2008 DODGE CARAVAN instrument cluster

Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver's door with the integrated ignition
key in the ignition, a chime will sound to remind you to
remove the key.
NOTE:The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds
when the integrated ignition key is placed in the OFF or
ACC position.
SENTRY KEYTIMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
The Sentry KeytImmobilizer system prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses the factory-mated Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter with integrated key and Wireless Igni-
tion Node (WIN) to prevent unauthorized vehicle opera-
tion. Therefore, only RKE transmitters that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operatethe vehicle. The system will not allow the engine to crank
if an invalid RKE transmitter is used to operate the
ignition switch.
After turning the ignition switch to the ON position, the
Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light located on the
instrument cluster will turn on for three seconds for a
bulb check. If the light remains on after the bulb check, it
indicates that there is a problem with the electronics. In
addition, if the light begins to flash after the bulb check,
it indicates that someone used an invalid RKE transmitter
to start the engine. Either of these conditions will result in
the engine being shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light, located on
the instrument cluster, turns on during normal vehicle
operation (vehicle running for longer than 10 seconds), it
indicates that there is a fault in the electronics. Should
this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

Arming The System
Remove the key from the ignition switch and either press
a power door lock switch while the driver or passenger
door is open or press the LOCK button on the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. After all the doors are
locked and closed the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator
Light in the instrument cluster will flash rapidly to signal
that the system is arming. The Vehicle Security Alarm
Indicator Light in the instrument panel cluster will flash
rapidly for about 16 seconds to indicate that the alarm is
being set. After the alarm is set, the Vehicle Security
Alarm Indicator Light, located in the lower center section
of the instrument cluster, will flash at a slower rate to
indicate that the system is armed.
NOTE:If the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light
stays on continuously during vehicle operation, have the
system checked by your authorized dealer.
Disarm The System
Either press the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter
or insert a valid ignition key into the ignition switch and
turn the key to the ON position.
NOTE:
²The driver's door key cylinder and the liftgate button
on the RKE transmitter cannot arm or disarm the
system.
²The system remains armed during liftgate entry. Press-
ing the liftgate button will not disarm the system. If
someone enters the vehicle through the liftgate and
opens any door the alarm will sound.
²When the system is armed, the interior power door
lock switches will not unlock the doors.
The Vehicle Security Alarm system is designed to protect
your vehicle; however, you can create conditions where
the system will give you a false alarm. If one of the
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
2

impact sensors signals, a central electronic ORC deploys
the front airbags, side inflatable airbag curtains, side seat
thorax airbags, and front seat belt pretensioners as re-
quired for each type of impact.
The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of
the system whenever the ignition switch is in the START
or ON position. These include all of the components
listed above except the steering wheel and column,
instrument panel, and seat belt reminder light. If the key
is in the OFF position, in the ACC position, or not in the
ignition, the airbags are not on and will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply system that
will deploy the airbags even if the battery loses power or
it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.
Also, the ORC turns on the AIRBAG warning
light in the instrument panel for approximately
four to six seconds for a self-check when the
ignition is first turned on. After the self-check,the AIRBAG warning light will turn off. If the ORC
detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns
on the AIRBAG warning light, either momentarily or
continuously. A single chime will sound if the light comes
on again after initial start up.
It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the instru-
ment cluster AIRBAG warning light if a malfunction is
noted. The diagnostics also record the nature of the
malfunction.
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 73
2

NOTE:
²You may not hear all of the tones due to cellular phone
network configurations; this is normal.
²Some paging and voice mail systems have system time
out settings that are too short and may not allow the
use of this feature.
Barge In - Overriding Prompts
The ªVoice Recognitionº button can be used when you
wish to skip part of a prompt and issue your voice
recognition command immediately. For example, if a
prompt is asking9Would you like to pair a phone, clear
a{,9you could press the ªVoice Recognitionº button and
say,9Pair a Phone9to select that option without having to
listen to the rest of the voice prompt.
Turning Confirmation Prompts On/Off
Turning confirmation prompts off will stop the system
from confirming your choices (e.g., the UConnecttsys-
tem will not repeat a phone number before you dial it).
²Press the PHONE button to begin.
²After the9Ready9prompt and the following beep, say
9Setup Confirmations.9The UConnecttsystem will
play the current confirmation prompt status and you
will be given the choice to change it.
Phone and Network Status Indicators
If available on the radio and/or on a premium display
such as the instrument panel cluster, and supported by
your cell phone, the UConnecttsystem will provide
notification to inform you of your phone and network
status when you are attempting to make a phone call
using UConnectt. The status is given for roaming, net-
work signal strength, phone battery strength, etc.
Dialing Using the Cellular Phone Keypad
You can dial a phone number with your cellular phone
keypad and still use the UConnecttsystem (while dial-
ing via the cell phone keypad, the user must exercise
caution and take precautionary safety measures). By
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 119
3

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 12inches (30 cm) 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.
Hood Safety Switch Ð If Equipped
If the vehicle is equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), and the hood is not latched,
the EVIC will display ªHood Ajarº in the instrument
cluster EVIC display window.Hood Safety Catch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 159
3

If the vehicle is equipped with the Compass Mini-Trip
Computer (CMTC) and the hood is not latched, a ªhoodº
will be displayed in the PRNDL/Odometer window of
the instrument cluster.
LIGHTS
All of the lights, except the hazard warning lights,
headlamp high beams and flash to pass, are controlled by
switches to the left of the steering column on the instru-
ment panel.
Interior Lighting
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.
Headlight Switch Assembly
160 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Battery Protection
This feature provides battery protection to avoid wearing
down the battery if the headlights, park lights, or front
fog lights are left on for extended periods of time when
the ignition switch is in the LOCK position. After eight
minutes of the ignition switch being in the LOCK posi-
tion and the headlight switch in any position other than
OFF or AUTO, the lights will turn off automatically until
the next cycle of the ignition switch or headlight switch.
The battery protection feature will be disabled if the
ignition switch is turned to any other position other than
LOCK during the three minute delay.
MULTIFUNCTION LEVER
The multifunction control lever is located on the left side
of the steering column.
The Multifunction Lever assembly controls:
²Turn Signals
²Headlight Low and High Beams
²Flash-to-Pass (Optical Horn)
²Front and Rear Wiper And Washer Functions
Turn Signals
Move the multifunction lever up or down to signal a
right-hand or left-hand turn.
The arrow on either side of the instrument cluster flashes
to indicate the direction of the turn, and proper operation
of the front and rear turn signal lights.
166 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
²Ensure that the rear bumper is free of dirt and debris
to keep the system operating properly.
²Jackhammers, large trucks, and other vibrations could
affect the performance of the system.
Enabling and Disassembling The Rear Park Assist
System
There are times when you may want to disable the Rear
Park Assist System, such as when towing a trailer.
NOTE:The manufacturer suggests disabling the Rear
Park Assist System when towing a trailer. Refer to the
following procedures.
Vehicles Equipped With the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)
You can turn the Rear Park Assist System on or off
through the EVIC. For details, refer to ªPersonal Settings(Customer Programmable Features)º under ªElectronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)º in Section 4 of this
manual.
Vehicles Equipped With the Compass Mini-Trip
Computer (CMTC)
You can turn the Rear Park Assist System ON or OFF
through the CMTC by pressing the left reset button in the
instrument cluster. Turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, then press and hold the rest button for approxi-
mately two seconds.
Service The Rear Park Assist System
If the Rear Park Assist System malfunctions, the instru-
ment cluster will actuate a single chime, once per ignition
cycle, and it will display the(SERVICE PARK ASSIST
SYSTEM(message. Refer to ªCompass Mini Trip Com-
puter (CMTC) or ªElectronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)º Ð as equipped, in Section 4 of this manual.
176 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE