DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2020 Owners Manual
Page 191 of 380
STARTING AND OPERATING189
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And
Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the
trailer size, stoplights and turn signals on the
trailer are required for motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four- and
seven-pin wiring harness. Use a factory
approved trailer harness and connector.
NOTE:
Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to
the vehicle but you must mate the harness to a
trailer connector. Refer to the following
illustrations. NOTE:
Disconnect trailer wiring connector from the
vehicle before launching a boat (or any other
device plugged into vehicle’s electrical
connect) into water.
Be sure to reconnect once clear from water
area.
Four-Pin Connector Seven-Pin Connector
Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning,
stopping, and backing up the trailer in an area
located away from heavy traffic.
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs
(453 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.
1 — Female Pins
2 — Male Pin
3 — Ground
4 — Park
5 — Left Stop/Turn
6 — Right Stop/Turn
1 — Battery
2 — Backup Lamps
3 — Right Stop/Turn
4 — Electric Brakes
5 — Ground
6 — Left Stop/Turn
7 — Running Lamps
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190STARTING AND OPERATING
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing.
However, if frequent shifting occurs while in
DRIVE, use the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
shift control to manually select a lower gear
range.
NOTE:
Using a lower gear range while operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions, will
improve performance and extend transmission
life by reducing excessive shifting and heat
buildup. This action will also provide better
engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation, then
change the transmission fluid and filter as
specified for "police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing." Refer to the “Maintenance Plan”
for the proper maintenance intervals. Electronic Range Select (ERS)When using the ERS shift control, select the
highest gear that allows for adequate perfor
-
mance and avoids frequent downshifts. For
example, choose “4” if the desired speed can
be maintained. Choose “3” or “2” if needed
to maintain the desired speed.
To prevent excess heat generation, avoid
continuous driving at high RPM. Reduce
vehicle speed as necessary to avoid
extended driving at high RPM. Return to a
higher gear range or vehicle speed when
grade and road conditions allow.
Speed Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy
loads.
When using the Speed Control, if you experi -
ence speed drops greater than 10 mph
(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back
to cruising speed.
Use Speed Control in flat terrain and with
light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission
overheating, take the following actions:
City Driving
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans -
mission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase
engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Temporarily turn off air conditioning.
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STARTING AND OPERATING191
(Continued)
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
NOTE:
When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
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.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The GroundAll
Models
Flat Tow
NONE NOT
ALLOWED
Dolly Tow Front
OK
Rear NOT
ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLBEST
METHOD
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result. If this vehicle requires
towing, make sure the drive wheels are OFF
the ground.
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192STARTING AND OPERATING
DRIVING TIPS
Driving On Slippery Surfaces
Information in this section will aid in safe
controlled launches in adverse conditions.
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or
other slippery surfaces may cause the driving
wheels to pull erratically 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
hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following
precautions should be observed:
Slow down during rainstorms or when the
roads are slushy.
Slow down if the road has standing water or
puddles.
Replace the tires when tread wear indicators
first become visible.
Keep tires properly inflated.
Maintain sufficient distance between your
vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to avoid
a collision in a sudden stop.
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.
Flowing/Rising Water
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmis -
sion damage. Damage from improper
towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Do not use a bumper mounted clamp-on
tow bar on your vehicle. The bumper face
bar will be damaged.
CAUTION! (Continued)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 a
collision. Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
WARNING!
Do not drive on or across a road or path
where water is flowing and/or rising (as in
storm run-off). Flowing 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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING193
(Continued)
Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving
through shallow standing water, consider the
following Warnings and Cautions before doing so.
WARNING!
Driving through standing water limits your
vehicle’s traction capabilities. Do not
exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
through standing water.
Driving through standing water limits your
vehicle’s braking capabilities, which
increases stopping distances. Therefore,
after driving through standing water, drive
slowly and lightly press on the brake pedal
several times to dry the brakes.
Failure to follow these warnings 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 water.
Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when
driving through standing water. This will
minimize wave effects.
Driving through standing water may cause
damage to your vehicle’s drivetrain compo -
nents. Always inspect your vehicle’s fluids
(i.e., engine oil, transmission, axle, etc.) for
signs of contamination (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.
CAUTION! (Continued)
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194
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning Flashers switch is located
in the lower center area of the instrument
panel.Push the switch to turn on the Hazard
Warning Flashers. When the switch is
activated, all directional turn signals
will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Push the switch a
second time to turn off the Hazard Warning
Flashers. This is an emergency warning system and it
should not be used when the vehicle is in
motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled and
it 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 is
placed in the OFF position.
NOTE:
With extended use, the Hazard Warning
Flashers may wear down your battery.
BULB REPLACEMENT
Replacement Bulbs
Interior Bulbs
Bulb Name Bulb Number
Center & Rear Dome Lamp 578
Center & Rear Reading Lamps 578
Front Door Courtesy Lamp 578
Front Header Reading Lamps – If Equipped 578
Instrument Cluster Lamps PC74
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY195
NOTE:
For lighted switches, see an authorized dealer for replacement instructions.
NOTE:
All of the interior bulbs are glass wedge base or glass cartridge types. Aluminum base bulbs are not approved and should not be used for replacement.Liftgate Lamp(s)
578
Overhead Console Reading Lamps PC579
Removable Console Lamp – If Equipped 194
Visor Vanity Lamps 6501966
Exterior Bulbs
Bulb Name Bulb Number
Headlamp H11LL
Fog Lamp – If Equipped PSX24W
Front Side Marker, Park/Turn Signal 3757A or PY27/7W
Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal Lamp LED (Serviced at an Authorized Dealer)
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp LED (Serviced at an Authorized Dealer)
Backup Lamp 3157
License 168
Interior Bulbs
Bulb Name Bulb Number
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196IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Replacing Exterior Bulbs
Headlamps
1. Raise the hood to access the rear of the
headlamp housing.
2. Slide the red lock tab rearward on the connector, then depress the tab and
remove the connector from the bulb.
3. Twist the headlamp bulb and pull the bulb from the headlamp housing.
4. Install the new headlamp bulb and twist until locked into the headlamp housing.
5. Connect the wiring connector to bulb and slide red lock tab forward.
Front Park/Turn Signal Lamps
1. Raise the hood to access the rear of the headlamp housing.
2. Twist the turn signal socket and remove from the headlamp housing, then pull the
bulb out.
3. Push the new bulb into the socket and reinstall the socket by twisting until locked
into the headlamp housing.
Fog Lamps
NOTE:
Access to the fog lamp bulb is from the rear of
the fascia. On the left rear side of the fascia,
remove the push pin and lower the hinged
access door on the air dam.
1. From behind the bumper fascia, or the
access panel on the air dam, squeeze the
two tabs on the side of the bulb socket and
pull straight out from the fog lamp.
2. Disconnect the wire harness from the bulb.
3. Reconnect the wiring harness to the new bulb and reinstall by inserting the new bulb
straight into the fog lamp until it locks into
place.
CAUTION!
Do not touch the new bulb with your fingers.
Oil contamination will severely shorten bulb
life. If the bulb comes in contact with an oily
surface, clean the bulb with rubbing alcohol.
CAUTION!
Do not touch the new bulb with your fingers.
Oil contamination will severely shorten bulb
life. If the bulb comes in contact with an oily
surface, clean the bulb with rubbing alcohol.
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY197
Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, Side Marker And
Backup Lamps
1. Raise the liftgate.
2. Remove the tail lamp assembly by removing
the two screws from the inboard side. Use a
fiber stick or similar tool to gently pry the
light on the outboard side to disengage the
two ball studs.
Tail Lamp Assembly Screws
NOTE:
If a screwdriver is used, make sure a soft
material is placed between the vehicle body
and tool so not to scratch the paint.
The PRY location is best closest to the studs
while dislodging them separately. 3. Twist the socket and remove from the lamp
assembly.
4. Pull the bulb to remove it from the socket.
5. Replace the bulb, reinstall the socket, and reattach the lamp assembly.
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL)
The CHMSL uses LED lamps that are not
serviceable separately. The CHMSL must be
replaced as an assembly. See an authorized
dealer.
License Lamp
The license plate lamp is located under the
tailgate light bar and above the license plate.
1. Using a small screwdriver, press inward the locking tab on the outboard side of the
lamp assembly and pull down on the lamp
assembly for removal.
2. Twist and remove the socket from the lamp assembly and pull the bulb out to remove.
3. Push the bulb into the socket, twist the socket into the lamp assembly and reinstall
the lamp assembly into place ensuring the
locking tab is secure.
FUSES
WARNING!
When replacing a blown fuse, always use
an appropriate replacement fuse with the
same amp rating as the original fuse. Never
replace a fuse with another fuse of higher
amp rating. Never replace a blown fuse with
metal wires or any other material. Do not
place a fuse inside a circuit breaker cavity
or vice versa. Failure to use proper fuses
may result in serious personal injury, fire
and/or property damage.
Before replacing a fuse, make sure that the
ignition is off and that all the other services
are switched off and/or disengaged.
If the replaced fuse blows again, contact an
authorized dealer.
If a general protection fuse for safety
systems (air bag system, braking system),
power unit systems (engine system, trans -
mission system) or steering system blows,
contact an authorized dealer.
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198IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
General Information
The fuses protect electrical systems against
excessive current.
When a device does not work, you must check
the fuse element inside the blade fuse for a
break/melt.
Also, please be aware that when using power
outlets for extended periods of time with the
engine off may result in vehicle battery
discharge.
Blade Fuses
Totally Integrated Power Module (Fuses)
The Totally Integrated Power Module is located
in the engine compartment near the battery.
Refer to the applicable “Engine Compartment”
illustration in this section. This center contains
cartridge fuses and mini-fuses. A label that
identifies each component may be printed or
embossed on the inside of the cover.
Totally Integrated Power Module
The numbers inside the Totally Integrated
Power Module (TIPM) cover correspond to the
following table.
1 — Fuse Element
2 — Blade Fuse with a good/functional fuse ele
-
ment.
3 — Blade fuse with a bad/not functional fuse el -
ement (blown fuse).
CAUTION!
When installing the Totally Integrated
Power Module cover, it is important to
ensure the cover is properly positioned and
fully latched. Failure to do so may allow
water to get into the Integrated Power
Module, and possibly result in a electrical
system failure.
When replacing a blown fuse, it is important
to use only a fuse having the correct
amperage rating. The use of a fuse with a
rating other than indicated may result in a
dangerous electrical system overload. If a
properly rated fuse continues to blow, it
indicates a problem in the circuit that must
be corrected.
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