light DODGE CARAVAN 2009 Repair Manual

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Accessories that draw higher power (i.e., coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.), will degrade the
battery even more quickly. Only use these inter-
mittently and with greater caution.
•After 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.
•Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs
only. Do not hang any type of accessory or acces-
sory bracket from the plug. Improper use of the
power outlet can cause damage.
POWER INVERTER — IF EQUIPPED
A 110-Volt, 150-Watt inverter outlet (if equipped) con-
verts DC current to AC current, and is located on the left
rear trim panel immediately behind the second row left
passenger seat. This outlet can be used to power small
appliances and electronics.
Power Inverter Outlet
208 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

WARNING!
In an accident, serious injury could result if the seat
storage bin covers are not properly latched.
•DO NOT drive the vehicle with the storage bin
covers open.
•Keep the storage bin covers closed and latched
while the vehicle is in motion.
•DO NOT use a storage bin latch as a tie down.
Rear Compartment Storage Bins
Your vehicle is equipped with open storage areas located
in each rear trim panel.Rear Compartment Details
1 — Tie Down 5 — Liftgate Close Switch
2 — Switch Bank 6 — Bag Holders
3 — Tire Jack/Handle 7 — Child Seat LATCH Anchor
4 — Cubby/Speaker 8 — Rechargeable Flash LightUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 215
3
ProCarManuals.com

Coat Hooks
Coat hooks are located along the headliner for the second
and third row seating positions. The coat hook load limit
is 10 lbs (4.5 kg). Exceeding the recommended load limit
can cause the coat hooks to break or disengage from the
vehicle.
Cargo Area Storage
The liftgate sill plate has a raised line with the statement
“Load To This Line”. This line indicates how far rearward
cargo can be placed without interfering with liftgate
closing.
NOTE:With all rear seats stowed or removed,4x8foot
sheets of building material will fit on the vehicle floor
with the liftgate closed. The front seats must be moved
slightly forward of the rearmost position.
Rear Cargo Area Loading Limit
216 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

2. Slide the console base forward while lifting slightly to
clear the rear load floor hook.
3. Remove the console.
To Reinstall The Basic Floor Console
1. Position the console at a slight angle (front slightly
higher than the rear).
2. Slide the console rearward into the floor bracket/
hook.
3. Align the console until the front anchor cup plug hole
is centered on the winch hole.
4. Reinstall the clip first and then while pushing down-
ward on the console with slight pressure, reinstall the
cover plug.
5. Pull up on the console to be sure it is firmly latched.
WARNING!
In an accident, serious injury could result if the
removable floor console is not properly installed.
Always be sure the removable floor console is fully
latched.
Premium Console — If Equipped
The three-compartment console with sliding storage bin,
sliding upper tray with storage and large console storage
bin offers multiple configurations.
•Four cupholders with dishwasher safe liners for clean-
ing. The cupholders can accept plastic bottles, large
cups or mugs with handles.
•Top tray storage
•Upper storage bin can hold nine regular or 18 thin CDs
or other items
218 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

To Remove The Premium Floor Console
1. Pull up on the bottom release handle in the front of the
console
2. Lift the rear of the console up several inches/
centimeters3. Pull rearward to disengage from floor and remove
console
To reinstall the console:
1. Position the console at a slight angle (rear slightly
higher than the front)
2. Slide the console forward into the floor bracket
3. Rotate the rear of the console down until it is resting
on the floor bracket
4. Push down on the rear of the console until it is seated
in the rear floor bracket
5. Pull up on the console to be sure it is firmly latched
Console Position 4
222 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

WARNING!
In an accident, serious injury could result if the
removable floor console is not properly installed.
Always be sure the removable floor console is fully
latched.
ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER — IF
EQUIPPED
Press the rear window defroster button (located on
your front climate control) to turn on the rear
window defroster and the optional heated mirrors. A
light will illuminate to show that the defroster is on. The
defroster automatically turns off after approximately ten
minutes of operation, as long as the ignition switch is in
the ON position.After the initial time interval has expired, if the rear
window defogger switch is pressed to the on position
again (during the same ignition cycle), the system will
automatically turn off after approximately five minutes.
NOTE:You may turn off the heated mirror feature at
anytime by pressing the rear window defogger switch a
second time.CAUTION!
To avoid damaging the electrical conductors of the
rear window defroster, do not use scrapers, sharp
instruments, or abrasive window cleaners on the
interior surface of the window.
Labels can be peeled off after soaking with warm
water.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 223
3
ProCarManuals.com

INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES
1 - Air Vent 5 - Storage Bin 9 - Storage or DVD 13 - Hazard Switch
2 - Instrument Cluster 6 - Upper Glove Compartment 10 - Cup Holders 14 - Ignition Switch
3 - Shift Lever 7 - Lower Glove Compartment 11 - Storage Bin 15 - Dimmer Switch
4 - Radio 8 - Climate Controls 12 - Power Supply – 12V 16 - Headlight SwitchUNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 233
4
ProCarManuals.com

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 Indicator
This indicator shows that the headlights are on
high beam. Push the multifunction lever forward
to switch the headlights to high beam and pull toward
yourself (normal position) to return to low beam.
7. Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). 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 237
4
ProCarManuals.com

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 reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock BrakeSystem (ABS) / Electronic Stability Program (ESP) sys-
tem. In this case, the light will remain on until the
condition has been corrected. If the problem is related to
the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during
each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in 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.
238 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
ProCarManuals.com

If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. 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
Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS
Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
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 unlessthe 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 — 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. Shift Lever Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transmission
shift lever selection.
NOTE:You must apply the brakes before shifting from
PARK.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 239
4
ProCarManuals.com