Chrysler Pacifica Touring (2005 year). Manual — part 16

Fuel System Cautions

CAUTION!

Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:

• The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.

Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
damage the emission control system, and could result
in loss of warranty coverage.

• An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition

malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out-of-tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.

• The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as

octane enhancers are not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives are not
the responsibility of the manufacturer and may not be
covered under the New Vehicle Warranty.

NOTE:

Intentional tampering with emissions control

systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.

Carbon Monoxide Warnings

WARNING!

Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:

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• Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon

monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.

• Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-

nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.

• Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle to

prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex-
haust gases from entering the vehicle.

ADDING FUEL

Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is located behind the fuel filler door on the
left side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged,
be sure the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.

CAUTION!

Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap
could let impurities into the fuel system.

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CAUTION!

To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling. When the fuel nozzle
“clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.

NOTE:

• Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound.

This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened. If the gas cap is not secured properly the
Malfunction Indicator Light in the instrument cluster
will turn on. Make sure that the gas cap is tightened
each time the vehicle is refueled.

• When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel

tank is full.

WARNING!

•

Remove the fuel tank filler tube cap (gas cap)
slowly to prevent fuel spray from the filler neck
which may cause injury.

•

The volatility of some gasolines may cause a
buildup of pressure in the fuel tank that may
increase while you drive. This pressure can result
in a spray of gasoline and/or vapors when the cap is
removed from a hot vehicle. Removing the cap
slowly allows the pressure to vent and prevents
fuel spray.

•

Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the
vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the tank
filled.

•

Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.

•

A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.

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VEHICLE LOADING
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is shown in the
charts that follow. This information should be used for
passenger and luggage loading as indicated.

If the seatbacks are folded for carrying cargo, do not
exceed the specified GVWR and GAWR.

Vehicle Certification Label
Your vehicle has a certification label attached to the rear
of the driver’s door.

The label contains the following information:

• Name of manufacturer
• Month and year of manufacture
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
• Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front
• Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Type of Vehicle
• Month Day and Hour of Manufacture (MDH)

The bar code allows a computer scanner to read the
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, and cargo. The total
load must be limited so that you do not exceed the
GVWR.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear
axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or
rear GAWR.

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WARNING!

Because the front wheels drive and steer the vehicle,
it is important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition
can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have an accident.

Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and front
and rear GAWR.

The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to insure that it
is not over the GVWR.

Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.

Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s
GVWR.

Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle by axle and side by side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.

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A loaded vehicle is shown in the illustration. Note that
neither the GVWR or the GAWR capacities have been
exceeded.

Example Only

Front
Axle

Rear Axle

Empty Weight

2538 lbs

(1151 kg)

2076 lbs

(942 kg )

Load (Including driver, pass-
sengers and cargo)

223 lbs

(101 kg)

890 lbs

(404 kg)

Total

2762 lbs

(1253 kg)

2968 lbs

(1346 kg)

GAWR

2826 lbs

(1282 kg)

3035 lbs

(1377 kg)

TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer carefully re-
view this information to tow your load as efficiently and
safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.

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Perform maintenance services as prescribed in the main-
tenance schedules manual. When your vehicle is used for
trailer towing, never exceed the gross axle weight rating
(GAWR) by the addition of:

• The tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment

put in or on your vehicle.

• Remember that everything put in or on the trailer adds

to the load on your vehicle.

Warranty Requirements
The Manufacturer’s Passenger Vehicle Warranty will
apply to vehicles used to tow trailers for non-commercial
use. However the following conditions must be met:

• The maximum frontal area of the trailer cannot exceed

32 square feet (2.97 square meters).

• The trailer tongue load must be considered as part of

the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to the Tire–
Safety Information Section in this manual.

• The “D” range can be selected when towing. However,

if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3”
range must be selected.

NOTE:

Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle

under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up.

• Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact

spare tire.

• Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer

size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.

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• The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be

changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more
than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule
“B” in section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid
change intervals.

NOTE:

• Check the automatic transmission fluid level before

towing. Fluid discoloration, or a burnt odor, shows the
need for a transmission fluid and filter change.

• For vehicles equipped with Autostick. By using the

Autostick modes, and selecting a specific gear range,
frequent shifting can be avoided. The highest gear
range should be selected that allows for adequate
performance. For example, choose “4” if the desired
speed can be maintained. Choose “3” or “2” if needed
to maintain the desired speed.

• Extended driving at high RPM should be avoided to

prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in vehicle

speed may be required to avoid extended driving at
high RPM. Return to a higher gear range or vehicle
speed when road conditions and RPM level allows.

TRAVEL CONDITION

MAXIMUM TRAILER
WEIGHT(TRAILER
FRONTAL AREA NOT
TO EXCEED 32 SQ. FT.)
3.5L ENGINES
MAX. COMBINED
WEIGHT OF VEHICLE
AND TRAILER NOT TO
EXCEED 8,600 lbs (3900
kg)

UP TO 2 PERSONS &
LUGGAGE

3,500 lbs (1600 kg)

3 TO 4 PERSONS &
LUGGAGE

3,000 lbs (1360 kg)

5 TO 6 PERSONS &
LUGGAGE

1,000 lbs (454 kg)

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A load equalizing hitch is recommended for loaded
trailer weights above 1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for
weights above 2,000 lbs (907 kg).

CAUTION!

If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.

WARNING!

Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CONTENTS

䡵 Hazard Warning Flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
䡵 If Your Engine Overheats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
䡵 Jacking And Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264

▫ Jack Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
▫ Spare Tire Stowage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
▫ Preparations For Jacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
▫ Jacking Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267

䡵 Jump-Starting Procedures If Battery Is Low . . . . 270
䡵 Driving On Slippery Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272

▫ Acceleration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
▫ Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272

䡵 Freeing A Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
䡵 Towing A Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274

▫ With Ignition Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
▫ Without The Ignition Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat

Towing With All Four Wheels On The Ground) . 276

▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle With

A Tow Dolley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276

6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The hazard flasher switch is located in the center of the
instrument panel above the center air outlets.

To engage the Hazard Warning Flashers, depress the
switch on the instrument panel. When the Hazard Warn-
ing Switch is activated, all directional turn signals will
flash on and off to warn oncoming traffic of an emer-
gency. Push the switch a second time to turn off the
flashers.

This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.

When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning Flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition switch is OFF.

NOTE:

With extended use, the Hazard Warning Flash-

ers may wear down your battery.

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.

• On the highways — Slow down.
• In city traffic — While stopped, put transmission in

neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.

NOTE:

There are steps that you can take to slow down

an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
the fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.

CAUTION!

Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads “H”, pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the
air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H”, turn the engine off immediately, and call for
service.

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WARNING!

A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7, Maintenance, of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.

JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING

WARNING!

• Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous.

The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you.
You could be crushed. Never get any part of your
body under a vehicle that is on a jack. If you need
to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service
center where it can be raised on a lift.

• The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing

tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the
vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Jack Location
The jack and jack-handle are stowed in the rear storage
bin located in the rear cargo floor. Pull up on the storage
bin cover and liner to access the jack and jack tools.

Spare Tire Stowage
The spare tire is stowed under the rear of the vehicle by
means of a cable winch mechanism. To remove or stow
the spare, use the jack handle to rotate the “spare tire
drive” nut. The nut is located under the trim cover at the
center of the rear storage bin in the rear cargo floor.

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Spare Tire Removal
Fit the jack-handle over the drive nut. Rotate the nut to
the left until the spare is on the ground with enough slack
cable to allow you to pull the tire out from under the
vehicle.

CAUTION!

The winch mechanism is designed for use with the
jack handle only. Use of an air wrench or other
power tools is not recommended and can damage the
winch.

When the spare is clear, tilt the retainer at the end of the
cable and pull it through the center of the wheel.

Preparations For Jacking
Park the vehicle on a firm level surface, avoid ice or
slippery areas, set the parking brake and place the gear
selector in PARK. Turn OFF the ignition.

WARNING!

Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off
the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.

• Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.

• Block both the front and rear

of the wheel diagonally oppo-
site the jacking position. For
example, if changing the right
front tire, block the left rear
wheel.

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES