2009 Dodge Grand Caravan Owners Manual

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Rear Temperature Control To change the temperature in the rear of the vehicle, rotate the temperature knob counterclockwise to lower the temperature, and clockwise to increase the tempera- ture. The REAR temperature settings are displayed in the front upper ATC panel. 322 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL When rear controls are locked by the front system, the LOCK symbol on the temperature knob is illuminated and any rear overhead adjustments are ignored. In many temperature positions, the BI-LEVEL NOTE: mode is designed to provide cooler air out of the head- liner outlets and warmer air from the floor outlets. Rear Mode Control Floor Mode Auto Mode The rear system automatically maintains the correct mode and comfort level desired by the rear seat occu- pants. Headliner Mode Air comes from the outlets in the headliner. Each of these outlets can be individually adjusted to direct the flow of air. Moving the air vanes of the outlets to one side will shut off the airflow. Bi-Level Mode Air comes from both the headliner outlets and the floor outlets. Air comes from the floor outlets. Summer Operation The engine cooling system in air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect against engine overheating. A solution of 50% ethylene glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7 of this manual for proper coolant selection. Winter Operation To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor- mance, make sure the engine cooling system is function- ing properly and the proper amount, type, and concen- tration of coolant to “Maintenance Procedures” in section 7 of this manual for proper coolant selection. Use of the air RECIRCULATION mode during Winter months is not recommended, because it may cause window fogging. is used. Refer Vacation/Storage Before you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air conditioning system at idle for about five minutes, in fresh air with the blower setting on high. This will ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility of compressor damage when the system is started again. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 323 Window Fogging Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild, rainy and/or humid weather. To clear the windows, select DEFROST or MIX mode and increase the front blower speed. Do not use the RECIRCULATION mode without A/C for long periods, as fogging may occur. Outside Air Intake Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they enter the plenum they could plug the water drains. In Winter months make sure the air intake is clear of ice, slush and snow. 324 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL Operating Tips A/C Air Filter— If Equipped On vehicles equipped with Automatic Temperature Con- trol (ATC), the climate control system filters out dust and pollen from the air. Refer to “Air Conditioning” in Section 7 of replacement instructions. this manual filter for STARTING AND OPERATING CONTENTS 䡵 Starting Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329 䡵 Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332 ▫ Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329 ▫ Brake/Transaxle Interlock System . . . . . . . 332 ▫ Normal Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329 ▫ Four-Speed Or Six-Speed Automatic ▫ Extreme Cold Weather Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333 (Below ⫺20°F Or –29°C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330 ▫ Gear Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334 ▫ If The Engine Fails To Start . . . . . . . . . . . . 330 䡵 Driving On Slippery Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . 339 ▫ After Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331 ▫ Acceleration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339 䡵 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped . . . . . . . 331 ▫ Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339 326 STARTING AND OPERATING 䡵 Driving Through Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340 䡵 Tire Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352 ▫ Flowing/Rising Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340 ▫ Tire Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352 ▫ Shallow Standing Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340 ▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) . . . . . . . . 355 䡵 Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342 ▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . 356 ▫ Power Steering Fluid Check . . . . . . . . . . . 342 䡵 Tires — General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 360 䡵 Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343 ▫ Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360 䡵 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . 345 䡵 Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367 ▫ Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light . . . . . . . . . 347 䡵 Snow Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369 䡵 Electronic Brake Control System . . . . . . . . . . 347 䡵 Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369 ▫ Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . 347 䡵 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) . . . . . . 370 ▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348 ▫ Base System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372 ▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) . . . . . . . 349 ▫ Premium System — If Equipped . . . . . . . . 374 ▫ ESP/BAS Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351 STARTING AND OPERATING 327 䡵 Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378 ▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384 ▫ 3.3L/3.8L Gasoline Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378 ▫ Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384 ▫ 4.0L Gasoline Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379 ▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel ▫ Reformulated Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379 ▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends . . . . . . . . . . . 380 ▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles . . . . . 380 ▫ MMT In Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381 ▫ Materials Added To Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381 ▫ Fuel System Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381 ▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . 382 䡵 Flexible Fuel (3.3L Engines Only) — If Vehicles E-85 And Gasoline Vehicles . . . . . . . 385 ▫ Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386 ▫ Cruising Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386 ▫ Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386 ▫ Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386 䡵 Adding Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387 ▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387 ▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message . . . . . . . . . . 388 Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383 䡵 Vehicle Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389 ▫ E-85 General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383 ▫ Vehicle Certification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389 328 STARTING AND OPERATING 䡵 Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393 䡵 Recreational Towing ▫ Common Towing Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . 393 ▫ Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406 (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408 STARTING PROCEDURES Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat belts. STARTING AND OPERATING 329 Automatic Transaxle The shift lever must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK position before you can start the engine. Press the brake pedal before shifting into any driving gear. Normal Starting WARNING! 1. Do not press the accelerator. • Never leave unattended children alone in a ve- hicle. Leaving children in a vehicle is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in the ignition. A child could operate power win- dows, other controls, or move the vehicle. • Do not leave animals or children inside parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may cause serious injury or death. 2. Use the Fob with Integrated Key to briefly turn the ignition switch to the START position and release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor will continue to run, and it will disengage automatically when the engine is running. 3. If the engine fails to start, the starter will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. If this occurs, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure (Steps 1–3 above). 330 STARTING AND OPERATING NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with a transaxle shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must be pressed to shift out of PARK. Extreme Cold Weather (Below ⫺20°F or –29°C) Follow the same instructions in the “Normal Starting” procedure. To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail- able from your authorized dealer) is recommended. If The Engine Fails To Start WARNING! WARNING! (Continued) • Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle. • If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type of start can be dangerous if done improperly. Refer to “Jump Starting” in Section 6 of this manual. • Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire causing serious personal injury. (Continued) If the engine fails to start after you have followed the “Normal Starting” procedure, it may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there while cranking the engine. This should clear any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded. CAUTION! To prevent damage to the starter, DO NOT crank the engine for more than 15–second intervals at one time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again. If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not have enough power to continue running when the key is released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel- erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running smoothly. If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15– second intervals of cranking with the accelerator pedal held to the floor, the “Normal Starting” procedure should be repeated. STARTING AND OPERATING 331 After Starting The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine warms up. ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the electrical cord to a standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord. The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on the driver’s side of the vehicle. It has a removable cap that is located on the driver side of the Integrated Power Module. WARNING! Remember to disconnect the electrical cord before driving. Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could cause electrocution. 332 STARTING AND OPERATING AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE CAUTION! Damage to the transaxle may occur if the following precautions are not observed: • Move the shift lever into PARK only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. • Do not move the shift lever from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL into any forward gear when the engine is above idle speed. • Before moving the shift lever into any gear, make sure your foot is firmly on the brake pedal. NOTE: You must press and hold the brake pedal down while shifting out of PARK. WARNING! It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and when your foot is firmly on the brake pedal. Brake/Transaxle Interlock System This system holds the shift lever in the PARK position when the ignition switch is in the OFF position. It also prevents you, once the engine is started, from moving the shift lever out of PARK and into any gear, unless the brake pedal is pressed. This system is active only while the ignition switch is in the ON position. Always press the brake pedal first before moving the shift lever out of PARK. Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System For electrical system malfunctions, there is an override for the interlock system. In order to override this system, remove the cover located to the top right of the shift lever in the instrument panel. The override can be activated by pressing the white-colored tab, which can be accessed through the hole in the instrument panel. While the override is pressed, the shift lever can be moved out of the PARK position without pressing the brake pedal. After operation, return the cover to its original position. This system prevents the key from being removed unless the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents moving the shift lever out of PARK, unless the key is in the ACC/ON position, and the brake pedal is pressed. If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the NOTE: key in the ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and stopped but the key cannot be removed until you obtain service. STARTING AND OPERATING 333 Four-Speed or Six-Speed Automatic Transaxle NOTE: Under extreme cold temperatures (-6°F (-21°C) and when in DRIVE, transmission operation may be briefly limited to only second gear operation. Normal operation will resume once the transmission temperature has risen to a suitable level (four–speed models only). The electronically-controlled transaxle provides a precise shift schedule. The transaxle electronics are self- calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few hundred miles (kilometers). The transaxle has only PRND shift positions. Downshifts are carried out by an Electronic Range Select (ERS) by moving the lever—/ + while in the DRIVE position, the instrument cluster will display transaxle gear selection as 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 for six-speed, and 4, 3, 2, 1 for four-speed transaxles. 334 STARTING AND OPERATING Gear Ranges Do not race the engine when moving the shift lever from PARK or NEUTRAL positions into another gear range. PARK This range supplements the parking brake by locking the transaxle. The engine can be started in this gear. Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this gear. When parking on a flat surface, place the shift lever in the PARK position first, and then apply the parking brake. When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking brake before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load on the transaxle locking mechanism may make it difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK. As an added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade, and away from the curb on an uphill grade. WARNING! • Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle movement and possible injury or damage. • Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should always move the shift lever into PARK, remove the key from the ignition, and apply the parking brake. Once the key is removed from the ignition, the shift lever is locked in the PARK position, securing the vehicle against unwanted movement. Furthermore, you should never leave unattended children or pets inside a vehicle. The following indicators should be used to ensure that you have placed the shift lever into the PARK position: • When moving the shift lever into PARK, press the button on the shift lever and firmly move the lever all the way forward until it stops. • Look at the shift indicator window on the console to ensure the shift lever is in the PARK position. • When engaged in PARK, you will not be able to move the shift lever rearward without pressing the shift lever button. CAUTION! Before moving the shift lever out of PARK, you must turn the ignition from OFF to ACC/ON so the steer- ing wheel and shift lever are released. Otherwise, damage to the steering column or shift lever could result. STARTING AND OPERATING 335 REVERSE This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. NEUTRAL This range is used when vehicle is standing for pro- longed periods with engine running. Engine may be started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must leave the vehicle. WARNING! Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices that limit your response to changing traffic or road conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and have an accident. 