DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2008 5.G Owners Manual

Not all child restraint systems will be installed as we
have described here. Again, carefully follow the instruc-
tions that come with the child restraint system.
WARNING!
Improper installation of a child restraint to the
LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of an infant or
child restraint. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer's directions exactly
when installing an infant or child restraint.
Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet could be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision.Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
REAR SEAT DELETE FEATURE (COMMERCIAL
VEHICLES ONLY) Ð IF EQUIPPED
Commercial cargo vehicles are not designed for use as a
family vehicle and are not intended for carrying children
in the front passenger seat. However, if you must carry a
child in a vehicle without a rear seat, the passenger seat
should be moved to the full rearward position and the
child must be in a proper restraint system based on it's
age, size and weight. NEVER carry a child in a rear facing
infant carrier in a vehicle without rear seats. In an
accident, serious injury or death may occur from the
deploying passenger airbag.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 89
2

This vehicle is equipped with a child restraint tether
anchor located on the lower rear of the front passenger
seat.Use this tether anchor to secure only forward
facing child restraints equipped with an upper tether
strap.
WARNING!
Rearward-facing infant restraints must never be se-
cured in the passenger seat of a vehicle with a
passenger airbag. In an accident a passenger airbag
may deploy causing severe injury or death to infants
riding in rearward-facing infant restraints.
Restraining Infants and Small Children with Seat
Delete Feature (Commercial Vehicles Only)
There are different sizes and types of restraints for
children from newborn size to the child almost large
enough for an adult safety belt. Use the restraint that is
correct for your child:
²The rearward-facing infant carrier is for babies weigh-
ing up to about 20 lbs (9 kg), and less than one year
old. THIS TYPE OF SEAT CANNOT BE USED IN A
Commercial Child Restraint Tether Anchor
90 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THE REAR SEAT DE-
LETE FEATURE (Commercial Vehicles Only).
²The forward-facing child seat is for children from
about 20 to 40 lbs (9 to 18 kg), and more than one year
old.
²A ªconvertibleº child seat, one that is designed to be
used for children who are too heavy for a rearward-
facing infant seat, may be used IN THE FORWARD
FACING POSITION ONLY, IT MUST NEVER BE
INSTALLED FACING TO THE REAR IN A VEHICLE
EQUIPPED WITH THE REAR SEAT DELETE FEA-
TURE (Commercial Vehicles Only). When a convert-
ible seat is properly installed facing forward, the
vehicle seat should be adjusted to therear most
position.
²Children more than 40 lbs (18 kg) should be secured in
the passenger seat in a child restraint or belt-
positioning booster seat with the seat adjusted to therear most position. Older children who do not use
child restraints or belt-positioning booster seats
should ride properly buckled in the passenger seat
with the seat adjusted to the rear most position. Never
allow children to slide the shoulder belt behind them
or under their arm.
Tether Installation For Commercial Vehicles With
Rear Seat Delete
To secure the child restraint upper tether strap to the
vehicle, follow the instructions shown:
1. Locate the child restraint tether anchor on the lower
rear of the front passenger seat.
2. Follow the child restraint manufacturer's directions
for proper use of connecting the child restraint to the
extended tether strap.
3. Route the tether strap under the head rest.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 91
2

NOTE:Ensure that the child restraint tether strap is
centered between the headrest supports underneath the
head rest.
4. Using the hook attached to the child restraint tether
strap, attach the child restraint tether strap to the metal
anchor on the lower rear of the front passenger seat.
5. Following the child seat manufacturer's instructions,
tighten the child restraint tether strap.
6. Inspect the tether anchor strap for nicks, abrasions,
discoloration, and loose threads. If these, or any other
condition that might effect the performance of the strap is
observed, DO NOT USE. Contact your authorized
DaimlerChrysler dealership for a replacement part.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
effect the performance of the strap is observed, DO
NOT USE. Personal injury may result. Contact your
authorized DaimlerChrysler dealership for a replace-
ment part.
92 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 mi (500 km). After
the initial 60 mi (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
ªMaintenance Proceduresº in Section 7. 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 as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD MAKE INSIDE
THE VEHICLE
Seat Belts
Inspect the 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 (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 93
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Airbag 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.
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, and tires (includ-
ing 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.
94 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 the safety tips below.
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.WARNING!
If you are required to drive with the deck lid / liftgate
open, make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 95
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mMirrors..............................100
NManual Rear View Day/Night Mirror Ð
If Equipped.........................100
NExterior Mirrors......................102
mHands-Free Communication (UConnectt)Ð
If Equipped...........................104
NOperation...........................106
NPhone Call Features...................113
NUConnecttSystem Features..............116
NAdvanced Phone Connectivity............120NThings You Should Know About Your
UConnecttSystem....................122
NGeneral Information...................131
mSeats................................131
NManual Front And Second Row Seat
Adjuster............................132
NStow 'n Go Seating Ð If Equipped.........138
NSwivel 'n Go Premium Seating Ð
If Equipped.........................148
mDriver Memory Seat Ð If Equipped.........155
3

NSetting Memory Positions And Linking RKE
Transmitter To Memory.................156
mTo Open And Close The Hood.............158
NHood Safety Switch Ð If Equipped........159
mLights...............................160
NInterior Lighting......................160
NExterior Lights.......................162
mMultifunction Lever.....................166
NTurn Signals.........................166
mTilt Steering Column Ð If Equipped.........171
mRear Park Assist System Ð If Equipped.......171
NRear Park Assist Sensors................172
mAdjustable Pedals Ð If Equipped...........177mElectronic Speed Control Ð If Equipped......179
NActivating Electronic Speed Control........179
mOverhead Consoles.....................182
NFront Overhead Console Ð If Equipped.....182
mGarage Door Opener Ð If Equipped.........185
NProgramming HomeLinkt...............187
NGate Operator/Canadian Programming.....190
NSecurity............................191
NTroubleshooting Tips...................191
NGeneral Information...................191
mPower Sunroof Ð If Equipped.............192
NPower Sunroof Operation...............192
mElectrical Power Outlets Ð If Equipped.......195
98 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE