automatic transmission DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2013 5.G Owners Manual

4. To assemble the RKE transmitter case, snap the two
halves together.
General Information
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules and
RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
•This device may not cause harmful interference.
•
This device must accept any interference received, includ-
ing interference that may cause undesired operation.
If your RKE transmitter fails to operate from a normal
distance, check for these two conditions.
1. A weak battery in the RKE transmitter. The expected
life of the battery is approximately three years.
2. Closeness to a radio transmitter such as a radio station
tower, airport transmitter, and some mobile or CB
radios.
REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
This system uses the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter to start the engine conve-
niently from outside the vehicle while still
maintaining security. The system has a range of
approximately 300 ft (91 m).
NOTE:
•The vehicle must be equipped with an automatic
transmission to be equipped with Remote Start.
•Obstructions between the vehicle and the Key Fob may
reduce this range.
30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

9. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system, called OBD, that
monitors engine and automatic transmission con-
trol systems. The light will illuminate when the key is in
the ON/RUN position, before engine start. If the bulb
does not come on when turning the key from OFF to
ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles.
In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and
will not require towing.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the engine
control system. It also could affect fuel economy and
drivability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
drive slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result
in death or serious injury to the driver, occupants or
others.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 317

12. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
13. Fuel Door Reminder
The arrow in this symbol is a reminder that the
Fuel Filler Door is located on the left side of the
vehicle.
14. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN position.
15. Air Bag Warning Light
This light will turn on for four to eight seconds
as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned to ON/RUN. If the light is either not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while
driving, have the system inspected at an authorizeddealer as soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant Restraints”
in “Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for
further information.
16. Shift Lever Indicator
The Shift Lever Indicator is self-contained within the
instrument cluster. It displays the gear position of the
automatic transmission.
NOTE:
You must apply the brakes before shifting from PARK.
The highest available transmission gear is displayed in
the lower right corner of the Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC) whenever the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) feature is active. Use the +/- selector on the shift
lever to activate ERS. Refer to “Automatic Transmission”
in “Starting And Operating” for further information.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 319

If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also,
shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the ve-
hicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “What To
Do In Emergencies” for further information.
25. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. The
light will come on when the ignition is first
turned to ON/RUN and remain on briefly as a
bulb check. If the light does not come on during starting,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the
engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when the
vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is
placed in the PARK position, the light should turn off.If the light remains lit with the engine running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an autho-
rized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is
required and you may experience reduced performance,
an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle
may require towing.
26. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
During sustained high speed driving or trailer
towing up long grades on hot days, the auto-
matic transmission oil may become too hot.
When the transmission overheat warning light
turns on, you will experience reduced vehicle perfor-
mance until the automatic transmission cools down.
Once the transmission has cooled down and the light
turns off, you may continue to drive normally. If the high
speed is maintained, the overheating will continue to
occur.
324 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

3. Touch the 1 or 2 soft-key and then the DISC soft-key in
the MEDIA column. To exit touch the back arrow at
the top left of the screen.
NOTE:
•To view a DVD on the radio press the RADIO/MEDIA
hard-key, on the radio faceplate, then touch the DISC
tab soft-key and then the VIEW VIDEO soft-key.
•
Viewing a DVD on the Touch-Screen radio screen is not
available in all states/provinces, and the vehicle must be
stopped, and the shift lever must be in the PARK position
for vehicles with automatic transmission. In vehicles with
manual transmission the parking brake must be engaged.
•Touching the screen on a Touch-Screen radio while a
DVD is playing brings up basic remote control functions
for DVD play such as scene selection, Play, Pause, FF,
RW, and Stop. Pressing the X in the upper corner will
turn off the remote control screen functions.
Play A DVD Using The VES™ Player (If Equipped)
1.Insert the DVD with the label facing up. The VES™
player automatically selects the appropriate mode after
the disc is recognized and starts playing the DVD.
NOTE:The VES™ player has basic DVD control func-
tion such as Menu, Play, Pause, FF, RW and Stop
2.
To watch a DVD on Screen 1 for second row passengers,
ensure the Remote Control and Headphone switch is on
Channel 1.
3. To watch a DVD on Screen 2 for third row passengers,
ensure the Remote Control and Headphone switch is
on Channel 2.
392 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:
•To view a DVD on the radio press the RADIO/MEDIA
hard-key, on the radio faceplate, then touch the DISC
tab soft-key and then the VIEW VIDEO soft-key.
•Viewing a DVD on the Touch-Screen radio screen is
not available in all states/provinces, and the vehicle
must be stopped, and the shift lever must be in the
PARK position for vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion. In vehicles with manual transmission the parking
brake must be engaged.
Play A Blu-ray Disc Using The Blu-ray Player
(If Equipped)
1. Insert the Blu-ray disc with the label facing up. The
Blu-ray player automatically selects the appropriate
mode after the disc is recognized and starts playing
the Blu-ray disc.NOTE:The Blu-ray player has basic control functions
such as Menu, Play, Pause, FF, RW and Stop.
2. To watch a Blu-ray disc on Screen 1 for second row
passengers, ensure the Remote Control and Head-
phone switch is on Channel 1.
3. To watch a Blu-ray disc on Screen 2 for third row
passengers, ensure the Remote Control and Head-
phone switch is on Channel 2.
Using The Remote Control
1. Press the SOURCE button on the Blu-ray player Re-
mote Control.
2. While looking at Screen 1 or 2, highlight Blu-ray by
either pressing Up/Down/Left/Right buttons or by
repeatedly pressing the SOURCE button, then press
OK on the Remote Control.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 395

NOTE:
•Channel/Screen 1 select mode information is shown
on the left side of the screen.
•Channel/Screen 2 select mode information is shown
on the right side of the screen.
•
The VES™ will retain the last setting when turned off.
Using The Touch-Screen Radio Controls
1. Press the MENU hard-key on the radio faceplate.
2. Touch the Rear VES™ soft-key to display the Rear
VES™ Controls. If a channel list is displayed, touch
the HIDE LIST soft-key to display the Rear VES™
Controls screen.3. Touch the 1 or 2 soft-key and then the VES™ Disc
soft-key in the VES™ column. To exit touch the back
arrow soft-key at the top left of the screen.
NOTE:
•To view a Blu-ray Disc on the radio press the RADIO/
MEDIA hard-key, on the radio faceplate, then touch
the VES™ Disc tab soft-key and then the VIEW VIDEO
soft-key.
•Viewing a Blu-ray Disc on the Touch-Screen radio
screen is not available in all states/provinces, and the
vehicle must be stopped, and the shift lever must be in
the PARK position for vehicles with automatic trans-
mission. In vehicles with manual transmission the
parking brake must be engaged.
396 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES................461
▫Automatic Transmission................461
▫Normal Starting.......................461
▫Extreme Cold Weather (Below –20°F
Or 29°C)..........................462
▫If The Engine Fails To Start..............462
▫After Starting........................463
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . .464
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION............464
▫Key Ignition Park Interlock...............466▫Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . .466
▫Fuel Economy (ECON) Mode.............466
▫Six-Speed Automatic Transmission.........468
▫Gear Ranges.........................469
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES.........477
▫Acceleration.........................477
▫Traction............................477
DRIVING THROUGH WATER.............478
▫Flowing/Rising Water..................478
▫Shallow Standing Water.................478
5

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.
WARNING!
•When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key
fob from the ignition and lock your vehicle.
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
•Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or
in a location accessible to children. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
Automatic Transmission
The shift lever must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Press the brake
pedal before shifting into any driving gear.
Normal Starting
1. Do not press the accelerator.
2. Use the Fob with Integrated Key to briefly turn the
ignition switch to the START position and release it as
soon as the starter engages. The starter motor will
continue to run, and it will disengage automatically
when the engine is running.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 461

3. If the engine fails to start, the starter will disengage
automatically in 10 seconds. If this occurs, turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position, wait 10 to 15 sec-
onds, then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure
(Steps 1–3 above).
NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with a transmission
shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must be
pressed to shift out of PARK.
Extreme Cold Weather (Below –20°F Or 29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
If The Engine Fails To Start
WARNING!
•Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission 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.
(Continued)
462 STARTING AND OPERATING