2005 DODGE CARAVAN engine

While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown in Section 7 of this manual. NON-DETERGENT
OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE
USED.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 83
2

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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 85
2

▫Sunglass Storage......................151
▫Compass/Temperature Display...........151
▫Mini-Trip Computer...................154
▫Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)—
If Equipped.........................155
▫Customer Programmable Features—
If Equipped.........................156

Garage Door Opener—If Equipped.........159
▫Programming Homelink................160
▫Canadian Programming/Gate
Programming........................163
▫Using Homelink......................164
▫Erasing Homelink Buttons...............164
▫Reprogramming a Single Homelink Button . . . 164▫Security............................165

Power Sunroof—If Equipped.............165
▫Express Open Feature..................166
▫Wind Buffeting.......................167
▫Sunroof Maintenance...................167

Electrical Power Outlets—If Equipped.......168
▫Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off.......169

Convenience Tray Drawer And Cup Holders . . . 170
▫Instrument Panel Cup Holders............170
▫Convenience Tray And Optional Smoker’s
Package Kit.........................171
▫Rear Cupholders......................172
90 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Interior light Defeat (OFF)
Rotate the dimmer control to the
OFF position (extreme bottom).
The interior lights will remain off
when the doors or liftgate are
open.
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness Feature)
Rotate the dimmer control to the
first detent. This feature brightens
the odometer, radio and overhead
displays when the park lights or
headlights are on.
Automatic Headlights—If Equipped
This system automatically turns
your headlights ON or OFF based
on ambient light levels. To turn
the system ON, turn the headlight
switch to the extreme counter-
clockwise position. When the sys-
tem is ON, the Headlight Time
Delay feature is also ON. This
means your headlights will stay
ON for up to 90 seconds after you turn the ignition
switch OFF. To turn the Automatic System OFF, turn the
headlight switch clockwise to the OFF position.
NOTE:The engine must be running before the head-
lights will come ON in the Automatic mode.
136 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

30, 60, or 90 seconds, or not remain on. Pressing the
“STEP”button when in this display will select 30, 60, 90,
or“OFF.”
Headlamp On With Wipers (Available with Auto
Headlights Only)
When this feature is selected and the headlight switch
has been moved to the“AUTO”position, the engine is
running and, the front wipers are turned on for 10
seconds, the headlights will turn ON. The display will
remain on Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness) for ease of
viewing. Pressing the“STEP”button when in this display
will select“Ye s”or“No.”
Power Accessory Delay
When this feature is selected, accessory power will be
supplied for up to 45 seconds for the power windows,radio, power vent windows, power outlets, and remov-
able center console, when the ignition switch is turned off
or until the key is removed and either front door is
opened.
GARAGE DOOR OPENER—IF EQUIPPED
The HomeLinkUniversal Transceiver replaces up to
three remote controls (hand held transmitters) that oper-
ate devices such as garage door openers, motorized
gates, or home lighting. It triggers these devices at the
push of a button. The Universal Transceiver operates off
your vehicle’s battery and charging system; no batteries
are needed.
For additional information on HomeLink, call 1–800–
355–3515, or on the internet at www.homelink.com.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 159
3

ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS—IF EQUIPPED
To the left of the instrument panel cup holder are two 12
volt power outlets. The upper outlet is controlled by the
ignition switch and the lower outlet is connected directly
to the battery. The upper outlet will also operate a
conventional cigar lighter unit (if equipped with an
optional Smoker’s Package).
A third outlet is located on the driver’s side, just to the
rear of the sliding door and is also controlled by the
ignition switch. The lower and rear outlets will not
accommodate a conventional cigar lighter unit.
The outlets include tethered caps labeled with a key or
battery symbol indicating the power source. The lower
instrument panel outlet is powered directly from the
battery, items plugged into this outlet may discharge the
battery and/or prevent engine starting.
Rear Power Outlet
168 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

The lower outlet is protected by an automatic reset circuit
breaker. The automatic circuit breaker restores power
when the overload is removed. The circuit breaker also
supplies power to the outlet in the removable floor
console, when in the front position. Refer to section 3
“Removable Floor Console”in this manual.
NOTE:If desired, all of the power outlets can be
converted by your authorized dealer to provide power
with the ignition switch in the OFF position.Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off
CAUTION!
•Many accessories that can be plugged in draw power from
the vehicle’s battery, even when not in use (i.e. cellular
phones, etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long enough, the
vehicle’s battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade
battery life and/or prevent engine starting.
•Accessories that draw higher power (i.e. coolers, vacuum
cleaners, lights, etc.), will degrade the battery even more
quickly. Only use these intermittently and with greater
caution.
•After the use of high power draw accessories, or long
periods of the vehicle not being started (with accessories
still plugged in), the vehicle must be driven a sufficient
length of time to allow the alternator to recharge the
vehicle’s battery.
•Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs only. Do not
hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket from the
plug. Improper use of the power outlet can cause damage.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 169
3

Removable Floor Console Without Fold-in-Floor
Seating—If Equipped
The removable floor console has a power outlet, storage
tray, light, cell phone holder, tissue holder, and a map
holder. It can be placed between either the front seats or
middle seats.
NOTE:When the console is located between the front
seats the outlet is protected by an automatic circuit
breaker and is powered directly from the battery, items
plugged into this outlet may discharge the battery
and/or prevent engine starting.
To remove the console use the following procedure:
1. Open the rear lid and remove the storage tray.
2. Pull up on the release handle located inside the floor
console to disengage the floor console, reinstall the
storage tray and close the rear lid.
Removable Floor Console
178 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE