ECO mode DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2012 5.G Repair Manual

Fuel Economy (ECON) Mode
The Fuel Economy (ECON) mode can improve the vehi-
cle’s overall fuel economy during normal driving condi-
tions. 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 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 at lower
engine speeds and remain on longer.
•The engine idle speed will be lower.
•The overall driving performance will be more conser-
vative.
•Some ECON mode functions may be temporarily
inhibited based on temperature and other factors.
Fuel Economy Mode Switch
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 425

2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the engine OFF.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no
longer detected, the transmission will return to normal
operation.
NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows the
driver to limit the highest available gear when the shift
lever is in the DRIVE position. For example, if you shift
the transmission into 3 (third gear), the transmission will
never shift above third gear, but will shift down into
second and first gear normally.
You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode at any
vehicle speed. When the shift lever is in the DRIVE
position, the transmission will operate automatically,
shifting between all available gears. Tapping the shift
lever to the left (-) will activate ERS mode, display the
current gear in the instrument cluster, and maintain that
gear as the top available gear. Once in ERS mode, tapping
the shift lever to the left (-) or right (+) will change the top
available gear.
432 STARTING AND OPERATING

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located in the
lower center area of the instrument panel.Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all directional
turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Press 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.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•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.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 513

NOTE:To improve the vehicle’s traction when starting
off in deep snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to
switch the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) to “Partial
Off” mode. Refer to “Electronic Brake Control System” in
“Starting and Operating” for further information.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween DRIVE and REVERSE, 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 gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck and do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
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 temporarily move the shift lever:
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 537

DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 565
Engine Oil ......................... 552
Door Locks ............................. 32
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 35
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 231
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 434
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 435
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 310
E-85 Fuel ............................. 486
Economy (Fuel) Mode .................... 425
Electric Remote Mirrors ................... 114
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 244
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 443
Brake Assist System ................... 444
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 212Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
............. 445
Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) ....................... 224,300
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 513
Jacking ......................... 514,523
Jump Starting ....................... 532
Overheating ........................ 513
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 547
Engine Air Cleaner ......................... 553
Block Heater ........................ 422
Break-In Recommendations .............. 98
Checking Oil Level ................... 550
Compartment ....................... 545
Compartment Identification ............. 545
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................. 590
Cooling ........................... 562
Exhaust Gas Caution .............51,100,486
624 INDEX

Replacement Parts.................... 490
Starting ........................... 489
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 420
Floor Console .......................... 261
Fluid Capacities ......................... 589
Fluid Leaks ............................ 103
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................ 571
Brake ............................. 568
Power Steering ...................... 438
Fluids ................................ 590
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 590
Fog Light Service ........................ 587
Fog Lights ....................... 200,286,587
Fold in Floor (Stow n Go) Seating........... 172
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 536
Fuel ................................. 482
Adding ........................... 490
Additives .......................... 484 Clean Air
.......................... 482
Conserving ......................... 310
Economy Mode ...................... 425
Ethanol ........................... 483
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............293,490
Filler Door (Gas Cap) .................. 293
Gasoline ........................... 482
Gauge ............................ 293
Light .......................... 297,306
Materials Added ..................... 484
Methanol .......................... 483
Octane Rating ....................... 590
Requirements .................... 482,589
Saver Mode ........................ 310
Tank Capacity ....................... 589
Fuel Optimizer ......................... 310
Fuel Saver ............................. 310
Fuel, Flexible ........................... 486
Fueling ............................... 490
626 INDEX

Memory Seat........................ 1 15,192
Methanol ............................. 483
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 311
Mirrors ............................... 112
Automatic Dimming .................. 112
Electric Remote ...................... 114
Exterior Folding ..................... 114
Heated ............................ 115
Memory ........................... 192
Outside ........................... 113
Rearview .......................... 112
Vanity ............................ 116
Mode Fuel Saver ......................... 310
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 473
Mopar Parts ......................... 549,614
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 483
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 203Navigation System (Uconnect™ gps)
.......... 224
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 98
Occupant Restraints ................... 52,76,81
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) .............74,76,79
Odometer ............................. 286
Oil Change Indicator ................ 288,289,309
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ...........288,289,309
Oil, Engine ......................... 550,590
Capacity ........................... 589
Change Interval ..................... 551
Checking .......................... 550
Disposal ........................... 552
Filter .......................... 552,590
Filter Disposal ....................... 552
Identification Logo ................... 551
Materials Added to ................... 552
Recommendation .................. 551,589
Synthetic .......................... 552
10
INDEX 631