automatic transmission DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2009 5.G User Guide

If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACC position. Make certain the trans-
mission remains in NEUTRAL.
Towing Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the OFF position. The only approved
method of towing without the ignition key is with a
flatbed truck. Proper towing equipment is necessary 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 Dolly
The manufacturerdoes not recommend that you tow a
front wheel drive vehicle on a tow dolly. Vehicle damage
may occur.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 429 6

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.3/3.8L
1 — Air Cleaner Filter
7 — Engine Oil Fill
2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick (3.3L Only) 8 — Engine Oil Dipstick
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
4 — Battery 10 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
5 — Totally Integrated Power Module 11 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
6 — Engine Coolant Reservoir MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 433 7

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD IIYour 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 authorized 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.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message — gASCAP
Should the “Loose Fuel Filler Cap” or “gASCAP” mes-
sage appear, there may be a problem in the evaporative
system. Before taking the vehicle into an authorized
dealer, check first to see if the fuel filler cap is possibly
loose, improperly installed, or damaged. A loose fuel
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 435 7

CAUTION!Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid — all brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
Automatic Transaxle
The automatic transaxle and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transaxle and the fluid.
All four–speed transaxles are equipped with a conven-
tional filler tube and dipstick. If fluid is added, it should
be added through the filler tube.
All six–speed transaxles are equipped with a capped
dipstick tube. It is sealed and should not be tampered
with. Your authorized dealer has the necessary tools to
ensure that the fluid level is set properly.
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transaxle to assure optimum transaxle performance. Use
only the manufacturer’s recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts” in
this section for the correct fluid type. It is important that
the transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed
level using the recommended fluid. No chemical flushes
should be used in any transaxle; only the approved
lubricant may be used.
458 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transaxle shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts” in this sec-
tion for the correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check — 3.8L and 4.0L Engines with
Six-Speed Automatic Transaxle — If Equipped
The six-speed automatic transaxle is a sealed unit and has
no dipstick. See your authorized dealer to have the
transaxle fluid checked or serviced.
Fluid Level Check — 3.3L Engine with Four-Speed
Automatic Transaxle — If Equipped
The dipstick is located just behind the radiator on the
lower right side.
To properly check the automatic transaxle fluid level, the
following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply the parking brake.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion, ending with the shift lever in PARK. Wipe the area
around the dipstick clean to eliminate the possibility of
dirt entering the transaxle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 459
7

5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82°C), which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle has
been driven at least 15 miles (24 km). The fluid cannot be
comfortably held between the fingertips. Cold is when
the fluid is below 80°F (27°C).
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove the dipstick and note reading.a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked “HOT” (between the upper
two holes in the dipstick).
b. If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked “COLD”.
If the fluid level indicates that it is low, add sufficient
fluid to bring it to the proper level. CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transaxle can
cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water from
entering the transaxle after checking or replenishing
fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is reseated
properly.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.
If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the fluid
and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transaxle. The only exception to this policy is
460 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ChassisComponent
Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transaxle MOPARtATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARt
DOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent. If DOT
3 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only rec-
ommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARt
Power Steering Fluid +4 or MOPARt ATF+4 Automatic
Transmission Fluid
482 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) . . . . . . . . . 314
Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332Adding Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459
Fluid Level Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459
Interlock System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Selection Of Lubricant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 458,482
Shifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Special Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 460
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 458,460 Adding Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459,460
Fluid and Filter Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 460
Fluid Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 460
Fluid Level Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459
Fluid Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 458,482
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 445 Gas Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 445
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 424 Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) . . . . . . . 25
Saving Feature (Protection) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Belts, Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Blind Spot Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Body Mechanism Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449
B-Pillar Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Brake Assist System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Brake Control System, Electronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 482
Brake, Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 456 Fluid Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 457
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 456
Brake/Transmission Interlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . 91
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 476
Bulbs, Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94,475
INDEX 513
10

Compass Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255,261
Compass Variance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254,262
Computer, Trip/Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
ConnectorUCI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) . . . . . . . . . 290
Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Console, Floor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Console, Overhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Console, Removable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Contract, Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 505
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) . . . . . . . . . . 454
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 451 Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 453
Coolant Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 480
Coolant Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 451,455
Disposal of Used Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 454
Drain, Flush, and Refill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 452
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455 Points to Remember . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455
Pressure Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 454
Radiator Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 454
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) . . . . . . 452,480,481
Cruise Control (Speed Control) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214,466
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 503
Data Recorder, Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Daytime Running Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Dealer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 438
Defroster, Rear Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Defroster, Windshield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94,308,318
Diagnostic System, Onboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435
Dimmer Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Dipsticks Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459
Oil (Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439
INDEX 515
10

Flexible Fuel VehiclesCruising Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383,384
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Flooded Engine Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Floor Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Fluid Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 480
Fluid Leaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459
Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 457
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Fluids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 481
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts . . . . . . . . . . 481
Fog Light Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 477 Fog Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181,248,477
Fold in Floor (Stow
8n Go) Seating . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 427
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Clean Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240,387
Filler Door (Gas Cap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Octane Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 481
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378,480
Tank Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 480
Fuel, Flexible . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel System Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Fueling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 467
518 INDEX