key DODGE CARAVAN 2008 5.G Service Manual

Courtesy/Interior Lighting
At the forward end of the console are two courtesy lights
(standard dome light has two buttons). The lights turn on
when a front door, a sliding door or the liftgate is opened.
If your vehicle is equipped with Remote Keyless Entry,
the lights will also turn on when the unlock button on the
transmitter is pressed.
The courtesy lights also function as reading lights. Press
in on each lens to turn these lights on while inside the
vehicle. Press a second time to turn the each light off. You
may adjust the direction of these lights by pressing the
outside ring which is identified with four directional
arrows.The area around the instrument panel cupholders is also
illuminated from a light in the overhead console. This
light is turned on when the headlight switch is on and
will adjust in brightness when the dimmer control is
rotated up or down.
Sunglass Storage
At the rear of the front overhead console, a compartment
is provided for the storage of two pairs of sunglasses.
Press the door latch to open the compartment. The door
will slowly rotate to an open position.
NOTE:The front overhead console used with factory
sunroof incorporates a sunroof switch.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 183
3

Rear Courtesy/Reading Lights Ð If Equipped
The overhead console had two sets of courtesy lights. The
lights turn on when a front door, a sliding door or the
liftgate is opened. If your vehicle is equipped with
Remote Keyless Entry, the lights will also turn on when
the unlock button on the transmitter is pressed.
The courtesy lights also function as reading lights. Press
in on each lens to turn these lights on while inside the
vehicle. Press a second time to turn the each light off. You
may adjust the direction of these lights by pressing the
outside ring which is identified with four directional
arrows.
Rear Console Halo Lighting Ð If Equipped
The rear overhead console features recessed halo lighting
around the perimeter of the console base. This feature
provides additional lighting options while traveling and
is controlled by the headlight switch. Refer to ªHalo
Lighting - If Equippedº under ªLightingº in ªUnder-
standing The Features Of Your Vehicleº in Section 3.
GARAGE DOOR OPENER Ð IF EQUIPPED
HomeLinktreplaces up to three remote controls (hand-
held transmitters) that operate devices such as garage
door openers, motorized gates, lighting, or home security
systems. The HomeLinktunit operates off your vehicle's
battery.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 185
3

Closing the Sunroof Manually
To close the sunroof from an open or vent position, press
and hold the switch forward. The sunroof will close fully
and stop automatically. Release the switch to stop sun-
roof travel at any point.
Sunroof Sunshade Operation
The sunroof sunshade can be opened manually. How-
ever, the sunshade will open automatically as the sunroof
opens.
NOTE:The sunshade cannot be closed if the sunroof is
open.
WARNING!
Never leave children in a vehicle, with the keys in
the ignition switch. Occupants, particularly unat-
tended children, can become entrapped by the power
sunroof while operating the power sunroof switch.
Such entrapment may result in serious injury or
death.
Express-Open
Press the switch rearward and release, and the sunroof
will open automatically from any position. The sunroof
will open fully, then stop automatically. This is called
Express-Open. During Express-Open operation, any
movement of the sunroof switch will stop the sunroof.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 193
3

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

15. 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 on 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 at an authorized dealer as soon as possible if this
occurs.16. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. If the engine is critically hot, a continuous
chime will sound for four minutes. After the chime
turns off, the engine will still be critically hot until the
light turns off.
17. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC.) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected, the light will come on while the
engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when
the vehicle has completely stopped and the gear selector
is placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off.
If the light remains lit with the engine running your
vehicle will usually be drivable, however, see your dealer
for service as soon as possible. If the light is flashing
when the engine is running, immediate service is re-
quired and you may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may
232 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Unlock Doors Automatically on Exit
When ON is selected, all doors will unlock when the
vehicle is stopped and the transmission is in the PARK or
NEUTRAL position and the driver's door is opened. To
make your selection, press and release the RESET button
until ON or OFF appears.
Remote Key Unlock
WhenDriver Door 1st Pressis selected, only the driver's
door will unlock on the first press of the remote keyless
entry unlock button. When Driver Door 1st Press is
selected, you must press of the remote keyless entry
unlock button twice to unlock the passenger's doors.
WhenAll Doors 1st Pressis selected, all of the doors will
unlock on the first press of the remote keyless entry
unlock button. To make your selection, press and release
the RESET button until ªDriver Door 1st Pressº or ªAll
Doors 1st Pressº appears.
Sound Horn with Remote Key Lock
When ON is selected, a short horn sound will occur when
the remote keyless entry LOCK button is pressed. This
feature may be selected with or without the flash lights
on lock/unlock feature. To make your selection, press
and release the RESET button until ON or OFF appears.
Flash Lights with Remote Key Lock
When ON is selected, the front and rear turn signals will
flash when the doors are locked or unlocked with the
remote keyless entry transmitter. This feature may be
selected with or without the sound horn on lock feature
selected. To make your selection, press and release the
RESET button until ON or OFF appears.
Automatic High Beams Ð If Equipped
When this feature is selected, the high beam headlights
will deactivate automatically under certain conditions. To
make your selection, press and release the FUNCTION
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 249
4

SELECT button until YES (Y) or NO (N) appears. Refer to
ªLights/SmartBeams Ð If Equippedº in Section 3 of this
manual for more information.
Headlights On with Wipers (Available with Auto
Headlights Only)
When YES (Y) is selected, and the headlight switch is in
the AUTO position, the headlights will turn on approxi-
mately 10 seconds after the wipers are turned on. The
headlights will also turn off when the wipers are turned
off if they were turned on by this feature. To make your
selection, press and release the FUNCTION SELECT
button until YES (Y) or NO (N) appears.
NOTE:Turning the headlights on during the daytime
causes the instrument panel lights to dim. To increase the
brightness, refer to ªLightsº in Section 3 of this manual.
Delay Turning Headlights Off
When this feature is selected, the driver can choose to
have the headlights remain on for 0, 30, 60, or 90 secondswhen exiting the vehicle. To make your selection, press
and release the RESET button until 0, 30, 60, or 90
appears.
Turn Headlights On with Remote Key Unlock
When this feature is selected, the headlights will activate
and remain on for up to 90 seconds when the doors are
unlocked with the remote keyless entry transmitter. To
make your selection, press and release the RESET button
until OFF, 30 sec., 60 sec., or 90 sec. appears.
Delay Power Off to Accessories Until Exit
When this feature is selected, the power window
switches, radio, hands±free system (if equipped), DVD
video system (if equipped), power sunroof (if equipped),
and power outlets will remain active for up to 10 minutes
after the ignition switch is turned off. Opening a vehicle
door will cancel this feature. To make your selection,
press and release the RESET button until Off, 45 sec., 5
min., or 10 min. appears.
250 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.
WARNING!
NEVER leave unattended children alone in a vehicle.
Leaving children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don't leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
WARNING!
DO NOT leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.
WARNING!
Be sure to turn off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch if you want to rest or sleep
in your car. Accidents can be caused by inadvertently
moving the gear selection lever. Accidents can also be
caused by pressing the accelerator pedal. This may
cause excessive heat in the exhaust system, resulting
in overheating and vehicle fire, which may cause
serious or fatal injuries.
324 STARTING AND OPERATING

Automatic Transmission
The gear selector lever must be in the NEUTRAL or
PARK position before you can start the engine. Depress
the brake pedal before shifting into any driving gear.
Normal Starting (Above 32ÉF/0ÉC)
1. DO NOT depress the accelerator.
2. Use the Fob with Integrated Key to briefly turn the
ignition switch to the START position and release it as
soon as the starter engages. The starter motor will
continue to run, and it will disengage automatically
when the engine is running.
3. If the engine fails to start, the starter will disengage
automatically in 10 seconds. If this occurs, turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position, wait 10 to 15 seconds,
then repeat the normal starting procedure (Steps 1±3
above).NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with a transmission
shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must be
depressed to shift out of PARK.
Extremely Cold Weather Starting Ð Below220ÉF
(±29ÉC)
Follow the same instructions in the ªNormal Startingº
procedure.
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
High Altitude Starting Ð Above 4,000 ft (1 219 m)
Follow the same instructions in the ªNormal Startingº
procedure.
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
STARTING AND OPERATING 325
5

If The Engine Fails To Start
WARNING!
²NEVER pour fuel or other flammable liquids into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
²DO NOT attempt to push or tow your vehicle to
get it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle.
²If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type
of start can be dangerous if done improperly. Refer
to Section 6 of this manual for proper jump-
starting procedures and follow them carefully.If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
ªNormal Startingº procedure, it may be flooded. Push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it
there while cranking the engine. This should clear any
excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, DO NOT crank the
engine for more than 15±second intervals at one time.
Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.
326 STARTING AND OPERATING