Dodge 2009 Caravan User manual

VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA
With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name
Chrysler LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the
name Chrysler Canada Inc. used in substitution therefor.
DRIVING AND ALCOHOL
Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of
accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired with blood
alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you are
drinking, don’t drive. Ride with a designated non-drinking
driver, call a cab, a friend, or use public transportation.
WARNING!
Driving after drinking can lead to an accident. Your
perceptions are less sharp, your reflexes are slower,
and your judgment is impaired when you have been
drinking. Never drink and then drive.
This manual illustrates and describes the operation of
features and equipment that are either standard or op-
tional on this vehicle. This manual may also include a
description of features and equipment that are no longer
available or were not ordered on this vehicle. Please
disregard any features and equipment described in this
manual that are not on this vehicle.
Chrysler LLC reserves the right to make changes in
design and specifications, and/or make additions to or
improvements to its products without imposing any
obligation upon itself to install them on products previ-
ously manufactured.
Copyright © 2008 Chrysler LLC

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ...............................95
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ................................... 233
5
STARTING AND OPERATING ................................................. 325
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ...............................................409
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ............................................... 431
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................483
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ..........................................501
10
INDEX ....................................................................511
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
Congratulations on selecting your new Chrysler LLC
vehicle. Be assured that it represents precision workman-
ship, distinctive styling, and high quality - all essentials
that are traditional to our vehicles.
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet
and various customer-oriented documents. Please take
the time to read these publications carefully. Following
the instructions 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 referencing 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 authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Mopar parts, and cares about
your satisfaction.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
Since the specification of your vehicle depends on the
items of equipment ordered, certain description and
illustrations may differ from your vehicles equipment
The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s 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

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against op-
erating procedures that could result in an accident or
bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against proce-
dures that 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
▫Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) . . . . . . . . . . . 12
mSentry Keyt......................... 14
▫Replacement Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
mVehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped . . . . . . . 17
▫Rearming Of The System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
mIlluminated Entry System — If Equipped . . . . . 19
mRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) — If Equipped . . 19
▫Using The RKE Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
mRemote Starting System — If Equipped . . . . . . 27
▫How To Use Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
mDoorLocks .......................... 30
▫Manual Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
▫Power Door Locks — If Equipped . . . . . . . . 31
mWindows ........................... 35
▫Power Vent Windows — If Equipped . . . . . . 35
▫PowerWindows ..................... 35
2

mSlidingSideDoor ...................... 40
▫Power Sliding Side Door — If Equipped . . . . . 41
▫Sliding Side Door Child Protection Lock . . . . . 45
mLiftgate ............................. 47
▫Power Liftgate — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
mStorage Bin Safety Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
▫SafetyWarning ....................... 51
mOccupant Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
▫Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR)
Mode — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlertt) ......................... 61
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women . . . . . . . . . . 62
▫SeatBeltExtender..................... 62
▫Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) -
Airbags ............................ 63
▫Airbag System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
▫Front Seat Airbag Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
▫Airbag Deployment Sensors And Controls . . . 68
▫Event Data Recorder (EDR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
▫Integrated Child Booster Seat — If Equipped . . 76
▫Integrated Child Seat — If Equipped . . . . . . . 78
▫ChildRestraints ...................... 79
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

mRear Seat Delete Feature
(Commercial Vehicles Only) — If Equipped . . . . . 88
▫Restraining Infants And Small Children With
Seat Delete Feature
(Commercial Vehicles Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
mEngine Break-In Recommendations . . . . . . . . . 91
mSafetyTips .......................... 92
▫Transporting Passengers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
▫ExhaustGas ........................ 92
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle............................. 93
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Your vehicle uses a keyless ignition system. This system
consists of a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
with integrated ignition key and a Wireless Ignition
Node (WIN) with integral ignition switch. You can insert
the double-sided key into the ignition switch with either
side up.
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)
The Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) operates similarly to
an ignition switch. It has four operating positions, three
with detents and one that is spring-loaded. The detent
positions are OFF, ACC, and ON. The START position is
a spring-loaded momentary contact position. When re-
leased from the START position, the switch automatically
returns to the ON position.
1 — LOCK
2 — ACCESSORY
3 — ON
4 — START
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Integrated Ignition Key
The integrated ignition key operates the ignition switch.
It also contains the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) trans-
mitter and a emergency key, which stores in the rear of
the RKE transmitter.
The emergency key allows for entry into the vehicle
should the battery in the vehicle or the RKE transmitter
go dead. The emergency key is also for locking the lower
glove compartment. You can keep the emergency key
with you when valet parking.
To remove the emergency key from the RKE transmitter,
slide the mechanical latch at the top of the RKE transmit-
ter sideways with your thumb and then pull the key out
with your other hand.
NOTE: You can insert the double-sided emergency key
into the lock cylinder with either side up.
Ignition Key Removal
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the ignition key to the
OFF position and then remove the key.
Emergency Key Removal
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

NOTE: Power window switches will also remain active
for up to 90 seconds after the ignition switch has been
turned OFF, depending upon the accessory delay setting.
Opening the front door will cancel this feature.
WARNING!
NEVER leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the key 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 the key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver’s door with the integrated ignition
key in the ignition, a chime will sound to remind you to
remove the key.
NOTE: The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds
when the integrated ignition key is placed in the OFF or
ACC position.
SENTRY KEYT
The Sentry KeytImmobilizer 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 Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter with integrated key and Wireless Igni-
tion Node (WIN) to prevent unauthorized vehicle opera-
tion. Therefore, only RKE transmitters that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two
seconds if an invalid RKE transmitter is used to start the
engine.
After turning the ignition switch to the ON position, the
Vehicle Security Light will turn on for three 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 RKE transmitter
to start the engine. Either of these conditions will result in
the engine being shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during normal
vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than 10 sec-
onds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electronics.
Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible by an authorized dealer.
NOTE:
• The Sentry KeytImmobilizer 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/Esso Speedpass™, additional RKE
transmitters, or any other transponder-equipped com-
ponents on the same key chain will not cause a fault
unless the additional part is physically held against
the RKE transmitter being used to start the vehicle.
Cell phones, pagers, or other Radio Frequency (RF)
electronics will not cause interference with this system.
All of the RKE transmitters provided with your new
vehicle have been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

Replacement Keys
NOTE: Only RKE transmitters that are programmed to
the vehicle electronics can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. Once an RKE transmitter is programmed to a
vehicle, it cannot be reprogrammed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove the 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 Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Keep the PIN in a secure location. This number is
required for authorized dealer replacement of RKE trans-
mitters. Duplication of RKE transmitters may be per-
formed at an authorized dealer or by using the Customer
Key Programming procedure. This procedure consists of
programming a blank RKE transmitter to the vehicle
electronics. A blank RKE transmitter is one that has never
been programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry KeytImmobilizer
system serviced, bring all vehicle RKE transmitters with
you to the authorized dealer.
General Information
The Sentry Keytsystem 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.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security Alarm monitors the vehicle doors
for unauthorized entry and the ignition switch for unau-
thorized operation. When the alarm is activated, the
Vehicle Security Alarm provides both audible and visible
signals. For the first three minutes, the headlights, park
lamps and/or turn signals will flash and Vehicle Security
Light will flash repeatedly and the horn will sound. For
an additional 15 minutes, only the headlights, park lamps
and/or turn signals and Vehicle Security Light will flash.
The engine will run only if a valid key is used to start the
vehicle.
Rearming Of The System
The Vehicle Security Alarm will rearm itself after the 15
additional minutes of headlights and Vehicle Security
Light flashing, if the Vehicle Security Alarm has not been
disabled. If the condition which initiated the alarm is still
present, the Vehicle Security Alarm will ignore that
condition and monitor the remaining doors and ignition.
Arming The System
Remove the key from the ignition switch and either press
a power door lock switch while the driver or passenger
door is open, or press the LOCK button on the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. After all the doors are
locked and closed, the Vehicle Security Light in the
instrument cluster will flash rapidly to signal that the
Vehicle Security Alarm is arming. The Vehicle Security
Light in the instrument panel cluster will flash rapidly for
about 16 seconds to indicate that the alarm is being set.
After the alarm is set, the Vehicle Security Light will flash
at a slower rate to indicate that the Vehicle Security
Alarm is armed.
NOTE: If the Vehicle Security Light stays on continu-
ously during vehicle operation, have the system checked
by your authorized dealer.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

Disarm The System
Either press the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter
or insert a valid ignition key into the ignition switch.
NOTE:
• The driver’s door key cylinder and the liftgate button
on the RKE transmitter cannot arm or disarm the
Vehicle Security Alarm.
• The Vehicle Security Alarm remains armed during
liftgate entry. Pressing the liftgate button will not
disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm. If someone enters
the vehicle through the liftgate and opens any door the
alarm will sound.
• When the Vehicle Security Alarm is armed, the interior
power door lock switches will not unlock the doors.
The Vehicle Security Alarm is designed to protect your
vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the
system will give you a false alarm. If one of the previ-
ously described arming sequences has occurred, the
Vehicle Security Alarm will arm regardless of whether
you are in the vehicle or not. If you remain in the vehicle
and open a door, the alarm will sound. If this occurs,
disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm.
If the Vehicle Security Alarm is armed and the battery
becomes disconnected, the Vehicle Security Alarm will
remain armed when the battery is reconnected; the
exterior lights will flash, the horn will sound. If this
occurs, disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm.
Tamper Alert
If something has triggered the Vehicle Security Alarm in
your absence, the horn will sound three times when you
unlock the doors and the Vehicle Security Light will flash
for 30 seconds. Check the vehicle for tampering.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE