towing DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2020 Owner's Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING191
(Continued)
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
NOTE:
When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
Recreational Towing — All Models
Recreational towing is allowed ONLY if the front
wheels are OFF the ground. This may be
accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle
trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow this procedure:

1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place the
transmission in PARK.
4. Properly secure the front wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.
5. Release the parking brake.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The GroundAll
Models
Flat Tow
NONE NOT
ALLOWED
Dolly Tow Front
OK
Rear NOT
ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLBEST
METHOD
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result. If this vehicle requires
towing, make sure the drive wheels are OFF
the ground.
5

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192STARTING AND OPERATING
DRIVING TIPS
Driving On Slippery Surfaces
Information in this section will aid in safe
controlled launches in adverse conditions.
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or
other slippery surfaces may cause the driving
wheels to pull erratically to the right or left. This
phenomenon occurs when there is a difference
in the surface traction under the front (driving)
wheels.
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is
possible for a wedge of water to build up
between the tire and road surface. This is
hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following
precautions should be observed:
Slow down during rainstorms or when the
roads are slushy.
Slow down if the road has standing water or
puddles.
Replace the tires when tread wear indicators
first become visible.
Keep tires properly inflated.
Maintain sufficient distance between your
vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to avoid
a collision in a sudden stop.
Driving Through Water
Driving through water more than a few
inches/centimeters deep will require extra
caution to ensure safety and prevent damage to
your vehicle.
Flowing/Rising Water
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmis -
sion damage. Damage from improper
towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Do not use a bumper mounted clamp-on
tow bar on your vehicle. The bumper face
bar will be damaged.
CAUTION! (Continued)WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is
dangerous. Unequal traction can cause
sudden pulling of the front wheels. You could
lose control of the vehicle and possibly have a
collision. Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
WARNING!
Do not drive on or across a road or path
where water is flowing and/or rising (as in
storm run-off). Flowing water can wear away
the road or path's surface and cause your
vehicle to sink into deeper water.
Furthermore, flowing and/or rising water can
carry your vehicle away swiftly. Failure to
follow this warning may result in injuries that
are serious or fatal to you, your passengers,
and others around you.

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224IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial towing service.
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to
prevent damage to your vehicle. Use only tow
bars and other equipment designed for this
purpose, following equipment manufacturer’s
instructions. Use of safety chains is mandatory.
Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main
structural members of the vehicle, not to
bumpers or associated brackets. State and
local laws regarding vehicles under tow must be
observed. If you must use the accessories (wipers,
defrosters, etc.) while being towed, the ignition
must be in the ON/RUN mode, not the ACC
mode.
If the key fob is unavailable or the vehicle's
battery is discharged, refer to "Gear Selector
Override" in this section for instructions on
shifting the transmission out of PARK for
towing.
Towing Condition
Wheels OFF The GroundALL MODELS
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:
Transmission in NEUTRAL
25 mph (40 km/h) max speed
15 miles (24 km) max distance
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow
Rear
Front
OK
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD
CAUTION!
Do not use sling type equipment when
towing. Vehicle damage may occur.
When securing the vehicle to a flatbed
truck, do not attach to front or rear suspen-
sion components. Damage to your vehicle
may result from improper towing.
Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia
and transmission may result.

20_RT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 224

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY225
The manufacturer recommends towing your
vehicle with all four wheels OFF the ground
using a flatbed. If flatbed equipment is not
available, and the transmission is operable, the
vehicle may be flat towed (with all four wheels
ON the ground) under the following conditions:
The transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
The towing distance must not exceed
15 miles (24 km).
The towing speed must not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h). If the transmission is not operable, or the
vehicle must be towed faster than 25 mph
(40 km/h) or farther than 15 miles (24 km), it
must be towed with the front wheels OFF the
ground (using a flatbed truck, or wheel lift
equipment with the front wheels raised).
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS)
This vehicle is equipped with an Enhanced
Accident Response System. Please refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in
“Safety” for further information on the
Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS)
function.
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data
Recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is
to record data that will assist in understanding
how a vehicle’s systems performed under
certain crash or near crash-like situations, such
as an air bag deployment or hitting a road
obstacle.
Please refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in
“Safety” for further information on the Event
Data Recorder (EDR).CAUTION!
Towing faster than 25 mph (40 km/h) or
farther than 15 miles (24 km) with front
wheels on the ground can cause severe
transmission damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
6

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE229
Change automatic transmission fluid
and filter if using your vehicle for any of
the following: police, taxi, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing. X
X
Change automatic transmission fluid
and filter. X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if
necessary. X
1. The spark plug change interval is mileage based only, yearly intervals do not apply.
Mileage or time passed (whichever
comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
7

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE239
Under normal operating conditions, the
catalytic converter will not require
maintenance. However, it is important to keep
the engine properly tuned to ensure proper
catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being
assessed against you. In unusual situations involving grossly malfunc
-
tioning engine operation, a scorching odor may
suggest severe and abnormal catalyst
overheating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn
off the engine and allow it to cool. Service,
including a tune-up to manufacturer's specifi -
cations, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
damage:
Do not interrupt the ignition when the trans -
mission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or
towing the vehicle.
Do not idle the engine with any ignition
components disconnected or removed, such
as when diagnostic testing, or for prolonged
periods during very rough idle or malfunc -
tioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
Damage to the catalytic converter can
result if your vehicle is not kept in proper
operating condition. In the event of engine
malfunction, particularly involving engine
misfire or other apparent loss of perfor -
mance, have your vehicle serviced
promptly. Continued operation of your
vehicle with a severe malfunction could
cause the converter to overheat, resulting
in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
CAUTION! (Continued)
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to
cool. Never open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is
hot.
Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry
away from the radiator cooling fan when
the hood is raised. The fan starts automati -
cally and may start at any time, whether the
engine is running or not.
When working near the radiator cooling fan,
disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the
ignition to the OFF mode. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at any
time the ignition is in the ON mode.7

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250SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
For further information on GAWRs, vehicle
loading, and trailer towing, refer to “Vehicle
Loading” in the “Starting And Operating”
section of this manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions
of your vehicle, locate the statement “The
combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on the
Tire and Loading Information placard. The
combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage
and trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should
never exceed the weight referenced here.
Steps For Determining Correct Load
Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs. (4) The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5x150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.
Metric Example For Load Limit
For example, if “XXX” amount equals 635 kg
and there will be five 68 kg passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 295 kg (635-340
(5x68) = 295 kg) as shown in step 4.
NOTE:
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. The following table shows examples
on how to calculate total load, cargo/
luggage, and towing capacities of your
vehicle with varying seating configurations
and number and size of occupants. This table
is for illustration purposes only and may not
be accurate for the seating and load carry
capacity of your vehicle.
For the following example, the combined
weight of occupants and cargo should never
exceed 865 lbs (392 kg).

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE257
Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the use of
snow tires during the Winter. Snow tires can be
identified by a “mountain/snowflake” symbol
on the tire sidewall.
If you need snow tires, select tires
equivalent in size and type to the
original equipment tires. Use snow
tires only in sets of four; failure to do
so may adversely affect the safety and handling
of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings
than what was originally equipped with your
vehicle and should not be operated at
sustained speeds over 75 mph (120 km/h). For
speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h) refer to
original equipment or an authorized tire dealer
for recommended safe operating speeds,
loading and cold tire inflation pressures.
While studded tires improve performance on
ice, skid and traction capability on wet or dry
surfaces may be poorer than that of
non-studded tires. Some states prohibit
studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
Spare Tires — If Equipped
NOTE:
For vehicles equipped with Tire Service Kit
instead of a spare tire, please refer to
“Tire Service Kit” in “In Case Of Emergency” for
further information.
Refer to the “Towing Requirements - Tires” in
“Starting And Operating” for restrictions when
towing with a spare tire designated for
temporary emergency use.
Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire
and wheel equivalent in look and function to the
original equipment tire and wheel found on the
front or rear axle of your vehicle. This spare tire
may be used in the tire rotation for your vehicle. If your vehicle has this option, refer to an
authorized tire dealer for the recommended tire
rotation pattern.
Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary emergency
use only. You can identify if your vehicle is
equipped with a compact spare by looking at
the spare tire description on the Tire and
Loading Information Placard located on the
driver’s side door opening or on the sidewall of
the tire. Compact spare tire descriptions begin
with the letter “T” or “S” preceding the size
designation. Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original
equipment tire should be repaired (or replaced)
and reinstalled on your vehicle at the first
opportunity.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount
a conventional tire on the compact spare wheel,
since the wheel is designed specifically for the
compact spare tire. Do not install more than
one compact spare tire and wheel on the
vehicle at any given time.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do
not take your vehicle through an automatic
car wash with a compact or limited use
temporary spare installed. Damage to the
vehicle may result.
7

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312MULTIMEDIA
NOTE:
The emergency number dialed is based on
the country where the vehicle is purchased
(911 for the US and Canada and 060 for
Mexico). The number dialed may not be appli -
cable with the available mobile service and
area.
If supported, this number may be program -
mable 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. 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,” followed by “Towing
Assistance.” When prompted say
1-800-521-2779 for U.S., 1-800-363-4869 for
Canada, 55-14-3454 for Mexico City and
1-800-712-3040 for outside Mexico City in
Mexico.
Paging
To learn how to page, refer to “Working With
Automated Systems.” Paging works properly
except for pagers of certain companies, which
time out a little too soon to work properly with
the Uconnect Phone.
Voice Mail Calling
To learn how to access your voice mail, refer to
“Working With Automated Systems.” Working With Automated Systems
This method is used in instances where one
generally has to press numbers on the mobile
phone keypad while navigating through an
automated telephone system.
You can use your Uconnect Phone to access a
voice mail system or an automated service,
such as a paging service or automated
customer service line. Some services require
immediate response selection. In some
instances, that may be too quick for use of the
Uconnect Phone.
When calling a number with your Uconnect
Phone that normally requires you to enter in a
touch-tone sequence on your mobile phone
keypad, you can push the Voice Recognition
button and say the sequence you wish to
enter, followed by the word “Send.” For
example, if required to enter your PIN followed
with a pound, (3 7 4 6 #), you can push the
Voice Recognition button and say, “3 7 4 6 #
Send.” Saying a number, or sequence of
numbers, followed by “Send,” is also to be used
for navigating through an automated customer
service center menu structure, and to leave a
number on a pager.
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.

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368
INDEX
A
About Your Brakes......................................... 266Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............... 240Adding Fuel.................................................... 181Adding Washing Fluid.................................... 232Additives, Fuel............................................... 268AdjustDown........................................................... 28Forward....................................................... 28Rearward..................................................... 28Up................................................................ 28Air Bag........................................................... 132Air Bag Operation...................................... 133Air Bag Warning Light................................ 131Driver Knee Air Bag................................... 134Enhanced Accident Response......... 138, 225Event Data Recorder (EDR)....................... 225If Deployment Occurs................................ 138Knee Impact Bolsters................................ 134Maintaining Your Air Bag System.............. 139Maintenance............................................. 139Side Air Bags............................................. 134Transporting Pets...................................... 159Air Bag Light..................................94, 131, 160Air Cleaner, Engine
(Engine Air Cleaner Filter).............................. 235
Air Conditioner Maintenance........................ 235Air Conditioner Refrigerant........................... 235Air Conditioner System................................. 235Air Conditioning................................................ 56Automatic Rear............................................ 51Rear............................................................. 45Air Conditioning Filter..............................58, 235Air Conditioning, Operating Tips....................... 57Air Filter........................................................ 235Air PressureTires......................................................... 253AlarmArm The System.......................................... 15Disarm The System..................................... 15Security Alarm............................................. 97Alterations/ModificationsVehicle........................................................... 8Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................. 240, 271Disposal................................................... 242Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...................... 103Anti-Lock Warning Light................................... 97Ashtray............................................................. 78Assist, Hill Start............................................. 108Assistance Towing........................................ 312Automatic Dimming Mirror............................... 34Automatic Door Locks............................... 17, 18
Automatic Headlights.......................................38Automatic Transmission....................... 165, 244Adding Fluid..................................... 244, 274Fluid And Filter Change............................. 244Fluid Change............................................. 244Fluid Level Check............................. 243, 244Fluid Type........................................ 243, 274Gear Ranges............................................. 168Special Additives...................................... 244Torque Converter...................................... 172Axle Fluid....................................................... 274Axle Lubrication............................................ 274
B
Battery................................................... 95, 232Charging System Light.................................95Jump Starting........................................... 219Keyless Key Fob Replacement....................10Battery Saver Feature......................................39Belts, Seat.................................................... 160Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 237B-Pillar Location............................................ 249Brake Assist System..................................... 104Brake Control System, Electronic.................. 104Brake Fluid.................................................... 274

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