2009 DODGE CARAVAN towing

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then move the shift lever back and forth
between REVERSE and DRIVE. Usually the least amount
of accelerator pedal pressure to maintain the rocking
motion without spinning the wheels is most effective.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure some-
one. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster than
35 mph (55 km/h) when you are stuck. Do not let
anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the
speed.
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 shift lever must be in NEUTRAL, the distance to
be traveled must not exceed 100 miles (160 km), and
the towing speed must not exceed 44 mph (72 km/h).
Exceeding these towing limits may cause a transmis-
sion gear failure.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 427
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•If the transmission is not operative, or if the vehicle is
to be towed more than 100 miles (160 km), the vehicle
must be towed with the front wheels off the ground.
CAUTION!
•Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front
with sling-type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.
•Always use wheel lift equipment when towing
from the front. The only other approved method of
towing is with a flatbed truck.
•Do not tow the vehicle from the rear. Damage to
the rear sheet metal, liftgate and fascia will occur.
•Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
mission may result.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•If 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 without the ignition key is
with a flatbed truck. Proper towing equipment is neces-
sary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
428 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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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.
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ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — 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 “Malfunction Indicator Light.” 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!
•Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” 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.
•If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message — gASCAP
Should the “Loose Fuel Filler Cap” or “gASCAP” mes-
sage appear, there may be a problem in the evaporative
system. Before taking the vehicle into an authorized
dealer, check first to see if the fuel filler cap is possibly
loose, improperly installed, or damaged. A loose fuel
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 435
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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:•Do not shut OFF the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do 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.
Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the maintenance-free battery is permanently
sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic
maintenance required.
444 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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60,000 Miles (100,000 km) or
60 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏Inspect the brake linings, replace if
necessary.
❏Change the automatic transaxle fluid &
filter if using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet or frequent
trailer towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
66,000 Miles (110,000 km) or
66 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 491
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Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 452
Adding Fuel........................... 387
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 449
Additives, Fuel......................... 381
Adjustable Pedals....................... 182
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 441
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 446
Air Conditioning........................ 301
Air Conditioning Controls................. 301
Air Conditioning Filter.................320,447
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 320
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone.............308,315
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 446
Air Conditioning System.............301,310,446
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 306
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 359
Airbag..............................65,72
Airbag Deployment....................... 73
Airbag Light...................66,71,75,94,244Airbag Maintenance....................... 74
Airbag, Side..........................70,72
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)...........68,70,72
Alarm Light........................... 244
Alarm (Security Alarm).................... 18
Alignment and Balance................... 366
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 293
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........451,452,479
Disposal............................ 454
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 237
Anti-Theft System........................ 18
Appearance Care........................ 460
Ashtray............................... 210
Assistance Towing....................... 129
Auto Down Power Windows................ 40
Auto Up Power Windows................41,206
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 102
Automatic Door Locks...................34,35
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Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 255
Connector
UCI ................................ 286
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......... 286
Console.............................. 217
Console, Floor.......................... 217
Console, Overhead....................... 194
Console, Removable...................... 222
Contract, Service........................ 505
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 453
Cooling System......................... 450
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 452
Coolant Capacity...................... 479
Coolant Level......................451,454
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 454
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 451
Inspection........................... 454
Points to Remember.................... 455
Pressure Cap......................... 453Radiator Cap......................... 453
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......451,479,480
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 183
Cup Holder.........................209,466
Customer Assistance..................... 503
Data Recorder, Event...................... 76
Daytime Running Lights................... 176
Dealer Service.......................... 438
Defroster, Rear Window................... 223
Defroster, Windshield................94,304,314
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 435
Dimmer Control........................ 174
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 459
Automatic Transmission................. 459
Oil (Engine).......................... 438
Power Steering........................ 338
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 427
INDEX 515
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