transmission DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2015 5.G Owner's Manual
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RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the GroundAll Models
Flat TowNONENOT ALLOWED
Dolly TowFrontOK
RearNOT ALLOWED
On TrailerALLOK
Recreational Towing — All Models
Recreational towing is allowed ONLY if the front wheels are OFF the ground. This may be
accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow this procedure:
1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place the transmission in PARK.
4. Properly secure the front wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.
5. Release the parking brake.
CAUTION!
•DONOTflattowthisvehicle.Damagetothedrivetrainwillresult.
•Towingthisvehicleinviolationoftheaboverequirementscancausesevere
transmission damage. Damage from improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
UTILITY
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NOTE:
Ti r e p r e s s u r e s c h a n g e b y a p p r o x i m a t e l y 1 p s i ( 7 k P a ) p e r 1 2 ° F ( 7 ° C ) o f a i r t e m p e r a t u r e
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.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS
pressures and warning 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 damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or balance beads if your
vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
-EngineTemperatureWarningLight
•Thislightwarnsofanoverheatedenginecondition.
•Ifthelightturnsonorflashescontinuouslywhiledriving,safelypulloverandstopthe
vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL
and idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
•Werecommendthatyoudonotoperatethevehicleorenginedamagewilloccur.Have
the vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
Ahotenginecoolingsystemisdangerous.Youorotherscouldbebadlyburnedby
steam or boiling coolant.
-SeatBeltReminderLight
When the ignition switch is first turned to the ON/RUN position, this light will turn on for
four to eight seconds as a bulb check. During the bulb check, if the driver's seat belt is
unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb check or when driving, if the driver or front
passenger seat belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Indicator Light will flash or remain
on continuously. Refer to “Seat Belt Systems” in “Things To Know Before Starting” in the
OM on your DVD for further information.
-BrakeWarningLight
This light monitors various brake functions, including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on it may indicate that the parking brake is applied,
that the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with the anti-lock brake system
reservoir.
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IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the potential for overheating by taking
the appropriate action:
•Onthehighways—slowdown.
•Incitytraffic—whilestopped,shiftthetransmissiontoNEUTRAL,butdonotincrease
engine idle speed.
NOTE:
There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending overheat condition:
•Ifyourairconditioner(A/C)ison,turnitoff.TheA/Csystemaddsheattotheengine
cooling system and turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
•Youcanalsoturnthetemperaturecontroltomaximumheat,themodecontroltofloor
and the blower 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 the temperature gauge
reads HOT (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
HOT (H), and you hear continuous chimes, turn the engine off immediately, and call for
service.
WARNING!
Yo u o r o t h e r s c a n b e b a d l y b u r n e d b y h o t e n g i n e c o o l a n t ( a n t i f r e e z e ) o r s t e a m f r o m y o u r
radiator. If you see or hear steam coming from under the hood, do not open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
TIRE SERVICE KIT
Yo u r v e h i c l e m a y b e e q u i p p e d w i t h a Ti r e S e r v i c e K i t .
Small punctures up to 1/4” (6 mm) in the tire tread can be sealed with the Tire Service Kit.
Foreign objects (e.g., screws or nails) should not be removed from the tire. The Tire Service
Kit can be used in outside temperatures down to approximately -4°F (-20°C).
This kit will provide a temporary tire seal, allowing you to drive your vehicle up to 100
miles (160 km) with a maximum speed of 55 mph (90 km/h).
Tire Service Kit Storage
•TheTireServiceKitisstowedbehindtherearleftsidetrimpanelintherearcargoarea.
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•Yo u c a n u s e t h e Ti r e S e r v i c e K i t a i r p u m p t o i n f l a t e b i c y c l e t i r e s . T h e k i t a l s o c o m e s w i t h
two needles, located in the Accessory Storage Compartment (on the bottom of the air
pump) for inflating sport balls, rafts, or similar inflatable items. However, use only the Air
Pump Hose (7) and make sure the Mode Select Knob (5) is in the Air Mode when inflating
such items to avoid injecting sealant into them. The Tire Service Kit Sealant is only
intended to seal punctures less than 1/4” (6 mm) diameter in the tread of your vehicle.
•DonotliftorcarrytheTireServiceKitbythehoses.
Sealing A Tire With Tire Service Kit
(A) Whenever You Stop To Use Tire Service Kit:
1. Pull over to a safe location and turn on the vehicle’s Hazard Warning flashers.
2.Verify that the valve stem (on the wheel with the deflated tire) is in a position that is near
to the ground. This will allow the Tire Service Kit Hoses (6) and (7) to reach the valve stem
and keep the Tire Service Kit flat on the ground. This will provide the best positioning of
the kit when injecting the sealant into the deflated tire and running the air pump. Move
the vehicle as necessary to place the valve stem in this position before proceeding.
3. Place the transmission in PARK (auto transmission) or in Gear (manual transmission)
and cycle the ignition to the OFF position.
4. Set the parking brake.
(B) Setting Up To Use Tire Service Kit:
1. Turn the Mode Select Knob (5) to the Sealant Mode position.
2. Uncoil the Sealant Hose (6) and then remove the cap from the fitting at the end of the
hose.
3. Place the Tire Service Kit flat on the ground next to the deflated tire.
4. Remove the cap from the valve stem and then screw the fitting at the end of the
Sealant Hose (6) onto the valve stem.
5. Uncoil the Power Plug (8) and insert the plug into the vehicle’s 12 Volt power outlet.
6. Do not remove foreign objects (e.g., screws or nails) from the tire.
(C) Injecting Tire Service Kit Sealant Into The Deflated Tire:
Always start the engine before turning ON the Tire Service Kit.
NOTE:
Manual transmission vehicles must have the parking brake engaged and the shift lever in
NEUTRAL.
After pressing the Power Button (4), the sealant (white fluid) will flow from the Sealant
Bottle (1) through the Sealant Hose (6) and into the tire.
NOTE:
Sealant may leak out through the puncture in the tire.
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WARNING!
•Donotattempttochangeatireonthesideofthevehicleclosetomovingtraffic.
Pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when operating the jack
or changing the wheel.
•Beingunderajacked-upvehicleisdangerous.Thevehiclecouldslipoffthejack
and fall on you. You could be crushed. Never put 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.
•Neverstartorruntheenginewhilethevehicleisonajack.
•Thejackisdesignedtobeusedasatoolforchangingtiresonly.Thejackshouldnot
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.
•Carefullyfollowthesetirechangingwarningstohelppreventpersonalinjuryor
damage to your vehicle:
•Alwaysparkonafirm,levelsurfaceasfarfromtheedgeoftheroadwayaspossible
before raising the vehicle.
•TurnontheHazardWarningflasher.
•Blockthewheeldiagonallyoppositethewheeltoberaised.
•SettheparkingbrakefirmlyandsetanautomatictransmissioninPARK;amanual
transmission in REVERSE.
•Donotletanyonesitinthevehiclewhenitisonajack.
•Donotgetunderthevehiclewhenitisonajack.
•Onlyusethejackinthepositionsindicatedandforliftingthisvehicleduringatire
change.
•Ifworkingonorneararoadway,beextremelycarefulofmotortraffic.
•Toassurethatsparetires,flatorinflated,aresecurelystowed,sparesmustbe
stowed with the valve stem facing the ground.
•Raisingthevehiclehigherthannecessarycanmakethevehiclelessstable.Itcould
slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough to remove
the tire.
•Toavoidtheriskofforcingthevehicleoffthejack,donottightenthewheelnuts
fully until the vehicle has been lowered. Failure to follow this warning may result in
personal injury.
•Aloosetireorjackthrownforwardinacollisionorhardstopcouldendangerthe
occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in the places
provided. Have the deflated (flat) tire repaired or replaced immediately.
•Verifythatbothretainertabsofthewheelspacerhavebeenproperlyextended
through the center of the wheel and spare tire/cover assembly. Failure to properly
engage both retainer tabs could result in loss of the spare tire and cover assembly,
which will cause vehicle damage and may cause loss of vehicle control.
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JUMP-STARTING
If your vehicle has a discharged battery it can be jump-started using a set of jumper cables
and a battery in another vehicle or by using a portable battery booster pack.
Jump-starting can be dangerous if done improperly so please follow the procedures in this
section carefully.
NOTE:
When using a portable battery booster pack
follow the manufacturer’s operating instruc-
tions and precautions.
Preparations For Jump-Start
•Thebatteryinyourvehicleislocatedon
the left side of the engine compartment.
•Settheparkingbrake,shifttheauto-
matic transmission into PARK and turn
the ignition to LOCK.
•Turnofftheheater,radio,andallunnec-
essary electrical accessories.
•Ifusinganothervehicletojump-startthe
battery, park the vehicle within the
jumper cables reach, set the parking brake and make sure the ignition is OFF.
Jump-Starting Procedure
1. Connect the positive(+)end of the jumper cable to the positive(+)post of the vehicle
with the discharged battery.
2. Connect the opposite end of the positive(+)jumper cable to the positive(+)post of the
booster battery.
3. Connect the negative(-)end of the jumper cable to the negative(-)post of the booster
battery.
4. Connect the opposite end of the negative(-)jumper cable to a good engine ground
(exposed metal part of the discharged vehicle’s engine) away from the battery and the
fuel injection system.
5. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster battery, let the engine idle a few
minutes, and then start the engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
Once the engine is started, remove the jumper cables in the reverse sequence:
1. Disconnect the negative(-)end of the jumper cable from the engine ground of the
vehicle with the discharged battery.
2. Disconnect the opposite end of the negative(-)jumper cable from the negative(-)post
of the booster battery.
Positive Battery Post
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SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE
If a malfunction occurs and the shift lever
cannot be moved out of the PARK position,
you can use the following procedure to tem-
porarily move the shift lever:
1. To access the shift lever override, re-
move the cover located to the top right of
the shift lever in the instrument panel.
2. Firmly set the parking brake.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the ACC or
ON position without starting the engine.
4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the
brake pedal.
5. The override can be activated by press-
ing the white-colored tab, which can be
accessed through the hole in the instrument panel.
6. Move the shift lever into the NEUTRAL position.
7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
8. Reinstall the override cover.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the GroundALL MODELS
Flat TowNONEIf transmission is operable:•Tr a n s m i s s i o n i nNEUTRAL•25mph(40km/h)maxspeed•15miles(24km)maxdistanceWheel liftRear
FrontOK
FlatbedALLBEST METHOD
Shift Lever Override
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FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it can often be moved using a rocking
motion. Turn your steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the front wheels.
Then shift back and forth between DRIVE and REVERSE while gently pressing the
accelerator. Use the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure that will maintain the
rocking motion, without spinning the wheels or racing the engine.
NOTE:
Press the "ESC Off" switch, to place the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system in
"Partial Off" mode before rocking the vehicle. Once the vehicle has been freed, press the
"ESC Off" switch again to restore "ESC On" mode.
CAUTION!
•When“rocking”astuckvehiclebyshiftingbetweenREVERSEandDRIVE,donot
spin the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may result.
•Revvingtheengineorspinningthewheelstoofastmayleadtotransmission
overheating and failure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no transmission shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated 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) when you are stuck. Do not let anyone
near a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
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CAUTION!
•Mixingofenginecoolant(antifreeze)otherthanspecifiedOrganicAdditiveTech-
nology (OAT) engine coolant (antifreeze), may result in engine damage and may
decrease corrosion protection. Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant is
different and should not be mixed with Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT)
engine coolant (antifreeze) or any “globally compatible” coolant (antifreeze). If a
non-OAT engine coolant (antifreeze) is introduced into the cooling system in an
emergency, the cooling system will need to be drained, flushed, and refilled with
fresh OAT coolant (conforming to MS-12106), by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
•Donotusewateraloneoralcohol-basedenginecoolant(antifreeze)products.Do
not use additional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not be compat-
ible with the radiator engine coolant and may plug the radiator.
•Thisvehiclehasnotbeendesignedforusewithpropyleneglycol-basedengine
coolant (antifreeze). Use of propylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
not recommended.
E-85 FLEXIBLE FUEL — (3.6L ENGINE ONLY)
Refer to your Owner's Manual on the DVD for further details.
CAUTION!
Only vehicles with the E-85 fuel filler door label or a yellow gas cap can operate on
E-85.
Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic TransmissionUse Only ATF+4®Automatic TransmissionFluid. Failure to use ATF+4®fluid may affectthe function or performance of your transmis-sion. We recommend MOPAR®AT F + 4®
Fluid.
Brake Master CylinderWe recommend you use MOPAR®DOT 3. IfDOT 3 brake fluid is not available, then DOT4isacceptable.
Power Steering Reservoir We recommend you use MOPAR®PowerSteering Fluid +4, MOPAR®AT F + 4®Auto-matic Transmission Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Maintenance ChartRefer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following pages for the required maintenance intervals.
Mileage or time passed(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Additional InspectionsInspect the CV joints. X X X X XInspect front suspension, tie rod ends, bootseals, and replace if necessary.
XXX X X X X
Inspect the brake linings, replace as neces-sary.
XXX X X X X
Additional MaintenanceReplace engine air filter. X X X X XReplace cabin/air conditioning filter. X X X X X X XReplace spark plugs (3.6L engine). ** XFlush and replace the engine coolant at10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km)whichever comes first.
XX
Change automatic transmission fluid andfilter if using your vehicle for any of thefollowing: police, taxi, fleet, or frequenttrailer towing.
X
Change automatic transmission fluid andfilter.
X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary.
X
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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