2005 DODGE CARAVAN instrument panel

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.
The interior lights will automatically turn off in about 15
minutes if any of the following occur.
•A door, sliding door or the liftgate is left open.
•Any overhead reading light is left on.
•If the dimmer control is in the extreme top position.
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.
Headlight Switch
134 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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 135
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 overhead 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
32°F(0°C), 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“CAL”
symbol will be displayed. After completing three 360°
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 151
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

CONVENIENCE TRAY DRAWER AND CUP
HOLDERS
Instrument Panel Cup Holders
The instrument panel cupholders are located in a pull out
drawer just below the climate controls.When the drawer is pulled out firmly, the arms of the
cupholders will spring out. Place the container to be held
into one of the cupholders and then push the arm toward
the container until the container is held stable. There are
adjustable positions for the arm so the cupholder can
accommodate a wide variety of container types and sizes,
including those with handles. The arms of the cupholder
can be adjusted in or out without damaging the detent
mechanism.
NOTE:Be sure the drawer is pulled out completely,
otherwise the adjustable arm detents will not engage and
the container will not be held stable.
Front Cupholders
170 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Convenience Tray And Optional Smoker’s
Package Kit
Located between the instrument panel cupholders is a
convenience tray that has been designed to hold miscel-
laneous small items.
NOTE:The convenience tray should never be used for
ashes without the optional ash receiver in place. Perma-
nent burn marks may result.With the optional dealer installed Smoker’s package, a
removable ash receiver is inserted into the convenience
tray location. To install the ash receiver, slide the forward
edge into the convenience tray opening and push down
to lock it into position. For cleaning of the ash receiver, its
removal is accomplished by inserting the end of a key in
the pry slot that is molded into the rear edge of the ash
receiver and then twisting the key slightly.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 171
3

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
CONTENTS

Instruments And Controls.................193

Base Instrument Cluster..................194

Instrument Cluster With Tach..............195

Instrument Cluster Descriptions............196

Electronic Digital Clock..................204
▫Clock Setting Procedure.................204

Radio General Information................205
▫Radio Broadcast Signals.................205
▫Two Types Of Signals..................205▫Electrical Disturbances..................205
▫AM Reception.......................205
▫FM Reception........................205

Sales Code RAZ—AM/ FM Stereo Radio With
Cassette Tape Player, CD Player And CD Changer
Controls.............................206
▫Operating Instructions—Radio...........206
▫Power Switch, Volume Control............206
▫Seek Button (Radio Mode)...............206
▫Tuning.............................2074

▫Radio Data System (RDS)...............207
▫PTY (Program Type) Button..............207
▫Balance............................209
▫Fade..............................209
▫Tone Control........................209
▫AM/FM Selection.....................209
▫Scan Button.........................209
▫To Set The Radio Push-Button Memory......210
▫To Change From Clock To Radio Mode......210
▫Operating Instructions—Tape Player.......210
▫Seek Button.........................210
▫Fast Forward (FF).....................211
▫Rewind (RW)........................211▫Tape Eject...........................211
▫Scan Button.........................211
▫Changing Tape Direction................211
▫Metal Tape Selection...................211
▫Pinch Roller Release...................212
▫Noise Reduction......................212
▫Operating Instructions—CD Player........212
▫Inserting The Compact Disc..............212
▫Seek Button.........................213
▫EJT CD (Eject) Button..................213
▫FF/Tune/RW........................214
▫Program Button 4 (Random Play)..........214
▫Mode..............................214
188 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL