instrument panel DODGE CARAVAN 2011 Owners Manual
Page 3 of 562
TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTIONPAGE
1INTRODUCTION............................................................3
2THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE..............................9
3UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE............................ 107
4UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL.................................. 243
5STARTING AND OPERATING................................................347
6WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES............................................. 437
7MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE..............................................465
8MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES.................................................515
9IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE........................................ 529
10INDEX...................................................................539
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
ProCarManuals.com
Page 8 of 562
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual containsWARNINGSagainst op-
erating procedures that could result in a collision or
bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONSagainst 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 stamped on
the right sliding door sill under the sill moulding and
printed on the Automobile Information Disclosure Label
affixed to a window on your vehicle, the vehicle regis-
tration and title.
Vehicle Identification Number
6 INTRODUCTION
ProCarManuals.com
Page 15 of 562
Key Fob
The Key Fob operates the ignition switch. Insert the
square end of the Key Fob into the ignition switch located
on the instrument panel and rotate to the desired posi-
tion. It also contains the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter and an emergency key, which stores in the
rear of the Key Fob.
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, slide the mechanical latch
at the top of the Key Fob 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.
Removing Key Fob From Ignition
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the Key Fob to the
OFF position and then remove the Key Fob.
Emergency Key Removal
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
ProCarManuals.com
Page 20 of 562
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.
To 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
power 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.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com
Page 23 of 562
Seven-button RKE transmitters will provide functions
that allow the same basic operation as the three-button,
but may also be used to operate the power liftgate
(optional), power sliding doors, Remote Start feature
(optional). Some features can be programmed to the
customers preferences. For example, flash headlights or
sound horn on LOCK.Remote Unlock Doors And Liftgate
Press and release the UNLOCK button on the RKE
transmitter once to unlock the driver’s side or twice to
unlock all doors and liftgate. The Illuminated Entry
system also turns on.
Remote Key Unlock on First Press
This feature lets you program the system to unlock either
the driver’s side, or all doors, on the first press of the
UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter.
•For vehicles equipped with an Electronic Vehicle In-
formation Center (EVIC), refer to “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Personal Settings
(Customer-Programmable Features)” in “Understand-
ing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
Key Fob With Seven-Button RKE Transmitter
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21
ProCarManuals.com
Page 25 of 562
Sound Horn with Remote Lock
This feature will cause the horn to chirp when the doors
are locked with the RKE transmitter. This feature can be
turned on or turned off. To change the current setting,
proceed as follows:
•For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, refer to “Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Personal Settings
(Customer-Programmable Features)” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
•For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the
following steps:
1. Perform this operation while standing outside the
vehicle.
2. Press the LOCK button on a programmed RKE trans-
mitter for at least 4 seconds, but no longer than 10 sec-
onds. Then, press the PANIC button while still holding
the LOCK button. 3. Release both buttons at the same time.
4. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle by press-
ing the LOCK button on the RKE transmitter with the
ignition switch in the OFF position and the Key Fob
removed.
5. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.
NOTE:
Pressing the LOCK button on the RKE transmit-
ter while you are in the vehicle will activate the Vehicle
Security Alarm. Opening a door with the Vehicle Security
Alarm activated will cause the alarm to sound. Press the
UNLOCK button to deactivate the Vehicle Security
Alarm.
Using The Panic Alarm
To turn the Panic Alarm feature on or off, press and hold
the PANIC button on the RKE transmitter for at least one
second and release. When the Panic Alarm is on, the
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23
ProCarManuals.com
Page 27 of 562
If the vehicle is locked and the Vehicle Security Alarm is
armed, pressing the LEFT Power Sliding Door button
twice unlocks the power sliding door and disarms Ve-
hicle Security Alarm.
Power Open/Close Right Power Sliding Door — If
Equipped
Press the RIGHT Power Sliding Door button twice on the
RKE transmitter within five seconds to Power Open/
Close the Right Power Sliding Door. If the button on the
RKE transmitter is pushed while the door is being
power-closed, the door will reverse to the full open
position.
If the vehicle is locked and the Vehicle Security Alarm is
armed, pressing the RIGHT Power Sliding Door button
twice unlocks the power sliding door and disarms Ve-
hicle Security Alarm.
Turn Off Flash Lights With RKE Lock — If
Equipped
This feature will cause the turn signal lights to flash when
the doors are locked or unlocked with the RKE transmit-
ter. This feature can be turned on or turned off. To change
the current setting, proceed as follows:
•For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, refer to “Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Personal
Settings (Customer-Programmable Features)” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further infor-
mation.
•For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the
following steps:
1. Perform this operation while standing outside the
vehicle.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25
ProCarManuals.com
Page 38 of 562
The Unlock Doors Automatically On Exit feature will not
operate if there is any manual operation of the power
door locks (lock or unlock).
•On vehicles equipped with the optional Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), refer to “Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Personal Settings
(Customer-Programmable Features)” in “Understand-
ing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
•On vehicles not equipped with the optional EVIC
perform the following steps:
1. Enter your vehicle and close all doors.
2. Fasten your seat belt. (Fastening the seat belt will
cancel any chimes that may be confusing during this
programming procedure.)
3. Insert the Key Fob into the ignition switch. 4. Within 15-seconds, cycle the ignition Key Fob from the
OFF position to the ON/RUN position a minimum of
five times ending in the ON/RUN position
(do not start
the engine).
5. Within 30 seconds, press the driver’s door lock switch
in the UNLOCK direction.
6. A single chime will sound to indicate the feature has
been changed.
7. To reactivate this feature, repeat the above steps.
8. If a chime is not heard, the program mode was
canceled before the feature could be changed. If neces-
sary, repeat the previous procedure.
The Unlock Doors Automatically On Exit feature can be
reactivated by repeating the above mentioned procedure
or by performing the procedure in the EVIC, Customer-
Programmable Features on vehicles so equipped.
36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com
Page 58 of 562
5.If the air bag system in this vehicle needs to be
modified to accommodate a disabled person, contact
the Customer Center. Phone numbers are provided
under If You Need Assistance.
WARNING!
•Relying on the air bags alone could lead to more
severe injuries in a collision. The air bags work
with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In
some collisions, the air bags won’t deploy at all.
Always wear your seat belts even though you have
air bags.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Being too close to the steering wheel or instrument
panel during Advanced Front Air Bag deployment
could cause serious injury, including death. Air
Bags need room to inflate. Sit back, comfortably
extending your arms to reach the steering wheel or
instrument panel.
•Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain
(SABIC) and Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB)
also need room to inflate. Do not lean against the
door or window. Sit upright in the center of the
seat.
•In an accident, you and your passengers can suffer
much greater injuries if you are not properly
buckled up. You can strike the interior of your
vehicle or other passengers, or you can be thrown
out of the vehicle. Always be sure you and others
in your vehicle are buckled up properly.
56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com
Page 74 of 562
Seat Belt Extender
If a seat belt is too short, even when fully extended and
when the adjustable upper shoulder belt anchorage (if
equipped) is in its lowest position, your authorized
dealer can provide you with a seat belt extender. This
extender should be used only if the existing belt is not
long enough. When it is not required, remove the ex-
tender and store it.
WARNING!
Using a seat belt extender when not needed can
increase the risk of injury in an accident. Only use
when the lap belt is not long enough when it is worn
low and snug, and in the recommended seating
positions. Remove and store the extender when not
needed.
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) — Air Bags
This vehicle has Advanced Front Air Bags for both the
driver and front passenger as a supplement to the seat
belt restraint systems. The driver’s Advanced Front Air
Bag is mounted in the center of the steering wheel. The
passenger’s Advanced Front Air Bag is mounted in the
instrument panel, above the glove compartment. The
words SRS AIRBAG are embossed on the air bag covers.
In addition, the vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental
Driver Side Knee Air Bag mounted in the instrument
panel below the steering column.
72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com