Chrysler 2005 300 User Manual

SECTION PAGE

1

INTRODUCTION

2

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

3

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

4

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

6

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

7

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

9

IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

.............................................................3

...........................9

............................61

.................................133

................................................205

.............................................263

..............................................281

................................................335

.......................................351

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

10

INDEX

...................................................................361

10

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1

m Introduction
m How To Use This Manual
m Warnings And Cautions

...........................4

.................4

..................6

m Vehicle Identification Number
m Vehicle Modifications / Alterations

..............6

..........7

4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new 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 youread 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 dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni­cians and genuine Mopart parts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.

WARNING!

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain prod­ucts of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.

The detailed index, at the rear of this 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:

INTRODUCTION 5

1

6 INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

This manual contains WARNINGS against operating
procedures which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures
which 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 located near
the left front corner of the windshield. The VIN is visible
from outside of the vehicle through the windshield. This
number also appears on the Automobile Information
Disclosure Label affixed to a window on your vehicle.
Save this label for a convenient record of your vehicle
identification number and optional equipment.

NOTE:

It is illegal to remove the VIN plate.

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.

INTRODUCTION 7

1

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

m A Word About Your Keys

▫ Ignition Key Removal ...................11

▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................12

m Sentry Key

▫ Replacement Keys ......................13

▫ Customer Key Programming ..............14

▫ General Information ....................14

m Illuminated Entry System
m Door Locks

▫ Manual Door Locks .....................15

▫ Power Door Locks .....................16

............................12

...........................15

.................11

.................15

▫ Child Protection Door Lock ...............19

m Remote Keyless Entry

▫ To Unlock The Doors ...................21

▫ To Lock The Doors .....................21

▫ To Unlock The Trunk ....................22

▫ Using The Panic Alarm ..................22

▫ General Information ....................23

▫ Transmitter Battery Service ...............23

m Vehicle Theft Alarm — If Equipped
m Windows

▫ Power Windows .......................25

.............................25

....................20

..........24

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10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

m Trunk Lock And Release
m Trunk Safety Warning

..................28

....................28

▫ Trunk Emergency Release ................29

m Occupant Restraints

.....................29

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................30

▫ Pretensioners .........................34

▫ Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System

(BeltAlert) ...........................35

▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............36

▫ Seat Belt Extender ......................36

▫ Driver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental

Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag ............37

m Engine Break-In Recommendations
m Safety Tips

............................58

..........57

▫ Exhaust Gas ..........................58

▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The

Vehicle ..............................58

▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make

Outside The Vehicle ....................59

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS

You can insert the double sided keys into the locks with
either side up.

The dealer that sold you your new vehicle has the key
code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers can
be used to order duplicate keys from your dealer. Ask
your dealer for these numbers and keep them in a safe
place.

Ignition Key Removal

The shift lever must be in PARK. Turn the key to the
LOCK position, then remove the key.

NOTE:

sunroof, and power outlets will remain active for 10
minutes after the ignition switch has been turned off.
Opening either front door will cancel this feature. The
time is programmable through the electronic vehicle
information center (EVIC)—if equipped. Refer to Per­sonal Settings in the Electronic Vehicle Information Cen­ter (EVIC) Section for details.

The power window switches, radio, power

2

12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is danger­ous for a number of reasons. A child or others could
be injured. Children should be warned not to touch
the parking brake, brake pedal or the gear selector
lever. Don’t leave the keys 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 key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.

Key-In-Ignition Reminder

If you open the driver’s door and the key is in the ignition
switch, a chime will sound to remind you to remove the
key.

NOTE:

The Key-In-Ignition reminder only occurs when

the ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC positions.

SENTRY KEY

The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unautho­rized operation of the vehicle by disabling the engine.
The system will shut the engine off after 2 seconds of
running if an invalid key is used to start the vehicle. This
system utilizes ignition keys which have an electronic
chip (transponder) embedded into them. Only keys that
have been programmed to the vehicle can be used to start
and operate the vehicle.

The Sentry Key Immobilizer System does not need to be
armed or activated. Operation of the system is automatic
regardless of whether or not the vehicle is locked or
unlocked. During normal operation, the Theft Alarm/
Immobilizer Light will come on for three (3) seconds
immediately after the ignition switch is turned on for a
bulb check. Afterwards, if the bulb remains on, this
indicates a problem with the electronics.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

If the bulb begins to flash after the bulb check, this
indicates that an invalid key has been used to start the
vehicle. Both of these conditions will result in the engine
being shut off after two (2) seconds of running.

Keep in mind that a key which has not been programmed
is also considered an invalid key even if it is cut to fit the
ignition lock cylinder for that vehicle.

If the Theft Alarm/Immobilizer Light comes on during
normal vehicle operation (vehicle has been running for
longer than 10 seconds), a fault has been detected in the
electronics and the vehicle should be serviced as soon as
possible.

NOTE:

The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not compatible

•

with remote starting systems. Use of these systems
may result in vehicle starting problems and loss of
security protection.

•

Exxon/Mobil Speed Pass,™ additional Sentry Keys, or
any other transponder equipped components on the

same keychain will not
sponder) fault unless the additional part is physi-
cally held against the ignition key being used
when starting the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or
other RF electronics will not cause interference with
this system.

All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.

Replacement Keys

NOTE:

vehicle electronics can be used to start the vehicle. Once
a Sentry Key has been programmed to a vehicle, it can
not be programmed to any other vehicle.

At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four digit PIN number. This number is required
for dealer replacement of keys. Duplication of keys may
be performed at an authorized dealer or by using the
Customer Key Programming procedure. This procedure
consists of programming a blank key to the vehicle
electronics. A blank key is one which has never been
programmed.

Only keys that have been programmed to the

cause a key-related (tran-

2

14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:

When having the Sentry Key Immobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to the
dealer.

Customer Key Programming

You can program new sentry keys to the system if you
have two valid sentry keys by performing the following
procedure:

1. Cut the additional Sentry Key Transponder blank(s) to
match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.

2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch and
turn the ignition switch ON for at least 3 seconds but no
longer than 15 seconds. Turn the ignition switch OFF and
remove the first key.

3. Insert the second valid key and turn the ignition
switch ON within 15 seconds. After ten seconds a chime
will sound and the Theft Alarm Light will begin to flash.
Turn the ignition switch OFF and remove the second key.

4. Insert a blank Sentry Key into the ignition switch and
turn the ignition switch ON within 60 seconds. After 10
seconds a single chime will sound. The Theft Alarm Light
will stop flashing, turn on for 3 seconds; then turn off.

The new Sentry Key has been programmed. The Keyless

Entry Transmitter will also be programmed during this
procedure.

Repeat this procedure to program up to a total of 8 keys.
If you do not have a programmed sentry key, contact
your dealer for details.

NOTE:

If a programmed key has been lost, see your
dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the sys­tems 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 the dealer at
the time of service to be reprogrammed.

General Information

The Sentry Key system 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 undes­ired operation.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM

The courtesy lights will turn on when you use the keyless
entry transmitter or open the doors.

The lights will fade to off after about 30 seconds or they
will immediately fade to off once the ignition switch is
turned on from the LOCK position.

NOTE:

None of the courtesy lights will operate if the dimmer

•

control is in the “defeat” position (extreme downward
position).

DOOR LOCKS
Manual Door Locks

Lock the doors by pushing down on the lock knob on
each door trim panel.

If the lock knob is down when you shut the door, the
door will lock. Therefore, make sure the keys are not
inside the vehicle before closing the door.

2

16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

•

For personal security and safety in the event of an
accident, lock the vehicle doors as you drive as
well as when you park and leave the vehicle.

•

When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the ignition lock, and lock your vehicle. Do
not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised
use of vehicle equipment may cause severe per­sonal injuries and death.

Power Door Locks

A power door lock switch is on each front door trim
panel. Use this switch to lock or unlock the doors.

If you press the power door lock switch while the key is
in the ignition, and any front door is open, the power
locks will not operate. This prevents you from acciden­tally locking your keys in the vehicle. Removing the key
or closing the door will allow the locks to operate. A
chime will sound if the key is in the LOCK or ACC
position and a door is open, as a reminder to remove the
key.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

Automatic Door Locks

The doors will lock automatically on vehicles with power
door locks if all of the following conditions are met:

1. The Auto Lock feature is enabled.

2. The transmission is in gear.

3. All doors are closed.

4. The throttle is pressed.

5. The vehicle speed is above 15 mph (24 km/h).

6. The doors were not previously locked using the power
door lock switch or remote keyless entry transmitter.

The Automatic Door Lock feature can be enabled or
disabled. Refer to “Personal Settings” (Customer Pro­grammable Features) in the Electronic Vehicle Informa­tion Center (EVIC) — if equipped section of this manual
for details.

For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC the Automatic
Door Locks can be enabled or disabled by performing the
following procedure:

1. Close all doors and place the key in the ignition.

2. Cycle the ignition switch between LOCK and ON and
back to LOCK 4 times ending up in the LOCK position.

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18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

3. Depress the power door lock switch to lock the doors.

4. A single chime will indicate the completion of the
programming.

Auto Unlock

The doors will unlock automatically on vehicles with
power door locks if:

1. The Auto Unlock feature is enabled.

2. The transmission was in gear and the vehicle speed
returned to 0 mph (0 km/h).

3. The transmission is in NEUTRAL or PARK.

4. The driver door is opened.

5. The doors were not previously unlocked.

6. The vehicle speed is 0 mph (0 km/h).
The Auto Unlock feature can be enabled or disabled.

Refer to “Personal Settings” (Customer Programmable
Features) in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) — if equipped section of this manual.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19

For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC the Auto
Unlock Feature can be enabled or disabled by performing
the following procedure:

1. Close all doors and place the key in the ignition.

2. Cycle the ignition switch between LOCK and ON and
back to LOCK 4 times ending up in the LOCK position.

3. Depress the power door unlock switch to unlock the
doors.

4. A single chime will indicate the completion of the
programming.

NOTE:

features in accordance with local laws.

Child Protection Door Lock

To provide a safer environment for small children riding
in the rear seats, the rear doors are equipped with a child
protection door lock system.

Use the Auto Door Locks and Auto Unlock

WARNING!

Avoid trapping anyone in the vehicle in a collision.
Remember that the rear doors can only be opened
from the outside when the child protection locks are
engaged.

2

20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To activate the system, open the rear door and move the
child lock control, located near the door’s rear latch, to
the ON position.

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY

This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors, open
the trunk, or activate the panic alarm from distances up
to about 23 feet (7 meters) using a hand held radio
transmitter. The transmitter need not be pointed at the
vehicle to activate the system.

When the child lock system is engaged the door can be
opened only by using the outside door handle even
though the inside door lock is in the unlocked position.

NOTE:

If the key is in the ignition switch, then all
buttons on that transmitter will be disabled. The buttons
on the remaining transmitters will work. If the vehicle is
shifted out of PARK, all the transmitter buttons are
disabled for all keys.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21

To unlock the doors:

Press and release the UNLOCK button on the transmitter
once to unlock the driver’s door, or twice to unlock all
doors. The turn signal lights will flash twice to acknowl­edge the unlock signal. The illuminated entry system also
turns on.

The headlights will also activate and remain on for 90
seconds (programmable) when the doors are unlocked
using the remote keyless entry transmitter. The time for
this feature is programmable on vehicles equipped with
the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer
to “Turn Headlamps on with Remote Key Unlock” under
“Personal Settings” in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) section of this manual for details.

NOTE:

all doors on the first press of the UNLOCK button. Refer
to “Remote Unlock Driver’s Door 1st” under “Personal
Settings” in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) section of this manual, or simply follow these
steps:

1. Press the UNLOCK button for 4 to 10 seconds.

The system can also be programmed to unlock

2. While the UNLOCK button is pressed, (after 4 sec­onds) press the LOCK button. Release both buttons.

The “Remote Unlock Driver’s Door 1st” feature can be
reactivated by repeating this procedure.

To lock the doors:

Press and release the LOCK button on the transmitter to
lock all doors. The turn signal lights will flash once to
acknowledge the lock signal. The horn will chirp once to
acknowledge the signal. If desired, the “Sound Horn On
Lock” feature can be turned on and off by referring to
Personal Settings in the “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)” section of this manual, or by following
these steps:

1. Press the LOCK button for 4 to 10 seconds.

2. While the LOCK button is pressed (after 4 seconds),
press the PANIC button. Release both buttons.

The “Sound Horn On Lock” feature can be reactivated by
repeating this procedure.

2

22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To unlock the trunk:

Press the trunk button on the transmitter two times to
unlatch the trunk.

NOTE:

The transmitter can be programmed to unlatch
the trunk by pressing the trunk button only one time by
performing the following procedure:

1. Press and hold the Unlock button on the transmit­ter.

2. Continue to hold the Unlock button, wait at least 4
but no longer than 10 seconds, then press the trunk
button.

3. Release both buttons.

Using The Panic Alarm:

To turn the panic alarm feature ON or OFF, press and
hold the PANIC button on the transmitter for at least one
second and release. When the panic alarm is on, the
headlights and park lights will flash, the horn will pulse
on and off and the interior lights will turn on.

The panic alarm will stay on for 3 minutes unless you
turn it off by pressing the PANIC button a second time or
if the vehicle speed is 15 mph (24 km/h) or greater.

NOTE:

The interior lights will turn off when the
ignition is switched to the ACC or ON position after the
panic alarm is activated. However, the exterior lights and
horn will remain on.

NOTE:

When you turn off the panic alarm by pressing
the PANIC button a second time, you may have to be
closer to the vehicle due to the radio frequency noises of
the system.

To Turn Off “Flash Lights On Lock/Unlock”
NOTE:

The “Flash Lights On Lock/Unlock” feature can
be turned on and off by referring to “Personal Settings”
in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) sec­tion of this manual, or by following these steps:

1. Press the LOCK button for 4 to 10 seconds.

2. While the LOCK button is pressed, (after 4 seconds)
press the UNLOCK button. Release both buttons.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23

The “Flash Lights On Lock/Unlock” feature can be
reactivated by repeating this procedure.

General Information

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and
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 received,
including interference that may cause undesired op­eration.

If your Remote Keyless Entry transmitter fails to operate
from a normal distance, check for these two conditions.

1. A weak battery in the transmitter. The expected life of
the battery is a minimum of three years.

2. Closeness to a radio transmitter such as a radio station
tower, airport transmitter, and some mobile or CB radios.

Transmitter Battery Service

The recommended replacement battery is one CR2032
battery.

NOTE:

the back housing or the printed circuit board.

1. With the transmitter buttons facing down, remove the
small screw, and separate the two halves of the transmit­ter. Make sure not to damage the rubber gasket during
removal.

Do not touch the battery terminals that are on

2

24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

2. Remove and replace the battery. Avoid touching the
new battery with your fingers. Skin oils may cause
battery deterioration. If you touch a battery, clean it with
rubbing alcohol.

3. To reassemble the transmitter case, join the two halves
of the case together. Install and tighten the screw until
snug. Make sure there is an even “gap” between the two
halves. Test transmitter operation.

VEHICLE THEFT ALARM — IF EQUIPPED

This system monitors the vehicle doors and ignition
switch for unauthorized entry or operation. When the
alarm is activated, the system provides both audible and
visual signals. The horn will pulse, headlights/park
lights will flash, the Vehicle Theft Alarm/Immobilizer
light, located on the instrument panel below the Elec­tronic Vehicle Information Center buttons will flash, and
the vehicle will not start. If the alarm is triggered and no
action is taken to disarm it, the system will turn off the
horn after three minutes and after 15 minutes of light
only operation the system will then rearm itself.

To arm the system: Remove the key from the ignition
switch and either:

1. Press a power door lock switch while the driver’s or
passenger’s door is open.

2. Press the LOCK button on the keyless entry transmit­ter.

After the last door is closed, or if all doors are closed, the
system will arm itself in about 16 seconds. During that
time, the Vehicle Theft Alarm/Immobilizer light will
flash. If it does not illuminate, the system is not arming.
If you open a door during this arming period, the system
will cancel the arming process. You must repeat one of
the previously described arming sequences to rearm the
system.

To disarm the system: Press the UNLOCK button on the
keyless entry transmitter. Also, using a valid sentry key
and moving the ignition switch to the ON/START posi­tion will disarm the system. If something has triggered
the system in your absence, the horn will sound three
times when you disarm the system. Check the vehicle for
tampering.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25

NOTE:

The driver’s door key cylinder and the trunk button on

•

the keyless entry transmitter cannot arm or disarm the
system.

•

The system remains armed during trunk entry. Press­ing the trunk button will not disarm the system. If
someone enters the vehicle through the trunk and
opens any door the alarm will sound.

•

When the system is armed, the doors can not be
unlocked from the interior power door lock switches.

The Vehicle Theft Alarm system is designed to protect
your vehicle, however, you can create conditions where
the system will give you a false alarm. If one of the
previously described arming sequences has occurred, the
system will arm regardless of whether you are in the
vehicle or not. If you remain in the vehicle and open a
door, the alarm will sound. If this occurs, disarm the
system.

The alarm system will be activated when the battery is
connected if the system was previously armed. The

exterior lights will flash, the horn will sound, and the
ignition will not start the vehicle. If this occurs, disarm
the system.

2

WINDOWS
Power Windows

The window controls on the driver’s door control all the
door windows.

There are single window controls on each passenger door
trim panel which operate the passenger door windows.

26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The window controls will operate only when the ignition
switch is in the ON or ACCESSORY position.

The window lock switch on the driver’s door allows you
to disable the window controls on the passenger doors.
When the lock switch is pressed the window controls on
the passenger doors will not illuminate and the passen­ger windows will be disabled.

Auto Down Feature

The driver door power window switch, and some model
passenger door power window switches have an auto
down feature. Press the window switch to the second
detent, release, and the window will go down automati­cally.

To open the window part way, press the window switch
to the first detent and release it when you want the
window to stop.

To stop the window from going all the way down during
the auto-down operation, pull up on the switch briefly.

The power window switches remain active for 10 min­utes after the ignition switch has been turned off. Open­ing either front door will cancel this feature. The time is

customer programmable through the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC) — If Equipped. Refer to
“Delay Power Off to Accessories Until Exit” under “Per­sonal Settings” in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center section of this manual for details.

Auto Up Feature with Anti–Pinch Protection—If
Equipped

Lift the window switch to the second detent, release, and
the window will go up automatically.

To stop the window from going all the way up during the
auto-up operation, push down on the switch briefly.

To close the window part way, lift the window switch to
the first detent and release when you want the window to
stop.

The power window switches remain active for 10 min­utes after the ignition switch has been turned off. The
time is customer programmable through the electronic
vehicle information center (EVIC)—if equipped. Refer to
“Delay Power Off to Accessories Until Exit” in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center section for details.
Opening either front door will cancel this feature.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27

NOTE:

auto-closure it will reverse direction and then stop.
Remove the obstacle and use the window switch again to
close the window.

NOTE:

trigger the auto reverse function unexpectedly during
auto closure. If this happens pull the switch lightly to the
first detent and hold to close window manually.

If the window runs into any obstacle during

Any impact due to rough road conditions may

WARNING!

There is no anti-pinch protection when the window
is almost closed. Be sure to clear all objects from the
window before closing.

Reset

Any time the vehicle battery is disconnected or goes dead
the auto-up function will be disabled. To reactivate the
auto-up feature perform the following steps after vehicle
power is restored:

•

Pull the window switch up to close window com­pletely, then hold the switch for a second.

•

Push the window switch firmly down to second detent
to open the window automatically until the window is
fully open.

Wind Buffeting

Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped) in certain
open or partially open positions. This is a normal occur­rence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with
the rear windows open, open the front and rear windows
together to minimize the buffeting. If the buffeting occurs
with the sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to
minimize the buffeting.

2

28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

TRUNK LOCK AND RELEASE

Use the Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter to open the
trunk from outside the vehicle. The trunk lid can be
released from inside the vehicle by pressing the Trunk
Release Button located on the instrument panel to the left
of the steering wheel. The transmission must be in Park
before the switch will operate.

With the ignition ON, the trunk open symbol will be
displayed in the instrument cluster indicating that the
trunk is open. The odometer display will reappear once
the trunk is closed.

With the key in lock position or key out, the trunk open
symbol will be displayed until the trunk is closed.

TRUNK SAFETY WARNING

WARNING!

Do not allow children to have access to the trunk,
either by climbing into the trunk from outside, or
through the inside of the vehicle. Always close the
trunk lid when your vehicle is unattended. Once in
the trunk, young children may not be able to escape,
even if they entered through the rear seat. If trapped
in the trunk, children can die from suffocation or
heat stroke.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29

Trunk Emergency Release

The trunk of your vehicle is equipped with an emergency
release handle. It is located on the inside of the trunk lid,
near the latch, and is coated so that it glows in a darkened
trunk. Pull on the handle to open the trunk.

OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS

Some of the most important safety features in your
vehicle are the restraint systems. These include the front
and rear seat belts for the driver and all passengers, front
airbags for both the driver and front passenger and, if so
equipped, left and right side curtain airbags for the
driver and passengers seated next to a window. If you
will be carrying children too small for adult-size belts,
your seat belts also can be used to hold infant and child
restraint systems.

Please pay close attention to the information in this
section. It tells you how to use your restraint system
properly to keep you and your passengers as safe as
possible.

2

30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

In a collision, you and your passengers can suffer
much greater injuries if you are not properly buck­led up. You can strike the interior of your vehicle or
other passengers, or you can be thrown out of the
vehicle. Always be sure you and others in your
vehicle are buckled up properly.

Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even
on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver
and cause a collision which includes you. This can
happen far away from home or on your own street.

Research has shown that seat belts save lives, and they
can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a collision. Some
of the worst injuries happen when people are thrown
from the vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility of
ejection and the risk of injury caused by striking the
inside of the vehicle. Everyone in a motor vehicle should
be belted at all times.

Lap/Shoulder Belts

All seating positions in your vehicle are equipped with
Lap/Shoulder Belts.

The belt webbing retractor is designed to lock during
very sudden stops or impacts. This feature allows the
shoulder part of the belt to move freely with you under
normal conditions. But in a collision, the belt will lock
and reduce your risk of striking the inside of the vehicle
or being thrown out.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 31

WARNING!

•

Wearing a seat belt incorrectly is dangerous. Seat
belts are designed to go around the large bones of
your body. These are the strongest parts of your
body and can take the forces of a collision the
best. Wearing your belt in the wrong place could
make your injuries in a collision much worse. You
might suffer internal injuries, or you could even
slide out of part of the belt. Follow these instruc­tions to wear your seat belt safely and to keep
your passengers safe, too.

•

Two people should never be belted into a single
seat belt. People belted together can crash into one
another in an accident, hurting one another badly.
Never use a lap/shoulder belt or a lap belt for
more than one person, no matter what their size.

Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions

1. Enter the vehicle and close the door. Sit back and
adjust the front seat.

2. The seat belt latch plate is above the back of your seat.
Grasp the latch plate and pull out the belt. Slide the latch
plate up the webbing as far as necessary to make the belt
go around your lap.

3. When the belt is long enough to fit, insert the latch
plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”

2

32 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

•

A belt that is buckled into the wrong buckle will not
protect you properly. The lap portion could ride too
high on your body, possibly causing internal injuries.
Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.

