maintenance DODGE CARAVAN 2011 Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTIONPAGE
1INTRODUCTION............................................................3
2THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE..............................9
3UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE............................ 107
4UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL.................................. 243
5STARTING AND OPERATING................................................347
6WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES............................................. 437
7MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE..............................................465
8MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES.................................................515
9IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE........................................ 529
10INDEX...................................................................539
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INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on selecting your new Chrysler Group
LLC vehicle. Be assured that it represents precision
workmanship, distinctive styling, and high quality - all
essentials that are traditional to our vehicles.
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by Warranty Information, and various
customer-oriented documents. Please take the time to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After reviewing the owner information, it
should be stored in the vehicle for convenient referenc-
ing and remain with the vehicle when sold.When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has factory-trained tech-
nicians and genuine MOPAR
parts, and cares about
your satisfaction.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
Since the specification of your vehicle depends on the
items of equipment ordered, certain descriptions and
illustrations may differ from your vehicle’s equipment
The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s Manual
contains a complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this Owner’s Manual:
4 INTRODUCTION
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WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not attempt to modify any part of your air bag
system. The air bag may inflate accidentally or
may not function properly if modifications are
made. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer
for any air bag system service. If your seat includ-
ing your trim cover and cushion needs to be
serviced in any way (including removal or
loosening/tightening of seat attachment bolts),
take the vehicle to your authorized dealer. Only
manufacturer approved seat accessories may be
used. If it is necessary to modify the air bag system
for persons with disabilities, contact your autho-
rized dealer.
Air Bag Warning Light
You will want to have the air bags ready to
inflate for your protection in a collision. The
Air Bag Warning Light monitors the internal
circuits and interconnecting wiring associated
with air bag system electrical components. While the air
bag system is designed to be maintenance free. If any of
the following occurs, have an authorized dealer service
the air bag system immediately.
•The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on for
approximately four to eight seconds when the ignition
switch is first turned to ON/RUN.
•The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the
approximate four to eight-second interval.
•The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 85
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WARNING!
The vehicle tether anchor is designed to be used with
a child restraint only. It should not be used for any
other purpose. Before use, inspect the tether anchor
strap for nicks, abrasions, discoloration, and loose
threads. If these or any other condition that might
affect the performance of the strap is observed, DO
NOT USE that strap. Personal injury may result.
Contact your authorized dealership for a replacement
part.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine and
drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or
55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. For
the recommended viscosity and quality grades, refer to
“Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle”. NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL
OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered a normal part of the break-in and not inter-
preted as an indication of difficulty.
100 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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▫Reprogramming A Single HomeLink
Button ............................ 202
▫ Security ........................... 202
▫ Troubleshooting Tips .................. 203
▫ General Information .................. 203
 Power Sunroof — If Equipped ............ 204
▫ Opening Sunroof — Express ............ 205
▫ Opening The Sunroof — Manual Mode ..... 205
▫ Closing Sunroof — Express ............. 205
▫ Closing Sunroof — Manual Mode ........ 205
▫ Pinch Protect Feature ................. 205
▫ Pinch Protect Override ................ 206
▫ Venting Sunroof — Express ............. 206▫
Sunshade Operation .................. 206
▫ Wind Buffeting ...................... 206
▫ Sunroof Maintenance ................. 206
▫ Ignition Off Operation ................. 207
▫ Sunroof Fully Closed .................. 207
 Electrical Power Outlets — If Equipped ...... 207
 Power Inverter — If Equipped ............ 212
 Cupholders .......................... 213
▫ Instrument Panel Cupholders ............ 214
▫ Super Console — If Equipped ........... 214
▫ Premium Console Cupholders —
If Equipped ........................ 215
▫ Interior Bottle Holders ................ 216
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 111
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Pinch Protect Override
If a known obstruction (ice, debris, etc.) prevents closing
the sunroof, press the switch forward and hold for two
seconds after the reversal occurs. This allows the sunroof
to move toward the closed position.
NOTE:Pinch protection is disabled while the switch is
pressed.
Venting Sunroof — Express
Press and release the “Vent” button, and the sunroof will
open to the vent position. This is called “Express Vent”,
and will occur regardless of sunroof position. During
Express Vent operation, any movement of the switch will
stop the sunroof.
Sunshade Operation
The sunshade can be opened manually. However, the
sunshade will open automatically as the sunroof opens. NOTE:
The sunshade cannot be closed if the sunroof is
open.
Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter-type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped) is in certain
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.
206 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
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▫Controlling The iPod Or External USB
Device Using Radio Buttons ............. 312
▫ Play Mode ......................... 312
▫ List Or Browse Mode ................. 314
▫ Bluetooth Streaming Audio (BTSA) ........ 316
 Video Entertainment System (VES)™ — If
Equipped ............................ 317
 Steering Wheel Audio Controls —
If Equipped .......................... 319
▫ Radio Operation ..................... 319
▫ CD Player ......................... 320
 CD/DVD Disc Maintenance .............. 320
 Radio Operation And Mobile Phones ....... 321
 Climate Controls ...................... 321 ▫
Manual Heating And Air Conditioning
System — If Equipped ................. 321
▫ Three-Zone Temperature Control — If
Equipped .......................... 325
▫
Rear Manual Climate Control — If Equipped. . 330
▫ Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) — If
Equipped .......................... 333
▫ Summer Operation ................... 343
▫ Winter Operation .................... 343
▫ Vacation/Storage .................... 343
▫ Window Fogging .................... 344
▫ Outside Air Intake ................... 344
▫ Operating Tips ...................... 344
▫ A/C Air Filter— If Equipped ............ 345
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 245
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LoW tirE
When the appropriate condition exists, the odometer dis-
play will toggle between LoW and tirE for three cycles.
gASCAP
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“gASCAP” message will display in the odometer display
area. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
TRIP ODOMETER button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
noFUSE
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the
Ignition Off Draw (IOD) fuse is improperly installed, or
damaged, a “noFUSE” message will display in the odom-
eter display area. For further information on fuses and
fuse locations refer to “Fuses” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle”.CHAngE OIL
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The
CHAngE OILmessage will flash in
the instrument cluster odometer for approximately
12 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 Display reset button on the
instrument cluster. To reset the oil change indicator
system (after performing the scheduled maintenance),
perform the following steps.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do
not start the engine).
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 251
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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/RUN position, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
8. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light — If
EquippedEach tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.) As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 253
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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),
perform the following steps.
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 engine, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat these steps.Fuel Economy
Press and release the UP or DOWN button until “Fuel
Economy” displays highlighted in the EVIC and press
the SELECT button. The following Fuel Economy func-
tions display in the EVIC:
•Average Fuel Economy
•Distance To Empty (DTE)
•Miles Per Gallon (MPG)
Average Fuel Economy
Shows the average fuel economy since the last reset. The
Average Fuel Economy can be reset by following the
prompt in the EVIC to use the SELECT button. When the
fuel economy is reset, the display will read “zero” for two
seconds. Then, the history information will be erased,
and the averaging will continue from the last fuel aver-
age reading before the reset.
274 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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