2012 DODGE CARAVAN Owners Manual

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual containsWARNINGSagainst op-
erating procedures that could result in a collision or
bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONSagainst proce-
dures that could result in damage to your vehicle. If you
do not read this entire manual, you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the
left front corner of the instrument panel, visible through
the windshield. This number also appears stamped on
the right sliding door sill under the sill moulding and
printed on the Automobile Information Disclosure Label
affixed to a window on your vehicle, the vehicle regis-
tration and title.
Vehicle Identification Number
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NOTE:It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or
death.
Stamped VIN Location
1
INTRODUCTION 7
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
A Word About Your Keys ................. 12
▫ Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) ............ 12
 Sentry Key .......................... 15
▫ Replacement Keys ..................... 16
 Vehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped ........ 17
▫ Rearming Of The System ................ 17
 Illuminated Entry — If Equipped ........... 19
 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) — If Equipped . . . 20
▫ Using The RKE Transmitter .............. 20
Remote Starting System — If Equipped ....... 29
▫ How To Use Remote Start ............... 29
 Door Locks ........................... 32
▫ Manual Door Locks ................... 32
▫ Power Door Locks — If Equipped ......... 34
 Windows ............................ 36
▫ Power Vent Windows — If Equipped ....... 36
▫ Power Windows ...................... 36
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Sliding Side Door ...................... 41
▫ Power Sliding Side Door — If Equipped ..... 42
▫ Sliding Side Door Child Protection Lock ..... 46
 Liftgate ............................. 48
▫ Power Liftgate — If Equipped ............ 49
 Occupant Restraints ..................... 52
▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 55
▫ Seat Belts In Passenger Seating Positions ..... 62
▫ Automatic Locking Retractor Mode (ALR) —
If Equipped ......................... 62
▫ Energy Management Feature ............. 63
▫ Seat Belt Pretensioners ................. 64
▫ Supplemental Active Head Restraints
(AHR) — If Equipped .................. 64 ▫
Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert) ......................... 68
▫ Seat Belt Lock Out .................... 69
▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 69
▫ Seat Belt Extender ..................... 70
▫ Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) — Air Bags ..................... 70
▫ Air Bag System Components ............. 72
▫ Advanced Front Air Bag Features .......... 73
▫ Air Bag Deployment Sensors And Controls . . . 76
▫ Event Data Recorder (EDR) .............. 84
▫ Child Restraints ...................... 85
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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Commercial Cargo Vehicles (No Factory
Installed Rear Seats) — If Equipped .......... 95
▫ Restraining Infants And Small Children In
Commercial Cargo Vehicles .............. 97
 Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 98
 Safety Tips ........................... 99
▫ Transporting Passengers ................ 99 ▫
Exhaust Gas ........................ 100
▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ............................ 101
▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle .................. 103
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
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A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Your vehicle uses a keyless ignition system. This system
consists of a Key Fob with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter and a Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) with
integral ignition switch. You can insert the Key Fob into
the ignition switch with either side up.
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)
The Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) operates similarly to
an ignition switch. It has four operating positions, three
with detents and one that is spring-loaded. The detent
positions are OFF, ACC, and ON/RUN. The START
position is a spring-loaded momentary contact position.
When released from the START position, the switch
automatically returns to the ON/RUN position.
1 — OFF
2 — ACCESSORY
3 — ON/RUN
4 — START
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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Key Fob
The Key Fob operates the ignition switch. Insert the
square end of the Key Fob into the ignition switch located
on the instrument panel and rotate to the desired posi-
tion. It also contains the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter and an emergency key, which stores in the
rear of the Key Fob.
The emergency key allows for entry into the vehicle
should the battery in the vehicle or the RKE transmitter
go dead. The emergency key is also for locking the lower
glove compartment. You can keep the emergency key
with you when valet parking.
To remove the emergency key, slide the mechanical latch
at the top of the Key Fob sideways with your thumb and
then pull the key out with your other hand.NOTE:
You can insert the double-sided emergency key
into the lock cylinder with either side up.
Emergency Key Removal
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
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