transmission DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2011 5.G User Guide

WARNING!
• Leaving the Electronic Speed Control system on when not in use isdangerous. You could accidentally set the system or cause it to go faster than
you want. You could lose control and have a collision. Always leave the
Electronic Speed Control system off when you are not using it.
• Electronic Speed Control can be dangerous where the system cannot maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could go too fast for the conditions,
and you could lose control. A collision could be the result. Do not use
Electronic Speed Control in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding, icy,
snow-covered or slippery.
ELECTRONIC RANGE SELECTION (ERS)
• Electronic Range Select (ERS) allowsyou to limit the highest available
transmission gear, and can be
activated during any driving condition.
When towing a trailer or operating the
vehicle in off-road conditions, using
ERS shift control will help you
maximize both performance and
engine braking.
• To shift from DRIVE mode to ERS mode, move the shift lever to the left
(-) once. The current gear will be
maintained as the top gear. To disable
ERS, simply press and hold the shift
lever to the right (+) until “D” is
displayed in the instrument cluster
odometer.
• Switching between ERS and DRIVE mode can be done at any vehicle
speed.
• Refer to your Owner's Manual on the DVD for further details.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
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FUEL ECONOMY (ECON) MODE
• The Fuel Economy (ECON) mode can improve the vehicle’s overall fuel economyduring normal driving conditions.
• Press the “econ” switch in the center stack of the instrument panel and a green light will indicate the ECON mode is engaged.
• When the Fuel Economy (ECON) Mode is engaged, the vehicle control systems will be able to change the following:
• The transmission will upshift sooner and downshift later.
• The transmission will skip select gears during shifts to allow the engine to
operate at lower speeds.
• The torque converter clutch will engage sooner (lower engine rpm’s) and remain on longer.
• The engine idle speed will be lower.
• The overall driving performance will be more conservative.
MANUAL CLIMATE CONTROLS
Air Recirculation
• Use recirculation for maximum A/C operation.
• For window defogging, turn the recirculation button off.
• Recirculation is not allowed in defrost, floor, defrost/floor (mix) modes.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
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TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)
Engine/TransmissionGCWR (Gross Combined
Wt. Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
3.6L/Automatic 8,750 lbs (3 969kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m)
Up to 2 persons &
Luggage 3,600 lbs (1 633 kg)* 360 lbs (163 kg)
8,750 lbs (3 969kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 3 to 5 persons & Luggage
3,350 lbs (1 519 kg)* 335 lbs (152 kg)
8,750 lbs (3 969kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 6 to 7 persons & Luggage
3,000 lbs (1 360 kg)* 300 lbs (136 kg)
*For vehicles equipped with Fold-in-Floor seating, the Gross Trailer Weight must be reduced by 100 lbs (45 kg). Refer to local laws for
maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and should never exceed the
weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
UTILITY
56

• Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicatewhen the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue each time the vehicle is
restarted as long as the malfunction exists.
• When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle, to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
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.
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
• This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
• If the light turns on or flashes continuously while driving, safely pull over and stopthe 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.
• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others could be badly burned
by steam or boiling coolant. You may want to call an authorized service center
for service if your vehicle overheats.
BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
• The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system malfunction orthe parking brake is applied. If the light is on and the parking brake is not applied,
it indicates a possible brake hydraulic malfunction, brake booster problem or an
Anti-Lock Brake System problem.
• We recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
• In any of the following situations, you can reduce the potential for overheating bytaking the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending overheat
condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling system and turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the temperature control to maximum heat, the mode control to floor 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 240°F (116 °C) or greater pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the
vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into the
normal range 200–230°F (93–110°C). If the pointer remains at 240°F (116°C)
or greater and you hear a chime, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam
from your 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.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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WARNING!
• Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to movingtraffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
• Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You could be crushed. Never put any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack.
• Never start or run the engine while the vehicle 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.
• The jack is designed to be used as a tool for changing tires only. The jack should not 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.
• Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic, pull far enough off the road to avoid being hit when operating the jack
or changing the wheel.
• Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to help prevent personal injury or damage to your vehicle:
• Always park on a firm, level surface as far from the edge of the roadway as possible before raising the vehicle.
• Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
• Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to be raised.
• Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic transmission in PARK; a manual transmission in REVERSE.
• Never start or run the engine with the vehicle on a jack.
• Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Only use the jack in the positions indicated and for lifting this vehicle during a tire change.
• If working on or near a roadway, be extremely careful of motor traffic.
• To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are securely stowed, spares must be stowed with the valve stem facing the ground.
• Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You could be crushed. Never get 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.
(Continued)
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
70

JUMP-STARTING
• If your vehicle has a discharged batteryit 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 instructions and precautions.
Preparations for Jump-Start
• The battery in your vehicle is located on the left side of the engine compartment.
• Set the parking brake, shift the automatic transmission into PARK and turn the
ignition to LOCK.
• Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electrical accessories.
• If using another vehicle to jump-start the battery, park the vehicle within the jumper cables reach, set the parking brake and make sure the ignition is OFF.
Jump-Starting Procedure
• Connect the positive (+)end of the jumper cable to the positive (+)post of the
discharged vehicle.
• Connect the opposite end of the positive (+)jumper cable to the positive (+)post
of the booster battery.
• Connect the negative end (-)of the jumper cable to the negative (-)post of the
booster battery.
• 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
fuel injection system.
• 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:
• Disconnect the negative (-)jumper cable from the negative (-)post of the vehicle
with the discharged battery.
• Disconnect the negative end (-)of the jumper cable from the negative (-)post of
the booster battery.
• Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+)jumper cable from the positive (+)
post of the booster battery.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
72

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
• If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it can often be moved by arocking motion. Turn your steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then, move the shift lever back and forth between REVERSE and
DRIVE. Using minimal accelerator pedal pressure to maintain the rocking motion,
without spinning the wheels, is most effective.
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Traction
Control
, turn the system off before attempting to “rock” the vehicle.
CAUTION!
• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving between REVERSE and DRIVE, do not spin the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may
result.
• Revving 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 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.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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FLUIDS AND CAPACITIESComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine PartCapacities
Engine Coolant 3.6L MOPAR
®Antifreeze/Coolant Five
Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent. 13.4 Quarts (12.6 Liters) Includes heater
and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX
level. Add 2.9 Quarts (2.8 Liters) if
equipped with rear heater.
Engine Oil with Filter 3.6L API certified 5W-30 engine oil, meeting the
requirements of Chrysler Material Standard
MS-6395. Refer to your oil filler cap for
correct SAE grade. 6 Quarts (5.6 Liters)
Fuel Selection 3.6L 87 Octane20 Gallons (76 Liters)
Engine Oil Filter 3.6L MOPAR®Engine Oil Filter or equivalent. —
Spark Plug 3.6L RER8ZWYCB4 (Gap 0.043 in [1.1 mm]) —
Automatic Transmission MOPAR®ATF+4
®Automatic Transmission
Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4
®
product. —
Brake Master Cylinder MOPAR
®DOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be
used or equivalent. If DOT 3 is not
available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use
only recommended brake fluids. —
Power Steering Reservoir MOPAR®Power Steering Fluid +4 or
MOPAR®ATF+4
®Automatic Transmission
Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4
®
product. —
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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MAINTENANCE CHART
Miles:
8,000 16,000 24,000 32,000 40,000 48,000 56,000 64,000 72,000 80,000 88,000 96,000
104,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78
Or Kilometers:
13,000 26,000 39,000 52,000 65,000 78,000 91,000
104,000
117,000 130,000 143,000 156,000 169,000
Change the engine oil and filter.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it
occurs before scheduled maintenance.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Open the left and right sliding doors (slowly) and inspect for ex-
cessive dirt. If noise exists, wipe clean and apply krytox lube to
the door rollers.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
If using your vehicle for any of the following: dusty or off-road
conditions. Inspect the engine air cleaner filter; replace if
necessary.
XXX
Replace the air conditioning filter.
XXXXXX
Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
XXXXXX
Inspect the CV joints.
XXXX
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for
cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper loose-
ness or end play; replace if necessary.
XXXXXX
Inspect the exhaust system.
X XXXX
Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
XXX
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter if using your
vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet or frequent
trailer towing.
X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 60 months or
104,000 miles (169,000 km) whichever comes first.
X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 104,000 miles
(169,000 km) or 60 months whichever comes first.
X
Replace the spark plugs (3.6L engine).
X
Inspect and replace the PCV valve if necessary.
X
• Refer to the Owner's Manual on the DVD for the complete maintenance schedule.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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