2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN break

mRear Seat Delete Feature
(Commercial Vehicles Only) — If Equipped . . . . . 88
▫ Restraining Infants And Small Children With
Seat Delete Feature
(Commercial Vehicles Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
m Engine Break-In Recommendations . . . . . . . . . 91 m
Safety Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
▫ Transporting Passengers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
▫ Exhaust Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11 2

WARNING!The vehicle tether anchor is designed to be used with
a child restraint only. It should not be used for any
other purpose. Before use, inspect the tether anchor
strap for nicks, abrasions, discoloration, and loose
threads. If these or any other condition that might
affect the performance of the strap is observed, DO
NOT USE that strap. Personal injury may result.
Contact your authorized dealership for a replacement
part.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or
55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown in “Engine Oil”, under “Maintenance Procedures”
in section 7 of this manual. NON-DETERGENT OR
STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered a normal part of the break-in and not inter-
preted as an indication of difficulty.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 91 2

The uconnecttphone is fully integrated with the vehi-
cle’s audio system. The volume of the uconnectt phone
can be adjusted either from the radio volume control
knob or from the steering wheel radio control (right
switch), if so equipped.
The radio display will be used for visual prompts from
the uconnectt phone such as 9CELL9or caller ID on
certain radios.
Operation
Voice commands can be used to operate the uconnectt
phone and to navigate through the uconnectt phone
menu structure. Voice commands are required after most
uconnectt phone prompts. You will be prompted for a
specific command and then guided through the available
options.
Prior to giving a voice command, one must wait for
the beep, which follows the 9Ready9prompt or another
prompt.
For certain operations, compound commands can be
used. For example, instead of saying 9Setup9and then
9Phone Pairing,9 the following compound command
can be said: 9Setup Phone Pairing.9
For each feature explanation in this section, only the
combined form of the voice command is given. You
can also break the commands into parts and say each
part of the command when you are asked for it. For
example, you can use the combined form voice com-
mand9Phonebook New Entry,9 or you can break the
combined form command into two voice commands:
9Phonebook9 and9New Entry.9 Please remember, the
uconnectt phone works best when you talk in a
normal conversational tone, as if speaking to someone
sitting a few feet/meters away from you.
Voice Command Tree
Refer to “Voice Tree” in this section.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 115 3

CAUTION!NOTE: The storage bin cover must be locked and flat
to avoid damage from contact with the front seat
tracks, which have minimal clearance to the cover.
WARNING!
In an accident, serious injury could result if the seat
storage bin covers are not properly latched.
DO NOT drive the vehicle with the storage bin
covers open.
Keep the storage bin covers closed and latched
while the vehicle is in motion.
DO NOT use a storage bin latch as a tie down.
Coat Hooks
Coat hooks are located along the headliner for the second
and third row seating positions. The coat hook load limit
is 10 lbs (4.5 kg). Exceeding the recommended load limit
can cause the coat hooks to break or disengage from the
vehicle.
Cargo Area Storage
The liftgate sill plate has a raised line with the statement
“Load To This Line”. This line indicates how far rearward
cargo can be placed without interfering with liftgate
closing.
220 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe the
following precautions:
Use chains on P225/65R16 tires only. P225/65R17
tires do not provide adequate clearance.
Because of restricted chain clearance between tires
and other suspension components, it is important
that only chains in good condition are used. Bro-
ken chains can cause serious damage. Stop the
vehicle immediately if noise occurs that could
indicate chain breakage. Remove the damaged
parts of the chain before further use.
Do not exceed 45 mph (70 km/h).
Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
(Continued) CAUTION! (Continued)

Install chains on the front wheels as tightly as
possible and then retighten after driving about
0.5 mile (0.8 km).
Do not drive for prolonged periods of time on dry
pavement.
Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s instructions
on the method of installation, operating speed,
and conditions for use. Always use the lower
suggested operating speed of the chain manufac-
turer, if different from the speed recommended by
the vehicle manufacturer.
Always use the lower suggested operating speed if both
the chain manufacturer and vehicle manufacturer sug-
gest a maximum speed. This notice applies to all chain
traction devices, including link and cable (radial) chains.
368 STARTING AND OPERATING

OverloadingThe load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and front
and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to ensure that
it is not over the GVWR.
Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s
GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles, and the way
the brakes operate.
CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR
or the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, or it can change the
way your vehicle handles. This could cause you to
lose control. Also, overloading can shorten the life of
your vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 391 5

NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or authorized dealer-installed
options, must be considered as part of the total load on
your vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information
placard in the “Tire-Safety Information” section of this
manual for the maximum combined weight of occupants
and cargo for your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain
components, the following guidelines are recommended: CAUTION!

Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(805 km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may dam-
age your vehicle.
During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer
towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h). Perform the maintenance listed in the “Maintenance
Schedule.” Refer to Section 8 of this manual. When
towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR or GCWR
ratings. WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
STARTING AND OPERATING 401
5

WARNING!Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
Cleaning High Gloss Front Door and Pillar
Appliques
When cleaning the front door B-Pillar appliques, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Remove all dirt with a wet soft rag. A mild soap
solution may be used. Do not use high alcohol content or
abrasive cleaners. Glass cleaners are not recommended. If
soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp rag.
2. To maintain the high gloss shine, apply a scratch and
swirl remover onto a damp cloth and apply to the door
applique. Rub the applique with firm pressure then buff
lightly with a clean cotton cloth until a high gloss shine is
achieved.
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lightweight
and less susceptible to stone breakage than glass head-
lights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with MOPARt
Glass Cleaner or any commercial
household-type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 465 7