2008 DODGE CARAVAN windshield wipers

Windshield Wiper and Washer Functions
The wipers and washers are operated by a switch within
the multifunction lever. Rotate the end of the lever to
select the desired wiper speed.
NOTE:Always remove any buildup of snow that pre-
vents 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.
Multifunction Lever Features
1 - Front Mist/Washer 3 - Rear Wiper/Washer
2 - Wiper Speeds 4 - Low/High Beam and Flash 168 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

1. Multifunction Lever Ð Mist, Front Wiper and
Washer
Press the end of the multifunction lever inward to the
first detent and release to clear the windshield. Pressing
the multifunction lever inward to the second detent will
cause the washers to spray for a maximum of 10 seconds,
or until the lever is released, and the wipers will cycle
three times.
NOTE:If the multifunction lever is depressed while in
the delay range, the wipers will operate for several
seconds after the lever is released, and then resume the
intermittent interval previously selected.
If the multifunction lever is depressed while in the off
position, the wipers will operate for approximately two
wipe cycles and automatically turn off.2. Intermittent, Low and High Speed Wipers
Use the intermittent wipers when weather conditions
make a single wiping cycle, with a variable pause be-
tween cycles, desirable. Rotate the end of the multifunc-
tion lever to the first detent position, then turn the end of
the lever to select the desired delay interval. The delay
can be regulated from a maximum of about 20 seconds
between cycles, to a cycle every 2 seconds. The time delay
will be doubled if the vehicle speed is less than 10 mph
(16 km/h).
Low Speedis achieved by rotating the multifunction
lever past the intermittent settings, to the first detent.
High Speedis achieved by rotating the multifunction
lever past the intermittent settings, to the second detent.
3. Rotary Ring Ð Rear Wiper and Washer
Rotating the rotary ring to the first detent activates the
rear intermittent wipers. To activate the washers, rotate
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 169
3

the rotary ring fully forward and the washers will spray
until the ring is released, and then resume the intermit-
tent interval.
NOTE:Rear window wipers function in the intermittent
wiper speed only.
4. Headlight Low/High Beam Select Switch and
Flash-to-Pass
Headlight Low/High Beam Select SwitchWhen the
headlights are turned on, pushing the lever assembly
toward the instrument panel will switch from low beams
to high beams. Pulling back to the neutral position
returns to low beam headlights.
Flash-to-Pass (Optical Horn)You can signal another
vehicle with your headlights by lightly pulling the mul-
tifunction lever toward you. This will cause the head-
lights to turn on at high beam and remain on until the
lever is released.WARNING!
Sudden loss of visibility through the windshield
could lead to an accident. You might not see other
vehicles or other obstacles. To avoid sudden icing of
the windshield during freezing weather, warm the
windshield with defroster before and during wind-
shield washer use.
Headlights On When Wipers Are On Ð If
Equipped
Headlights on when windshield wipers are on may be
found on vehicles equipped with automatic headlight
system. Refer to the Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter (EVIC) in Section 4 under ªPERSONAL SETTINGS
(CUSTOMER PROGRAMMABLE FEATURES)º for more
information.
170 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

DRIVE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINTS
Your vehicle has constant velocity universal joints. Peri-
odic lubrication of these joints is not required. However,
the joint boots should be inspected for external leakage or
damage when other maintenance is performed. If leakage
or damage is evident, the universal joint boot and grease
should be replaced immediately.
Continued operation could result in failure of the univer-
sal joint due to water and dirt contamination of the
grease. This would require complete replacement of the
joint assembly.
BODY LUBRICATION
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, liftgate, sliding doors and hood hinges,
should be lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy
operation and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to
the application of any lubricant, the parts concerned
should be wiped clean to remove dust and grit; afterlubricating excess oil and grease should be removed.
Particular attention should also be given to hood latching
components to ensure proper function. When performing
other underhood services, the hood latch, release mecha-
nism and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MopartLock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
The rubber edges of the wiper blades and the windshield
should be cleaned periodically with a sponge or soft cloth
and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accu-
mulations of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.
454 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Windshield Wiper Blades.................. 454
Windshield Wipers....................... 168
Wiper Blade Replacement.................. 454
Wipers, Intermittent...................... 169YES EssentialstFabric Cleaning Procedure...... 471
Zone Control (Temperature Control).......... 305
INDEX 527
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