Dodge Grand Caravan (2019 year). Instruction — part 15

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 accelera-
tor, 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 accelerator, 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
interference 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.

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 (includ-
ing 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.

5

SAFETY

237

STARTING AND OPERATING

CONTENTS

䡵 STARTING THE ENGINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .241

▫ Normal Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .241
▫ Cold Weather Operation

(Below –22°F Or −30°C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .241

▫ After Starting — Warming Up The Engine . . . . .242
▫ If Engine Fails To Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .242

䡵 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .242
䡵 ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS . . . .242
䡵 PARK BRAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .243
䡵 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . .245

▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .246
▫ Fuel Economy (ECON) Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . .247
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission. . . . . . . . . . .247

▫ Gear Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .248

䡵 POWER STEERING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .254

▫ Power Steering Fluid Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .254

䡵 SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED . . . . . . . . . .255

▫ To Activate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256
▫ To Set A Desired Speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256
▫ To Accelerate For Passing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .257
▫ To Resume Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .258
▫ To Deactivate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .258

䡵 PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST —

IF EQUIPPED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .258

▫ ParkSense Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .259
▫ ParkSense Warning Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .259

6

▫ ParkSense Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260
▫ Enabling/Disabling ParkSense. . . . . . . . . . . . . .263
▫ Service The ParkSense Rear Park Assist System. .263
▫ Cleaning The ParkSense System. . . . . . . . . . . . .263
▫ ParkSense System Usage Precautions . . . . . . . . .263

䡵 PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA . . . . . . . .265
䡵 REFUELING THE VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .267

▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message . . . . . . . . . . . . .268

䡵 VEHICLE LOADING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .268

▫ Certification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .268

䡵 TRAILER TOWING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .270

▫ Common Towing Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .270
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .273

▫ Trailer Towing Weights

(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings). . . . . . . . . . .274

▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .275
▫ Towing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .276
▫ Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .279

䡵 RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND

MOTORHOME, ETC.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281

▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . . .281
▫ Recreational Towing — All Models . . . . . . . . . .281

䡵 DRIVING TIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .282

▫ Driving On Slippery Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . .282
▫ Driving Through Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .283

240

STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING THE ENGINE

Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.

WARNING!

• When exiting the vehicle, always remove the key fob

from the vehicle 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 transmission gear selector.

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in

a location accessible to children, 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.

• Do not leave children or animals inside parked

vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.

Start the engine with the gear selector in the NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.

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.

Cold Weather Operation (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.

6

STARTING AND OPERATING

241

After Starting — Warming Up The Engine

The idle speed is controlled automatically and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.

If Engine Fails To Start

WARNING!

• Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the

throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in 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 Procedure” in “In Case Of Emergency” for
further information.

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.

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS

A long break-in period is not required for the engine and
drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.

242

STARTING AND OPERATING

Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After
the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80
or 90 km/h) are desirable.

While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.

The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes
should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions
under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recom-
mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Dealer
Service” in “Servicing And Maintenance”.

CAUTION!

Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil
in the engine or damage may result.

NOTE:

A new engine may consume some oil during its

first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This
should be considered a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as a problem.

PARK BRAKE

Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and place the gear selector in the
PARK position.

The foot operated parking brake is positioned below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the park
brake, firmly push the park brake pedal fully. To release the
parking brake, press the park brake pedal a second time
and let your foot up as you feel the brake disengage.

Parking Brake

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STARTING AND OPERATING

243

When the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the ON position, the “Brake Warning Light” in the
instrument cluster will illuminate.

NOTE:
• When the parking brake is applied and the automatic

transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake Warning
Light” will flash. If vehicle speed is detected, a chime
will sound to alert the driver. Fully release the parking
brake before attempting to move the vehicle.

• This light only shows that the parking brake is applied.

It does not show the degree of brake application.

When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. For vehicles equipped
with an automatic transmission, apply the parking brake
before placing the gear selector in PARK, otherwise the
load on the transmission locking mechanism may make it
difficult to move the gear selector out of PARK. The
parking brake should always be applied whenever the
driver is not in the vehicle.

WARNING!

• When exiting 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), 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.

• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before

driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and
a collision.

• Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving

your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also be certain to leave the transmission in
PARK. Failure to do so may allow the vehicle to roll
and cause damage or injury.

244

STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!

If the Brake System Warning Light remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction is
indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an au-
thorized dealer immediately.

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.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• 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 substitute for the

parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.

• 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 transmission is in PARK before exit-
ing the vehicle.

(Continued)

6

STARTING AND OPERATING

245

WARNING! (Continued)

• 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 trans-
mission gear selector.

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in

a location accessible to children), 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.

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:

• Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the

vehicle has come to a complete stop.

• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL,

or DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.

• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is

firmly pressing the brake pedal.

NOTE:

You must press and hold the brake pedal while

shifting out of PARK.

Key Ignition Park Interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Interlock
which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the
ignition can be turned to the LOCK/OFF (key removal)
position. The key fob can only be removed from the
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 in the
ON/RUN mode (engine running or not) and the brake
pedal must be pressed.

246

STARTING AND OPERATING

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 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 conserva-

tive.

• Some ECON mode functions may be temporarily inhib-

ited 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 pre-
cise 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).

Fuel Economy Mode Switch

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STARTING AND OPERATING

247

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. Instruction 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 dis-
play that gear in the instrument cluster as 1, 2, 3, etc.

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.

Gear Selector

248

STARTING AND OPERATING

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 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.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• 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 substitute for the

parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.

• 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 transmission is in PARK before exit-
ing the vehicle.

(Continued)

6

STARTING AND OPERATING

249

WARNING! (Continued)

• 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 trans-
mission gear selector.

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in

a location accessible to children), 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.

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.

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 exit the vehicle.

250

STARTING AND OPERATING

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.

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 transmis-
sion life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.

During cold temperatures, transmission operation may be
modified depending on engine and transmission tempera-
ture as well as vehicle speed. This feature improves warm
up time of the engine and transmission to achieve maxi-
mum 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 sec-
tion). 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 tem-
perature has risen to a suitable level.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

251

Transmission Limp Home Mode

Transmission function is monitored electronically for ab-
normal 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 trans-
mission.

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 recom-

mend 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.

Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation

The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows the
driver to limit the highest available gear when the trans-
mission is in DRIVE. For example, if you set the transmis-
sion gear limit to 4 (fourth gear), the transmission will not
shift above fourth gear (except to prevent engine over-
speed), 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, shift-
ing 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.

252

STARTING AND OPERATING