Chrysler PT Cruiser 2005 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

..............................63

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

.................................................193

..............................................245

...............................................261

..................................................315

.........................................339

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

INDEX

....................................................................349

10

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1

䡵 Introduction ...........................4

䡵 How To Use This Manual ..................4

䡵 Warnings And Cautions ...................6

䡵 Vehicle Identification Number ...............6

䡵 Vehicle Modifications / Alterations ...........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 you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.

When it comes to service, remember that your dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni­cians and genuine Mopar威 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

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the
driver’s front corner of the instrument panel, visible
through the windshield. This number also appears on the
vehicle registration or title.

Vehicle Identification Number

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

䡵 A Word About Your Keys ..................12

▫ Ignition Key Removal ...................12

▫ Locking Doors With The Key ..............14

▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................14

䡵 Sentry Key ............................14

▫ Replacement Keys ......................16

▫ Sentry Key Programming .................16

▫ General Information ....................17

䡵 Steering Wheel Lock — If Equipped ..........17

2

▫ If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering

Wheel ..............................17

▫ To Release The Steering Wheel Lock .........17

▫ Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System . .18

䡵 Door Locks ............................18

▫ Manual Door Locks .....................18

▫ Power Door Locks — If Equipped ..........19

▫ Central Locking/Unlocking — If Equipped ....20

▫ Automatic Door Locks — If Equipped .......20

10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫ “Child-Protection” Door Lock System

(Rear Doors) ..........................21

䡵 Remote Keyless Entry — If Equipped .........22

▫ To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate ..........22

▫ To Lock The Doors .....................23

▫ Horn Chirp Feature .....................23

▫ Using The Panic Alarm ..................23

▫ To Program Transmitters .................24

▫ General Information ....................24

▫ Transmitter Battery Service ...............25

䡵 Security Alarm System — If Equipped .........26

▫ To Set The Alarm ......................26

▫ To Disarm The System ...................27

▫ Security System Manual Override ...........27

䡵 Liftgate ...............................28

䡵 Emergency Seat Back Release ...............29

䡵 Power Windows ........................31

▫ Auto Down Feature ....................32

▫ Rear Window Switches ..................32

▫ Wind Buffeting ........................33

䡵 Occupant Restraints ......................33

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................34

▫ Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ....40

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .....40

▫ Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................42

▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............43

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

▫ Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental

Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag ............43

▫ Child Restraint ........................52

䡵 Engine Break-In Recommendations ...........60

䡵 Safety Tips ............................61

▫ Exhaust Gas ..........................61

▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The

Vehicle ..............................61

▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make

Outside The Vehicle ....................62

2

12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS

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.

The double sided keys
may be inserted into the
locks with either side up.

Vehicle Key

Ignition Key Removal

Automatic Transaxle

Place the shift lever in PARK and make sure that the shift
knob push button has returned to the out position. Turn
the ignition switch to the OFF position, then to the LOCK
position, and remove the key.

Ignition Key Positions

NOTE: If you try to remove the key before you place the

lever in PARK, the key may become trapped temporarily
in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the key to the
right slightly, then remove the key as described. If a
malfunction occurs, the system will trap the key in the
ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety feature is
inoperable. The engine can be started and stopped but
the key cannot be removed until you obtain service.

Manual Transaxle

Depress and hold the release button located between the
ignition switch and the instrument panel. Turn the igni­tion switch to the LOCK position and remove the key.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

2

Ignition Key Release Button

14 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.

Locking Doors With The Key

You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key rearward, to unlock the door, turn the
key forward. See Section 7 of this manual for door lock
lubrication.

Key-In-Ignition Reminder

Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition,
sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.

NOTE: With the driver’s door open, and the key in the
ignition, the power door locks will not function.

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

chip (transponder) embedded into them. Only keys that
have been programmedto the vehicle can be usedto 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.

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 cause a key-related (transpon­der) fault unless the additional part is physically 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.

2

16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Replacement Keys

NOTE: Only keys that have been programmed to the
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.

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

Sentry Key Programming

You can program new 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

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 TheftAlarm Light
will stop flashing, turn on for 3 seconds; then turn off.

The new Sentry Key has been programmed.
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.

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.

STEERING WHEEL LOCK — IF EQUIPPED

Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering
wheel lock. This lock prevents steering the vehicle with­out the ignition key. If the steering wheel is moved no
more than 1/2 turn in either direction and the key is not
in the ignition switch, the steering wheel will lock.

If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering
Wheel:

With the engine running, turn the steering wheel upside
down, turn off the engine and remove the key. Turn the
steering wheel slightly in either direction until the lock
engages.

To Release The Steering Wheel Lock:

Insert the key in the ignition switch and start the engine.
If the key is difficult to turn, move the wheel slightly to
the right or left to disengage the lock.

2

18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to
disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.

Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System

This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK and the shift knob push-button
is out. It also prevents shifting out of PARK unless the
key is in the OFF, or ON positions.

DOOR LOCKS

Manual Door Locks

Use the manual door lock plunger to lock the doors from
inside the vehicle. If the plunger is down when the door
is closed, the door will lock. Therefore, make sure the
keys are not inside the vehicle before closing the door.

Door Lock Plunger

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19

WARNING!

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.

CAUTION!

An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves.
Always remove the key from the ignition and lock
all of the doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.

Power Door Locks — If Equipped

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

2

Power Door Lock Switch

20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Central Locking/Unlocking — If Equipped

All vehicle doors and liftgate are locked with the first
turn of the key to the LOCK position. The double unlock
activation feature requires you to turn the key in the
cylinder lock two times within five seconds to UNLOCK
all vehicle doors and liftgate at once. You may turn this
feature off and unlock all the doors and liftgate with one
turn of the key by following these instructions.

NOTE: Steps 2 and 3 must be completed within 10
seconds.

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

2. Cycle the ignition switch ON/OFF four times ending
in the OFF position.

3. Press the interior door lock switch to the UNLOCK
position.

4. A single chime will sound to signify that you have
successfully disabled the double activation feature.

You can turn the feature back on by repeating the above
mentioned procedure.

Automatic Door Locks — If Equipped

The doors will lock automatically if:

1. all doors are closed,

2. vehicle speed is above 15 mph (24 km/h),

3. the accelerator pedal is depressed.
The Automatic Door Locks can be enabled or disabled by

performing the following procedure:
NOTE: Steps 2 and 3 must be completed within 10

seconds.

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21

2. Cycle the ignition switch ON/OFF four times ending
in the OFF position.

3. Press the interior door lock switch to the LOCK
position.

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

You can turn the feature back on by repeating the above
mentioned procedure.

“Child-Protection” Door Lock System (Rear
Doors)

To provide a safer environment for children riding in the
rear seat, the rear doors have the “child-protection” door
lock system.

To use the system, open each rear door and move the
control UP to engage. When the system on a door is
engaged, that door can only be opened by using the
outside door handle even if the inside door lock is in the
unlocked position.

Child Lock Control

2

22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

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

NOTE: For emergency exit with the system engaged,

move the lock plunger up (unlocked position), roll down
window and open the door with the outside door handle.

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY — IF EQUIPPED

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

Three Button Transmitter

To Unlock The Doors and Liftgate:

Press and release the UNLOCK button on the key fob
once to unlock the driver’s door, or twice within five
seconds to unlock all doors and liftgate, the park lights
will also flash twice. The interior lights also come on and
remain on for about 30 seconds when you unlock the
doors.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23

NOTE: You may turn off this feature and unlock all
doors with one press of the button by following the
procedure shown in the Central Locking/Unlocking
paragraph.

To Lock The Doors:

Press and release the LOCK button to lock all doors and
liftgate. The park lights will flash and the horn will chirp
to acknowledge the signal.

Horn Chirp Feature

The horn chirp that signals that the doors have been
locked can be turned on or off by using the following
procedure:

1. Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn the
switch to the ON position.

2. Press and hold the Unlock button on the transmitter
for between four and ten seconds.

3. Continue to hold the Unlock button and press the
Lock button.

4. Release both buttons.
A chime will sound to signify that the process is com-

plete.

Using The Panic Alarm:

To turn on the panic alarm feature, press and release the
PANIC button. 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
press the PANIC button a second time, or until vehicle
speed reaches 15 mph (24 km/h).

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.

2

24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To Program Transmitters

Up to four transmitters can be programmed to your
vehicle. Your new vehicle was shipped with two trans­mitters. See your dealer for additional transmitters

Additional transmitters can be programmed to the sys­tem by using the following procedure:

1. Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn the
switch to the ON position.

2. Press and hold the Unlock button on the transmitter
between four and ten seconds.

3. Continue to hold the Unlock button and press the
Panic button. A chime will sound to indicate that the
transmitter programming mode has been entered.

4. Press a button on all transmitters to be programmedto
the system, including any previously programmed trans­mitters. A chime will sound when each transmitter has
been programmed.

5. Turn the ignition switch off to exit the transmitter
programming mode.

General Information

This device 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.

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

1. Weak batteries in transmitter. The expected life of
batteries is from one to two 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 2016 or its
equivalent.

NOTE: Do not touch the battery terminals that are on
the back housing or the printed circuit board.

1. With the transmitter buttons facing down, use a thin
coin to pry the two halves of the transmitter apart. Make
sure not to damage the rubber gasket during removal.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25

2

Separating Transmitter Halves

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

26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

3. To reassemble the transmitter case snap two halves
together. Make sure there is an even gap between the two
halves. Test transmitter operation.

SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED

The system monitors the doors, liftgate, and ignition
switch for unauthorized operation.

If something triggers the alarm, the system will signal for
about 18 minutes. For the first 3 minutes the horn will
sound and the headlights, park lights, tail lights and the
indicator light in the cluster will flash. Then the exterior
lights will flash for another 15 minutes.

If the monitored system, which triggered the alarm is
deactivated the alarm will continue to sound until 3
minutes of alarm time is reached. If the monitored
system, which triggered the alarm is deactivated after the
alarm has been on for 3 minutes the alarm will shut off
immediately.

To set the alarm:

1. Remove the keys from the ignition switch and get out
of the vehicle.

2. Lock the door using either the door key, power door
lock switch, orthe Keyless Entry Transmitter and close all
doors.

3. The indicator light in the instrument cluster will flash
rapidly for 16 seconds. This shows that the system is
arming. During this period, if a door is opened, the
ignition switch is turned ON, or the power door locks are
unlocked in any manner, the system will automatically
disarm. After 16 seconds the indicator light will flash
slowly. This shows that the system is fully armed.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27

To disarm the system:

Unlock a front door/liftgate using either the key or the
Keyless Entry Transmitter.

Starting the vehicle with a valid Sentry key will disarm
the system. Avalid key is one that is programmed to that
particular vehicle. A valid key will disarm the system, an
invalid key will trigger the alarm.

Tamper Alert

If the horn sounds 3 times when you unlock a front door
using either a key or the Keyless Entry Transmitter, the
alarm has been activated. Check the vehicle for tamper­ing.

Security System Manual Override

The system will not arm if you lock the doors using the
manual door lock plunger.

2

Door Lock Plunger

28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

LIFTGATE

NOTE: The key that is used to start the vehicle is also
used to lock or unlock the doors and open the liftgate.

To unlock the liftgate, insert the key into the lock and
turn to the right. The liftgate can also be unlocked using
the remote keyless entry or by activating the power door
lock switches located on the front doors. The central
locking/unlocking feature (if equipped) can also be acti­vated from the liftgate key cylinder.

Once unlocked, the liftgate can be opened or closed
without using the key. To open the liftgate, squeeze the
liftgate release touch pad located on the backside of the
liftgate handle and pull the liftgate open with one fluid
motion.

Liftgate Handle

NOTE: In the event of a power malfunction, or the

remote transmitter is inoperative, insert the key into the
liftgate lock cylinder and turn to the right. Using the
liftgate handle, pull the liftgate open with one fluid
motion.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29

WARNING!

•

Driving with the liftgate open can allow poison­ous exhaust gases into your vehicle. You and your
passengers could be injured by these fumes. Keep
the liftgate closed when you are operating the
vehicle.

•

If you are required to drive with the liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.

Gas props support the liftgate in the open position.
However, because the gas pressure drops with tempera­ture, it may be necessary to assist the props when
opening the liftgate in cold weather.

EMERGENCY SEAT BACK RELEASE

WARNING!

2

Do not allow children to have access to the liftgate
area with the rear shelf panel in position 1 (Top) or
position 2 (Middle), either by climbing into the
liftgate from outside, or through the inside of the
vehicle. Always close the liftgate when your vehicle
is unattended. Once in the liftgate area, young chil­dren may not be able to escape, even if they entered
through the rear seat. If trapped in the liftgate,
children can die from suffocation or heat stroke.

