2020 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN Owners Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING167
Fuel Economy (ECON) Mode
The Fuel Economy (ECON) mode can improve
the vehicle's overall fuel economy during
normal driving conditions. Push the “econ”
switch in the center stack of the instrument
panel and a green light will indicate the ECON
mode is engaged.

Fuel Economy Mode Switch

When the Fuel Economy (ECON) Mode is
enabled, 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.
The overall driving performance will be more
conservative.
Some ECON mode functions may be tempo -
rarily inhibited based on temperature and
other factors.
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
The transmission gear position display (located
in the instrument cluster) indicates the
transmission gear range. You must press the
brake pedal to move the gear selector out of
PARK refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift
Interlock System” in this section. To drive, move
the gear selector from PARK or NEUTRAL to the
DRIVE position.
The electronically-controlled transmission
provides a precise shift schedule. The
transmission electronics are self-calibrating;
therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle
may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop
within a few hundred miles (kilometers).
Gear Selector

Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE
when the accelerator pedal is released and the
vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on
the brake pedal when shifting between these
gears.
The transmission gear selector has only PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, and DRIVE shift positions.
Manual downshifts can be made using the
Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control refer
to “Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation” in
this section for further information. Moving the
gear selector to the left or right (–/+) while in
the DRIVE position will select the highest
available transmission gear, and will display
that gear in the instrument cluster as 1, 2, 3,
etc.5

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168STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
(Continued)
Gear Ranges
Do not depress the accelerator pedal when
shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another
gear range.
NOTE:
After selecting any gear range, wait a moment
to allow the selected gear to engage before
accelerating. This is especially important when
the engine is cold.
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by
locking the transmission. The engine can be
started in this range. Never attempt to use
PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the
parking brake when exiting the vehicle in this
range.
When parking on a level surface, you may shift
the transmission into PARK first, and then apply
the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
before shifting the transmission to PARK,
otherwise the load on the transmission locking
mechanism may make it difficult to move the gear selector out of PARK. As an added
precaution, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade, and away from the
curb on an uphill grade.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
Apply the parking brake.
Shift the transmission into PARK.
Turn the engine off.
Remove the key fob.
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 accel
-
erate quickly forward or in reverse. 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 come to a complete stop,
then 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, the transmission is locked in
PARK, securing the vehicle against
unwanted movement.
When leaving the vehicle, always make
sure the ignition is in the OFF mode,
remove the key fob from the vehicle, and
lock the vehicle.
Never use the PARK position as a substi -
tute for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when exiting the vehicle
to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
WARNING! (Continued)

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STARTING AND OPERATING169
The following indicators should be used to
ensure that you have properly engaged the
transmission into the PARK position:
When shifting into PARK, firmly move the
gear selector all the way forward and to the
left until it stops and is fully seated.
Look at the transmission gear position
display and verify that it indicates the PARK
position (P).
With brake pedal released, verify that the
gear selector will not move out of PARK.
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 exit the vehicle.
Your vehicle could move and injure you and
others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to
move the gear selector out of PARK with the
brake pedal released. Make sure the trans -
mission is in PARK before exiting the
vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat -
tended 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 transmission gear
selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil -
dren), and do not leave the ignition in the
ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
WARNING! (Continued)
CAUTION!
Before moving the transmission gear
selector out of PARK, you must turn the igni -
tion 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.
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.
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170STARTING AND OPERATING
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 character -
istics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs
(such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, in hilly terrain,
traveling into strong head winds, or while towing
a heavy trailer), use the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control refer to "Electronic Range
Select (ERS) Operation" in this section for
further information to select a lower gear range.
Under these conditions, using a lower gear range will improve performance and extend
transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat buildup.
During cold temperatures, transmission
operation may be modified depending on
engine and transmission temperature as well
as vehicle speed. This feature improves warm
up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of
the torque converter clutch is inhibited until the
transmission fluid is warm refer to the “Note”
under “Torque Converter Clutch” in this section.
During extremely cold temperatures (-16°F
[-27°C] or below), operation may briefly be
limited to third gear only. Normal operation will
resume once the transmission temperature has
risen to a suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electron
-
ically for abnormal conditions. If a condition is
detected that could result in transmission
damage, Transmission Limp Home Mode is
activated. In this mode, the transmission
remains in THIRD gear regardless of which
forward gear is selected. PARK, REVERSE, and
NEUTRAL will continue to operate. The
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated. Limp Home Mode allows the
vehicle to be driven to an authorized dealer for
service without damaging the transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward
gears by performing the following steps:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition OFF.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the
problem is no longer detected, the
transmission will return to normal
operation.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit an authorized dealer
at your earliest possible convenience. An
authorized dealer has diagnostic equipment to
assess the condition of your transmission.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized
dealer service is required.
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.

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STARTING AND OPERATING171
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control
allows the driver to limit the highest available
gear when the transmission is in DRIVE. For
example, if you set the transmission gear limit
to 4 (FOURTH gear), the transmission will not
shift above FOURTH gear (except to prevent
engine overspeed), but will shift through the
lower gears normally.
You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode
at any vehicle speed. When the gear selector is in the DRIVE position, the transmission will
operate automatically, shifting between all
available gears. Tapping the gear selector to the
left (-) will activate ERS mode, display the
current gear in the instrument cluster, and set
that gear as the top available gear. Once in ERS
mode, tapping the gear selector to the left (-) or
right (+) will change the top available gear.
To exit ERS mode, simply hold the gear selector
to the right (+) until the gear limit display
disappears from the instrument cluster.
NOTE:
To select the proper gear position for maximum deceleration (engine braking), tap the gear selector to the left (-) repeatedly as the vehicle slows. The
transmission will shift to the range from which the vehicle can best be slowed down.WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine
braking on a slippery surface. The drive
wheels could lose their grip and the vehicle
could skid, causing a collision or personal
injury.
Transmission Gear Position Display 1 2 3456D
Actual Gear(s) Allowed 11–2 1–3 1–4 1–5 1–6 1–6
5

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172STARTING AND OPERATING
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an
electronically controlled Overdrive (SIXTH gear).
The transmission will automatically shift into
Overdrive if the following conditions are
present:
The gear selector is in the DRIVE position.
The transmission fluid has reached an
adequate temperature.
The engine coolant has reached an adequate
temperature.
The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
The driver is not heavily pressing the
accelerator.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy
has been included in the automatic
transmission on your vehicle. A clutch within the
torque converter engages automatically at
calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal
operation in the upper gears. When the vehicle
speed drops or during some accelerations, the
clutch automatically disengages. NOTE:
The torque converter clutch will not engage until
the transmission fluid and engine coolant are
warm [usually after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 km) of
driving]. Because the engine speed is higher
when the torque converter clutch is not
engaged, it may seem as if the transmission is
not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is
normal. Using the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
shift control, when the transmission is
sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the
transmission is able to shift into and out of
Overdrive.
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 conditions, 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 steering pump may make noise for a
short amount of time. This is due to the cold,
thick fluid in the steering system. This noise
should be considered normal, and it does not
in any way damage the steering system.
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.

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STARTING AND OPERATING173
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a
defined service interval is not required. The fluid
should only be checked if a leak is suspected,
abnormal noises are apparent, and/or the
system is not functioning as anticipated.
Coordinate inspection efforts through an
authorized dealer. 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
And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”
for the correct fluid type.
SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, the Speed Control takes over
accelerator operations at speeds greater than
25 mph (40 km/h).
The Speed Control buttons are located on the
right side of the steering wheel.

Speed Control Buttons
NOTE:
In order to ensure proper operation, the Speed
Control System has been designed to shut down
if multiple Speed Control functions are operated
at the same time. If this occurs, the Speed
Control System can be reactivated by pushing
the Speed Control on/off button and resetting
the desired vehicle set speed.
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.
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.
1 — On/Off
2 — RES (+)
3 — SET (-)
4 — CANCEL
WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the
system cannot maintain a constant speed.
Your vehicle could go too fast for the
conditions, and you could lose control and
have an accident. Do not use Speed Control
in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding,
icy, snow-covered or slippery.
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174STARTING AND OPERATING
To Activate
Push the on/off button. The Cruise Indicator
Light in the instrument cluster display will
illuminate. To turn the system off, push the
on/off button a second time. The Cruise
Indicator Light will turn off. The system should
be turned off when not in use.
To Set A Desired Speed
Turn the Speed Control on. When the vehicle
has reached the desired speed, push the SET (-)
button and release. Release the accelerator
and the vehicle will operate at the selected
speed.
NOTE:
The vehicle should be traveling at a steady
speed and on level ground before pushing the
SET (-) button.
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Speed
When the Speed Control is set, you can increase
speed by pushing the RES (+) button.
The driver’s preferred units can be selected
through the instrument panel settings (if
equipped). Refer to “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for more information. The
speed increment shown is dependent on the
chosen speed unit of U.S. (mph) or Metric
(km/h):
U.S. Speed (mph)
Pushing the RES (+) button once will result in
a 1 mph increase in set speed. Each subse -
quent tap of the button results in an increase
of 1 mph.
If the button is continually pushed, the set
speed will continue to increase until the
button is released, then the new set speed
will be established.
Metric Speed (km/h)
Pushing the RES (+) button once will result in
a 1 km/h increase in set speed. Each subse -
quent tap of the button results in an increase
of 1 km/h.
If the button is continually pushed, the set
speed will continue to increase until the
button is released, then the new set speed
will be established.
To Decrease Speed
When the Speed Control is set, you can
decrease speed by pushing the SET (-) button.
The driver’s preferred units can be selected
through the instrument panel settings (if
equipped). Refer to “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for more information. The
speed decrement shown is dependent on the
chosen speed unit of U.S. (mph) or Metric
(km/h):
U.S. Speed (mph)
Pushing the SET (-) button once will result in
a 1 mph decrease in set speed. Each subse -
quent tap of the button results in a decrease
of 1 mph.
If the button is continually pushed, the set
speed will continue to decrease until the
button is released, then the new set speed
will be established.
WARNING!
Leaving the Speed Control system on when
not in use is dangerous. You could
accidentally set the system or cause it to go
faster than you want. You could lose control
and have an accident. Always leave the
system off when you are not using it.

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