engine DODGE CARAVAN 2008 5.G Owner's Manual

Repeat the words and phrases when prompted by the
UConnecttsystem. For best results, the Voice Training
session should be completed when the vehicle is parked
with the engine running, all windows closed, and the
blower fan switched OFF.
This procedure may be repeated with a new user. The
system will adapt to the last trained voice only.
To restore the Voice Recognition system to factory default
settings, enter the Voice Training session via the above
procedure and follow the prompts.
Voice Recognition (VR)
²
For best performance, adjust the rearview mirror to
provide at least1¤2in (1 cm) gap between the overhead
console (if equipped) and the mirror.
²Always wait for the beep before speaking.
²Speak normally, without pausing, just as you would
speak to a person sitting a few feet/meters away from
you.
²Make sure that no one other than you is speaking
during a voice recognition period.
²Performance is maximized under:
²low-to-medium blower setting,
²low-to-medium vehicle speed,
²low road noise,
²smooth road surface,
²fully closed windows,
²dry weather condition.
²Even though the system is designed for users speaking
in North American English, French, and Spanish ac-
cents, the system may not always work for some.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 123
3

The interior lights will automatically turn off in about 10
minutes for the first activation and 90 seconds every
activation thereafter until the engine is started, if one of
the following occur:
²A door, sliding door or the liftgate is left open
²Any overhead reading light is left on
²If the dimmer control is in the extreme top position
NOTE:The key must be out of the ignition switch or the
ignition switch must be in the OFF position for this
feature to operate.
Dome Light Positions
Rotate the dimmer control completely
upward to the second detent (extreme
top position) to turn on the interior
lights, except the front reading/
courtesy lights. The interior lights will
remain on when the dimmer control is
in this position.
Interior Lighting Defeat (Off)
Rotate the dimmer control to the off
position (extreme bottom). The inte-
rior lights will remain off when the
doors or liftgate are open.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 161
3

Daytime Running Lights (Canada/Fleet Vehicles
Only)
The headlights on your vehicle will illuminate when the
engine is started and the transmission is in any gear
except PARK. This provides a constant lights on condi-
tion until the ignition is turned OFF. The lights illuminate
at less than 50% of normal intensity. If the parking brake
is applied the Daytime Running Lights (DRL) will turn
off. Also, if a turn signal is activated, the DRL lamp on the
same side of the vehicle will turn off for the duration of
the turn signal activation. Once the turn signal is no
longer active, the DRL lamp will illuminate.
Headlights
Turn the headlight switch knob to the 2nd
detent to turn the headlights and park lights
on. This also turns on all instrument panel
lighting.To change the brightness of the instrument panel lights,
rotate the dimmer control up or down.
Automatic Headlights Ð If Equipped
This system automatically turns your headlights on or off
based on ambient light levels. To turn the system on, turn
the headlight switch to the extreme counterclockwise
position aligning the indicator with theªAºon the
headlight switch. When the system is on, the Headlight
Time Delay feature is also on. This means your headlights
will stay on for up to 90 seconds after you turn the
ignition switch OFF. To turn the Automatic System off,
turn the headlight switch clockwise to theªOºoff
position.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 163
3

NOTE:The engine must be running before the head-
lights will come on in the Automatic mode.
Headlights On with Wipers Ð If Equipped
If your vehicle is equipped with Automatic Headlights it
also has this customer programmable feature. When yourheadlights are in the automatic mode, and the engine is
running, the headlights will automatically turn on when
the wiper system is on.
Headlight Delay Ð If Equipped
This feature provides the safety of headlight illumination
for up to 90 seconds after exiting your vehicle.
To activate the delay feature, turn OFF the ignition switch
while the headlights are still on. Then turn off the
headlights within 45 seconds. The 90 second delay inter-
val begins when headlight switch is turned off. If the
headlights or park lights are turned back on or the
ignition switch is turned on, the delay will be cancelled.
The driver can choose, when exiting the vehicle, to have
the headlights remain on for 30, 60, or 90 seconds, or not
remain on. To change the timer setting see your autho-
rized Dealer.
Automatic Headlights
164 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

open or partially open positions. This is a normal occur-
rence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with
the rear windows open, open the front and rear windows
together to minimize the buffeting. If the buffeting occurs
with the sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to
minimize the buffeting or open any window.
Sunroof Maintenance
Use only a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to clean
the glass panel.
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS Ð IF EQUIPPED
Two 12 volt power outlets are located in the center lower
instrument panel next to the open storage bin. The upper
outlet is controlled by the ignition switch and the lower
outlet is connected directly to the battery. The upper
outlet will also operate a conventional cigar lighter unit
(if equipped with an optional Smoker's Package).The outlets include tethered caps labeled with a key or
battery symbol indicating the power source. The lower
instrument panel outlet is powered directly from the
battery, items plugged into this outlet may discharge the
battery and/or prevent engine starting.
The lower outlet is protected by an automatic reset circuit
breaker. The automatic circuit breaker restores power
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 195
3

ELECTRICAL OUTLET USE WITH ENGINE OFF
CAUTION!
²Many accessories that can be plugged in draw power
from the vehicle's battery, even when not in use (i.e.,
cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long
enough, the vehicle's battery will discharge sufficiently
to degrade battery life and/or prevent engine starting.
²Accessories that draw higher power (i.e., coolers, vacuum
cleaners, lights, etc.), will degrade the battery even more
quickly. Only use these intermittently and with greater
caution.
²After the use of high power draw accessories, or long
periods of the vehicle not being started (with accessories
still plugged in), the vehicle must be driven a sufficient
length of time to allow the alternator to recharge the
vehicle's battery.
²Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs only. Do
not hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket from
the plug. Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage.
SUN SCREENSÐ IF EQUIPPED
Sun Screens are available for second and third row
seating windows. The screens store in the sill trim panels
and the tops of the windows are equipped with hooks
that the Sun Screen attaches to when pulled out.
Sun Screen Retracted
198 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
2. Fuel Door Reminder
The arrow in this symbol is a reminder that the
Fuel Filler Door is located on the left side of the
vehicle.
3. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads
ªHª, pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer
drops back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the ªHº, and you hear continuous chimes,
turn the engine off immediately, and call an autho-
rized dealer for service.
226 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer if
your vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under
the hood yourself, see Section 7 of this manual.
Follow the warnings under the Cooling System Pres-
sure Cap paragraph.
4. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
5. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
If the vehicle electronics sense that the vehicle has
traveled about one mile with the turn signals on, acontinuous chime will sound to alert you to turn the
signals off. If either indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check
for a defective outside light bulb.
6. 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.
7. Anti-Lock Brake System Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem. The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and may
stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 227
4

Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS
Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
The operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked
by turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to
the ON position. The light should illuminate for approxi-
mately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless
the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected.
If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.9.Tachometer Ð Premium Instrument Cluster Only
The white area of the scale shows the permissible engine
revolutions-per-minute (RPM x 1000) for each gear range.
Before reaching the red area, ease up on the accelerator to
prevent engine damage.
10. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transaxle gear
selection.
NOTE:You must apply the brakes before shifting from
Park.
11. Odometer/Trip Odometer Ð If Equipped
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
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 229
4

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.
To reset a trip odometer, display the desired trip odom-
eter to be reset then push and hold the button until the
display resets (approximately two seconds).
12. PRNDL/Odometer Display Area
When the appropriate conditions exist, the following
odometer messages will display:
CHAngE OIL............... OilChange Required
CRUISE.....................Cruise Control On
door.............................Door Ajar
ESPOFF............................ ESPOffgATE..........................Lift Gate Ajar
gASCAP.......................Fuel Cap Fault
hood*............................Hood Ajar
noFUSE..........................Fuse Fault
LoCOOL........................ LowCoolant
LoWASH.................... LowWasher Fluid
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with an hood switch,
in the case of hood ajar, a warning message will be
displayed in either the PRNDL/Odometer display as
ªhoodº or ªHood Ajarº in the EVIC display.
NOTE:Some of the above warnings will be displayed in
the Compass Mini-Trip Computer / Electronic Vehicle
Information Center Display Area under the Speedometer.
CHAngE OIL
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The ªChange Oilº message will flash in
the instrument cluster odometer for approximately 12
230 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL