Torque converter DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2019 Owners Manual

Fuel Economy (ECON) Mode
The Fuel Economy (ECON) mode can improve the vehi-
cle’s overall fuel economy during normal driving condi-
tions. Push 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 enabled, 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 may engage at lower engine
speeds and remain on longer.
• The engine idle speed will be lower.
• 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).
Fuel Economy Mode Switch
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STARTING AND OPERATING 247

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.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 to
Electronic 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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 251

To exit ERS mode, simply hold the gear selector to the right
(+) until the gear limit display disappears from the instru-
ment cluster.WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip
and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
Transmission Gear Position Dis-
play123456D
Actual Gear(s) Allowed 1 1–2 1–3 1–4 1–5 1–6 1–6
NOTE: To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), tap the gear selector to the
left (-) repeatedly as the vehicle slows. The transmission
will shift to the range from which the vehicle can best be
slowed down.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically con-
trolled Overdrive (sixth gear). The transmission will auto-
matically shift into Overdrive if the following conditions
are present:
• The gear selector is in the DRIVE position. •
The transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-
perature.
• The engine coolant has reached an adequate tempera-
ture.
• The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
• The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly different
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 253

feeling or response during normal operation in the upper
gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during some
accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.
NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage until
the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm [usu-
ally after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 km) of driving]. Because the
engine speed is higher when the torque converter clutch is
not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission is not
shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal. Using
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control, when the
transmission is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that
the transmission is able to shift into and out of Overdrive.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in
tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical steering
capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers. NOTE:
•
Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel
travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.
• Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This
is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in
any way damage the steering system.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined service
interval is not required. The fluid should only be checked
if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are apparent,
and/or the system is not functioning as anticipated. Coor-
dinate inspection efforts through an authorized dealer.
254 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid. Refer
to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”
for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain the
transmission fluid at the correct level using the recom-
mended fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any
transmission; only the approved lubricant should be used.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur-
er ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder, and will require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specifications” for fluid specifications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using any
special additives in the transmission. Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and its perfor-
mance may be impaired by supplemental additives. There-
fore, do not add any fluid additives to the transmission.
The only exception to this policy is the use of special dyes
for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid using transmission seal-
ers as they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
356 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Automatic Headlights........................62
Automatic Transmission ..................245, 357
Adding Fluid ....................... .357, 400
Fluid And Filter Change ...................357
Fluid Change .......................... .357
Fluid Level Check .................... .356, 357
Fluid Type ......................... .356, 400
Gear Ranges ........................... .248
Special Additives ........................ .356
Torque Converter ....................... .253
Axle Fluid .............................. .400
Axle Lubrication .......................... .400
Battery .............................. .146, 340
Charging System Light ................... .146
Jump Starting .......................... .324
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................18
Battery Saver Feature .........................64
Belts, Seat ............................... .235
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................347
B-Pillar Location .......................... .363
Brake Assist System ........................ .160
Brake Control System, Electronic ................159
Brake Fluid .............................. .400
Brake System ......................... .354, 388Anti-Lock (ABS)
........................ .388
Fluid Check ........................ .355, 400
Parking .............................. .243
Warning Light .......................... .145
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................246
Bulb Replacement ......................... .287
Bulbs, Light .......................... .237, 287
Calibration Compass ............................. .138
Camera, Rear ............................ .265
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .397
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ........................... .339
Power
Steering ......................... .254
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................353
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................234, 393
Cargo Vehicle Loading ..........................97
Cargo Area Cover ...........................97
Cargo Compartment .........................97
Luggage Carrier ........................ .122
Car Washes .............................. .382
Cellular Phone ........................ .432, 456
Center High Mounted Stop Light ...............290
12
INDEX 473

Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System Controls . . . .405
Storage................................. .104
Storage Bin .............................. .104
Storage, Vehicle ........................ .87, 381
Storing Your Vehicle ....................... .381
Stow ‘n Go (Fold In Floor) Seats .................35
Stuck, Freeing ............................ .329
Sunglasses Storage ......................... .120
Supplemental Restraint System – Air Bag ..........198
Sway Control, Trailer ....................... .167
Synthetic Engine Oil ....................... .343
Telescoping Steering Column ...................55
Tilt Steering Column .........................55
Time Delay Headlight ...............................61
Tire And Loading Information Placard ............363
Tire Markings ............................ .358
Tires......................... .237, 367, 374, 379
Aging (Life Of Tires) ..................... .371
Air Pressure ........................... .367
Chains ............................... .378
Changing .......................... .297, 357
Compact Spare ......................... .375
General Information .................. .367, 374High Speed
............................ .369
Inflation Pressure ....................... .368
Jacking ........................ .297, 303, 357
Life Of Tires ........................... .371
Load Capacity ...................... .363, 364
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ........150, 174
Quality Grading ........................ .379
Radial ............................... .369
Replacement ........................... .372
Rotation .............................. .379
Safety ............................ .357, 367
Sizes ................................ .359
Snow Tires ............................ .374
Spar

e Tires ..................... .301, 374, 376
Spinning .............................. .370
Trailer Towing .......................... .277
Tread Wear Indicators .................... .370
Wheel Nut Torque ....................... .389
Tire Safety Information ...................... .357
Tire Service Kit ........................... .313
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .................275
To Open Hood .............................92
Torque Converter Clutch .................... .253
Towing ................................. .270
24-Hour Towing Assistance .................444
484 INDEX