2012 DODGE CARAVAN trailer

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE gear can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting occurs while in DRIVE, use the
Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control to select a
lower gear range.
NOTE:Selecting a lower gear range while operating the
vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting 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 “Mainte-
nance Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
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.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
•City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL but do not increase engine idle
speed.
•Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
508 STARTING AND OPERATING
ProCarManuals.com

•Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
(BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Recreational towing is not allowed.
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drive-
train will result. NOTE:
This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or
vehicle trailer provided all four wheels are OFF the
ground.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission damage. Dam-
age from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 509
ProCarManuals.com

CavityCartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
M1 — 15 Amp BlueRear Center Brake
Lamp/Brake Switch
M2 — 20 Amp YellowTrailer Lighting, Front
Fog Lamps, Intelli-
gent Battery Sensor
(IBS)
M3 — 20 Amp YellowFront/Rear Axle
Locker, Vacuum
Pump Motor
M4 — 10 Amp RedTrailer Tow
M5 — 25 Amp NaturalInverterCavity
Cartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
M6 — 20 Amp YellowPower Outlet #1
(ACC), Rain Sensor,
Cigar Lighter (Instru-
ment Panel or with
Console Rear)
M7 — 20 Amp YellowPower Outlet #2
(BATT/ACC SELECT)
– Center Seat or with
Console Rear
M8 — 20 Amp YellowFront Heated Seat – If
Equipped
M9 — 20 Amp YellowRear Heated Seat – If
Equipped
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 581
ProCarManuals.com

CavityCartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
M10 — 15 Amp BlueIgnition Off Draw —
Video System, Satel-
lite Radio, DVD,
Hands-Free Module,
Universal Garage
Door Opener, Vanity
Lamp, Streaming
Video Module – If
Equipped
M11 — 10 Amp RedClimate Control Sys-
tem
M12 — 30 Amp GreenAmplifier/Radio
M13 — 20 Amp YellowInstrument Cluster,
SIREN, Clock Mod-
ule, Multi-Function
Control Switch – If
EquippedCavity
Cartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
M14 — 20 Amp YellowTrailer Tow – If
Equipped
M15 — 20 Amp YellowRear View Mirror,
Instrument Cluster,
Multi-Function Con-
trol Switch, Tire Pres-
sure Monitor, Glow
Plug Module – If
Equipped
M16 — 10 Amp RedAirbag Module/
Occupant Classifica-
tion Module
M17 — 15 Amp BlueLeft Tail/License/
Park Lamp, Running
Lamps
M18 — 15 Amp BlueRight Tail/Park/Run
Lamp
582 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in this
manual must be done at the times or mileages specified
to protect your vehicle warranty and ensure the best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving. Inspection and service should also be done
anytime a malfunction is suspected.
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, “Oil Change Required” will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Change Oil” message is displayed.
Depending on operating conditions, the message may
appear as early as 3,500 miles (5 630 km) since last reset.
Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within
the next 500 miles (805 km).
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S594 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
ProCarManuals.com

56,000 Miles (91,000 km) or
42 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
56,000 miles (91 000 km).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
64,000 Miles (104,000 km) or 48 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
64,000 miles (104 000 km).
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter(s) if using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S600 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
ProCarManuals.com

Hill Start Assist......................... 449
Hitches Trailer Towing ....................... 500
HomeLink® (Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . 231
Hood Release .......................... 196
Hook, Coat ............................ 260
Ignition ............................... 14
Key ............................. 12,14
Ignition Key Removal ..................... 14
Illuminated Entry ........................ 19
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ................... 15
Infant Restraint .......................... 85
Information Center, Vehicle ................. 300
Inside Rearview Mirror .................... 112
Instrument Cluster .................... 284,286
Instrument Panel and Controls .............. 283
Instrument Panel Cover ................... 574
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ............. 576Integrated Power Module (Fuses)
............ 578
Interior Appearance Care .................. 574
Interior Lights .......................... 201
Introduction ............................. 4
Jack Location ........................... 515
Jack Operation .......................... 514
Jump Starting .......................... 532
Key-In Reminder ......................... 15
Key, Programming ........................ 17
Key, Replacement ........................ 16
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ................... 15
Keyless Entry System ...................... 20
Keys ................................. 12
Lane Change Assist ...................... 204
Lap/Shoulder Belts ....................... 55
628 INDEX
ProCarManuals.com

Text Messaging......................... 147
Tilt Steering Column ..................... 208
Tire and Loading Information Placard ......... 457
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 455
Tire Markings .......................... 452
Tire Safety Information .................... 452
Tires ........................... 103,461,617
Aging (Life of Tires) .................. 468
Air Pressure ........................ 461
Chains ............................ 470
Changing .......................... 514
Compact Spare ...................... 465
General Information .................. 461
High Speed ......................... 463
Inflation Pressures .................... 462
Jacking ......................... 514,523
Life of Tires ........................ 468
Load Capacity .................... 457,458
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ......... 473Pressure Warning Light
................ 289
Quality Grading ..................... 617
Radial ............................ 464
Replacement ........................ 469
Rotation ........................... 472
Safety .......................... 452,461
Sizes ............................. 453
Snow Tires ......................... 472
Spare Tire .......................... 516
Spinning ........................... 467
Tread Wear Indicators ................. 468
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 502
Towing ............................... 495
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............. 139
Disabled Vehicle ..................... 539
Guide ............................. 501
Recreational ........................ 509
Weight ............................ 501
Towing Assistance ....................... 139
636 INDEX
ProCarManuals.com