2009 DODGE CARAVAN engine

INTRODUCTION
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet
and various customer-oriented documents. You are
urged to read these publications carefully. Following the
instructions and recommendations in this manual will
help assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Moparparts, and is interested
in your satisfaction.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed Index at the back of this Owner’s Manual
contains a complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this Owner’s Manual:
4 INTRODUCTION
ProCarManuals.com

Rear Seat Delete Feature (Commercial Vehicles
Only) — If Equipped..................... 90
▫Restraining Infants And Small Children With
Seat Delete Feature (Commercial Vehicles
Only).............................. 91
Engine Break-In Recommendations.......... 93Safety Tips............................ 94
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle............................. 94
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle.................... 95
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2
ProCarManuals.com

Tip Start Feature
1. Do not press the accelerator pedal during this process.
2. Insert the integrated ignition key into the ignition
switch.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release it as soon as the starter engages.
The starter motor will continue to run and will disengage
automatically when the engine begins running.
Ignition Key Removal
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the ignition key to the
OFF position and then remove the key.
NOTE:Power window switches will also remain active
for up to 90 seconds after the ignition switch has been
turned OFF, depending upon the accessory delay setting.
Opening the front door will cancel this feature.
WARNING!
NEVER leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove the key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver’s door with the integrated ignition
key in the ignition, a chime will sound to remind you to
remove the key.
NOTE:The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds
when the integrated ignition key is placed in the OFF or
ACC position.
SENTRY KEYIMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
The Sentry KeyImmobilizer system prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses the factory-mated Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter with integrated key and Wireless Igni-
tion Node (WIN) to prevent unauthorized vehicle opera-
tion. Therefore, only RKE transmitters that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operatethe vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two
seconds if an invalid RKE transmitter is used to start the
engine.
After turning the ignition switch to the ON position, the
Vehicle Security Light will turn on for three seconds for a
bulb check. If the light remains on after the bulb check, it
indicates that there is a problem with the electronics. In
addition, if the light begins to flash after the bulb check,
it indicates that someone used an invalid RKE transmitter
to start the engine. Either of these conditions will result in
the engine being shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during normal
vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than 10 sec-
onds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electronics.
Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2
ProCarManuals.com

NOTE:If a programmed key is lost, see your authorized
dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the sys-
tem’s memory. This will prevent the lost key from
starting your vehicle. The remaining keys must then be
reprogrammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to an
authorized dealer at the time of service to be
reprogrammed.
General Information
The Sentry Keysystem complies with FCC rules Part 15
and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:
•This device may not cause harmful interference.
•This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.
VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM — IF
EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security Alarm system monitors the vehicle
doors for unauthorized entry and the ignition switch for
unauthorized operation. When the alarm is activated, the
system provides both audible and visible signals. For the
first three minutes, the headlights and Vehicle Security
Light will flash repeatedly and the horn will sound. For
an additional 15 minutes, only the headlights and Vehicle
Security Light will flash. The engine will run only if a
valid key is used to start the vehicle.
Rearming Of The System
The Vehicle Security Alarm system will rearm itself after
the 15 additional minutes of headlights and Vehicle
Security Light flashing, if the system has not been
disabled. If the condition which initiated the alarm is still
present, the system will ignore that condition and moni-
tor the remaining doors and ignition.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Remote Starting system conveniently starts the en-
gine from outside the vehicle by using the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter while maintaining the
Vehicle Security Alarm system. The Remote Starting
system has a targeted range of 328 ft (100 m). In order to
Remote Start your vehicle, the hood, liftgate, and all the
doors must be closed and the shift lever in PARK.
NOTE:The Remote Starting system is available only on
vehicles with automatic transaxles.
How to Use Remote Start
All of the following conditions must be met before the
engine will Remote Start:
•Shift lever in PARK
•Doors closed
•Hood closed
•Trunk closed
•Hazard switch off
•Brake switch inactive (brake pedal not pressed)
•Ignition key removed from ignition switch
•Battery at an acceptable charge level, and
•RKE PANIC button not pressed.
To Enter Remote Start Mode
Press and release the REMOTE START button
on the RKE transmitter twice within five sec-
onds. The parking lights will flash and the horn
will sound twice (if programmed). Then, the
engine will start and the vehicle will remain in the
Remote Start mode for a 15-minute cycle.
28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

NOTE:
•If your power door locks were unlocked, Remote Start
will automatically lock the doors.
•The park lights will turn on and remain on during
Remote Start mode.
•For security, power window and power sunroof op-
eration (if equipped) are disabled when the vehicle is
in the Remote Start mode.
•The engine can be started two consecutive 15-minute
cycles with the RKE transmitter. However, the ignition
switch must be turned to the ON position before you
can repeat the start sequence.
To Enter the Vehicle After Remote Start
To enter the vehicle while the engine is running during a
Remote Start, you must first unlock the vehicle using the
UNLOCK button on the transmitter. After the vehicle is
unlocked, you can enter the vehicle, insert the key into
the ignition switch and move it to the ON position,
otherwise the engine will shut off at the end of 15- minute
cycle.
Remote Starting Button
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29
2
ProCarManuals.com

To Exit Remote Start Mode and Drive the Vehicle
Before the end of the 15-minute cycle, press and release
the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter to unlock
the doors and disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm (if
equipped). Then, prior to the end of the 15-minute cycle,
insert the key into the ignition switch and turn the switch
to the ON position.
NOTE:
•The ignition switch must be in the ON position in
order to drive the vehicle.
•For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the message “Insert Key/
Turn to ON” will flash in the EVIC until you insert the
key. Once inserted, the message “Turn to ON” will
flash in the EVIC until you turn the key to ON.
Cancel Remote Start
Remote Starting will also cancel if any of the following
occur:
•The engine stalls or engine speed exceeds 2500 rpm
•Any engine warning lights come on
•The hood is opened
•The hazard switch is pressed
•The shift lever is moved out of PARK
•The brake pedal is pressed
•The engine is allowed to run for the entire 15-minute
cycle
To Turn Off the Engine While in Remote Start
Mode
Press and release the REMOTE START button one time.
NOTE:To avoid inadvertent shutdowns while in the
Remote Start Mode, the system will not allow the Remote
Start button to shutdown the engine for two seconds after
receiving a valid Remote Start request.
30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com