Dodge Caravan (2008 year). Manual - part 1

INTRODUCTION

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 a Warranty Information Booklet
and various customer-oriented documents. You are
urged to read these publications carefully. Following the
instructions and recommendations in this manual will
help assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.

NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.

When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Mopar

t parts, and is interested

in your satisfaction.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.

The detailed Index at the back of this 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.

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

This manual contains WARNINGS against operating
procedures that could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures
that could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do not
read this entire manual you may miss important infor-
mation. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the
left front corner of the instrument panel, visible through
the windshield. This number also appears on the Auto-
mobile Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window
on your vehicle, the vehicle registration and title.

NOTE:

It is illegal to remove the VIN.

Vehicle Identification Number

INTRODUCTION

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS

WARNING!

Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or
death.

INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

m A Word About Your Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

▫ Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

m Sentry Keyt Immobilizer System . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

▫ Replacement Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

m Security Alarm System — If Equipped . . . . . . . . .18

▫ Rearming Of The System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

m Illuminated Entry System — If Equipped . . . . . . .20
m Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) — If Equipped . . . . .21

▫ Using The RKE Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

m Remote Starting System — If Equipped . . . . . . . .28

▫ How To Use Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

m Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

▫ Manual Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
▫ Power Door Locks — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . .32

m Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

▫ Power Vent Windows — If Equipped . . . . . . . .36
▫ Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

m Sliding Side Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

▫ Power Sliding Side Door — If Equipped . . . . . .42
▫ Sliding Side Door Child Protection Lock . . . . . .46

m Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

▫ Power Liftgate — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

m Storage Bin Safety Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

▫ Safety Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
▫ Storage Bin Cover Emergency Release Strap —

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

▫ Reinstalling Storage Bin Cover Emergency

Release Strap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

m Occupant Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
▫ Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) Mode –

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

▫ Seat Belt Pretensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
▫ Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System

(BeltAlert

t) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women . . . . . . . . . . . .65
▫ Seat Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
▫ Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag . .66
▫ Airbag System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
▫ Front Seat Airbag Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
▫ Airbag Deployment Sensors And Controls . . . . .72
▫ Event Data Recorder (EDR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
▫ Integrated Child Seat — If Equipped . . . . . . . .80
▫ Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

m Rear Seat Delete Feature (Commercial Vehicles Only)

— If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Restraining Infants And Small Children With Seat

Delete Feature (Commercial Vehicles Only) . . . .90

m Engine Break-In Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . .93
m Safety Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The

Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make

Outside The Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS

Your vehicle uses a keyless ignition system. This system
consists of a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
with integrated ignition Key and a Wireless Ignition
Node (WIN) with integral ignition switch. You can insert
the double-sided key into the ignition switch with either
side up.

Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)

The Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) operates similar to an
ignition switch. It has four operating positions, three of
which are detented and one spring-loaded. The detented
positions are OFF, ACC, and ON. The START position is
a spring-loaded momentary contact position. When re-
leased from the START position, the switch automatically
returns to the detented ON position.

Integrated Ignition Key
The integrated ignition key operates the ignition switch.
It also contains the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) trans-
mitter and a valet key, which stores in the rear of the
transmitter.

WIN Ignition Positions

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The valet key allows for entry into the vehicle should the
battery in the vehicle or the transmitter go dead. The
valet key is also for locking the glove box. You can keep
the valet key with you when valet parking.

To remove the valet key from the transmitter, slide the
mechanical latch at the top of the transmitter sideways
with your thumb and then pull the key out with your
other hand.

NOTE:

You can insert the double-sided valet key into

the lock cylinder with either side up.

Tip Start Feature

1. Do not press the accelerator pedal during this process.

Valet Key Removal

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

2. Insert the integrated ignition key into the ignition
switch.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release it as soon as the starter engages.

The starter motor will continue to run and will disengage
automatically when the engine begins running.

Ignition Key Removal
Place the gear selector lever in PARK. Turn the ignition
key to the OFF position and then remove the key.

NOTE:

Power Window switches will also remain active

for up to 90 seconds after the ignition switch has been
turned OFF, depending upon the accessory delay setting.
Opening the front door will cancel this feature.

WARNING!

NEVER leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended 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

CAUTION!

An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove the key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver’s door with the integrated ignition
key in the ignition, a chime will sound to remind you to
remove the key.

NOTE:

The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds

when the integrated ignition key is placed in the OFF or
ACC position.

SENTRY KEY

IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM

The Sentry Key

t Immobilizer system prevents unautho-

rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.

The system uses the factory-mated Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter with integrated key and Wireless Igni-
tion Node (WIN) to prevent unauthorized vehicle opera-
tion. Therefore, only RKE transmitters that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate

the vehicle. The system will not allow the engine to crank
if an invalid RKE transmitter is used to operate the
ignition switch.

After turning the ignition switch to the ON position, the
Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light located on the
instrument cluster will turn on for three seconds for a
bulb check. If the light remains on after the bulb check, it
indicates that there is a problem with the electronics. In
addition, if the light begins to flash after the bulb check,
it indicates that someone used an invalid RKE transmitter
to start the engine. Either of these conditions will result in
the engine being shut off after two seconds.

If the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light, located on
the instrument cluster, turns on during normal vehicle
operation (vehicle running for longer than 10 seconds), it
indicates that there is a fault in the electronics. Should
this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:

• The Sentry Keyt Immobilizer system is not compatible

with aftermarket remote starting systems. Use of these
systems may result in vehicle starting problems and
loss of security protection.

• Exxon/Mobil Speedpass™, additional RKE transmit-

ters, or any other transponder-equipped components
on the same key chain will not cause a fault unless the
additional part is physically held against the trans-
mitter

being used to start the vehicle. Cell phones,

pagers, or other RF electronics will not cause interfer-
ence with this system.

All of the RKE transmitters provided with your new
vehicle have been programmed to the vehicle electronics.

Replacement Keys

NOTE:

Only RKE transmitters that are programmed to

the vehicle electronics can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. Once a transmitter is programmed to a
vehicle, it cannot be programmed to any other vehicle.

CAUTION!

Always remove the keys from the vehicle and lock all
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.

At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Keep the PIN in a secure location. This number is
required for authorized dealer replacement of RKE trans-
mitters. Duplication of RKE transmitters may be per-
formed at an authorized dealer or by using the Customer
Key Programming procedure. This procedure consists of

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

programming a blank transmitter to the vehicle electron-
ics. A blank transmitter is one that has never been
programmed.

NOTE:

When having the Sentry Key

t Immobilizer

system serviced, bring all vehicle RKE transmitters with
you to the authorized dealer.

Customer Key Programming
If you have two valid RKE transmitters with integrated
keys, you can program new transmitters to the system by
performing the following steps:

1. Insert the first valid integrated key into the ignition
switch and turn the ignition switch to the ON position for
at least three seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds.
Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and remove
the first key.

2. Insert the second valid integrated key and turn the
ignition switch to the ON position within 15 seconds.

After 10 seconds, a chime will sound and the Vehicle
Security Alarm Indicator Light will begin to flash. Turn
the ignition switch to the OFF position and remove the
second key.

3. Insert a blank integrated key into the ignition switch
and turn the ignition switch to the ON position within 60
seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound and
the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will stop
flashing, turn the ignition switch on again for three
seconds, and then turn it off.

The new integrated key is programmed. The Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be pro-
grammed during this procedure.

Repeat this procedure to program up to eight keys. If you
do not have a programmed RKE transmitter with inte-
grated key, contact your authorized dealer for details.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:

If a programmed key is lost, see your authorized

dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the sys-
tem’s memory. This will prevent the lost key from
starting your vehicle. The remaining keys must then be
reprogrammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to an
authorized dealer at the time of service to be repro-
grammed.

General Information
The Sentry Key

t system complies with FCC rules Part 15

and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference that may be

received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.

SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED

The Vehicle Security Alarm system monitors the vehicle
doors for unauthorized entry and the ignition switch for
unauthorized operation. When the alarm is activated, the
system provides both audible and visual signals. For the
first three minutes the horn will sound and the headlights
and Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will flash
repeatedly. For an additional 15 minutes only the head-
lights and security telltale will flash. The engine will run
only if a valid key is used to start the vehicle.

Rearming Of The System

The Security System will rearm itself after the 15 addi-
tional minutes of headlights and Vehicle Security Alarm
Indicator Light flashing, if the system has not been
disabled. If the condition which initiated the alarm is still
present, the system will ignore that condition and moni-
tor the remaining doors and ignition.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Arming The System
Remove the key from the ignition switch and either press
a power door lock switch while the driver or passenger
door is open or press the LOCK button on the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. After all the doors are
locked and closed the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator
Light in the instrument cluster will flash rapidly to signal
that the system is arming. The Vehicle Security Alarm
Indicator Light in the instrument panel cluster will flash
rapidly for about 16 seconds to indicate that the alarm is
being set. After the alarm is set, the Vehicle Security
Alarm Indicator Light, located in the lower center section
of the instrument cluster, will flash at a slower rate to
indicate that the system is armed.

NOTE:

If the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light

stays on continuously during vehicle operation, have the
system checked by your authorized dealer.

Disarm The System
Either press the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter
or insert a valid ignition key into the ignition switch and
turn the key to the ON position.

NOTE:

• The driver’s door key cylinder and the liftgate button

on the RKE transmitter cannot arm or disarm the
system.

• The system remains armed during liftgate entry. Press-

ing the liftgate button will not disarm the system. If
someone enters the vehicle through the liftgate and
opens any door the alarm will sound.

• When the system is armed, the interior power door

lock switches will not unlock the doors.

The Vehicle Security Alarm system is designed to protect
your vehicle; however, you can create conditions where
the system will give you a false alarm. If one of the

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Content .. 1 2 ..