30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

As a security measure, a Seat Back Emergency Release
lever is built into the left side rear seat back latching
mechanism. In the event of an individual being locked
inside the liftgate area with the rear shelf panel in
position 1 (Top) or position 2 (Middle), the left side rear
seat back can be unlatched by pulling down on the
glow-in-the-dark lever attached to the left rear seat back
latching mechanism.

Emergency Trunk Lid

Once unlatched the seat back can be pushed forward to
gain access into the interior of the vehicle.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 31

NOTE: Make sure that the elastic loop is around the
emergency release handle at all times. If the handle is
pulled downward, entirely through the elastic loop, the
handle will not return to its original position and the seat
back may not operate properly.

POWER WINDOWS

The power window switches are located on the instru­ment panel above the A/C controls. The top left switch
controls the left front window and the top right switch
controls the right front window.

The lower left switch controls the left rear passenger’s
window and the lower right switch controls the right rear
passenger’s window.

The window lock switch located between the window
switches allows you to disable the rear window switches
that are located at the back of the center floor console.

2

Power Window Switches

32 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

Never leave children in a vehicle, with the keys in
the ignition switch. Occupants, particularly unat­tended children, can become entrapped by the win­dows while operating the power window switches.
Such entrapment may result in serious injury or
death.

Auto Down Feature

The driver’s and passenger’s front window switches
have an autodown feature. Pressthe window switch past
the detent, release, and the window will go down auto­matically. Press the switch a second time in either direc­tion to stop the window.

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

Rear Window Switches

There are also rear passenger window switches located at
the rear of the center console near the floor.

Rear Power Window Switches

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 33

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.

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
equipped, side airbags for both the driver and front
passenger. If you will be carrying children too small for

adult-size seat belts, your seat belts or the LATCH feature
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.

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.

2

34 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 that 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 the seats in your vehicle are equipped with Lap/
Shoulder Belts.

The belt webbing retractor is designed to lock during
very sudden stops or collisions. 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 the risk of your striking the inside of the
vehicle or being thrown out.

WARNING!

•

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision,
people riding in these areas are more likely to be
seriously injured or killed.

•

Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat
belts.

•

Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 35

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 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 seat.

2

36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Latch Plate

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

Latch Plate To Buckle

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37

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
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.

Removing Slack From Belt

2

38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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.

• A twisted 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.).

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39

Rear Center Lap/Shoulder Belt Retractor Lock-Out

This feature is designed to lock the retractor whenever
the rear seat back is not fully latched. This prevents
someone from wearing the rear center lap/shoulder belt
when the rear seat back is not fully latched.

NOTE:

•

If the rear center lap/shoulder belt can not be pulled
out, check that the rear seat back is fully latched.

•

If the rear seat back is properly latched and the rear
center lap/shoulder belt still can not be pulled out, the
Automatic-Locking Retractor (ALR) system may be
activated. To reset this feature you must let all of the
belt webbing return into the retractor. You will not be
able to pull out more webbing until all of the webbing
has been returned back into the retractor.

WARNING!

The rear center lap/shoulder belt is equipped with a
lock-out feature to ensure that the rear seat back is in
the fully upright and locked position when occu­pied. If the rear seat back is not fully upright and
locked and the rear center lap/shoulder belt can be
pulled out of the retractor, the vehicle should imme­diately be taken to your dealer for service. Failure to
follow this warning could result in serious or fatal
injury.

2

40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage

In the front seat, the shoulder belt can be adjusted
upward or downward to position the belt away from
your neck. Push up or down on the anchorage button to
release the anchorage, and move it up or down to the
position that serves you best.

Adjusting Upper Shoulder Belt

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.

Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure

Use the following procedure to untwist a twisted lap/
shoulder belt.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41

1. Position the latch plate as close as possible to the
anchor point.

Positioning Latch Plate

2. At about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) above the latch
plate, grasp and twist the belt webbing 180° to create a
fold that begins immediately above the latch plate.

2

Creating A Fold

42 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

3. Slide the latch plate upward over the folded webbing.
The folded webbing must enter the slot at the top of the
latch plate.

Sliding The Latch Plate

4. Continue to slide the latch plate up until it clears the
folded webbing.

Seat Belt Pretensioners

The seat belts for both front seating positions are
equipped with pretensioningdevices that are designed to
remove slack from the seat belt in the event of a collision.
These devices improve the performance of the seat belt
by assuring that the belt is tight about the occupant early
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 front 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.

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.

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

This vehicle has airbags for both the driver and front
passenger as a supplement to the seat belt restraint
systems. The driver’s front 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43

2

Front Airbag Components

NOTE: The front airbags are certified to the Federal

regulations that allow less forceful deployment.

44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If the vehicle is equipped with side airbags, they are
located inside the driver and front passenger seats, and
their covers are also labeled SRS AIRBAG.

Side Airbags

WARNING!

•

Do not put anything on or around the 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 side airbags, do
not use accessory seat covers or place objects
between you and the side airbags; the perfor­mance could be adversely affected and/or objects
could be pushed into you, causing serious injury.

•

If your vehicle is equipped with side airbags, do
not attach cup holders or any other objects on or
around the door. The inflating side airbag could
drive the object into occupants, causing serious
injury.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45

Airbags inflate in moderate to high speed impacts.Along
with seat belts and pretensioners, front airbags work with
the instrument panel knee bolsters to provide improved
protection forthe driver and front passenger.Side 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 in moderate to
severe frontal collisions. If your vehicle is equipped, the
side airbag on the crash side of the vehicle is triggered in
moderate to severe side collisions. In certain types of
collisions, both the front and side airbags may be trig­gered. But even in collisions where the airbags work, you
need the seat belts to keep you in the right position for
the airbags to protect you properly.

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 always ride

buckled up in a rear seat.

Infants in rear facing child restraints should NEVER ride
in the front seat of avehicle with a passengerfront airbag.
An airbag deployment can 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 Restraints) should
be secured in the rear seat in child restraints or belt­positioning booster seats. Older children who do not use
child restraints or belt-positioning 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. Refer to the section on Child Restraint.

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

2

46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

2. All occupants should wear their lap and shoulder
belts properly.

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

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

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 front 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 side airbags, they also need
room to inflate. Do not lean against the door. Sit
upright in the center of the seat.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47

The front airbag system consists of the following:

•

Front Airbag Control Module (ACM)

•

AIRBAG Readiness Light

•

Driver and Passenger Front Airbag/Inflator Units

•

Unique Steering Wheel and Column

•

Unique Instrument Panel

•

Interconnecting Wiring

•

Seat Belt Pretensioners

•

Knee Impact Bolster

The Side Airbag System, on vehicles equipped, consists
of the following:

•

AIRBAG Readiness Light (shared with the front airbag
system)

•

Side Airbag in the driver’s seat

•

Side Airbag in the passenger’s seat

•

Airbag Control Module (shared with the front airbag
system)

•

Side impact sensors

•

Interconnecting Wiring

2

48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

How The Airbag System Works

The front airbagcontrol module determines if a frontal

•

impact is severe enough to require the airbags to
inflate. The front control module will not detect side,
roll over, or rear collisions.

The front 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, instrument panel and the
steering wheel and column. If the key is in the OFF
position, in the ACC position, or not in the ignition
switch, the airbags are not on and will not inflate.

The front airbag control module also turns on
the AIRBAG light in the instrument panel for 6

to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned ON, then turns the light off. If the front or side
airbag control modules detect a malfunction in any
part of the system, the airbag light will turn on 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.

•

When the front airbag control module detects a colli­sion requiring the front airbags, it signals the inflator
units. A large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to
inflate the front airbags. The front airbag covers sepa­rate and fold out of the way as the front airbags inflate
to their full size. The front airbags fully inflate in about
50 milliseconds. This is only about half of the time it
takes you to blink your eyes. The front airbags then
quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and
front passenger. The driver’s front airbag gas is vented
through the airbag material towards the instrument
panel. The passenger’s front airbag gas is vented
through vent holes in the sides of the airbag. In this
way the front 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
airbags.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49

Side Airbags Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS)—If Equipped

The side airbag control module determines if a side
collision is severe enough to require the side airbags to
inflate. The side airbag control module will not detect roll
over, front or rear collisions.

The Side Airbag Control Module 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 previously mentioned.

In moderate to severe side collisions, the side airbag
inflator on the crash side of the vehicle is triggered,
releasing a quantity of nontoxic gas. The inflating side
airbag exits through the seat seam into the space between
the occupant and the door. The side airbag moves at a
very high speed and with such a high force, that it could
injure you if you are not seated properly, or if items are
positioned in the area where the side airbag inflates. This
especially applies to children.

2

50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If A Deployment Occurs

The airbag systems are designed to deploy when the
airbag control modules detect a moderate-to-severe col­lision, to help restrainthe driver and front passenger, and
then 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 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, orif 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 airborneparticles 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 deployed. If you are involved in another
collision, the airbags and seat belt pretensioners will
not be in place to protect you.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51

WARNING!

Deployed airbags and seat belt pretensioners cannot
protect you in another collision. Have the airbags
and seat belt pretensioners replaced by an autho­rized dealer as soon as possible.

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 bolsters.

•

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.

2

52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Airbag Light

You will want tohave the airbags ready to inflate for your
protection in a collision. While the airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free, if any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
immediately.

•

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.

Child Restraint

Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up at all
times — 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.

Infants And Small Children

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 correct seat
for your child. Use the restraint that is correct for your
child:

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53

•

Safety experts recommend that children ride
rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least
one year oldand weigh at least 20 lbs (9 kg). Two types
of child restraints can be used rearward-facing: infant
carriers and ⬙convertible⬙ child seats. Both types of
child restraints are held in the vehicle by the lap/
shoulder belt or the LATCH child restraint anchorage
system.

•

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 9 kg (20 lbs) but are
less than one year old.

2

54 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•

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

•

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.

•

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 cushion
while the child’s back is against the seat back; they
should use a Belt Positioning Booster Seat. The child
and booster seat are held in the vehicle by the lap/
shoulder belt. (Some booster seats are equipped with a
front shield and are held in the vehicle by the lap
portion.)

NOTE: For additional information refer to www.nhtsa­.dot.gov or www.seatcheck.org.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55

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.

•

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.

The passenger seat belts are equipped with either
cinching latch plates or switchable seat belt retractors,
which are designed to keep the lap portion tight
around the child restraint so that it is not necessary to
use a locking clip. If the seat belt has a cinching latch
plate, 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

If the seat belt has a switchable retractor, it will have a
distinctive label.

•

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 of the
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, 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.

•

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.
Don’t 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.

Automatic-Locking Retractor (ALR)

Pull the belt from the retractor until there is enough to
allow you to pass through the child restraint and slidethe
latch plate into the buckle. Then pull on the belt until it is
all removed from the retractor. Allow the belt to return
into the retractor, pulling on the excess webbing to
tighten the lap portion about the child restraint. Follow
the instructions of the child restraint manufacture.

NOTE: To reset this feature you must let all of the belt
webbing return into the retractor. You will not be able to
pull out more webbing until all of the webbing has been
returned back into the retractor.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 57

Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH)

Your vehicle is equipped with the child restraint anchor­age system called LATCH, which stands for Lower
Anchors and Tether for CHildren. The LATCH system
provides for the installation of the child restraint without
using the vehicle seat belt.All three rear seating positions
have lower anchorages that are capable of accommodat­ing LATCH-compatible child seats having flexible,
webbing-mounted lower attachments. Child seats with
fixed lower attachments must be installed in the out­board positions only. Regardless of the specific type of
lower attachment, NEVER install LATCH-compatible
child seats such that two seats share a common lower
anchorage. If you are installing LATCH-compatible child
restraints in adjacent rear seating positions, you can use
the LATCH anchors or the vehicle’s seat belt for the
outboard position, but you must use the vehicle’s seat
belt at the center position. If your child restraints are not

LATCH-compatible, you can only install the child re­straints using the vehicle’s seat belts. Please refer to,
Installing the Child Restraint System for typical installa­tion instructions.

Latch Anchorages

2

58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Child restraints systems having attachments designed to
connect to the lower anchorages are now available. Child
restraints having tether straps and hooks for connection
to the top tether anchorage have been available for some
time. In fact, many child restraint manufacturers will
provide add-on tether strap kits for some of their older
products. Tether anchorage kits are also available for
most older vehicles.

Because the lower anchorages are to be introduced to
passenger carrying vehicles over a period of years, child
restraint systems having attachments for those anchor­ages will continue to have features for installation in
vehicles using the lap or lap/shoulder belt. They will also
have tether straps, and you are urged to take advantage
of all of the available attachments provided with your
child restraint in any vehicle.

Installing the Child Restraint System

We urge that you carefully follow the directions of the
manufacturer when installing your child restraint. Many,
but not all, restraint systems will be equipped with
separate straps on each side, with each having a hook or
connector and a means for adjusting the tension in the
strap. Forward-facing toddler restraints and some
rearward-facing infant restraints will also be equipped
with a tether strap with a hook and means for adjusting
the tension in the strap.

In general, you will first loosen the adjusters on the lower
and tether straps so that you can more easily attach the
hook or connector to the lower and tether anchorages.
The tether strap should be routed under the center of the
head restraint and attached to the tether anchor on the
rear of the seat back. Then tighten all three straps as you
push the child restraint rearward and downward into the
seat.

Tether Strap Mounting

Not all child restraint systems will be installed as we
have described here. Again, carefully follow the instruc­tions that come with the child restraint system.

NOTE: If your child restraint seat is not LATCH com­patible, install the restraint using the vehicle seat belts.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59

WARNING!

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

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.

2

60 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•

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.

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.

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.

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61

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.

2

WARNING!

If you are required to drive with the deck lid/liftgate
open, make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.

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.

62 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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
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 areaunder 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 aresuspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

䡵 Mirrors ...............................67

▫ Operation ............................72

3

▫ Inside Day/Night Mirror .................67

▫ Outside Mirror—Driver’s Side .............68

▫ Outside Mirror—Passenger’s Side ...........68

▫ Electric Remote-Control Mirrors

— If Equipped ........................69

▫ Illuminated Vanity Mirrors — If Equipped ....70

▫ Sun Visor Sliding Feature ................70

䡵 Hands–Free Communication (UConnect™)

— If Equipped ..........................70

▫ Phone Call Features ....................76

▫ Advanced Phone Connectivity .............78

▫ UConnect™ System Features ..............80

䡵 Seats .................................82

▫ Front Seat Adjustment ...................82

▫ Driver’s Power Seat Height Adjuster — If

Equipped ............................83

▫ Reclining Bucket Seats ...................84

64 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Folding Front Passenger Seat — If Equipped . . .84

▫ Adjustable Head Restraints ...............85

▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped ..............86

▫ Folding Rear Seat ......................87

▫ Tumbling Rear Seat .....................88

▫ Rear Seat Removal .....................91

䡵 To Open And Close The Hood ..............93

䡵 Lights ................................94

▫ Overhead Console Map/Reading Lights — If

Equipped ............................94

▫ Interior Lights ........................95

▫ Multi-Function Control Lever ..............96

▫ Headlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel

Lights ..............................96

▫ Daytime Running Lights (Canada Only) ......97

▫ Lights-On Reminder ....................97

▫ Fog Lights — If Equipped ................97

▫ Turn Signals ..........................98

▫ Highbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch ..........98

▫ Passing Light .........................98

䡵 Windshield Wipers And Washers ............98

▫ Windshield Washers ....................99

▫ Mist Feature ..........................99

▫ Windshield Wiper Operation .............100

▫ Intermittent Wiper System ...............100

䡵 Tilt Steering Column ....................100

䡵 Traction Control Switch — If Equipped .......101

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 65

䡵 Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped ......102

▫ To Activate ..........................102

▫ To Set At A Desired Speed ...............103

▫ To Deactivate ........................103

▫ To Resume Speed .....................103

▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ...............103

▫ Manual Transaxle .....................104

▫ To Accelerate For Passing ...............104

䡵 Garage Door Opener — If Equipped .........105

▫ Programming The Universal Transceiver .....106

▫ “Rolling Code” Programming ............108

▫ Canadian Programming/Gate Programming . .109

▫ Operation ...........................110

▫ Reprogramming A Single Button ..........110

▫ Security ............................110

䡵 Overhead Console — If Equipped ...........111

▫ Compass/Temperature Display ...........112

▫ Automatic Compass Calibration ...........113

▫ Compass Variance Selection ..............113

▫ Manual Compass Calibration .............114

▫ Outside Temperature ...................114

䡵 Power Sunroof — If Equipped .............114

▫ Express Open Feature ..................115

▫ Wind Buffeting .......................117

▫ Sunroof Maintenance ...................117

䡵 Electrical Power Outlets ..................117

3

66 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off .......119

䡵 Console Features .......................120

䡵 Storage ..............................121

▫ Front Seat Storage Bin — If Equipped .......121

▫ Storage Pockets .......................122

䡵 Rear Shelf Panel .......................122

▫ Position 1 (Top) ......................122

▫ Position 2 (Middle) ....................123

▫ Position 3 (Floor) .....................124

▫ Position 4 (Vertical) ....................124

▫ Position 5 (Table) .....................125

䡵 Roof Luggage Rack — If Equipped ..........126

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 mirror adjustment.

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).

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 67

3

Adjusting Rear View Mirror

68 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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 part of the mirror closest to the
vehicle.

WARNING!

Vehicles and other objects seen in the passenger side
convex mirror will look smaller and farther away
than they really are. Relying too much on your
passenger 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.

Electric Remote-Control Mirrors — If Equipped

Use the mirror select switch, located to the left of the
steering column on the instrument panel, to adjust the
view obtained in the outside mirrors. Press the L or R
button for Left or Right mirror selection. Use the center
off position to guard against accidentally moving a
mirror position.

Select a mirror and press one of the four arrows for the
direction you want the mirror to move.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 69

3

Power Mirror Switches

70 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 lights turn on automatically.
Closing the mirror cover turns off the lights.

Illuminated Vanity Mirror

Sun Visor Sliding Feature

The sun visors may be pulled out to provide extended
coverage of the side glass.

HANDS–FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect™) —
IF EQUIPPED

UConnect™ is a voice-activated, hands-free, in-vehicle
communications system. UConnect™; allows you to dial
your cellular phone using simple voice commands (e.g.,
“Call Mike Work” or “Dial 248-555-1212”). Your cellular
phone’s audio is transmitted through your vehicle’s
stereo system; the system will automatically mute your
radio before receiving or sending a call.

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

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

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 71

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 conversations.

The UConnect™; phone book 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). UConnect™ allows up to seven cellular
phones to be linked to the system, and it is available in
English, French, or Spanish formats (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 “Operation” Section.

3

UConnect™ Switches

72 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

The UConnect™ system can be used with any Hands
Free Profile certified Bluetooth™ cellular phone. If your
cellular phone has a different profile (i.e. headset profile),
you will not be able to use any UConnect™ features.

The UConnect™ system is fully integrated into your
vehicle, including your vehicle’s stereo system. All voice
prompts as well as the other party’s voice in a conversa­tion will be played over your vehicle’s stereo system. The
volume of the UConnect™ system can be controlled
through your normal stereo controls.

The radio display will be used for visual prompts from
the UConnect™ system such as caller ID.

Operation

Voice commands can be used in the operation of the
UConnect™ system and to navigate through the UCon­nect™ menu structure. Voice commands should be given
after each UConnect™ system prompt. You will be

prompted for a specific command and then guided
through the available options. There are two ways to give
commands to the UConnect™ system:

•

You can say ⬙Dial⬙ at the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt. When
prompted for the phone number you wish to dial, say
the phone number (⬙123 456 7890⬙).

•

Alternatively as you become familiar with the UCon­nect™ system, you can combine the commands and
say ⬙Dial 123 456 7890⬙.

Pairing a Cellular Phone to the UConnect™ System

To begin using your UConnect™ system, you must pair
your compatible Bluetooth™ enabled cellular phone. To
complete the registration process, you will need to refer­ence your cellular phone owner’s manual.

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt, say ⬙Setup Phone Pairing⬙.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 73

•

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

•

The UConnect™ system will then prompt you to begin
the cellular phone pairing process on your cellular
phone. Please see your cellular phone user’s manual
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.

•

You will then be asked to give your cellular phone a
priority level between 1 and 7, 1 having the highest
priority. You can connect up to seven cellular phones
to your UConnect™ system and 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 a priority 3 and priority 5
cellular phone are both 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.

Making a Phone Call Using Digit Dialing

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt, says ⬙Dial⬙ followed by the
phone number you wish to dial. For example, you can
say ⬙Dial 123 456 7890⬙. The phone number that you
enter must be a valid length.

Making a Phone Call Using Your UConnect™
Phonebook

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

3

74 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt, says ⬙Call⬙ followed by the
name and designation of a phonebook entry that you
wish to dial. For example, you can say ⬙Call John Doe
Work⬙.

Add Names to Your UConnect™ Phonebook

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt, say ⬙Phonebook New En­try⬙.

•

When prompted, say the name of the new entry.

•

Next, enter the number designation (e.g. “Home”,
“Work”, “Mobile”, or “Pager”). This will allow you to
have multiple numbers for each phonebook entry.

•

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 into the phonebook with each name having up to
four associated phone numbers and designations.

Edit Entries in the UConnect™ Phonebook

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt, say ⬙Phonebook Edit⬙.

•

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

•

Next, choose the number designation that you wish to
edit. The choices are home, work, mobile, or pager.

•

Recite the new phone number for the phonebook entry
that you are editing.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 75

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.

Phonebook edit 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 through phonebook edit.

Delete Entries in the UConnect™ Phonebook

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt, say ⬙Phonebook Delete⬙.

•

After you enter the phonebook delete menu, you will
then be asked for the name of the phonebook 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 ⬙List Names⬙ to hear a list of the entries in the

phonebook from which you can choose. To select one
of the entries from the list, press the ⬙Voice Recogni­tion⬙ button while the UConnect™ system is playing
the desired entry and say ⬙Delete⬙.

•

After you enter the name, the UConnect™ system will
ask you if you wish to delete the home, work, mobile,
or pager number for this entry.

Delete All Entries in the UConnect™ Phonebook

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt, say ⬙Phonebook Delete All⬙.

•

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.

3

76 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

List All Names in the UConnect™ Phonebook

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt, say ⬙Phonebook List
Names⬙.

•

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

•

To call one of the names in the list, press the ’Voice
Recognition’ button during the playing of the desired
name and say ⬙Call⬙.

•

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

•

The selected number will be dialed.

Phone Call Features

The following feature(s) 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.

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 stereo audio and
will ask if you would like to answer the call by pressing
the ’Phone’ button. Press the ’Phone’ button to answer
the call. To reject the call, press the ’Phone’ button until
you hear a single beep indicating that the incoming call
was rejected.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 77

Answer or Reject an Incoming Call - Call
Currently in Progress

If a call is currently in progress and you have another
incoming call, press the ’Phone’ button to place the
current call on hold and answer the incoming call. To
reject the incoming call, you can disregard the call and
continue with your current conversation.

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 ⬙Dial⬙ or
⬙Call⬙ followed by the phone number or phonebook entry
you wish to call. The first call will be on hold while the
second call is in progress.

Putting a Call on Hold and Retrieving 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 the ’Phone’ button.

Toggling Between Two 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. Onlyone call can be placed on hold at one
time.

Conference Call

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

3

78 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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. When the second call is established, press 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, press the ’Phone’ button. All
calls in progress will be terminated.

Phone Redial

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt, say ⬙Redial⬙.

•

The UConnect™ system will call the last number that
was dialed onyour cellular phone. This may not be the
last number dialed by your UConnect™ system.

Advanced Phone Connectivity

Transferring an Active Call between the
UConnect™ System and Your Cellular Phone

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

Delete Paired Cellular Phones

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt, say ⬙Setup Phone Pairing⬙.

•

At the next prompt, say ⬙Delete⬙.

•

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 ⬙All⬙ to
delete all the phones.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 79

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt, say ⬙Setup List Phones⬙ and
the UConnect™ system will play the phone names of
all paired cellular phones in order from highest prior­ity to lowest priority.

Connect or Disconnect the Connection between the
UConnect™ System and Your Cellular Phone

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

If you would like to connect or disconnect the Blue­tooth™ connection between a 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.

•

Select a Lower Priority Paired Cellular Phone

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt, say ⬙Setup Select Phone⬙.

•

When prompted, say the phone name of the cellular
phone you wish to use, or say ⬙List Phones⬙ 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 ⬙Select⬙.

•

The lower priorityphone will only be used for the next
phone call. After that, the UConnect™ system will
return to using the highest priority phone in the
vehicle.

3

80 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

UConnect™ System Features

Barge In - Touch Tone Phone Inputs

You can use your UConnect™ system to access a voice
mail system, an automated service, or any other phone
number that you can dial with any phone. 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 ⬙Send⬙. For example, if required to enter your
pin number, you can press the ’Voice Recognition’ button
and say ⬙3746Send⬙, or whatever you have made your
pin. This method can also be used in instances where you
are pressing a number on your keypad to navigate
through a menu structure or to enter a number for 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 ⬙Would you like to pair a phone, clear
aѧ⬙, you could press the ’Voice Recognition’ button and
say ⬙Pair APhone⬙ to select that option without having to
listen to the rest of the voice prompt.

Language Selection

To change the language that the UConnect™ system is
using, press the ’Phone’ button and say the name of the
language you wish to switch to (English, Español, or
Français as equipped). After selecting one of the lan­guages, all prompts and voice commands will be in the
selected language.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 81

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 ⬙Ready⬙ prompt, say ⬙Setup Confirmation⬙.
The UConnect™ system will play the current confir­mation prompt status and you will be given the choice
to change it.

Low Signal, Battery Strength, and Roam
Notification

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. By dialing a
number with your paired Bluetooth™ cellular phone, the
audio will be played through your vehicle’s stereo sys­tem. The UConnect™ system will work the same as if
you dialed the number using voice recognition.

Mute/Unmute

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 and say ⬙Mute⬙. In order to unmute
the UConnect™ system; press the ’Voice Recognition’
button and say ⬙Unmute⬙.

3

82 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Help

If you need assistance at any prompt or if you want to
know what your options are at any prompt, say ⬙Help⬙.
The UConnect™ system will play all the options at any
prompt if you ask for help.

Cancel

At any prompt, you can say ⬙Cancel⬙ and you will be
returned to the previous menu.

Emergency Assistance

If you are in an emergency, say ⬙Dial Emergency⬙ or ⬙Call
Emergency⬙ and the UConnect™ system will instruct
your cellular phone to call 911.

Towing Assistance

If you need towing assistance, say ⬙Dial Towing Assis­tance⬙ or ⬙Call Towing Assistance⬙. Please refer to the
24-Hour Towing Assistance coverage details in the
DaimlerChrysler Motors Company 24-Hour Towing As­sistance Program Guide.

SEATS

Front Seat Adjustment

The adjusting bar is at the front of the seats, near the
floor. Pull the bar up to move the seat to the desired
position.

Manual Front Seat Adjuster

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 83

Using body pressure, move forward and rearward on the
seat to be sure the seat adjusters have latched.

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.

•

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.

Driver’s Power Seat Height Adjuster — If
Equipped

The power seat height adjuster is on the outboard side of
the driver’s seat. Use this switch to move the seat up or
down.

3

Driver’s Power Seat Height Adjuster

84 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Reclining Bucket Seats

The recliner control is on the outboard side of the seat. To
recline, lean forward slightly before lifting the lever, then
lean back to the desired position and release the lever.
Lean forward and lift the lever to return the seatback to
its normal position.

Recliner Control Lever

Folding Front Passenger Seat — If Equipped

The passenger front seat may be folded fully forward to
provide additional cargo space.

To fold the seat forward pull up on the recliner lever
located on the outboard side of the seat.

Folding Seat Control Lever

Adjustable Head Restraints

Head restraints can reduce the risk of whiplash injury in
the event of impact from the rear. Pull up or push down
on the head restraints so that the upper edge is as high as
practical. To raise the head restraint, pull up on the head
restraint. To lower the head restraint, depress the button
and push down on the head restraint.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 85

3

Adjustable Head Restraints

86 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Heated Seats — If Equipped

This feature heats the front driver’s and passenger’s
seats. The control for the heater is located on the out­board side of each seat.After turning on the ignition, you
may choose from HIGH, or LOW heat settings. An
indicator on the switch shows which setting has been
chosen.

Heated Seat Switch

Press the switch once to select a heat setting (high or low)
and press the switch a second time in the same direction
to turn the heated seat off.

NOTE: Once a heat setting is selected, heat will be felt
within 2 to 3 minutes.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 87

Folding Rear Seat

To provide additional storage area, each rearseatback can
be folded forward. Push and hold the buttons shown in
the picture to fold down either or both seatbacks.

Folding Rear Seat Button

WARNING!

•

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision,
people riding in these areas are more likely to be
seriously injured or killed.

•

Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat
belts

•

Be sure that everyone in your vehicle is in a seat
and using a seat belt properly.

NOTE:

•

If the rear center lap/shoulder belt appears to be
locked into place, check to verify that the seatback is
fully latched.

3

88 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

•

If the seatback is properly latched and the rear center
lap/shoulder belt still does not operate properly check
and see if the Automatic Locking retractor (ALR)
system is activated.

Tumbling Rear Seat

To provide additional storage in the cargo area, each rear
seat can be tumbled forward.

WARNING!

The rear center lap/shoulder belt is equipped with a
lock-out feature to ensure that the seatback is in the
fully upright and locked position when occupied. If
the rear seatback is not fully upright and locked and
the rear center lap/shoulder belt can be pulled out of
the retractor, the vehicle should immediately be
taken to your dealer for service. Failure to follow this
warning could result in serious or fatal injury.

CAUTION!

It is important that the front seats be pulled forward
to the midpoint of the seat track to avoid contact
between the rear seat and the front seatback. If the
front seat is not pulled forward the two seats will
make contact during the tumbling motion and cause
damage to the rear seat material. After the rear seat is
tumbled forward and secured the front seat can then
be repositioned to the preferred position.

•

Push and hold the button on the seatback and fold
down the rear seatback.

Folding Rear Seat Button Tumbling Seat Release Handle

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 89

•

Pull the release handle located on the outboard side of
the seat. Lift up the seat and tumble the seat forward.

3

90 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

•

Attach the elastic strap, located at the base of the seat
cushion, onto the hook bar on the center trim panel to
hold the seat in place.

Tumbling Seat Strap

To return the rear seat to it’s upright latched position,
rotate the seat cushion rearward to latch the seat. Then
lift the seatback to its upright latched position.

NOTE: The elastic strap should be reinstalled in the clip
on the base of the seat cushion before returning the seat
to its normal position.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 91

Rear Seat Removal

The rear seats can be removed to provide more cargo
space.

•

Push and hold the button on the seatback and fold
down the rear seatback.

Folding Rear Seat Button

•

Pull the release lever located on the outboard side of
the seat. Lift up the seat and tumble the seat forward.

Tumbling Seat Release Handle

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92 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

•

Lift up therelease levers to disengage the seat from the
floor attachments.

Release Lever Location

•

Using the handle on the seat, the seat assembly can
now be lifted and removed from the vehicle.

NOTE: Small rollers on the bottom of the folded seat
and a handle at the top allow the seat to be easily moved
when removed from the vehicle.

To reinstall the rear seat, insert the seat into the floor
attachments. Lower the release levers of the seat to latch
the front floor attachments and rotate the seat rearward
to latch the seat. Lift the seat back to its upright latched
position.

WARNING!

In an accident, you or others in your vehicle could be
injured if seats are not properly latched to their floor
attachments. Always be sure the seats are fully
latched.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 93

TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD

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

Hood Release Lever

Then move the safety catch located under the front edge
of the hood, near the center and slightly to the right, and
raise the hood.

Use the hood prop rod clipped to the driver’s side of the
engine compartment to secure the hood in the open
position. Place the hood prop atthe location stamped into
the inner hood surface.

To prevent possible damage, do not slam the hood to
close it. Lower the hood until it is open approximately 20
cm (8 inches) and then drop it. This should secure both
latches. Never drive your vehicle unless the hood is fully
closed, with both latches engaged.

3

94 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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.

LIGHTS

Overhead Console Map/Reading Lights — If
Equipped

These lights are mounted between the sun visors in the
overhead console. Each light is turned ON by pressing
the lens. Press the lens a second time to turn the light
OFF. The lights also come on when a door is opened or
the dimmer control is turned fully upward, past the
second detent.

Map/Reading Lights

NOTE: The lights will remain on until the switch is

pressed a second time, so be sure they have been turned
off before leaving the vehicle. They will not turn off
automatically.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 95

Interior Lights

The interior lights come on when a door is opened.
With the ignition key in the OFF position, the interior

lights will automatically turn off in about 8 minutes if a
door is left open or the dimmer control is left in the Dome
light position. Turn the ignition switch ON to restore the
interior light operation.

Dimmer Control

With the parking lights or headlights
on, rotating the dimmer controlfor the
interior lights on the Multi-Function
Control Lever upward will increase
the brightness of the instrument panel
lights.

Dome Light Position

Rotate the dimmer control completely
upward to the second detent to turn
on the interior lights. The interior
lights will remain on when the dim­mer controlis in this position. With the
ignition key in the OFF position, the
interior lights will automatically turn
off in about 8 minutes if the dimmer
control is left in the Dome light posi-

tion.

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96 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Interior light Defeat (OFF)

Rotate the dimmer control to the ex­treme bottom “OFF” position. The in­terior lights will remain off when the
doors are open.

Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness Feature)

Rotate the dimmer control to the first
detent (white semi-circle). This feature
brightens the odometer and radio dis­play when the parking lights or head­lights are on during daylight condi­tions.

Multi-Function Control Lever

The Multi-Function Control Lever controls the operation
of the headlights, parking lights, turn signals, headlight
beam selection, instrument panel light dimming, interior
lights, the passing lights, and fog lights. The lever is
located on the left side of the steering column.

Headlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel
Lights

Turn the end of the Multi-Function Control Lever to the
first detent for parking light operation. Turn to the
second detent for headlight operation.

Multi-Function Control Lever

To change the brightness of the instrument panel lights,
rotate the center portion of the Multi-Function Control
Lever up or down.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 97

Daytime Running Lights (Canada Only)

The front turn signal lights will come on as Daytime
Running Lights whenever the ignition switch is on, the
headlights are off, and the parking brake is off. The
headlight switch must be used for normal night time
driving.

Lights-on Reminder

If the headlights or parking lights are on afterthe ignition
is turned OFF, a chime will sound to alert the driver
when the driver’s door is opened.

Fog Lights — If Equipped

The front fog light switch is on the Multi-Function
Control Lever. To activate the front fog lights, turn
on the parking lights or the low beam headlights

and pull out the end of the control lever.

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98 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: The fog lights will only operate with the head­lights on low beam. Selecting high beam headlights will
turn off the fog lights.

Turn Signals

Move the Multi-Function Control Lever up or down and
the arrows on each side of the instrument cluster flash to
show proper operation of the front and rear turn signal
lights. You can signal a lane change by moving the lever
partially up or down without moving beyond the detent.

If either light remains on and does not flash, or there is a
very fast flash rate, check for a defective outside light
bulb. If an indicator fails to light when the lever is
moved, it would suggest that the fuse or indicator bulb is
defective.

Highbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch

Pull the Multi-Function Control Lever towards you to
switch the headlights to HIGH beam. Pull the control
lever a second time to switch the headlights to LOW
beam.

Passing Light

You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
lightly pulling the Multi-Function Control Lever toward
you. This will cause the headlights to turn on at high
beam and remain on until the lever is released.

WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS

The wipers and washers are operated by a switch
on the control lever. The lever is located on the
right side of the steering column. Move the con-

trol lever up to select the desired wiper speed.

Windshield Wiper/Washer Control

Windshield Washers

To use the washer, pull the control lever toward you and
hold while spray is desired. If the lever is pulled while in
the delay range, the wiper will operate in low speed for
two wipe cycles after the lever is released, and then
resume the intermittent interval previously selected.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 99

If the lever is pulled while in the OFF position, the wipers
will operate for two wipe cycles, then turn OFF.

Mist Feature

Push down on the wiper control lever to activate a single
wipe to clear the windshield of road mist or spray from
a passing vehicle. As long as the lever is held down, the
wipers will continue to operate.

CAUTION!

In cold weather, always turn off the wiper switch
and allow the wipers to return to the park position
before turning off the engine. If the wiper switch is
left on and the wipers freeze to the windshield,
damage to the wiper motor may occur when the
vehicle is restarted.

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100 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Windshield Wiper Operation

Move the lever upward to the second detent for Low
speed wiper operation, or to the third detent for High
speed operation

Intermittent Wiper System

Use the intermittent wiper when weather conditions
make a single wiping cycle, with a variable pause be­tween cycles, desirable. Move the lever to the DEL
position, then select the delay interval by turning the end
of the lever. Rotate the knob upward (clockwise) to
decrease the delay time and downward (counterclock­wise) to increase the delay time. The delay can be
regulated from a maximum of approximately 18 seconds
between cycles, to a cycle every second.

TILT STEERING COLUMN

To tilt the column, push down on the lever below the
multi-function control lever and move the steering wheel
up or down, as desired. Pull the lever back up to lock the
column firmly in place.

Tilt Steering Column Control