light DODGE CARAVAN 2009 Owner's Manual

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) — If Equipped
The ORC deploys the SABIC during a collision with
other vehicles and during collisions where the impact is
confined to a particular area of the vehicle, such as,
collisions with poles, trees or similar objects. In these
events, the ORC will deploy the SABIC only on the
impact side of the vehicle.NOTE:The ORC will also detect and protect for rollover
when equipped with SABIC airbags. In a rollover the
SABIC airbags will deploy on both sides of the vehicle.
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:
•Cuts off fuel to the engine.
•Flashes hazard lights.
•Turns on the interior lights, which remain on as long as
the battery has power or until the ignition key is
removed.
•Unlocks the doors automatically.
72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not attempt to modify any part of your ad-
vanced airbag system. The airbag may inflate
accidentally or may not function properly if modi-
fications are made. Take your vehicle to an autho-
rized dealer for any advanced airbag system ser-
vice. If your seat, including your trim cover and
cushion, needs to be serviced in any way (includ-
ing removal or loosening/tightening of seat attach-
ment bolts), take the vehicle to your authorized
dealer. Only manufacturer approved seat accesso-
ries may be used. If it is necessary to modify an
advanced airbag system for persons with disabili-
ties, contact your authorized dealer.
NOTE:
Perchlorate Material — special handling may ap-
ply. See: www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Airbag Warning 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.
•The Airbag Warning Light does not come on for
approximately four to six seconds when the ignition
switch is first turned ON.
•The light remains on after the approximate four to
six-second interval.
•The 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 75
2
ProCarManuals.com

the vehicle owner or lessee) before accessing the elec-
tronic data stored, unless ordered to download data by a
court with legal jurisdiction (i.e., pursuant to a warrant).
A copy of the data will be provided to the custodial entity
upon request. General data that does not identify par-
ticular vehicles or crashes may be released for incorpo-
ration in aggregate crash databases, such as those main-
tained by the U.S. government and various states. Data of
a potentially sensitive nature, such as would identify a
particular driver, vehicle, or crash, will be treated confi-
dentially. Confidential data will not be disclosed by the
manufacturer to any third party except when:
1. Used for research purposes, such as to match data
with a particular crash record in an aggregate database,
provided confidentiality of personal data is thereafter
preserved.
2. Used in defense of litigation involving the manufac-
turers product.3. Requested by police under a legal warrant.
4. Otherwise required by law.
Data parameters that may be recorded:
•Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning light status for
electronically-controlled safety systems, including the
airbag system
•Airbag disable light status (if equipped)
•Timeof airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)
•Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
•Impact acceleration and angle
•Seat belt status
•Brake status (service and parking brakes)
•Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 77
2
ProCarManuals.com

SAFETY TIPS
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat 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 (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning 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.
94 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

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. Check the tires
(including 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.
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 these safety tips:
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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 95
2
ProCarManuals.com

▫Things You Should Know About Your
UConnectSystem.................... 134
▫General Information................... 143
Seats............................... 143
▫Manual Front And Second Row
Seat Adjuster........................ 144
▫Eight–Way Driver And Passenger Power Seat
— If Equipped....................... 145
▫Adjustable Head Restraints.............. 146
▫Heated Seats — If Equipped............. 147
▫Manual Reclining Seats — If Equipped..... 148
▫Manual Lumbar Adjust Lever —
If Equipped......................... 149
▫Stow ’n Go Seating — If Equipped........ 149▫Easy Access Seating................... 153
▫Swivel ’n Go Premium Seating — If
Equipped.......................... 154
▫Second Row Bench Seat — If Equipped..... 161
▫Third Row Power Seat — If Equipped...... 162
Driver Memory Seat System — If Equipped . . . 166
▫Setting Memory Positions And Linking RKE
Transmitter To Memory................ 167
▫Easy Entry/Exit Seat (Available With
Memory Seat Only)................... 169
To Open And Close The Hood............. 170
Lights.............................. 172
▫Interior Lighting..................... 172
▫Parking Lights....................... 174
98 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

▫Headlights......................... 174
▫Automatic Headlights — If Equipped...... 174
▫Headlights On With Wipers — If Equipped . . 175
▫Headlight Delay — If Equipped.......... 175
▫Daytime Running Lights (Canada/Fleet
Vehicles Only)....................... 176
▫Front Fog Lights — If Equipped.......... 177
▫Battery Protection.................... 177
▫Multifunction Lever................... 177
▫Turn Signals........................ 178
▫High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch....... 179
▫Flash-To-Pass....................... 179
Windshield Wiper And Washers........... 179Tilt Steering Column — If Equipped........ 181
Adjustable Pedals — If Equipped.......... 182
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped...... 183
▫To Activate......................... 184
▫To Set At A Desired Speed.............. 184
▫Deactivating Electronic Speed Control...... 185
▫Resuming Speed..................... 185
▫Varying The Speed Setting.............. 185
▫Accelerating To Pass.................. 186
Rear Park Assist System — If Equipped...... 186
▫Rear Park Assist Sensors............... 187
Rear Backup Camera System — If Equipped . . . 192
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 99
3
ProCarManuals.com

MIRRORS
Inside Day/Night Mirror — If Equipped
A two point pivot system allows for horizontal and
vertical adjustment of the mirror. Adjust the mirror to
center on the view through the rear window.
Headlight glare can be reduced by moving the small
control under the mirror to the night position (toward the
rear of the vehicle). The mirror should be adjusted while
set in the day position (toward the windshield).
Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped
When using this feature the mirror will automatically
adjust for headlight glare from vehicles behind you. You
can turn the feature on or off by pressing the button at the
base of the mirror. A light in the button will indicate
when the dimming feature is activated.
Manual Rearview Mirror
102 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

CAUTION!
To avoid damage to the mirror during cleaning, never
spray any cleaning solution directly onto the mirror.
Apply the solution onto a clean cloth and wipe the
mirror clean.
Outside Mirrors
To receive maximum benefit, adjust the outside mirror(s)
to center on the adjacent lane of traffic with a slight
overlap of the view obtained on the inside mirror.
WARNING!
Vehicles and other objects seen in an outside convex
mirror will look smaller and farther away than they
really are. Relying too much on side convex mirrors
could cause you to collide with another vehicle or
other object. Use your inside mirror when judging
the size or distance of a vehicle seen in a side convex
mirror.
Automatic Dimming Mirror
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 103
3
ProCarManuals.com

Driver’s Auto-Dimming Sideview Mirror — If
Equipped
This mirror automatically adjusts for annoying headlight
glare from vehicles behind you. You can turn this feature
on or off by pressing the button at the base of the
rearview mirror.
Outside Mirror Folding Feature
All outside mirrors are hinged and may be moved either
forward or rearward to resist damage. The hinges have
three detent positions; full forward, full rearward and
normal.
Power Mirrors — If Equipped
Use the mirror select switch located on the drivers door
trim panel to adjust the view obtained in the outside
mirrors. Press the switch to theLeftorRightfor mirror
selection. Press the mirror select switch again to guard
against accidentally moving a mirror position. The mirror
selection will also automatically turn off after 30 seconds.
Power Side Mirror Adjust
1 — Left Mirror 3 — Adjusting Switch
2 — Right Mirror 104 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com