warning DODGE CARAVAN 2008 5.G Manual Online

reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
NOTE:Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver 's responsi-
bility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if underin-
flation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of
the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the sys-
tem may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure
as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a varietyof reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly.
NOTE:
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels
allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use aftermarket tire sealants
or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 235
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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

2. Press and hold (approximately 10 seconds) the CMTC
reset button until the current variance zone number is
displayed.
3. Release the CMTC reset button, then press and hold
again (approximately 10 seconds), until the direction is
displayed with the CAL indicator on continuously in the
display.
4. To complete the compass calibration, drive the vehicle
in one or more complete 360 degree circles under 5 mph
(8 km/h) in an area free from power lines, large metallic
objects, until the CAL indicator turns off. The compass
will now function normally.ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
(EVIC) Ð IF EQUIPPED
NOTE:The compass on your vehicle is self-calibrating,
eliminating the need to manually calibrate the compass.
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) fea-
tures a driver-interactive display that is located in the
lower half of the speedometer.
This system conveniently allows the driver to select a
variety of useful information by pressing the switches
mounted on the steering wheel. The EVIC consists of the
following:
²System Status display
²Vehicle information warning message displays
²Tire Pressure Monitor System
²Personal Settings (Customer Programmable Features)
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 241
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1. Turn the ignition switch ON.
2. Press and hold the compass button for approximately
two seconds.
3. Press the STEP button until ªCompass Varianceº mes-
sage and the last variance zone number displays in the
EVIC.
4. Press and release STEP button until the proper vari-
ance zone is selected according to the map.
5. Press and release the compass button to exit.
PERSONAL SETTINGS (CUSTOMER
PROGRAMMABLE FEATURES)
Personal Settings allows the driver to set and recall
features when the transmission is in PARK. If the trans-
mission is out of PARK or the vehicle begins moving, a
warning messagePERSONAL SETTING NOT AVAIL-
ABLEfollowed in three seconds byVEHICLE NOT IN
PARK.Press and release the MENU button until Personal Set-
tings displays in the EVIC.
Use the Step button to display one of the following
choices:
Language
When in this display you may select one of five lan-
guages for all display nomenclature, including the trip
functions and the navigation system (if equipped). Press
the reset button while in this display to select English,
Spanish (EspaÞol), French (FranÕais), Italian (Italiano),
German (Deutsch), and Dutch (Nederlands). Then, as
you continue, the information will display in the selected
language.
Lock Doors Automatically at 15 mph (24 km/h)
When ON is selected, all doors will lock automatically
when the vehicle reaches a speed of 15 mph (24 km/h).
To make your selection, press and release the RESET
button until ON or OFF appears.
248 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

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

If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15±
second intervals of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the ªNormal Startingº procedure should
be repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER Ð IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the
electrical cord to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical
outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the driver's side of the vehicle. It has a removable cap
that is located on the driver side of the Integrated Power
Module.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the electrical cord before
driving. Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord
could cause electrocution.
STARTING AND OPERATING 327
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
²Shift the gear selector lever into PARK only after
the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
²Do not shift the gear selector lever from RE-
VERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL into any forward
gear when the engine is above idle speed.
²Before shifting the gear selector lever into any
gear, make sure your foot is firmly on the brake
pedal.
NOTE:You MUST press and hold the brake pedal down
while shifting out of PARK.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the gear selector lever out of
PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the
brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly
forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the
vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift
into gear when the engine is idling normally and
when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
Brake/Transmission Interlock System
This system holds the shift lever in the PARK position
when the ignition switch is in the LOCK position. It also
prevents you, once the engine is started, from moving the
gear selector lever out of PARK and into any gear unless
the brake pedal is pressed. This system is active only
328 STARTING AND OPERATING

the instrument cluster will display transmission gear
selection as 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 for six-speed and 4, 3, 2, 1 for
four-speed transmissions.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting the gear selector
lever from PARK or NEUTRAL positions into another
gear range.
PARK
Shifting the gear selector lever in PARK supplements the
parking brake by locking the transmission. The engine
can be started in this gear. Never attempt to use PARK
while vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking brake when
leaving the vehicle in this gear.
When parking on a flat surface, place the shift lever in the
PARK position first, and then apply the parking brake.When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK. As
an added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
WARNING!
Never use PARK position on an automatic transmis-
sion as a substitute for the parking brake. Always
apply parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible injury or
damage.
330 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should always
shift the gear selector lever into PARK, remove the
key from the ignition, and apply the parking brake.
Once the key is removed from the ignition, the
transmission gear selector lever is locked in the
PARK position, securing the vehicle against un-
wanted movement. Furthermore, you should never
leave unattended children or pets inside a vehicle.
The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the transmission gear selector lever
into the PARK position:
²When shifting the gear selector lever into PARK,
depress the button on the gear selector lever and
firmly move the lever all the way forward until it
stops.
²Look at the shift indicator window on the console to
ensure gear selector lever is in the PARK position.
²When engaged in PARK, you will not be able to move
the gear selector lever rearward without depressing
the gear selector lever button.
CAUTION!
Before moving the gear selector lever out of PARK,
you must turn the ignition from LOCK/OFF to ON so
the steering wheel and gear selector lever are re-
leased. Otherwise, damage to the steering column or
gear selector lever could result.
STARTING AND OPERATING 331
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