Dodge Caravan (2008 year). Manual

The first stage inflator is triggered immediately during an
impact that requires airbag deployment. The timing of
the second stage determines whether the output force is
low, medium, or high. If a low output is sufficient to meet
the need, the second stage is expended later in the crash
event.

Driver Airbag Special Features
Driver airbag deployment and force level is controlled by
the driver’s seat position as well as impact severity. Use
of special inflators result in a very compact driver’s side
airbag.

In addition to the small size, the inflating gases exit
through strategically placed vents, which direct the gas
away from the occupant.

Front Passenger Airbag Special Features
A new active venting front passenger airbag is designed
to reduce the risk of occupants who may be out of
position by the use of active vents positioned on each
side of the airbag.

Supplemental Front Seat-Mounted Thorax Side
Airbags — If Equipped
Front seat-mounted side (Thorax) airbags provide en-
hanced protection and work together with supplemental
Side Airbag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) to help protect
an occupant during a side impact. The seat-mounted side
airbag is marked with an airbag label sewn into the
outboard side of the seat.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

When the airbag deploys, it opens the seam between the
front and side of the seat’s trim cover. Each airbag
deploys independently, that is a left side impact deploys
the left airbag only and a right-side impact deploys only
the right airbag.

WARNING!

• Do not put anything on or around the airbag

covers or attempt to open them manually. You may
damage the airbags and you could be injured
because the airbag inflation capability may be
compromised. The protective covers for the airbag
cushions are designed to open only when the
airbags are inflating.

• Do not use accessory seat covers or place objects

between you and the side airbags; the performance
could be adversely affected and/or objects could
be pushed into you, causing serious injury.

Thorax Airbag Label

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtain
(SABIC) — If Equipped
SABIC Airbags offer side-impact and vehicle rollover
protection to front and rear seat outboard occupants in
addition to that provided by the body structure. Each
airbag features inflated chambers placed adjacent to the
head of each outboard occupant that reduce the potential
for side-impact head injuries. The curtains deploy down-
ward, covering both windows on the impact side.

NOTE:

Should a vehicle rollover occur, the SABIC

curtains on both sides of the vehicle are deployed.

NOTE:

Airbag covers may not be obvious in the interior

trim; but they will open to allow airbag deployment.

The system includes sensors adjacent to both front and
rear seat occupants that are calibrated to deploy during
an impact severe enough to require airbag occupant
protection.

WARNING!

If your vehicle is equipped with left and right Side
Airbag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC), do not stack
luggage or other cargo up high enough to block the
location of the SABIC. The area where the side
curtain airbag is located should remain free from any
obstructions.

Airbags inflate in moderate to high speed impacts. Along
with seat belts and pretensioners, front airbags work with
the knee bolsters to provide improved protection for the
driver and front passenger. Side airbags also work with
seat belts to improve occupant protection.

The seat belts are designed to protect you in many types
of collisions. The front airbags deploy in moderate to
severe frontal collisions. If your vehicle is equipped, the
side airbag on the crash side of the vehicle is triggered in

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

moderate to severe side collisions. In certain types of
collisions, both the front and side airbags may be trig-
gered. However, even in collisions where the airbags
work, you need the seat belts to keep you in the right
position for the airbags to protect you properly.

Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize the
risk of harm from a deploying airbag.

1. Children 12 years old and younger should always
ride buckled up in a rear seat.

Infants in rear-facing child restraints should NEVER ride
in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger front airbag.
An airbag deployment can cause severe injury or death to
infants in that position.

Children that are not big enough to wear the vehicle seat
belt properly (see Section on Child Restraints should be
secured in the rear seat in child restraints or belt-
positioning booster seats. Older children who do not use

child restraints or belt-positioning booster seats should
ride properly buckled up in the rear seat. Never allow
children to slide the shoulder belt behind them or under
their arm.

If a child from 1 to 12 years old must ride in the front
passenger seat because the vehicle is crowded, move the
seat as far back as possible, and use the proper child
restraint. Refer to the section on Child Restraints.

You should read the instructions provided with your
child restraint to make sure that you are using it properly.

2. All occupants should wear their lap and shoulder
belts properly.

3. The driver and front passenger seats should be
moved back as far as practical to allow the front airbags
room to inflate.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

4. If your vehicle has side airbags, do not lean against
the door, airbags will inflate forcefully into the space
between you and the door.

5. If the airbag system in this vehicle needs to be
modified to accommodate a disabled person, contact
the Customer Center. Phone numbers are provided
under

(If You Need Assistance( in Section 9 of this

manual.

WARNING!

Relying on the airbags alone could lead to more
severe injuries in a collision. The airbags work with
your seat belt to restrain you properly. In some
collisions, the airbags won’t deploy at all. Always
wear your seat belts even though you have airbags.

WARNING!

• Being too close to the steering wheel or instrument

panel during front airbag deployment could cause
serious injury. Airbags need room to inflate. Sit
back, comfortably extending your arms to reach
the steering wheel or instrument panel.

• Side airbags also need room to inflate. Do not lean

against the door. Sit upright in the center of the
seat.

Airbag Deployment Sensors and Controls

Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
The ORC is part of a Federally regulated safety system
required for this vehicle.

The ORC determines if a frontal or side collision is severe
enough to require the airbags to inflate. Based on the

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

impact sensors signals, a central electronic ORC deploys
the front airbags, side inflatable airbag curtains, side seat
thorax airbags, and front seat belt pretensioners as re-
quired for each type of impact.

The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of
the system whenever the ignition switch is in the START
or ON position. These include all of the components
listed above except the steering wheel and column,
instrument panel, and seat belt reminder light. If the key
is in the OFF position, in the ACC position, or not in the
ignition, the airbags are not on and will not inflate.

The ORC contains a backup power supply system that
will deploy the airbags even if the battery loses power or
it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.

Also, the ORC turns on the AIRBAG warning
light in the instrument panel for approximately
four to six seconds for a self-check when the
ignition is first turned on. After the self-check,

the AIRBAG warning light will turn off. If the ORC
detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns
on the AIRBAG warning light, either momentarily or
continuously. A single chime will sound if the light comes
on again after initial start up.

It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the instru-
ment cluster AIRBAG warning light if a malfunction is
noted. The diagnostics also record the nature of the
malfunction.

WARNING!

Ignoring the AIRBAG light in your instrument panel
could mean you won’t have the airbags to protect you
in a collision. If the light does not come on, stays on
after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you
drive, have the airbag system checked right away.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Front and Side Impact Sensors
Impact Sensors trigger airbag deployment in front and
side impacts, and aid the ORC in determining appropri-
ate response to impact events. Additional sensors in the
ORC determine the level of airbag deployment and
provide verification.

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 collision with other
vehicles and during collisions where the impact is con-
fined to a particular area of the vehicle — such as
collisions with poles, trees or similar objects.

It will deploy the SABIC only on the impact side of the
vehicle.

NOTE:

The ORC does detect and protect for rollover

when equipped with SABIC airbags.

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

• 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.

If A Deployment Occurs
The airbag systems are designed to deploy when the
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) detect a moderate-
to-severe collision, to help restrain the driver, front
passenger and rear passengers, and then immediately
deflate.

NOTE:

A frontal collision that is not severe enough to

need airbag protection will not activate the system. This
does not mean something is wrong with the airbag
system.

If you do have a collision which deploys the airbags, any
or all of the following may occur:

• The nylon airbag material may sometimes cause abra-

sions and/or skin reddening to the driver and front
passenger as the airbags deploy and unfold. The
abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or those
you might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium
floor. They are not caused by contact with chemicals.
They are not permanent and normally heal quickly.
However, if you haven’t healed significantly within a
few days, or if you have any blistering, see your doctor
immediately.

• As the airbags deflate, you may see some smoke-like

particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the
process that generates the nontoxic gas used for airbag
inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the skin,
eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation,
rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues,
see your doctor. If these particles settle on your
clothing, follow the garment manufacturer’s instruc-
tions for cleaning.

• It is not advisable to drive your vehicle after the

airbags have deployed. If you are involved in another
collision, the airbags will not be in place to protect you.

WARNING!

Deployed airbags and seat belt pretensioners cannot
protect you in another collision. Have the airbags,
seat belt pretensioners, and the front passenger seat
belt retractor assembly replaced by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible. Also, have the Occupant
Restraint Controller System serviced as well.

Maintaining Your Airbag System

WARNING!

• Modifications to any part of the airbag system

could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured if the airbag system is not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or the
upper right side of the instrument panel. Do not
modify the front bumper, vehicle body structure,
or add aftermarket side steps or running boards.

• It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the

airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has an airbag system.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

Do not attempt to modify any part of your advanced
airbag system. The airbag may inflate accidentally or
may not function properly if modifications are made.
Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for any
advanced airbag 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 ap-
proved seat accessories may be used. If it is necessary
to modify an advanced airbag system for persons
with disabilities, contact your authorized dealer.

NOTE:

Perchlorate Material — special handling may ap-

ply. See: www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.

Airbag 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 light does not come on during the

approximately four to six seconds when the ignition
switch is first turned ON.

• The light remains on after the approximately 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

located on the inside of the fuse block cover for the
proper airbag fuses. See your authorized dealer if the
fuse is good.

Event Data Recorder (EDR)

In the event of an accident, your vehicle is designed to
record up to approximately five seconds of specific
vehicle data parameters (see the following list) in an
event data recorder prior to the moment of airbag de-
ployment, or near deployment, and up to a quarter-
second of high-speed deceleration data during and/or
after airbag deployment. EDR data are ONLY recorded if
an airbag deploys, or nearly deploys, and are otherwise
unavailable.

NOTE:
1. A near-deployment event occurs when the airbag
sensor detects severe vehicle deceleration usually indica-
tive of a crash, but not severe enough to warrant airbag
deployment.

2. Under certain circumstances, EDR data may not be
recorded (e.g., loss of battery power).

In conjunction with other data gathered during a com-
plete accident investigation, the electronic data may be
used by DaimlerChrysler Corporation and others to learn
more about the possible causes of crashes and associated
injuries in order to assess and improve vehicle perfor-
mance. In addition to crash investigations initiated by
DaimlerChrysler Corporation, such investigations may
be requested by customers, insurance carriers, govern-
ment officials, and professional crash researchers, such as
those associated with universities, and with hospital and
insurance organizations.

In the event that an investigation is undertaken by
DaimlerChrysler Corporation (regardless of initiative),
the company or its designated representative will first
obtain permission of the appropriate custodial entity for
the vehicle (usually the vehicle owner or lessee) before

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

accessing the electronic 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 particular vehicles or crashes
may be released for incorporation in aggregate crash
databases, such as those maintained by the U.S. govern-
ment and various states. Data of a potentially sensitive
nature, such as would identify a particular driver, ve-
hicle, or crash, will be treated confidentially. Confidential
data

will

not

disclosed

DaimlerChrysler

Corporation 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

defense

litigation

involving

DaimlerChrysler Corporation 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)
• 9Time9 of 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

• Engine control status (including engine speed)
• Transmission gear selection
• Cruise control status
• Traction/stability control status
• Tire pressure monitoring system status – if equipped

Integrated Child Seat — If Equipped

Operating instructions for the second row bench seat
with Integrated Child Seat are included with the seat. If
the instructions are not with the seat or in the Owner’s
Manual Package, replacement instruction can be ob-
tained.

To obtain Integrated Child Seat replacement instruc-
tions:

Refer to Publication Order Forms at the back of this

manual and specify publication number 81–016–8050.

Second Row Bench Seat With Integrated Child Seat

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Child Restraints

Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up at all
times — babies and children, too. Every state in the
United States and all Canadian provinces require that
small children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the
law, and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.

Children 12 years and younger should ride properly
buckled up in a rear seat. According to crash statistics,
children are safer when properly restrained in the rear
seats rather than in the front.

WARNING!

In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny baby,
can become a missile inside the vehicle. The force
required to hold even an infant on your lap could
become so great that you could not hold the child, no
matter how strong you are. The child and others
could be badly injured. Any child riding in your
vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the child’s
size.

Infants and Small Children
There are different sizes and types of restraints for
children from newborn size to the child almost large
enough for an adult safety belt. Always check the child
seat owner’s manual to ensure you have the right seat for
your child. Use the restraint that is correct for your child.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

• Safety experts recommend that children ride

rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least
one year old and weigh at least 20 lbs (9 kg). Two types
of child restraints can be used rearward-facing: infant
carriers and

9convertible9 child seats. Both types of

child restraints are held in the vehicle by the lap/
shoulder belt or the LATCH child restraint anchorage
system. Refer to “Lower Anchors and Tether for CHil-
dren (LATCH)” later in this section.

• The infant carrier is only used rearward-facing in the

vehicle. It is recommended for children who weigh up
to about 20 lbs (9 kg).

9Convertible9 child seats can be

used either rearward-facing or forward-facing in the
vehicle. Convertible child seats often have a higher
weight limit in the rearward-facing direction than
infant carriers do, so they can be used rearward-facing
by children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) but are
less than one year old.

• Rearward-facing child seats must NEVER be used in

the front seat of a vehicle with a front passenger
airbag. An airbag deployment could cause severe
injury or death to infants in this position.

• Rearward-facing child seats and infant carriers must

NEVER

be used while the second row Swivel ’n Go

seats are in the rearward-facing position.

WARNING!

Never place any child seat or infant carrier in the
Swivel ’n Go seat while it is in the rearward-facing
position. The swivel seat should be locked in the
forward position when using any child seat or infant
carriers, with the vehicle in motion. Failure to do so
could result in serious injury or even death.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Older Children and Child Restraints
Children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) and who are
older than one year can ride forward-facing in the
vehicle. Forward-facing child seats and convertible child
seats used in the forward-facing direction are for children
who weigh 20 to 40 lbs (9 to 18 kg) and who are older
than one year. These child seats are also held in the
vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt or the LATCH child
restraint anchorage system. Refer to “Lower Anchors and
Tether for CHildren (LATCH)” later in this section.

An aftermarket belt-positioning booster seat is for chil-
dren weighing more than 40 lbs (18 kg), but who are still
too small to properly fit the vehicle’s seat belts. If the
child can not sit with knees bent over the vehicles seat
cushion while the child’s back is against the seatback,
they should use a belt-positioning booster seat. The child
and booster seat are held in the vehicle by the lap/

shoulder belt. (Some booster seats are equipped with a
front shield and are held in the vehicle by the lap
portion.)

Children Too Large For Booster Seats
Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt
comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend
over the front of the seat when their back is against the
seatback, should use the lap/shoulder belt in a rear seat.

• Make sure that the child is upright in the seat.
• The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug

as possible.

• Check belt fit periodically. A child’s squirming or

slouching can move the belt out of position.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Dodge Caravan (2008 year). Manual - part 5