2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN engine

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 mi (500 km). After
the initial 60 mi (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80
or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy-conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. For
the recommended viscosity and quality grades, refer to
ªMaintenance Proceduresº in Section 7. NON-
DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST
NEVER BE USED.A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD MAKE INSIDE
THE VEHICLE
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 93
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

Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.WARNING!
If you are required to drive with the deck lid / liftgate
open, make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 95
2

NPower Inverter Ð If Equipped............196
NElectrical Outlet Use With Engine Off.......198
mSun ScreensÐ If Equipped................198
mCup Holders And Convenience Tray Drawer . . . 200
NInstrument Panel Cup Holders............200
NInterior Bottle Holders..................201
NSmokers Package Kit Ð If Equipped........201
mConsole Features.......................201
NBasic Console........................201
NPremium Console ± If Equipped...........203
mStorage..............................208
NGlove Compartments..................208NDoor Trim Panel Storage................209
NSecond Row Floor Storage Bins Ð
If Equipped.........................210
NRemoving The Floor Console With Stow 'n Go
Seating Ð If Equipped.................211
NRear Compartment Storage..............213
NCoat Hooks.........................214
NCargo Area Storage....................214
mRoof Luggage Rack Ð If Equipped..........215
mUmbrella Holder.......................217
mLoad-Leveling System Ð If Equipped........218
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 99
3

Repeat the words and phrases when prompted by the
UConnecttsystem. For best results, the Voice Training
session should be completed when the vehicle is parked
with the engine running, all windows closed, and the
blower fan switched OFF.
This procedure may be repeated with a new user. The
system will adapt to the last trained voice only.
To restore the Voice Recognition system to factory default
settings, enter the Voice Training session via the above
procedure and follow the prompts.
Voice Recognition (VR)
²
For best performance, adjust the rearview mirror to
provide at least1¤2in (1 cm) gap between the overhead
console (if equipped) and the mirror.
²Always wait for the beep before speaking.
²Speak normally, without pausing, just as you would
speak to a person sitting a few feet/meters away from
you.
²Make sure that no one other than you is speaking
during a voice recognition period.
²Performance is maximized under:
²low-to-medium blower setting,
²low-to-medium vehicle speed,
²low road noise,
²smooth road surface,
²fully closed windows,
²dry weather condition.
²Even though the system is designed for users speaking
in North American English, French, and Spanish ac-
cents, the system may not always work for some.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 123
3

The interior lights will automatically turn off in about 10
minutes for the first activation and 90 seconds every
activation thereafter until the engine is started, if one of
the following occur:
²A door, sliding door or the liftgate is left open
²Any overhead reading light is left on
²If the dimmer control is in the extreme top position
NOTE:The key must be out of the ignition switch or the
ignition switch must be in the OFF position for this
feature to operate.
Dome Light Positions
Rotate the dimmer control completely
upward to the second detent (extreme
top position) to turn on the interior
lights, except the front reading/
courtesy lights. The interior lights will
remain on when the dimmer control is
in this position.
Interior Lighting Defeat (Off)
Rotate the dimmer control to the off
position (extreme bottom). The inte-
rior lights will remain off when the
doors or liftgate are open.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 161
3

Daytime Running Lights (Canada/Fleet Vehicles
Only)
The headlights on your vehicle will illuminate when the
engine is started and the transmission is in any gear
except PARK. This provides a constant lights on condi-
tion until the ignition is turned OFF. The lights illuminate
at less than 50% of normal intensity. If the parking brake
is applied the Daytime Running Lights (DRL) will turn
off. Also, if a turn signal is activated, the DRL lamp on the
same side of the vehicle will turn off for the duration of
the turn signal activation. Once the turn signal is no
longer active, the DRL lamp will illuminate.
Headlights
Turn the headlight switch knob to the 2nd
detent to turn the headlights and park lights
on. This also turns on all instrument panel
lighting.To change the brightness of the instrument panel lights,
rotate the dimmer control up or down.
Automatic Headlights Ð If Equipped
This system automatically turns your headlights on or off
based on ambient light levels. To turn the system on, turn
the headlight switch to the extreme counterclockwise
position aligning the indicator with theªAºon the
headlight switch. When the system is on, the Headlight
Time Delay feature is also on. This means your headlights
will stay on for up to 90 seconds after you turn the
ignition switch OFF. To turn the Automatic System off,
turn the headlight switch clockwise to theªOºoff
position.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 163
3

NOTE:The engine must be running before the head-
lights will come on in the Automatic mode.
Headlights On with Wipers Ð If Equipped
If your vehicle is equipped with Automatic Headlights it
also has this customer programmable feature. When yourheadlights are in the automatic mode, and the engine is
running, the headlights will automatically turn on when
the wiper system is on.
Headlight Delay Ð If Equipped
This feature provides the safety of headlight illumination
for up to 90 seconds after exiting your vehicle.
To activate the delay feature, turn OFF the ignition switch
while the headlights are still on. Then turn off the
headlights within 45 seconds. The 90 second delay inter-
val begins when headlight switch is turned off. If the
headlights or park lights are turned back on or the
ignition switch is turned on, the delay will be cancelled.
The driver can choose, when exiting the vehicle, to have
the headlights remain on for 30, 60, or 90 seconds, or not
remain on. To change the timer setting see your autho-
rized Dealer.
Automatic Headlights
164 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE