automatic transmission DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2017 5.G Owners Manual

WARNING!
•Before exiting a vehicle, always shift the automatic
transmission into PARK or the manual transmission
into FIRST gear or REVERSE, apply the parking
brake, turn the vehicle OFF, 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. Leaving children in a
vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seriously or
fatally injured. Children should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the gear
selector.
• 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. Children
should be warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in
a location accessible to children. A child could oper-
ate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation. Always remove
the key from the ignition and lock all doors when
leaving the vehicle unattended.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the key fob is in the
ignition and the ignition switch position is OFF or ACC, a
chime will sound to remind you to remove the key.
NOTE: The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds when
the key fob is placed in the OFF or ACC ignition position.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer system prevents unauthorized
vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The system does
not need to be armed or activated. Operation is automatic,
regardless of whether the vehicle is locked or unlocked.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

Low Washer Fluid Indicator Light — If Equipped
Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
Low Washer Fluid Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator will illuminate when the windshield washer fluid is low.
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Yellow Telltale
Light What It Means
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic System
called OBD II that monitors engine and automatic transmission control systems. The light will
illuminate when the ignition 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 quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the
light after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through several typical
driving styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert serious conditions that could lead to im-
mediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as
soon as possible if this occurs.
252 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

next to the feature showing the system has been acti-
vated or the check-mark is removed showing the system
has been deactivated. Refer to “Rear Park Assist Sys-
tem” in “Understanding The Features Of Your Vehicle”
for system function and operating information.
Auto Lock Doors
When selected, all doors will lock automatically when the
vehicle reaches a speed of 15 mph (24 km/h). To make your
selection, push and release theRIGHT
arrow button
until a check-mark appears.
Auto Unlock Doors
When this feature is selected, all doors will unlock when
the vehicle is stopped and the transmission is in the PARK
or NEUTRAL position and the driver’s door is opened. To
make your selection, push and release the RIGHT
ar-
row button until a check-mark appears next to the
feature showing the system has been activated, or the
check-mark is removed showing the system has been
deactivated.
Remote Unlock Sequence
When Unlock Driver Door Only On 1st Press is selected,
only the driver ’s door will unlock on the first push of the
key fob UNLOCK button. When Unlock Driver Door OnlyOn 1st Press, you must push the key fob UNLOCK button
twice to unlock the passenger ’s doors. When
Unlock All
Doors On 1st Press is selected, all of the doors will unlock
on the first push of the key fob UNLOCK button. To make
your selection, push and release the RIGHT
arrow
button until a check-mark appears next to the feature
showing the system has been activated or the check-
mark is removed showing the system has been deacti-
vated.
Linked To Memory- If Equipped
When this feature is selected, the memory seat, mirror, and
radio settings will return to the memory set position when
the key fob UNLOCK button is pushed. If this feature is not
selected, then the memory seat, mirror, and radio settings
can only return to the memory set position using the door
mounted switch. To make your selection, push and release
the RIGHT
arrow button until a check-mark appears
next to the feature showing the system has been acti-
vated or the check-mark is removed showing the system
has been deactivated.
Remote Start Comfort Sys.
When this feature is selected and the remote start is
activated, the heated steering wheel and driver heated seat
features will automatically turn on in cold weather. These
270 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

3. Press the DISC button on the touchscreen in the MEDIAcolumn. To exit press the back arrow button at the top
left of the screen.
NOTE:
• To view a DVD on the radio push the RADIO/MEDIA
button on the radio faceplate, then press the DISC tab
button on the touchscreen and then the VIEW VIDEO
button on the touchscreen.
• Viewing a DVD on the Touchscreen radio screen is not
available in all states/provinces. If available, the vehicle
must be stopped and the gear selector must be in the PARK position for vehicles with an automatic transmis-
sion. In vehicles with a manual transmission the parking
brake must be engaged.
• Pressing the screen on a Touchscreen 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
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 function
such as Menu, Play, Pause, FF, RW and Stop.
Using The Remote Control
1. Push the SOURCE button on the Remote Control.
2. Highlight VES DISC by either pushing Up/Down/Left/ Right buttons or by repeatedly pushing the SOURCE
button, then push ENTER/OK on the Remote Control.
NOTE: The VES will retain the last setting when turned off.
Rear VES Button On The Touchscreen
304 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Using The Touchscreen Radio Controls
1. Push the MENU button on the radio faceplate.
2. Press the Rear VES button on the touchscreen to displaythe Rear VES Controls. If a channel list is displayed,
press the HIDE LIST button on the touchscreen to
display the Rear VES Controls screen.
3. Press the DISC button on the touchscreen in the VES column. To exit press the back arrow button on the
touchscreen at the top left of the screen. NOTE:
•
To view a DVD on the radio push the RADIO/MEDIA
button on the radio faceplate, then press the DISC tab
button on the touchscreen and then the VIEW VIDEO
button on the touchscreen.
• Viewing a DVD on the Touchscreen radio screen is not
available in all states/provinces. If available, the vehicle
must be stopped and the gear selector must be in the
PARK position for vehicles with an automatic transmis-
sion. In vehicles with a manual transmission the parking
brake must be engaged.
Rear VES Button On The Touchscreen
Select Channel/Screen 1 And DISC In The VES Column
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 305

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................342
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................342
▫ Normal Starting ........................342
▫ Extreme Cold Weather (Below –22°F Or 30°C) .343
▫ If The Engine Fails To Start ...............343
▫ After Starting ..........................343
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .344
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ..............344
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ................345
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .346
▫ Fuel Economy (ECON) Mode ..............346
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission ...........347
▫ Gear Ranges ..........................348
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES ..........353▫
Acceleration .......................... .353
▫ Traction ............................ .354
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER ..............354
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ...................354
▫ Shallow Standing Water ..................355
 POWER STEERING ..................... .356
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ...............356
 PARKING BRAKE .......................357
 BRAKE SYSTEM ........................359
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM .....359
▫ Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) ......359
▫ Brake System Warning Light ...............359
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............360
▫ Anti-Lock Brake

Warning Light.............361
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. Children
should be warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in
a location accessible to children. A child could oper-
ate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
• Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.
Automatic Transmission
The gear selector 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.
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
seconds, 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.
342 STARTING AND OPERATING

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded,
three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one
hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the driver’s side of the vehicle. It has a removable cap that
is located on the driver side of the Integrated Power
Module.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord
before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical
cord could cause electrocution.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING!
•It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if
the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly pressing 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 your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
turn the engine OFF, and remove the key fob. When
the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF (key removal)
position, (or, with Keyless Enter-N-Go, when the
ignition is in the OFF mode) the transmission is
locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against un-
wanted movement.
(Continued)
344 STARTING AND OPERATING

•The overall driving performance will be more conserva-
tive.
• Some ECON mode functions may be temporarily inhib-
ited based on temperature and other factors.
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
The transmission gear position display (located in the
instrument cluster) indicates the transmission gear range.
You must press the brake pedal to move the gear selector
out of PARK (Refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System” in this section). To drive, move the gear selector
from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position.
The electronically-controlled transmission provides a pre-
cise 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
(kilometers). Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be
sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears.
The transmission gear selector has only PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, and DRIVE shift positions. Manual downshifts
can be made using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift
control (refer to “Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation”
in this section for further information). Moving the gear
selector to the left or right (–/+) while in the DRIVE
Gear Selector
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 347

CAUTION!
•Before moving the transmission gear selector out of
PARK, you must turn the ignition to the ON/RUN
mode, and also press the brake pedal. Otherwise,
damage to the gear selector could result.
• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK
or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can
damage the drivetrain.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift the
transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices
that limit your response to changing traffic or road
conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and
have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts,
and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through all forward gears. The DRIVE position
provides optimum driving characteristics under all normal
operating conditions.
350 STARTING AND OPERATING