Dodge 2007 LX Magnum, 2007 Magnum, 2007 Charger Owner's Manual

SECTION PAGE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

INDEX

...................................................................381

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

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

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

.............................................283

..............................................301

................................................353

.......................................373

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

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

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1

䡵 Introduction

䡵 How To Use This Manual

䡵 Warnings And Cautions

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

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

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

䡵 Vehicle Identification Number

䡵 Vehicle Modifications / Alterations

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

.......... 7

4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc­tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.

NOTE:

After 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

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is on the left
front corner of the instrument panel. The VIN is visible
from outside of the vehicle through the windshield. This
number also appears on the Automobile Information
Disclosure Label affixed to a window on your vehicle, the
vehicle registration, and the title.

NOTE:

VIN LOCATION

It is illegal to remove the VIN.

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS

WARNING!

Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle
could seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety
and may lead to an accident resulting in serious
injury or death.

INTRODUCTION 7

1

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

2

䡵 A Word About Your Keys

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

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

䡵 Sentry Key

▫ Replacement Keys ......................14

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

▫ General Information ....................15

䡵 Security Alarm System — If Equipped

▫ Rearming Of The System .................15

▫ To Arm The System .....................15

▫ To Disarm The System ...................16

............................13

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

.......15

䡵 Illuminated Entry System

䡵 Remote Keyless Entry

▫ To Unlock The Doors ...................18

▫ To Lock The Doors .....................19

▫ Using The Panic Alarm ..................20

▫ Programming Additional Transmitters ........21

▫ Battery Replacement ....................21

▫ General Information ....................22

䡵 Door Locks

▫ Manual Door Locks .....................22

▫ Power Door Locks .....................23

...........................22

.................17

....................17

10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Child Protection Door Lock ...............25

䡵 Windows

.............................27

▫ Power Windows .......................27

▫ Wind Buffeting ........................30

䡵 Liftgate

䡵 Occupant Restraints

..............................31

.....................33

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................33

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .....38

▫ Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................38

▫ Enhanced Seat Belt Reminder System

(BeltAlert) ...........................39

▫ Automatic Locking Mode — If Equipped .....40

▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............40

▫ Seat Belt Extender ......................41

▫ Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental

Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag ............41

▫ Event Data Recorder (EDR) ...............49

▫ Child Restraint ........................51

䡵 Engine Break-In Recommendations

䡵 Safety Tips

............................59

..........59

▫ Transporting Passengers .................59

▫ Lock Your Vehicle ......................60

▫ Exhaust Gas ..........................60

▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside

TheVehicle ..........................61

▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make

Outside The Vehicle ....................61

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS

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

Vehicle Key Ignition Key Positions

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

Ignition Key Removal

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

NOTE:

•

For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power window
switches, radio, power sunroof (if equipped), and
power outlets will remain active for 10 minutes after
the ignition switch is turned off. Opening either front
door will cancel this feature.

2

12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•

For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power window
switches, radio, power sunroof (if equipped), and
power outlets will remain active for up to 60 minutes
after the ignition switch is turned off. Opening either
front door will cancel this feature. The time for this
feature is programmable. For details, refer to “Delay
Power Off to Accessories Until Exit,” under “Personal
Settings (Customer Programmable Features),” under
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in
Section 4 of this manual.

WARNING!

Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.

CAUTION!

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

Key-In-Ignition Reminder

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

NOTE:

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

The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

SENTRY KEY

The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unautho­rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.

The system uses ignition keys, which have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder), to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro­grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two (2)
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to start the
engine.

NOTE:

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.

During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will
turn on for three (3) seconds for a bulb check. If the light
remains on after the bulb check, it indicates that there is
a problem with the electronics. In addition, if the light
begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that

someone used an invalid key to start the engine. Either of
these conditions will result in the engine being shut off
after two (2) seconds.

If the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light turns on
during normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for
longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in
the electronics. Should this occur, have the vehicle 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 key chain will not

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

2

14 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 are programmed to the vehicle
electronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle.
Once a Sentry Key is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot
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.

Customer Key Programming

If you have two valid sentry keys, you can program new
sentry keys to the system 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 Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator
Light will begin to flash. Turn the ignition switch OFF
and remove the second key.

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

The new Sentry Key is programmed. The Keyless Entry
Transmitter will also be programmed during this pro­cedure.

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

NOTE:

If a programmed key is lost, see your dealer to
have all remaining keys erased from the systems
memory. This will prevent the lost key from starting your
vehicle. The remaining keys must then be repro­grammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to the dealer at
the time of service to be reprogrammed.

General Information

The Sentry Key system complies with FCC rules part 15
and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:

•

This device may not cause harmful interference.

•

This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes­ired operation.

SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED

The Vehicle Security Alarm system monitors the vehicle
doors for unauthorized entry and the ignition switch for
unauthorized operation. If something triggers the alarm,
the system will prevent the vehicle from starting and
provide the following audible and visual signals: the
horn will pulse; the headlights will flash; the park lights
will flash; and the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator light
in the instrument cluster will flash.

Rearming of the System:

If something triggers the alarm, and no action is taken to
disarm it, the system will turn off the horn after 29
seconds, turn off all of the visual signals after 31 seconds,
and then the system will rearm itself.

To Arm the System:

Remove the key from the ignition switch and either press
a power door lock switch while the driver or passenger
door is open or press the LOCK button on the keyless
entry transmitter. After the last door is closed, or if all
doors are closed, the system will arm itself in about 16
seconds. During that time, the Vehicle Security Alarm
Indicator light will flash. If it does not illuminate, the

2

16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

system is not arming. In addition, if you open a door
during the arming period, the system will cancel the
arming process. If you wish to rearm the system after
closing the door, you must repeat one of the previously
described arming sequences.

To Disarm the System:

Either press the UNLOCK button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter or insert a valid sentry key into the
ignition lock cylinder and turn the key to the ON/START
position.

If you open the liftgate after disarming the system, you
must use one of the previously described arming se­quences if you wish to rearm the system after closing the
liftgate.

NOTE:

The driver’s door key cylinder cannot arm or disarm

•

the system.

•

Once the alarm is set, you have a 30-second one-time
access into the liftgate area. If the liftgate is not opened
within 30 seconds, the liftgate will automatically re­lock within 10 seconds.

•

The system remains armed during liftgate entry. If
someone enters the vehicle through the liftgate, and
opens any door, the alarm will sound.

•

When the system is armed, the interior power door
lock switches will not unlock the doors.

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

The alarm system will be activated when the battery is
connected if the system was previously armed. The
exterior lights will flash, the horn will sound, and the
ignition will not start the vehicle. If this occurs, disarm
the system.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

Tamper Alert

If something has triggered the system in your absence,
the horn will sound three times when you disarm the
system. Check the vehicle for tampering.

ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM

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

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

NOTE:

None of the courtesy lights will operate if the dimmer

•

control is in the “defeat” position (extreme downward
position), unless the overhead map/reading lights are
turned on manually.

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY

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

NOTE:

Inserting the key into the ignition switch dis­ables all buttons on that transmitter; however, the but­tons on the remaining transmitters will continue to work.
Shifting the vehicle out of PARK disables all transmitter
buttons for all keys.

