fuel DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2009 5.G User Guide

EVIC Menu / Step Control Button, as
it appears on the left side of the steer-
ing column.
Press and release the MENU button, and the
mode displayed will change between
Compass/Temperature, Trip, System Status,
and Personal Settings.
Press the STEP button to scroll through sub
menus (i.e., Trip Functions, Avg. Fuel Economy,
DTE, Elapsed Time, and Units). Steering Wheel EVIC Compass/Temp
Control Button, as it appears on the
right side of the steering column.
Press and release the Compass/Temperature
button to for instant access to the Compass/
Temperature screens.
Press this button to RESET Trip Functions and
change Personal Settings. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 257
4

Trip FunctionsPress and release the MENU button until one of the
following Trip Functions displays in the EVIC.
Press the STEP button to scroll through all the Trip
Computer functions.
The Trip Functions mode displays the following informa-
tion.
Average Fuel Economy
Shows the average fuel economy since the last reset.
When the fuel economy is reset, the display will read
“RESET” or show dashes for two seconds. Then, the
history information will be erased, and the averaging will
continue from the last fuel average reading before the
reset.
Distance To Empty (DTE)
Shows the estimated distance that can be traveled with
the fuel remaining in the tank. This estimated distance is
determined by a weighted average of the instantaneous
and average fuel economy, according to the current fuel
tank level.
NOTE:
Significant changes in driving style or vehicle
loading will greatly affect the actual drivable distance of
the vehicle, regardless of the DTE displayed value.
When the DTE value is less than 30 miles (48 km)
estimated driving distance, the DTE display will change
to a text display of 9LOW FUEL.9This display will
continue until the vehicle runs out of fuel. Adding a
significant amount of fuel to the vehicle will turn off the
9LOW FUEL9 text and a new DTE value will display.
Elapsed Time
Shows the total elapsed time of travel since the last reset
when the ignition switch is in the ACC position. Elapsed
time will increment when the ignition switch is in the ON
or START position.
260 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Mix ModeAir is directed through the floor, defrost and side
window demist outlets. This setting works best in
cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat at
the windshield. This setting is good for maintaining
comfort, while reducing moisture on the windshield.
Defrost Mode
Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use DEFROST mode with
maximum blower and temperature settings for best
windshield and side window defrosting.
NOTE: The air conditioning compressor operates in
MIX and DEFROST, or a blend of these modes even if the A/C button is not pressed. This dehumidifies the air to
help dry the windshield. To improve fuel economy, use
these modes only when necessary.
Recirculation Control
Press this button to choose between outside air
intake or recirculation of the air inside the
vehicle. A lamp will illuminate when you are in
RECIRCULATION mode. Only use the RECIR-
CULATION mode to temporarily block out any outside
odors, smoke, or dust, and to cool the interior rapidly
upon initial start-up in very hot or humid weather. 308 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

mFuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
▫ 3.3L/3.8L Gasoline Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
▫ 4.0L Gasoline Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
▫ 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
m Flexible Fuel (3.3L Engines Only) — If
Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
▫ E-85 General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383 ▫
Ethanol Fuel (E-85) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
▫ Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles E-85 And Gasoline Vehicles . . . . . . . 385
▫ Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
▫ Cruising Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
▫ Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
▫ Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
m Adding Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message . . . . . . . . . . 388
m Vehicle Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
▫ Vehicle Certification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
STARTING AND OPERATING 327 5

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 (Below20°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!

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) 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.
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.
330 STARTING AND OPERATING

DRIVE — Six-Speed TransaxleThis 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
336 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 in higher fuel
consumption.
Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable
ride.
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 361 5

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.
NOTE: It is particularly important for you to check the
tire pressure in all of your tires regularly and to maintain
the proper pressure.
372 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. 378 STARTING AND OPERATING

4.0L Gasoline EngineThis 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. 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. STARTING AND OPERATING 379
5