Dodge Caravan (2008 year). Manual

The Basic TPMS consists of the following components:
• Receiver Module
• Four Wheel Sensors
• TPMS Telltale Warning Light

The TPMS Telltale Warning Light will illumi-
nate in the instrument cluster, and an audible
chime will be activated when one or more of
the four active road tire pressures are low.

Should this occur, you should stop as soon as possible,
check the inflation pressure of each tire on your vehicle,
and inflate each tire to the vehicle’s recommended cold
tire pressure value (located on the placard on the
driver’s-side B-Pillar). The system will automatically
update and the TPMS Warning Lamp will extinguish
once the updated tire pressures have been received.

NOTE:

The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 10

minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h) to receive this information.

The TPMS Warning Lamp will flash on and off for 75
seconds, and remain on sold when a system fault is
detected. The system fault will also sound a chime. If the
ignition key is cycled, this sequence will repeat, provid-
ing the system fault still exists. The TPMS Warning Lamp
will turn off when the fault condition no longer exists. A
system fault can occur with any of the following sce-
narios:

1. Jamming due to electronic devices or driving next to
facilities emitting the same radio frequencies as the TPMS
sensors.

2. Installing some form of aftermarket window tinting
that affects radio wave signals.

3. Accumulation of excessive snow and/or ice around
the wheels or wheel housings.

4. Using tire chains on the vehicle.

5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPMS sensors.

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NOTE:
1. The compact spare tire (if equipped) does not have a
TPMS sensor. Therefore the TPMS will not monitor the
pressure in the compact spare tire.

2. If you install the compact spare tire in place of a road
tire that has a pressure below the low-pressure warning
limit, upon the next ignition key cycle, a chime will
sound and the TPMS Telltale Warning Light will turn on.

3. After driving for up to 10 minutes above 15 mph (25
km/h), the TPMS Telltale Warning Light will flash on
and off for 75 seconds and then remain on solid.

4. For each subsequent ignition key cycle, a chime will
sound and the TPMS Telltale Warning Light will remain
on solid.

5. Once you repair or replace the original road tire and
reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the compact spare
tire, the TPMS will automatically update, and the TPMS

Telltale Warning Light will turn off as long as no tire
pressure is below the low-pressure warning limit in any
of the four active road tires. The vehicle may need to be
driven for up to 10 minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h) for
the TPMS to receive this information.

PREMIUM TPMS WITH EVIC — IF EQUIPPED

The TPMS uses wireless technology with wheel rim-
mounted electronic sensors to monitor tire pressure lev-
els. Sensors mounted to each wheel as part of the valve
stem, transmit tire pressure readings to the Receiver
Module.

NOTE:

It is particularly important to regularly check

and maintain proper tire pressure in all the tires.

The Premium TPMS consists of the following compo-
nents:

• Receiver Module
• Four TPMS Sensors

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373

• Three Trigger Modules (mounted in three of the four

wheel wells)

• Various TPMS Messages, which display in the Elec-

tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), and graph-
ics displaying tire pressures

• Yellow TPMS Telltale Warning Light

TPMS Low Pressure Warnings
The TPMS Telltale Warning Light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster, and an audible chime will be acti-
vated when one or more of the four active road tire
pressures are low. In addition, the EVIC will display one
or more Low Pressure messages (Left Front, Left Rear,
Right Front, Right Rear) for three seconds, and a graphic
display of the pressure value(s) with the low tire(s)
flashing.

Low Tire Pressure Display

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Should a low tire condition occur on any of the four
active road tire(s), you should stop as soon as possible,
and inflate the low tire(s) that is flashing on the graphic
display to the vehicle’s recommended cold tire pressure
value. The system will automatically update, the graphic
display of the pressure value(s) will stop flashing, and
the TPMS Telltale Warning Light will extinguish once the
updated tire pressure(s) have been received. The vehicle
may need to be driven for up to 10 minutes above 15 mph
(25 km/h) to receive this information.

Check TPMS Message
The TPMS Telltale Warning Light will flash on and off for
75 seconds, and remain on solid when a system fault is
detected. The system fault will also sound a chime. The
EVIC will display a CHECK TPM SYSTEM message for
three seconds. This text message is then followed by a
graphic display, with - - in place of the pressure value(s)
indicating which TPMS Sensor(s) is not being received.

If the ignition key is cycled, this sequence will repeat,
providing the system fault still exists. If the system fault
no longer exists, the TPMS Telltale Warning Light will no
longer flash, the CHECK TPM SYSTEM text message

Check TPM System Display

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375

will not be present, and a pressure value will be dis-
played instead of dashes. A system fault can occur by any
of the following scenarios:

1. Jamming due to electronic devices or driving next to
facilities emitting the same radio frequencies as the TPMS
sensors.

2. Installing some form of aftermarket window tinting
that affects radio wave signals.

3. Accumulation of excessive snow and/or ice around
the wheels or wheel housings.

4. Using tire chains on the vehicle.

5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPMS sensors.

NOTE:
1. The compact spare tire (if equipped) does not have a
TPMS. Therefore, the TPMS will not monitor the pressure
in the compact spare tire.

2. If you install the compact spare tire in place of a road
tire that has a pressure below the low-pressure warning
limit, upon the next ignition key cycle, the TPMS Telltale
Warning Light will remain on, a chime will sound, and
the EVIC will still display a flashing pressure value in the
graphic display.

3. After driving the vehicle for up to 10 minutes above 15
mph (25 km/h), the TPMS Telltale Warning Light will
flash on and off for 75 seconds and then remain on solid.
In addition, the EVIC will display a

9CHECK TPM

SYSTEM

9 message for three seconds and then display

dashes (- -) in place of the pressure value.

4. For each subsequent ignition key cycle, a chime will
sound, the TPMS Telltale Warning Light will flash on and
off for 75 seconds and then remain on solid, and the EVIC
will display a CHECK TPM SYSTEM message for three
seconds and then display dashes (- -) in place of the
pressure value.

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5. Once you repair or replace the original road tire, and
reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the compact spare,
the TPMS will update automatically. In addition, the
TPMS Telltale Warning Light will turn off and the
graphic in the EVIC will display a new pressure value
instead of dashes (- -), as long no tire pressure is below
the low pressure warning limit in any of the four active
road tires.

NOTE:

The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 10

minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h) in order for the TPMS
to receive this information.

General Information
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules and
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 received,

including interference that may cause undesired op-
eration.

The tire pressure sensors are regulated under one of the
following licenses:

United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KR5S120123
Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2671-S120123

FUEL REQUIREMENTS

3.3L & 3.8L Gasoline Engine

All engines are designed to meet all emis-
sions regulations and provide excellent
fuel economy and performance when us-
ing high-quality unleaded “regular” gaso-
line having an octane rating of 87. The use
of premium gasoline is not recommended.

Under normal conditions, the use of premium gasoline
will not provide a benefit over high-quality regular

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377

gasolines, and in some circumstances may result in
poorer performance.

4.0L Gasoline Engine

The 4.0L engine is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide satisfac-
tory fuel economy and performance when
using high-quality unleaded gasoline hav-
ing an octane range of 87 to 89. The manu-
facturer recommends the use of 89 octane

for optimum performance. The use of premium gasoline
is not recommended. Under normal conditions, the use of
premium gasoline will not provide a benefit over high-
quality regular and mid-grade gasolines, and in some
circumstances may result in poorer performance.

Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required.

Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of “regular” gasoline be-
fore considering service for the vehicle.

Over 40 automobile manufacturers around the world
have issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifica-
tions (the World Wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to define
fuel properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions,
engine performance, and durability for your vehicle. The
manufacturer recommends the use of gasolines that meet
the WWFC specifications if they are available.

Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline”.

Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates, and are spe-
cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im-
prove air quality.

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The manufacturer supports the use of reformulated gaso-
lines. Properly blended reformulated gasolines will pro-
vide excellent performance and durability of engine and
fuel system components.

Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxy-
genates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE, and ETBE. Oxygen-
ates are required in some areas of the country during the
winter months to reduce carbon monoxide emissions.
Fuels blended with these oxygenates may be used in
your vehicle.

CAUTION!

DO NOT use gasolines containing Methanol or E85
Ethanol. Use of these blends may result in starting
and driveability problems and may damage critical
fuel system components.

Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline or
E85 Ethanol blends are not the responsibility of the
manufacturer. While MTBE is an oxygenate made from
Methanol, it does not have the negative effects of Metha-
nol.

MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline
blended with MMT provides no performance advantage
beyond gasoline of the same octane number without
MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduces spark plug
life and reduces emission system performance in some
vehicles. The manufacturer recommends that gasoline
without MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT content
of gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump,
therefore, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether
the gasoline contains MMT.

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It is even more important to look for gasolines without
MMT in Canada, because MMT can be used at levels
higher than those allowed in the United States.

MMT is prohibited in Federal and California reformu-
lated gasolines.

Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives are not needed under
normal conditions and would result in additional cost.
Therefore you should not have to add anything to the
fuel.

Fuel System Cautions

CAUTION!

Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:

• The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.

Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance
and damage the emission control system.

• An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition

malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your authorized dealer for service assistance.

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• The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as

octane enhancers is not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.

NOTE:

Intentional tampering with emissions control

systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.

Carbon Monoxide Warnings

WARNING!

Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
• To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning DO NOT

inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon monox-
ide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.

• NEVER run the engine in a closed area, such as a

garage, and NEVER sit in a parked vehicle with
the engine running for an extended period. If the
vehicle is stopped in an open area with the engine
running for more than a short period, adjust the
ventilation system to force fresh, outside air into
the vehicle.

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WARNING!

Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
• Guard against carbon monoxide with proper

maintenance. Have the exhaust system inspected
every time the vehicle is raised. Have any abnor-
mal conditions repaired promptly. Until repaired,
drive with all side windows fully open.

• Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle

to prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous
exhaust gases from entering the vehicle.

ADDING FUEL

Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)

As a reminder, a fuel icon with an arrow
indicating which side of the vehicle the fuel
filler door is located on, is located in the
instrument cluster, just below the Fuel Gage.

The gas cap is located behind the fuel filler door on the
left side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged,
be sure the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.

NOTE:

The driver’s side sliding door cannot be opened

while the fuel door is open. This feature operates only
when the sliding door is fully closed prior to opening the
fuel door.

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CAUTION!

Damage to the fuel system or emission control sys-
tem could result from using an improper fuel tank
filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let
impurities into the fuel system and may cause the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) to turn on due to
fuel vapors escaping from the system.

CAUTION!

To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.

NOTE:

When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the

fuel tank is full.

WARNING!

• Never have any smoking materials lit in or near

the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.

• Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is

in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and will cause the malfunction indicator
light to turn on.

NOTE:

• Tighten the fuel filler cap until you hear a “clicking”

sound. This is an indication that the fuel filler cap is
properly tightened.

• If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the Malfunc-

tion Indicator Light may come on. Be sure the gas cap
is tightened every time the vehicle is refueled.

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WARNING!

A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message

• If the gASCAP message is displayed in the instrument

cluster, this signifies a leak or change in the evapora-
tive system is detected. Sometimes this is the result of
a loosely fitting (or possibly damaged) filler cap.
Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
odometer reset button to turn the gASCAP message
off.

• Make sure that the fuel filler cap is tightened each time

the vehicle is refueled.

• If the problem continues, the message will appear the

next time the vehicle is started. See your authorized
dealer service center as soon as possible. See Section 7
of this manual for more information.

FLEXIBLE FUEL — 3.3L ENGINES ONLY

E-85 General Information

The information in this section is for Flexible Fuel Ve-
hicles (FFV) only. These vehicles can be identified by the
unique fuel filler door label that states: Ethanol (E-85) or
Unleaded Gasoline Only.

This section only covers those

subjects that are unique to these vehicles. Please refer to
the other sections of this manual for information on
features that are common between Flexible Fuel and
gasoline only powered vehicles.

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CAUTION!

Only vehicles with the E-85 Decal and/or fuel filler
door label can operate on E-85.

ETHANOL FUEL (E-85)

E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel ethanol and
15% unleaded gasoline.

E-85 Fuel Cap

E-85 Badge

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WARNING!

Ethanol vapors are extremely flammable and could
cause serious personal injury. Never have any smok-
ing materials lit in or near the vehicle when remov-
ing the fuel filler tube cap (gas cap) or filling the
tank. Do not use E-85 as a cleaning agent and never
use it near an open flame.

Fuel Requirements

Your vehicle will operate on both unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating of 87, or E-85 fuel, or any mixture of
these two.

For best results, a refueling pattern that alternates be-
tween E-85 and unleaded gasoline should be avoided.
When you do switch fuels, it is recommended that:

• you do not switch when the fuel gauge indicates less

than one-quarter full

• you do not add less than 5 gal (19 L) when refueling
• you operate the vehicle immediately after refueling for

a period of at least five minutes

Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in driveability
during warm up.

NOTE:

When the ambient temperature is above 90°F

(32°C), you may experience hard starting and rough idle
following start-up even if the above recommendations
are followed.

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Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(FFV) E-85 and Gasoline Vehicles

FFV vehicles operated on E85 require specially formulated
engine oils. These special requirements are included in
Mopar

t engine oils, and in equivalent oils meeting

DaimlerChrysler Specification MS-6395. The manufacturer
only recommends engine oils that are API Certified and
meet the requirements of Material Standard MS-6395. MS-
6395 contains additional requirements, developed during
extensive fleet testing, to provide additional protection to
DaimlerChrysler Corporation engines. Use Mopar

t or an

equivalent oil meeting the specification MS-6395.

Starting

The characteristics of E-85 fuel make it unsuitable for use
when ambient temperatures fall below 0°F (-18°C). In the
range of 0°F (-18°C) to 32°F (0°C), you may experience an
increase in the time it takes for your engine to start, and
a deterioration in driveability (sags and/or hesitations)
until the engine is fully warmed up.

Cruising Range

Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gallon than
gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuel con-
sumption. You can expect your MPG and your driving
range to decrease by about 30% compared to gasoline
operation.

Replacement Parts

Many components in your Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) are
designed to be compatible with ethanol. Always be sure
that your vehicle is serviced with correct ethanol com-
patible parts.

CAUTION!

Replacing fuel system components with non-ethanol
compatible components can damage your vehicle.

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Dodge Caravan (2008 year). Manual - part 24