instrument cluster DODGE CARAVAN 2007 4.G User Guide

This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and is
a normal condition. The system will remain disabled for
about 4 minutes until the brakes have cooled. The system
will automatically reactivate and turn off the TRAC and
the OFF indicators.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow, turn
the Traction Control System OFF before attempting to
“rock” the vehicle free.
23. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined. The trip odometer shows individual trip mileage. To
switch from odometer to trip odometer, press the Trip
Odometer button.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged,
GASCAP will be displayed in the instrument cluster
odometer. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press
the odometer reset button to turn the GASCAP message
off. If the problem continues, the message will appear the
next time the vehicle is started. See Section 7 of this
manual for more information.
24. Cruise Indicator
This display indicator shows that the Speed Control
System is ON.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 219
4

occur only to prevent engine overspeed while downshifts
occur earlier than other gear range selections.
NOTE: The vehicle computer will over ride Overdrive
and “3” Drive ranges by changing shift points if the
transmission operating temperature exceeds acceptable
limits. This is done to prevent transmission damage due
to overheating.
PARKING BRAKE
When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch on, the brake light in the instrument cluster will
turn on.
NOTE: This light only shows that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and place the gear selector in the
Park position. To release the parking brake, pull out on
the parking brake release located on the left side of the
instrument panel.
Parking Brake Release
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•There is a Traction Control System malfunction
•The system has been deactivated to prevent damage to
the brake system due to overheated brake tempera-
tures
NOTE: The Traction Control will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when in operation.
NOTE: Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the TRAC and
the OFF indicators located in the instrument cluster.
This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and is
a normal condition. The system will remain disabled for
about 4 minutes until the brakes have cooled. The system
will automatically reactivate and turn off the TRAC and
the OFF indicators.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow, turn
the Traction Control System OFF before attempting to
“rock” the vehicle free.
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 do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
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Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure Warnings
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lamp will
illuminate in the instrument cluster and an audible
chime will be activated when one or more of the
four active road tire pressures are low. The audible chime
will sound once every ignition cycle for each low tire
condition that it detects.
Should this occur you should stop as soon as possible,
check the inflation pressure of each tire on your vehicle,
and inflate each tire to the pressure recommended by the
vehicle tire pressure placard. The system will automati-
cally update and the Tire Pressure Monitor System Tell-
tale Lamp will extinguish once the updated tire pres-
sure(s) have been received.
NOTE: The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 10
minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h) to receive this infor-
mation. NOTE:
A low spare or compact tire pressure will not
cause the Tire Pressure Monitor System Telltale Lamp to
illuminate or the chime to sound.
Base Tire Pressure Monitoring System with
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — If
Equipped
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to
monitor tire pressure levels (EXCLUDING THE SPARE
TIRE). Sensors, mounted to each wheel as part of the
valve stem, transmit tire pressure readings to the Re-
ceiver Module.
NOTE: It is particularly important, for you to check the
tire pressure in all of your tires regularly and too main-
tain the proper pressure.
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) consists of the
following components:
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•Receiver Module
•4 Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors
•Various Tire Pressure Monitoring System Messages,
which display in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)
•Tire Pressure Monitoring System Telltale Lamp
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lamp will illumi-
nate in the instrument cluster and an audible chime will
be activated when one or more of the four active road tire
pressures are low. The audible chime will sound once
every ignition cycle for each low tire condition that it
detects. In addition, the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) will display the number of tire(s) that are
low, followed by the “Tire Low Pressure” text message. Should this occur you should stop as soon as possible,
check the inflation pressure of each tire on your vehicle,
and inflate each tire to the pressure recommended by the
vehicle tire pressure placard. The system will automati-
cally update, the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
Telltale Lamp will extinguish once the updated tire
pressure have been received.
NOTE:
The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 10
minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h) to receive this infor-
mation.
NOTE: A low spare or compact tire pressure will not
cause the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Telltale
Lamp to illuminate or the chime to sound.
350 STARTING AND OPERATING

Service Tire System Soon
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lamp will flash on
and off for 60 seconds in the instrument cluster, and an
audible chime will be activated when one or more of the
four active road tire pressures are low.
In addition the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) will display a “SERVICE TIRE SYSTEM SOON”
text message. The flash cycle will repeat every ten
minutes, without an audible chime, until the condition no
longer exists. The flash cycle sequence will repeat and an
audible chime will sound once every ignition cycle for
each condition that it detects.
NOTE: If a temporary spare tire is in use and none of
the remaining 3 active road tire pressures are low, a
“SERVICE TIRE SYSTEM SOON textual message will
appear in the EVIC after 10 minutes of driving,CAUTION!
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has
been optimized for the original equipment tires and
wheels. TPMS pressures have been established for
the tire size equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable
system operation or sensor damage may result when
using replacement equipment that is not of the same
size, type, and/or style. After-market wheels can
cause sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a
can, or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped
with a Tire Pressure Monitor System, as damage to
the sensors may result.
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NOTE:The driver’s side sliding door cannot be opened
while the fuel door is open. This feature operates only
when the sliding door is fully closed prior to opening the
fuel door.
As a reminder, a fuel icon with an arrow “
”
indicating which side of the vehicle the fuel filler
door is located on, is located in the instrument
cluster, just below the Fuel Gage.
The fuel tank filler tube has a restricting door about 2
inches (50 mm) inside the opening. If using a portable
fuel container, it should have a flexible nozzle long
enough to force open the restricting door.CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap
could let impurities into the fuel system and may
cause the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) to turn
on due to fuel vapors escaping from the system.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
358 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel when the engine is running. This
is in violation of most state and federal fire
regulations and will cause the malfunction indi-
cator light to turn on.
NOTE:
•Tighten the fuel filler cap until you hear a “clicking”
sound. This is an indication that the fuel filler cap is
properly tightened.
•If the gas cap is not tighten properly, the Malfunction
Indicator Light will come on. Be sure the gas cap is
tightened every time the vehicle is refueled.
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
•
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the
fuel filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or dam-
aged, GASCAP will be displayed in the instrument
cluster odometer. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly
and press the odometer reset button to turn the
GASCAP message off.
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ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light.” It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
•If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged. A loose fuel filler cap message will
be displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas
416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

equipped with electric defrosters or the right rear quarter
window equipped with the radio antenna. Do not use
scrapers or other sharp instruments which may scratch
the elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner on the
towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft tissue.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
Cleaning The Instrument Panel and Underseat
Cup Holders
Removal
Remove the ash receiver from the convenience tray if
there is a smoker’s package in your vehicle. With your
index finger, locate the stop tab located at the rear of the
convenience tray.
450 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE