ignition DODGE CARAVAN 2008 5.G Workshop Manual

INSTRUMENT PANELS AND CONTROLS
1 - Air Vents 6 - Upper Glove Compartment 11 - Storage Bin 16 - Head Light Switch
2 - Instrument Cluster 7 - Lower Glove Compartment 12 - Power Supply 12V 17 - Power Inverter Switch
3 - Gear Selector Lever 8 - Climate Controls 13 - Hazard Switch
4 - Radio 9 - Storage or DVD 14 - Ignition Switch
5 - Storage Bin 10 - Cup Holders 15 - Dimmer SwitchUNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 223
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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.
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If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer.
8. Brake System Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system (if equipped).
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. Failure of either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will
take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have an
accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS), are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the
228 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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
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seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the
next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle-based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN
position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and
release the Trip Odometer button on the instrument
cluster. To reset the oil change indicator system (after
performing the scheduled maintenance) refer to the fol-
lowing procedure.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (Do not
start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three times
within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.
13. Odometer Display Reset Button
To reset a message display (gATE, gASCAP, noFUSE,
CHAngE OIL, LoCOOL, LoWASH), push and hold the
button until the display resets (approximately two sec-
onds).
14. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road con-
ditions, and do not switch off the ESP, or TCS.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 231
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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

require towing. The light will come on when the ignition
is first turned ON and remain on briefly as a bulb check.
If the light does not come on during starting, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
18. 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 four 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.
19. Front Fog Light Indicator Ð If Equipped
This light shows when the front fog lights are ON.20. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for five to eight seconds as a bulb
check. During the bulb check, if the driver's seat
belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb
check or when driving, if the driver's seat belt remains
unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will illuminate
and the chime will sound. Refer to the Occupant Re-
straints section for more information.
21. Vehicle Theft Alarm Light Ð If Equipped
This light will flash for approximately 15 sec-
onds when the vehicle theft alarm is arming.
22. Airbag Light
This light turns on and remains on for four
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light is not on
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For additional information on TPMS, refer to Section 5 Ð
Starting and Operating, ªTire Pressure Monitoring Sys-
temº of this manual.
For additional information on Tire Pressures, refer to
Section 5 Ð Starting and Operating, ªTire Inflation
Pressuresº of this manual.
26. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light
The malfunction lamp for the ESP is combined
with BAS. The yellow ªESP/BAS Warning
Lampº comes on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ªONº position. They should go
out with the engine running. If the ªESP/BAS Warning
Lampº comes on continuously with the engine running,
a malfunction has been detected in either the ESP or the
BAS system. If this light remains on after several ignition
cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles/
kilometers at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see
your authorized dealer as soon as possible.27. Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) Reset
Button
Press the reset button to scroll through sub menus (i.e.,
Trip Functions: AVG Fuel Economy, DTE, Elapsed Time,
and Units.
NOTE:For more detailed operation, refer to ªCompass
Mini-Trip Computerº later in this section.
28. Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) Display /
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) DisplayÐ
If Equipped
Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) Ð If Equipped
On vehicles equipped with CMTC, the display provides
the outside temperature, one of eight compass headings
to indicate the direction the vehicle is facing and the
current radio station. Refer to ªCompass Mini-Trip Com-
puterº later in this section.
236 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Display
Ð If Equipped
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) fea-
tures a driver-interactive display that is located in the
lower half of the speedometer.
Oil Change Required
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. TheOil Change Requiredmessage will
flash in the EVIC display for approximately 10 seconds
after a single chime has sounded to indicate the next
scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style.Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN
position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and
release the Menu button. To reset the oil change indicator
system (after performing the scheduled maintenance)
refer to the following procedure.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (Do not
start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three times
within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.
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