engine DODGE CARAVAN 2008 5.G User Guide

The Lock Doors Automatically at 15 mph (24 km/h)
feature can be reactivated by repeating the above men-
tioned procedure or by performing the procedure in the
EVIC, Customer Programmable Features section on ve-
hicles so equipped.
Unlock Doors Automatically On Exit Ð If
Equipped
The Unlock Doors Automatically On Exit feature unlocks
all of the doors of the vehicle when any door is opened.
This will occur only after the gear selector lever has been
shifted into the PARK position after the vehicle has been
driven (the gear selector lever has been shifted out of
PARK and all doors closed).
The Unlock Doors Automatically On Exit feature will not
operate if there is any manual operation of the power
door locks (lock or unlock).The Unlock Doors Automatically On Exit feature can be
enabled or disabled by performing the following proce-
dure:
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 into the ignition switch.
4. Within 15 seconds, cycle the ignition key from the OFF
position to the ON/RUN position a minimum of four
times ending in the OFF 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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 35
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²If the power sliding side door is not in the full open or
close position, it will fully open when a power sliding
door switch is pressed. To close the door, wait until it
is fully open and then press the switch again.
²The power sliding side door switches will not operate
if the transmission gear selector lever is in gear or the
vehicle speed is above 0 mph (0 km/h).
²If the power sliding door encounters multiple obstruc-
tions within the same cycle, the system will automati-
cally stop and must be opened or closed manually.
WARNING!
You, or others, could be injured if caught in the path
of the sliding door. Make sure the door path is clear
before closing the door.
Power Sliding Side Door Open Flash
The left and right exterior hazard lights will flash for 12
seconds when either sliding door is opened. This will
alert other drivers in the area that passenger(s) could be
entering or exiting the vehicle.
The Sliding Side Door Open Flash can be enabled or
disabled by performing the following procedure:
1. Place the key in the ignition switch.
2. Cycle the ignition switch ON/OFF four times ending
in the OFF position.(Do not start the engine).
3. Within 10 seconds of the final cycle, press the hazard
switch.
4. A single chime will sound to signify that you have
successfully completed the programming.
44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:The following steps must occur within the first
60 seconds of the ignition switch being turned to the ON
or START position. DaimlerChrysler does not recom-
mend deactivating BeltAlertt.
1. With all doors closed and the ignition switch in any
position except ON or START, buckle the driver's seat
belt.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (engine
does not need to be running), and wait for the Seat Belt
Warning Light to turn off.
3. Within 60 seconds of turning the ignition switch to the
ON/RUN position, unbuckle and then re-buckle the
driver's seat belt at least three times within 60 seconds,
ending with the seat belt buckled.
NOTE:Watch for the Seat Belt Warning Light to turn on
while unbuckling and off while re-buckling the seat belt.4. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. A single
chime will sound to signify that you have successfully
completed the programming.
BeltAlerttcan be reactivated by repeating this procedure.
NOTE:Although BeltAlertthas been deactivated, the
Seat Belt Warning Light will continue to illuminate while
the driver's seat belt remains unbuckled.
Seat Belts and Pregnant Women
We recommend that pregnant women use the seat belts
throughout their pregnancies. Keeping the mother safe is
the best way to keep the baby safe.
Pregnant women should wear the lap part of the belt
across the thighs and as snug across the hips as possible.
Keep the belt low so that it does not come across the
abdomen. That way the strong bones of the hips will take
the force if there is a collision.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65
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Front and Side Impact Sensors
Impact Sensors trigger airbag deployment in front and
side impacts, and aid the ORC in determining appropri-
ate response to impact events. Additional sensors in the
ORC determine the level of airbag deployment and
provide verification.
Acceleration Sensors
Acceleration Sensors trigger airbag deployment based on
dramatic acceleration change of the vehicle.
Pressure Sensors
Pressure Sensors trigger airbag deployment based on
door cavity pressure changes.
Rollover Sensors
Rollover Sensors trigger airbag deployment in the event
of vehicle rollover and aid the ORC in deploying Side
Airbag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) for rollover events.
Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtain
(SABIC) Ð If Equipped
The ORC deploys the SABIC during collision with other
vehicles and during collisions where the impact is con-
fined to a particular area of the vehicle Ð such as
collisions with poles, trees or similar objects.
It will deploy the SABIC only on the impact side of the
vehicle.
NOTE:The ORC does detect and protect for rollover
when equipped with SABIC airbags.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact causing airbag deployment, and
the vehicle communication network intact, and the
power intact, the Enhanced Accident Response System
performs the following functions:
²Cuts off fuel to the engine.
²Flashes hazard lights.
74 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Do not attempt to modify any part of your advanced
airbag system. The airbag may inflate accidentally or
may not function properly if modifications are made.
Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for any
advanced airbag system service. If your seat, includ-
ing your trim cover and cushion, needs to be serviced
in any way (including removal or loosening/
tightening of seat attachment bolts), take the vehicle
to your authorized dealer. Only manufacturer ap-
proved seat accessories may be used. If it is necessary
to modify an advanced airbag system for persons
with disabilities, contact your authorized dealer.
NOTE:
Perchlorate Material Ð special handling may ap-
ply. See: www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
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 mainte-
nance free, if any of the following occurs, have
an authorized dealer service the system immediately.
²The AIRBAG light does not come on during the
approximately four to six seconds when the ignition
switch is first turned ON.
²The light remains on after the approximately four to
six-second interval.
²The light comes on and remains on while driving.
NOTE:If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine
related gauges are not working, the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. The airbags may
not be ready to inflate for your protection. Promptly
check the fuse block for blown fuses. Refer to the label
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 77
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²Engine control status (including engine speed)
²Transmission gear selection
²Cruise control status
²Traction/stability control status
²Tire pressure monitoring system status ± if equipped
Integrated Child Seat Ð If Equipped
Operating instructions for the second row bench seat
with Integrated Child Seat are included with the seat. If
the instructions are not with the seat or in the Owner's
Manual Package, replacement instruction can be ob-
tained.
To obtain Integrated Child Seat replacement instruc-
tions:Refer to Publication Order Forms at the back of this
manual and specify publication number 81±016±8050.
Second Row Bench Seat With Integrated Child Seat
80 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 mi (500 km). After
the initial 60 mi (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80
or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy-conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. For
the recommended viscosity and quality grades, refer to
ªMaintenance Proceduresº in Section 7. NON-
DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST
NEVER BE USED.A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD MAKE INSIDE
THE VEHICLE
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 93
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Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for four seconds
as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first turned
ON. If the LED is not lit during starting and/or 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.
NOTE:If the defroster is not working or you are unable
to feel air against the windshield in defrost mode, please
see your authorized dealer service center for repairs.
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, trans-
mission fluid or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
94 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.WARNING!
If you are required to drive with the deck lid / liftgate
open, make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 95
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NPower Inverter Ð If Equipped............196
NElectrical Outlet Use With Engine Off.......198
mSun ScreensÐ If Equipped................198
mCup Holders And Convenience Tray Drawer . . . 200
NInstrument Panel Cup Holders............200
NInterior Bottle Holders..................201
NSmokers Package Kit Ð If Equipped........201
mConsole Features.......................201
NBasic Console........................201
NPremium Console ± If Equipped...........203
mStorage..............................208
NGlove Compartments..................208NDoor Trim Panel Storage................209
NSecond Row Floor Storage Bins Ð
If Equipped.........................210
NRemoving The Floor Console With Stow 'n Go
Seating Ð If Equipped.................211
NRear Compartment Storage..............213
NCoat Hooks.........................214
NCargo Area Storage....................214
mRoof Luggage Rack Ð If Equipped..........215
mUmbrella Holder.......................217
mLoad-Leveling System Ð If Equipped........218
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 99
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