2004 DODGE CARAVAN check engine

mRear Seat Delete Feature
(Commercial Vehicles Only) Ð If Equipped.....66
NRestraining Infants And Small Children With
Seat Delete Feature (Commercial Vehicles
Only)...............................67
mEngine Break-In Recommendations...........70mSafety Tips............................71
NExhaust Gas..........................71
NSafety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle..............................71
NPeriodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle....................72
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
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chip (transponder) embedded into them. Only keys that
have been programmed to the vehicle can be used to start
and operate the vehicle.
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System does not need to be
armed or activated. Operation of the system is automatic
regardless of whether or not the vehicle is locked or
unlocked. During normal operation, the Theft Alarm/
Immobilizer Light will come on for three (3) seconds
immediately after the ignition switch is turned on for a
bulb check. Afterwards, if the bulb remains on, this
indicates a problem with the electronics.
If the bulb begins to flash after the bulb check, this
indicates that an invalid key has been used to start the
vehicle. Both of these conditions will result in the engine
being shut off after two (2) seconds of running.
Keep in mind that a key which has not been programmed
is also considered an invalid key even if it is cut to fit the
ignition lock cylinder for that vehicle.If the Theft Alarm/Immobilizer Light comes on during
normal vehicle operation (vehicle has been running for
longer than 10 seconds), a fault has been detected in the
electronics and the vehicle should be serviced as soon as
possible.
NOTE:
²The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not compatible
with remote starting systems. Use of these systems
may result in vehicle starting problems and loss of
security protection.
²Exxon/Mobil Speed Pass,Ÿ additional Sentry Keys, or
any other transponder equipped components on the
same keychain willnotcause a key-related (transpon-
der) fault unless the additional part isphysically held
against the ignition keybeing used when starting the
vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other RF electronics
will not cause interference with this system.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

SAFETY TIPS
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 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.
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 71
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Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If 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.
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 or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure
Cap paragraph.
15. Washer Fluid Light
This light turns on when the washer fluid level
falls below approximately 1/4 filled. The light will
remain on until fluid is added.
16. Transmission Range Indicator
This vacuum fluorescent display indicator shows the
automatic transaxle gear selection.17. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The light
should turn on momentarily when the engine is
started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
chime will sound for 4 minutes when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
18. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. The light will illu-
minate when the key is in the ON position before engine
start. If the bulb does not come when turning the key
from OFF to ON, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 155
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engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert to serious
conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or
severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.
19. Trac Off Indicator Ð If Equipped
This vacuum fluorescent display indicator should illumi-
nate for approximately four seconds as a bulb check
when the ignition switch is first turned ON.
The ªTRAC OFFº Indicator will flash if the traction
control is in use.
The ªTRAC OFFº Indicator will illuminate if:
²The Traction Control switch has been used to turn
the system OFF.
²There is a Traction Control System malfunction
²The system has been deactivated to prevent damage
to the brake system due to overheated brake tem-
peratures.
NOTE:Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the TRAC and
the OFF indicators located in the instrument cluster.
This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and is
a normal condition. The system will remain disabled for
about 4 minutes until the brakes have cooled. The system
will automatically reactivate and turn off the TRAC and
the OFF indicators.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow, turn
the Traction Control System OFF before attempting to
ªrockº the vehicle free.
156 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

20. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
The trip odometer shows individual trip mileage. To
switch from odometer to trip odometer, press the Trip
Odometer button.
21. Cruise Indicator
This vacuum fluorescent display indicator shows that the
Speed Control System is ON.22. Trip Odometer Button
Press this button to change the display from odometer to
trip odometer. The word TRIP will appear when in the
trip odometer mode.
Push in and hold the button for two seconds to reset the
trip odometer to 0 miles or kilometers. The odometer
must be in trip mode to reset.
23. Tire Pressure Monitor Warning Light Ð If
Equipped
This light will turn on when there is a Low tire
pressure condition. The light will also turn on
if a problem exist with any tire sensor. The light
will remain on until the tire pressure is prop-
erly set or the problem with the sensor is corrected.
This light will turn on momentarily as a bulb check when
the engine is started.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 157
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Rear Washer Operation Ð Automatic
Temperature Control Only
Press and hold the button as long as spray is
desired. If the switch is depressed while the wipers
are on, the wipers will operate for a few seconds
after the switch is released then resume the previously set
mode of intermittent wiper or continuous wipe. If the
switch is depressed when the wipers are off, the wipers
will operate for two cycles, then turn off.
NOTE:The washers will stop spraying if the switch is
pressed longer than 10 seconds.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer is shared. It is located in the front of
the engine compartment on the passenger side and
should be checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fillthe reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not radia-
tor antifreeze) and operate the system for a few seconds
to flush out the residual water.
The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid
when the Low Washer Fluid Light illuminates.
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