2008 DODGE CARAVAN power steering

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

Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for four seconds
as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first turned
ON. If the LED is not lit during starting and/or 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.
NOTE:If the defroster is not working or you are unable
to feel air against the windshield in defrost mode, please
see your authorized dealer service center for repairs.
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.
94 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NSetting Memory Positions And Linking RKE
Transmitter To Memory.................156
mTo Open And Close The Hood.............158
NHood Safety Switch Ð If Equipped........159
mLights...............................160
NInterior Lighting......................160
NExterior Lights.......................162
mMultifunction Lever.....................166
NTurn Signals.........................166
mTilt Steering Column Ð If Equipped.........171
mRear Park Assist System Ð If Equipped.......171
NRear Park Assist Sensors................172
mAdjustable Pedals Ð If Equipped...........177mElectronic Speed Control Ð If Equipped......179
NActivating Electronic Speed Control........179
mOverhead Consoles.....................182
NFront Overhead Console Ð If Equipped.....182
mGarage Door Opener Ð If Equipped.........185
NProgramming HomeLinkt...............187
NGate Operator/Canadian Programming.....190
NSecurity............................191
NTroubleshooting Tips...................191
NGeneral Information...................191
mPower Sunroof Ð If Equipped.............192
NPower Sunroof Operation...............192
mElectrical Power Outlets Ð If Equipped.......195
98 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

2. Press and hold (approximately 10 seconds) the CMTC
reset button until the current variance zone number is
displayed.
3. Release the CMTC reset button, then press and hold
again (approximately 10 seconds), until the direction is
displayed with the CAL indicator on continuously in the
display.
4. To complete the compass calibration, drive the vehicle
in one or more complete 360 degree circles under 5 mph
(8 km/h) in an area free from power lines, large metallic
objects, until the CAL indicator turns off. The compass
will now function normally.ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
(EVIC) Ð IF EQUIPPED
NOTE:The compass on your vehicle is self-calibrating,
eliminating the need to manually calibrate the compass.
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) fea-
tures a driver-interactive display that is located in the
lower half of the speedometer.
This system conveniently allows the driver to select a
variety of useful information by pressing the switches
mounted on the steering wheel. The EVIC consists of the
following:
²System Status display
²Vehicle information warning message displays
²Tire Pressure Monitor System
²Personal Settings (Customer Programmable Features)
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 241
4

FM Reception
Because FM transmission is based on frequency varia-
tions, interference that consists of amplitude variations
can be filtered out, leaving the reception relatively clear,
which is the major feature of FM radio.
NOTE:The radio, steering wheel radio controls (if
equipped), and six-disc CD/DVD changer (if equipped)
will remain active for up to 90 seconds after the ignition
switch has been turned OFF, depending upon the EVIC,
Accessory Delay setting. Opening a vehicle front door
will cancel this feature.
Electrical Disturbances
Radio waves may pick up electrical disturbances during
transmission. They mainly affect the wave amplitude,
and thus remain a part of the AM reception. They
interfere very little with the frequency variations that
carry the FM signal.
SALES CODE REQ Ð AM/FM STEREO RADIO
AND 6±DISC CD/DVD CHANGER (MP3/WMA AUX
JACK)
NOTE:The radio sales code is located on the lower right
side of your radio faceplate.
Operating Instructions - Radio Mode
NOTE:The ignition switch must be in the ON or ACC
position to operate the radio.
Power Switch/Volume Control (Rotary)
Push the On/Volume control knob to turn on the radio.
Press the control knob a second time to turn off the radio.
Electronic Volume Control
The electronic volume control turns continuously (360
degrees) in either direction without stopping. Turning the
On/Volume control knob to the right increases the vol-
ume and to the left decreases it.
252 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures.....................324
NAutomatic Transmission................325
mEngine Block Heater Ð If Equipped.........327
mAutomatic Transmission..................328
NBrake/Transmission Interlock System.......328
NFour-Speed Or Six-Speed Automatic
Transmission........................329
NReset Mode - Electronic Transmission.......334
mParking Brake.........................335mBrake System..........................337
NAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............338
mElectronic Brake Control Systems............340
NTraction Control System (TCS)............340
mPower Steering........................344
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces..............345
NAcceleration.........................345
NTraction............................346
mDriving Through Water..................346
5

WARNING!
²BAS (Brake Assist System) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevail-
ing road conditions.
²BAS cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on
very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents.
²The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP cor-
rects for over/under steering of the vehicle by applying
the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counter-
acting the over/under steer condition. Engine power
may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the
desired path.
ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle
path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual
path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match
the intended path, ESP applies the brake of the appropri-
ate wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or
understeer condition.
²Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
²Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
342 STARTING AND OPERATING

Light comes on continuously with the engine running, a
malfunction has been detected in either the ESP or the
BAS system. If this light remains on after several ignition
cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles/
kilometers at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see
your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected.
NOTE:
²The ESP/TCS Indicator Light and the ESP/BAS Warn-
ing Light come on momentarily each time the ignition
switch is turned ON.
²Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
²The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active, this is normal. The sounds
will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESP activation.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
344 STARTING AND OPERATING