2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN engine

An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your authorized dealer for service assistance.
The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers is not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning DO NOT
inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon monox-
ide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
NEVER run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and NEVER sit in a parked vehicle with
the engine running for an extended period. If the
vehicle is stopped in an open area with the engine
running for more than a short period, adjust the
ventilation system to force fresh, outside air into
the vehicle.
(Continued)
382 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)
Guard against carbon monoxide with proper
maintenance. Have the exhaust system inspected
every time the vehicle is raised. Have any abnor-
mal conditions repaired promptly. Until repaired,
drive with all side windows fully open.
Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle
to prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous
exhaust gases from entering the vehicle.
FLEXIBLE FUEL (3.3L ENGINES ONLY) — IF
EQUIPPED
E-85 General Information
The information in this section is for Flexible Fuel Ve-
hicles (FFV) only. These vehicles can be identified by the
unique fuel filler door label that states Ethanol (E-85) or
Unleaded Gasoline Only. This section only covers those
subjects that are unique to these vehicles. Please refer to the other sections of this manual for information on
features that are common between Flexible Fuel and
gasoline only powered vehicles. E-85 Fuel Cap
STARTING AND OPERATING 383 5

For best results, a refueling pattern that avoids alternat-
ing between E-85 and unleaded gasoline is recom-
mended.
When you do switch fuel types, it is recommended that:
you do not add less than 5 gal (19 L) when refueling
you drive the vehicle immediately after refueling for at
least 5 miles (8 km)
Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in driveability
during warm up.
NOTE:
Use seasonally adjusted E-85 fuel (ASTM D5798). With
non-seasonally adjusted E-85 fuel, you may experience
hard starting and rough idle following start-up, even if
the above recommendations are followed, especially
when the ambient temperature is below 32°F (0°C).
Some additives used in regular gasoline are not fully
compatible with E–85 and may form deposits in your
engine. To eliminate driveability issues that may be
caused by these deposits, a supplemental gasoline
additive, such as MOPARt Injector Cleanup or
Techron may be used.
Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
E-85 and Gasoline Vehicles
FFV vehicles operated on E–85 require specially formu-
lated engine oils. These special requirements are included
in MOPARt engine oils, and in equivalent oils meeting
Chrysler Specification MS-6395. The manufacturer only
recommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet
the requirements of Material Standard MS-6395. MS-6395
contains additional requirements, developed during ex-
tensive fleet testing, to provide additional protection to
Chrysler LLC engines. Use MOPARt or an equivalent oil
meeting the specification MS-6395.
STARTING AND OPERATING 385 5

StartingThe characteristics of E-85 fuel make it unsuitable for use
when ambient temperatures fall below 0°F (-18°C). In the
range of 0°F (-18°C) to 32°F (0°C), you may experience an
increase in the time it takes for your engine to start, and
a deterioration in driveability (sags and/or hesitations)
until the engine is fully warmed up.
NOTE:
Use of the engine block heater (if equipped) is
beneficial for E-85 startability when the ambient tempera-
ture is less than 32°F (0°C).
Cruising Range
Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gallon/liter
than gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuel
consumption. You can expect your miles per gallon
(mpg)/miles per liter and your driving range to decrease
by about 30% compared to gasoline operation.
Replacement Parts
Many components in your Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) are
designed to be compatible with ethanol. Always be sure
that your vehicle is serviced with correct ethanol com-
patible parts. CAUTION!
Replacing fuel system components with non-ethanol
compatible components can damage your vehicle.
Maintenance
If you operate the vehicle using E-85 fuel, follow the
maintenance schedule section of this manual.
CAUTION!
Do not use ethanol mixture greater than 85% in your
vehicle. It will cause difficulty in cold starting and
may affect driveability.
386 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and will cause the “Malfunction Indicator
Light” to turn on.
NOTE:
Tighten the fuel filler cap until you hear a “clicking”
sound. This is an indication that the fuel filler cap is
properly tightened.
If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the “Malfunc-
tion Indicator Light” may come on. Be sure the gas cap
is tightened every time the vehicle is refueled. WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the
gASCAP message is displayed in the instrument
cluster, this signifies a leak or change in the evaporative
system is detected. Sometimes this is the result of a
loosely fitting (or possibly damaged) filler cap. Tighten
the fuel filler cap properly and press the odometer reset
button to turn the gASCAPmessage off.
Make sure that the fuel filler cap is tightened each time
the vehicle is refueled.
388 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/Transaxle
GCWR (Gross Com-
bined Wt. Rating) Frontal AreaMax. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
3.3L, 3.8L and 4.0L/ Automatic 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg) 22 sq ft (2.0 sq m)
Up to 2 persons &
Luggage 1,800 lbs (816 kg) 180 lbs (82 kg)
7,000 lbs (3 175 kg) 22 sq ft (2.0 sq m) 3 to 5 persons &
Luggage 1,350 lbs (612 kg) 135 lbs (61 kg)
7,000 lbs (3 175 kg) 22 sq ft (2.0 sq m) 6 to 7 persons &
Luggage 1,000 lbs (454 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
398 STARTING AND OPERATING

Engine/TransaxleGCWR (Gross Com-
bined Wt. Rating) Frontal AreaMax. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
3.8L and 4.0L/
Automatic (with Tow Package) 9,000 lbs (4 082 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m)
Up to 2 persons &
Luggage 3,800 lbs
(1 723 kg)* 380 lbs (172 kg)
9,000 lbs (4 082 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 3 to 5 persons &
Luggage 3,350 lbs (1 519 kg)* 335 lbs (152 kg)
9,000 lbs (4 082 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 6 to 7 persons &
Luggage 3,000 lbs (1 360 kg)* 300 lbs (136 kg)
* For vehicles equipped with Fold-in-Floor seating, the Gross Trailer Weight must be reduced by 100 lbs (45 kg).
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo,
and should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard. Refer to Tire–
Safety Information in this section of the manual.
STARTING AND OPERATING 399 5

When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transaxle, steering, suspension, chassis
structure or tires.
Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
PARK. Always, block or
9chock9the trailer wheels.
GCWR must not be exceeded.
Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Trailer tongue weight rating for that trailer hitch.
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of trailer tongue weight
as a percentage of total trailer weight.)
402 STARTING AND OPERATING