Dodge 2008 Caravan User manual

Caravan
OWNER’S MANUAL
2008
2008 Caravan
81-226-0819 First Edition Printed in U.S.A.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ...............................93
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ................................... 215
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................305
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ...............................................385
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................405
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................461
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ..........................................469
10
INDEX ....................................................................479
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

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.
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 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 through
the windshield. This number also appears on the Auto-
mobile Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window
on your vehicle, the vehicle registration and title. NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN.
Vehicle Identification Number
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 ..................13
▫Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) .............13
▫FOB With Integrated Key.................14
▫Tip Start Feature .......................15
▫Ignition Key Removal ...................15
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................16
▫Locking Door With The Key ...............16
mSentry Key ............................17
▫Replacement Keys ......................18
▫Customer Key (FOB) Programming ..........18
▫General Information ....................19
mSteering Wheel Lock — If Equipped ..........20
▫If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering
Wheel ..............................20
▫To Release The Steering Wheel Lock .........20
▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System . .20
mSecurity Alarm System — If Equipped .........20
▫Rearming Of The System — If Equipped ......21
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▫To Arm The System .....................21
▫To Disarm The System ...................21
▫Security System Manual Override ...........22
mIlluminated Entry System — If Equipped .......22
mRemote Keyless Entry — If Equipped .........23
▫To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate ..........24
▫To Lock The Doors And Liftgate ............25
▫Using The Panic Alarm ..................25
▫To Open/Close Power Liftgate — If Equipped . .26
▫To Open/Close Left Power Sliding Door —
If Equipped ..........................26
▫To Open/Close Right Power Sliding Door —
If Equipped ..........................27
▫To Turn Off Flash Lights With Remote Key Lock —
If Equipped ..........................27
▫General Information ....................28
▫Transmitter Battery Service ...............28
mRemote Starting System — If Equipped ........29
mDoor Locks ............................31
▫Manual Door Locks .....................31
▫Power Door Locks — If Equipped ..........32
mWindows .............................35
▫Power Vent Windows — If Equipped ........35
▫Power Windows .......................36
mSliding Side Door ........................41
▫Sliding Door Open Flash .................42
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Power Sliding Door — If Equipped .........42
▫Power Sliding Door Master Lock—
If Equipped ..........................44
▫Child Protection Door Lock ...............45
mLiftgate ...............................47
▫Power Liftgate — If Equipped .............48
mSeat Storage Bin Safety Warning .............51
▫Storage Bin Cover Emergency Release ........52
▫Reinstalling Storage Bin Cover Emergency
Release .............................53
mOccupant Restraints ......................54
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................55
▫Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) Mode –
If Equipped ..........................61
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................61
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlertt) ..........................62
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............63
▫Seat Belt Extender ......................63
▫Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag . .64
▫Airbag System Components ...............64
▫Front Seat Airbag Features ................65
▫Airbag Deployment Sensors And Controls .....70
▫Event Data Recorder (EDR) ...............75
▫Child Restraint ........................77
mRear Seat Delete Feature (Commercial Vehicles
Only) — If Equipped .....................85
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
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▫Restraining Infants And Small Children With
Seat Delete Feature (Commercial Vehicles
Only) ...............................86
mEngine Break-In Recommendations ...........88
mSafety Tips ............................89
▫Transporting Passengers .................89
▫Lock Your Vehicle ......................89
▫Exhaust Gas ..........................89
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ..............................91
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ....................92
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Your vehicle uses a keyless ignition system. This system
consists of a Fob with Integrated Key and a Wireless
Ignition Node (WIN) with integral ignition switch. You
can insert the double-sided integrated key into the igni-
tion switch with either side up.
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)
The Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) operates similar to an
ignition switch. It has four operating positions, three of
which are detented and one spring-loaded. The detented
positions are LOCK, ACC, and ON. The START position
is a spring-loaded momentary contact position. When
released from the START position, the switch automati-
cally returns to the detented ON position.
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

Fob with Integrated Key
The Fob with Integrated Key operates the ignition switch.
It also contains the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) trans-
mitter and a valet key, which stores in the rear of the Fob.
The valet key allows for entry into the vehicle should the
battery in the vehicle or the Fob go dead. The valet key is
also for locking the glove box. You can keep the valet key
with you when valet parking.
To remove the valet key from the Fob, slide the mechani-
cal latch at the top of the Fob sideways with your thumb
and then pull the key out of the Fob with your other
hand. NOTE: You can insert the double-sided valet key into
the lock cylinders with either side up.
Valet Key Removal
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Tip Start Feature
Do not press the accelerator. 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.
Ignition Key Removal
Place the selector lever in “P” (Park). Turn the key to the
LOCK position and then remove the key.
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!
NEVER leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. 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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver’s door and the key is in the
ignition, a chime will sound to remind you to remove the
key.
NOTE: The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds
when the ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC
position.
Locking Door With The Key
The driver’s door has the only external lock cylinder. You
can insert the key with either side up. To manually lock
the door, turn the key rearward, to unlock the door, turn
the key forward. See Section 7 of this manual for door
lock lubrication.
Valet Key Removal
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses the factory-mated Fob with Integrated
Key and Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) to prevent unau-
thorized vehicle operation. Therefore, only Fobs that are
programmed to the vehicle can be used to start and
operate the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in
two (2) seconds if someone uses an invalid Fob to start
the engine.
After turning the ignition switch to the ON position, the
Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will turn on for
three (3) seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains on
after the bulb check, it indicates that there is a problem
with the electronics. In addition, if the light begins to
flash after the bulb check, it indicates that someone used
an invalid Fob to start the engine. Either of these condi-
tions will result in the engine being shut off after two (2)
seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light turns on
during normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for
longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in
the electronics. Should this occur, have the vehicle ser-
viced as soon as possible.
NOTE:
• The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not compatible
with aftermarket remote starting systems. Use of these
systems may result in vehicle starting problems and
loss of security protection.
• Exxon/Mobil Speed Pass,™ additional Fobs, or any
other transponder-equipped components on the same
key chain will not cause a fault unless the additional
part is physically held against the Fob being used to
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

start the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other RF
electronics will not cause interference with this system.
All of the Fobs provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE: Only Fobs that are programmed to the vehicle
electronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle.
Once a Fob is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot be
programmed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove Sentry Keys from the vehicle and
lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four-digit PIN number. Keep the PIN in a secure
location. This number is required for dealer replacement
of Fobs. Duplication of Fobs may be performed at an
authorized dealer or by using the Customer Key Pro-
gramming procedure. This procedure consists of pro-
gramming a blank Fob to the vehicle electronics. A blank
Fob is one, which has never been programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry Key Immobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle Fobs with you to the
dealer.
Customer Key (Fob) Programming
If you have two valid sentry keys, you can program new
sentry keys to the system by performing the following
procedure:
1. 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.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

2. Insert the second valid key and turn the ignition
switch ON within 15 seconds. After ten seconds, a chime
will sound and the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator
Light will begin to flash. Turn the ignition switch OFF
and remove the second key.
3. 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 and the Vehicle
Security Alarm Indicator Light will stop flashing, turn on
again for 3 seconds, and then turn off.
The new Sentry Key is programmed. The Keyless Entry
Transmitter will also be programmed during this pro-
cedure.
Repeat this procedure to program up to 8 keys. If you do
not have a programmed sentry key, contact your dealer
for details.
NOTE: If a programmed key is lost, see your dealer to
have all remaining keys erased from the systems
memory. This will prevent the lost key from starting your
vehicle. The remaining keys must then be repro-
grammed. 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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
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