2017 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN towing

Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission overheat-
ing, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing Condition
Wheels OFF the Ground All Models
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow FrontOK
Rear NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK
NOTE: When towing your vehicle, always follow appli-
cable state and provincial laws. Contact state and provin-
cial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
418 STARTING AND OPERATING

Recreational Towing — All Models
Recreational towing is allowed ONLY if the front wheels
are OFF the ground. This may be accomplished using a tow
dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow this
procedure:
1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, followingthe dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place the transmission in PARK.
4. Properly secure the front wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Release the parking brake.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drive-
train will result. If this vehicle requires towing,
make sure the drive wheels are OFF the ground.
• 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 419

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ............422
 IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .............422
 TIRE SERVICE KIT — IF EQUIPPED ..........423
▫ Tire Service Kit Storage ...................423
▫ Tire Service Kit Components And Operation . . .424
▫ Tire Service Kit Usage Precautions ..........425
▫ Sealing A Tire With Tire Service Kit .........427
 WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . .431
▫ Torque Specifications ....................431

JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING — IF EQUIPPED.433
▫ Jack Location ........................ .433
▫ Spare Tire Removal .....................434
▫ To Access Spare Tire Winch Drive Nut ........434
▫ Spare Tire Tools ........................436 ▫
Spare Tire Removal Instructions .............437
▫ Preparations For Jacking .................438
▫ Jacking Instructions .....................439
▫ Securing The Compact Spare Tire ...........445
▫ Road Tire Installation ....................446
 JUMP-STARTING ........................448
▫ Preparations For Jump-Start ...............448
▫ Jump-Starting Procedure ..................449
 FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ..............451
 GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE ..............452
 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ............453
 ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) ...............................454
 EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ............455
6

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled
vehicle using a commercial towing service.
Towing ConditionWheels OFF the Ground ALL MODELS
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:
•Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 25 mph (40 km/h) maxspeed
• 15 miles (24 km) maxdistanceWheel lift Or Dolly Tow Rear
Front OK
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for this purpose, following equipment
manufacturer ’s instructions. Use of safety chains is man-
datory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main
structural members of the vehicle, not to bumpers or
associated brackets. State and local laws regarding vehicles
under tow must be observed. If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN
mode, not the ACC mode.
If the key fob is unavailable or the vehicle’s battery is
discharged, refer to
Gear Selector Override in this section
for instructions on shifting the transmission out of PARK
for towing.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 453

CAUTION!
•Do not use sling type equipment when towing.
Vehicle damage may occur.
• When securing the vehicle to a flatbed truck, do not
attach to front or rear suspension components. Dam-
age to your vehicle may result from improper towing.
• Do not push or tow this vehicle with another vehicle
as damage to the bumper fascia and transmission
may result.
The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheels OFF the ground using a flatbed. If flatbed
equipment is not available, and the transmission is oper-
able, the vehicle may be flat towed (with all four wheels on
the ground) under the following conditions:
• The transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
• The towing distance must not exceed 15 miles (24 km).
• The towing speed must not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle must be
towed faster than 25 mph (40 km/h) or farther than 15
miles (24 km), it must be towed with the front wheels OFF the ground (using a flatbed truck, or wheel lift
equipment with the front wheels raised).
CAUTION!
•
Towing faster than 25 mph (40 km/h) or farther than
15 mi (24 km) with front wheels on the ground can
cause severe transmission damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• 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.
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS)
This vehicle is equipped with an Enhanced Accident
Response System.
Please refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in “Safety”
for further information on the Enhanced Accident Re-
sponse System (EARS) function.
454 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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 trans-
mission control systems. When these systems are operating
properly, your vehicle will provide excellent performance
and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions well within
current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Although
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 MIL 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 performed.
• If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II) Cybersecurity
Your vehicle is required to have an Onboard Diagnostic
system (OBD II) and a connection port to allow access to
information related to the performance of your emissions
controls. Authorized service technicians may need to ac-
cess this information to assist with the diagnosis and
service of your vehicle and emissions system.
WARNING!
•ONLY an authorized service technician should con-
nect equipment to the OBD II connection port in
order to diagnose or service your vehicle.
• If unauthorized equipment is connected to the OBD
II connection port, such as a driver-behavior tracking
device, it may:
• Be possible that vehicle systems, including safety
related systems, could be impaired or a loss of
vehicle control could occur that may result in an
accident involving serious injury or death.
• Access, or allow others to access, information
stored in your vehicle systems, including personal
information.
For further information, refer to “Cybersecurity” in the
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” section.
460 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!(Continued)
•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.
CAUTION!
•The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded
fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effective-
ness of the catalyst as an emissions control device
and may seriously reduce engine performance and
cause serious damage to the engine.
• Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle. Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important to
keep the engine properly tuned to assure proper catalyst
operation and prevent possible catalyst damage.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control sys-
tems can result in civil penalties being assessed against
you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe and
abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop the
vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool. Service,
including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifications,
should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
• Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission 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 idle
or malfunctioning operating conditions.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 467

About Your Brakes........................ .359
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .............473
Adding Fuel ............................. .404
Adding Washer Fluid ........................471
Additives, Fuel ............................401
Adjust Forward ...............................142
Rearward ............................. .142
AirBag ..................................60 Air Bag Operation .........................62
Air Bag Warning Light .....................59
Driver Knee Air Bag .......................63
Enhanced Accident Response ..............69, 454
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................455
If A Deployment Occurs ....................68
Knee Impact Bolsters .......................63
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ..............69
Side Air Bags ............................64
Transporting Pets .........................91
Air Bag Light ........................59, 93, 242
Air Bag Maintenance .........................69
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......466
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................468
Air Conditioning .......................... .323
Air Conditioning Controls ....................323 Air Conditioning Filter
...................337, 469
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ...............336
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone ...............327, 334
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ...............468, 469
Air Conditioning System ...............323, 329, 468
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control ...........323
Air Pressure, Tires ..........................380
Alarm (Security Alarm) ....................13, 247
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................6
Antenna, Satellite Radio ..................... .293
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................473, 495
Disposal ...............................475
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................360
Anti-Lock Warning Light .....................249
Appearance Car

e .......................... .479
Ashtray .................................214
Assistance Towing ..........................123
Assist, Hill Start .......................... .362
Auto Down Power Windows ...................31
Automatic Dimming Mirror ...................102
Automatic Door Locks .....................28, 29
Automatic Headlights .......................173
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ...........329
Automatic Transmission ...............344, 478, 479
Adding Fluid .......................... .479
512 INDEX