2017 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN engine

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

NOTE:
•It is not necessary to move the temperature settings. The
system automatically adjusts the temperature, mode and
fan speed to provide comfort as quickly as possible.
• The temperature can be displayed in English or Metric
units by selecting the “Display Units of Measure in”
customer-programmable feature. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in this Section.
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 Override
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: The system will not automatically sense the pres-
ence of fog, mist or ice on the windshield. DEFROST mode
must be manually selected to clear the windshield and side
glass.
Air Conditioning (A/C)
The Air Conditioning (A/C) button allows the operator to
manually activate or deactivate the air conditioning sys-
tem. When in A/C mode with the ATC set to a cool
temperature, dehumidified air flows through the air out-
lets. If Economy mode is desired, push the A/C button to
turn off the A/C mode in the ATC display and deactivate
the A/C system.
NOTE:
• If the system is in Mix or Defrost Mode, the A/C can be
turned off, but the A/C system shall remain active to
prevent fogging of the windows.
• If not operating in AUTO mode, the system will not
automatically sense the presence of fog, mist or ice on
the windshield. DEFROST mode must be manually
selected to clear the windshield and side glass.
• If fog or mist appears on the windshield or side glass,
select Defrost mode and adjust blower speed if needed.
Controlling The Rear Climate Controls From The
Front ATC Panel
The Three-Zone ATC system allows for adjustment of the
rear climate controls from the front ATC panel.
332 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Rear Mode Control
•Headliner Mode
Air comes from the outlets in the headliner. Each of
these outlets can be individually adjusted to direct
the flow of air. Moving the air vanes of the outlets to one
side will shut off the airflow.
• Bi-Level Mode
Air comes from both the headliner outlets and the
floor outlets.
NOTE: In many temperature positions, the Bi-Level mode
is designed to provide cooler air out of the headliner
outlets and warmer air from the floor outlets.
• Floor Mode
Air comes from the floor outlets.
Operating Tips
NOTE: Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather conditions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected with a
high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to protect against engine overheating. OAT
coolant (conforming to MS.90032) is recommended. Refer
to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is functioning
properly and the proper amount, type, and concentration
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.
336 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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

▫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
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 341

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!
•When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key fob
from the ignition and lock your vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be seriously or fatally injured. Children
should be warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in
a location accessible to children. A child could oper-
ate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
• Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.
Automatic Transmission
The gear selector 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.
342 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 343

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded,
three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one
hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the driver’s side of the vehicle. It has a removable cap that
is located on the driver side of the Integrated Power
Module.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord
before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical
cord could cause electrocution.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING!
•It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if
the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
turn the engine OFF, and remove the key fob. When
the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF (key removal)
position, (or, with Keyless Enter-N-Go, when the
ignition is in the OFF mode) the transmission is
locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against un-
wanted movement.
(Continued)
344 STARTING AND OPERATING