336 STARTING AND OPERATING DRIVE — Six-Speed Transaxle This range should be used for most city and highway driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts, and best fuel economy. However, use the Electronic Range Select (ERS) mode by moving the lever — / + and select the “5” range when frequent transaxle shifting occurs while using the DRIVE range, such as when operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, (i.e., in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds or while towing heavy trailers). Under these conditions, using the “5” range will improve performance and extend transaxle life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup. DRIVE — Four-Speed Transaxle This range should be used for most city and highway driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts, and best fuel economy. However, select the “3” range when frequent transaxle shifting occurs while using the DRIVE range, such as when operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, (i.e., in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds or while towing heavy trailers). Under these conditions, using the “3” range will improve performance and extend transaxle life by reducing exces- sive shifting and heat buildup. CAUTION! If the transaxle operating temperature exceeds ac- ceptable limits, the vehicle computer will override DRIVE and select “5” range (on six-speed transaxles) or “3” range (on four-speed transaxles) by changing shift points. This is done to prevent transaxle damage due to overheating. Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows you to move the shift lever to the left (-) or right (+) when the shift lever is in the DRIVE position, this allows the selection of the desired top gear. For example, if you shift the transaxle into third gear, the transaxle will never shift above third gear, but can shift down to second or first gear automatically, when needed. Switching from ERS to DRIVE can be done at any vehicle speed. To shift from DRIVE mode to ERS mode, move the shift lever to the left (-) once. The current gear will be maintained as the top gear. To disable ERS, simply press and hold the shift lever to the right (+) until “D” is displayed in the instrument cluster odometer. WARNING! Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip and the vehicle could skid, causing an accident or personal injury. STARTING AND OPERATING 337 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5 1-6 1-6 1-2 1-3 1-4 N/A N/A 1–4 Odometer Screen Display Actual Gear(s) Allowed (Six- Speed Transaxle) Actual Gear(s) Allowed (Four- Speed Transaxle) NOTE: To select the proper gear position for maximum deceleration (engine braking), simply press and hold the shift lever to the left (-). The transaxle will shift to the range from which the vehicle can best be slowed down. 338 STARTING AND OPERATING Reset Mode - Electronic Transaxle The transaxle is monitored electronically for abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause damage, the transaxle automatically shifts into second gear (third gear for six-speed). The transaxle remains in second gear (third gear for six-speed) despite the forward gear selected. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to operate. This Reset feature allows the vehicle to be driven to an authorized dealer for service without damaging the transaxle. In the event of a momentary problem, the transaxle can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the following steps: 1. Stop the vehicle. 2. Shift into PARK. 3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. 4. Restart the engine. 5. Shift into the desired gear range and resume driving. NOTE: Even if the transaxle can be reset, it is recom- mended that you visit an authorized dealer at your earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could recur. If the transaxle cannot be reset, authorized dealer service is required. DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES Acceleration Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip- pery surfaces may cause the front wheels to pull errati- cally to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when there is a difference in the surface traction under the front (driving) wheels. Traction When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a wedge of water to build up between the tire and road surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau- tions should be observed: STARTING AND OPERATING 339 WARNING! Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the front wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle and possibly have an accident. Accelerate slowly and carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction (ice, snow, wet mud, loose sand, etc.). 1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are slushy. 2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles. 3. Replace the tires when tread wear indicators first become visible. 4. Keep the tires properly inflated. 5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden stop. 340 STARTING AND OPERATING DRIVING THROUGH WATER Driving through water more than a few inches/ centimeters deep will require extra caution to ensure safety and prevent damage to your vehicle. Shallow Standing Water Although your vehicle is capable of driving through shallow standing water, consider the following Caution and Warning before doing so. Flowing/Rising Water WARNING! Do not drive on or across a road or path where water is flowing and/or rising (as in storm run-off). Flow- ing water can wear away the road or path’s surface and cause your vehicle to sink into deeper water. Furthermore, flowing and/or rising water can carry your vehicle away swiftly. Failure to follow this warning may result in injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your passengers, and others around you. CAUTION! • Always check the depth of the standing water before driving through it. Never drive through standing water that is deeper than the bottom of the tire rims mounted on the vehicle. • Determine the condition of the road or the path that is under water and if there are any obstacles in the way before driving through the standing wa- ter. • Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through standing water. This will minimize wave effects. (Continued) STARTING AND OPERATING 341 CAUTION! (Continued) WARNING! • Driving through standing water may cause dam- age to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Al- ways inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil, transmission/transaxle, axle, etc.) for signs of con- tamination (i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in appearance) after driving through standing water. Do not continue to operate the vehicle if any fluid appears contaminated, as this may result in further damage. Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. • Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious internal damage to the engine. Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. • Driving through standing water limits your vehi- cle’s traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through standing water. • Driving through standing water limits your vehi- cle’s braking capabilities, which increases stop- ping distances. Therefore, after driving through standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes. • Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can cause it to lock up and stall out, and leave you stranded. • Failure to follow these warnings may result in injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your passengers, and others around you. 342 STARTING AND OPERATING POWER STEERING The standard power steering system will give you good vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical steering capability if power assist is lost. If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi- tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during parking maneuvers. Increased noise levels at the end of the steering NOTE: wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate that there is a problem with the power steering system. Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any way damage the steering system. WARNING! Continued operation with reduced power steering assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be obtained as soon as possible. CAUTION! Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering fluid temperature and it should be avoided when possible. Damage to the power steering pump may occur. Power Steering Fluid Check Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined service interval is not required. The fluid should only be checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are STARTING AND OPERATING 343 If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in Section 7 for the correct fluid type. PARKING BRAKE When the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch ON, the “Brake Warning Light” in the instrument cluster will turn on. NOTE: This light only shows that the parking brake is applied. It does not show the degree of brake application. apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici- pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho- rized dealer. CAUTION! Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering system as the chemicals can damage your power steering components. Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. WARNING! Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and with the engine off to prevent injury from moving parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended power steering fluid. 344 STARTING AND OPERATING Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking brake is fully applied and place the shift lever in the PARK position. To release the parking brake, press the emergency brake pedal a second time and let your foot up as you feel the brake disengage. Parking Brake Be sure the parking brake is firmly set when parked and the shift lever is in the PARK position. When parking on a hill, you should apply the parking brake before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load on the transaxle locking mechanism may make it difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK. WARNING! • Always fully apply the parking brake when leav- ing your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage or injury. Also be certain to leave the transaxle in PARK. Failure to do so may allow the vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury. • Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before driving. Failure to do so can lead to brake problems due to excessive heating of the rear brakes. (Continued) WARNING! (Continued) • Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in the ignition. A child could operate power win- dows, other controls, or move the vehicle When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade, and away from the curb on an uphill grade. The parking brake should always be applied whenever the driver is not in the vehicle. ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) provides increased vehicle stability and brake performance under most braking conditions. The system operates with a separate STARTING AND OPERATING 345 computer to modulate hydraulic pressure to prevent wheel lock-up and help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces. ABS is activated during braking under certain road or stopping conditions. ABS-inducing conditions can in- clude ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose debris, or panic stops. You may experience the following when the brake system goes into anti-lock: • The ABS motor running (it may continue to run for a short time after the stop) • A clicking sound of solenoid valves • Brake pedal pulsations • A slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the end of the stop 346 STARTING AND OPERATING WARNING! WARNING! (Continued) • The Anti-Lock Brake System contains sophisti- cated electronic equipment that may be suscep- tible to interference caused by improperly in- stalled, or high output radio transmitting equipment. This interference can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking capability. Installation of such equipment should be performed by qualified professionals. • Pumping of the anti-lock brakes will diminish their effectiveness and may lead to an accident. Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to slow down or stop. (Continued) • The Anti-Lock Brake System cannot prevent acci- dents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. • The capabilities of an ABS-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner, which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others. All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and type, and tires must be properly inflated to produce accurate signals for the computer. Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light The “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” moni- tors the anti-lock brake system. The light will come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position and may stay on for as long as four seconds. If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” remains on or comes on while driving, it indicates that the anti-lock portion of the brake system is not functioning and that service is required. However, the conventional brake system will continue to operate normally if the “Brake Warning Light” is not on. If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” is on, the brake system should be serviced as soon as possible to restore the benefits of anti-lock brakes. If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” does not come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the bulb repaired as soon as possible. STARTING AND OPERATING 347 If both the “Brake Warning Light” and the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” remain on, the ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) systems are not function- ing. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required. Consult with your authorized dealer service center as soon as possible. ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic brake control system that includes the Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist System (BAS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). These systems complement the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) by optimizing the vehicle braking capability during emergency braking maneu- vers. Traction Control System (TCS) The Traction Control System (TCS) monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake pressure is applied to the slipping 348 STARTING AND OPERATING wheel(s) and engine power is reduced, to provide en- hanced acceleration and stability. A feature of the TCS functions similarly to a limited-slip differential, and controls the wheel spin across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning. This feature remains active even if the ESP is in the “Partial Off” mode. The “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” (in the instru- ment cluster) will start to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the wheels begin to spin. This indicates that the TCS is active. If the indicator light flashes during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions, and do not switch off the ESP or TCS. WARNING! • The TCS cannot prevent the natural laws of phys- ics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded. • The TCS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, or hydro- planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. • The capabilities of a TCS-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner, which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others. Brake Assist System (BAS) The Brake Assist System (BAS) is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking capability during emergency brak- ing maneuvers. The system detects an emergency brak- ing situation by sensing the rate and amount of brake 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) STARTING AND OPERATING 349 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. 350 STARTING AND OPERATING ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match the intended path, ESP applies the brake of the appropri- ate wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or understeer condition. • Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than appropriate for the steering wheel position. • Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than appropriate for the steering wheel position. ESP On This mode is the normal operating mode for ESP on two-wheel drive vehicles. Whenever the vehicle is started, the ESP system will be in this mode. This mode should be used for most driving situations. ESP should only be turned off for specific reasons as noted below. ESP Partial Off This mode is entered by momentarily pressing the “ESP OFF” switch (located in the center switch bank, next to the hazard flasher switch). When in the “Partial Off” mode, the TCS portion of ESP, except for the “limited slip” feature described in the TCS section, has been disabled and the “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” will be illuminated. When in the “Partial Off” mode, ESP will operate without engine torque management. This mode is intended to be used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand or gravel conditions and more wheel spin than ESP would normally allow is required to gain traction. To turn ESP on again, momentarily press the “ESP OFF” switch. This will restore the normal “ESP On” mode of operation. NOTE: To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the “Partial Off” mode by pressing the “ESP OFF” switch. Once the situation requiring ESP to be switched to the “Partial Off” mode is overcome, turn ESP back on by momentarily pressing the “ESP OFF” switch. This may be done while the vehicle is in motion. ESP/BAS Warning Light The malfunction indicator light for the ESP is combined with BAS. The “ESP/BAS Warning Light” and the “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” (in the instrument cluster) both come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. They should go out with the engine running. If the “ESP/BAS Warn- ing Light” comes on continuously with the engine run- ning, a malfunction has been detected in either the ESP or STARTING AND OPERATING 351 the BAS system. If this light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles/kilometers at than 30 mph (48 km/h), see your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed and corrected. speeds greater NOTE: • The “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” and the “ESP/BAS Warning Light” come on momentarily, each time the ignition switch is turned ON. • Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System will be ON, even if it was turned off previously. • The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking sounds when it is active. This is normal. The sounds will stop when ESP becomes inactive, following the maneuver that caused the ESP activation. 352 STARTING AND OPERATING TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Tire Markings 1 — U.S. DOT Safety Stan- dards Code (TIN) 2 — Size Designation 3 — Service Description 4 — Maximum Load 5 — Maximum Pressure 6 — Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Grades NOTE: • P (Passenger) - Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa- tion. Example: P215/65R15 95H. • European-Metric tire sizing is based on European design standards. Tires designed to this standard have the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with the section width. The letter ⬙P⬙ is absent from this tire size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H. • LT (Light Truck) - Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the letters “LT” that are molded into the sidewall preced- ing the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16. • Temporary spare tires are high-pressure compact spares designed for temporary emergency use only. Tires designed to this standard have the letter “T” molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa- tion. Example: T145/80D18 103M. • High flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design standards and it begins with the tire diameter molded into the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT. STARTING AND OPERATING 353 Tire Sizing Chart Size Designation: EXAMPLE: P = Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards ⴖ....blank....ⴖ = Passenger car tire based on European design standards LT = Light truck tire based on U.S. design standards T = Temporary spare tire 31 = Overall diameter in inches (in) 215 = Section width in millimeters (mm) 65 = Aspect ratio in percent (%) — Ratio of section height to section width of tire 10.5 = Section width in inches (in) R = Construction code — ⬙R⬙ means radial construction —⬙D⬙ means diagonal or bias construction 15 = Rim diameter in inches (in) 354 STARTING AND OPERATING Service Description: 95 = Load Index EXAMPLE: — A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry H = Speed Symbol — A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding to its load index under certain operating conditions — The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved under specified operating conditions (i.e., tire pressure, vehicle loading, road conditions, and posted speed limits) Load Identification: ⴖ....blank....ⴖ = Absence of any text on the sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) tire Extra Load (XL) = Extra load (or reinforced) tire Light Load = Light load tire C, D, E = Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure Maximum Load — Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry Maximum Pressure — Maximum pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire Tire Identification Number (TIN) The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire, however, the date code may only be on one side. Tires with white sidewalls will have the full TIN, including the date code, located on the white sidewall side of the tire. STARTING AND OPERATING 355 Look for the TIN on the outboard side of black sidewall tires as mounted on the vehicle. If the TIN is not found on the outboard side, then you will find it on the inboard side of the tire. DOT = Department of Transportation — This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire safety standards and is approved for highway use EXAMPLE: DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301 MA = Code representing the tire manufacturing location (two digits) L9 = Code representing the tire size (two digits) ABCD = Code used by the tire manufacturer (one to four digits) 03 = Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured (two digits) —03 means the 3rd week. 01 = Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (two digits) —01 means the year 2001 — Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have one number to represent the year in which the tire was manufactured. Example: 031 could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991 356 STARTING AND OPERATING Tire Loading and Tire Pressure Tire Placard Location NOTE: The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the driver’s side B-Pillar. Tire and Loading Information Placard This placard tells you important information about the: 1) number of people that can be carried in the vehicle 2) total weight your vehicle can carry 3) tire size designed for your vehicle 4) cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and spare tires. Tire and Loading Information Placard Loading The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading Information placard and in the “Vehicle Loading” section of this manual. NOTE: Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear axles must not be exceeded. For further information on GAWRs, vehicle loading, and trailer towing, refer to “Vehicle Loading” in this section. To determine the maximum loading conditions of your vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or XXX kg” on the Tire and Loading Information placard. STARTING AND OPERATING 357 The combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed the weight referenced here. Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit 1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu- pants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or XXX kg” on your vehicle’s placard. 2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle. 3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas- sengers from XXX lbs or XXX kg. 4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs (635 kg) and there will be five 150 lb (68 kg) passengers in your vehicle, the amount of 358 STARTING AND OPERATING available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs (295 kg) (since 5 x 150 = 750, and 1400 – 750 = 650 lbs [295 kg]). 5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4. 6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle. NOTE: • The following table shows examples on how to calcu- late total load, cargo/luggage, and towing capacities of your vehicle with varying seating configurations and number and size of occupants. This table is for illustration purposes only and may not be accurate for the seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle. • For the following example, the combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs (392 kg). STARTING AND OPERATING 359 360 STARTING AND OPERATING WARNING! Safety Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never overload them. TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION Tire Pressure Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary areas are affected by improper tire pressure. WARNING! • Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause accidents. • Under-inflation increases tire flexing and can re- sult in over-heating and tire failure. • Over-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can cause damage that result in tire failure. • Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob- lems. You could lose control of your vehicle. • Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle control. (Continued) WARNING! (Continued) • Unequal tire pressures from one side of the ve- hicle to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right or left. • Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom- mended cold tire inflation pressure. Economy Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for earlier tire replacement. Under-inflation, also increases tire rolling resistance and results fuel consumption. in higher Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride. Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride. STARTING AND OPERATING 361 Tire Inflation Pressures The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the driver’s side “B” Pillar. The tire pressure should be checked and adjusted, and the tires inspected for signs of wear or visible damage, at least once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to check tire pressure. Do not make a visual judgement when determining proper inflation. Radial tires may look properly inflated, even when they are under-inflated. CAUTION! After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, al- ways reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent moisture and dirt from entering the valve stem, which could damage the valve stem. 362 STARTING AND OPERATING Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always “cold tire inflation pressure.” Cold tire inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) after a three-hour period. The cold tire inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum infla- tion pressure molded into the tire sidewall. Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with temperature changes. Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12° F (7° C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in the Winter. Example: If garage temperature is 68°F (20°C) and the outside temperature is 32°F (0°C), then the cold tire inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa), which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this outside temperature condition. Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13 to 40 kPa) during operation. Do not reduce this normal pressure buildup or your tire pressure will be too low. Tire Pressures for High-Speed Operation The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi- tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high speeds, maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is very important. Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle loading may be required for high-speed vehicle opera- tion. Refer to original-equipment information, or an authorized tire dealer, for recommended safe operating speeds, loading and cold tire inflation pressures. WARNING! High-speed driving, with your vehicle at or above maximum load, is dangerous. The added strain on your tires could cause them to fail. You could have a serious accident. Do not drive a vehicle loaded to the maximum capacity at continuous speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h). Radial-Ply Tires WARNING! Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle poorly. The instability could cause an accident. Al- ways use radial ply tires in sets of four. Never combine them with other types of tires. STARTING AND OPERATING 363 Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable only in the tread area because of sidewall flexing. Consult your authorized tire dealer for radial tire repairs. Compact Spare Tire The compact spare is for temporary emergency use with radial tires. It is engineered to be used on your style vehicle only. Since this tire has limited tread life, the original tire should be repaired (or replaced) and rein- stalled at the first opportunity. WARNING! • Temporary-use spare tires are for emergency use only. With these tires, do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h). (Continued) 364 STARTING AND OPERATING WARNING! (Continued) CAUTION! • Temporary-use spare tires have limited tread life. When the tread is worn to the tread wear indica- tors, the temporary use spare tire needs to be replaced. • Be sure to follow the warnings that apply to your spare. Failure to do so could result in spare tire failure and loss of vehicle control. Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a conventional tire on the compact spare wheel, since the wheel is designed specifically for the compact spare. Do not install more than one compact spare tire/wheel on the vehicle at any given time. Because of the reduced ground clearance, do not take your vehicle through an automatic car wash with the compact spare installed. Damage to the vehicle may result. Tire Spinning When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h), or continuously for longer than 30 seconds, without stopping. Refer to “Freeing A Stuck Vehicle” in Section 6 of this manual for additional information. WARNING! • Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gen- erated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire damage or failure. A tire could explode and injure someone. • Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h), or for more than 30 seconds continuously, when you are stuck; and do not let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed. Tread Wear Indicators Tread wear indicators are in the original-equipment tires to help you in determining when your tires should be replaced. STARTING AND OPERATING 365 1 — Worn Tire 2 — New Tire These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth becomes 1/16 in (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced. 366 STARTING AND OPERATING Tire Life The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying factors, including, but not limited to: • Driving style • Tire pressure • Distance driven WARNING! The tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure. You could lose control and have an accident resulting in serious injury or death. Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact with oil, grease and gasoline. Replacement Tires The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu- facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva- lent to the originals in size, quality and performance when replacement is needed. Please see “Tread Wear Indicators” and “Tire and Loading Information” placard for the size designation of your tire. The service descrip- tion and load identification will be found on the original- equipment tire. Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend that you contact your original-equipment manufacturer, or an authorized tire dealer, with any questions you may have on tire specifi- cations or capability. STARTING AND OPERATING 367 WARNING! WARNING! (Continued) • 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 an accident 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 an accident. (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. 368 STARTING AND OPERATING CAUTION! CAUTION! (Continued) To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe the following precautions: • Use chains on P225/65R16 tires only. P225/65R17 tires do not provide adequate clearance. • Because of restricted chain clearance between tires and other suspension components, it is important that only chains in good condition are used. Bro- ken chains can cause serious damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if noise occurs that could indicate chain breakage. Remove the damaged parts of the chain before further use. • Do not exceed 45 mph (70 km/h). • Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle. (Continued) • Install chains on the front wheels as tightly as possible and then retighten after driving about 0.5 mile (0.8 km). • Do not drive for prolonged periods of time on dry pavement. • Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s instructions on the method of installation, operating speed, and conditions for use. Always use the lower suggested operating speed of the chain manufac- turer, if different from the speed recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Always use the lower suggested operating speed if both the chain manufacturer and vehicle manufacturer sug- gest a maximum speed. This notice applies to all chain traction devices, including link and cable (radial) chains. SNOW TIRES Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires during Winter. Standard tires are of the all-season type and satisfy this requirement as indicated by the M+S designation on the tire sidewall. If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and type to the original equipment tires. Use snow tires only in sets of four; failure to do so may adversely affect the safety and handling of your vehicle. Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than what was originally equipped with your vehicle and should not be operated at sustained speeds over 75 mph (120 km/h). STARTING AND OPERATING 369 TIRE ROTATION Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at different loads and perform different steering, driving, and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at unequal rates, and tend to develop irregular wear pat- terns. These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires. The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with aggressive tread designs such as those on All-Season type tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to a smooth, quiet ride. Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the proper maintenance intervals. More frequent rotation is permissible if desired. The reasons for any rapid or unusual wear should be corrected prior to rotation being performed. 370 STARTING AND OPERATING The suggested rotation method is shown in the following diagram. found on the tire placard located on the driver’s-side B-pillar. The tire pressure will vary with temperature by about 1 psi (6.9 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C). This means that when the outside temperature decreases, the tire pressure will decrease. Tire pressure should always be set based on cold inflation tire pressure. This is defined as the tire pressure after a vehicle has not been driven for more than three hours - and in outside ambient temperature. Refer to the “Tires – General Information” in this section for information on how to properly inflate the vehicle’s tires. The tire pressure will also increase as the vehicle is driven - this is normal and there should be no adjustment for this increased pressure. The TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire pressure if the tire pressure falls below the low pressure warning threshold for any reason, including low temperature effects, or natural air pressure loss through the tire. Tire Rotation TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) The TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire pressure based on the cold inflation tire pressure requirements The TPMS will continue to warn the driver of low tire pressure as long as the condition exists, and will not turn off until the tire pressure is at or above recommended cold tire placard pressure. Once the low tire pressure warning has been illuminated, the tire pressure must be increased to the recommended cold tire placard pressure in order for the “TPMS Warning Lamp” to be turned off. The system will automatically update and the “TPMS Warning Lamp” will extinguish once the updated tire pressures have been received. The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h) to receive this information. For example, your vehicle may have a recommended cold (parked for more than three hours) tire pressure of 35 psi (241 kPa). If the ambient temperature is 68°F (20°C) and the measured tire pressure is 30 psi (207 kPa), a temperature drop to 20°F (-7°C) will decrease the tire pressure to approximately 26 psi (179 kPa). This tire pressure is sufficiently low enough to turn on the “TPMS STARTING AND OPERATING 371 Warning Light.” Driving the vehicle may cause the tire pressure to rise to approximately 30 psi (207 kPa), but the “TPMS Warning Light” will still be on. In this situation, the “TPMS Warning Light” will turn off only after the tires have been inflated to the vehicle’s recommended cold tire pressure value. CAUTION! • The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures have been established for the tire size equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor damage may result when using replacement equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor dam- age. Do not use aftermarket sealants or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result. (Continued) 372 STARTING AND OPERATING CAUTION! (Continued) • After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent moisture and dirt from entering the valve stem, which could damage the TPMS sensor. NOTE: • The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care and maintenance, or to provide warning of a tire failure or condition. • The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge while adjusting your tire pressure. • Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability. • The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte- nance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, using an accurate tire pressure gage, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the “TPMS Warning Lamp.” • Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire pressure, and the TPMS will monitor the actual tire pressure in the tire. Base System The TPMS uses wireless technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to monitor tire pressure lev- els. Sensors, mounted to each wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure readings to the Receiver Module. It is particularly important for you to check the NOTE: tire pressure in all of your tires regularly and to maintain the proper pressure. The Basic TPMS consists of the following components: • Receiver Module • Four Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors • TPMS Telltale Warning Light Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Tire Pressure Warnings The “TPMS Telltale Warning Light” will illu- minate in the instrument cluster, and an au- dible chime will be activated when one or more of the four active road tire pressures are low. Should this occur, you should stop as soon as possible, check the inflation pressure of each tire on your vehicle, and inflate each tire to the vehicle’s recommended cold tire pressure value (located on the placard on the driver’s-side B-Pillar). The system will automatically update and the “TPMS Warning Lamp” will extinguish once the updated tire pressures have been received. STARTING AND OPERATING 373 NOTE: The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h) to receive this information. The “TPMS Warning Lamp” will flash on and off for 75 seconds, and remain on solid when a system fault is detected. The system fault will also sound a chime. If the ignition key is cycled, this sequence will repeat, provid- ing the system fault still exists. The “TPMS Warning Lamp” will turn off when the fault condition no longer exists. A system fault can occur with any of the following scenarios: 1. Jamming due to electronic devices or driving next to facilities emitting the same radio frequencies as the TPMS sensors. 2. Installing some form of aftermarket window tinting that affects radio wave signals. 374 STARTING AND OPERATING 3. Accumulation of excessive snow and/or ice around the wheels or wheel housings. 4. Using tire chains on the vehicle. 5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPMS sensors. Vehicles with Compact Spare 1. The compact spare tire (if equipped) does not have a TPMS sensor. Therefore the TPMS will not monitor the pressure in the compact spare tire. 2. If you install the compact spare tire in place of a road tire that has a pressure below the low-pressure warning limit, upon the next ignition key cycle, a chime will sound and the “TPMS Telltale Warning Light” will turn on. 3. After driving for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h), the “TPMS Telltale Warning Light” will flash on and off for 75 seconds and then remain on solid. 4. For each subsequent ignition key cycle, a chime will sound and the “TPMS Telltale Warning Light” will re- main on solid. 5. Once you repair or replace the original road tire and reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the compact spare tire, the TPMS will automatically update, and the “TPMS Telltale Warning Light” will turn off as long as no tire pressure is below the low-pressure warning limit in any of the four active road tires. The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h) for the TPMS to receive this information. Premium System — If Equipped The TPMS uses wireless technology with wheel rim- mounted electronic sensors to monitor tire pressure lev- els. Sensors mounted to each wheel as part of the valve stem transmit tire pressure readings to the Receiver Module. NOTE: and maintain proper tire pressure in all the tires. It is particularly important to regularly check The Premium TPMS consists of the following compo- nents: pressures are low. In addition, the EVIC will display one or more Low Pressure messages (Left Front, Left Rear, Right Front, Right Rear) for three seconds, and a graphic display of the pressure value(s) with the low tire(s) flashing. STARTING AND OPERATING 375 • Receiver Module • Four TPMS Sensors • Three Trigger Modules (mounted in three of the four wheel wells) • Various TPMS messages, which display in the Elec- tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), and graph- ics displaying tire pressures • Yellow TPMS Telltale Warning Light TPMS Low Pressure Warnings The “TPMS Telltale Warning Light” will illuminate in the instrument cluster, and an audible chime will be acti- vated when one or more of the four active road tire Low Tire Pressure Display 376 STARTING AND OPERATING Should a low tire condition occur on any of the four active road tire(s), you should stop as soon as possible, and inflate the low tire(s) that is flashing on the graphic display to the vehicle’s recommended cold tire pressure value. The system will automatically update, the graphic display of the pressure value(s) will stop flashing, and the “TPMS Telltale Warning Light” will extinguish once the updated tire pressure(s) have been received. The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h) to receive this information. Check TPMS Message The “TPMS Telltale Warning Light” will flash on and off for 75 seconds, and remain on solid when a system fault is detected. The system fault will also sound a chime. The EVIC will display a CHECK TPM SYSTEM message for three seconds. This text message is then followed by a graphic display, with - - in place of the pressure value(s) indicating which TPMS Sensor(s) is not being received. Check TPM System Display If the ignition key is cycled, this sequence will repeat, providing the system fault still exists. If the system fault no longer exists, the “TPMS Telltale Warning Light” will no longer flash, the CHECK TPM SYSTEM text message will not be present, and a pressure value will be dis- played instead of dashes. A system fault can occur by any of the following scenarios: 1. Jamming due to electronic devices or driving next to facilities emitting the same radio frequencies as the TPMS sensors. 2. Installing some form of aftermarket window tinting that affects radio wave signals. 3. Accumulation of excessive snow and/or ice around the wheels or wheel housings. 4. Using tire chains on the vehicle. 5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPMS sensors. Vehicles with Compact Spare 1. The compact spare tire (if equipped) does not have a TPMS. Therefore, the TPMS will not monitor the pressure in the compact spare tire. STARTING AND OPERATING 377 2. If you install the compact spare tire in place of a road tire that has a pressure below the low-pressure warning limit, upon the next ignition key cycle, the “TPMS Telltale Warning Light” will remain on, a chime will sound, and the EVIC will still display a flashing pressure value in the graphic display. 3. After driving the vehicle for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h), the “TPMS Telltale Warning Light” will flash on and off for 75 seconds and then remain on solid. In addition, the EVIC will display a CHECK TPM SYSTEM message for three seconds and then display dashes (- -) in place of the pressure value. 4. For each subsequent ignition key cycle, a chime will sound, the “TPMS Telltale Warning Light” will flash on and off for 75 seconds and then remain on solid, and the EVIC will display a CHECK TPM SYSTEM message for three seconds and then display dashes (- -) in place of the pressure value. 378 STARTING AND OPERATING 5. Once you repair or replace the original road tire, and reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the compact spare, the TPMS will update automatically. In addition, the “TPMS Telltale Warning Light” will turn off and the graphic in the EVIC will display a new pressure value instead of dashes (- -), as long no tire pressure is below the low pressure warning limit in any of the four active road tires. NOTE: The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h) in order for the TPMS to receive this information. General Information This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules and RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following conditions: • This device may not cause harmful interference. • This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. The tire pressure sensors are regulated under one of the following licenses: United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KR5S120123 Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2671-S120123 FUEL REQUIREMENTS 3.3L/3.8L Gasoline Engine These engines are designed to meet all emissions regulations and provide excel- lent fuel economy and performance when using high-quality unleaded “regular” gasoline having an octane rating of 87. The use of premium gasoline is not recom- mended, as it will not provide any benefit over regular gasoline in these engines. 4.0L Gasoline Engine This engine is designed to meet all emis- sions regulations and provide satisfactory fuel economy and performance when us- ing high-quality unleaded gasoline having an octane range of 87 to 89. The manufac- turer recommends the use of 89 octane for optimum performance. The use of premium gasoline is not recommended, as it will not provide any benefit over regular gasoline in these engines. Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is required. Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experience these symptoms, try another brand of “regular” gasoline be- fore considering service for the vehicle. STARTING AND OPERATING 379 Over 40 automobile manufacturers around the world have issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifica- tions (the World Wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to define fuel properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions, engine performance, and durability for your vehicle. The manufacturer recommends the use of gasolines that meet the WWFC specifications if they are available. Reformulated Gasoline Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner burning gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline”. Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates, and are spe- cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im- prove air quality. The manufacturer supports the use of reformulated gaso- lines. Properly blended reformulated gasolines will pro- vide excellent performance and durability of engine and fuel system components. 380 STARTING AND OPERATING Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxy- genates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE, and ETBE. Oxygen- ates are required in some areas of the country during the winter months to reduce carbon monoxide emissions. Fuels blended with these oxygenates may be used in

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2009 Dodge Grand Caravan Owners Manual