Dodge 2004 Caravan User manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ..............................73
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ...................................143
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................223
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ..............................................279
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................295
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................347
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE .........................................371
10
INDEX ....................................................................381
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2
3
4
5
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7
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9
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INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
mIntroduction ...........................4
mHow To Use This Manual ..................4
mWarnings And Cautions ...................6
mVehicle Identification Number ...............6
mVehicle Modifications / Alterations ...........7
1

INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine Mopartparts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this owner’s manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION 5
1

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This manual contains WARNINGS against operating
procedures which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures
which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do
not read this entire manual you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is found on the
left front corner of the instrument panel, visible from
outside of the vehicle through the windshield. This
number also appears on the Automobile Information
Disclosure Label affixed to a window on your vehicle.
Save this label for a convenient record of your vehicle
identification number and optional equipment.
NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN plate.
6 INTRODUCTION

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle
could seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety
and may lead to an accident resulting in serious
injury or death.
INTRODUCTION 7
1

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys ..................12
▫Ignition Key Removal ...................12
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................13
mSentry Key ............................13
▫Replacement Keys ......................15
▫Sentry Key Programming .................15
▫General Information ....................16
mIlluminated Entry System — If Equipped .......16
mDoor Locks ............................17
▫Manual Door Locks .....................17
▫Power Door Locks — If Equipped ..........18
mRemote Keyless Entry — If Equipped .........20
▫To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate ..........22
▫To Lock The Doors And Liftgate ............22
▫Using The Panic Alarm ..................22
▫To Program Transmitters .................23
▫General Information ....................25
▫Transmitter Battery Service ...............25
2

mVehicle Theft Alarm — If Equipped ...........26
mSliding Side Door ........................28
▫Power Sliding Door — If Equipped .........29
▫Child Protection Door Lock ...............32
mLiftgate ...............................33
▫Power Liftgate — If Equipped .............34
mWindows .............................36
▫Manual Rear Vent Windows ...............36
▫Power Vent Windows — If Equipped ........36
▫Power Windows — If Equipped ............37
mOccupant Restraints ......................38
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................39
▫Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .....45
▫Center Lap Belts .......................47
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................47
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............48
▫Seat Belt Extender ......................48
▫Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System - Airbag ................48
▫Side Airbags Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) — If Equipped ....................54
▫DaimlerChrysler Corporation Integrated Child
Seat — If Equipped .....................58
▫Child Restraint ........................58
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

mRear Seat Delete Feature
(Commercial Vehicles Only) — If Equipped .....66
▫Restraining Infants And Small Children With
Seat Delete Feature (Commercial Vehicles
Only) ...............................67
mEngine Break-In Recommendations ...........70
mSafety Tips ............................71
▫Exhaust Gas ..........................71
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ..............................71
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ....................72
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
You can insert the double sided keys into the locks with
either side up.
The dealer that sold you your new vehicle has the key
code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers can
be used to order duplicate keys from your dealer. Ask
your dealer for these numbers and keep them in a safe
place.
Ignition Key Removal
The shift lever must be in PARK. Turn the key to the OFF
position, then the LOCK position. Remove the key.
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: The power window switches, radio, power
outlets, and removable console (if equipped), will remain
active for up to 45 seconds after the ignition switch has
been turned off. Opening a vehicle front door will cancel
this feature.
WARNING!
Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is danger-
ous for a number of reasons. A child or others could
be injured. Children should be warned not to touch
the parking brake, brake pedal or the gear selector
lever. Don’t leave the keys in the ignition. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver’s door and the key is in the ignition
switch, a chime will sound to remind you to remove the
key.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized operation of the vehicle by disabling the engine.
The system will shut the engine off after 2 seconds of
running if an invalid key is used to start the vehicle. This
system utilizes ignition keys which have an electronic
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
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chip (transponder) embedded into them. Only keys that
have been programmed to the vehicle can be used to start
and operate the vehicle.
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System does not need to be
armed or activated. Operation of the system is automatic
regardless of whether or not the vehicle is locked or
unlocked. During normal operation, the Theft Alarm/
Immobilizer Light will come on for three (3) seconds
immediately after the ignition switch is turned on for a
bulb check. Afterwards, if the bulb remains on, this
indicates a problem with the electronics.
If the bulb begins to flash after the bulb check, this
indicates that an invalid key has been used to start the
vehicle. Both of these conditions will result in the engine
being shut off after two (2) seconds of running.
Keep in mind that a key which has not been programmed
is also considered an invalid key even if it is cut to fit the
ignition lock cylinder for that vehicle.
If the Theft Alarm/Immobilizer Light comes on during
normal vehicle operation (vehicle has been running for
longer than 10 seconds), a fault has been detected in the
electronics and the vehicle should be serviced as soon as
possible.
NOTE:
• The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not compatible
with remote starting systems. Use of these systems
may result in vehicle starting problems and loss of
security protection.
• Exxon/Mobil Speed Pass,™ additional Sentry Keys, or
any other transponder equipped components on the
same keychain will not cause a key-related (transpon-
der) fault unless the additional part is physically held
against the ignition key being used when starting the
vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other RF electronics
will not cause interference with this system.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE: Only keys that have been programmed to the
vehicle electronics can be used to start the vehicle. Once
a Sentry Key has been programmed to a vehicle, it can
not be programmed to any other vehicle.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four digit PIN number. This number is required
for dealer replacement of keys. Duplication of keys may
be performed at an authorized dealer or by using the
Customer Key Programming procedure. This procedure
consists of programming a blank key to the vehicle
electronics. A blank key is one which has never been
programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry Key Immobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to the
dealer.
Sentry Key Programming
You can program new keys to the system if you have two
valid sentry keys by performing the following procedure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry Key Transponder blank(s) to
match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.
2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch and
turn the ignition switch ON for at least 3 seconds but no
longer than 15 seconds. Turn the ignition switch OFF and
remove the first key.
3. Insert the second valid key and turn the ignition
switch ON within 15 seconds. After ten seconds a chime
will sound and the Theft Alarm Light will begin to flash.
Turn the ignition switch OFF and remove the second key.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

4. Insert a blank Sentry Key into the ignition switch and
turn the ignition switch ON within 60 seconds. After 10
seconds a single chime will sound. The Theft Alarm Light
will stop flashing, turn on for 3 seconds; then turn off.
The new Sentry Key has been programmed. The Keyless
Entry Transmitter will also be programmed during this
procedure.
Repeat this procedure to program up to a total of 8 keys.
If you do not have a programmed sentry key, contact
your dealer for details.
NOTE: If a programmed key has been lost, see your
dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the sys-
tems memory. The remaining keys must then repro-
grammed. This will prevent the lost key from starting
your vehicle. All vehicle keys must be taken to the dealer
at the time of service to be reprogrammed.
General Information
The Sentry Key system complies with FCC rules part 15
and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The courtesy lights will turn on when you use the keyless
entry transmitter or open the doors. This feature is only
available if you have Remote Keyless Entry.
The lights will fade to off after about 30 seconds or they
will immediately fade to off once the ignition switch is
turned on.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
• The front courtesy overhead console, door courtesy
and liftgate lights do not turn on if the dimmer control
is in the interior lights ON position (extreme top
position).
• The illuminated entry system will not operate if the
dimmer control is in the “defeat” position (extreme
downward position).
DOOR LOCKS
Manual Door Locks
Lock the doors by pushing down on the lock plungers on
each door trim panel. If the lock plunger is down when you shut the door, the
door will lock. Therefore, make sure the keys are not
inside the vehicle before closing the door.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
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WARNING!
• For personal security and safety in the event of an
accident, lock the vehicle doors as you drive as
well as when you park and leave the vehicle.
• When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the ignition lock, and lock your vehicle. Do
not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised
use of vehicle equipment may cause severe per-
sonal injuries and death.
Power Door Locks — If Equipped
A power door lock switch is on each front door trim
panel. Use this switch to lock or unlock the doors.
If you press the power door lock switch while the key is
in the ignition, and any front door is open, the power
locks will not operate. This prevents you from acciden-
tally locking your keys in the vehicle. Removing the key
or closing the door will allow the locks to operate. A
chime will sound if the key is in the ignition switch and
a door is open, as a reminder to remove the key.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If you press the power door lock switch while the sliding
door is open, the sliding door will lock.
Automatic Door Locks — If Equipped
The doors will lock automatically on vehicles with power
door locks if:
1. The transmission is in gear,
2. all doors are closed,
3. the vehicle speed is above 18 mph (29 km/h) and
4. the doors were not previously locked using the power
door lock switch or remote keyless entry transmitter.
The Automatic Door Locks can be enabled or disabled by
performing the following procedure:
1. Close all doors and place the key in the ignition
switch.
2. Cycle the ignition switch ON/OFF four times ending
in the OFF position. (do not start the engine)
3. Within 10 seconds of the final cycle, press the interior
driver’s door lock switch to the LOCK position.
4. A single chime will sound to signify that you have
successfully completed the programming.
You can turn the feature back on by repeating the above
mentioned procedure.
Auto Unlock — If Equipped
The doors will unlock automatically on vehicles with
power door locks if:
1. The Auto Door Locks feature is enabled and the Auto
Unlock feature is enabled,
2. the transmission was in gear and the vehicle speed
returned to 0 mph (0 km/h),
3. the transmission is in NEUTRAL or PARK,
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
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4. any door is opened (excluding liftgate) and
5. the vehicle speed is 0 mph (0 km/h).
The Auto Unlock feature can be enabled or disabled by
performing the procedure in the Overhead Console,
Customer Programmable Features section.
NOTE: Use the Auto Door Locks and Auto Unlock
features in accordance with local laws.
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY — IF EQUIPPED
This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors and
liftgate, and activate the panic alarm, optional power
liftgate, left power sliding door, and right power sliding
door from distances up to about 23 feet (7 meters) using
a hand held radio transmitter. The transmitter need not
be pointed at the vehicle to activate the system.
NOTE: If the key is in the ignition switch, then all
buttons on that transmitter will be disabled. The buttons
on the remaining transmitters will work. If the vehicle is
shifted out of PARK, all the transmitter buttons are
disabled for all keys.
Two (2) transmitters may be supplied with the vehicle.
Vehicles built without the powered options will be
equipped from the factory with three button transmitters
and those built with power options will be equipped
with six button transmitters.
Three button transmitters will provide basic UNLOCK,
LOCK and PANIC functions.
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE