2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN engine

When rear controls are locked by the front system, the
LOCK symbol on the temperature knob is illuminated
and any rear overhead adjustments are ignored.
Rear Mode Control
Auto Mode
The rear system automatically maintains the correct
mode and comfort level desired by the rear seat occu-
pants.
Headliner ModeAir comes from the outlets in the headliner. Each of
these outlets can be individually adjusted to direct
the flow of air. Moving the air vanes of the outlets to one
side will shut off the airflow.
Bi-Level Mode Air comes from both the headliner outlets and the
floor outlets. NOTE:
In many temperature positions, the BI-LEVEL
mode is designed to provide cooler air out of the head-
liner outlets and warmer air from the floor outlets.
Floor Mode Air comes from the floor outlets.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50% ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7 of this
manual for proper coolant selection. 322 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Winter OperationTo ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is function-
ing properly and the proper amount, type, and concen-
tration of coolant is used. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures” in section 7 of this manual for proper coolant
selection. Use of the air RECIRCULATION mode during
Winter months is not recommended, because it may
cause window fogging.
Vacation/Storage
Before you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes, in
fresh air with the blower setting on high. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild, rainy
and/or humid weather. To clear the windows, select
DEFROST or MIX mode and increase the front blower
speed. Do not use the RECIRCULATION mode without
A/C for long periods, as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum they could plug the water drains. In
Winter months make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush and snow.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 323
4

STARTING AND OPERATINGCONTENTS
m
Starting Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
▫ Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
▫ Normal Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below 20°F Or –29°C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
▫ If The Engine Fails To Start . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
▫ After Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
m Engine Block Heater — If Equipped . . . . . . . 331 m
Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
▫ Brake/Transaxle Interlock System . . . . . . . 332
▫ Four-Speed Or Six-Speed Automatic
Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
▫ Gear Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
m Driving On Slippery Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
▫ Acceleration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
▫ Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339 5

mFuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
▫ 3.3L/3.8L Gasoline Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
▫ 4.0L Gasoline Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
▫ Reformulated Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends . . . . . . . . . . . 380
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles . . . . . 380
▫ MMT In Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
▫ Materials Added To Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
▫ Fuel System Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . 382
m Flexible Fuel (3.3L Engines Only) — If
Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
▫ E-85 General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383 ▫
Ethanol Fuel (E-85) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
▫ Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles E-85 And Gasoline Vehicles . . . . . . . 385
▫ Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
▫ Cruising Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
▫ Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
▫ Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
m Adding Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message . . . . . . . . . . 388
m Vehicle Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
▫ Vehicle Certification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
STARTING AND OPERATING 327 5

STARTING PROCEDURESBefore 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!

Never leave unattended children alone in a ve-
hicle. Leaving children in a vehicle is dangerous
for a number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.
Automatic Transaxle
The shift lever 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).
STARTING AND OPERATING 329 5

NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with a transaxle shift
interlocking system. The brake pedal must be pressed
to shift out of PARK.
Extreme Cold Weather (Below20°F or –29°C)
Follow the same instructions in the “Normal Starting”
procedure.
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
If The Engine Fails To Start WARNING!

Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
(Continued) WARNING! (Continued)

Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transaxle cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type
of start can be dangerous if done improperly. Refer
to “Jump Starting” in Section 6 of this manual.
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure, it may be flooded. Push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it
there while cranking the engine. This should clear any
excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.
330 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!To prevent damage to the starter, DO NOT crank the
engine for more than 15–second intervals at one time.
Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15–
second intervals of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the “Normal Starting” procedure should
be repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the electrical 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’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 electrical cord before
driving. Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord
could cause electrocution.
STARTING AND OPERATING 331 5

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
CAUTION!Damage to the transaxle may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:
Move the shift lever into PARK only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop.
Do not move the shift lever from REVERSE,
PARK, or NEUTRAL into any forward gear when
the engine is above idle speed.
Before moving the shift lever into any gear, make
sure your foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
NOTE: You must press and hold the brake pedal down
while shifting out of PARK. WARNING!
It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or
NEUTRAL 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
reverse. 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 foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.
Brake/Transaxle Interlock System
This system holds the shift lever in the PARK position
when the ignition switch is in the OFF position. It also
prevents you, once the engine is started, from moving the
shift lever 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 press
the brake pedal first before moving the shift lever out of
PARK.
332 STARTING AND OPERATING