2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN traction control

WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations
of unapproved tires and wheels may change sus-
pension dimensions and performance characteris-
tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredict-
able handling and stress to steering and suspen-
sion components. You could lose control and have
a collision resulting in serious injury or death. Use
only the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings
approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, than what was originally equipped on
your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index
could result in tire overloading and failure. You
could lose control and have a collision.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
TIRE CHAINS
Use only compact chains, or other traction aids that meet
SAE type “Class S” specifications. Chains must be the
proper size for the vehicle, as recommended by the chain
manufacturer.
NOTE:Do not use tire chains on a compact spare tire.
470 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:To improve the vehicle’s traction when starting
off in deep snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to
switch the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) to “Partial
Off” mode. Refer to “Electronic Brake Control System” in
“Starting and Operating” for further information.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
•Revving 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 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no
transmission shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck and do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE
If a malfunction occurs and the shift lever cannot be
moved out of the PARK position, you can use the
following procedure to temporarily move the shift lever:
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 537

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories were established by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The
specific grade rating assigned by the tire’s manufacturer
in each category is shown on the sidewall of the tires on
your vehicle.
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal safety
requirements in addition to these grades.
Treadwear
The Treadwear grade is a comparative rating, based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
times as well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however, and may departsignificantly from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices, and differences in road charac-
teristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. These grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement, as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 617

Park.............................. 587
Passing ............................ 204
Reading ........................... 228
Rear Servicing ....................... 588
Rear Tail ........................... 588
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 296
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............ 294
Service ......................... 585,586
Service Engine Soon
(Malfunction Indicator) ................ 291
Side Marker ........................ 588
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ............ 294
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ......... 289
Traction Control ..................... 448
Turn Signal ................... 103,587,588
Voltage ............................ 297
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 286
Load Leveling System .................... 270 Loading Vehicle
................... 260,492,494
Capacities .......................... 494
Tires .............................. 457
Locks Automatic Door ...................... 35
Door .............................. 32
Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren (LATCH) ....................... 90
Lubrication, Body ....................... 560
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack) ................. 271
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 556
Maintenance Procedures ................... 549
Maintenance Schedule .................... 594
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 244
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 291,547
Manual, Service ......................... 615
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 228
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) ............. 192
630 INDEX

Traction Control......................... 443
Traction Control Switch ................... 443
Trailer Towing .......................... 495
Cooling System Tips .................. 508
Hitches ............................ 500
Minimum Requirements ................ 503
Trailer and Tongue Weight .............. 502
Wiring ............................ 506
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 501
Trailer Weight .......................... 501
Transaxle Selection of Lubricant ................. 591
Transmission ........................... 569
Automatic ....................... 422,569
Fluid .......................... 570,591
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 26
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) . . 231
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ........ 20Transporting Pets
........................ 95
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 468
Trip Odometer .......................... 286
Turn Signals ................... 203,286,587,588
UCI Connector ......................... 346
Uconnect™ (Hands-Free Phone) ............. 125
Umbrella Holder ........................ 256
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 617
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) Connector . . . 346
Universal Transmitter ..................... 231
Unleaded Gasoline ....................... 482
Upholstery Care ........................ 574
Vanity Mirrors .......................... 116
Variance, Compass ....................... 314
Vehicle Certification Label ................. 492
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ............ 6
Vehicle Loading ................... 458,492,494
10
INDEX 637