7

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
vehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Thereafter, service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer's specifications, should be ob-
tained immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 447
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
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Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 458
Adding Fuel........................... 382
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 455
Additives, Fuel......................... 380
Adjustable Pedals....................... 177
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 445
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 450
Air Conditioning........................ 301
Air Conditioning Controls................. 301
Air Conditioning Filter.................320,451
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 319
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone.............307,314
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 450
Air Conditioning System.............301,309,450
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 305
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 358
Airbag..............................66,74
Airbag Deployment....................... 75
Airbag Light...................67,73,77,94,233Airbag Maintenance....................... 76
Airbag, Side........................68,72,74
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)...........70,72,74
Alarm Light........................... 233
Alarm (Security Alarm).................... 18
Alignment and Balance................... 366
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 288
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........457,458,486
Disposal............................ 459
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 338
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............227,339
Anti-Theft System........................ 18
Appearance Care........................ 467
Ashtray............................... 201
Assistance Towing....................... 117
Audio Systems (Radio).................280,283
Auto Down Power Windows................ 39
Auto Up Power Windows................40,194
508 INDEX

Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player..........280,283
Dimmer Control........................ 162
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 170
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 465
Automatic Transmission................. 466
Oil (Engine).......................... 441
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 428
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 459
Engine Oil........................... 444
Domelight............................. 161
Door Locks............................. 31
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 34
Door Opener, Garage..................... 185
Drive Belts............................ 445
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 454
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 345Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water.............................. 346
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 297
E-85 Fuel............................. 384
Electric Remote Mirrors................102,103
Electrical Power Outlets................... 195
Electronic Brake Control System............. 340
Brake Assist System.................... 341
Electronic Stability Program............... 342
Electronic Range Select (ERS)............... 333
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 179
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 342
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 241
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 410
Jacking...........................412,415
Jump Starting......................... 425
Overheating.......................... 410
512 INDEX