Dodge Caravan (2001-2007) User Manual [ru]

SECTION PAGE

1

INTRODUCTION

2

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

3

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

4

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

6

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

7

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

9

IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

..............................87

...................................187

.................................................289

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...............................................371

..................................................425

.........................................447

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

INDEX

....................................................................457

10

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1

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

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

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

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

䡵 Vehicle Modifications / Alterations ........... 7

4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

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

NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.

When it comes to service, remember that your dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni­cians and genuine Mopar威 parts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.

WARNING!

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

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

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

The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.

Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this owner’s manual:

INTRODUCTION 5

1

6 INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

This manual contains WARNINGS against operating
procedures which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures
which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do
not read this entire manual you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is found on the
left front corner of the instrument panel, visible from
outside of the vehicle through the windshield. This
number also appears on the Automobile Information
Disclosure Label affixed to a window on your vehicle.
Save this label for a convenient record of your vehicle
identification number and optional equipment.

Vehicle Identification Number

NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN plate.

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS

WARNING!

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

INTRODUCTION 7

1

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

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

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

▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................13

䡵 Sentry Key ............................13

▫ Replacement Keys ......................15

▫ Customer Key Programming ..............15

▫ General Information ....................16

䡵 Illuminated Entry System — If Equipped .......16

䡵 Door Locks ............................17

2

▫ Manual Door Locks .....................17

▫ Power Door Locks — If Equipped ..........18

䡵 Remote Keyless Entry — If Equipped .........20

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

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

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

▫ To Program Transmitters .................23

▫ General Information ....................25

▫ Transmitter Battery Service ...............26

10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

䡵 Vehicle Theft Alarm — If Equipped ...........27

䡵 Sliding Side Door ........................29

▫ Sliding Door Open Flash .................30

▫ Power Sliding Door — If Equipped .........31

▫ Child Protection Door Lock ...............33

䡵 Liftgate ...............................35

▫ Power Liftgate — If Equipped .............36

䡵 Windows .............................38

▫ Manual Rear Vent Windows ...............38

▫ Power Vent Windows — If Equipped ........38

▫ Power Windows — If Equipped ............39

䡵 Occupant Restraints ......................41

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................42

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .....48

▫ Center Lap Belts .......................50

▫ Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................50

▫ Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Use Reminder System

(BeltAlert) ...........................51

▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............52

▫ Seat Belt Extender ......................52

▫ Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental

Restraint Systems (SRS) — Airbags ..........53

▫ DaimlerChrysler Corporation Integrated

Child Seat — If Equipped ................68

▫ Child Restraint ........................69

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

䡵 Rear Seat Delete Feature (Commercial Vehicles

Only) — If Equipped .....................78

▫ Restraining Infants And Small Children

With Seat Delete Feature

(Commercial Vehicles Only) ...............79

䡵 Engine Break-In Recommendations ...........82

䡵 Safety Tips ............................83

▫ Exhaust Gas ..........................83

▫ Safety Checks You Should Make

Inside The Vehicle ......................84

▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside

The Vehicle ..........................85

2

12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS

Vehicle Key

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

The dealer that sold you your new vehicle has the key
code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers can

be used to order duplicate keys from your dealer. Ask
your dealer for these numbers and keep them in a safe
place.

Ignition Key Removal

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

Ignition Key Position

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

NOTE: The power window switches, radio, power
outlets, and removable console (if equipped), will remain
active for up to 45 seconds after the ignition switch has
been turned off. Opening a vehicle front door will cancel
this feature.

WARNING!

Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is danger­ous for a number of reasons. A child or others could
be injured. Children should be warned not to touch
the parking brake, brake pedal or the gear selector
lever. Don’t leave the keys in the ignition. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.

CAUTION!

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

Key-In-Ignition Reminder

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

SENTRY KEY

The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unautho­rized operation of the vehicle by disabling the engine.
The system will shut the engine off after 2 seconds of
running if an invalid key is used to start the vehicle. This
system utilizes ignition keys which have an electronic

2

14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

chip (transponder) embedded into them. Only keys that
have been programmed to the vehicle can be used to start
and operate the vehicle.

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

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

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

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

NOTE:

•

The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not compatible
with remote starting systems. Use of these systems
may result in vehicle starting problems and loss of
security protection.

•

Exxon/Mobil Speed Pass,™ additional Sentry Keys, or
any other transponder equipped components on the
same keychain will not cause a key-related (transpon­der) fault unless the additional part is physically held
against the ignition key being used when starting the
vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other RF electronics
will not cause interference with this system.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

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

Replacement Keys

NOTE: Only keys that have been programmed to the
vehicle electronics can be used to start the vehicle. Once
a Sentry Key has been programmed to a vehicle, it can
not be programmed to any other vehicle.

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

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

Customer Key Programming

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

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

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

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

2

16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

The new Sentry Key has been programmed. The Keyless

Entry Transmitter will also be programmed during this
procedure.

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

NOTE: If a programmed key has been lost, see your
dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the sys­tems memory. The remaining keys must then repro­grammed. This will prevent the lost key from starting
your vehicle. 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.

ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED

The courtesy lights will turn on when you use the keyless
entry transmitter or open the doors. This feature is only
available if you have Remote Keyless Entry.

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

NOTE:

•

The front courtesy overhead console, door courtesy
and liftgate lights do not turn on if the dimmer control
is in the interior lights ON position (extreme top
position).

•

The illuminated entry system will not operate if the
dimmer control is in the “defeat” position (extreme
downward position).

DOOR LOCKS

Manual Door Locks

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

2

Door Lock Plunger

If the 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.

18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

•

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

•

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

Power Door Locks — If Equipped

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

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19

chime will sound if the key is in the ignition switch and
a door is open, as a reminder to remove the key.

If you press the power door lock switch while the sliding
door is open, the sliding door will lock.

Auto Door Locks — If Equipped

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

1. The transmission is in gear,

2. all doors are closed,

3. the vehicle speed is above 18 mph (29 km/h) and

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

The Automatic Door Locks can be enabled or disabled by
performing the following procedure:

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

2. Cycle the ignition switch ON/OFF four times ending
in the OFF position. (do not start the engine)

3. Within 10 seconds of the final cycle, press the interior
driver’s door lock switch to the LOCK position.

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

You can turn the feature back on by repeating the above
mentioned procedure or by performing the procedure in
the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), Cus­tomer Programmable Features section on vehicles so
equipped.

2

20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Auto Unlock On Exit— If Equipped

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

1. The Auto Door Locks feature is enabled and the Auto
Unlock 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. any door is opened (excluding liftgate) and

5. the vehicle speed is 0 mph (0 km/h).

The Auto Unlock On Exit feature can be enabled or
disabled by performing the procedure in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), Customer Program­mable Features section on vehicles so equipped.

NOTE: Use the Auto Door Locks and Auto Unlock
features in accordance with local laws.

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY — IF EQUIPPED

This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors and
liftgate, and activate the panic alarm, optional power
liftgate, left power sliding door, and right power sliding
door 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: If the key is in the ignition switch, then all
buttons on that transmitter will be disabled. The buttons
on the remaining transmitters will work. If the vehicle is
shifted out of PARK, all the transmitter buttons are
disabled for all keys.

Two (2) transmitters may be supplied with the vehicle.
Vehicles built without the powered options will be
equipped from the factory with three button transmitters
and those built with power options will be equipped
with six button transmitters.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21

Three button transmitters will provide basic UNLOCK,
LOCK and PANIC functions.

Three Button Transmitter

Six button transmitters will provide functions that allow
the same basic operation as the three button, but may also
be used to Open/Close the optional power liftgate, left
power sliding door, or right power sliding door. Other

options of the system allow you to turn ON/OFF the
Sound Horn On Lock, Remote Unlock Driver’s Door 1st,
and Flash Lights On Lock/Unlock features.

2

Six Button Transmitter

22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To unlock the doors and liftgate:

Press and release the UNLOCK button on the transmitter
once to unlock the driver’s door side of the vehicle, or
twice to unlock all doors and liftgate. The illuminated
entry system also turns on.

The Remote Unlock Driver’s Door 1st feature can be
enabled or disabled by performing the following proce­dure:

1. Press the UNLOCK button for 5 to 10 seconds.

2. While the UNLOCK button is pressed, (after 5 sec­onds) press the LOCK button. Release both buttons.

The “Remote Unlock Driver’s Door 1st” feature can be
reactivated by repeating the above mentioned procedure
or by performing the procedure in the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), Customer Programmable
Features section on vehicles so equipped.

To lock the doors and liftgate:

Press and release the LOCK button on the transmitter to
lock all doors and liftgate. The horn will chirp once to
acknowledge the signal.

If desired, the “Sound Horn On Lock” feature can be
turned on and off by performing the following proce­dure:

1. Press the LOCK button for 5 to 10 seconds.

2. While the LOCK button is pressed (after 5 seconds),
press the PANIC button. Release both buttons.

The “Sound Horn On Lock” feature can be reactivated by
repeating this procedure or by performing the procedure
in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC),
Customer Programmable Features section on vehicles so
equipped.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23

Using The Panic Alarm:

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

The panic alarm will stay on for 3 minutes unless you
turn it off by pressing the PANIC button a second time or
by turning the ignition switch to the ON position.

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

To Program Transmitters:

Refer to SENTRY KEY “Customer Key Programming.”

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

To Open/Close Power Liftgate — If Equipped

Press the LIFTGATE button twice within five seconds to
open/close the power liftgate. The liftgate will beep for 2
seconds and then open/close. If the button is pushed
while the liftgate is being power closed, the liftgate will
reverse to the full open position.

If the liftgate is locked and is not equipped with a
powered liftgate, pressing the button twice will result in
the liftgate becoming unlocked for 30 seconds allowing
you to manually access the liftgate area.

2

24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To Open/Close Left Power Sliding Door — If
Equipped

Press the LEFT button twice within five seconds to
open/close the left power sliding door. If the button is
pushed while the door is being power closed, the door
will reverse to the full open position.

If the vehicle is not equipped with a left power sliding
door and the door is closed and locked, pressing the
button twice will result in the left side doors becoming
unlocked.

To Open/Close Right Power Sliding Door — If
Equipped

Press the RIGHT button twice within five seconds to
open/close the right power sliding door. If the button is
pushed while the door is being power closed, the door
will reverse to the full open position.

If the vehicle is not equipped with a right power sliding
door and the door is closed and locked, pressing the
button twice will result in the right side doors becoming
unlocked.

To Turn Off “Flash Lights On Lock/Unlock”—If
Equipped

If desired, the “Flash Lights On Lock/Unlock” feature
can be turned on and off by performing the following
procedure:

1. Press the LOCK button for 5 to 10 seconds.

2. While the LOCK button is pressed, (after 5 seconds)
press the UNLOCK button. Release both buttons.

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25

the procedure in the Electronic Vehicle Information Cen­ter (EVIC), Customer Programmable Features section on
vehicles so equipped. The table below explains the Lamp
Flash options.

Function Which Turn Signal

Lamps

Lock All 1
Unlock 1st

Press
Unlock All

Doors
Left Side Left Side 2
Right Side Right Side 2
Liftgate All 2

Left Side 2

All 2

Number of

Flashes

General Information

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

•

This device may not cause harmful interference.

•

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

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

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

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

2

26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Transmitter Battery Service

The recommended replacement battery is one CR2032
battery.

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

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

Separating Transmitter Halves

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27

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

VEHICLE THEFT ALARM — IF EQUIPPED

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

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

1. Press a power door lock button while the driver’sor
passenger’s door is open.

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

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

2

28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To disarm the system: Press the UNLOCK button on the
keyless entry transmitter. Also, using a valid sentry key
and moving the ignition switch to the ON/START posi­tion will disarm the system. If you disarm the system and
access the liftgate area, the system must be rearmed, as
described previously, when closing the liftgate. 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.

NOTE:

•

The driver’s door and liftgate key cylinders cannot
arm or disarm the system.

•

Once the alarm is set, and the liftgate button on the
keyless entry transmitter is pressed, on a non-power
liftgate vehicle, you have a 30 second one time access
into the liftgate area. If the liftgate is not opened within
30 seconds the liftgate will remain locked.

•

The system remains armed during liftgate entry, press­ing the liftgate button will not disarm the system, if
someone enters the vehicle through the liftgate and
opens any door the alarm will sound.

•

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

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

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

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

SLIDING SIDE DOOR

The sliding door may be opened from the inside or the
outside. Pull out on the outside handle to open the
sliding door from the outside. To open the sliding door
from the inside, press the button on the grab handle and
open the door.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29

2

Sliding Door Hardware

30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To keep your door operating properly, observe the fol­lowing guidelines:

•

Always open the door smoothly.

•

Avoid high impacts against the door stop when open­ing the door. This is very important when your vehicle
is parked on an incline as the door will slide faster in
the downhill direction.

•

There is a hold-open latch that is activated when the
sliding door is fully opened. This latch will keep your
sliding door open on any incline. To close the sliding
door after the hold-open latch is activated, you must
push the button on the inside grab handle or pull out
on the outside sliding door handle.

•

Use the grab handle on the inside of the sliding door to
assist you in closing and securing the door.

Always make sure that the sliding door is fully latched
any time the vehicle is in motion.

NOTE: The driver’s side sliding door cannot be opened
while the fuel door is open. This feature operates only
when the sliding door is fully closed prior to opening the
fuel door.

Sliding Door Open Flash

When the sliding door(s) are opened, the left and right
exterior hazard lights will flash for 12 seconds to alert
other drivers in the area that passenger(s) could be
entering or exiting the vehicle.

The Sliding Door Open Flash can be enabled or disabled
by performing the following procedure:

1. Place the key in the ignition switch.

2. Cycle the ignition switch ON/OFF four times ending
in the OFF position. (do not start the engine)

3. Within 10 seconds of the final cycle, press the hazard
switch.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 31

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

You can turn the feature back on by repeating the above
mentioned procedure or by performing the procedure in
the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), Cus­tomer Programmable Features section on vehicles so
equipped.

Power Sliding Door — If Equipped

NOTE: The power sliding door must be unlocked before
the switches located on the trim panel, just in front of the
power sliding door will operate.

The power sliding door may be opened manually or by
using the buttons on the remote keyless entry transmitter.

Press the buttons on the remote keyless entry transmitter
twice within five seconds, to open a power sliding door.
Once the door is fully open, pressing the button twice
within five seconds a second time will close the door.

The power sliding door may also be opened by pressing
the switches on the overhead console or the switch
located on the trim panel just in front of the sliding door.
To keep your door operating properly, observe the fol­lowing guidelines.

•

Always open the door smoothly.

•

Avoid high impacts against the door stop when open­ing the door manually. This is very important when
your vehicle is parked on an incline as the door will
slide faster in the downhill direction.

•

There is a hold-open latch that is activated when the
sliding door is fully opened. This latch will keep your
sliding door open on any incline. To close the power
sliding door after the hold-open latch is activated, you
must press any one of the power sliding door
switches, push the button on the inside grab handle or
pull out on the outside sliding door handle.

2

32 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

There are power sliding door switches located on the
trim panel just in front of the power sliding door for the
rear seat passengers. Pressing the switch once will open
the power sliding door, once the door is fully open
pressing the switch a second time will close the door.

Power Sliding Door Switch

If the inside or outside door handles are used while the
power sliding door is activated, the power sliding door
feature will be canceled and the door must be opened or
closed manually.

To avoid unintentional operation of the power sliding
door from the rear seats, press the button located in the
overhead console to disable the switches for the rear seat
passengers.

NOTE:

•

If anything obstructs the power sliding door while it is
closing or opening, the door will automatically reverse
to the closed or open position, provided it meets
sufficient resistance.

•

The driver’s side sliding door cannot be opened while
the fuel door is open. This feature operates only when
the sliding door is fully closed prior to opening the
fuel door.

•

If the power sliding door is not in the full open or close
position, it will fully open when a power sliding door
switch is pressed. To close the door, wait until it is fully
open and then press the switch again.

•

The power sliding door switches will not operate if the
vehicle is in gear or the vehicle speed is above 0 mph
(0 km/h).

•

If the power sliding door encounters multiple obstruc­tions within the same cycle, the system will automati­cally stop and must be opened or closed manually.

WARNING!

You or others could be injured if caught in the path
of the sliding door. Make sure the door path is clear
before closing the door.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 33

Child Protection Door Lock

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

WARNING!

To avoid trapping anyone in the vehicle in a colli­sion. Remember that the sliding doors can only be
opened from the outside door handle or the switches
located on the trim panel just in front of the power
sliding door when the child protection locks are
engaged.

2

34 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Child Lock Control

When the child lock system is engaged the door can be
opened only by using the outside door handle, remote

keyless entry transmitter, switches on the overhead con­sole or the switches located on the trim panel just in front
of the power sliding door, even though the inside door
lock is in the unlocked position.

The power sliding door will operate from the switches
located on the trim panel just in front of the power sliding
door, regardless of the child lock lever position. To avoid
unintentional operation of the power sliding door from
the rear seats, press the button located in the overhead
console to disable the switches for the rear seat passen­gers.

NOTE:

•

The power sliding door switches will not operate if the
vehicle is in gear or the vehicle speed is above 0 mph
(0 km/h).

•

The power sliding door will operate from the remote
keyless entry transmitter, if the vehicle is in Park,
regardless of the child lock lever position.

LIFTGATE

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

To open the liftgate, insert the key into the lock and turn
to the right. On vehicles equipped with power locks the
liftgate can also be unlocked using the remote keyless
entry or by activating the power door lock switches
located on the front doors.

Once unlocked, on vehicles equipped with power locks,
the liftgate can be opened or closed without using the
key. To open the liftgate, depress the liftgate release
switch located on the underside of the license plate bar
and pull the liftgate open with one fluid motion.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 35

2

Liftgate Release Switch

If the liftgate is locked and is not equipped with a
powered liftgate, pressing the button on the remote
keyless entry transmitter will result in the liftgate becom­ing unlocked for 30 seconds allowing you to manually
access the liftgate area.

36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: On vehicles without power locks, the liftgate can
only be opened using the vehicle keys. The key must be
held in the unlocked position for the liftgate to open.

Power Liftgate — If Equipped

The power liftgate may be opened manually or by using
the button on the remote keyless entry transmitter. Press
the button on the remote keyless entry transmitter twice
within five seconds, to open the power liftgate. Once the
liftgate is fully open, pressing the button twice within
five seconds a second time will close the liftgate.

The power liftgate may also be opened by pressing the
button located on the overhead console.

Power Liftgate Switch

When the remote keyless entry transmitter button is
pressed and the “Lamp Flash” feature is enabled, the tail
lights will flash to signal that the liftgate is opening or
closing.

WARNING!

During power operation, personal injury or cargo
damage may occur. Ensure the liftgate travel path is
clear. Make sure the liftgate is closed and latched
before driving away.

NOTE:

•

If anything obstructs the power liftgate while it is
closing or opening, the liftgate will automatically
reverse to the closed or open position, provided it
meets sufficient resistance.

•

There are also pinch sensors attached to the side of the
liftgate opening. Light pressure anywhere along these
strips will cause the liftgate to return to the open
position.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37

•

The power liftgate must be in the full open or close
positions for any of the buttons to operate. If the
liftgate is not in the full open or close positions it must
be opened or closed manually.

•

If the liftgate release button is activated while the
power liftgate is closing, the liftgate will reverse to the
full open position.

•

The power liftgate buttons will not operate if the
vehicle is in gear or the vehicle speed is above 0 mph
(0 km/h).

•

The power liftgate will not operate in temperatures
below ⫺12°F(⫺24°C) or temperatures above 143°F
(62°C). Be sure to remove any build-up of snow or ice
from the liftgate before pressing any of the power
liftgate buttons.

2

38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•

If the power liftgate encounters multiple obstructions
within the same cycle, the system will automatically
stop and must be opened or closed manually.

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.

WINDOWS

Manual Rear Vent Windows

A lever at the rear of each window releases the window
so that it can be pushed out for ventilation.

Power Vent Windows — If Equipped

Switches on the driver’s door trim panel let the driver
operate the two vent windows from the front seat.

Power Vent Window Switches

Power Windows — If Equipped

You can control either front window using switches on
the driver’s door trim panel. There is a single switch on
the passenger’s door trim panel which operates the

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39

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

2

Power Window Switches

40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Auto Down Feature — If Equipped

The driver’s window switch has an auto down feature.
Press the window switch past the detent, release, and the
window will go down automatically.

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

The power window switches remain active for up to 45
seconds after the ignition switch has been turned off.
Opening a vehicle front door will cancel this feature.

Wind Buffeting

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

OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS

Some of the most important safety features in your
vehicle are the restraint systems. These include the front
and rear seat belts for the driver and all passengers, front
airbags for both the driver and front passenger, driver
inflatable knee blocker and if equipped, window bags for
the driver and passengers seated next to a window. If you
will be carrying children too small for adult-size seat
belts, your seat belts or the LATCH feature (Lower
Anchors and Tether for CHildren) also, can be used to
hold infant and child restraint systems.

If your vehicle is equipped with the Occupant Classifi­cation System (OCS) there will be a Passenger Airbag
Disabled (PAD) Indicator Light located on the center of
the instrument panel.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41

2

Passenger Airbag Disabled Light

NOTE: The front airbags have a multi stage inflator

design. This allows the airbag to have different rates of
inflation that are based on collision severity.

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.

42 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

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

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

Research has shown that seat belts save lives, and they
can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a collision. Some
of the worst injuries happen when people are thrown
from the vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility of

ejection and the risk of injury caused by striking the
inside of the vehicle. Everyone in a motor vehicle should
be belted at all times.

Lap/Shoulder Belts

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

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43

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.

WARNING!

•

Wearing a seat belt incorrectly is dangerous. Seat
belts are designed to go around the large bones of
your body. These are the strongest parts of your
body and can take the forces of a collision the
best.

•

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

•

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

2

44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions

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

2. The seat belt latch plate is near the seatback of the
front seats and next to your arm in the rear seats. Grasp
the latch plate and pull out the belt. Slide the latch plate
up the webbing as far as necessary to allow the belt to go
around your lap.

Latch Plate

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45

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

Latch Plate To Buckle

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.

2

46 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
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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47

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

WARNING!

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

Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage

In the front seats and the second row outboard seats, the
shoulder belt anchorage can be adjusted upward or

downward to help position the belt away from your
neck. The upper anchorage can be adjusted upward by
pushing anywhere on the anchorage. To move the an­chorage downward, press the actuation button while
simultaneously pushing down on the anchorage assem­bly.

Adjusting Upper Shoulder Belt

2

48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure

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

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

Positioning Latch Plate

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

Creating A Fold

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49

2

Sliding The Latch Plate

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

50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Center Lap Belts

The center seating positions have a lap belt only. To fasten
the lap belt, slide the latch plate into the buckle until you
hear a “click”. To lengthen the lap belt, tilt the latch plate
and pull. To remove slack, pull the loose end of the
webbing.

Wear the lap belt snug against the hips. Sit back and erect
in the seat, then adjust the belt as tightly as is comfort­able.

WARNING!

•

A lap belt worn too loose or too high is dangerous.

•

A belt worn too loose can allow you to slip down
and under the belt in a collision.

•

A belt that is too high will apply crash forces to
the abdomen, not to the stronger hip bones. In
either case, the risk of internal injuries is greater.
Wear a lap belt low and snug.

Seat Belt Pretensioners

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51

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

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

Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert)

If the driver’s seat belt has not been buckled within 60
seconds of starting the vehicle and if the vehicle speed is
greater than 5 mph (8 km/h), the Enhanced Warning
System (BeltAlert) will alert the driver to buckle their seat
belt. The driver should also instruct all other occupants to
buckle their seat belts. Once the warning is triggered, the
Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) will continue to

chime and flash the Seat Belt Warning Light for 96
seconds or until the driver’s seat belt is buckled.

The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) will be reacti­vated if the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled for more than
10 seconds and the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8
km/h).

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

NOTE: The following steps must occur within the first
60 seconds of the ignition switch being turned to the ON
or RUN position. DaimlerChrysler does not recommend
deactivating the Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert).

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

2

52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

2. Turn the ignition key to the RUN position (engine
does not need to be running), and wait for the Seat Belt
Warning Light to turn off.

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

4. Turn the ignition key to the OFF 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: Although the Enhanced Warning System
(BeltAlert) has been deactivated, the Seat Belt Warning
Light will continue to illuminate while the driver’s seat
belt remains unfastened.

Seat Belts and Pregnant Women

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

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

Seat Belt Extender

If a seat belt is too short, even when fully extended and
when the adjustable upper shoulder belt anchorage (if
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 stow it.

WARNING!

Using a seat belt extender when not needed can
increase the risk of injury in a collision. Only use
when the lap 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 Systems (SRS) — Airbags

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53

2

Front Airbag Components

NOTE: The front airbags are certified to the Federal

regulations that allow less forceful deployment in low
speed collisions.

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

54 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Also, the front passenger airbag is certified to the Federal
regulations that define Occupant Classification (Refer to
“Occupant Classification System” in this section).

This vehicle may also be equipped with a driver inflat­able knee blocker located on the instrument panel below
the steering column.

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

Window Bags

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 55

WARNING!

• Do not put anything on or around the airbag covers

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

• If your vehicle is equipped with window bags, do

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

• If your vehicle is equipped with window bags, 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.

Along with the seat belts, front airbags work with the
instrument panel knee bolsters to provide improved
protection for the driver and front passenger. Window
bags 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.

NOTE: The passenger front airbag may not deploy even
when the driver front airbag has if the Occupant Classi­fication System (refer to “Occupant Classification Sys­tem” in this section) has determined the seat is empty or
is occupied by a child.

If your vehicle is equipped, the window bag on the crash
side of the vehicle is triggered in moderate to severe side
collisions. But even in collisions where the airbags inflate,
you need the seat belts to keep you in the right position
for the airbags to protect you properly.

2

56 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 always ride

buckled up in a rear seat.

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

Children that are not big enough to properly wear the
vehicle seat belt (refer to section on Child Restraint)
should be secured in the rear seat, in a child restraint or
belt-positioning booster seat. Older children who do not
use child restraints or belt-positioning booster seats
should ride properly buckled up in the rear seat, and in
the outboard seat if possible. Never allow children to
slide the shoulder belt behind them or under their arm.

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

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

2. All occupants should wear their lap and shoulder

belts properly.

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

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 57

WARNING!

•

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

•

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

•

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

The Airbag System consists of the following:

•

Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)

•

AIRBAG Readiness Light

•

Driver Airbag

•

Front Passenger Airbag

•

Window Bags above Side Windows (If Equipped)

•

Front Impact Sensors

•

Side Impact Sensors (If Equipped)

•

Steering Wheel and Column

•

Instrument Panel

•

Seat Belt Readiness Light

•

Front Seat Belt Pretensioners

•

Interconnecting Wiring

2

58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•

Knee Impact Bolster

•

Driver Inflatable Knee Blocker

•

Front Passenger Seat Occupant Classification System
(OCS) — If Equipped

−

Occupant Classification Module

−

Passenger Airbag Disabled (PAD) Indicator Light

−

Interconnecting Wiring

−

Bladder Assembly

−

Belt Tension Sensor

How The Airbag System Works

The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) determines

•

if a frontal collision is severe enough to require the
airbags to inflate. Based on the level of collision
severity, the front control module determines the

proper rate of inflation. The front airbag inflators are
designed to provide different rates of airbag inflation.

•

The ORC may modify the rate of inflation based on the
occupant size provided by the Occupant Classification
Module.

•

The ORC will not detect side, roll over, or rear impacts.

•

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

•

Also, the ORC turns on the AIRBAG warn­ing light and PAD indicator light in the
center of the instrument panel for 6 to 8
seconds for a self-check when the ignition is

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59

first turned on. After the self-check, the AIRBAG
warning light will turn off. The PAD indicator light
will function normally (Refer to “Passenger Airbag
Disable (PAD) Indicator Light” in this section). If the
ORC 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 Passenger Airbag/Inflator Units are
located in the center of the steering wheel and the right
side of the instrument panel. When the ORC and
impact sensors detects a collision requiring the air­bags, it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of
nontoxic gas is generated to inflate the front airbags.
Different airbag inflation rates may be possible based
on collision severity and occupant size. The steering
wheel hub trim cover and the upper right side of the
instrument panel separate and fold out of the way as
the airbags inflate to their full size. The airbags fully
inflate in about 50–70 milliseconds. This is about half
of the time it takes to blink your eyes. The airbags then
quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and
front passenger.

The driver’s and passenger’s front airbag gas is vented
through the airbag material towards the instrument
panel. In this way the airbags do not interfere with
your control of the vehicle.

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60 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•

The Side Impact SRS Window Bags are designed to
activate only in certain side collisions. When the ORC
and the side impact sensors (with side impact option)
detects a collision requiring the window bags to
inflate, it signals the inflators on the crash side of the
vehicle. A quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to
inflate the window bag. The inflating window bag
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 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 window bag
inflates. This especially applies to children. The win-

1

dow bag is only about 3

⁄2inches (9 cm) thick when it

is inflated.

•

When the ORC and the side impact sensors (with side
impact option) detects a collision requiring the Driver
Inflatable Knee Blocker , it signals the inflator unit. A
quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate the
Driver Inflatable Knee Blocker. The Driver Inflatable
Knee Blocker inflates rearward towards the driver’s
knees to help protect the knees and position you for
the best interaction with the front airbag. The Driver
Inflatable Knee Blocker fully inflates in about 50
milliseconds, this is only about half of the time it takes
you to blink your eyes. It then quickly deflates while
helping to protect the driver’s knees.

•

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

•

If your vehicle contains a Passenger Airbag Disable
indicator light, it will be equipped with the Occupant
Classification System (OCS). The OCS system will
classify an occupant into a size category based on
sensor readings from within the seat cushion. Occu­pants should try to remain in a normally seated
position. If the occupant’s weight is transferred to
another object in the vehicle (i.e. feet on the dash­board), the OCS may not be able to properly approxi­mate occupant size. Furthermore, the occupant size
may appear to increase or decrease due to objects
hanging on the seat, other passengers pushing on the
seat, or objects lodged underneath the seat. Ensure
that the front passenger seat back does not touch
anything placed on the back seat because this can also
affect occupant classification. Also, if you fold down
the rear seat, check to be sure it doesn’t touch the front
passenger seat.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61

If there is a rapid change in temperature or humidity,
the OCS may not be able to properly approximate
occupant size. If your seat including your trim cover
and cushion needs to be serviced in any way (includ­ing removal or loosening/tightening of seat attach­ment bolts), take the vehicle to your authorized dealer.
Only manufacturer approved seat accessories may be
used.

If there is a fault present in the system, the AIRBAG
warning light will illuminate indicating that you should
take the vehicle to an authorized dealer. In the presence
of an occupant in the passenger seat, if both the PAD
indicator light and AIRBAG warning light are illumi­nated the airbag will be disabled.

The ORC will not allow front airbag deployment in the
event of a collision for occupants classified into the
empty or child size categories. The PAD indicator light
will illuminate indicating that the Passenger Airbag is

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62 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

OFF when the OCS has determined that the occupant size
category is a child. Also, when the seat is empty or an
object that weighs less than a predetermined threshold is
placed on the seat, the light will remain OFF. (The PAD
indicator light is an amber light located on the center of
the instrument panel above the radio.)

Passenger Airbag Disabled Light

For almost all sizes of properly seated adults, the airbag
will be enabled in the event of a collision. For small
teenagers and some small adults, depending on size, the
airbag may or may not be enabled in the event of a
collision. Both drivers and passengers should always use
the PAD indicator light as an indication if the front

passenger is properly positioned or not. If the PAD
indicator light comes on when an adult is in the passen­ger seat, have the passenger re-position themselves in the
seat until the light goes out.

Remember, if the PAD indicator light is illuminated the
passenger front airbag will not inflate. For almost all
properly installed child restraints, the “PAD Indicator
Light” will be illuminated indicating that the front pas­senger airbag is turned off and will not inflate. If the
“PAD Indicator Light” is not illuminated, DO NOT
assume the airbag is turned off and move the child
restraint to the rear seat. A deploying passenger airbag
can cause death or serious injury to a child in a rear
facing infant seat.

NOTE: Even though this vehicle is equipped with an
Occupant Classification System, children 12 years and
under should always ride buckled up in a rear seat in an
appropriate child restraint.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 63

•

The Occupant Classification Module (OCM) — If
Equipped is located beneath the front passenger seat.

The OCM classifies the occupant into one of three size
categories based on the input from the Bladder Assem­bly and Belt Tension Sensor. The size categories in­clude empty, child, and adult. The OCM sends the
Occupant Classification to the ORC to identify if a
front passenger airbag is allowed. If a fault is present,
the AIRBAG warning light is illuminated.

•

The Passenger Airbag Disabled (PAD) Indicator
Light — If Equipped indicates to the driver and

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

turned OFF. When the ocs system detects an adult the
PAD indicator light will be off, and the airbag will be
enabled.

•

The Belt Tension Sensor (BTS) — If Equipped is
located at the outboard passenger lap belt anchor. The
BTS generates a signal based on outboard lap belt
tension. This signal is sent to the OCM to ensure that
the resultant bladder pressure increase due to applied
lap belt tension does not cause a small occupant to be
classified as a larger occupant.

•

The Bladder Assembly — If Equipped is located
beneath the seat cushion foam. The pressure sensor
sends a signal to the OCM.

The front passenger seat assembly contains critical com­ponents that affect the front passenger airbag deploy­ment. Correctly functioning front passenger seat compo­nents are critical for the Occupant Classification System

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64 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

(OCS) to properly classify the front passenger and calcu­late the proper airbag deployment. Do not make any
modifications to the front passenger seat components,
assembly, or to the seat cover.

WARNING!

Unapproved modifications or service procedures to
the front passenger seat assembly, its related compo­nents, or seat cover may inadvertently change the
airbag deployment in case of a frontal crash. This
could result in death or serious injury to the front
seat passenger if the vehicle is involved in an acci­dent. A modified vehicle may not comply with
required Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
(FMVSS).

The following requirements must be strictly adhered to:

•

Do not modify the front passenger seat assembly or
components in any way.

•

Do not modify the front seat center console or center
position seat in any way.

•

Do not use prior or future model year seat covers not
designated for the specific model being repaired. Al­ways use the correct seat cover specified for the
vehicle.

•

Do not replace the seat cover with an aftermarket seat
cover.

•

Do not add a secondary seat cover other than those
approved by DaimlerChrysler/Mopar.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65

•

At no time should any supplemental restraint system
(SRS) component or SRS related component or fas­tener be modified or replaced with any part except
those which are approved by DaimlerChrysler/
Mopar.

If A Deployment Occurs

The airbag system is designed to deploy the airbags
when the ORC and impact sensors detect a moderate-to­severe collision, to help restrain the vehicle passengers,
and then immediately deflate.

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

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

•

The nylon airbag material may sometimes cause abra­sions and/or skin reddening to the driver and front

passenger as the airbags deploy and unfold. The
abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or those
you might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium
floor. They are not caused by contact with chemicals.
They are not permanent and normally heal quickly.
However, if you haven’t healed significantly within a
few days, 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.

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66 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•

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

WARNING!

Deployed airbags, seat belt pretensioners and driver
inflatable knee blocker cannot protect you in an­other collision. Have the airbags, seat belt preten­sioners, driver inflatable knee blocker and the front
passenger seat belt retractor assembly, replaced by
an authorized dealer as soon as possible. Also, have
the Occupant Classification System serviced as well.

Enhanced Accident Response

If the airbags and seat belt pertensioners deploy after an
impact and the electrical system remains functional,
vehicles equipped with power door locks will unlock
automatically. In addition, approximately 10 seconds
after the vehicle has stopped moving, the interior lights
will illuminate until the ignition switch is turned off.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 67

Maintaining Your Airbag System

WARNING!

• Modifications to any part of the airbag system could cause

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

• Do not attempt to modify any part of your advanced airbag

system. The airbag may inflate accidentally or may not
function properly if modifications are made. Take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer for any advanced airbag
system service. If your seat including your trim cover and
cushion needs to be serviced in any way (including removal
or loosening/tightening of seat attachment bolts), take the
vehicle to your authorized dealer. Only manufacturer ap­proved seat accessories may be used. If it is necessary to
modify an advanced airbag system for persons with dis­abilities, contact your authorized dealer.

WARNING!

•

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

•

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

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68 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Airbag Light

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

an authorized dealer service the system immediately.

•

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

•

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

•

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

DaimlerChrysler Corporation Integrated Child
Seat — If Equipped

Operating instructions for this seat are included with the
seat. If the instructions are not with the seat or in the
Owner’s Manual Package, replacement instructions can
be obtained.

To obtain Integrated Child Seat replacement
instructions:

Use the order form at the back of this manual and specify
publication number 81-016-1950.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69

Child Restraint

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

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

WARNING!

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

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

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70 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Infants and Child Restraints

Safety experts recommend that children ride

•

rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least
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. Both types of
child restraints are held in the vehicle by the lap/
shoulder belt or the LATCH child restraint anchorage
system. Refer to “Lower Anchors and Tether for CHil­dren (LATCH)” later in this section.

•

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.

•

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

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 “Lower
Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH)” later 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 can
not sit with knees bent over the vehicles seat cushion
while the child’s back is against the seat back, they
should use a belt-positioning booster seat. The child
and booster seat are held in the vehicle by the lap/
shoulder belt.

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
seatback, 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 71

•

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. If this doesn’t
help, move the child to the center rear seating position
and use the lap belt. Never allow a child to put the
shoulder belt under an arm or behind their back.

NOTE: For additional information, refer to
www.seatcheck.org or call 1-866-SEATCHECK.

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72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

•

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

•

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

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 73

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

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74 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH)

Each vehicle, except commercial cargo vehicles, is
equipped with the child restraint anchorage system
called LATCH, which stands for Lower Anchors and
Tether for CHildren. Two LATCH child restraint anchor­age systems are installed on all second-row seats and in
the center position on all 3rd row store in the floor seats.
Second-row seats also feature tether strap anchorages,
located in the rear surface of the seatback. In addition, all
3-passenger bench seats and 3rd row store in the floor
seats are equipped with a child restraint tether anchor at
the center seating position.

Latch Anchorages

When using the tether anchorages in the outboard seat­ing positions, ensure that the strap is routed over the top
of the seatback and under the head restraint between the
head restraint posts. Except for bench seats with split
seatbacks, when the tether anchorage is used in the center
seating position, the strap should be positioned straight

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 75

over the top of the seatback. For bench seats with split
seatbacks, route the tether between the seatbacks.

When using the tether anchorages in the center position
on 3rd row store in the floor seating, ensure that the strap
is routed over the top of the seatback and under the head
restraint between the head restraint posts.

Tether Strap Mounting

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.

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

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

2

76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Fleet vehicles equipped with the LATCH system on the
3-passenger bench seat must have the seat adjusted to the
full rear position on the tracks when the LATCH system
is used. Also, when using the LATCH system, be sure the
seatback is two clicks rear of its full upright position.

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

Installing the Child Restraint System

If your fleet vehicle is equipped with LATCH anchorages
on the 3-passenger bench seat, do not install three child
restraints at the same time in this seat. The anchorages in
this seat are not designed to restrain three child restraints
at one time. Instead, you may install one child restraint at
the center position, or one child restraint at each of the
right and left positions.

WARNING!

Fleet Vehicles Only:

Do not install child restraint systems equipped with
LATCH attachments at all three seating positions in
the seat at one time. The LATCH anchorages in this
seat are designed to restrain no more than two child
restraints at a time in the event of a collision. Failure
to follow this may result in serious or fatal injury.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 77

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

In general, you will first loosen the adjusters on the lower
straps and tether straps so that you can more easily attach
the hook or connector to the lower anchorages and tether
anchorages. Then tighten all three straps as you push the
child restraint rearward and downward into the seat.

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

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.

Transporting Pets

Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet could 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.

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78 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

REAR SEAT DELETE FEATURE (COMMERCIAL
VEHICLES ONLY) — IF EQUIPPED

Commercial cargo vehicles are not designed for use as a
family vehicle and are not intended for carrying children
in the front passenger seat. However, if you must carry a
child in a vehicle without a rear seat, the passenger seat
should be moved to the full rearward position and the
child must be in a proper restraint system based on it’s
age, size and weight. NEVER carry a child in a rear facing
infant carrier in a vehicle without rear seats. In an
accident, serious injury or death may occur from the
deploying passenger air bag.

This vehicle is equipped with a child restraint tether
anchor located on the floor, behind the front passenger
seat. Use this tether anchor to secure only forward

facing child restraints equipped with an upper tether
strap.

WARNING!

Rear Facing Infant restraints must never be secured
in the passenger seat of a vehicle with a passenger
airbag. In an accident a passenger airbag may deploy
causing severe injury or death to infants riding in
rear facing infant restraints.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 79

Restraining Infants and Small Children with Seat
Delete Feature (Commercial Vehicles Only)

There are different sizes and types of restraints for
children from newborn size to the child almost large
enough for an adult safety belt. Use the restraint that is
correct for your child:

•

The rearward-facing infant carrier is for babies weigh­ing up to about 20 lbs (9 kg), and less than one year
old. THIS TYPE OF SEAT CANNOT BE USED IN A
VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THE REAR SEAT DE­LETE FEATURE (Commercial Vehicles Only).

•

The forward-facing child seat is for children from
about 20 to 40 lbs (9 to 18 kg), and more than one year
old.

•

A “convertible” child seat, one that is designed to be
used for children who are too heavy for a rear facing
infant seat, may be used IN THE FORWARD FACING
POSITION ONLY, IT MUST NEVER BE INSTALLED

FACING TO THE REAR IN A VEHICLE EQUIPPED
WITH THE REAR SEAT DELETE FEATURE (Com­mercial Vehicles Only). When a convertible seat is
properly installed forward facing, the vehicle seat
should be adjusted to the rear most position.

•

Children more than 40 lbs (18 kg) should be secured in
the passenger seat in a child restraint or belt­positioning booster seat with the seat adjusted to the
rear most position. Older children who do not use
child restraints or belt-positioning booster seats
should ride properly buckled in the passenger seat
with the seat adjusted to the rear most position. Never
allow children to slide the shoulder belt behind them
or under their arm.

Tether Installation For Commercial Vehicles With
Rear Seat Delete

To secure the child restraint upper tether strap to the
vehicle, follow the instructions shown:

2

80 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

1. Locate the child restraint tether anchor on the floor
just behind the front passenger seat.

Tether Anchor Location Tether To Anchor

2. Extend the child restraint tether anchor forward to­wards the front passenger seat.

3. Follow the child restraint manufacturer’s directions
for proper use of connecting the child restraint to the
extended tether strap.

4. If necessary, raise the passenger seat head restraint to
allow the tether strap to be routed under the head
restraint.

5. Route the tether strap beneath the head restraint
between the two head restraint posts. Ensure that the
child restraint tether strap is centered between the two
head restraint posts.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 81

2

Tether Strap Mounting

6. Using the hook attached to the child restraint tether
strap, attach the child restraint tether strap to the metal
ring on the vehicle tether anchor.

7. Following the child seat manufacturer’s instructions,
tighten the child restraint tether strap.

82 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

8. If necessary, reposition the seat head restraint.

9. Inspect the tether anchor strap for nicks, abrasions,
discoloration, and loose threads. If these, or any other
condition that might effect the performance of the strap is
observed, DO NOT USE. Contact your local
DaimlerChrysler dealership for a replacement part.

NOTE: Stow the child restraint tether strap in its
original position when not in use.

WARNING!

The vehicle tether anchor is designed to be used
with a child restraint only. It should not be used for
any other purpose. Before use inspect the tether
anchor strap for nicks, abrasions, discoloration, and
loose threads. If these or any other condition that
might effect the performance of the strap is ob­served, DO NOT USE, personal injury may result.
Contact your local DaimlerChrysler dealership for a
replacement part.

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 83

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

Exhaust Gas

2

WARNING!

Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.

Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.

If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.

84 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

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

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle

Seat Belts

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

Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after

a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc. If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.

Airbag Light

The light should come on and remain on for 6
to 8 seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the LED is not lit

during starting, have it checked. If the light
stays on or comes on while driving, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.

Defroster

Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 85

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle

Tires

Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ­ing spare) for proper pressure.

Lights

Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.

Fluid Leaks

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

2

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

䡵 Mirrors ...............................92

▫ Inside Day/Night Mirror .................92

▫ Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped ....92

▫ Driver’s Side Outside Mirror Auto Dimmer —

If Equipped ..........................93

▫ Exterior Mirrors Folding Feature ...........93

▫ Outside Mirror — Driver’s Side ............94

▫ Outside Mirror — Passenger’s Side ..........94

▫ Power Remote-Control Mirrors —

If Equipped ..........................94

▫ Heated Remote Control Mirrors —

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

▫ Illuminated Vanity Mirrors — If Equipped ....95

䡵 Hands–Free Communication (UConnect™) —

If Equipped ............................96

▫ Operation ............................97

▫ Phone Call Features ...................101

▫ Advanced Phone Connectivity ............103

▫ UConnect™ System Features .............105

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88 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

