2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN transmission

Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS
Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
The operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked
by turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to
the ON position. The light should illuminate for approxi-
mately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless
the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected.
If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.9.Tachometer Ð Premium Instrument Cluster Only
The white area of the scale shows the permissible engine
revolutions-per-minute (RPM x 1000) for each gear range.
Before reaching the red area, ease up on the accelerator to
prevent engine damage.
10. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transaxle gear
selection.
NOTE:You must apply the brakes before shifting from
Park.
11. Odometer/Trip Odometer Ð If Equipped
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 229
4

15. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. The light will illu-
minate when the key is in the ON position before engine
start. If the bulb does not come on when turning the key
from OFF to ON, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert to serious
conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or
severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced at an authorized dealer as soon as possible if this
occurs.16. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. If the engine is critically hot, a continuous
chime will sound for four minutes. After the chime
turns off, the engine will still be critically hot until the
light turns off.
17. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC.) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected, the light will come on while the
engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when
the vehicle has completely stopped and the gear selector
is placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off.
If the light remains lit with the engine running your
vehicle will usually be drivable, however, see your dealer
for service as soon as possible. If the light is flashing
when the engine is running, immediate service is re-
quired and you may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may
232 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Compass/Temperature Display
Compass Variance
Compass Variance is the difference between magnetic
North and Geographic North. In some areas of the
country, the difference between magnetic and geographic
North is great enough to cause the compass to give false
readings. In order to ensure compass accuracy, the com-
pass variance should be properly set according to the
compass variance map zone that the vehicle is in.
NOTE:Magnetic materials should be kept away from
the top of the instrument panel. This is where the
compass sensor is located.
To Set the Variance
NOTE:Refer to the ªCompass Variance Mapº in the
following ªElectronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)º section for your Zone Value.Start the engine, and leave the transmission gear selector
lever in the PARK position. Press and hold (approxi-
mately ten seconds) the CMTC reset button until the
current variance zone number is displayed. To change the
zone, press and release the CMTC reset button to incre-
ment the variance one step. Repeat as necessary, until the
desired variance is achieved.
NOTE:The factory default Zone is 8. During program-
ming, the zone value will wrap around from Zone 15 to
Zone 1.
Manual Compass Calibration
If the compass appears erratic, inaccurate or abnormal,
you may wish to calibrate the compass. Prior to calibrat-
ing the compass make sure the proper zone is selected.
1. Start the engine, and leave the transmission in the
PARK position.
240 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

1. Turn the ignition switch ON.
2. Press and hold the compass button for approximately
two seconds.
3. Press the STEP button until ªCompass Varianceº mes-
sage and the last variance zone number displays in the
EVIC.
4. Press and release STEP button until the proper vari-
ance zone is selected according to the map.
5. Press and release the compass button to exit.
PERSONAL SETTINGS (CUSTOMER
PROGRAMMABLE FEATURES)
Personal Settings allows the driver to set and recall
features when the transmission is in PARK. If the trans-
mission is out of PARK or the vehicle begins moving, a
warning messagePERSONAL SETTING NOT AVAIL-
ABLEfollowed in three seconds byVEHICLE NOT IN
PARK.Press and release the MENU button until Personal Set-
tings displays in the EVIC.
Use the Step button to display one of the following
choices:
Language
When in this display you may select one of five lan-
guages for all display nomenclature, including the trip
functions and the navigation system (if equipped). Press
the reset button while in this display to select English,
Spanish (EspaÞol), French (FranÕais), Italian (Italiano),
German (Deutsch), and Dutch (Nederlands). Then, as
you continue, the information will display in the selected
language.
Lock Doors Automatically at 15 mph (24 km/h)
When ON is selected, all doors will lock automatically
when the vehicle reaches a speed of 15 mph (24 km/h).
To make your selection, press and release the RESET
button until ON or OFF appears.
248 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Unlock Doors Automatically on Exit
When ON is selected, all doors will unlock when the
vehicle is stopped and the transmission is in the PARK or
NEUTRAL position and the driver's door is opened. To
make your selection, press and release the RESET button
until ON or OFF appears.
Remote Key Unlock
WhenDriver Door 1st Pressis selected, only the driver's
door will unlock on the first press of the remote keyless
entry unlock button. When Driver Door 1st Press is
selected, you must press of the remote keyless entry
unlock button twice to unlock the passenger's doors.
WhenAll Doors 1st Pressis selected, all of the doors will
unlock on the first press of the remote keyless entry
unlock button. To make your selection, press and release
the RESET button until ªDriver Door 1st Pressº or ªAll
Doors 1st Pressº appears.
Sound Horn with Remote Key Lock
When ON is selected, a short horn sound will occur when
the remote keyless entry LOCK button is pressed. This
feature may be selected with or without the flash lights
on lock/unlock feature. To make your selection, press
and release the RESET button until ON or OFF appears.
Flash Lights with Remote Key Lock
When ON is selected, the front and rear turn signals will
flash when the doors are locked or unlocked with the
remote keyless entry transmitter. This feature may be
selected with or without the sound horn on lock feature
selected. To make your selection, press and release the
RESET button until ON or OFF appears.
Automatic High Beams Ð If Equipped
When this feature is selected, the high beam headlights
will deactivate automatically under certain conditions. To
make your selection, press and release the FUNCTION
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 249
4

Rear Park Assist System Ð If Equipped
When ENABLE is selected, the Rear Park Assist System is
activated. When DISABLE is selected, the System is
deactivated and, the instrument cluster will display the
9PARK ASSIST DISABLED9message.
Display Units of Measure in
The EVIC, odometer, and navigation system (if
equipped) can be changed between English and Metric
units of measure. To make your selection, press and
release the RESET button until US or METRIC appears.
RADIO GENERAL INFORMATION
RADIO BROADCAST SIGNALS
Your radio will provide excellent reception under most
operating conditions. Like any system, however, car
radios have performance limitations, due to mobile op-
eration and natural phenomena, which might lead you to
believe your sound system is malfunctioning. To helpyou understand and save you concern about these ªap-
parentº malfunctions, you must understand a point or
two about the transmission and reception of radio sig-
nals.
Two Types of Signals
There are two basic types of radio signals:
1. AM or Amplitude Modulation, in which the transmit-
ted sound causes the amplitude, or height, of the radio
waves to vary.
2. FM or Frequency Modulation, in which the frequency
of the wave is varied to carry the sound.
AM Reception
AM sound is based on wave amplitude, so AM reception
can be disrupted by such things as lightning, power lines
and neon signs.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 251
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