2020 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN engine coolant

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE57
3. When the system is set up for your comfort
level, it is not necessary to change the
settings. You will experience the greatest
efficiency by simply allowing the system to
function automatically.
NOTE:
It is not necessary to move the temperature
settings for cold or hot vehicles. The system
automatically adjusts the temperature,
mode, and blower speed to provide comfort
as quickly as possible.
The temperature can be displayed in U.S. or
Metric units by selecting the U.S./Metric
customer programmable feature. 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 blower will increase in speed and transi -
tion into AUTO mode.
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.
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 “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and
defroster performance, make sure the engine
cooling system is functioning properly and the
proper amount, type, and concentration of
coolant is used. Refer to “Fluids And
Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for
proper coolant selection. Use of the air Recircu -
lation 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.
2

20_RT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 57

84GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Instrument Cluster Descriptions

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Instrument Cluster Display— If Equipped / Odometer Display / Trip Odometer Display
Instrument Cluster Display— If Equipped
The instrument cluster display features a
driver interactive display that is located in the
instrument cluster. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in this section for further
information.
Odometer Display / Trip Odometer
Display
The odometer display shows the total
distance the vehicle has been driven. This also displays Trip A and Trip B, DTE, MPG
or L/100km, Outside Air Temperature (OAT)
information to Base Cluster, use STEP and
RESET button (on steering wheel) to access
or reset the display.
Message Display Area (Base Instrument
Cluster)
When the appropriate conditions exist, the
following odometer messages will display:
door — Door Ajar
gATE — Liftgate Ajar
LoW tirE — Low Tire Pressure
gASCAP — Fuel Cap Fault
noFUSE — Fuse Fault
CHAngE OIL — Oil Change Required
LoCOOL — Low Coolant
3. Speedometer Indicates vehicle speed. 4. Fuel Gauge
The gauge shows the level of fuel in the
fuel tank when the ignition switch is in
the ON/RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points
to the side of the vehicle where
the fuel door is located.
5. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine
coolant temperature. Any reading within
the normal range indicates that the
engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
The gauge can indicate a higher
temperature when driving in hot weather
or up mountain grades. It should not be
allowed to exceed the upper limits of the
normal operating range.

20_RT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 84

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL85
NOTE:
The hard telltales will illuminate for a bulb check
when the ignition is first cycled.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
Your vehicle is equipped with an instrument
cluster display, which offers useful information
to the driver. With the ignition in the OFF
position (and the key removed, for vehicles with
mechanical key), opening/closing of a door will
activate the display for viewing, and display the
total miles or kilometers in the odometer. Your
instrument cluster display is designed to display
important information about your vehicle’s
systems and features. Using a driver interactive
display located on the instrument panel, your
instrument cluster display can show you how
systems are working and give you warnings
when they are not. The steering wheel mounted
controls allow you to scroll through and enter
the main menus and submenus. You can
access the specific information you want and
make selections and adjustments.
Instrument Cluster Display Location And
Controls
The vehicle’s instrument cluster is equipped
with an instrument cluster display, which offers
useful information to the driver. With the
ignition in the OFF position, opening/closing of
a door will activate the instrument cluster
display for viewing, and display the total miles
or kilometers in the odometer.

Instrument Cluster Display

WARNING!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system
could damage your vehicle. If the
temperature gauge reaches “H” pull over and
stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the gauge drops
back into the normal range and is no longer
red. If the gauge remains on the “H”, turn the
engine off immediately and call an authorized
dealer for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous.
You or others could be badly burned by steam
or boiling coolant. You may want to call an
authorized dealer for service if your vehicle
overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see “Servicing And
Maintenance”.
1 – Instrument Cluster Display Controls
2 – Instrument Cluster Display Screen
3

20_RT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 85

88GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Tire Pressure
Push and release the up or down arrow button
until “Tire PSI:” displays highlighted in the
instrument cluster display. Push and release
the right arrow button to view a graphic of the
vehicle with a tire pressure value at each corner
of the graphic.
Units
Push and release the up or down arrow button
until “Units” displays highlighted in the
instrument cluster display and push the right
arrow button. The instrument cluster display,
odometer, and navigation system (if equipped)
can be changed between English and Metric
units of measure. To make your selection, scroll
up or down until the preferred setting is
highlighted, then push and release the right
arrow button until a check-mark appears next to
the setting, showing that the setting has been
selected.
Vehicle Info (Customer Information Features)
Push and release the up or down arrow button
until “Vehicle Info” displays in the instrument
cluster display and push the right arrow button.
Push the up or down arrow button to scroll
through the available information displays.
Coolant Temperature
Displays the actual coolant temperature.
Oil Temperature
Displays the actual oil temperature.
Oil Pressure — If Equipped
Displays the actual oil pressure.
Transmission Temperature
Displays the actual transmission tempera -
ture.
Engine Hours
Displays the number of hours of engine
operation.
Messages
Push and release the up or down arrow button
until “Messages: XX” displays highlighted in the
instrument cluster display. If there is more than
one message, pushing the right arrow button
will display a stored warning message. Push
and release the up or down arrow button if there
is more than one message to cycle through the
remaining stored messages. If there are no
messages, pushing the right arrow button will
not change the display.
Compass/Outside Temperature Display
The compass readings indicate the direction
the vehicle is facing. The instrument cluster
display will display eight or fifteen compass
readings and the outside temperature.
NOTE:
The system will display the last known outside
temperature when starting the vehicle and may
need to be driven several minutes before the
updated temperature is displayed. Engine
temperature can also affect the displayed
temperature; therefore, temperature readings
are not updated when the vehicle is not moving.

20_RT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 88

96GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
This warning light warns of an
overheated engine condition. If the
engine coolant temperature is too
high, this indicator will illuminate and
a single chime will sound. If the temperature
reaches the upper limit, a continuous chime will
sound for four minutes or until the engine is
able to cool, whichever comes first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over
and stop the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning
(A/C) system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle.
If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call
for service.
Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in
“In Case Of Emergency” for further information.
Liftgate Open Warning Light
This indicator will turn when the
liftgate is open.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a
single chime.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate low engine oil pressure. If the
light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, shut off the engine as soon as
possible, and contact an authorized dealer. A
chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not indicate how
much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level
must be checked under the hood.
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
This warning light indicates when the
driver or passenger seat belt is
unbuckled. When the ignition is first
placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN position and if the driver’s seat belt is
unbuckled, a chime will sound and the light will
turn on. When driving, if the driver or front
passenger seat belt remains unbuckled, the
Seat Belt Reminder Light will flash or remain on
continuously and a chime will sound.
Refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in
“Safety” for further information.
Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
warn of a high transmission fluid
temperature. This may occur with
strenuous usage such as trailer
towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle and
run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the
transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL, until the
light turns off. Once the light turns off, you may
continue to drive normally.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when
the Transmission Temperature Warning Light
is illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil
over, come in contact with hot engine or
exhaust components and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated will
eventually cause severe transmission
damage or transmission failure.

20_RT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 96

SAFETY161
(Continued)
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and
uneven wear patterns. Check for stones, nails,
glass, or other objects lodged in the tread or
sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts and cracks.
Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the
tires (including spare) for proper cold inflation
pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake
lights and exterior lights while you work the
controls. Check turn signal and high beam
indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight
parking for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks.
Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or if fuel, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
ALWAYS REMOVE THE EXISTING FLOOR
MAT FROM THE VEHICLE before
installing any other floor mat. NEVER install
or stack an additional floor mat on top of an
existing floor mat.
ONLY install floor mats designed to fit your
vehicle. NEVER install a floor mat that
cannot be properly attached and secured to
your vehicle. If a floor mat needs to be
replaced, only use a FCA approved floor
mat for the specific make, model, and year
of your vehicle.
ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat on the
driver’s side floor area. To check for inter -
ference, with the vehicle properly parked
with the engine off, fully depress the accel -
erator, the brake, and the clutch pedal (if
present) to check for interference. If your
floor mat interferes with the operation of
any pedal, or is not secure to the floor,
remove the floor mat from the vehicle and
place the floor mat in your trunk.
ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat on
the passenger’s side floor area.
WARNING! (Continued)
ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or
slide into the driver’s side floor area when
the vehicle is moving. Objects can become
trapped under accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals and could cause a loss of vehicle
control.
NEVER place any objects under the floor
mat (e.g., towels, keys, etc.). These objects
could change the position of the floor mat
and may cause interference with the accel -
erator, brake, or clutch pedals.
If the vehicle carpet has been removed and
re-installed, always properly attach carpet
to the floor and check the floor mat
fasteners are secure to the vehicle carpet.
Fully depress each pedal to check for inter -
ference with the accelerator, brake, or
clutch pedals then re-install the floor mats.
It is recommended to only use mild soap
and water to clean your floor mats. After
cleaning, always check your floor mat has
been properly installed and is secured to
your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat.
WARNING! (Continued)
4

20_RT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 161

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.

20_RT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 172

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY221
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can
reduce the potential for overheating your
engine by taking the appropriate action.
On the highways — slow down.
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans -
mission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase
engine idle speed. NOTE:
There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
If your Air Conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off.
The A/C system adds heat to the engine
cooling system and turning the A/C off can
help remove this heat.
You can also turn the temperature control to
maximum heat, the mode control to floor and
the blower control to high. This allows the
heater core to act as a supplement to the
radiator and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.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.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature
gauge reads “H,” pull over and stop the
vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the “H” and you hear continuous
chimes, turn the engine off immediately and
call for service.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam coming
from under the hood, do not open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. Never
try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
6

20_RT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 221