2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN brakes

application, and then applies optimum pressure to the
brakes. This can help reduce braking distances. The BAS
complements the ABS. Applying the brakes very quickly
results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the benefit of
the system, you must apply continuous braking pressure
during the stopping sequence. Do not reduce brake pedal
pressure unless braking is no longer desired. Once the
brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.WARNING!

The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of phys-
ics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
the traction afforded by prevailing road condi-
tions.
(Continued) WARNING! (Continued)

The BAS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplan-
ing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) enhances direc-
tional control and stability of the vehicle under various
driving conditions. ESP corrects for over/under steering
of the vehicle by applying the brake of the appropriate
wheel to assist in counteracting the over/under steer
condition. Engine power may also be reduced to help the
vehicle maintain the desired path.
STARTING AND OPERATING 349 5

OverloadingThe load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and front
and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to ensure that
it is not over the GVWR.
Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s
GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles, and the way
the brakes operate.
CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR
or the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, or it can change the
way your vehicle handles. This could cause you to
lose control. Also, overloading can shorten the life of
your vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 391 5

When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transaxle, steering, suspension, chassis
structure or tires.
Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
PARK. Always, block or
9chock9the trailer wheels.
GCWR must not be exceeded.
Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Trailer tongue weight rating for that trailer hitch.
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of trailer tongue weight
as a percentage of total trailer weight.)
402 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Requirements — Tires
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires–General Information” in this section for proper
tire inflation procedures.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-
sures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires–General Infor-
mation” in this section for the proper inspection
procedure.
When replacing tires, refer to “Tires–General Informa-
tion” in this section for proper tire replacement proce-
dures. Replacing tires with a higher load carrying
capacity will not increase the vehicle’s GVWR and
GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes

Do
not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
STARTING AND OPERATING 403 5

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
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system 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
distance. When towing you should allow for addi-
tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you. Failure to do so could result in an
accident.
404 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing TipsBefore setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Automatic Transaxle
The DRIVE gear can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting occurs while in DRIVE, move the shift
lever into third gear (with four-speed transaxle) or fifth
gear (with six-speed transaxle).
NOTE:
Moving the shift lever into third gear (with
four-speed transaxle) or fifth gear (with six-speed trans-
axle) while operating the vehicle under heavy operating
conditions will improve performance and extend trans-
axle 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 Brakes
406 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 451
▫ Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 456
▫ Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 458
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 461
▫ Cleaning The Instrument Panel
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 466
m Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 467
▫ Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) . . 467
m Vehicle Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475
m Replacement Light Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475
m Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 476
▫ Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 476 ▫
Front Park/Turn Signal Lamps . . . . . . . . . 477
▫ Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 477
▫ Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, Side Marker
And Backup Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 478
▫ Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp
(CHMSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 479
▫ License Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 479
m Fluids And Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 480
m Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts . . . . . . 481
▫ Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 481
▫ Chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 482
432 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

engine coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents
of the coolant recovery bottle must also be protected
against freezing.
If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine, which contains aluminum components.
Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, also keep the front of
the condenser clean.
Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
456 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE