steering DODGE CARAVAN 2005 4.G User Guide

If either indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check for a
defective outside turn signal light bulb. If one of the
indicators fails to light when the lever is moved, it would
suggest that the indicator light is defective.Turn Signal Warning
If the vehicle electronics sense that the vehicle has
traveled at over 18 mph (29 km/h) for about one mile
with the turn signals on, a chime will sound to alert the
driver.
Headlight Low/High Beam Selector Switch
Pull the multifunction lever toward the steering wheel to
switch the headlights between HIGH and LOW beam.
Passing Light
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
lightly pulling the multifunction lever toward the steer-
ing wheel. This will cause the headlights to turn on at
high beam and remain on until the lever is released.
Turn Signal Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 139
3

TILT STEERING COLUMN—IF EQUIPPED
To tilt the column, pull the small lever, located behind the
turn signal control, toward you and move the wheel up
or down, as desired. Release the lever to lock the wheel
firmly in place.WARNING!
Tilting the steering column while the vehicle is
moving is dangerous. Without a stable steering col-
umn, you could lose control of the vehicle and have
an accident. Adjust the column only while the ve-
hicle is stopped. Be sure it is locked before driving.
Tilt Steering Column Control
142 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

TRACTION CONTROL SWITCH—IF EQUIPPED
The TRAC indicator, located below the instrument cluster
odometer, will light up when the Traction Control is in use.
To turn the system OFF, press the TRAC OFF switch located
on the steering column, until the TRAC OFF indicator below
the instrument cluster odometer lights up.
To turn the system back ON, press the switch a second
time until the TRAC OFF indicator turns OFF.
NOTE:
•The Traction Control System indicator comes on each
time the ignition switch is turned ON. This will occur
even if you used the switch to turn the system OFF.
•The Traction Control will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when in operation.
Traction Control Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 143
3

ADJUSTABLE PEDALS—IF EQUIPPED
This feature allows both the brake and accelerator pedals
to move toward or away from the driver to provide
improved position with the steering wheel. The adjust-
able pedal system is designed to allow a greater range of
driver comfort for steering wheel tilt and seat position.
The switch is located on the right side of the steering
column.
Press the button forward to move the pedals forward
(toward the front of the vehicle).
Press the button rearward to move the pedals rearward
(toward the driver).
•The pedals can be adjusted with the ignition OFF.
Adjustable Pedal Switch
146 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:You must apply the brakes before shifting from
Park.
19. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The light
should turn on momentarily when the engine is
started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
chime will sound for 4 minutes when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
20. High Beam Light
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever towards the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or low
beam.21. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. The light will illu-
minate when the key is in the ON position before engine
start. If the bulb does not come when turning the key
from OFF to ON, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert to serious
conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or
severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.
202 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

RADIO GENERAL INFORMATION
Radio Broadcast Signals
Your new radio will provide excellent reception under
most operating conditions. Like any system, however, car
radios have performance limitations, due to mobile op-
eration and natural phenomena, which might lead you to
believe your sound system is malfunctioning. To help
you understand and save you concern about these“ap-
parent”malfunctions, you must understand a point or
two about the transmission and reception of radio sig-
nals.
Two Types of Signals
There are two basic types of radio signals... AM or
Amplitude Modulation, in which the transmitted sound
causes the amplitude, or height, of the radio waves to
vary... and FM or Frequency Modulation, in which the
frequency of the wave is varied to carry the sound.
Electrical Disturbances
Radio waves may pick up electrical disturbances during
transmission. They mainly affect the wave amplitude,
and thus remain a part of the AM reception. They
interfere very little with the frequency variations that
carry the FM signal.
AM Reception
AM sound is based on wave amplitude, so AM reception
can be disrupted by such things as lightning, power lines
and neon signs.
FM Reception
Because FM transmission is based on frequency varia-
tions, interference that consists of amplitude variations
can be filtered out, leaving the reception relatively clear,
which is the major feature of FM radio.
NOTE:On vehicles so equipped the radio, steering
wheel radio controls and 6 disc CD/DVD changer will
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 205
4

Reception Quality
Satellite reception may be interrupted due to one of the
following reasons.
•The vehicle is parked in an underground parking
structure or under a physical obstacle.
•Dense tree coverage may interrupt reception in the
form of short audio mutes.
•Driving under wide bridges or along tall buildings can
cause intermittent reception.
•Placing objects over or too close to the antenna can
cause signal blockage.
REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS—IF
EQUIPPED
The remote sound system controls are located on the rear
surface of the steering wheel at the 3 and 9 O’clock
positions.
Remote Sound System Controls
258 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures.....................292
▫2.4L Engine.........................292
▫3.3L And 3.8L Engine..................294

Engine Block Heater—If Equipped.........296

Automatic Transmission..................297
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock System.......298
▫Automatic Transmission Ignition
Interlock System......................298
▫Four Speed Automatic Transmission........298
Parking Brake.........................301

Brake System..........................302
▫Anti-Lock Brake System—If Equipped.....303

Power Steering........................305

Traction Control—If Equipped............306

Tire Safety Information...................308
▫Tire Markings........................308
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........311
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........312
5

WARNING!
•Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason, the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
STARTING AND OPERATING 305
5

WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolong operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
TRACTION CONTROL—IF EQUIPPED
The Traction Control System reduces wheel slip and
maintains traction at the driving (front) wheels. The
system reduces wheel slip by engaging the brake on the
wheel that is losing traction (spinning). The system
operates at speeds below 35 mph (56 km/h).
The system is always in the“stand by”mode unless,
•The Traction Control Switch has been used to turn the
system OFF
306 STARTING AND OPERATING