odometer DODGE CARAVAN 2008 5.G User Guide

under heavy loading conditions, (i.e., in hilly terrain,
traveling into strong head winds or while towing heavy
trailers). Under these conditions, using the ª3º range will
improve performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up.
CAUTION!
If the transmission operating temperature exceeds
acceptable limits, the vehicle computer will override
DRIVE and select ª5º range (on six-speed transmis-
sions) or ª3º range (on four-speed transmissions) by
changing shift points. This is done to prevent trans-
mission damage due to overheating.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows
you to move the gear selector lever to the left (-) or right
(+) when the gear selector lever is in the D (Drive)position, this allows the selection of the desired top gear.
For example, if the driver shifts the transmission into 3rd
gear, the transmission will never shift above 3rd gear, but
can shift down to 2nd or 1st gear automatically, when
needed.
Switching from ERS to D-Mode (Drive) can be done at any
vehicle speed. To shift from ªDriveº mode to ªERSº mode,
move gear selector lever to the left (-) once. The current gear
will be maintained as the top gear. To disable ERS, simply
press and hold the gear selector lever to the right (+) until
ªDº is displayed in the instrument cluster odometer.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid causing an accident or
personal injury.
STARTING AND OPERATING 333
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Odometer
Screen Display1234 5 6D
Actual Gear(s)
Allowed ÐSix-
Speed Trans-
mission1 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5 1-6 1-6
Actual Gear(s)
Allowed
ÐFour-Speed
Transmission1 1-2 1-3 1-4 N/A N/A 1±4
NOTE:To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), simply press and hold the
gear selector lever to the left (-). The transmission will
shift to the range from which the vehicle can best be
slowed down.Reset Mode - Electronic Transmission
The transmission is monitored electronically for abnor-
mal conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause
damage, the transmission automatically shifts into 2nd
gear (3rd gear for six-speed). The transmission remains in
2nd gear (3rd gear for six-speed) despite the forward gear
selected. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue
to operate. This Reset feature allows the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized dealer for service without dam-
aging the transmission.
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 into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
4. Restart the engine.
334 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
²NEVER use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
²Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer
readings.
Alignment and Tire Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
²Fast tire wear.
²Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
²Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your
authorized dealer for proper diagnosis.
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
366 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
²
If thegASCAPmessage is displayed in the instrument
cluster, this signifies a leak or change in the evapora-
tive system is detected. Sometimes this is the result of
a loosely fitting (or possibly damaged) filler cap.
Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
odometer reset button to turn thegASCAPmessage
off.
²Make sure that the fuel filler cap is tightened each time
the vehicle is refueled.
²If the problem continues, the message will appear the
next time the vehicle is started. See your authorized
dealer service center as soon as possible. See Section 7
of this manual for more information.
FLEXIBLE FUEL Ð 3.3L ENGINES ONLY
E-85 General Information
The information in this section is for Flexible Fuel Ve-
hicles (FFV) only. These vehicles can be identified by the
unique fuel filler door label that states:Ethanol (E-85) or
Unleaded Gasoline Only.This section only covers those
subjects that are unique to these vehicles. Please refer to
the other sections of this manual for information on
features that are common between Flexible Fuel and
gasoline only powered vehicles.
384 STARTING AND OPERATING

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message Ð gASCAP
Should the ªLoose Fuel Filler Capº or ªgASCAPº mes-
sage appear, there may be a problem in the evaporative
system. Before taking the vehicle into an authorized
dealer, check first to see if the fuel filler cap is possibly
loose, improperly installed, or damaged. A loose fuel
filler cap message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster. Tighten the gas cap until a9clicking9sound is
heard. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened. Press the odometer reset button to turn the
message off. If the problem persists, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started. If the problem
is detected twice in a row, the system will turn on the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving the prob-
lem will turn the MIL light off. Take your vehicle in to an
authorized dealer.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of this vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system
is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system maynotbe ready if the vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery, or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, the vehicle may fail the test.
438 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed inbold type,
must be done at the times or mileages specified to ensure
the continued proper functioning of the Emissions Con-
trol System. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service should also be done anytime a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sions control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part that has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehiclesCHAngE OILwill flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehiclesOil Change Requiredwill be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 mi (805 km).
490 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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NOTE:
²The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle's
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
²Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
²Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 mi (10 000 km) or six months, whichever
comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If this
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your dealer, the message can be reset by referring to
the steps described under ªOil Change Requiredº in ªUse
Factory Settingsº of the EVIC section in this manual orunder ªOdometer/Trip Odometerº in the ªInstrument
Cluster Descriptions section of this manual.
At Each Stop For Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD, SAFE or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once A Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 491
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Memory Seat........................104,155
Mini-Trip Computer...................238,244
Mirrors............................... 100
Automatic Dimming.................... 100
Electric Remote.....................102,103
Exterior Folding....................... 102
Memory............................. 155
Outside............................. 102
Rearview............................ 100
Vanity.............................. 101
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 369
Mopar Parts.........................440,503
MP3 Player.........................280,283
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 166
Navigation Radio........................ 283
Navigation System....................... 283
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 93Occupant Restraints...................55,72,75
Occupant Restraints (Sedan)...........68,70,72,74
Odometer............................. 229
Oil Change Indicator................230,237,243
Oil Change Indicator, Reset...........230,237,243
Oil, Engine.........................441,487
Capacity............................ 486
Change Interval....................... 442
Checking............................ 441
Disposal............................ 444
Filter............................444,487
Filter Disposal........................ 444
Identification Logo..................... 443
Materials Added to..................... 444
Recommendation...................442,486
Synthetic............................ 444
Viscosity..........................443,486
Onboard Diagnostic System..............437,438
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLinkt) ........... 185
INDEX 519
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Tread Wear Indicators................... 364
Wheel Nut Torque..................... 422
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 399
Towing............................... 393
24-Hour Towing Assistance............... 117
Disabled Vehicle....................... 428
Guide.............................. 398
Recreational.......................407,429
Weight.............................. 398
Towing Assistance....................... 117
Traction Control......................... 340
Traction Control Switch................... 340
Trailer Towing.......................... 393
Cooling System Tips.................... 406
Hitches............................. 397
Minimum Requirements................. 400
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 399
Wiring.............................. 404
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 398Trailer Weight.......................... 398
Transaxle............................. 328
Automatic........................... 328
Operation........................... 328
Overdrive........................... 332
Selection of Lubricant................465,488
Transmission........................... 464
Automatic........................... 464
Fluid............................465,488
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry).. 26
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) . . 185
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)........ 21
Transporting Pets........................ 89
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 364
Trip Computer.......................... 238
Trip Odometer.......................... 229
Turn Signals...................166,227,483,484
UCI Connector......................... 292
INDEX 525
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