•

A belt that is too loose will not protect you as well. In
a sudden stop you could move too far forward, increas­ing the possibility of injury. Wear your seat belt snugly.

•

A belt that is worn under your arm is very dangerous.
Your body could strike the inside surfaces of the vehicle
in a collision, increasing head and neck injury. A belt
worn under the arm can cause internal injuries. Ribs
aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. Wear the belt over
your shoulder so that your strongest bones will take the
force in a collision.

•

A shoulder belt placed behind you will not protect
you from injury during a collision. You are more likely
to hit your head in a collision if you do not wear your
shoulder belt. The lap and shoulder belt are meant to be
used together.

4. Position the lap belt across your thighs, below your
abdomen. To remove slack in the lap belt portion, pull up
a bit on the shoulder belt. To loosen the lap belt if it is too
tight, tilt the latch plate and pull on the lap belt. A snug
belt reduces the risk of sliding under the belt in a
collision.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 33

WARNING!

• A lap belt worn too high can increase the risk of
internal injury in a collision. The belt forces won’t
be at the strong hip and pelvic bones, but across your
abdomen. Always wear the lap belt as low as pos­sible and keep it snug.

• Atwisted belt can’t do its job as well. In a collision
it could even cut into you. Be sure the belt is straight.
If you can’t straighten a belt in your vehicle, take it
to your dealer and have it fixed.

5. Position the shoulder belt on your chest so that it is
comfortable and not resting on your neck. The retractor
will withdraw any slack in the belt.

6. To release the belt, push the red button on the buckle.
The belt will automatically retract to its stowed position.
If necessary, slide the latch plate down the webbing to
allow the belt to retract fully.

WARNING!

A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collision
and leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt
system periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose
parts. Damaged parts must be replaced immediately.
Do not disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt
assemblies must be replaced after a collision if they
have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.).

2

34 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage

In the driver and front passenger seats, the shoulder belt
can be adjusted upward or downward to position the belt
away from your neck. Push and fully depress the button
above the webbing to release the anchorage, and then
move it up or down to the position that serves you best.

As a guide, if you are shorter than average, you will
prefer a lower position, and if you are taller than average,
you’ll prefer a higher position. When you release the
anchorage, try to move it up or down to make sure that
it is locked in position.

In the rear seat, move toward the center of the seat to
position the belt away from your neck.

Pretensioners

The seat belts for both front seating positions are
equipped with pretensioning devices that are designed to
remove any slack from the seat belts in the event of a
collision. These devices improve the performance of the
seat belt system by assuring that the belt is tight about the
occupant in a collision. Pretensioners work for all size
occupants, including those in child restraints.

NOTE:

These devices are not a substitute for proper
seat belt placement by the occupant. The seat belt still
must be worn snugly and positioned properly.

The pretensioners are triggered by the airbag control
module (see Airbag Section). Like the front airbags, the
pretensioners are single use items. After a collision that is
severe enough to deploy the airbags and pretensioners,
both must be replaced.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 35

Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert)

If the driver’s seat belt has not been buckled within 60
seconds of starting the vehicle and if the vehicle speed is
greater than 5 mph (8 km/h), the Enhanced Warning
System (BeltAlert) will alert the driver to buckle their seat
belt. The driver should also instruct all other occupants to
buckle their seat belts. Once the warning is triggered, the
Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) will continue to
chime and flash the Seat Belt Warning Light for 96
seconds or until the driver’s seat belt is buckled. The
Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) will be reactivated
if the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled for more than 10
seconds and the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8
km/h).

The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) can be en­abled or disabled by your authorized dealer or by
following these steps:

NOTE:

60 seconds of the ignition switch being turned to the ON

The following steps must occur within the first

or START position. DaimlerChrysler does not recom­mend deactivating the Enhanced Warning System
(BeltAlert).

1. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and
buckle the driver’s seat belt.

2. Start the engine and wait for the Seat Belt Warning
Light to turn off.

3. Within 60 seconds of starting the vehicle, unbuckle
and then re-buckle the driver’s seat belt at least three
times within 10 seconds, ending with the seat belt
buckled.

NOTE:

while unbuckling and off while re-buckling the seat belt.
It may be necessary to retract the seat belt.

4. Turn off the engine. A single chime will sound to
signify that you have successfully completed the pro­gramming.

The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) can be reacti­vated by repeating this procedure.

Watch for the Seat Belt Warning Light to turn on

2

36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:

Although the Enhanced Warning System
(BeltAlert) has been deactivated, the Seat Belt Warning
Light will continue to illuminate while the driver’s seat
belt remains unbuckled.

Seat Belts and Pregnant Women

We recommend that pregnant women use the seat belts
throughout their pregnancy. Keeping the mother safe is
the best way to keep the baby safe.

Pregnant women should wear the lap part of the belt
across the thighs and as snug across the hips as possible.
Keep the belt low so that it does not come across the
abdomen. That way the strong bones of the hips will take
the force if there is a collision.

Seat Belt Extender

If a seat belt is too short, even when fully extended and
when the adjustable upper shoulder belt anchorage (if so
equipped) is in its lowest position, your dealer can
provide you with a seat belt extender. This extender
should be used only if the existing belt is not long
enough. When it is not required, remove the extender
and store it.

WARNING!

Using a seat belt extender when not needed can
increase the risk of injury in a collision. Only use
when the seat belt is not long enough when it is
worn low and snug, and in the recommended seating
positions. Remove and store the extender when not
needed.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37

Driver and Right Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag

This vehicle has front airbags for both the driver and
front passenger as a supplement to the seat belt restraint
systems. The driver’s airbag is mounted in the center of
the steering wheel. The passenger’s front airbag is
mounted in the instrument panel, above the glove com­partment. The words SRS AIRBAG are embossed on the
airbag covers.

This vehicle may also be equipped with left and right
side curtain airbags to protect the driver and passengers
sitting next to a window. If the vehicle is equipped with
side curtain airbags, they are located above the side
windows. Their covers are also labeled SRS AIRBAG.

NOTE:

interior trim, but they will open to allow airbag deploy­ment.

Airbag covers may not be obvious in the

2

38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

• Do not put anything on or around the front airbag

covers or attempt to manually open them. You may
damage the airbags and you could be injured be­cause the airbags are not there to protect you. These
protective covers for the airbag cushions are de­signed to open only when the airbags are inflating.

• If your vehicle is equipped with left and right side

curtain airbags, do not stack luggage or other cargo
up high enough to block the location of the side
curtain airbag. The area where the side curtain airbag
is located should remain free from any obstructions.

• If your vehicle is equipped with left and right side

curtain airbags, do not have any accessory items
installed which will alter the roof, including adding
a sunroof to your vehicle. Do not add roof racks that
require permanent attachments (bolts or screws) for
installation on the vehicle roof. Do not drill into the
roof of the vehicle for any reason.

• Do not drill, cut or tamper with the knee bolster in

any way.

• Do not mount any accessories to the knee bolster

such as alarm lights, stereos, citizens band radios etc.

Airbags inflate in moderate to high speed impacts. Along
with the seat belts, front airbags work with the instru­ment panel knee bolsters to provide improved protection
for the driver and front passenger. Left and right side
curtain airbags also work with seat belts to improve
occupant protection.

The seat belts are designed to protect you in many types
of collisions. The front airbags deploy only in moderate
to severe frontal collisions. If your vehicle is so equipped,
the side curtain airbag on the crash side of the vehicle is
triggered in moderate to severe side collisions. In certain
types of collisions where the airbags deploy,you need the
seat belts to keep you in the right position for the airbags
to protect you properly.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39

Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize
the risk of harm from a deploying airbag.

1. Children 12 years old and under should ride buckled
up in the rear seat. Infants in rear-facing child restraints
should NEVER ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a
passenger front airbag. An airbag deployment could
cause severe injury or death to infants in that position.

Children that are not big enough to properly wear the
vehicle seat belt (see section on “Child Restraint”) should
be secured in the rear seat in child restraints or belt­positioning booster seats.

Older children who do not use child restraints or belt­positioning booster seats should ride properly buckled
up in the rear seat. Never allow children to slide the
shoulder belt behind them or under their arm.

If a child from 1 to 12 years old must ride in the front
passenger seat because the vehicle is crowded, move the
seat as far back as possible, and use the proper child
restraint. See the section on “Child Restraint”.

2. You should read the instructions provided with your
child restraint to make sure that you are using it properly.

3. All occupants should use their seat belts properly.

4. The driver and front passenger seats should be moved
back as far as practical to allow the airbags time to inflate.

5. If your vehicle has left and right side curtain airbags,
do not lean against the door,airbags will inflate forcefully
into the space between you and the door.

2

40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

•

Relying on the airbags alone could lead to more
severe injuries in a collision. The airbags work
with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In
some collisions the airbags won’t deploy at all.
Always wear your seat belts even though you
have airbags.

•

Being too close to the steering wheel or instru­ment panel during airbag deployment could cause
serious injury. Airbags need room to inflate. Sit
back, comfortably extending your arms to reach
the steering wheel or instrument panel.

•

If the vehicle has left and right side curtain
airbags, they also need room to inflate. Do not
lean against the door or window.Sit upright in the
center of the seat.

Airbag System Components

The front airbag system consists of the following:

•

Airbag Control Module

•

AIRBAG Readiness Light

•

PASS AIRBAG OFF Readiness Light

•

Front Impact Accelerometer sensors

•

Side Impact Accelerometer sensors

•

Driver Airbag

•

Passenger Airbag

•

Steering Wheel and Column

•

Instrument Panel

•

Interconnecting Wiring

•

Knee Impact Bolsters

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41

The side curtain airbag system, on vehicles so equipped,
consists of the following:

•

Airbag Control Module

•

AIRBAG Readiness Light

•

Left and Right Side Curtain Airbags Above Side
Windows

•

Left and Right Side Impact Sensors

•

Interconnection Wiring

How The Airbag System Works

The airbag control module determines if a frontal

•

collision is severe enough to require the airbags to
inflate. The control module receives the level of colli­sion severity, determines the proper level of airbag to
be deployed. The frontal airbag inflators are designed
to provide three different rates of airbag inflation.

•

The airbag control module will not detect a rollover.

•

The airbag control module also monitors the readiness
of the electronic parts of the system whenever the
ignition switch is in the START or ON positions. These

include all of the items listed above except the knee
bolster, the instrument panel, and the steering wheel
and column. If the key is in the “LOCK” position, in
the ACC position, or not in the ignition, the airbags are
not on and will not inflate.

•

The airbag control module also turns on the

AIRBAG light, and the Passenger Airbag
Disable (PAD) Indicator Light in the instru-

ment panel for 6 to 8 seconds when the
ignition is first turned on, then turns the light off. If it
detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns
on the light either momentarily or continuously.

WARNING!

Ignoring the AIRBAG light in your instrument panel
could mean you won’t have the airbags to protect
you in a collision. If the light does not come on, stays
on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you
drive, have the airbag system checked right away.

2

42 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•

When the airbag control module detects a collision
requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator units. A
large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate
the airbags. Three levels of airbag inflation rates are
possible. These rates are determined by the airbag
control module based on collision severity. The airbag
covers separate and fold out of the way as the airbags
inflate to their full size. The airbags fully inflate in
about 60 milliseconds. This is only about half of the
time it takes you to blink your eyes. The airbags then
quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and
front passenger. The driver’s front airbag gas is vented
through a vent hole in the rear of the airbag. The
passenger’s front airbag gas is vented through vent
holes in the sides of the airbag. In this way the airbags
do not interfere with your control of the vehicle.

•

The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees and
position you for the best interaction with the front
airbag.

If A Deployment Occurs

The airbag system is designed to deploy when the airbag
control module detects a moderate-to-severe collision, to
help restrain the driver and front passenger, and then to
immediately deflate.

NOTE:

A collision that is not severe enough to need
airbag protection will not activate the system. This does
not mean something is wrong with the airbag system.

If you do have a collision which deploys the airbags, any
or all of the following may occur:

•

The nylon airbag material may sometimes cause abra­sions and/or skin reddening to the driver and right
front passenger as the airbags deploy and unfold. The
abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or those
you might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium
floor. They are not caused by contact with chemicals.
They are not permanent and normally heal quickly.
However, if you haven’t healed significantly within a
few days, or if you have any blistering, see your doctor
immediately.

•

As the airbags deflate you may see some smoke-like
particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the
process that generates the nontoxic gas used for airbag
inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the skin,
eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation,
rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat
irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues,
see your doctor. If these particles settle on your
clothing, follow the garment manufacturer’s instruc­tions for cleaning.

•

It is not advisable to drive your vehicle after the
airbags have been deployed. If you are involved in
another collision, the airbags will not be in place to
protect you.

WARNING!

Deployed airbags can’t protect you in another colli­sion. Have the airbags replaced by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43

Enhanced Accident Response Feature

If the airbags deploy after an impact and the electrical
system remains functional, vehicles equipped with
power door locks will unlock automatically. In addition,
approximately 5 seconds after the vehicle has stopped
moving, the interior lights will illuminate to aid visibility.

NOTE:

key is removed from the ignition switch or the vehicle is
driven.

Side Airbag System

The airbag control module determines if a side collision is
severe enough to require the airbag to inflate. The control
module receives the level of collision severity from the
side impact sensors. The airbag control module will not
detect rollover or rear impacts.

The side impact SRS Airbags are designed to activate
only in certain side collisions. When the airbag control
module detects a collision requiring the side curtain
airbags to inflate, it signals the inflators on the crash side
of the vehicle. A quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to
inflate the side curtain airbags. The inflating side curtain
airbag pushes the outside edge of the headliner out of the

The interior lights can only be deactivated if the

2

44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

way and inflates (in about the same time it takes to blink
your eyes) with enough force to injure you if you are not
belted and seated properly, or if items are positioned in
the area where the side curtain airbag inflates. This
especially applies to children. The side curtain airbag is

1

only about 3

⁄2inches (83⁄4cm) thick when it is inflated.

Maintaining Your Airbag System

WARNING!

•

Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbags are not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or
the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do
not modify the front bumper, vehicle body struc­ture, or frame.

•

You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee impact bolster.

•

It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has airbags.

Occupant Classification System

The Occupant Classification System (OCS) is part of

•

a Federally regulated safety system required for this
vehicle. It is designed to turn off the front passenger
airbag in the unlikely event that a rear-facing infant
seat is in the front passenger seat.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45

2

NOTE:

buckled up in a rear seat in an appropriate child restraint.

•

Children 12 years and under should always ride

The Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) Indicator Light
(an amber light located in the center of the instrument
panel) tells the driver and front passenger when the
front passenger airbag is turned off. The PAD Indica­tor lamp illuminates the words 9PASS AIRBAG OFF9
to show that the passenger airbag will not inflate
during a collision requiring airbags.

This light should not be illuminated when an adult
passenger is properly seated in the front passenger
seat. In this case, the airbag is ready to be inflated if a
collision requiring an airbag occurs. The PAD Indica­tor Light is also turned off when the seat is empty. The
only time that the PAD Indicator Light is turned on is
when a small weight is in the front passenger seat. The
system is required to turn on the PAD Indicator Light
when the weight in the front passenger seat is close to
a rear-facing infant seat. Relatively light objects like
brief cases and grocery bags will also turn on the PAD

46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Indicator Light. The PAD Indicator Light will be off
when teenagers, most children and most children in
forward-facing seats are in the front passenger seat.
The system is only required to turn the PAD Indicator
Light on in the unlikely event that a rear-facing infant
seat is installed in front passenger seat.

NOTE:

Children 12 years and under should always ride

buckled up in a rear seat in an appropriate child restraint.

Passenger

Front Passenger

Seat Occupant

Airbag Disable

(PAD) Indicator

Airbag Status

Light

Airbag Status OFF ON
Grocery Bags,

Heavy Briefcases

and Other

ON OFF

Relatively Light

Objects

Empty or Very

Small Objects

OFF* OFF

* Since the system senses weight, some small objects

will turn the PAD Indicator Light on.

The OCS classifies an occupant using weight sensors
mounted in the base of the front passenger seat. Any
weight on the seat will be sensed by the system. Objects
hanging on the seat or other passengers pushing down
on the seat will also be sensed. The weight of an adult
will cause the system to turn the airbag on. In this case,
the OCS has classified the occupant of the seat as an
adult. An adult occupant needs to sit in a normal position
(with their feet on or near the floor) in order to be
properly classified.

Drivers and adult passengers should verify that the PAD
Indicator Light is not illuminated when they are riding in
the front passenger seat. If an adult occupant’s weight is
transferred to another part of the vehicle (like the door or
instrument panel), the weight sensors in the seat may not
properly classify the occupant. Objects lodged under the
seat or between the seat and the center console can
prevent the occupant’s weight from being measured
properly and may result in the occupant being improp­erly classified.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47

If the front passenger seat is damaged in any way, it
should only be serviced by an authorized dealer. If the
seat is removed (or even if the seat attachment bolts are
loosened or tightened in any way), take the vehicle to an
authorized dealer.

If the is a fault present in the OCS, the Airbag Warning
Light (a red light located in the center of the instrument
cluster directly in front of the driver) will be turned on.
This indicates that you should take the vehicle to an
authorized dealer.The Airbag WarningLight is turned on
whenever there is fault that can affect the operation of the
airbag system. If there is a fault present in the OCS, both
the PAD Indicator Light and the Airbag Warning Light
are illuminated to show that the passenger airbag is
turned off until the fault is cleared. If an object is lodged
under the seat and interferes with operation of the weight
sensors, a fault will occur which turns on both the PAD
Indicator Light and the Airbag Warning Light. Once the
lodged object is removed, the fault will be automatically
cleared after a short period of time.

•

The Driver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Units are
located in the center of the steering wheel and the right
side of the instrument panel. When the ORC detects a
collision requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator
units. A large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to
inflate the front airbags. Different airbag inflation rates
may be possible based on collision severity and occu­pant size. The steering wheel hub trim cover and the
upper right side of the instrument panel separate and
fold out of the way as the bags inflate to their full size.
The bags fully inflate in about 50 - 70 milliseconds.
This is about half of the time it takes to blink your eyes.
The bags then quickly deflate while helping to restrain
the driver and front passenger. The driver’s front
airbag gas is vented through vent holes in the sides of
the airbag. The passenger’s front airbag gas is vented
through vent holes in the sides of the airbag. In this
way the airbags do not interfere with your control of
the vehicle.

2

48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•

The Occupant Classification Module (OCM) is lo­cated beneath the front passenger seat. The OCM
classifies the occupant into categories based on the
measurements made by the seat weight sensors. The
OCM communicates with the Occupant Restraint Con­troller (ORC). The ORC uses the occupant category to
determine whether the front passenger airbag should
be turned off. It also determines the rate of airbag
inflation during a collision.

•

The Passenger Airbag Disabled (PAD) Indicator
Light indicates to the driver and passenger when the

airbag is turned OFF. In the presence of a properly
seated occupant, when the PAD indicator light is
illuminated, the airbag is OFF. Also, when the Occu­pant Classification System detects either an empty seat
or a weight less than the predetermined threshold, the
ORC will not illuminate the PAD indicator light even
though the airbag is turned OFF.

•

Your vehicle has four Weight Sensors located between
the seat and the floor pan. The weight sensors measure
applied weight and transfers that information to the
OCM.

Airbag Light

You will want to have the airbags ready for your protec­tion in an impact. While the airbag system is designed to
be maintenance free, if any of the following occurs, have
an authorized dealer service the system promptly:

•

The AIRBAG light does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.

•

The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.

•

The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.

Event Data Recorder (EDR)

In the event of an airbag deployment, your vehicle is
designed to record up to 2-seconds of specific vehicle
data parameters (see list below) in an event data recorder
prior to the moment of airbag deployment. Please note
that such data are ONLY recorded if an airbag deploys,
and are otherwise unavailable. In conjunction with other
data gathered during a complete accident investigation,
the electronic data may be used by DaimlerChrysler and

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49

others to learn more about the possible causes of crashes
and associated injuries in order to assess and improve
vehicle performance. In addition to crash investigations
initiated by DaimlerChrysler, such investigations may be
requested by customers, insurance carriers, government
officials, and professional crash researchers, such as those
associated with universities, and with hospital and insur­ance organizations.

In the event that an investigation is undertaken by
DaimlerChrysler (regardless of initiative), the company
or its designated representative will first obtain permis­sion of the appropriate custodial entity for the vehicle
(usually the vehicle owner or lessee) before accessing the
electronic data stored, unless ordered to download data
by a court with legal jurisdiction (i.e., pursuant to a
warrant). A copy of the data will be provided to the
custodial entity upon request. General data that does not
identify particular vehicles or crashes may be released for
incorporation in aggregate crash databases, such as those
maintained by the US government and various states.
Data of a potentially sensitive nature, such as would
identify a particular driver, vehicle, or crash, will be

treated confidentially. Confidential data will not be dis­closed by DaimlerChrysler to any third party except
when:

1. Used for research purposes, such as to match data
with a particular crash record in an aggregate database,
provided confidentiality of personal data is thereafter
preserved

2. Used in defense of litigation involving a
DaimlerChrysler product

3. Requested by police under a legal warrant

4. Otherwise required by law
Data Parameters that May Be Recorded:

•

Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning lamp status
for electronically-controlled safety systems, including
the airbag system

•

Airbag disable lamp status (if equipped)

•

9Time9 of airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)

•

Airbag deployment level (if applicable)

2

50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•

Seatbelt status

•

Brake status (service and parking brakes)

•

Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)

•

Engine control status (including engine speed)

•

Cruise control status

•

Traction/stability control status

Child Restraint

Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time, babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.

Children 12 years and under should ride properly buck­led up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats rather than in the front.

WARNING!

In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny
baby, can become a missile inside the vehicle. The
force required to hold even an infant on your lap
could become so great that you could not hold the
child, no matter how strong you are. The child and
others could be badly injured. Any child riding in
your vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the
child’s size.

There are different sizes and types of restraints for
children from newborn size to the child almost large
enough for an adult safety belt. Always check the child
seat Owner’s Manual to ensure you have the right seat
for your child. Use the restraint that is correct for your
child:

Infants and Child Restraints

Safety experts recommend that children ride

•

rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51

one year old and weigh at least 9 kg (20 lbs). Two types
of child restraints can be used rearward-facing: infant
carriers and “convertible” child seats.

•

The infant carrier is only used rearward-facing in the
vehicle. It is recommended for children who weigh up
to about 20 lbs (9 kg). “Convertible” child seats can be
used either rearward-facing or forward-facing in the
vehicle. Convertible child seats often have a higher
weight limit in the rearward-facing direction than
infant carriers do, so they can be used rearward-facing
by children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) but are
less than one year old. Both types of child restraints are
held in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt or the
LATCH child restraint anchorage system. (See the
LATCH — Child Seat Anchorage System section.)

•

Rearward-facing child seats must NEVER be used in
the front seat of a vehicle with the front passenger
airbag unless the airbag is turned off. An airbag
deployment could cause severe injury or death to
infants in this position.

WARNING!

•

Improper installation can lead to failure of an
infant or child restraint. It could come loose in a
collision. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions ex­actly when installing an infant or child restraint.

•

A rearward facing child restraint should only be
used in a rear seat. A rearward facing child re­straint in the front seat may be struck by a
deploying passenger airbag which may cause se­vere or fatal injury to the infant.

Here are some tips on getting the most out of your child
restraint:

•

Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it
has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety
Standards. We also recommend that you make sure
that you can install the child restraint in the vehicle
where you will use it before you buy it.

2

52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•

The restraint must be appropriate for your child’s
weight and height. Check the label on the restraint for
weight and height limits.

•

Carefully follow the instructions that come with the
restraint. If you install the restraint improperly, it may
not work when you need it.

•

Buckle the child into the seat according to the child
restraint manufacturer’s directions.

•

When your child restraint is not in use, secure it in the
vehicle with the seat belt or remove it from the vehicle.
Do not leave it loose in the vehicle. In a sudden stop or
collision, it could strike the occupants or seat backs
and cause serious personal injury.

NOTE:

For additional information refer to

www.seatcheck.org or call 1–866–SEATCHECK.

Older Children and Child Restraints

Children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) and who are
older than one year can ride forward-facing in the
vehicle. Forward-facing child seats and convertible child
seats used in the forward-facing direction are for children
who weigh 20 to 40 lbs (9 to 18 kg) and who are older
than one year. These child seats are also held in the
vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt or the LATCH child
restraint anchorage system. (See the LATCH — Child
Seat Anchorage System Section.)

The belt-positioning booster seat is for children weighing
more than 40 lbs (18 kg), but who are still too small to fit
the vehicle’s seat belts properly. If the child cannot sit
with knees bent over the vehicle’s seat cushion while the
child’s back is against the seat back, they should use a
belt-positioning booster seat. The child and belt­positioning booster seat are held in the vehicle by the
lap/shoulder belt.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53

Children Too Large For Booster Seats

Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt
comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend
over the front of the seat when their back is against the
seat back, should use the lap/shoulder belt in a rear seat.

•

Make sure that the child is upright in the seat.

•

The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug
as possible.

•

Check belt fit periodically. A child’s squirming or
slouching can move the belt out of position.

•

If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the
child closer to the center of the vehicle. Never allow a
child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind
their back.

LATCH — Child Seat Anchorage System (Lower
Anchors and Tether for CH ildren)

Your vehicle’s rear seat is equipped with the child
restraint anchorage system called LATCH. The LATCH
system provides for the installation of the child restraint
without using the vehicle’s seat belts, instead securing
the child restraint using lower anchorages and upper
tether straps from the child restraint to the vehicle
structure.

LATCH-compatible child restraint systems are now avail­able. However, because the lower anchorages are to be
introduced over a period of years, child restraint systems
having attachments for those anchorages will continue to
also have features for installation using the vehicle’s seat
belts. Child restraints having tether straps and hooks for
connection to the top tether anchorages have been avail­able for some time. For some older child restraints, many
child restraint manufacturers offer add-on tether strap
kits or retro-fit kits. You are urged to take advantage of all
the available attachments provided with your child re­straint in any vehicle.

2

54 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

All three rear seating positions have lower anchorages
that are capable of accommodating LATCH-compatible
child seats. You should NEVER install LATCH­compatible child seats such that two seats share a com­mon lower anchorage. If installing child seats in adjacent
rear-seating positions or if your child restraints are not
LATCH-compatible, install the restraints using the vehi­cle’s seat belts.

Installing the LATCH-Compatible Child Restraint
System

We urge that you carefully follow the directions of the
manufacturer when installing your child restraint. Not all
child restraint systems will be installed as described here.
Again, carefully follow the installation instructions that
were provided with the child restraint system.

The rear seat lower anchorages are round bars, located at
the rear of the seat cushion where it meets the seat back,
and are just visible when you lean into the rear seat to
install the child restraint. You will easily feel them if you
run your finger along the intersection of the seatback and
seat cushion surfaces.

In addition, there are tether strap anchorages
behind each rear seating position located in the
panel between the rear seat back and the rear
window. These tether strap anchorages are

under a plastic cover with this symbol on it.
Many, but not all restraint systems will be equipped with

separate straps on each side, with each having a hook or
connector for attachment to the lower anchorage and a

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55

means of adjusting the tension in the strap. Forward­facing toddler restraints and some rear-facing infant
restraints will also be equipped with a tether strap, a
hook for attachment to the tether strap anchorage and a
means of adjusting the tension of the strap.

You will first loosen the adjusters on the lower straps and
on the tether strap so that you can more easily attach the
hooks or connectors to the vehicle anchorages. Next
attach the lower hooks or connectors over the top of the
seat cover material. Then rotate the tether anchorage
cover directly behind the seat where you are placing the
child restraint and attach the tether strap to the anchor­age, being careful to route the tether strap to provide the
most direct path between the anchor and the child
restraint. If your vehicle is equipped with adjustable rear
head restraints, raise the head restraint and, where pos­sible, route the tether strap under the head restraint and
between the two posts. If not possible, lower the head
restraint and route the tether strap around the outboard
side of the head restraint. Finally, tighten all three straps
as you push the child restraint rearward and downward
into the seat, removing slack in the straps according to
the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions.

WARNING!

Improper installation of a child restraint to the
LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of an infant or
child restraint. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly
when installing an infant or child restraint.

Installing Child Restraints Using the Vehicle Seat
belt

The passenger seat belts are equipped with cinching latch
plates which are designed to keep the lap portion tight
around the child restraint so that it is not necessary to use
a locking clip. Pulling up on the shoulder portion of the
lap/shoulder belt will tighten the belt. The cinching latch
plate will keep the belt tight, however, any seat belt
system will loosen with time, so check the belt occasion­ally and pull it tight if necessary.

2

56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

In the rear seat, you may have trouble tightening the
lap/shoulder belt on the child restraint because the
buckle or latch plate is too close to the belt path opening
on the restraint. Disconnect the latch plate from the
buckle and twist the short buckle-end belt several times
to shorten it. Insert the latch plate into the buckle with the
release button facing out.

If the belt still can’t be tightened, or if by pulling and
pushing on the restraint loosens the belt, you may need
to do something more. Disconnect the latch plate from
the buckle, turn the buckle around, and insert the latch
plate into the buckle again. If you still can’t make the
child restraint secure, try a different seating position.

To attach a child restraint tether strap:

1. Rotate the cover over the anchor directly behind the
seat where you are placing the child restraint.

2. Route the tether strap to provide the most direct path
for the strap between the anchor and the child seat. If
your vehicle is equipped with adjustable rear head
restraints, raise the head restraint and, where possible,
route the tether strap under the head restraint and
between the two posts. If not possible, lower the head
restraint and pass the tether strap around the outboard
side of the head restraint.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 57

3. Attach the tether strap hook (A) of the child restraint to
the anchor (B) and remove slack in the tether strap
according to the child restraint manufacturer’s instruc­tions.

WARNING!

An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
increased head motion and possible injury to the
child. Use only the anchor positions directly behind
the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether
strap.

Transporting Pets

Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision.

Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS

A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your new vehicle.

Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (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
detrimental 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.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown in Section 7 of this manual. NON-DETERGENT
OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE
USED.

2

58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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
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 trunk 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.

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.

Airbag Light

The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59

turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If 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.

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 (includ­ing 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 or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.

2

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

m Mirrors

▫ Inside Day/Night Mirror .................65

▫ Automatic Dimming Inside Mirror —

If Equipped ..........................65

▫ Driver’s Side Outside Mirror Auto Dimmer —

If Equipped ..........................66

..............................65

▫ Heated Remote Control Mirrors —

If Equipped ..........................67

▫ Illuminated Vanity Mirrors — If Equipped ....68

m Hands–Free Communication (UConnect™) —

If Equipped

▫ Operation ............................70

...........................68

3

▫ Tilt In Reverse Feature— If Equipped ........66

▫ Exterior Mirrors Folding Feature —

If Equipped ..........................66

▫ Outside Mirror — Driver’s Side ............66

▫ Outside Mirror — Passenger’s Side ..........66

▫ Power Remote-Control Mirrors .............67

▫ Phone Call Features ....................75

▫ UConnect™ System Features ..............77

▫ Advanced Phone Connectivity .............81

▫ Things You Should Know About Your

UConnect™ System .....................82

m Rear Park Assist System— If Equipped

.......88

62 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

m Seats

................................89

▫ Power Seats ..........................89

▫ Power Reclining Seats ...................90

▫ Lumbar Support .......................91

▫ Heated Seats—If Equipped ...............92

▫ Memory Feature—If Equipped .............93

▫ Programming The Remote Keyless Transmitter

For The Memory Feature .................94

▫ Driver’s Seat Glide –To – Exit Feature —

If Equipped ..........................95

▫ Head Restraints .......................96

▫ Folding Rear Seat ......................97

m Adjustable Pedals — If Equipped
m To Open And Close The Hood
m Lights

..............................101

...........98

.............99

▫ Overhead Console Map/Reading Lights .....101

▫ Interior Lights .......................101

▫ Headlight Switch .....................102

▫ Multi-Function Lever ...................103

▫ Headlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel

Lights .............................103

▫ Automatic Headlights–If Equipped .........104

▫ Headlamps On With Wipers

(Available With Auto Headlights Only) ......104

▫ Daytime Running Lights (Canada Only) .....104

▫ Lights-On Reminder ...................104

▫ Headlight Time Delay ..................104

▫ Fog Lights — If Equipped ...............105

▫ Turn Signals .........................105

▫ Highbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch .........106

▫ Flash To Pass ........................106

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 63

m Windshield Wipers And Washers

▫ Windshield Washers ...................106

▫ Rain Sensing Wipers—If Equipped .........107

▫ Mist Feature .........................107

▫ Headlamps On With Wipers

(Available With Auto Headlights Only) ......107

▫ Windshield Wiper Operation .............108

▫ Intermittent Wiper System ...............108

▫ Adding Washer Fluid ..................108

m Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
m Power Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column —

If Equipped

m Traction Control System (Tcs) — If Equipped
m Brake Assist System (BAS)— If Equipped
m Electronic Stability Program (ESP)—

If Equipped

▫ Synchronizing ESP ....................115

..........................109

..........................113

..........106

..........109

....112

..110

m Electronic Speed Control

▫ To Activate ..........................116

▫ To Set At A Desired Speed ...............116

▫ To Deactivate ........................116

▫ To Resume Speed .....................116

▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ...............116

▫ To Accelerate For Passing ...............117

m Overhead Console — If Equipped

▫ Courtesy/Reading Lights ................118

▫ Sunglasses Storage ....................118

m Garage Door Opener — If Equipped

▫ Programming Homelink ................119

▫ Canadian Programming/Gate Programming . . 122

▫ Using Homelink ......................123

▫ Erasing Homelink Buttons ...............123

▫ Reprogramming a Single Homelink Button . . .123

.................115

..........118

........119

3

64 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Security ............................124

m Power Sunroof — If Equipped

............124

▫ Express Open Feature ..................125

▫ Wind Buffeting .......................126

▫ Sunroof Maintenance ...................126

m Electrical Power Outlets

.................127

▫ Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off .......128

m Cupholders

..........................129

▫ Front Seat Cupholders ..................129

▫ Rear Seat Cupholders ..................130

m Storage

..............................130

▫ Console Features ......................130

▫ Cargo Tie-Down Hooks .................131

m Load Leveling System — If Equipped

.......132

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 65

MIRRORS
Inside Day/Night Mirror

Adjust the mirror to center on the view through the rear
window. A two point pivot system allows for horizontal
and vertical adjustment of the mirror.

Annoying headlight glare can be reduced by moving the
small control under the mirror to the night position
(toward rear of vehicle). The mirror should be adjusted
while set in the day position (toward windshield).

Automatic Dimming Inside Mirror — If Equipped

If the switch is in the “AUTO” position the mirror will
automatically adjust for annoying headlight glare from
vehicles behind you. The mirror will normally be in the
“AUTO” mode unless “OFF” is pressed on the switch at
the base of the mirror. A green light in the base of the
mirror will illuminate to indicate when this feature is on.

3

66 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!

To avoid damage to the mirror during cleaning,
never spray any cleaning solution directly onto the
mirror. Apply the solution onto a clean cloth and
wipe the mirror clean.

Driver’s Side Outside Mirror Auto Dimmer — If
Equipped

The driver’s side outside mirror automatically adjusts for
annoying headlight glare from vehicles behind you. This
feature can be turned on or off by pressing the button at
the base of the Inside Rearview Mirror.

Tilt in Reverse Feature— If Equipped

The 9Tilt in Reverse9 feature tilts the outside rearview
mirrors down when the vehicle is shifted into REVERSE
with the ignition switch in the RUN position. This feature
provides the customer with a better view of the ground
and vehicle in the area of the rear tires when backing up.
The mirrors move back to their previous position when
the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE. This feature is
disabled from the factory, but can be enabled by the

electronic vehicle information center (EVIC). Refer to
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) in this
manual for details.

Exterior Mirrors Folding Feature — If Equipped

Some models have exterior mirrors that are hinged and
may move either forward or rearward to resist damage.
The hinges have three detent positions; full forward, full
rearward, and normal.

Outside Mirror — Driver’s Side

Adjust the outside mirror to center on the adjacent lane of
traffic, with a slight overlap of the view obtained on the
inside mirror.

Outside Mirror — Passenger’s Side

Adjust the convex outside mirror so you can just see the
side of your vehicle in the portion of the mirror closest to
the vehicle. This type of mirror will give a much wider
view to the rear, and especially of the lane next to your
vehicle.

WARNING!

Vehicles and other objects seen in the right side
convex mirror will look smaller and farther away
than they really are. Relying too much on your right
side mirror could cause you to collide with another
vehicle or other object.

Use your inside mirror when judging the size or
distance of a vehicle seen in this convex mirror.

Power Remote-Control Mirrors

The power mirror switch is located on the driver’s door
trim panel next to the power door lock switch. A rotary
knob selects the left mirror, right mirror, or off position.

After selecting a mirror move the knob in the same
direction you want the mirror to move. Use the center off
position to guard against accidentally moving a mirror
position.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 67

3

Power mirror preselected positions can be controlled by
the optional Memory Seat Feature. Refer to “Seats”
section for details.

Heated Remote Control Mirrors — If Equipped

These mirrors are heated to melt frost or ice. This feature
is activated whenever you turn on the Rear Window
Defrost.

68 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Illuminated Vanity Mirrors — If Equipped

An illuminated vanity mirror is on the sun visor. To use
the mirror, rotate the sun visor down and swing the
mirror cover upward. The light turns on automatically.
Closing the mirror cover turns off the lights.

HANDS–FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect™) —
IF EQUIPPED

UConnect™ is a voice-activated, hands-free, in vehicle
communications system. UConnect™ allows you to dial
a phone number with your cellular phone* using simple
voice commands (e.g., 9Call { Mike {Work9 or 9Dial {
248-555-12129). Your cellular phone’s audio is transmitted
through your vehicle’s audio system; the system will
automatically mute your radio when using the UCon­nect™ system.

NOTE:

The UConnect™ system use requires a cellular
phone equipped with the Bluetooth 9Hands-Free Profile,9
version 0.96 or higher.

For UConnect Customer Support call 1-877-855-8400
or visit the UConnect website (www.chrysler.com/
uconnect).

UConnect™ allows you to transfer calls between the
system and your cellular phone as you enter or exit your
vehicle, and enables you to mute the system’s micro­phone for private conversation.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 69

The UConnect™ phonebook enables you to store up to 32
names and four numbers per name. This system is driven
through your Bluetooth™ Hands-Free profile cellular
phone. UConnect™ features Bluetooth™ technology - the
global standard that enables different electronic devices
to connect to each other without wires or a docking
station, so UConnect works no matter where you stow
your cellular phone (be it your purse, pocket, or brief­case), as long as your phone is turned on and has been
paired to the vehicle’s UConnect™ system. The UCon­nect™ system allows up to seven cellular phones to be
linked to system. Only one linked (or paired) cellular
phone can be used with the system at a time. The system
is available in English, Spanish, or French languages (as
equipped).

The rearview mirror contains the microphone for the
system and the control buttons that will enable you to
access the system. The diagram below shows the mirror
with the appropriate buttons. Individual button behavior
is discussed in the 9Operation9 section.

NOTE:

For the best performance of the hands-free
system’s audio and voice recognition adjust the rear view
mirror to provide at least a 1/2 inch gap (1 cm) between
the overhead console and the mirror.

Uconnect Buttons

The UConnect™ system can be used with any Hands­Free Profile certified Bluetooth™ cellular phone. If your
cellular phone supports a different profile (eg., Headset
Profile), you may not be able to use any UConnect™
features. Refer to your cellular service provider or the
phone manufacturer for details.

3

70 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

The UConnect™ system is fully integrated with the
vehicle’s audio system. The volume of the UConnect™
system can either be adjusted from the radio volume
control knob, or from the steering wheel radio control
(right switch), if so equipped.

The radio display will be used for visual prompts from
the UConnect™ system such as 9CELL9 or caller ID on
certain radios.

Operation

Voice commands can be used to operate the UConnect™
system and to navigate through the UConnect™ menu
structure. Voice commands are required after most
UConnect™ system prompts. You will be prompted for a
specific command and then guided through the available
options.

•

Prior to giving a voice command, one must wait for
the voice on beep, which follows the 9Ready9 prompt
or another prompt.

•

For certain operations, compound commands can be
used. For example, instead of saying 9Setup9 and then
9Phone Pairing,9 the following compound command
can be said: 9Setup Phone Pairing.9

•

For each of the feature explanation in this section, only
the combined form of the voice command is given.
You can also break the commands into parts and say
each part of the command, when you are asked for it.
For example, you can either use the combined form
voice command 9Phonebook New Entry,9 or you can
break the combined form command into two voice
commands: 9Phonebook9 and 9New Entry.9 Please re­member, the UConnect™ system works best when you
talk in a normal conversational tone, as if speaking to
some one sitting eight feet away from you.

Help Command

If you need assistance at any prompt or if you want to
know what your options are at any prompt, say 9Help9
following the voice on beep. The UConnect™ system will
play all the options at any prompt if you ask for help.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 71

To activate the UConnect™ system from idle, simply
press the ’Phone’ button and follow audible prompts for
directions. All UConnect™ system sessions begin with a
press of the ’Phone’ button on the mirror.

Cancel Command

At any prompt, after the voice on beep, you can say
9Cancel9 and you will be returned to the main menu.
However, in a few instances the system will take you
back to the previous menu.

Pair (Link) UConnect™ System to a Cellular Phone

To begin using your UConnect™ system, you must pair
your compatible Bluetooth™ enabled cellular phone (re­fer to 9Introduction9 section to learn about the phone
type). To complete the pairing process, you will need to
reference your cellular phone owner’s manual. One of the
following vehicle specific websites may also provide
detailed instructions for pairing with the brand of phone
that you have:

NOTE:

The following are general phone to UConnect™ System
pairing instructions:

www.chrysler.com/uconnect

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
9Setup Phone Pairing.9

•

When prompted, after the voice on beep, say 9Pair a
Phone.9

•

You will be asked to say a four-digit pin number which
you will later need to enter into your cellular. You can
enter any four-digit pin number. You will not need to
remember this pin number after the initial pairing
process.

•

The UConnect™ system will then prompt you to begin
the cellular phone pairing process on your cellular
phone. Before attempting to pair phone, please see
your cellular phone’s user manual (Bluetooth section)
for instructions on how to complete this step.

•

For identification purposes, you will be prompted to
give the UConnect™ system a name for your cellular
phone. Each cellular phone that is paired should be
given a unique phone name.

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72 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

•

You will then be asked to give your cellular phone a
priority level between 1 and 7, 1 being the highest
priority. You can pair up to seven cellular phones to
your UConnect™ system. However, at any given time,
only one cellular phone can be in use, connected to
your UConnect™ System. The priority allows the
UConnect™ system to know which cellular phone to
use if multiple cellular phones are in the vehicle at the
same time. For example, if priority 3 and priority 5
phones are present in the vehicle, the UConnect™
system will use the priority 3 cellular phone when you
make a call. You can select to use a lower priority
cellular phone at any time (refer to 9Advanced Phone
Connectivity9 section).

Dial by Saying a Number

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
9Dial.9

•

System will prompt you to say the number you want
call.

•

For example, you can say 9234-567-8901.9 The phone
number that you enter must be of valid length and
combination. The UConnect™ limits the user from
dialing invalid combination of numbers. For example,
234-567-890 is nine digits long, which is not a valid
phone number - the closest valid phone number has
ten digits.

•

The UConnect™ system will confirm the phone num­ber and then dial. The number will appear in the
display of certain radios.

Call by Saying a Name

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
9Call.9

•

System will prompt you to say the name of the person
you want call.

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
the name of the person you want to call. For example,

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 73

you can say 9John Doe,9 where John Doe is a previ­ously stored name entry in the UConnect™ phone­book. Refer to section 9Add Names to Your UCon­nect™ Phonebook,9 to learn how to store a name in the
phonebook.

•

The UConnect™ system will confirm the name and
then dial the corresponding phone number, which
may appear in the display of certain radios.

Add Names to Your UConnect™ Phonebook
NOTE:

when vehicle is not in motion.

•

•

•

Adding names to phonebook is recommended

Press the “Phone” button to begin.
After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say

9Phonebook New Entry.9
When prompted, say the name of the new entry. Use of

long names helps the voice recognition and is recom­mended. For example, say 9Robert Smith9 or 9Robert9
instead of 9Bob.9

•

When prompted, enter the number designation (e.g.:
9Home,99Work,99Mobile,9 or 9Pager9). This will allow
you to store multiple numbers for each phonebook
entry, if desired.

•

When prompted, recite the phone number for the
phonebook entry that you are adding.

After you are finished adding an entry into the phone­book, you will be given the opportunity to add more
phone numbers to the current entry or to return to the
main menu.

The UConnect™ system will allow you to enter up to 32
names in the phonebook with each name having up to
four associated phone numbers and designations.

Edit Entries in the UConnect™ Phonebook
NOTE:

when vehicle is not in motion.

•

•

Adding names to phonebook is recommended

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.
After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say

9Phonebook Edit.9

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74 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

•

You will then be asked for the name of the phonebook
entry that you wish to edit.

•

Next, choose the number designation (home, work,
mobile, or pager) that you wish to edit.

•

When prompted, recite the new phone number for the
phonebook entry that you are editing.

After you are finished editing an entry in the phonebook,
you will be given the opportunities to edit another entry
in the phonebook, call the number you just edited, or
return to the main menu.

9Phonebook Edit9 can be used to add another phone
number to a name entry that already exists in the
phonebook. For example, the entry John Doe may have a
mobile and a home number, but you can add John Doe’s
work number later using the 9Phonebook Edit9 feature.

Delete Entries in the UConnect™ Phonebook

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
9Phonebook Delete.9

•

After you enter the Phonebook Delete menu, you will
then be asked for the name of the entry that you wish
to delete. You can either say the name of a phonebook
entry that you wish to delete or you can say 9List
Names9 to hear a list of the entries in the phonebook
from which you choose. To select one of the entries
from the list, press the 9Voice Recognition9 button
while the UConnect™ system is playing the desired
entry and say 9Delete.9

•

After you enter the name, the UConnect™ system will
ask you which designation you wish to delete: home,
work, mobile or pager. Say the designation you wish
to delete.

Delete All Entries in the UConnect™ Phonebook

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
9Phonebook Erase All.9

•

The UConnect™ system will ask you to verify that you
wish to delete all the entries from the phonebook.

•

After confirmation, the phonebook entries will be
deleted.

List All Names in the UConnect™ Phonebook

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
9Phonebook List Names.9

•

The UConnect™ system will play the names of all the
phonebook entries.

•

To call one of the names in the list, press the 9Voice
Recognition’ button during the playing of the desired
name and say 9Call9. NOTE: the user can also exercise
9Edit9 or 9Delete9 operations at this point.

•

The UConnect™ system will then prompt you as to
number designation you wish to call.

•

The selected number will be dialed.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 75

Phone Call Features

The following features can be accessed through the
UConnect™ system if the feature(s) are available on your
cellular service plan. For example, if your cellular service
plan provides three-way calling, this feature can be
accessed through the UConnect™ system. Check with
your cellular service provider for the features that you
have.

Answer or Reject an Incoming Call - No Call
Currently in Progress

When you receive a call on your cellular phone, the
UConnect™ system will interrupt the vehicle audio
system, if on, and will ask if you would like to answer the
call. To reject the call, press and hold the ’Phone’ button
until you hear a single beep indicating that the incoming
call was rejected.

Answer or Reject an Incoming Call - Call
Currently in Progress

If a call is currently in progress and you have another
incoming call, you will hear the same network tones for
call waiting that you normally hear when using your cell
phone. Press the ’Phone’ button to place the current call

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76 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

on hold and answer the incoming call. NOTE: The
UConnect™ system compatible phones in market today
do not support rejecting an incoming call when another
call is in progress. Therefore, the user can only either
answer an incoming call or ignore it.

Making a Second Call while Current Call in
Progress

To make a second call while you are currently in a call,
press the ’Voice Recognition’ button and say 9Dial9 or
9Call9 followedby the phone number or phonebook entry
you wish to call. The first call will be on hold while the
second call is in progress. To go back to the first call, refer
to section 9Toggling Between Two Calls.9 To combine two
calls, refer to section 9Conference Call.9

Place / Retrieve a Call from Hold

To put a call on hold, press the ’Phone’ button until you
hear a single beep which will indicate that the call has
been placed on hold. To bring the call back from hold,
press and hold the ’Phone’ button for 1 to 3 seconds.

Toggling Between Calls

If two calls are in progress (one active and one on hold),
press the ’Phone’ button until you hear a single beep

indicating that the active and hold status of the two calls
have switched. Only one call can be placed on hold at one
time.

Conference Call

When two calls are in progress (one active and one on
hold), press and hold the ’Phone’ button until you hear a
double beep indicating that the two calls have been
joined into one conference call.

Three-Way Calling

To initiate three-way calling, press the ’Voice Recogni­tion’ button while a call is in progress and make a second
phone call as described in section 9Making a Second Call
while Current Call in Progress.9 After the second call has
established, press and hold the ’Phone’ button until you
hear a double beep indicating that the two calls have
been joined into one conference call.

Call Termination

To end a call in progress, momentarily press the ’Phone’
button. All active calls will be terminated.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 77

Redial

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
9Redial.9

•

The UConnect™ system will call the last number that
was dialed on your cellular phone. Note: this may not
be the last number dialed from the UConnect™ sys­tem.

Call Continuation

Call continuation is progression of a phone call on
UConnect™ system after the vehicle ignition key has
been switched to LOCK. Call continuation functionality
can be of three types:

•

After ignition key is switched to LOCK, a call can
continue on the UConnect™ system either until the
call ends or until the vehicle battery condition dictates
cessation of the call on the UConnect™ system and
transfer of the call to the mobile phone.

•

After ignition key is switched to LOCK, a call can
continue on the UConnect™ system for certain dura­tion, after which the call is automatically transferred
from the UConnect™ system to the mobile phone.

•

An active call is automatically transferred to the
mobile phone after ignition key is switched to LOCK
Vehicles, such as Pacifica, support this approach.

UConnect™ System Features

Language Selection

To change the language that the UConnect™ system is
using,

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
the name of the language you wish to switch to
(English, Espanol, or Francais, if so equipped).

•

Continue to follow the system prompts to complete
language selection.

After selecting one of the languages, all prompts and
voice commands will be in that language.

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78 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:

After every UConnect™ language change op­eration, you need to re-enter names to the phonebook
and re-pair (re-link) phone(s).

Emergency Assistance

If you are in an emergency and the mobile phone is
reachable:

•

Pick up the phone and manually dial the emergency
number for your area.

If the phone is not reachable and the UConnect™ system
is operational, you may reach the emergency number as
follows:

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
9Emergency9 and the UConnect™ system will instruct

the paired cellular phone to call the emergency num­ber. This feature is only supported in the USA.

NOTE:

The UConnect™ system does slightly lower
your chances of successfully making a phone call as to
that for the cell phone directly.

Your phone must be turned on and paired to the
UConnect™ system to allow use of this vehicle feature
in emergency situations when the cell phone has
network coverage and stays paired to the UConnect™
system.

Towing Assistance

If you need towing assistance,

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
9Towing Assistance.9

Please refer to the 24-Hour Towing Assistance coverage
details in the DaimlerChrysler Corporation 24-Hour
Towing Assistance Program Guide.

Paging

To learn how to page, refer to section 9Working with
Automated Systems.9 Paging works properly except for
pagers of certain companies which timeout a little too
soon to work properly with the UConnect™ system.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 79

Voice Mail Calling

To learn how to access your voice mail, refer to section
9Working with Automated Systems.9

Working with Automated Systems

This method is designed to be used in instances where
one generally has to press numbers on the cellular phone
keypad while navigating through an automated tele­phony system.

You can use your UConnect™ system to access a voice­mail system or an automated service, such as, paging
service or automated customer service. Some services
require immediate response selection, in some instances,
that may be too quick for use of UConnect™ system.

When calling a number with your UConnect™ system
that normally requires you to enter in a touch-tone
sequence on your cellular phone keypad, you can push
the ’Voice Recognition’ button and say the sequence you
wish to enter followed by the word 9Send.9 For example,
if required to enter your pin number followed with a
pound3746#,youcanpressthe’Voice Recognition’
button and say 93746#Send.9 Saying a number, or
sequence of numbers, followed by 9Send9 is also to be

used to navigate through an automated customer service
center menu structure and to leave a number on a pager.

Barge In - Overriding Prompts

The ’Voice Recognition’ button can be used when you
wish to skip part of a prompt and issue your voice
recognition command immediately. For example, if a
prompt is playing 9Would you like to pair a phone, clear
a{,9 you could press the ’Voice Recognition’ button and
say 9Pair a Phone9 to select that option without having to
listen to the rest of the voice prompt.

Turning Confirmation Prompts On/Off

Turning confirmation prompts off will stop the system
from confirming your choices (e.g. the UConnect™ sys­tem will not repeat a phone number before you dial it).

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
9Setup Confirmations.9 The UConnect™ system will

play the current confirmation prompt status and you
will be given the choice to change it.

Voice Confirmation Prompts are also customer program­mable through the Electronic Vehicle Information Center

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80 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

— If Equipped. Refer to “Personal Settings” in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center section of this
manual for details.

Phone and Network Status Indicators

The UConnect™ system will provide notification to
inform you if your cellular phone is in roaming status,
has low signal strength, or has a low battery when you
are trying to place a phone call.

Dialing Using the Cellular Phone Keypad

You can dial a phone number with your cellular phone
keypad and still use the UConnect™ system (while
dialing via the cell phone keypad, the user must exercise
caution and take precautionary safety measures). By
dialing a number with your paired Bluetooth™ cellular
phone, the audio will be played through your vehicle’s
audio system. The UConnect™ system will work the
same as if you dial the number using voice recognition.

NOTE:

Certain brands of mobile phones do not send
the dial ring to the UConnect™ system to play it on the
vehicle audio system, so you will not hear it. Under this
situation, after successfully dialing a number, the user

may feel that the call did not go through even though the
call is in progress. Once your call is answered, you will
hear the audio.

Mute/Un-mute (Mute off)

When you mute the UConnect™ system, you will still be
able to hear the conversation coming from the other
party, but the other party will not be able to hear you. In
order to mute the UConnect™ system:

•

Press the ’Voice Recognition’ button.

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
9Mute.9

In order to un-mute the UConnect™ system:

•

Press the ’Voice Recognition’ button.

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
9Mute-off.9

Information Service

When using AT&T Wireless Service, dialing to phone
number 9#121,9 you can access voice activated automated
system to receive news, weather, stocks, traffic, etc.
related information.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 81

Advanced Phone Connectivity

Transfer Call to and from Cellular Phone

The UConnect™ system allows on going calls to be
transferred to your cellular phone to the UConnect™
system without terminating the call. To transfer an ongo­ing call from your UConnect™ paired cellular phone to
the UConnect™ system or vice-versa, press the ’Voice
Recognition’ button and say 9Transfer Call.9

Connect or Disconnect Link Between the
UConnect™ System and Cellular Phone

Your cellular phone can be paired with many different
electronic devices, but can only be actively 9connected9
with one electronic device at a time.

If you would like to connect or disconnect the Blue­tooth™ connection between a UConnect™ paired cellular
phone and the UConnect™ system, follow the instruction
described in your cellular phone user’s manual.

List Paired Cellular Phone Names

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
9Setup List Phones9.

•

When prompted, say 9List Phones9.

•

The UConnect™ system will play the phone names of
all paired cellular phones in order from the highest to
the lowest priority.

Select another Cellular Phone

This feature allows you to select and start using another
phone with the UConnect™ system. The phone must
have been previously paired to the UConnect™ system
that you want to use it with.

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
9Setup Select Phone.9

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82 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

•

When prompted, say the phone name of the cellular
phone you wish to use, or say 9List Phones9 to hear a
list of all the phones that have been paired to your
UConnect™ system. To select a phone from the list,
press the ’Voice Recognition’ button and say 9Select.9

•

A lower priority phone will only be used for the next
phone call. After that, the UConnect™ system will
return to using the highest priority phone present in or
near (approximately with in 30 feet) the vehicle.

Delete UConnect™ Paired Cellular Phones

Things You Should Know About Your UConnect™
System

Voice Recognition (VR)

Always wait for the beep before speaking.

•

•

Speak normally, without pausing, just as you would
speak to a person sitting approximately eight (8) feet
away from you.

•

Make sure that no one other than you is speaking
during a voice recognition period.

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
9Setup Phone Pairing.9

•

At the next prompt, say 9Delete.9

•

You will be asked to say the name of the phone that
you wish to delete. You can either say the name of the
phone that you wish to delete or you can say 9All9 to
delete all the phones.

•

Performance is maximized under:

•

low-to-medium blower setting,

•

low-to-medium vehicle speed,

•

low road noise,

•

smooth road surface,

•

fully closed windows,

•

dry weather condition.

•

Even though the system is designed for users speaking
in North American English and Spanish accents, the
system may not always work for some.

•

When navigating through an automated system, such
as, voice mail, or when sending a page, at the end of
speaking the digit string, make sure to say 9send.9

•

Storing names in phonebook when vehicle is not in
motion is recommended.

•

It is not recommended to store similar sounding
names in the UConnect™ phonebook.

•

UConnect™ phonebook name tag recognition rate is
optimized for the person who stored the name in the
phonebook.

•

You can say 9O9 (letter 9O9) for 909 (zero). 98009 must be
spoken 9eight-zero-zero.9

•

Even though international dialing for most number
combinations is supported, some shortcut dialing
number combinations may not be supported.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 83

Far End Audio Performance:

Audio quality is maximized under:

•

•

low-to-medium blower setting,

•

low-to-medium vehicle speed,

•

low road noise,

•

smooth road surface,

•

fully closed windows, and

•

dry weather condition.

•

Operation from driver seat.

•

Performance, such as, audio clarity, echo. and loud­ness to a large degree, rely on the phone and network,
and not the UConnect™ system.

•

Echo at far end can sometime be reduced by lowering
the in-vehicle audio volume.

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84 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Bluetooth Communication Link

Cellular phones have been found to occasionally loose
connection to the UConnect™ system. When this hap­pens, the connection can generally be re-established by
switching the phone off/on. Your cell phone is recom­mended to remain in Bluetooth 9on9 mode.

Reset

In rare instances, it may be necessary to reset the UCon­nect™ system. The reset feature is exercised by pressing

and holding the ’UConnect™ ’ and ’Voice Recognition’
buttons simultaneously for 15 seconds. Normally, you do
not need to exercise this feature.

Power-Up

After switching ignition key from LOCK to either ON or
ACC position, or after a reset, you must wait at least five
(5) seconds prior to using the system.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 85

3

86 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 87

3

88 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

REAR PARK ASSIST SYSTEM— IF EQUIPPED

This system is used to help drivers determine if an
obstacle is in the way of the vehicle while it is backing up
in addition to the use of inside rearview and outside
mirrors.

When the driver selects Reverse or Neutral the system
scans for objects behind the vehicle using four sensors
located in the rear bumper. Objects can be detected from
up to 71 inches (180 cm). A warning display above the
rear window provides both visible and audible warnings
indicating the range of the object.

WARNING!

Drivers must be careful when backing up even when
using the Rear Park Assist System. Always check
carefully behind your vehicle, look behind you, and
be sure to check for pedestrians, other vehicles,
obstructions, and blind spots before backing up.
Failure to do so can result in serious personal injury
or death.

The display contains two sets of yellow and red LEDs
that can be viewed from the driver seat using the rear
view mirror. Each side of the vehicle has its own warning
LEDs. The system provides a visual warning by illumi­nating one or more yellow LEDs as the vehicle gets closer
to the object. As the vehicle continues to approaches the
object, one red LED is illuminated and the system emits
a series of short beeps. The tone will remain constant and
both red LEDs are illuminated once the vehicle is within
12 inches (30.5 cm) of the object.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 89

NOTE:

The Rear Park Assist System displays the outer
most yellow LED’s at a slightly dimmer level to indicate
that the system is ON.

NOTE:

When an audio tone is indicated by the Rear
Park Assist display the system will MUTE the radio if it
is turned on.

The system can be turned on or off through the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) when the vehicle is in
PARK. Refer to “Personal Settings” in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center section of this manual for
details.

NOTE:

•

Ensure that the rear bumper is free of dirt and debris
to keep the system operating properly.

•

Jackhammers, large trucks, and other vibrations could
affect the performance of the system.

If “Service Park Assist System” appears in the EVIC after
making sure the rear bumper is clean please see your
authorized dealer.

SEATS
Power Seats

The power seat switch is on the outboard side of the seat
near the floor. Use this switch to move the driver’s seat
up or down, forward or rearward, or to tilt the seat. The
passenger’s seat will move up or down, forward or
rearward.

Power Seat Switch

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90 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

Adjusting a seat while the vehicle is moving is
dangerous. The sudden movement of the seat could
cause you to lose control. The seat belt might not be
properly adjusted and you could be injured. Adjust
the seat only while the vehicle is parked.

CAUTION!

Do not place any article under a power seat as it may
cause damage to the seat controls.

Power Reclining Seats

The recliner control is on the outboard side of the seat.

Power Seat Recline Switch

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 91

WARNING!

Do not ride with the seatback reclined so that the
shoulder belt is no longer resting against your chest.
In a collision you could slide under the seat belt and
be seriously or even fatally injured. Use the recliner
only when the vehicle is parked.

Lumbar Support

This feature allows you to increase or decrease the
amount of lumbar support. Turn the control lever for­ward to increase and rearward to decrease the desired
amount of lumbar support.

3

Lumbar Support Control Lever

92 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Heated Seats—If Equipped

Heated seats, which are available only with leather
upholstery, provide comfort and warmth on cold days
and can help soothe sore muscles and backs. The heaters
provide the same heat level for both cushion and back.
The front driver’s and passenger seats are heated. The
controls for each heater are located near the bottom
center of the instrument panel. After turning on the
ignition, you can choose from High, Off, or Low heat
settings. Amber LEDs in the top portion of each switch
indicate the level of heat in use. Two LEDs are illumi­nated for high, one for low, and none for off. Pressing the
switch once will select high-level heating.

Heated Seat Switch

Pressing the switch a second time will select low-level
heating. Pressing the switch a third time will shut the
heating elements off.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 93

When high-temperature heating is selected, the heaters
provide a boosted heat level during the first four minutes
of operation after heating is activated. The heat output
then drops to the normal high-temperature level. If
high-level heating is selected, the system will automati­cally switch to the low level after two hours of continu­ous operation. At that time, the number of illuminated
LEDs changes from two to one, indicating the change.
Operation on the low setting also turns off automatically
after two hours.

NOTE:

Once a heat setting is selected, heat will be felt

within two to five minutes.

Memory Feature—If Equipped

This feature allows the driver to store up to two memory
profiles. Each memory profile will include the seat, side
mirror, adjustable pedal (if equipped), power tilt and
telescopic steering column (if equipped) settings as well
as radio station presets.

The memory feature switch is located on the driver’s
door panel. The memory switch allows the driver to
recall one of two pre-programmed memory profiles.

3

Memory Switch

To Set The Memory Feature:

1. Adjust all memory profile settings to desired prefer­ences. i.e. seat, side mirror, adjustable pedal (if
equipped), power tilt and telescopic steering column (if
equipped) settings as well as the radio presets.

94 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

2. Press and release the Set (S) button on the memory
seat switch, then press button 1 within 5 seconds. The
radio display will show which memory position is being
set.

3. A second memory profile can also be stored in the
vehicle memory. Begin by pressing 2 on the memory
switch for driver 2. Adjust settings to desired positions,
press Set (S) button, then press button 2 within 5 seconds.

Each time the Set and a numbered button are pressed, the
old memory is erased, and a new one is stored.

NOTE:

Memory positions can be set without the ve­hicle in Park, but the vehicle must be in Park to recall a
memory position. The Recall Memory with Remote Key
Unlock feature must be turned on using the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to Electronic
Vehicle Information Center in this manual for details.

Programming the Remote Keyless Transmitter for
the Memory Feature

Your remote transmitter can be programmed to return to
a memory profile when the Unlock button is pressed and
released.

To program your transmitters, perform the following:

1. Insert the key into the ignition and turn the key to the
Run position.

2. Select desired memory profile 1 or 2.

3. Press and release the Set (S) button on the memory
seat switch, then press and release button 1 or 2.
9Memory Profile Set” (1or 2) will be displayed in the
instrument cluster on vehicles equipped with the Elec­tronic Vehicle Information Center.

4. Press and release the Lock button on the transmitter
within 10 seconds.

NOTE:

Your transmitters may be unlinked to your
memory settings by pressing the Unlock button on the
transmitter in step 4 above. On vehicles equipped with an
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (Optional), these
functions can be selected at the EVIC using the Personal
Settings (Customer Programmable Features). Refer to
Electronic Vehicle Information Center — “Personal Set­tings” for details. When newly purchased (or replace­ment) transmitters are programmed into the vehicle, the
first transmitter trained will be associated with memory

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 95

setting 1, and the second transmitter trained will be
associated with memory setting 2. Additional transmit­ters will not be associated with a memory setting.

Driver’s Seat Glide –To – Exit Feature — If
Equipped

This feature provides ease of entry and exit for the driver
by moving the driver’s seat approximately 2–1/8 inches
(55mm) rearward on exit and the same distance forward
after entry, provided that the seat is not in the full
rearward position.

After entry, the seat will return to its previously set
position after one of the following occurs:

•

The ignition switch is turned on

•

The seatbelt is fastened (the seat moves when the seat
belt buckle is buckled.)

The seat moves when the seat belt buckle is buckled.

This feature can be turned off by performing the follow­ing procedure:

1. Press and hold the Set (S) button on the memory seat
switch (located on the driver’s door panel).

2. Move the horizontal seat switch rearward.

3. Release the Set (S) button and the horizontal seat
switch.

During exit, the seat will move rearward from the set
position when the key is removed from the ignition
providing that the seat is not in the full rearward
position.

This feature can be turned on or off by performing the
following procedure.

1. Press and hold the Set (S) button.

2. Move the horizontal seat switch rearward.

3

96 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

3. Release the Set (S) button and the horizontal seat
switch.

NOTE:

The glide feature is only available on the

driver’s seat.

NOTE:

On vehicles equipped with an EVIC (Electronic
Vehicle Information Center — Optional), these functions
can be selected at the EVIC using the Personal Settings
(Customer Programmable Features). Refer to Electronic
Vehicle Information Center — Personal Settings for de­tails.

Head Restraints

Head restraints can reduce the risk of whiplash injury in
the event of impact from the rear. Adjustable restraints
should be adjusted so that the upper edge is as high as
practical.

The head restraints have a locking button which must be
pushed in to lower the head restraint. The restraints may
be raised without pushing in the button.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 97

Folding Rear Seat

The rear seatbacks can be folded forward to provide an
additional storage area. Pull on the loops shown in the
illustration to fold down either or both seatbacks. These
loops can be tucked away when not in use.

When the seat back is folded to the upright position make
sure it is latched by strongly pulling on the top of the seat
back above the seat strap.

WARNING!

The cargo area in the rear of the vehicle (with the
rear seatbacks in the locked-up or folded down
position) should not be used as a play area by
children when the vehicle is in motion. They could
be seriously injured in an accident. Children should
be seated and using the proper restraint system.

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98 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

ADJUSTABLE PEDALS — IF EQUIPPED

This feature allows both the brake and accelerator pedals
to move toward or away from the driver to provide
improved position with the steering wheel. The adjust­able pedal system is designed to allow a greater range of
driver comfort for steering wheel tilt and seat position.
The switch is located on the front side of the driver’s seat
cushion side shield.

Adjustable Pedal Switch

Press the switch forward to move the pedals forward
(toward the front of the vehicle).

Press the switch rearward to move the pedals rearward
(toward the driver).

•

The pedals can be adjusted with the ignition OFF.

•

The pedals can be adjusted while driving.

•

The pedals cannot be adjusted when the vehicle is in R
(Reverse) or when the Speed Control is ON. If the
vehicle is equipped with memory seats a message will
be displayed in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) if the pedals are attempted to be ad­justed when the system is locked out (“Adjustable
Pedal Disabled — Cruise Control Engaged” or “Ad­justable Pedal Disabled — Vehicle In Reverse”).

NOTE:

If your vehicle is equipped with memory seat
feature, your remote keyless entry transmitter or memory
seat buttons on the driver’s door panel can be used to
recall the adjustable pedals to saved positions. Refer to
the “Seats” section for details.

CAUTION!

Do not place any article under the adjustable pedals
or impede its ability to move as it may cause damage
to the pedal controls. Pedal travel may become
limited if movement is stopped by an obstruction in
the adjustable pedal’s path.

TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD

Two latches must be released to open the hood. First, pull
the hood release lever located under the left side of the
instrument panel.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 99

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100 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Next, move to the outside of the vehicle and push the
safety catch to the left. The safety catch is located under
the center front edge of the hood.

Use the hood prop rod to secure the hood in the open
position.

To prevent possible damage, do not slam the hood to
close it. Lower the hood until it is open approximately 6
inches (15 cm) and then drop it. This should secure both
latches. Never drive your vehicle unless the hood is fully
closed, with both latches engaged.

WARNING!

If the hood is not fully latched, it could fly up when
the vehicle is moving and block your forward vision.
You could have a collision. Be sure all hood latches
are fully latched before driving.