towing DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2017 5.G Owners Manual

NOTE:
•The BSM system does NOT alert the driver about
rapidly approaching vehicles that are outside the detec-
tion zones.
• The BSM system detection zone DOES NOT change if
your vehicle is towing a trailer. Therefore, visually verify
the adjacent lane is clear for both your vehicle and trailer
before making a lane change. If the trailer or other object
(i.e., bicycle, sports equipment) extends beyond the side
of your vehicle, this may result in the BSM warning light
remaining illuminated the entire time the vehicle is in a
forward gear.
The area on the rear fascia where the radar sensors are
located must remain free of snow, ice, and dirt/road
contamination so that the BSM system can function prop-
erly. Do not block the area of the rear fascia where the radar
sensors are located with foreign objects (bumper stickers,
bicycle racks, etc.).
The BSM system notifies the driver of objects in the
detection zones by illuminating the BSM warning light
located in the outside mirrors in addition to sounding an
audible (chime) alert and reducing the radio volume. Refer
to “Modes Of Operation” for further information. The BSM system monitors the detection zone from three
different entry points (side, rear, front) while driving to see
if an alert is necessary. The BSM system will issue an alert
during these types of zone entries.
Entering From The Side
Vehicles that move into your adjacent lanes from either
side of the vehicle.
Side Monitoring
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 107

If the phone is not reachable and the Uconnect Phone is
operational, you may reach the emergency number as
follows:
•Push the Phone
button to begin.
•After the “Ready” prompt and the following beep, say
“Emergency” and the Uconnect Phone will instruct the
paired mobile phone to call the emergency number. This
feature is supported in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
NOTE:
• The emergency number dialed is based on the country
where the vehicle is purchased (911 for the U.S. and
Canada and 060 for Mexico). The number dialed may
not be applicable with the available mobile service and
area.
• If supported, this number may be programmable on
some systems. To do this, push the Phone
button and
say “Setup,” followed by “Emergency.”
• The Uconnect Phone does slightly lower your chances of
successfully making a phone call as to that for the
mobile phone directly.
WARNING!
To use your Uconnect Phone System in an emergency,
your mobile phone must be:
•Turned on.
• Paired to the Uconnect System.
• Have network coverage.
Roadside Assistance/Towing Assistance
If you need roadside assistance:
• Push the Phone
button to begin.
•After the “Ready” prompt and the following beep, say
“Towing Assistance.”
NOTE: You should program the desired Towing Assistance
phone number using the Voice Command system. To do
this, push the Phone
button and say “Setup,” fol-
lowed by “Towing Assistance.” When prompted say
1-800-521-2779 for U.S./Canada, say 55-14-3454 for
Mexico City and 1-800-712-3040 for outside Mexico City
in Mexico. 3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 123

PrimaryAlternate (s)
pair a phone
phone pairing pairing
phonebook phone book
previous
record again
redial
return to main menu return or main menu
select phone select
send
set up phone settings or phone
set up
towing assistance
transfer call
Uconnect Tutorial
voice training
work
yesGeneral Information
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules and RSS
210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the follow-
ing conditions:
• Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference received, in-
cluding interference that may cause undesired opera-
tion.
VOICE COMMAND — IF EQUIPPED
Voice Command System Operation
The Uconnect Voice Command system allows
you to control your AM, FM radio, disk player,
USB mass storage class device, iPod family of
devices, Bluetooth Streaming Audio Device, sat-
ellite radio, and a memo recorder.
136 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

•Clean the ParkSense sensors regularly, taking care not to
scratch or damage them. The sensors must not be
covered with ice, snow, slush, mud, dirt or debris.
Failure to do so can result in the system not working
properly. The ParkSense system might not detect an
obstacle behind the fascia/bumper, or it could provide a
false indication that an obstacle is behind the fascia/
bumper.
• Ensure the ParkSense system is OFF if objects such as
bicycle carriers, trailer hitches, etc. are placed within 12
inches (30 cm) from the rear fascia/bumper. Failure to
do so can result in the system misinterpreting a close
object as a sensor problem, causing the “SERVICE PARK
ASSIST SYSTEM” message to be displayed in the Instru-
ment Cluster Display.
WARNING!
•Drivers must be careful when backing up even when
using ParkSense. Always check carefully behind
your vehicle, look behind you, and be sure to check
for pedestrians, animals, other vehicles, obstructions,
and blind spots before backing up. You are respon-
sible for safety and must continue to pay attention to
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
your surroundings. Failure to do so can result in
serious injury or death.
• Before using ParkSense, it is strongly recommended
that the ball mount and hitch ball assembly is
disconnected from the vehicle when the vehicle is
not used for towing. Failure to do so can result in
injury or damage to vehicles or obstacles because the
hitch ball will be much closer to the obstacle than the
rear fascia when the loudspeaker sounds the con-
tinuous tone. Also, the sensors could detect the ball
mount and hitch ball assembly, depending on its size
and shape, giving a false indication that an obstacle
is behind the vehicle.
CAUTION!
•ParkSense is only a parking aid and it is unable to
recognize every obstacle, including small obstacles.
Parking curbs might be temporarily detected or not
detected at all. Obstacles located above or below the
sensors will not be detected when they are in close
proximity.
(Continued)
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 191

Once the crossbars are set into position, tighten the thumb
screws completely.
Stowing The Crossbars
Reverse the procedure to stow the crossbars, again, taking
care to keep hand clear of pivoting joint. Crossbars are
identical and can be stowed in either rail nest. Once the
crossbars are stowed, tighten the thumb screws completely.NOTE:
Load should always be secured to crossbars first,
with rail tie down loops used as additional securing points
if needed. Tie loops are intended as supplementary tie
down points only. Do not use ratcheting mechanisms with
the tie loops.
Tightening Crossbar
Rail Tie Loops
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 229

Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
Red TelltaleLight What It Means
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a prob-
lem is detected while the engine is running, the light will either stay on or flash depending on
the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition key when the vehicle is safely and completely
stopped and the transmission is placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off. If the
light remains on with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an
authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash 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. 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.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
Red Telltale
Light What It Means
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle
and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected. This light does not indicate how much oil
is in the engine. The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
246 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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

▫3.6L Engine .......................... .399
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ..................399
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ...............399
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles .........400
▫ CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications ......400
▫ MMT In Gasoline .......................400
▫ Materials Added To Fuel .................401
▫ Fuel System Cautions ....................401
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ...............402
 FLEXIBLE FUEL — IF EQUIPPED ............402
▫ E-85 General Information .................402
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ..................... .402
▫ Fuel Requirements .....................403
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles ..............403
▫ Starting ............................ .404▫
Cruising Range ........................404
▫ Replacement Parts ..................... .404
▫ Maintenance ..........................404
 ADDING FUEL ........................ .404
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................404
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message .............406
 VEHICLE LOADING .....................406
▫ Vehicle Certification Label ................406
 TRAILER TOWING ..................... .408
▫ Common Towing Definitions ...............409
▫ Towing Tips ..........................417
 RECREA

TIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ....................418
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . . .418
▫ Recreational Towing — All Models ..........419
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STARTING AND OPERATING 341

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

When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as when
operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, in
hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or while
towing a heavy trailer), use the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control (refer toElectronic Range Select (ERS)
Operation in this section for further information) to select
a lower gear range. Under these conditions, using a lower
gear range will improve performance and extend transmis-
sion life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation may be
modified depending on engine and transmission tempera-
ture as well as vehicle speed. This feature improves warm
up time of the engine and transmission to achieve maxi-
mum efficiency. Engagement of the torque converter clutch
is inhibited until the transmission fluid is warm (refer to
the “Note” under “Torque Converter Clutch” in this sec-
tion). During extremely cold temperatures (-16°F [-27°C] or
below), operation may briefly be limited to third gear only.
Normal operation will resume once the transmission tem-
perature has risen to a suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for ab-
normal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in third gear regardless of which forward gear is selected.
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to operate.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated.
Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without damaging the trans-
mission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 351