2009 DODGE CARAVAN key battery

The outlets include tethered caps labeled with a key or
battery symbol indicating the power source. The lower
instrument panel outlet is powered directly from the
battery. Items plugged into this outlet may discharge the
battery and/or prevent engine starting.The lower outlet is protected by an automatic reset circuit
breaker. The automatic circuit breaker restores power
when the overload is removed. The circuit breaker also
supplies power to the outlet in the removable floor
console, when in the front position. Refer to Section 3,
“Removable Floor Console” in this manual.
NOTE:If desired, all of the power outlets can be
converted by your authorized dealer to provide power
with the ignition switch in the OFF position.
CAUTION!
•Many accessories that can be plugged in draw
power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not in
use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent engine starting.
(Continued)12-Volt Power Outlets
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 207
3
ProCarManuals.com

WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transaxle cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle.
•If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type
of start can be dangerous if done improperly. Refer
to “Jump Starting” in Section 6 of this manual.
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure, it may be flooded. Push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it
there while cranking the engine. This should clear any
excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, DO NOT crank the
engine for more than 15–second intervals at one time.
Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15–
second intervals of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the “Normal Starting” procedure should
be repeated.
326 STARTING AND OPERATING
ProCarManuals.com

filler cap message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster. Tighten the gas cap until aclickingsound is
heard. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened. Press the odometer reset button to turn the
message off. If the problem persists, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started. If the problem
is detected twice in a row, the system will turn on the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving the prob-
lem will turn the MIL light off. Take your vehicle in to an
authorized dealer.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the MalfunctionIndicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on when
the engine is running, and that the OBD II system is
ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery, or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
436 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see the MIL symbol come on as part of a normal bulb
check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF
the ignition or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system isnot readyand you should
notproceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn OFF the ignition or start the
engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD II system
isready, and you can proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD II system isnot ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD II
system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD II system is
ready or not ready, if the MIL is illuminated during
normal vehicle operation, you should have your vehicle
serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M station
can fail your vehicle because the MIL is on with the
engine running.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine MOPARparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to en-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-MOPARparts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437
7
ProCarManuals.com

Automatic Headlights.................... 174
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 310
Automatic Transaxle...................... 327
Adding Fluid......................... 459
Fluid Level Check...................... 459
Interlock System....................... 328
Selection Of Lubricant................458,481
Shifting............................. 329
Special Additives...................... 460
Automatic Transmission................458,460
Adding Fluid......................459,460
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 460
Fluid Change......................... 460
Fluid Level Check...................... 459
Fluid Type........................458,481
Battery............................... 444
Gas Caution.......................... 445
Jump Starting......................... 424Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 26
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 177
Blind Spot Monitoring.................... 106
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 448
B-Pillar Location........................ 354
Brake Assist System...................... 346
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 344
Brake Fluid............................ 481
Brake, Parking.......................... 339
Brake System........................343,456
Fluid Check.......................... 456
Warning Light........................ 238
Brakes.............................343,456
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 328
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 93
Bulb Replacement....................... 475
Bulbs, Light............................ 474
Calibration, Compass..................251,257
INDEX 513
10
ProCarManuals.com

Automatic........................... 327
Operation........................... 327
Selection of Lubricant................458,481
Transmission........................... 458
Automatic........................... 458
Fluid............................458,481
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 26
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) . . 197
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)........ 21
Transporting Pets........................ 90
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 364
Trip Computer.......................... 248
Trip Odometer.......................... 240
Turn Signals...................178,237,476,477
UCI Connector......................... 286
UConnect(Hands-Free Phone).............. 115
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 509Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) Connector . . . 286
Universal Joints......................... 448
Universal Transmitter..................... 197
Unleaded Gasoline....................... 378
Upholstery Care........................ 463
Vanity Mirrors.......................... 106
Variance, Compass....................250,258
Vehicle Certification Label................. 389
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)............ 6
Vehicle Loading...................355,389,391
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 7
Vehicle Storage.......................319,474
Video Entertainment System™
(Rear Seat Video System).................. 297
Warning Flasher, Hazard.................. 410
Warning Lights (Instrument
Cluster Description)...................... 236
Warnings and Cautions..................... 6
INDEX 529
10
ProCarManuals.com