2011 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN engine

A/C button is not pressed. This dehumidifies the air to
help dry the windshield. To improve fuel economy, use
these modes only when necessary.
6. Electronic Rear Window DefrostPress this button to turn on the rear window
defroster and the heated outside mirrors (if
equipped). An indicator in the button will illuminate
when the rear window defroster is on. The rear window
defroster automatically turns off after approximately
10 minutes. For an additional five minutes of operation,
press the button a second time.
NOTE:
•You can turn off the heated mirror feature at anytime
by pressing the rear window defroster switch a second
time.
•To prevent excessive battery drain, use the rear win-
dow defroster only when the engine is operating.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to
the heating elements:
•Use care when washing the inside of the rear
window. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on
the interior surface of the window. Use a soft cloth
and a mild washing solution, wiping parallel to
the heating elements. Labels can be peeled off
after soaking with warm water.
•Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abra-
sive window cleaners on the interior surface of the
window.
•Keep all objects a safe distance from the window.
7. Recirculation Control Button Press this button to choose between outside air
intake or recirculation of the air inside the
vehicle. A lamp will illuminate when you are in
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 323

7. Front Defrost ModeAir is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use DEFROST mode with
maximum blower and temperature settings for best
windshield and side window defrosting.
NOTE: The air conditioning compressor operates in
MIX and DEFROST, or a blend of these modes even if the
A/C button is not pressed. This dehumidifies the air to
help dry the windshield. To improve fuel economy, use
these modes only when necessary.
8. Electronic Rear Window Defrost Press this button to turn on the rear window
defroster and the heated outside mirrors (if
equipped). An indicator in the button will illuminate
when the rear window defroster is on. The rear window
defroster automatically turns off after approximately
10 minutes. For an additional five minutes of operation,
press the button a second time. NOTE:
•You can turn off the heated mirror feature at anytime
by pressing the rear window defroster switch a second
time.
•To prevent excessive battery drain, use the rear win-
dow defroster only when the engine is operating.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to
the heating elements:
•Use care when washing the inside of the rear
window. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on
the interior surface of the window. Use a soft cloth
and a mild washing solution, wiping parallel to
the heating elements. Labels can be peeled off
after soaking with warm water.
(Continued)
328 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

To provide you with maximum comfort in the automatic
mode, during cold start-ups, the blower fan will remain
on low until the engine warms up. The fan will engage
immediately if the DEFROST mode is selected, or by
changing the front blower knob setting
Manual Operation
This system offers a full complement of manual override
features. The AUTO symbol in the front ATC display will
be turned off when the system is being used in the
manual mode.
NOTE:Each of these features operate independently
from each other. If any one feature is controlled manually,
the temperature doors will continue to operate automati-
cally. There are seven fixed blower speeds.
Use the outer dial control to regulate
the amount of air forced through the
system in any mode you select. The
blower speed increases as you move
the control clockwise and decreases
when you move the control counter-
clockwise.
The blower fan speed can be set to any fixed speed by
adjusting the blower control outer dial. The fan will now
operate at a fixed speed until additional speeds are
selected. This allows the front occupants to control the
volume of air circulated in the vehicle and cancel the
Auto mode.
The operator can also select the direction of the airflow
by selecting one of the following positions.Blower Control
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 337

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 “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
To 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 “Maintaining Your Vehicle” 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.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 343

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 351
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 351
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 351
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or –29°C) ................ 352
▫ If The Engine Fails To Start ............. 352
▫ After Starting ....................... 353
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 353
 Automatic Transmission ................. 354 ▫
Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 355
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 355
▫ Fuel Economy (Econ) Mode ............. 356
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission ........ 357
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 358
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 362
▫ Acceleration ........................ 362
▫ Traction ........................... 363
 Driving Through Water ................. 363
5

▫Tire Spinning ....................... 392
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 393
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 393
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 394
 Tire Chains .......................... 395
 Snow Tires .......................... 397
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 397
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 398
▫ Base System ........................ 401
▫ Premium System – If Equipped .......... 403
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 408
▫ 3.6L Engine ........................ 408
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 408 ▫
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 409
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 409
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 410
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 410
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 411
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 412
 Flexible Fuel — If Equipped .............. 412
▫ E-85 General Information ............... 412
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ................... 414
▫ Fuel Requirements ................... 414
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles ...... 415
▫ Starting ........................... 415
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 349

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before 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 vehicle.
Leaving children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously 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.
Automatic Transmission
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).
NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with a transmission
shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must be
pressed to shift out of PARK.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 351

Extreme Cold Weather (Below –20°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
transmission 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 “What To Do In Emergen-
cies” for further information.
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.
352 STARTING AND OPERATING