䡵 Seats ................................107

▫ Manual Front & Second Row Seat Adjuster . . . 107

▫ 8–Way Driver’s Power Seat — If Equipped . . . 108

▫ 4–Way Passenger’s Power Seat —

If Equipped .........................108

▫ Adjustable Head Restraints — If Equipped . . . 109

▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped .............110

▫ Manual Reclining Seats — If Equipped ......110

▫ Manual Lumbar — If Equipped ...........112

▫ Middle Rear Bench Seat Recline —

If Equipped .........................112

▫ Fold-In-Floor Seating ...................113

▫ Easy Access Seating ...................120

▫ Middle Quad Fold & Tumble Seat Removal . . . 121

▫ 50/50 Fold & Tumble Rear Seat Removal ....124

▫ 2 – Passenger And 3 – Passenger

Bench Seats .........................126

▫ Plastic Grocery Bag Retainer .............127

▫ Rear-Most Bench Seat ..................128

▫ Rear Seat Descriptions ..................128

▫ Rear Bench Seating Flexibility ............128

▫ Rear Quad And 50/50 Seating Flexibility ....130

䡵 To Open And Close The Hood .............132

䡵 Lights ...............................134

▫ Interior Lights .......................134

▫ Park Lights ..........................135

▫ Headlights ..........................135

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 89

▫ Automatic Headlights — If Equipped .......136

▫ Daytime Running Lights (Canada/Fleet

Vehicles Only) .......................137

▫ Lights-On Reminder ...................137

▫ Battery Protection .....................137

▫ Headlamp Delay — If Equipped ..........138

▫ Front Fog Lights — If Equipped ...........138

䡵 Multifunction Lever .....................138

▫ Turn Signals .........................138

▫ Headlight Low/High Beam Selector Switch . . . 139

▫ Passing Light ........................139

▫ Windshield Wipers And Washers ..........140

䡵 Tilt Steering Column — If Equipped .........142

䡵 Traction Control Switch — If Equipped .......143

䡵 Rear Park Assist System — If Equipped .......144

䡵 Adjustable Pedals — If Equipped ...........146

䡵 Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped ......147

▫ To Activate ..........................148

▫ To Set At A Desired Speed ...............148

▫ To Deactivate ........................148

▫ To Resume Speed .....................148

▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ...............149

▫ To Accelerate For Passing ...............149

䡵 Overhead Console — If Equipped ...........150

▫ Courtesy/Reading Lights ................150

3

90 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Sunglass Storage ......................151

▫ Compass/Temperature Display ...........151

▫ Mini-Trip Computer ...................154

▫ Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) —

If Equipped .........................155

▫ Customer Programmable Features —

If Equipped .........................156

䡵 Garage Door Opener — If Equipped .........159

▫ Programming Homelink ................160

▫ Canadian Programming/Gate

Programming ........................163

▫ Using Homelink ......................164

▫ Erasing Homelink Buttons ...............164

▫ Reprogramming a Single Homelink Button . . . 164

▫ Security ............................165

䡵 Power Sunroof — If Equipped .............165

▫ Express Open Feature ..................166

▫ Wind Buffeting .......................167

▫ Sunroof Maintenance ...................167

䡵 Electrical Power Outlets — If Equipped .......168

▫ Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off .......169

䡵 Convenience Tray Drawer And Cup Holders . . . 170

▫ Instrument Panel Cup Holders ............170

▫ Convenience Tray And Optional Smoker’s

Package Kit .........................171

▫ Rear Cupholders ......................172

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 91

䡵 Storage ..............................173

▫ Front Seat Storage Bin — If Equipped .......173

▫ Second Row Seat Storage Bins —

If Equipped .........................174

▫ Overhead Rail System — If Equipped .......175

▫ Removable Floor Console With Fold-In-Floor

Seating — If Equipped .................176

▫ Removable Floor Console Without Fold-In-Floor

Seating — If Equipped .................178

▫ Rear Compartment Storage Bins ...........181

▫ Cargo/Tub Nets ......................181

▫ Cargo Area Storage ....................181

䡵 Roof Luggage Rack — If Equipped ..........182

䡵 Load Leveling System ...................185

3

92 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

MIRRORS

Inside Day/Night Mirror

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

Adjusting Rear View 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 Mirror — If Equipped

If the switch is in the “Auto” position the mirror will
automatically adjust 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 illuminate to indicate when this feature is on.

Automatic Dimming Mirror

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 93

CAUTION!

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

Driver’s Side Outside Mirror Auto Dimmer — If
Equipped

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
Rearview Mirror.

Exterior Mirrors Folding Feature

All exterior mirrors are hinged and may be moved either
forward or rearward to resist damage. The hinges have
three detent positions; full forward, full rearward, and
normal.

3

94 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Outside Mirror — Driver’s Side

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

Outside Mirror — Passenger’s Side

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

WARNING!

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

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

Power Remote-Control Mirrors — If Equipped

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

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 95

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.

Power Mirror Switches

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

Illuminated Vanity Mirrors — If Equipped

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

Sun Visor Extension — If Equipped

This feature has a pull out extension on the sun visor for
increased coverage.

3

96 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
your cellular phone using simple voice commands (e.g.,
“Call Mike Work” or “Dial 248-555-1212”). Your cellular
phone’s audio is transmitted through your vehicle’s
stereo system; the system will automatically mute your
radio before receiving or sending a call.

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

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

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

The UConnect™; phone book enables you to store up to
32 names and four numbers per name. This system is
driven through your Bluetooth™ Hands-Free Profile
cellular phone. UConnect™ features Bluetooth™ technol­ogy - the global standard that enables different electronic
devices to connect to each other without wires or a
docking station, so UConnect™ works no matter where
you stow your cellular phone (be it your purse, pocket, or
briefcase). UConnect™ allows up to seven cellular
phones to be linked to the system, and it is available in
English, French, or Spanish formats (as equipped).

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 97

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

UConnect™ Switches

The UConnect™ system can be used with any Hands
Free Profile certified Bluetooth™ cellular phone. If your

cellular phone has a different profile (i.e. headset profile),
you will not be able to use any UConnect™ features.

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

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

Operation

Voice commands can be used in the operation of the
UConnect™ system and to navigate through the UCon­nect™ menu structure. Voice commands should be given
after each UConnect™ system prompt. You will be
prompted for a specific command and then guided
through the available options. There are two ways to give
commands to the UConnect™ system:

3

98 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

•

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

•

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

Pairing a Cellular Phone to the UConnect™ System

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

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

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

•

You will be asked to say a four-digit pin number into
the UConnect™ system which you will later need to
enter into your cellular phone during the cellular
phone pairing process. You can enter any four-digit

pin number. You will not need to remember this pin
number after the initial registration process.

•

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

•

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

•

You will then be asked to give your cellular phone a
priority level between 1 and 7, 1 having the highest
priority. You can connect up to seven cellular phones
to your UConnect™ system and the priority allows the
UConnect™ system to know which cellular phone to
use if multiple cellular phones are in the vehicle at the
same time. For example, if a priority 3 and priority 5
cellular phone are both in the vehicle, the UConnect™

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 99

system will use the priority 3 cellular phone when you
make a call. You can select to use a lower priority
cellular phone at any time.

Making a Phone Call Using Digit Dialing

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

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

Making a Phone Call Using Your UConnect™
Phonebook

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

•

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

Add Names to Your UConnect™ Phonebook

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

•

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

•

When prompted, say the name of the new entry.

•

Next, enter the number designation (e.g. “Home”,
“Work”, “Mobile”,or“Pager”). This will allow you to

have multiple numbers for each phonebook entry.

•

Recite the phone number for the phonebook entry that
you are adding.

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

3

100 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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

Edit Entries in the UConnect™ Phonebook

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

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

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

Delete Entries in the UConnect™ Phonebook

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

•

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

•

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