2010 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN steering

Press and release the MENU button, and the
mode displayed will change between
Compass/Temperature, Trip, System Status,
and Personal Settings.Press the STEP button to scroll through sub
menus (i.e., Trip Functions, Avg. Fuel Economy,
DTE, Elapsed Time, and Units).
Steering Wheel EVIC Compass/Temp
Control Button, as it appears on the
right side of the steering wheel spoke.
Press and release the Compass/Temperature
button to for instant access to the Compass/
Temperature screens. Press this button to RESET Trip Functions and
change Personal Settings.
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Displays
When the appropriate conditions exist, the EVIC displays
the following messages:
•Door(s) Ajar (with a single chime, if vehicle is in
motion)
•Liftgate Ajar (chime will sound when vehicle starts
moving)
•Check TPM System (refer to “Tire Pressure Monitoring
System” in “Starting And Operating”)
•Turn Signal On
•RKE Battery Low
246 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:Refer to the “Uconnect™ Multimedia” section of
Uconnect™ User Manual located on the DVD for further
details.
REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS —
IF EQUIPPED
The remote sound system controls are located on the rear
surface of the steering wheel, at the three and nine
o’clock positions.
VES™ Remote Control Location
Remote Sound System Controls
(Back View Of Steering Wheel)
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 295

Driving Through Water ................. 333
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 333
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 333
 Power Steering ....................... 335
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 335
 Parking Brake ........................ 336
 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............ 338
▫ Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light .......... 340
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 341
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 341
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 342
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 343
▫ ESP/BAS Warning Light ............... 344 
Tire Safety Information ................. 345
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 345
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 349
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 350
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 351
 Tires — General Information ............. 355
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 355
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 356
▫ Tire Pressures For High-Speed Operation . . . 357
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ..................... 358
▫ Compact Spare Tire ................... 358
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 359
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 360
318 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended 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
fob in the ignition switch. A child could operate
power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have placed the shift lever into the PARK position:
•When moving the shift lever into PARK, press the
button on the shift lever and firmly move the lever all
the way forward until it stops.
•Look at the shift indicator window on the console to
ensure the shift lever is in the PARK position.
•When engaged in PARK, you will not be able to move
the shift lever rearward without pressing the shift
lever button.
CAUTION!
Before moving the shift lever out of PARK, you must
turn the ignition switch from OFF to ACC/ON so the
steering wheel and shift lever are released. Other-
wise, damage to the steering column or shift lever
could result.
REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
328 STARTING AND OPERATING

POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
•Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel
travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.
•Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steer-
ing pump may make noise for a short amount of time.
This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steeringsystem. This noise should be considered normal, and it
does not in any way damage the steering system.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 335

checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and place the shift lever in the
PARK position.
The foot operated parking brake is positioned below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the
park brake, firmly push the park brake pedal fully. To
release the parking brake, press the park brake pedal a
second time and let your foot up as you feel the brake
disengage.
336 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)
•The BAS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplan-
ing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) enhances direc-
tional control and stability of the vehicle under various
driving conditions. ESP corrects for over/under steering
of the vehicle by applying the brake of the appropriate
wheel to assist in counteracting the over/under steer
condition. Engine power may also be reduced to help the
vehicle maintain the desired path.ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle
path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual
path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match
the intended path, ESP applies the brake of the appropri-
ate wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or
understeer condition.
•Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
•Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
ESP On
This mode is the normal operating mode for ESP on
two-wheel drive vehicles. Whenever the vehicle is
started, the ESP system will be in this mode. This mode
should be used for most driving situations. ESP should
only be turned off for specific reasons as noted below.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 343

WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never
overload them.
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure.
Safety
WARNING!
•Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause accidents.
•Under-inflation increases tire flexing and can re-
sult in over-heating and tire failure.
•Over-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can
cause damage that result in tire failure.
•Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
•Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting
in loss of vehicle control.(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 355