2007 DODGE CARAVAN steering

•TheDriver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Units are
located in the center of the steering wheel and the right
side of the instrument panel. When the ORC and
impact sensors detects a collision requiring the air-
bags, it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of
nontoxic gas is generated to inflate the front airbags.
Different airbag inflation rates may be possible based
on collision severity and occupant size. The steering
wheel hub trim cover and the upper right side of the
instrument panel separate and fold out of the way as
the airbags inflate to their full size. The airbags fully
inflate in about 50–70 milliseconds. This is about half
of the time it takes to blink your eyes. The airbags then
quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and
front passenger.
The driver’s and passenger’s front airbag gas is vented
through the airbag material towards the instrument
panel. In this way the airbags do not interfere with
your control of the vehicle.•The Side Impact SRS Side Curtain Bags are designed
to activate only in certain side collisions. When the
ORC and the side impact sensors (with side impact
option) detects a collision requiring the window bags
to inflate, it signals the inflators on the crash side of the
vehicle. A quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to
inflate the window bag. The inflating window bag
pushes the outside edge of the headliner out of the
way and covers the window. The airbag inflates in
about 30 milliseconds (about one quarter of the time it
takes to blink your eyes) with enough force to injure
you if you are not belted and seated properly, or if
items are positioned in the area where the window bag
inflates. This especially applies to children. The win-
dow bag is only about 3
12inches (9 cm) thick when it
is inflated.
64 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Enhanced Accident Response
If the airbags and seat belt pretensioners deploy after an
impact and the electrical system remains functional,
vehicles equipped with power door locks will unlock
automatically. In addition, approximately 10 seconds
after the vehicle has stopped moving, the interior lights
will illuminate until the ignition switch is turned off.
Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
•Modifications to any part of the airbag system could
cause it to fail when you need it. You could be injured
because the airbags are not there to protect you. Do not
modify the components or wiring, including adding any
kind of badges or stickers to the steering wheel hub
trim cover or the upper right side of the instrument
panel. Do not modify the front bumper, vehicle body
structure, or frame.
•Do not attempt to modify any part of your advanced
airbag system. The airbag may inflate accidentally or
may not function properly if modifications are made.
Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for any
advanced airbag system service. If your seat including
your trim cover and cushion needs to be serviced in any
way (including removal or loosening/tightening of seat
attachment bolts), take the vehicle to your authorized
dealer. Only manufacturer approved seat accessories
may be used. If it is necessary to modify an advanced
airbag system for persons with disabilities, contact your
authorized dealer.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 71
2

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, trans-
mission fluid or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
90 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Lights ...............................150
▫ Interior Lights .......................151
▫ Park Lights ..........................151
▫ Headlights ..........................151
▫ Automatic Headlights — If Equipped .......153
▫ Daytime Running Lights (Canada/Fleet Vehicles
Only) ..............................153
▫ Lights-On Reminder ...................153
▫ Battery Protection .....................153
▫ Headlamp Delay — If Equipped ..........154
▫ Front Fog Lights — If Equipped ...........154

Multifunction Lever .....................155
▫ Turn Signals .........................155 ▫
Headlight Low/High Beam Selector Switch . . . 156
▫ Passing Light ........................156
▫ Windshield Wipers And Washers ..........156

Tilt Steering Column — If Equipped .........158

Traction Control Switch — If Equipped .......158

Rear Park Sense System — If Equipped .......159

Adjustable Pedals — If Equipped ...........163

Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped ......164
▫ To Activate ..........................165
▫ To Set At A Desired Speed ...............165
▫ To Deactivate ........................165
▫ To Resume Speed .....................165
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ...............166
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 93
3

WARNING!
Vehicles and other objects seen in a passenger side
convex mirror will look smaller and farther away
than they really are. Relying too much on your
passenger side convex mirror could cause you to
collide with another vehicle or other object. Use your
inside mirror when judging the size or distance of a
vehicle seen in the passenger side convex mirror.
Some vehicles will not have a convex passenger side
mirror.
Exterior Mirrors Folding Feature
All exterior mirrors are hinged and may be moved either
forward or rearward to resist damage. The hinges have
three detent positions; full forward, full rearward, and
normal.
Power Folding Outside Mirrors — If Equipped
Turn the power mirror switch knob all the way down to
the left or right to fold in the mirrors. Turn the knob back
upward to the left mirror, right mirror, or off (center)
position to the normal (unfolded) driving position.
Both mirrors will always move together and will fold
anytime the knob is turned. The ignition switch does not
have to be in the ON position.
Power Remote-Control Mirrors — If Equipped
Use the mirror select switch, located on the instrument
panel to the left of the steering column, to adjust the view
obtained in the outside mirrors. Press the rocker switch to
the L or R for Left or Right mirror selection. Use the
center off position to guard against accidentally moving
a mirror position.
98 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

The UConnect™ system can be used with any Hands-
Free Profile certified Bluetooth™ cellular phone. See
www.chrysler.com/uconnect for supported phones. If
your cellular phone supports a different profile (e.g., Headset Profile), you may not be able to use any UCon-
nect™ features. Refer to your cellular service provider or
the phone manufacturer for details.
The UConnect™ system is fully integrated with the
vehicle’s audio system. The volume of the UConnect™
system can be adjusted either from the radio volume
control knob, or from the steering wheel radio control
(right switch), if so equipped.
The radio display will be used for visual prompts from
the UConnect™ system such as
CELLor caller ID on
certain radios.Operations
Voice commands can be used to operate the UConnect™
system and to navigate through the UConnect™ menu
structure. Voice commands are required after most
UConnect™ system prompts. You will be prompted for a
specific command and then guided through the available
options.
UConnect™ Switches
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 101
3

Next, push to the left the safety catch located under the
front edge of the hood, near the center.
Use the hood prop rod to secure the hood in the open
position.
To prevent possible damage, do not slam the hood to
close it. Lower the hood until it is open approximately 30 cm (12 inches) and then drop it. This should secure both
latches. Never drive your vehicle unless the hood is fully
closed, with both latches engaged.
WARNING!
If the hood is not fully latched, it could fly up when
the vehicle is moving and block your forward vision.
You could have a collision. Be sure all hood latches
are fully latched before driving.
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.
Hood Safety Catch
150 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Headlight Low/High Beam Selector Switch
Pull the multifunction lever toward the steering wheel to
switch the headlights between HIGH and LOW beam.
Passing Light
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
lightly pulling the multifunction lever toward the steer-
ing wheel. This will cause the headlights to turn on at
high beam and remain on until the lever is released.
Windshield Wipers and Washers
The wipers and washers are operated by a switch in the
multifunction lever. Rotate the end of the lever to select
the desired wiper speed.
NOTE: Always remove any build-up of snow that
prevents the windshield wiper blades from returning to
the OFF position. If the windshield wiper switch is
turned OFF and the blades cannot return to the OFF
position, damage to the wiper motor may occur. To use the washer, press the end of the multifunction
lever in when spray is desired, the washers will spray for
a maximum of 20 seconds or until the lever is released. If
another washer cycle is desired the end of the lever must
be pressed again to get another 20 second washer cycle. If
the lever is depressed while in the delay range, the
Windshield Wiper/Washer Control
156 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE