2004 DODGE CARAVAN key

If the liftgate is locked and is not equipped with a
powered liftgate, pressing the button on the remote
keyless entry transmitter will result in the liftgate becom-
ing unlocked for 30 seconds allowing you to manually
access the liftgate area.
NOTE:On vehicles without power locks, the liftgate can
only be opened using the vehicle keys. The key must be
held in the unlocked position for the liftgate to open.
Power Liftgate Ð If Equipped
The power liftgate may be opened manually or by using
the button on the remote keyless entry transmitter. Press
the button on the remote keyless entry transmitter twice
within five seconds, to open the power liftgate. Once the
liftgate is fully open, pressing the button twice within
five seconds a second time will close the liftgate.
The power liftgate may also be opened by pressing the
button located on the overhead console.When the remote keyless entry transmitter button is
pressed and the ªLamp Flashº feature is enabled, the tail
lights will flash to signal that the liftgate is opening or
closing.
34 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

How The Front Airbag System Works
²
Thefrontairbag control module determines if a frontal
impact is severe enough to require the front airbags to
inflate. Based on the level of collision severity, the front
airbag control module determines the proper rate of
inflation. The front airbag inflators are designed to
provide different rates of airbag inflation. The front
airbag control module will not detect roll over, or rear
collisions.
The front airbag control module also monitors the
readiness of the electronic parts of the system when-
ever the ignition switch is in the START or ON
positions. These include all of the items listed above
except the knee bolster, instrument panel and the
steering wheel and column. If the key is in the OFF
position, in the ACC position, or not in the ignition
switch, the front airbags are not on and will not inflate.The front airbag control module sends a
message to the instrument cluster to turn on
the AIRBAG light in the instrument panel
for 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is
first turned ON, then turns the light off. If the front
control module detects a malfunction in any part of the
system, the airbag light will turn on either momen-
tarily or continuously.
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 53
2

The front airbag control module also monitors the readi-
ness of the electronic parts of the system whenever the
ignition switch is in the START or ON positions. These
include all of the items listed above except the knee
bolster, instrument panel and the steering wheel and
column. If the key is in the OFF position, in the ACC
position, or not in the ignition switch, the side airbags are
not on and will not inflate.
In moderate to severe side collisions, the side airbag
inflator on the crash side of the vehicle is triggered,
releasing a quantity of nontoxic gas. The inflating side
airbag exits through the seat seam into the space between
the occupant and the door. The side airbag moves at a
very high speed and with such a high force that it could
injure you if you are not seated properly, or if items are
positioned in the area where the side airbag inflates. This
especially applies to children.If An Airbag Deployment Occurs
The airbag systems are designed to deploy when the
airbag control modules detect a moderate-to-severe col-
lision, to help restrain the driver and front passenger, and
then immediately deflate.
NOTE:A 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 airbag, any
or all of the following may occur:
²The airbag material may sometimes cause abrasions
and/or skin reddening to the driver and front passen-
ger 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
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55
2

LIGHTS
All of the lights, except the hazard warning lights, are
controlled by switches to the left of the steering column
on the instrument panel.
Interior Lights
Interior lights are turned on when a door or liftgate is
opened, the keyless entry transmitter is activated, or
when the dimmer control is moved to the extreme top.
NOTE:On long wheel base vehicles the dome lights for
the second row seat passenger's can be turned on or off
by pressing the lens. The lights will remain on until the
lens is pressed a second time, so be sure they have been
turned off before leaving the vehicle.
The interior lights will automatically turn off in about 15
minutes if any of the following occur.
²A door, sliding door or the liftgate is left open.
²Any overhead reading light is left on.
²If the dimmer control is in the extreme top position.
98 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:The key must be out of the ignition switch or the
ignition switch must be in the OFF position for this
feature to operate.
Park Lights
Turn this switch to the first detent to turn the park
lights on. This also turns on all instrument panel
lighting.
Headlights
Turn the headlight switch to the 2nd detent to
turn the headlights and park lights on. This
also turns on all instrument panel lighting.
To change the brightness of the instrument panel lights,
rotate the dimmer control up or down.
Dimmer Control
With the park lights or headlights
on, rotating the dimmer control
for the interior lights on the in-
strument panel upward will in-
crease the brightness of the instru-
ment panel lights.
Dome Light Position
Rotate the dimmer control com-
pletely upward to the second de-
tent (extreme top position) to turn
on the interior lights, except the
front reading/courtesy lights. The
interior lights will remain on
when the dimmer control is in this
position.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 99
3

The lights also turn on when a front door, a sliding door
or the liftgate is opened. If your vehicle is equipped with
Remote Keyless Entry, the lights will also turn on when
the unlock button on the transmitter is pressed.
The area around the instrument panel cupholders is also
illuminated from a light in the overhead console. This
light is turned on when the headlight switch is on and
will adjust in brightness when the dimmer control is
rotated up or down.
Sunglass Storage
At the rear of the console a compartment is provided for
the storage of two pair of sunglasses.
Press the door latch to open the compartment. The door
will slowly rotate to an open position.
Compass/Temperature Display
This display provides the outside temperature and one of
eight compass readings to indicate the direction the
vehicle is facing.
WARNING!
Even if the display still reads a few degrees above
32ÉF ( 0ÉC), the road surface may be icy, particularly
in woods or on bridges. Drive carefully under such
conditions to prevent an accident and possible per-
sonal injury or property damage.
Automatic Compass Calibration
This compass is self calibrating which eliminates the
need to manually set the compass. When the vehicle is
new, the compass may appear erratic and the ªCALº
symbol will be displayed. After completing three 360É
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 111
3

the Tire Pressure Monitor system and the training routine
is not performed, training will be cancelled after one
minute or the next time you cycle the ignition key. See
your authorized dealer for service and retraining of the
system.
Use Factory Settings
If ªYesº is selected, all of the customer programmable
features will be set to the factory default and not dis-
played. If ªNoº is selected you can program the Vehicle
Information Center to your own personal preferences.
Auto Door Locks
When this feature is selected, all doors and the liftgate
lock automatically when the speed of the vehicle reaches
18 mph (29 km/h). Pressing the ªSTEPº button when in
this display will select ªYesº or ªNo.º
Auto Unlock On Exit (Available Only When the
AUTO DOOR LOCKS Feature is Turned On)
When this feature is selected all the vehicle's doors will
unlock whenever any door is opened if the vehicle is
stopped and the transmission is in ªPº (Park) or ªNº
(Neutral) position. Pressing the ªSTEPº button when in
this display will select ªYesº or ªNo.º
Remote Unlock Driver's Door 1st
When this feature is selected only the driver's door will
unlock on the first press of the remote keyless entry
unlock button and require a second press to unlock the
remaining locked doors and liftgate. WhenªREMOTE
UNLOCK ALL DOORSºis selected all of the doors and
the liftgate will unlock at the first press of the remote
keyless entry unlock button. Pressing the ªSTEPº button
when in this display will select ªDRIVER'S DOOR 1STº
or ªALL DOORSº.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 117
3

Remote Linked To Memory (Available with
Memory Seat and Pedals Only)
When this feature is selected, pressing the Unlock button
on any Remote Keyless Entry transmitter already linked
to memory will return the driver's seat, driver's outside
mirror, adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, and
radio station presets to their memory set positions.
If this feature is not selected, the driver's seat, driver's
mirror, adjustable pedals, and radio settings can only
return to their memory set positions using the memory
recall buttons (1or 2) on the driver's door panel.
Any transmitter linked to memory will remain linked,
but will not recall the memory positions. The transmitter
memory recall function will operate again when this
feature is selected. Refer to Driver Memory System for
more information. Pressing the9STEP9button when in
this mode will select between9Ye s9or9No9.
Sound Horn On Lock
When this feature is selected a short horn sound will
occur when the remote keyless entry ªLockº button is
pressed. This feature may be selected with or without the
flash lights on LOCK/UNLOCK feature. Pressing the
ªSTEPº button when in this display will select ªYesº or
ªNo.º
Flash Lights On Lock/Unlock?
When this feature is selected, the front and rear turn
signals will flash when the doors are locked or unlocked
using the remote keyless entry transmitter. This feature
may be selected with or without the sound horn on lock
feature selected. Pressing the ªSTEPº button when in this
display will select ªYesº or ªNo.º
Headlamp Delay
When this feature is selected the driver can choose, when
exiting the vehicle, to have the headlamps remain on for
118 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE