2017 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN power steering

If equipped, the electronic Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
recognizes a swaying trailer and automatically applies
individual wheel brakes and/or reduces engine power to
attempt to eliminate the trailer sway.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue weight,
just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or some
other connecting point of the vehicle. These kinds of
hitches are the most popular on the market today and they
are commonly used to tow small and medium sized
trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying leverage
through spring (load) bars. They are typically used for
heavier loads to distribute trailer tongue weight to the tow
vehicle’s front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used in
accordance with the manufacturer’s directions, it provides
for a more level ride, offering more consistent steering and
brake control thereby enhancing towing safety. The addi-
tion of a friction/hydraulic sway control also dampenssway caused by traffic and crosswinds and contributes
positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability. Trailer sway
control and a weight distributing (load equalizing) hitch
are recommended for heavier Tongue Weights (TW) and
may be required depending on vehicle and trailer
configuration/loading to comply with Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) requirements.
WARNING!
•
An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing Hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking per-
formance, and could result in a collision.
• Weight Distributing Systems may not be compatible
with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your hitch
and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Recreational
Vehicle dealer for additional information.
410 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Accessories plugged into the vehicle power outlets
draw power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not
in use (i.e., cellular devices, etc.). Eventually, if plugged
in long enough without engine operation, the vehicle’s
battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery
life and/or prevent the engine from starting.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it can
often be moved using a rocking motion. Turn the steering
wheel right and left to clear the area around the front
wheels. Then shift back and forth between DRIVE and
REVERSE while gently pressing the accelerator. Use the
least amount of accelerator pedal pressure that will main-
tain the rocking motion, without spinning the wheels or
racing the engine.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for at
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce the
risk of transmission failure during prolonged efforts to
free a stuck vehicle.
NOTE: Push the ESC Off switch, to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in Partial Offmode before
rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake Control
System” in “Starting and Operating” for further informa-
tion. Once the vehicle has been freed, push the ESC Off
switch again to restore ESC Onmode.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated
by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or even
failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could explode and
injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels
faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30
seconds continuously without stopping when you are
stuck and do not let anyone near a spinning wheel, no
matter what the speed.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 451

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L
1 — Air Filter6 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 7 — Engine Oil Dipstick
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 8 — Engine Oil Fill
4 — Battery 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
5 — Totally Integrated Power Module (Fuses) 10 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 459

FUSES
WARNING!
•When replacing a blown fuse, always use an appro-
priate replacement fuse with the same amp rating as
the original fuse. Never replace a fuse with another
fuse of higher amp rating. Never replace a blown
fuse with metal wires or any other material. Failure
to use proper fuses may result in serious personal
injury, fire and/or property damage.
• Before replacing a fuse, make sure that the ignition is
off and that all the other services are switched off
and/or disengaged.
• If the replaced fuse blows again, contact an autho-
rized dealer.
• If a general protection fuse for safety systems (air
bag system, braking system), power unit systems
(engine system, gearbox system) or steering system
blows, contact an authorized dealer.
Totally Integrated Power Module (Fuses)
The Totally Integrated Power Module is located in the
engine compartment near the battery. Refer to the appli-
cable “Engine Compartment” illustration in this section.
This center contains cartridge fuses and mini-fuses. A label that identifies each component may be printed or em-
bossed on the inside of the cover.
CAUTION!
•
When installing the Totally Integrated Power Mod-
ule cover, it is important to ensure the cover is
properly positioned and fully latched. Failure to do
so may allow water to get into the Integrated Power
Module, and possibly result in a electrical system
failure.
(Continued)
Totally Integrated Power Module
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 485

Cavity Cartridge FuseMini-FuseDescription
M8 –20 Amp Yellow Front Heated Seat – If Equipped
M9 –20 Amp Yellow Rear Heated Seat – If Equipped
M10 –15 Amp Blue Ignition Off Draw — Video System, Satellite Ra-
dio, DVD, Hands-Free Module, Universal GarageDoor Opener, Vanity Lamp, Streaming Video Module – If Equipped
M11 –10 Amp Red Climate Control System
M12 –30 Amp Green Amplifier/Radio
M13 –20 Amp Yellow Instrument Cluster, SIREN, Clock Module, Multi-
function Control Switch – If Equipped
M14 –20 Amp Yellow Trailer Tow – If Equipped
M15 –20 Amp Yellow Rear View Mirror, Instrument Cluster, Multifunc-
tion Control Switch, Tire Pressure Monitor
M16 –10 Amp Red Airbag Module/Occupant Classification Module
M17 –15 Amp Blue Left Tail/License/Park Lamp, Running Lamps
M18 –15 Amp Blue Right Tail/Park/Run Lamp
M19 –25 Amp Clear Powertrain
M20 –15 Amp Blue Instrument Cluster Interior Light, Switch Bank,
Steering Column Module, Switch Steering Wheel
M21 –20 Amp Yellow Powertrain
M22 –10 Amp Red Horn
488 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission Use Only ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid. Failure to
use ATF+4 fluid may affect the function or performance of
your transmission. We recommend MOPAR ATF+4 Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR DOT 3. If DOT 3 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable.
Power Steering Reservoir We recommend you use MOPAR Power Steering Fluid +4,
MOPAR ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
498 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that service
is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as
frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will influence
when the “Oil Change Required” message is displayed.
Severe Operating Conditions can cause the change oil
message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), twelve months or 350
hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350
hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a concern
for fleet customers.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle
is operated in a dusty and off road environment or is
operated predominately at idle or only very low engine
RPM’s. This type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level.
• Check windshield washer fluid level.
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering and fill as needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
500 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Fluid And Filter Changes...................479
Fluid Change .......................... .479
Fluid Level Check ........................479
Fluid Type ..........................478, 498
Gear Ranges ............................348
Special Additives ........................ .478
Torque Converter ........................353
Auto Up Power Windows .....................31
Battery ...............................244, 468
Charging System Light ....................244
Jump Starting .......................... .448
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................21
Saving Feature (Protection) ..................177
Belts, Seat .................................93
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................470
B-Pillar Location .......................... .374
Brake Assist System ........................ .361
Brake Control System, Electronic ................359
Brake Fluid ...............................498
Brake System ..........................359, 476
Anti-Lock (ABS) ........................ .359
Fluid Check ............................477
Parking ...............................357
Warning Light .......................... .243Brake/Transmission Interlock
..................346
Bulb Replacement ..........................492
Bulbs, Light ............................95, 491
Calibration, Compass ........................267
Camera, Rear ............................ .192
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .495
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................. .404
Power Steering ..........................356
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................475
Carbon Monoxide Warning .................93, 402
Cargo Compartment Luggage Carrier ........................ .225
Car go

(Vehicle Loading) ..................... .219
Car Washes ...............................480
Center High Mounted Stop Light ...............494
Certification Label ..........................406
Chains, Tire ............................. .388
Changing A Flat Tire ........................433
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .370
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .461
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ................92
Checks, Safety .............................92
Child Restraint .............................71
10
INDEX 513