Keyless Entry Transmitter

2

18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To unlock the doors:

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

Remote Key Unlock, Driver Door/All Doors First

This feature lets you program the system to unlock either
the driver’s door or all doors on the first press of the
UNLOCK button on the transmitter. To change the cur­rent setting, proceed as follows:

•

For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), refer to “Remote Key
Unlock” under “Personal Settings (Customer Pro­grammable Features),” under “Electronic Vehicle In­formation Center (EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual
for details.

•

For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the
following procedure:

1. Press and hold the LOCK button on a programmed
transmitter for at least 4 seconds, but not longer than 10
seconds. Then, press and hold the UNLOCK button
while still holding the LOCK button.

2. Release both buttons at the same time.

3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle, by
pressing the LOCK/UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter
with the ignition in the LOCK position, and the key
removed.

4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.

NOTE:

Pressing the LOCK button on the transmitter
while you are inside the vehicle will activate the Security
Alarm. Opening a door with the Security Alarm activated
will cause the alarm to sound. Press the UNLOCK button
to deactivate the Security Alarm.

Flash Lights with Remote Key Lock

This feature will cause the turn signal lights to flash when
the doors are locked or unlocked with the transmitter.
This feature can be turned on or off. To change the
current setting, proceed as follows:

•

For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), refer to “Flash Lights with
Remote Key Lock,” under ⬙Personal Settings (Cus­tomer Programmable Features),” under “Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Section 4 of this
manual for details.

•

For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the
following procedure:

1. Press and hold the UNLOCK button on a programmed
transmitter for at least 4 seconds, but not longer than 10
seconds. Then, press and hold the LOCK button while
still holding the UNLOCK button.

2. Release both buttons at the same time.

3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle, by
pressing the LOCK/UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter
with the ignition in the LOCK position, and the key
removed.

4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19

NOTE:

Pressing the LOCK button on the transmitter
while you are in the vehicle will activate the Security
Alarm. Opening a door with the Security Alarm activated
will cause the alarm to sound. Press the UNLOCK button
to deactivate the Security Alarm.

Turn Headlights On with Remote Key Unlock

This feature activates the headlights for up to 90 seconds
when the doors are unlocked with the transmitter. The
time for this feature is programmable on vehicles
equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC). For details, refer to “Turn Headlights On with
Remote Key Unlock,” under “Personal Settings (Cus­tomer Programmable Features),” under “Electronic Ve­hicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Section 4 of this
manual.

To lock the doors:

Press and release the LOCK button on the transmitter to
lock all doors. The turn signal lights will flash and the
horn will chirp to acknowledge the signal.

2

20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Sound Horn with Remote Key Lock

This feature will cause the horn to chirp when the doors
are locked with the transmitter. This feature can be
turned on or off. To change the current setting, proceed as
follows:

•

For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), refer to “Sound Horn with
Remote Key Lock,” under “Personal Settings (Cus­tomer Programmable Features),” under “Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Section 4 of this
manual for details.

•

For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the
following steps:

1. Press the LOCK button on a programmed transmitter
for at least 4 seconds, but not longer than 10 seconds.
Then, press the PANIC button while still holding the
LOCK button.

2. Release both buttons at the same time.

3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle, by
pressing the LOCK button on the transmitter with the
ignition in the LOCK position, and the key removed.

4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.

NOTE:

Pressing the LOCK button on the transmitter
while you are in the vehicle will activate the Security
Alarm. Opening a door with the Security Alarm activated
will cause the alarm to sound. Press the UNLOCK button
to deactivate the Security Alarm.

Using The Panic Alarm:

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

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21

NOTE:

•

The interior lights will turn off if you turn the ignition
switch to the ACC or ON position while the panic
alarm is activated. However, the exterior lights and
horn will remain on.

•

You may need to be less than 23 feet (7 meters) from
the vehicle when using the transmitter to turn off the
panic alarm due to the radio frequency noises emitted
by the system.

Programming Additional Transmitters

Refer to SENTRY KEY “Customer Key Programming.”

(See page 14 for more information.)

If you do not have a programmed transmitter, contact
your dealer for details.

Battery Replacement

The recommended replacement battery is CR2032.

NOTE:

Do not touch the battery terminals that are on

the back housing or the printed circuit board.

1. With the transmitter buttons facing downward, re­move the small screw (if equipped).

2. Separate the two halves of the transmitter with a flat
blade tool. Do not damage the rubber seal during re­moval.

2

Separating Transmitter Halves

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

22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

4. To assemble the transmitter case, snap the two halves
together. If so equipped, install and tighten the screw
until snug. Make sure there is an even “gap” between the
two halves.

5. Test the transmitter operation.

General Information

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and
RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:

•

This device may not cause harmful interference.

•

This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired op­eration.

NOTE:

Changes or modifications not expressly ap­proved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

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

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

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

DOOR LOCKS

Manual Door Locks

To lock each door, push the door lock plunger on each
door trim panel downward. To unlock each door, pull the
door lock plunger on each door trim panel upward.

Door Lock Plunger

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23

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

WARNING!

•

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

•

When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the ignition lock, and lock your vehicle.
Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may
cause severe personal injuries and death.

•

Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for
a number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys
in the ignition. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

Power Door Locks

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

2

Power Door Lock Switch

If you press the power door lock switch while the key is
in the ignition, and any front door is open, the power
locks will not operate. This prevents you from acciden­tally locking your keys in the vehicle. Removing the key
or closing the door will allow the locks to operate. A

24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

chime will sound if the key is in the LOCK or ACC
position and a door is open, as a reminder to remove the
key.

Automatic Door Locks

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

1. The Automatic Door Locks feature is enabled.

2. The transmission is in gear.

3. All doors are closed.

4. The throttle is pressed.

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

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

Automatic Door Locks Programming

The Automatic Door Locks feature can be enabled or
disabled as follows:

•

For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), refer to “Personal Settings
(Customer Programmable Features)” under “Elec­tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Section 4
of this manual for details.

•

For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, performing
the following procedure:

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

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

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

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

5. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.

NOTE:

Use the Automatic Door Locks feature in accor-

dance with local laws.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25

Automatic Unlock Doors on Exit

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

1. The Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit feature is en­abled.

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

3. The transmission is in NEUTRAL or PARK.

4. The driver door is opened.

5. The doors were not previously unlocked.

6. The vehicle speed is 0 mph (0 km/h).

Automatic Unlock Doors on Exit Programming

The Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit feature can be
enabled or disabled as follows:

•

For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), refer to “Personal Settings
(Customer Programmable Features)” under “Elec­tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Section 4
of this manual for details.

•

For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, performing
the following procedure:

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

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

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

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

5. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.

NOTE:

Use the Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit

feature in accordance with local laws.

Child Protection Door Lock

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

2

26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To Engage the Child Protection Door Lock

1. Open the rear door.

2. Insert the tip of the vehicle’s ignition key or alike into
the child lock control and pull it upward.

Child Lock Control

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 on the opposite rear door.

NOTE:

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

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:

•

After engaging the child protection door lock system,
always test the door from the inside to make certain it
is in the desired position.

•

For emergency exit with the system engaged, move
the door lock switch to the UNLOCK position, roll
down the window and open the door with the outside
door handle.

To Disengage the Child Protection Door Lock

1. Open the rear door.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27

2. Insert the tip of the vehicle’s ignition key or alike into
the child lock control and pull it downward.

Child Lock Control

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 on the opposite rear door.

NOTE:

After disengaging the child protection door lock
system, always test the door from the inside to make
certain it is in the desired position.

WINDOWS

Power Windows

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

Power Window Switches

There are single window controls on each passenger door
trim panel, which operate the passenger door windows.
The window controls will operate only when the ignition
switch is in the ON or ACCESSORY position.

2

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

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

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

For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power window switches
will remain active for 10 minutes after the ignition switch
is turned off. Opening either front door will cancel this
feature.

For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, the power window
switches will remain active for up to 60 minutes after the
ignition switch is turned off. Opening either front door
will cancel this feature. The time is programmable. For
details, refer to “Delay Power Off to Accessories Until
Exit,” under “Personal Settings (Customer Program­mable Features),” under “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual.

Auto Up Feature with Anti–Pinch Protection — If
Equipped

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

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29

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

For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power window switches
will remain active for 10 minutes after the ignition switch
is turned off. Opening either front door will cancel this
feature.

For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, the power window
switches will remain active for up to 60 minutes after the
ignition switch is turned off. Opening either front door
will cancel this feature. The time is programmable
through. For details, refer to “Delay Power Off to Acces­sories Until Exit,” under “Personal Settings (Customer
Programmable Features),” under “Electronic Vehicle In­formation Center (EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual.

NOTE:

•

If the window runs into any obstacle during auto­closure, it will reverse direction and then stop. Remove
the obstacle and use the window switch again to close
the window.

•

Any impact due to rough road conditions may trigger
the auto reverse function unexpectedly during auto­closure. If this happens, pull the switch lightly to the
first detent and hold to close window manually.

WARNING!

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

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30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Window Lockout Switch

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

Window Lockout Switch

Reset

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

1. Pull the window switch up to close window com­pletely and continue to hold the switch up for an
additional two seconds after the window is closed.

2. Push the window switch down firmly to the second
detent to open the window completely and continue to
hold the switch down for an additional two seconds after
the window is fully open.

Wind Buffeting

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

buffeting occurs with the sunroof open, then adjust the
sunroof opening to minimize the buffeting.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 31

LIFTGATE

The liftgate can be unlocked or locked by the remote
keyless entry transmitter or by activating the power door
lock switches located on the front doors.

Once unlocked, the liftgate can be opened or closed. To
open the liftgate, depress the liftgate release switch
located in the exterior handle and pull the liftgate open
with one fluid motion.

2

Liftgate Release Switch

The liftgate will not open manually if the gear selector is
moved out of the PARK position or the vehicle speed is
above 0 mph (0 km/h).

32 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:

If a power malfunction occurs, you can use the
emergency liftgate latch release to open the liftgate. The
emergency liftgate latch release is located behind a
snap-in cover on the liftgate trim panel.

Emergency Liftgate Latch Release Location

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 33

OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS

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

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

WARNING!

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

Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even
on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver
and cause a collision 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 seating positions in your vehicle are equipped with
Lap/Shoulder Belts.

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

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34 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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.

• Wearing a seat belt incorrectly is dangerous. Seat

belts are designed to go around the large bones of
your body. These are the strongest parts of your body
and can take the forces of a collision the best.

• Wearing your belt in the wrong place could make

your injuries in a collision much worse. You might
suffer internal injuries, or you could even slide out
of part of the belt. Follow these instructions to wear
your seat belt safely and to keep your passengers
safe, too.

• Two people should never be belted into a single seat

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

Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions

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

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

Pulling Out Lap/Shoulder Belt

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 35

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

Connecting Latch Plate To Buckle

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.

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36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Removing Slack From Belt

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37

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.).

Rear Center Lap/Shoulder Belt Retractor Lock-Out

This feature is designed to lock the retractor whenever
the 60% 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 cannot 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 cannot 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.

Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage

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

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38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 will prefer a higher position. When you release the
anchorage, try to move it up and down to make sure that
it is locked in position.

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

Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure

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

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

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.

3. Slide the latch plate upward over the folded webbing.
The folded webbing must enter the slot at the top of 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 pretensioning devices that are designed to
remove any slack from the seat belts in the event of a
collision. These devices improve the performance of the
seat belt system by assuring that the belt is tight about the
occupant in a collision. Pretensioners work for all size
occupants, including those in child restraints.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39

NOTE:

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

The pretensioners are triggered by the Airbag Control
Module (refer to information on Airbags in this 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.

Enhanced Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert)

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

BeltAlert Programming

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

NOTE:

DaimlerChrysler does not recommend deacti-

vating the Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert).

1. With all doors closed, and the ignition switch in any
position except ON or START, buckle the driver’s seat
belt.

2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/ RUN position, but
do not start the engine. Wait for the Seat Belt Reminder
Light to turn off and then proceed to the next step.

NOTE:

You must perform the following steps within 60
seconds of turning the ignition switch to the ON/ RUN
position.

3. Within 60 seconds of turning the ignition switch to the
ON/ RUN position, unbuckle and then re-buckle the
driver’s seat belt at least three times within 10 seconds,
ending with the seat belt buckled.

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40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:

Watch for the Seat Belt Reminder Light to turn
on while unbuckling the seat belt and turn off while
re-buckling the seat belt. It may be necessary to retract
the seat belt.

4. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position. A
single chime will sound to signify that you have success­fully completed the programming.

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

NOTE:

When the Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert)
is deactivated, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will continue
to illuminate as long as the driver’s seat belt is unbuck­led.

Automatic Locking Mode — If Equipped

In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre­locked. However, the belt will still retract to remove slack
in the shoulder belt. Use The Automatic Locking Mode
any time a child safety seat is installed in a seating
position that has a seat belt with this feature. Seat belts
that have the Automatic Locking Mode feature have a

distinctive label on the webbing. Children 12 years old
and under should be properly restrained in the rear seat
whenever possible.

How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode

1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt.

2. Grasp the shoulder portion and pull downward until
the entire belt is extracted.

3. Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will
here a clicking sound. This indicates the safety belt is
now in the automatic locking mode.

How To Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode

Unbuckle the combination lap and shoulder belt and
allow it to retract completely to disengage the automatic
locking mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emer­gency) locking mode.

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41

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

Seat Belt Extender

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

WARNING!

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

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

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

Front Airbag Components

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42 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:

The front airbags are certified to the Federal

regulations that allow less forceful deployment.

The front airbags have a multistage inflator design. This
may allow the airbag to have different rates of inflation
that are based on collision severity.

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

Window Airbag

NOTE:

Airbag covers may not be obvious in the
interior trim; but they will open to allow airbag deploy­ment.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43

WARNING!

• Do not put anything on or around the front airbag

covers or attempt to manually open them. You may
damage the airbags and you could be injured be­cause the airbags are no longer functional. These
protective covers for the airbag cushions are de­signed to open only when the airbags are inflating.

• If your vehicle is equipped with side curtain airbags,

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

• If your vehicle is equipped with side curtain airbags,

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

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

any way.

•

Do not mount any accessories to the knee bolster
such as alarm lights, stereos, citizens band radios
etc.

NOTE:

Do not use a clothing bar mounted to the coat
hooks in this vehicle. A clothing bar will impede the
proper performance of the curtain airbags.

Along with the seat belts, front airbags work with the
instrument panel knee bolsters to provide improved
protection for the driver and front passenger. Side curtain
airbags also work with seat belts to improve occupant
protection.

The seat belts are designed to protect you in many types
of collisions. The front airbags deploy in moderate to
severe frontal collisions.

If your vehicle is so equipped, the side curtain airbag on
the crash side of the vehicle is triggered in moderate to
severe side collisions. However, even in collisions where
the airbags deploy, you need the seat belts to keep you in
the correct position for the airbags to protect you prop­erly.

2

44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

1. Children 12 years old and under should ride buckled
up in the rear seat.

2. Infants in rear-facing child restraints should NEVER
ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger front
airbag. An airbag deployment could cause severe injury
or death to infants in that position.

3. Children that are not big enough to wear the vehicle
seat belt properly (refer to information on Child Restraint
in this section) should be secured in the rear seat in child
restraints or belt-positioning booster seats.

4. 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.

5. 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 information on Child Restraint in this
section).

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

7. All occupants should use their seat belts properly.

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

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

10. If the airbag system in this vehicle needs to be
modified to accommodate a disabled person, contact the
Customer Center. Phone numbers are provided in the ⬙If
You Need Customer Assistance⬙ section in this manual.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45

WARNING!

•

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

•

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

•

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

Air Bag System Components

The airbag system consists of the following:

•

Airbag Control Module (ACM)

•

Side Remote Acceleration Sensors (if equipped)

•

Airbag Warning Light

•

Driver Airbag

•

Front Passenger Airbag

•

Supplemental Side Curtain Airbags above Side Win­dows (if equipped)

•

Steering Wheel and Column

•

Instrument Panel

•

Interconnecting Wiring

•

Seatbelt Reminder Light

•

Knee Impact Bolsters

•

Front Acceleration Sensors

•

Driver and Front Passenger Seat Belt Pretensioners

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46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

How The Airbag System Works

•

The Airbag Control Module (ACM) determines if a
frontal collision is severe enough to require the airbags
to inflate. The front airbag inflators are designed to
provide different rates of airbag inflation from direc­tion provided by the ACM. The ACM will not detect
roll over.

•

The ACM also monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the system whenever the ignition switch is in
the START or ON positions. These include all of the
items listed above except the knee bolster, the instru­ment panel, and the steering wheel and column. If the
key is in the LOCK position, in the ACC position, or
not in the ignition, the airbags are not on and will not
inflate.

•

The ACM also turns on the Airbag Warning
Light in the instrument panel for 6 to 8
seconds as a self-check when the ignition is
first turned on. After the self-check, the

Airbag Warning Light will turn off. If the ACM detects
a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns on the

Airbag Warning Light either momentarily or continu­ously. A single chime will sound if the light comes on
again after initial start up.

WARNING!

Ignoring the AIRBAG Warning 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.

•

The Driver and Front Passenger Airbag/Inflator
Units are located in the center of the steering wheel

and the passenger side of the instrument panel. When
the ACM detects a collision requiring the airbags, it
signals the inflator units. A large quantity of nontoxic
gas is generated to inflate the front airbags. Different
airbag inflation rates may be possible based on colli­sion severity. The steering wheel hub trim cover, and
the upper passenger side of the instrument panel
separate and fold out of the way, as the bags inflate to

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47

their full size. The bags fully inflate in about 50 - 70
milliseconds. This is about half of the time that it takes
to blink your eyes. The bags then quickly deflate while
helping to restrain the driver and front passenger. The
driver’s front airbag gas is vented through vent holes
in the sides of the airbag. The passenger’s front airbag
gas is vented through vent holes in the sides of the
airbag. In this way, the airbags do not interfere with
your control of the vehicle.

•

The Side Impact SRS Side Curtain Airbag are de­signed to activate only in certain side collisions. When
the ACM (with side impact option) detects a collision
requiring the side curtain airbag to inflate, it signals
the inflators on the crash side of the vehicle. A quantity
of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate the side curtain
airbag. The inflating side curtain airbag pushes the
outside edge of the headliner out of the way and
covers the window. The airbag inflates in about 30
milliseconds (about one quarter of the time that it
takes to blink your eyes) with enough force to injure
you if you are not belted and seated properly, or if
items are positioned in the area where the side curtain

airbag inflates. This especially applies to children. The
side curtain airbag is only about 3-1/2 inches (9 cm)
thick when it is inflated.

•

The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees of
the driver and the front passenger, and position every­one for the best interaction with the front airbag.

If A Deployment Occurs

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

NOTE:

A frontal 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

2

48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

you might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium
floor. They are not caused by contact with chemicals.
They are not permanent and normally heal quickly.
However, if you haven’t healed significantly within a
few days, or if you have any blistering, see your doctor
immediately.

•

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

•

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

WARNING!

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

Enhanced Accident Response Feature

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

NOTE:

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

The interior lights can only be deactivated if the

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49

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 passenger side of the instrument panel.
Do not modify the front bumper, vehicle body
structure, or frame.

•

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

•

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

Airbag Warning Light

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

an authorized dealer service the system promptly:

•

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

•

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

•

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

Event Data Recorder (EDR)

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

2

50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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

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

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

2. Used in defense of litigation involving a
DaimlerChrysler product

3. Requested by police under a legal warrant

4. Otherwise required by law

Data Parameters that May Be Recorded:

•

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

•

⬙Time⬙ of airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)

•

Airbag deployment level (if applicable)

•

Seatbelt status

•

Brake status (service and parking brakes)

•

Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)

•

Engine control status (including engine speed)

•

Cruise control status (if applicable)

•

Traction/stability control status (if applicable)

Child Restraint

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

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51

WARNING!

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

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

Infants and Child Restraints

Safety experts recommend that children ride

•

rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least

2

52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

•

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

•

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

Older Children and Child Restraints

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

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53

Children Too Large For Booster Seats

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

•

Make sure that the child is upright in the seat.

•

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

•

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

•

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

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

For additional information, refer to

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.

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54 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

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

Your vehicle’s rear seat is equipped with the child
restraint anchorage system called LATCH. The LATCH
system provides for the installation of the child restraint
without using the vehicle’s seat belts, instead securing

the child restraint using lower anchorages and upper
tether straps from the child restraint to the vehicle
structure.

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

All three rear-seating positions have lower anchorages
that are capable of accommodating LATCH-compatible
child seats. You should NEVER install LATCH­compatible child seats such that two seats share a com­mon lower anchorage. If installing child seats in adjacent

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55

rear-seating positions, or if your child restraints are not
LATCH-compatible, install the restraints using the vehi­cle’s seat belts.

