transmission DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2005 User Guide

WARNING!It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of “ P ” or
“ N ” 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 re-
verse. 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 right
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
Brake/Transmission Interlock System
This system prevents you from moving the gear shift 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 depress the brake
pedal first, before moving the gear selector out of PARK. Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock System
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting out of
PARK unless the key is in the OFF or ON positions.
NOTE: If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the
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.
Four Speed Automatic Transmission
The electronically controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission 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.298 STARTING AND OPERATING

Reset Mode - Electronic Transmission
The transmission is monitored electronically for abnor-
mal conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause
damage, the transmission automatically shifts into sec-
ond gear. The transmission remains in second gear
despite the forward gear selected. Park (P), Reverse (R),
and Neutral (N) will continue to operate. This Reset
feature allows the vehicle to be driven to a dealer for
service without damaging the transmission.
In the event that the problem has been momentary, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward gears.
• Stop the vehicle and shift into Park (P).
• Turn the key to OFF then restart the engine.
• Shift into the desired range and resume driving.
NOTE: Even if the transmission can be reset, it is
recommended that you visit a dealer at your earliest possible convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equip-
ment to determine if the problem could recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, dealer service is
required.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL positions into another gear range.
• “ P ” Park
Supplements the parking brake by locking the transmis-
sion. The engine can be started in this range. Never
attempt to use PARK while vehicle is in motion. Transmission Gear Ranges STARTING AND OPERATING 299
5

Apply parking brake when leaving vehicle in this range.
• “ R ” Reverse
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
• “ N ” Neutral
Engine may be started in this range.
• “ D ” Overdrive
For most city and highway driving, it provides smoothest
upshifts and downshifts and best fuel economy. When
frequent transmission shifting occurs while using the
“ D ” Overdrive position, 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), using the “ 3 ” position will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build-up. • “ 3 ” Drive
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The transmis-
sion will operate normally in First, Second and Third
while in this range. The “ 3 ” position should also be used
when descending steep grades to prevent brake system
distress.
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.
• “ L ” Low
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts will
occur only to prevent engine overspeed while downshifts
occur earlier than other gear range selections.
NOTE: The vehicle computer will over ride Overdrive
and “ 3 ” Drive ranges by changing shift points if the300 STARTING AND OPERATING

transmission operating temperature exceeds acceptable
limits. This is done to prevent transmission damage due
to overheating.
PARKING BRAKE
When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch on, the brake 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.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and place the gear selector in the
Park position. To release the parking brake, pull out on
the parking brake release located on the left side of the
instrument panel. When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector in Park, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the selector out of park. As an Parking Brake Release STARTING AND OPERATING 301
5

WARNING!• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion 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 another vehicle. This type
of start can be dangerous if done improperly, so follow
this procedure carefully.
• Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow
battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing. Don ’ t lean
over battery when attaching clamps or allow the clamps
to touch each other. If acid splashes in eyes or on skin,
flush contaminated area immediately with large quan-
tities of water.
• A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. Keep flame or spark away from the vent
holes. Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source with an output that exceeds 12 volts. 1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach and
without letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake,
place the automatic transmission in PARK and turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position for both vehicles.
3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the discharged battery. Connect the other end
of the same cable to the positive terminal of the booster
battery.366 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and Drive. Usually the least accelerator pedal pressure to
maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective. WARNING!Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle ’ s wheels faster
than 35 mph (55 km/h) when you are stuck. And
don ’ t let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter
what the speed.
CAUTION!Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It
can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 35 mph (55 km/h).368 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
With Ignition Key
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions: The gear selector must be in NEUTRAL, the
distance to be traveled must not exceed 100 miles (160
km), and the towing speed must not exceed 44 mph (72
km/h). Exceeding these towing limits may cause a trans-
mission geartrain failure. If the transmission is not op-
erative, or if the vehicle is to be towed more than 100
miles (160 km), the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels off the ground. CAUTION!• Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front
with sling type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.
• Always use wheel lift equipment when towing
from the front. The only other approved method
of towing is with a flat bed truck.
• Do not tow the vehicle from the rear. Damage to
the rear sheet metal, liftgate and fascia will occur.
• Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
mission may result.
• If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the OFF position, not
in the LOCK or ACCESSORY positions. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 369
6

If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACCESSORY position. Make certain the
transmission remains in NEUTRAL.
Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. The only ap-
proved method of towing with out the ignition key is
with a flat bed truck. Proper towing equipment is neces-
sary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER
VEHICLE (Flat towing with all four wheels on the
ground)
Flat towing of vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission, is only permitted within the limitations
described in this section. TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER
VEHICLE WITH A TOW DOLLEY
The manufacture does not recommend that you tow a
front wheel drive vehicle on a tow dolley. Vehicle damage
may occur.370 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

▫ Steering Shaft Seal ....................391
▫ Steering Linkage ......................391
▫ Drive Shaft Universal Joints ..............391
▫ Body Lubrication .....................391
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ................392
▫ Windshield And Rear Window Washers .....392
▫ Exhaust System ......................393
▫ Cooling System .......................394
▫ Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses .......399
▫ Brakes .............................399
▫ Master Cylinder — ABS Brakes Brake
Fluid Level Check .....................401
▫ Fuel System Hoses ....................402 ▫ Automatic Transmission ................402
▫ Front And Rear Wheel Bearings ...........406
▫ Appearance Care And Protection
From Corrosion ......................406
▫ Cleaning The Instrument Panel And Underseat
Cup Holders ........................410

Integrated Power Module (IPM) ............412

Vehicle Storage ........................415

Replacement Light Bulbs .................415

Bulb Replacement ......................416
▫ Headlights ..........................416
▫ Front Park/Turn Signal And
Sidemarker Lights .....................418
▫ Front Fog Light ......................419372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “ Malfunction Indicator Light. ” It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible. CAUTION!• Prolonged driving with the “ Malfunction Indica-
tor Light ” on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
• If the “ Malfunction Indicator Light ” is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.376 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE