2009 DODGE CARAVAN tow

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transaxle
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 transaxle)
or fifth gear (with six-speed transaxle).
NOTE:Moving the gear selector lever into third gear
(with four-speed transaxle) or fifth gear (with six-speed
transaxle) while operating the vehicle under heavy oper-
ating conditions will improve performance and extend
transaxle life by reducing excessive shifting and heat
build up. This action will also provide better engine
braking.
Seven-Pin Connector
1 — Battery 5 — Ground
2 — Backup Lamps 6 — Left Stop/Turn
3 — Right Stop/Turn 7 — Running Lamps
4 — Electric BrakesSTARTING AND OPERATING 405
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The automatic transaxle fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to the “Main-
tenance Schedule” in Section 8 of this manual for trans-
axle fluid change intervals.
NOTE:
•Check the automatic transaxle fluid level before tow-
ing.
•The six-speed automatic transaxle is sealed and re-
quires an authorized dealer to check the transaxle
fluid.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
•
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
•When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
•Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips — Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transaxle overheating,
take the following actions:
•City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transaxle
gear selector lever in NEUTRAL but do not increase
engine idle speed.
•Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
•Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
406 STARTING AND OPERATING
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RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle behind another vehicle (flat-
towing with all four wheels on the ground) is not
recommended.NOTE:If the vehicle requires towing, make sure all four
wheels are off the ground.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 410
If Your Engine Overheats................ 410
Jacking And Tire Changing............... 412
▫Jack Location....................... 412Jump-Starting Procedure................. 424
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................. 427
Towing A Disabled Vehicle............... 427
▫Towing With The Ignition Key........... 427
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JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
WARNING!
•Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous.
The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you.
You could be crushed. Never get any part of your
body under a vehicle that is on a jack. If you need
to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service
center where it can be raised on a lift.
•The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing
tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the
vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•For vehicles equipped with Stow ’n Go seating, if
it is necessary to retrieve the spare tire from under
the vehicle on the side of the vehicle close to
moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to
avoid the danger of being hit.
Jack Location
The jack, jack handle and winch handle tools are stowed
behind the rear left side trim panel in the rear cargo area.
Turn the two cover latches to release the cover.
412 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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Remove the pouch containing the scissors jack, jack
handle, and tools.
Spare Tire Removal
For vehicles equipped with Stow ’n Go seating, the spare
tire is stowed inside a protective cover located under thecenter of the vehicle by means of a cable winch mecha-
nism. The “spare tire drive” nut is located on the floor,
under a plastic cap at the front of the floor console.
NOTE:The base console, if equipped, must be removed
to raise and lower the spare tire. Refer to “Console
Features” in Section 3 for the console removal procedure.
The tool pouch contains three pieces and can be as-
sembled into a spare tire hook; to remove the compact
spare tire/cover assembly from under the vehicle, or a
Winch “T” Handle; to raise/lower the compact spare
tire/cover assembly.
Jack And Tool Location
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 413
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Preparations For Jacking
1. Park the vehicle on a firm level surface. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.
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 being hit when operating the jack
or changing the wheel.
2. Set the parking brake.
3. Place the shift lever into PARK.
4. Turn OFF the ignition.
5. Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.
Stow ’n Go Tools
1A – Spare Tire Hook (Piece 1) 2A – Winch “T” Handle (Piece 1)
1B – Spare Tire Hook (Piece 2) 2B – Winch “T” Handle (Piece 2)
1C – Spare Tire Hook (Piece 3) 2C – Winch “T” Handle (Piece 3)
414 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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WARNING! (Continued)
•If working on or near a roadway, be extremely
careful of motor traffic.
•To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated are
securely stowed, spares must be stowed with the
valve stem facing the ground.
•Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.
1. Loosen (but do not remove) the wheel lug nuts by
turning them to the left one turn while the wheel is still
on the ground.2. To remove the compact spare tire/cover assembly,
assemble the winch handle extensions to form a “T’ and
fit the winch “T” handle over the drive nut. Rotate the
nut to the left until the winch mechanism stops turning
freely. This will allow enough slack in the cable to allow
you to pull the spare tire out from under the vehicle.CAUTION!
The winch mechanism is designed for use with the
winch “T” handle only. Use of an air wrench or other
power tools is not recommended and can damage the
winch.
3. Assemble the winch handle extensions to form the
Spare Tire Hook and pull the compact spare tire/cover
assembly from under the vehicle.
Jack Warning Label
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