LATCH Anchorages

Installing the LATCH-Compatible Child Restraint
System

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

The rear seat lower anchorages are round bars,
located at the rear of the seat cushion where it
meets the seat back, and are just visible when

you lean into the rear seat to install the child
restraint. You will easily feel them if you run your finger
along the intersection of the seatback and seat cushion
surfaces.

In addition, there are tether strap anchorages located
behind each rear seat back.

Many, but not all restraint systems will be equipped with
separate straps on each side, with each having a hook or
connector for attachment to the lower anchorage and a
means of adjusting the tension in the strap. Forward­facing toddler restraints and some rear-facing infant
restraints will also be equipped with a tether strap, a
hook for attachment to the tether strap anchorage and a
means of adjusting the tension of the strap.

You will first loosen the adjusters on the lower straps and
on the tether strap so that you can more easily attach the
hooks or connectors to the vehicle anchorages. Next,
attach the lower hooks or connectors over the top of the
seat cover material. Then rotate the tether anchorage

2

56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

cover directly behind the seat where you are placing the
child restraint and attach the tether strap to the anchor­age, being careful to route the tether strap to provide the
most direct path between the anchor and the child
restraint. Finally, tighten all three straps as you push the
child restraint rearward and downward into the seat,
removing slack in the straps according to the child
restraint manufacturer’s instructions.

NOTE:

Ensure that the tether strap does not slip into the

•

opening between the seat backs as you remove slack in
the strap.

•

When using the LATCH attaching system to install a
child restraint, please ensure that all seat belts not
being used for occupant restraints are stowed and out
of reach of children. It is recommended that before
installing the child restraint, buckle the seat belt so the
seat belt is tucked behind the child restraint and out of
reach. If the buckled seat belt interferes with the child
restraint installation, instead of tucking the seat belt
behind the child restraint, route the seat belt through
the child restraint belt path and then buckle it. This

should stow the seat belt out of the reach of an
inquisitive child. Remind all children in the vehicle
that the seat belts are not toys and should not be
played with, and never leave your child unattended in
the vehicle.

WARNING!

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

Installing Child Restraints Using the Vehicle Seat
belt

The passenger seat belts are equipped with either cinch­ing latch plates or automatic locking 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.
Pulling up on the shoulder portion of the lap/shoulder
belt will tighten the belt. The cinching latch plate will

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 57

keep the belt tight, however, any seat belt system will
loosen with time, so check the belt occasionally, and pull
it tight if necessary.

Seat belts with an automatic locking retractor have a
distinctive label on the seat belt webbing. The seat belt
must be in the automatic locking mode in order to enable
a child restraint to be tightly installed. Refer to “Auto­matic Locking Mode” in this section for details. A locking
clip should not be necessary once the automatic locking
feature is enabled. Position the shoulder and lap belt on
the child restraint. The automatic locking retractor is
activated by first attaching the child seat, then pulling all
of the webbing out of the retractor, then allowing back in.
Tighten webbing. To release, simply unbuckle the seat
belt by depressing the button, allowing the webbing to
retract into the retractor.

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

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

2

58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To attach a child restraint tether strap:

1. Route the tether strap to provide the most direct path
for the strap between the anchor and the child seat.

Tether Strap Mounting

2. Attach the tether strap hook of the child restraint to the
tether anchor and remove slack in the tether strap
according to the child restraint manufacturer’s instruc­tions.

NOTE:

Ensure that the tether strap does not slip into
the opening between the seat backs as you remove slack
in the strap.

WARNING!

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

Transporting Pets

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

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS

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

Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55
mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.

While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri­mental and should be avoided.

The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown in Section 7 of this manual. NON-DETERGENT
OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE
USED.

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

Transporting Passengers

NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE CARGO
AREA.

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.

2

60 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Lock Your Vehicle

Always remove the keys from the ignition and lock all
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended, even in your
own driveway or garage. Try to park your vehicle in a
well-lit area and never invite theft by leaving articles of
value exposed.

Exhaust Gas

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.

The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.

Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com­plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,

damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.

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.

•

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle

Seat Belts

Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.

Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc. If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.

Airbag Warning 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 light is not lit during starting, see you
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, 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 and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts
and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the
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.

Door Latches

Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.

2

62 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Fluid Leaks

Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

3

䡵 Mirrors

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

▫ Automatic Dimming Inside Mirror — If

Equipped ............................67

▫ Outside Mirrors .......................68

▫ Exterior Mirrors Folding Feature — If

Equipped ............................68

▫ Driver’s Side Outside Mirror Auto Dimmer — If

Equipped ............................68

▫ Power Remote-Control Mirrors .............69

▫ Heated Remote Control Mirrors — If

Equipped ............................69

▫ Illuminated Vanity Mirrors — If Equipped ....69

..............................67

䡵 Hands–Free Communication (UConnect™) — If

Equipped

▫ Operations ...........................71

▫ Phone Call Features ....................77

▫ UConnect™ System Features ..............79

▫ Advanced Phone Connectivity .............82

▫ Things You Should Know About Your

UConnect™ System .....................84

䡵 Seats

▫ Manual Seats — If Equipped ..............89

▫ Power Seats — If Equipped ...............90

▫ Power Reclining Seats — If Equipped ........91

.............................70

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

64 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Lumbar Support — If Equipped ............92

▫ Head Restraints .......................92

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

▫ Folding Rear Seat ......................94

䡵 To Open And Close The Hood

䡵 Lights

...............................96

.............95

▫ Headlight Switch ......................96

▫ Automatic Headlights — If Equipped ........96

▫ Headlights On With Wipers (Available With

Auto Headlights Only) ..................97

▫ Headlight Time Delay ...................97

▫ Daytime Running Lights (Canada Only) ......98

▫ Lights-On Reminder ....................98

▫ Fog Lights — If Equipped ................98

▫ Multi-Function Lever ....................99

▫ Overhead Console Map/Reading Lights .....100

▫ Interior Lights .......................100

䡵 Windshield Wipers And Washers

..........101

▫ Intermittent Wiper System ...............102

▫ Mist Feature .........................102

▫ Windshield Washers ...................102

▫ Headlights On With Wipers (Available With

Auto Headlights Only) .................103

▫ Adding Washer Fluid ..................103

䡵 Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column

䡵 Adjustable Pedals — If Equipped

䡵 Electronic Speed Control

.................106

..........104

..........105

▫ Electronic Speed Control Operation ........106

▫ ToActivate..........................107

▫ To Set At A Desired Speed ...............107

▫ To Deactivate ........................107

▫ To Resume Speed .....................107

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 65

▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ...............108

▫ To Accelerate For Passing ...............108

䡵 Overhead Console

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

▫ Courtesy/Reading Lights ................109

▫ Sunglasses Storage ....................109

䡵 Garage Door Opener (HomeLink威)—If

Equipped

............................110

▫ Programming HomeLink ................111

▫ Canadian Programming/Gate Programming . . 113

▫ Using HomeLink .....................114

▫ Erasing HomeLink Buttons ..............114

▫ Reprogramming a Single HomeLink Button . . . 114

▫ Security ............................115

䡵 Power Sunroof — If Equipped

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

▫ Opening Sunroof - Express ..............116

▫ Closing Sunroof - Express ...............116

▫ Pinch Protect Feature ...................116

▫ Pinch Protect Override .................117

▫ Venting Sunroof - Express ...............117

▫ Sunshade Operation ...................117

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

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

▫ Ignition Off Operation ..................117

▫ Sunroof Fully Closed ...................118

䡵 Electrical Power Outlets

.................118

▫ Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off .......120

䡵 Cup Holders

.........................121

▫ Front Seat Cup Holders .................121

▫ Rear Seat Cup Holders .................121

䡵 Storage

..............................122

▫ Console Features ......................122

▫ Cargo Management System — If Equipped . . . 122

3

66 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

䡵 Roof Luggage Rack — If Equipped

.........129

䡵 Load Leveling System — If Equipped

.......131

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 67

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.

Adjusting Rearview Mirror

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

Automatic Dimming Inside Mirror — If Equipped

This mirror automatically adjusts for annoying headlight
glare from vehicles behind you. You can turn the feature
on or off by pressing the button at the base of the mirror.
A light in the button will indicate when the dimming
feature is activated.

Automatic Dimming Mirror

3

68 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!

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

Outside Mirrors

To receive maximum benefit, adjust the outside mirror(s)
to center on the adjacent lane of traffic and a slight
overlap of the view obtained from the inside mirror.

NOTE:

give a much wider view to the rear, and especially of the
lane next to your vehicle.

The passenger side convex outside mirror will

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 convex 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 the passenger side convex mirror.

Exterior Mirrors Folding Feature — If Equipped

Some models have exterior mirrors that are hinged. The
hinge allows the mirror to pivot forward and rearward to
resist damage. The hinge has three detent positions, full
forward, full rearward, and normal.

Driver’s Side Outside Mirror Auto Dimmer — If
Equipped

This mirror automatically adjusts for annoying headlight
glare from vehicles behind you. You can turn this feature
on or off by pressing the button at the base of the Inside
Rearview Mirror.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 69

Power Remote-Control Mirrors

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

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

Power Mirror Control

Heated Remote Control Mirrors — If Equipped

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

Illuminated Vanity Mirrors — If Equipped

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

Illuminated Vanity Mirror

3

70 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

HANDS–FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect™) —
IF EQUIPPED

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

NOTE:

The UConnect™ system use requires a cellular

phone equipped with the Bluetooth ⬙Hands-Free Profile,⬙
version 0.96 or higher. See www.chrysler.com/uconnect
for supported phones.

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

The UConnect™ phonebook enables you to store up to 32
names and four numbers per name. Each language has a
separate 32-name phonebook accessible only in that

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

The rearview mirror contains the microphone for the
system and the control buttons that will enable you to
access the system.

UConnect™ Switches

The UConnect™ system can be used with any Hands­Free Profile certified Bluetooth™ cellular phone. See
www.chrysler.com/uconnect for supported phones. If
your cellular phone supports a different profile (e.g.,
Headset Profile), you may not be able to use any UCon­nect™ features. Refer to your cellular service provider or
the phone manufacturer for details.

The UConnect™ system is fully integrated with the
vehicle’s audio system. The volume of the UConnect™

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 71

system can be adjusted either from the radio volume
control knob, or from the steering wheel radio control
(right switch), if so equipped.

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

Operations

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

•

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

•

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

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72 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

•

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

Voice Command Tree

Refer to “Voice Tree” at the end of this section.

Help Command

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

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

Cancel Command

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

Pair (Link) UConnect™ System to a Cellular Phone

To begin using your UConnect™ system, you must pair
your compatible Bluetooth™ enabled cellular phone.

NOTE:

The UConnect™ system use requires a cellular
phone equipped with the Bluetooth ⬙Hands-Free Profile,⬙
version 0.96 or higher. See www.chrysler.com/uconnect
for supported phones.

To complete the pairing process, you will need to refer­ence your cellular phone owner’s manual. One of the
following vehicle specific websites may also provide
detailed instructions for pairing with the brand of phone
that you have:

NOTE:

www.chrysler.com/uconnect

•

•

www.dodge.com/uconnect

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 73

•

www.jeep.com/uconnect

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

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt and the following beep, say
⬙Setup Phone Pairing⬙ and follow the audible prompts.

•

When prompted, after the voice on beep, say ⬙Pair a
Phone⬙ and follow the audible prompts.

•

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

•

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 being the highest
priority. You can pair up to seven cellular phones to

your UConnect™ system. However, at any given time,
only one cellular phone can be in use, connected to
your UConnect™ System. The priority allows the
UConnect™ system to know which cellular phone to
use if multiple cellular phones are in the vehicle at the
same time. For example, if priority 3 and priority 5
phones are present in the vehicle, the UConnect™
system will use the priority 3 cellular phone when you
make a call. You can select to use a lower priority
cellular phone at any time (refer to ⬙Advanced Phone
Connectivity⬙).

Call/Dial by Saying a Number

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt and the following beep, say
⬙Dial.⬙

•

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

•

For example, you can say ⬙234-567-8901.⬙

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74 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

•

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

Call/Dial by Saying a Name

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt and the following beep, say
“Dial” or Call.⬙

•

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

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt and the following beep, say
the name of the person you want to call. For example,
you can say ⬙John Doe,⬙ where John Doe is a previ­ously stored name entry in the UConnect™ phone­book. Refer to ⬙Add Names to Your UConnect™
Phonebook,⬙ to learn how to store a name in the
phonebook.

•

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

Add Names to Your UConnect™ Phonebook

NOTE:

Adding names to phonebook is recommended
when vehicle is not in motion.

•

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt and the following beep, say
⬙Phonebook New Entry.⬙

•

When prompted, say the name of the new entry. Use of
long names helps the voice recognition and is recom­mended. For example, say ⬙Robert Smith⬙ or ⬙Robert⬙
instead of ⬙Bob.⬙

•

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

•

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

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

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 75

The UConnect™ system will allow you to enter up to 32
names in the phonebook with each name having up to
four associated phone numbers and designations. Each
language has a separate 32-name phonebook accessible
only in that language.

Edit Entries in the UConnect™ Phonebook

NOTE:

Editing phonebook entries is recommended

when vehicle is not in motion.

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt and the following beep, 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 (home, work,
mobile, or pager) that you wish to edit.

•

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

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

⬙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 using the ⬙Phonebook Edit⬙ feature.

Delete Entries in the UConnect™ Phonebook

NOTE:

Editing phonebook entries is recommended

when vehicle is not in motion.

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt and the following beep, say
⬙Phonebook Delete.⬙

•

After you enter the Phonebook Delete menu, you will
then be asked for the name of the entry that you wish
to delete. You can either say the name of a phonebook
entry that you wish to delete or you can say ⬙List
Names⬙ to hear a list of the entries in the phonebook

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76 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

from which you 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 which designation you wish to delete, home,
work, mobile, or pager. Say the designation you wish
to delete.

•

Note that only the phonebook entry in the current
language is deleted.

After confirmation, the phonebook entries will be de­leted. Note that only the phonebook in the current
language is deleted.

Delete All Entries in the UConnect™ Phonebook

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt and the following beep, say
⬙Phonebook Erase 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.

List All Names in the UConnect™ Phonebook

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt and the following beep, 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 then say ⬙Call.⬙ NOTE: the user can also
exercise ⬙Edit⬙ or ⬙Delete⬙ operations at this point.

•

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

•

The selected number will be dialed.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 77

Phone Call Features

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

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

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

Answer or Reject an Incoming Call - Call
Currently in Progress

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

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

Making a Second Call while Current Call in
Progress

To make a second call while you are currently in a call,
press the ’Voice Recognition’ button and say ⬙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. To go back to the first call, refer
to ⬙Toggling Between Calls.⬙ To combine two calls, refer
to ⬙Conference Call.⬙

Place/Retrieve a Call from Hold

To put a call on hold, press the ⬘Phone’ button until you
hear a single beep. This indicates that the call is on hold.
To bring the call back from hold, press and hold the
⬘Phone’ button until you hear a single beep.

Toggling Between Calls

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

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78 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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

Conference Call

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

Three-Way Calling

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

Call Termination

To end a call in progress, momentarily press the ⬘Phone’
button. Only the active call(s) will be terminated and if
there is a call on hold, it will become the new active call.

Redial

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt and the following beep, say
⬙Redial.⬙

•

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

Call Continuation

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

•

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

•

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

•

An active call is automatically transferred to the
mobile phone after ignition key is switched to off.

UConnect™ System Features

Language Selection

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

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

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

•

Continue to follow the system prompts to complete
language selection.

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

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 79

NOTE:

After every UConnect™ language change op­eration, only the language specific 32-name phonebook is
usable. The paired phone name is not language specific
and usable across all languages.

Emergency Assistance

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

•

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

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

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt and the following beep, say
⬙Emergency⬙ and the UConnect™ system will instruct

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

NOTE:

The emergency number dialed is based on the

Country where the vehicle is purchased (911 for USA and

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80 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Canada and 060 for Mexico). The number dialed may not
be applicable with the available cellular service and area.

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

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

Towing Assistance

If you need towing assistance,

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt and the following beep, say
⬙Towing Assistance.⬙

NOTE:

The Towing Assistance number dialed is based
on the Country where the vehicle is purchased (1-800­528-2069 for USA, 1-877-213-4525 for Canada, 55-14-3454
for Mexico city and 1-800-712-3040 for outside Mexico
city in Mexico).

Please refer to the 24-Hour “Towing Assistance” cover­age details in the Warranty information booklet and on
the 24–Hour Towing Assistance Card.

Paging

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

Voice Mail Calling

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

Working with Automated Systems

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

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

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 81

When calling a number with your UConnect™ system
that normally requires you to enter in a touch-tone
sequence on your cellular phone keypad, you can push
the ’Voice Recognition’ button and say the sequence you
wish to enter followed by the word ⬙Send.⬙ For example,
if required to enter your pin number followed with a
pound3746#,youcanpressthe’VoiceRecognition’
button and say ⬙3746#Send.⬙ Saying a number, or
sequence of numbers, followed by ⬙Send⬙ is also to be
used to navigate through an automated customer service
center menu structure and to leave a number on a pager.

Barge In - Overriding Prompts

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

Turning Confirmation Prompts On/Off

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

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

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

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

Phone and Network Status Indicators

If available on the radio and/or on a premium display
such as the instrument panel cluster, and supported by
your cell phone, the UConnect™ system will provide
notification to inform you of your phone and network
status when you are attempting to make a phone call
using UConnect™. The status is given for roaming net­work signal strength, phone battery strength, etc.

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82 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Dialing Using the Cellular Phone Keypad

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

NOTE:

Certain brands of mobile phones do not send
the dial ring to the UConnect™ system to play it on the
vehicle audio system, so you will not hear it. Under this
situation, after successfully dialing a number, the user
may feel that the call did not go through even though the
call is in progress. Once your call is answered, you will
hear the audio.

Mute/Un-mute (Mute off)

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

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt and the following beep, say
⬙Mute.⬙

In order to un-mute the UConnect™ system:

•

Press the ’Voice Recognition’ button.

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt and the following beep, say
⬙Mute-off.⬙

Information Service

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

Advanced Phone Connectivity

Transfer Call to and from Cellular Phone

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

•

Press the ’Voice Recognition’ button.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 83

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

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

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

List Paired Cellular Phone Names

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

•

After the “Ready” prompt and the following beep, say
“Setup Phone pairing”.

•

When prompted, say ⬙List Phones.⬙

•

The UConnect™ system will play the phone names of
all paired cellular phones in order from the highest to
the lowest priority. To “select” or “delete” a paired
phone being announced, press the ⬘Voice recognition’

button and say “Select” or “Delete.” Also, see the next
two sections for an alternate way to “select” or “de­lete” a paired phone.

Select another Cellular Phone

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

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt and the following beep, say
⬙Setup Select Phone⬙ and follow the prompts.

•

You can also press the ⬘Voice Recognition’ button
anytime while the list is being played, and then choose
the phone that you wish to select.

•

The selected phone will be used for the next phone
call. If the selected phone is not available, the UCon­nect™ system will return to using the highest priority
phone present in or near (approximately with in 30
feet) the vehicle.

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84 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Delete UConnect™ Paired Cellular Phones

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt and the following beep, say
⬙Setup Phone Pairing.⬙

•

At the next prompt, say ⬙Delete⬙ and follow the
prompts.

•

You can also press the ⬘Voice Recognition’ button
anytime while the list is being played and then choose
the phone you wish to delete.

Things You Should Know About Your UConnect™
System

Voice Recognition (VR)

Always wait for the beep before speaking.

•

•

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

•

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

•

Performance is maximized under:

•

low-to-medium blower setting,

•

low-to-medium vehicle speed,

•

low road noise,

•

smooth road surface,

•

fully closed windows,

•

dry weather condition.

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

UConnect™ phonebook nametag recognition rate is
optimized for the voice of the person who stored the
name in the phonebook.

•

You can say ⬙O⬙ (letter ⬙O⬙) for ⬙0⬙ (zero). ⬙800⬙ must be
spoken ⬙eight-zero-zero.⬙

•

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

Far End Audio Performance

Audio quality is maximized under:

•

•

low-to-medium blower setting,

•

low-to-medium vehicle speed,

•

low road noise,

•

smooth road surface,

•

fully closed windows, and

•

dry weather condition.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 85

•

Operation from driver seat.

•

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

•

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

Bluetooth Communication Link

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

Power-Up

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

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86 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 87

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88 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 89

North American English
Primary Alternate(s)
Zero Oh
Add location Add new
All All of them
Confirmation prompts Confirmations prompts
Delete a name Delete
Language Select language
List names List all
List paired phones List phones
Pager Beeper
Phone pairing Pairing
Phonebook Phone book
Return to main menu Return. Main menu
Select phone select
Set up Phone settings phone set

up

SEATS

Manual Seats — If Equipped

Seat Adjustment

The adjusting bar is at the front of the seat, near the floor.
Pull the bar upward to move the seat forward or rear­ward. Release the bar once the seat is in the position
desired. Then, using body pressure, move forward and
rearward on the seat to be sure that the seat adjusters
have latched.

Manual Seat Adjusting Bar

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90 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

•

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

•

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.

Power Seat Switch

WARNING!

Power Seats — If Equipped

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

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.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 91

CAUTION!

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

Power Reclining Seats — If Equipped

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

Power Seat Recline Switch

WARNING!

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

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92 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Lumbar Support — If Equipped

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

Lumbar Support Control Lever

Head Restraints

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

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

Adjustable Head Restraint

Heated Seats — If Equipped

Heated seats, which are available only with leather
upholstery, provide comfort and warmth on cold days
and can help soothe sore muscles and backs. The heaters
provide the same heat level for both cushion and back.
The driver seat and front passenger seat are heated.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 93

The controls for each heater are located near the bottom
center of the instrument panel. After turning on the
ignition, you can choose from High, Off, or Low heat
settings. Amber LEDs in the top portion of each switch
indicate the level of heat in use. Two LEDs will illuminate
for high, one for low, and none for off.

Front Heated Seat Switch

Press the switch once to select high-level heating. Press
the switch a second time to select low-level heating. Press
the switch a third time to shut off the heating elements.

If high-level heating is selected, the system will automati­cally switch to the low level after 30 minutes of continu­ous operation. At that time, the number of illuminated
LEDs changes from two to one, indicating the change.
Operation on the low setting also turns off automatically
after 30 minutes.

NOTE:

Once a heat setting is selected, heat will be felt

within two to five minutes.

WARNING!

Persons who are unable to feel pain to the skin
because of advanced age, chronic illness, diabetes,
spinal cord injury, medication, alcohol use, exhaus­tion or other physical condition must exercise care
when using the seat heater. It may cause burns even
at low temperatures, especially if used for long
periods.

Do not place anything on the seat that insulates
against heat, such as a blanket or cushion. This may
cause the seat heater to overheat.

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94 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Folding Rear Seat

Folding Rear Seats

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

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

WARNING!

•

Be certain that the seatback is securely locked into
position. If the seatback in not securely locked
into position the seat will not provide the proper
stability for child seats and/or passengers. An
improperly latched seat could cause serious in­jury.

•

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

TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD

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

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 95

3

Hood Safety Catch

Use the hood prop rod (if equipped) to secure the hood in
the open position.

Hood Release Lever

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

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

96 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

Headlight Switch

The headlight switch is located on the left side of
the instrument panel. This switch controls the

operation of the headlights, parking lights, instru­ment panel lights, instrument panel light dimming, inte­rior lights, and fog lights.

Headlight Switch

Rotate the headlight switch clockwise to the first detent
for parking light and instrument panel light operation.
Turn it to the second detent for headlight, park light, and
instrument panel light operation.

Automatic Headlights — If Equipped

This system automatically turns the headlights ON or
OFF according to ambient light levels. To turn the system
ON, rotate the headlight switch counter-clockwise to the
AUTO (A) position. When the system is ON, the Head­light Time Delay feature is also ON. This means the

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 97

headlights will stay ON for up to 90 seconds after you
turn the ignition switch OFF. To turn the Automatic
System OFF, move the headlight switch out of the AUTO
(A) position.

Headlight Switch

NOTE:

The engine must be running before the head-

lights will come ON in the Automatic mode.

Headlights On with Wipers (Available with Auto
Headlights Only)

When this feature is active, the headlights will turn on
approximately 10 seconds after the wipers are turned on
if the headlight switch is placed in the AUTO position. In
addition, the headlights will turn off when the wipers are
turned off if they were turned on by this feature.

The Headlights On with Wipers feature can be turned on
or off through the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) — if equipped. For details, refer to ”Headlights
On with Wipers,” under “Personal Settings (Customer
Programmable Features),” under “Electronic Vehicle In­formation Center” in Section 4 of this manual.

Headlight Time Delay

This feature provides the safety of headlight illumination
for 90 seconds (programmable) when leaving your ve­hicle in an unlighted area.

To activate the delay feature, turn off the ignition switch
while the headlights are still on. Then, turn off the
headlights within 45 seconds. The delay interval begins
when headlight switch is turned off.

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98 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

If you turn the headlights, park lights, or ignition switch
on again, the system will cancel the delay.

If you turn the headlights off before the ignition, they will
turn off in the normal manner.

NOTE:

The lights must be turned off within 45 seconds

of turning the ignition off to activate this feature

The Headlight delay time is programmable on vehicles
equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC). For details, refer to “Delay Turning Headlights
Off,” under “Personal Settings (Customer Programmable
Features),” under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual.

Daytime Running Lights (Canada Only)

The high beam headlights 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 nighttime
driving.

Lights-on Reminder

If the headlights or parking lights are on after the 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 headlight
switch below the dimmer control. To activate the
front fog lights, turn on the parking lights or the

low beam headlights and press the fog light switch.

An indicator light in the instrument cluster illuminates
when the fog lights are turned on.

NOTE:

The fog lights will operate with the low beam
headlights, or parking lights on. However, selecting the
high beam headlights will turn off the fog lights.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 99

Multi-Function Lever

The multi-function lever controls the operation of the
turn signals, headlight beam selection, and passing
lights. The lever is located on the left side of the steering
column.

Multi-Function Lever

Turn Signals

Move the Multi-Function Lever up or down and the
corresponding turn signal indicator in the instrument
cluster flashes to show proper operation of the front and
rear turn signal lights. You can also signal a lane change

by moving the lever partially up or down without
moving beyond the detent. Releasing the lever at the
detent will provide 3 flashes.

If either light has 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 is defective or there may be a circuit failure.

NOTE:

A “Turn Signal On” message will appear in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — if
equipped and a continuous chime will sound if the
vehicle is driven more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either
turn signal on.

Highbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch

Push the Multi-Function Lever away from you to switch
the headlights to HIGH beam. Pull the Lever towards
you to switch the headlights back to LOW beam.

Flash to Pass

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

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100 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Overhead Console Map/Reading Lights

These lights are mounted between the sun visors on the
overhead console. Each light is turned ON by pressing
the lens. Press the lens a second time to turn OFF the
light. These lights also turn on when a door is opened, or
when the unlock button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter is pressed, or when the dimmer control is
turned fully upward, past the second detent.

Overhead Console

Interior Lights

The interior lights come on when a door is opened.

To protect the battery, the interior lights will turn off
automatically 10 minutes after the ignition switch is
moved to the LOCK position. This will occur if the
interior lights were switched on manually or are on
because a door is open. This includes the glove box light.
To restore interior light operation, either turn the ignition
switch ON or cycle the light switch.

Dimmer Control

The dimmer control is part of the
headlight switch, and is located on the
left side of the instrument panel. With
the parking lights or headlights on,
rotating the dimmer control 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 control is in this
position.