2017 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN fuel

When the DTE value is less than 30 miles (48 km) estimated
driving distance, the DTE display will change to a “LOW
FUEL” message. This display will continue until the ve-
hicle runs out of fuel. Adding a significant amount of fuel
to the vehicle will turn off the “LOW FUEL” message and
a new DTE value will display.
Current Fuel Economy (MPG or L/100 km)
This display shows the instantaneous MPG or L/100 km in
bar graph form while driving. This will monitor the gas
mileage in real-time as you drive and can be used to
modify driving habits in order to increase fuel economy.
Vehicle Speed
Push and release theUPorDOWNarrow button
until “Vehicle Speed” displays highlighted in the Instru-
ment Cluster Display and push the RIGHT
arrow
button. Push and release the RIGHT
arrow button to
display the current speed in mph or km/h. Pushing the
RIGHT
arrow button a second time will toggle the
unit of measure between mph or km/h.
NOTE: Changing the unit of measure in the Vehicle Speed
menu will not change the unit of measure in the Instrument
Cluster Display.
Trip Info
Push and release the UPorDOWNarrow button
until “Trip Info” is highlighted in the Instrument Cluster
Display and push the RIGHT
button. Push and
release the UP
orDOWNarrow button to high-
light one of the following functions.
Trip A
• Shows the total distance traveled for Trip A since the last
reset.
• Shows the elapsed time traveled for Trip A since the last
reset.
Trip B
•Shows the total distance traveled for Trip B since the last
reset.
• Shows the elapsed time traveled for Trip B since the last
reset.
Elapsed Time
Shows the total elapsed time of travel since the last reset
when the ignition switch is in the ACC position. Elapsed
time will increment when the ignition switch is in the ON
or START position.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 265

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 wind-
shield and side window defrosting.
NOTE: The air conditioning compressor may operate in
Mix and Defrost, even if the A/C button is not pushed.
This dehumidifies the air to help dry the windshield. To
improve fuel economy, use these modes only when neces-
sary.
8. Electronic Rear Window Defrost
Push this button to turn on the rear window de-
froster 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 auto-
matically turns off after approximately 10 minutes. NOTE:
•You can turn off the heated mirror feature at anytime
by pushing 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 win-
dow. 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 heat-
ing elements. Labels can be peeled off after soaking
with warm water.
• Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive
window cleaners on the interior surface of the win-
dow.
• Keep all objects a safe distance from the window.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 325

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................342
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................342
▫ Normal Starting ........................342
▫ Extreme Cold Weather (Below –22°F Or 30°C) .343
▫ If The Engine Fails To Start ...............343
▫ After Starting ..........................343
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .344
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ..............344
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ................345
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .346
▫ Fuel Economy (ECON) Mode ..............346
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission ...........347
▫ Gear Ranges ..........................348
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES ..........353▫
Acceleration .......................... .353
▫ Traction ............................ .354
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER ..............354
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ...................354
▫ Shallow Standing Water ..................355
 POWER STEERING ..................... .356
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ...............356
 PARKING BRAKE .......................357
 BRAKE SYSTEM ........................359
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM .....359
▫ Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) ......359
▫ Brake System Warning Light ...............359
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............360
▫ Anti-Lock Brake

Warning Light.............361
5

▫Brake Assist System (BAS) ................361
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ...................362
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) .............364
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ...........364
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ............367
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ................368
 TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION ..............368
▫ Tire Markings ........................ .368
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............372
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ...........373
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ............374
 TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION .........379
▫ Tire Pressure ..........................379
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ..................380
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation .....381
▫ Radial Ply Tires ........................381
▫ Tire Types ............................382 ▫
Run Flat Tires — If Equipped ..............383
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ................383
▫ Tire Spinning ........................ .386
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ...................386
▫ Life Of Tire .......................... .387
▫ Replacement Tires ..................... .387
 TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES) .........388
 TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS ......389
 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY

GRADES..................390
▫ Treadwear ............................390
▫ Traction Grades ........................390
▫ Temperature Grades .....................391
 TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) . . .391
▫ Base System .......................... .393
▫ Premium System .......................395
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS ...................399
340 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫3.6L Engine .......................... .399
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ..................399
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ...............399
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles .........400
▫ CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications ......400
▫ MMT In Gasoline .......................400
▫ Materials Added To Fuel .................401
▫ Fuel System Cautions ....................401
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ...............402
 FLEXIBLE FUEL — IF EQUIPPED ............402
▫ E-85 General Information .................402
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ..................... .402
▫ Fuel Requirements .....................403
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles ..............403
▫ Starting ............................ .404▫
Cruising Range ........................404
▫ Replacement Parts ..................... .404
▫ Maintenance ..........................404
 ADDING FUEL ........................ .404
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................404
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message .............406
 VEHICLE LOADING .....................406
▫ Vehicle Certification Label ................406
 TRAILER TOWING ..................... .408
▫ Common Towing Definitions ...............409
▫ Towing Tips ..........................417
 RECREA

TIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ....................418
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . . .418
▫ Recreational Towing — All Models ..........419
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STARTING AND OPERATING 341

Extreme Cold Weather (Below –22°F Or 30°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
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.
• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission 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 Emergencies” for
further information. If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure, it may be flooded. Press 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.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, DO NOT crank the
engine for more than 15 second intervals at one time.
Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key fob
is released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the
accelerator pedal pressed all the way to the floor. Release
the accelerator pedal and the key fob once the engine is
running smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15-second
intervals of cranking with the accelerator pedal held to the
floor, the “Normal Starting” procedure should be repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 343

ignition when the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF position,
and the transmission is locked in PARK whenever the
ignition is in the LOCK/OFF position.
NOTE:If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the key
fob in the ignition to warn you that this safety feature is
inoperable. The engine can be started and stopped but the
key fob cannot be removed until you obtain service.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the transmission gear
selector in PARK unless the brakes are applied. To shift the
transmission out of PARK, the ignition must be turned to
the ON/RUN mode (engine running or not) and the brake
pedal must be pressed.
Fuel Economy (ECON) Mode
The Fuel Economy (ECON) mode can improve the vehi-
cle’s overall fuel economy during normal driving condi-
tions. Push the “econ” switch in the center stack of the
instrument panel and a green light will indicate the ECON
mode is engaged. When the Fuel Economy (ECON) Mode is engaged, the
vehicle control systems will change the following:
•
The transmission will upshift sooner and downshift
later.
• The transmission will skip select gears during shifts to
allow the engine to operate at lower speeds.
• The torque converter clutch may engage at lower engine
speeds and remain on longer.
• The engine idle speed will be lower.
Fuel Economy Mode Switch
346 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
•Before moving the transmission gear selector out of
PARK, you must turn the ignition to the ON/RUN
mode, and also press the brake pedal. Otherwise,
damage to the gear selector could result.
• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK
or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can
damage the drivetrain.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift the
transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices
that limit your response to changing traffic or road
conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and
have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts,
and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through all forward gears. The DRIVE position
provides optimum driving characteristics under all normal
operating conditions.
350 STARTING AND OPERATING