light DODGE CARAVAN 2004 4.G User Guide

WARNING!
During power operation, personal injury or cargo
damage may occur. Ensure the liftgate travel path is
clear. Make sure the liftgate is closed and latched
before driving away.
NOTE:
²If anything obstructs the power liftgate while it is
closing or opening, the liftgate will automatically
reverse to the closed or open position, provided it
meets sufficient resistance.
²There are also pinch sensors attached to the side of the
liftgate opening. Light pressure anywhere along these
strips will cause the liftgate to return to the open
position.
²The power liftgate must be in the full open or close
positions for any of the buttons to operate. If the
liftgate is not in the full open or close positions it must
be opened or closed manually.
²If the liftgate release button is activated while the
power liftgate is closing, the liftgate will reverse to the
full open position.
²The power liftgate buttons will not operate if the
vehicle is in gear or the vehicle speed is above 0 mph
(0 km/h).
²The power liftgate will not operate in temperatures
below212ÉF (224ÉC) or temperatures above 143ÉF
(62ÉC). Be sure to remove any build-up of snow or ice
from the liftgate before pressing any of the power
liftgate buttons.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 35
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WARNING!
²Relying on the airbags alone could lead to more
severe injuries in a collision. The airbags work
with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In
some collisions the airbags won't deploy at all.
Always wear your seat belts even though you
have airbags.
²Being too close to the steering wheel or instru-
ment panel during front airbag deployment could
cause serious injury. Airbags need room to inflate.
Sit back, comfortably extending your arms to
reach the steering wheel or instrument panel.
²If the vehicle has side airbags, they also need
room to inflate. Do not lean against the door. Sit
upright in the center of the seat.
The Front Airbag System consists of the following:
²Front Airbag Control Module (with integrated side
impact sensor - if equipped)
²AIRBAG Readiness Light
²Driver Airbag
²Front Passenger Airbag
²Steering Wheel and Column
²Instrument Panel
²Seat Belt Readiness Light
²Front Seat Belt Pretensioners
²Interconnecting Wiring
²Knee Impact Bolster
52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

How The Front Airbag System Works
²
Thefrontairbag control module determines if a frontal
impact is severe enough to require the front airbags to
inflate. Based on the level of collision severity, the front
airbag control module determines the proper rate of
inflation. The front airbag inflators are designed to
provide different rates of airbag inflation. The front
airbag control module will not detect roll over, or rear
collisions.
The front airbag control module also monitors the
readiness of the electronic parts of the system when-
ever the ignition switch is in the START or ON
positions. These include all of the items listed above
except the knee bolster, instrument panel and the
steering wheel and column. If the key is in the OFF
position, in the ACC position, or not in the ignition
switch, the front airbags are not on and will not inflate.The front airbag control module sends a
message to the instrument cluster to turn on
the AIRBAG light in the instrument panel
for 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is
first turned ON, then turns the light off. If the front
control module detects a malfunction in any part of the
system, the airbag light will turn on either momen-
tarily or continuously.
WARNING!
Ignoring the AIRBAG light in your instrument panel
could mean you won't have the airbags to protect
you in a collision. If the light does not come on, stays
on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you
drive, have the airbag system checked right away.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53
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²When the front airbag control module detects a colli-
sion requiring the front airbags, it signals the inflator
units. A large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to
inflate the front airbags. Different front airbag inflation
rates are possible, these rates are determined by the
front airbag control module based on collision severity.
The front airbag covers separate and fold out of the
way as the airbags inflate to their full size. The front
airbags fully inflate in about 50 milliseconds. This is
only about half of the time it takes you to blink your
eyes. The front airbags then quickly deflate while
helping to restrain the driver and front passenger. The
driver's and passenger's front airbag gas is vented
through the airbag material towards the instrument
panel. In this way the front airbags do not interfere
with your control of the vehicle.
²The Knee Impact Bolstershelp protect the knees and
position you for the best interaction with the front
airbags.
Side Airbags Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) Ð If Equipped
The Side Airbag System, if equipped, consists of the
following:
²AIRBAG Readiness Light (shared with the front airbag
system)
²Side Airbag in the driver's seat
²Side Airbag in the passenger's seat
²Front Airbag Control Module (with integrated side
impact sensor - if equipped)
²Interconnecting Wiring
How The Side Airbag System Works
Thefrontairbag control modules determine if a side
collision is severe enough to require the side airbags to
inflate. The front airbag control modules will not detect
roll over, or rear collisions.
54 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

haven't healed significantly within a few days, or if
you have any blistering, see your doctor immediately.
²As the airbags deflate you may see some smoke-like
particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the
process that generates the nontoxic gas used for airbag
inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the skin,
eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation,
rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat
irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues,
see your doctor. If these particles settle on your
clothing, follow the garment manufacturer's instruc-
tions for cleaning.
²It is not advisable to drive your vehicle after the
airbags have deployed. If you are involved in another
collision, the airbags and seat belt pretensioners will
not be in place to protect you.
WARNING!
Deployed airbags and seat belt pretensioners cannot
protect you in another collision. Have the airbags
and seat belt pretensioners replaced by an autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible.
Enhanced Accident Response
If the airbags and seat belt pertensioners deploy after an
impact and the electrical system remains functional,
vehicles equipped with power door locks will unlock
automatically. In addition, approximately 10 seconds
after the vehicle has stopped moving, the interior lights
will illuminate until the ignition switch is turned off.
56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
²Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbags are not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or
the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do
not modify the front bumper, vehicle body struc-
ture, or frame.
²You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolsters.
²It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has airbags.
Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to inflate for your
protection in a collision. While the airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free, if any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
immediately.
²The AIRBAG light does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
²The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.
²The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
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Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NManual Reclining Seats Ð If Equipped.......83
NManual Lumbar Ð If Equipped............84
NMiddle Rear Bench Seat Recline Ð If
Equipped............................84
NMiddle Quad Fold & Tumble Seating........85
NMiddle Quad Fold & Tumble Seat Removal....86
N50/50 Fold & Tumble Rear Seat Removal.....88
N2 ± Passenger And 3 ± Passenger Bench Seats . .90
NPlastic Grocery Bag Retainer..............91
NRear-Most Bench Seat...................92
NRear Seat Descriptions...................92
NRear Bench Seating Flexibility.............92
NRear Quad And 50/50 Seating Flexibility.....94mTo Open And Close The Hood..............96
mLights................................98
NInterior Lights........................98
NPark Lights...........................99
NHeadlights...........................99
NAutomatic Headlights Ð If Equipped.......100
NDaytime Running Lights (Canada/Fleet
Vehicles Only).......................101
NLights-On Reminder...................101
NBattery Protection.....................101
NHeadlight Time Delay Ð If Equipped.......101
NFront Fog Lights Ð If Equipped...........102
mMultifunction Lever.....................102
74 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NTurn Signals.........................102
NHeadlight Low/High Beam Selector Switch . . . 103
NPassing Light........................103
NWindshield Wipers And Washers..........103
mTilt Steering Column Ð If Equipped.........104
mTraction Control Switch Ð If Equipped.......105
mAdjustable Pedals Ð If Equipped...........106
mElectronic Speed Control Ð If Equipped......107
NTo Activate..........................108
NTo Set At A Desired Speed...............108
NTo Deactivate........................108
NTo Resume Speed.....................108
NTo Vary The Speed Setting...............109NTo Accelerate For Passing...............109
mOverhead Console Ð If Equipped...........110
NCourtesy/Reading Lights................110
NSunglass Storage......................111
NCompass/Temperature Display...........111
NMini-Trip Computer...................114
NElectronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) Ð If Equipped..................115
NCustomer Programmable Features Ð If
Equipped...........................116
mGarage Door Opener Ð If Equipped.........119
NProgramming Homelink................120
NCanadian Programming/Gate Programming . . 123
NUsing Homelink......................123
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 75
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MIRRORS
Inside Day/Night Mirror
Adjust the mirror to center on the view through the rear
window. A two point pivot system allows for horizontal
and vertical adjustment of the mirror.
Annoying headlight glare can be reduced by moving the
small control under the mirror to the night position(toward rear of vehicle). The mirror should be adjusted
while set in the day position (toward windshield).Automatic Dimming Mirror Ð If Equipped
If the switch is in the ªAutoº position the mirror will
automatically adjust for annoying headlight glare from
vehicles behind you. You can turn the feature on or off by
pressing the button at the base of the mirror. A light in the
button will illuminate to indicate when this feature is on.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 77
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