2007 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN transmission

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant 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 cord is routed under the hood on
the driver 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 cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could
cause electrocution. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:

WARNING!It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of “P” or
“N” if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly on 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 when your right
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
Brake/Transmission Interlock System
This system prevents you from moving the gear shift out
of Park and into any gear unless the brake pedal is
pressed. This system is active only while the ignition
switch is in the ON position. Always depress the brake
pedal first, before moving the gear selector out of PARK. Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock System
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting out of
PARK unless the key is in the OFF or ON positions.
NOTE: If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the
key in the ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety
feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and
stopped but the key cannot be removed until you obtain
service.
Four Speed Automatic Transmission
The electronically controlled transmission provides a
precise 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.316 STARTING AND OPERATING

Reset Mode - Electronic Transmission
The transmission is monitored electronically for abnor-
mal conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause
damage, the transmission automatically shifts into sec-
ond gear. The transmission remains in second gear
despite the forward gear selected. Park (P), Reverse (R),
and Neutral (N) will continue to operate. This Reset
feature allows the vehicle to be driven to a dealer for
service without damaging the transmission.
In the event that the problem has been momentary, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward gears.

WARNING!Never use Park position on an automatic transmis-
sion as a substitute for the parking brake. Always
apply parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible injury or
damage.
“R” Reverse
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
“N” Neutral
Engine may be started in this range.
“D” Overdrive
For most city and highway driving, it provides smoothest
upshifts and downshifts and best fuel economy. When
frequent transmission shifting occurs while using the
“D” Overdrive position, such as when operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, (i.e. in hilly
terrain, traveling into strong head winds or while towing
heavy trailers), using the “3” position will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build-up.
“3” Drive
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The transmis-
sion will operate normally in First, Second and Third
while in this range. The “3” position should also be used
when descending steep grades to prevent brake system
distress.
NOTE: Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up.
“L” Low
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts will318 STARTING AND OPERATING

occur only to prevent engine overspeed while downshifts
occur earlier than other gear range selections.
NOTE: The vehicle computer will over ride Overdrive
and “3” Drive ranges by changing shift points if the
transmission operating temperature exceeds acceptable
limits. This is done to prevent transmission damage due
to overheating.
PARKING BRAKE
When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch on, the brake light in the instrument cluster will
turn on.
NOTE: This light only shows that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and place the gear selector in the
Park position. To release the parking brake, pull out on
the parking brake release located on the left side of the
instrument panel. Parking Brake Release STARTING AND OPERATING 319
5

Be sure the parking brake is firmly set when parked and
the gear shift lever is in the PARK position. When
parking on a hill you should apply the parking brake
before placing the gear shift lever in PARK, otherwise the
load on the transmission locking mechanism may make it
difficult to move the selector out of PARK. WARNING!

Trailer Hitch Classification
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Class IV - Extra
Heavy Duty 10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle. Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer
weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/Transmission GCWR (Gross Com-
bined Wt. Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
2.4L Automatic 5,200 lbs (2358 kg) 40 SQ. FT. (3.72
square meters) Up to 2 persons &
Luggage 850 lbs (385
kg) 85 lbs (39 kg)
5,200 lbs (2358 kg) 40 SQ. FT. (3.72
square meters) 3 to 5 persons &
Luggage 400 lbs (181
kg) 40 lbs (18 kg)
5,200 lbs (2358 kg) 40 SQ. FT. (3.72
square meters) 6 to 7 persons &
Luggage Not Recom-
mended N/A372 STARTING AND OPERATING

Engine/Transmission GCWR (Gross Com-
bined Wt. Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
3.3L & 3.8L Auto-
matic 6,600 lbs (2993 kg) 40 SQ. FT. (3.72
square meters) Up to 2 persons &
Luggage 1,800 lbs
(816 kg) 180 lbs (82 kg)
6,600 lbs (2993 kg) 40 SQ. FT. (3.72
square meters) 3 to 5 persons &
Luggage 1,350 lbs
(612 kg) 135 lbs (61 kg)
6,600 lbs (2993 kg) 40 SQ. FT. (3.72
square meters) 6 to 7 persons &
Luggage 1,000 lbs
(454 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg) STARTING AND OPERATING 373
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