Dodge Challenger 2013 Owner Manual

Challenger

OWNER’S MANUAL

2013

VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA

With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name
Chrysler Group LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the
name Chrysler Canada Inc. used in substitution therefore.

DRIVING AND ALCOHOL

Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of
accidents.

Your driving ability can be seriously impaired with blood
alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you are
drinking, don’t drive. Ride with a designated non-drinking
driver, call a cab, a friend, or use public transportation.

WARNING!

Driving after drinking can lead to an accident. Your
perceptions are less sharp, your reflexes are slower,
and your judgment is impaired when you have been
drinking. Never drink and then drive.

This manual illustrates and describes the operation of
features and equipment that are either standard or optional
on this vehicle. This manual may also include a description
of features and equipment that are no longer available or
were not ordered on this vehicle. Please disregard any
features and equipment described in this manual that are
not on this vehicle.

Chrysler Group LLC reserves the right to make changes in
design and specifications, and/or make additions to or
improvements to its products without imposing any obliga­tion upon itself to install them on products previously
manufactured.

Copyright © 2012 Chrysler Group LLC

SECTION PAGE

INTRODUCTION . ..............................................................3

1

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ..................................9

2

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE .................................101

3

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ......................................205

4

STARTING AND OPERATING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285

5

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1

2

3

4

5

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397

6

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431

7

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ....................................................489

8

IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ............................................497

9

INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507

10

6

7

8

9

10

INTRODUCTION

CONTENTS

! INTRODUCTION ........................4

1

! VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ........6

! HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL ..............4

! WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS ..............6

! VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS ....7

4INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on selecting your new Chrysler Group
LLC vehicle. Be assured that it represents precision
workmanship, distinctive styling, and high quality - all
essentials that are traditional to our vehicles.

This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis­tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by Warranty Information, and various
customer-oriented documents. Please take the time 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 reviewing the owner information, it
should be stored in the vehicle for convenient referenc­ing and remain with the vehicle when sold.

When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has factory-trained tech­nicians and genuine parts, and cares about your satisfac­tion.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.

Since the specification of your vehicle depends on the
items of equipment ordered, certain descriptions and
illustrations may differ from your vehicle’s equipment.

The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s 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

6INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

This Owners Manual contains WARNINGS against op-
erating procedures that could result in a collision or
bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against proce­dures that could result in damage to your vehicle. If you
do not read this entire Owners Manual, you may miss
important information. Observe all Warnings and Cau­tions.

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

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

VIN Location

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is also located
on the right front strut tower inside the engine compart­ment.

VIN Location

NOTE: It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.

INTRODUCTION 7

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS

1

WARNING!

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

! A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS .............12

▫ Rearming Of The System .................19

2

▫ Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) .............12

▫ Key Fob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

▫ Removing Key Fob From Ignition ..........14

▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................16

! SENTRY KEY® .........................17

▫ Replacement Keys .....................18

▫ Customer Key Programming ..............19

▫ General Information ....................19

! VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM ..............19

▫ To Arm The System.....................20

▫ To Disarm The System...................20

▫ Security System Manual Override ...........22

! ILLUMINATED ENTRY ...................22

! REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) ...........23

▫ To Unlock The Doors....................24

▫ To Lock The Doors .....................26

▫ To Open The Trunk .....................27

▫ Using The Panic Alarm ..................27

10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Programming Additional Transmitters........28

! TRUNK SAFETY WARNING................44

▫ Transmitter Battery Replacement ...........28

▫ General Information ....................29

REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED . .29

!

▫ How To Use Remote Start ................30

! DOOR LOCKS .........................33

▫ Manual Door Locks.....................33

▫ Power Door Locks .....................34

! KEYLESS ENTER-N-GO™ — IF EQUIPPED ....36

! WINDOWS ...........................41

▫ Power Windows .......................41

▫ Wind Buffeting .......................43

! TRUNK LOCK AND RELEASE .............43

▫ Trunk Emergency Release ................45

! OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS ................45

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts ....................49

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .....53

▫ Seat Belts In Passenger Seating Positions ......54

▫ Automatic Locking Retractor Mode (ALR) — If

Equipped ............................55

▫ Energy Management Feature ..............56

▫ Seat Belt Pretensioners ..................56

▫ Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System

(BeltAlert®) ..........................56

▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ...........57

▫ Seat Belt Extender .....................58

▫ Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) — Air

Bags ...............................58

▫ Air Bag Deployment Sensors And Controls ....65

▫ Event Data Recorder (EDR) ...............72

▫ Child Restraints .......................73

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

! SAFETY TIPS ..........................96

▫ Transporting Passengers..................96

▫ Exhaust Gas .........................96

▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The

Vehicle .............................97

2

▫ Transporting Pets ......................94

! ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS ....95

▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside

The Vehicle ..........................99

12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS

Your vehicle uses a keyless ignition system. This system
consists of a Key Fob with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter and a Keyless Ignition Node (KIN).

Keyless Enter-N-Go™ Feature

This vehicle is equipped with the Keyless Enter-N-Go™
feature, (refer to #Keyless Enter-N-Go™# in #Things To
Know Before Starting Your Vehicle# for further informa­tion).

Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)

The Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) operates similar to an
ignition switch. It has four operating positions, three with
detents and one that is spring-loaded. The detent posi­tions are OFF, ACC, and ON/RUN. The START position
is a spring-loaded momentary contact position. When
released from the START position, the switch automati­cally returns to the ON/RUN position.

NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with Keyless Enter­N-Go™, the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) will display the ignition switch position (OFF/
ACC/RUN). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) — If Equipped” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.

Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)

1—OFF
2—ACCESSORY(ACCESSORY)
3—ON/RUN
4—START

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

Key Fob

The Key Fob operates the ignition switch. Insert the
square end of the key fob into the ignition switch located
on the instrument panel and rotate to the desired posi­tion. It also contains the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter and an emergency key, which stores in the
rear of the Key Fob.

The emergency key allows for entry into the vehicle
should the battery in the vehicle or the Key Fob go dead.
The emergency key is also for locking the glove box. You
can keep the emergency key with you when valet park­ing.

NOTE: Entering a vehicle using the emergency key with
the theft alarm armed, will result in the alarm sounding.
Insert the Key Fob (even if the Key Fob battery is dead)
into the ignition switch to disarm theft alarm.

2

14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To remove the emergency key, slide the mechanical latch
at the top of the Key Fob sideways with your thumb and
then pull the key out with your other hand.

Emergency Key Removal

NOTE: You can insert the double-sided emergency key

into the lock cylinders with either side up.

Removing Key Fob From Ignition

Place the shift lever in PARK or place the manual
transmission in REVERSE and apply the parking brake.
Turn the Key Fob to the OFF position and then remove
the Key Fob.

With the Keyless Enter-N-Go™ system, the EVIC will
display the ignition switch position “OFF/ACC/RUN”.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) —
If Equipped” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel”
for further information.

NOTE: The power window switches, radio, power sun­roof (if equipped), and ignition-powered power outlets
will remain active for up to 60 minutes after the ignition
switch is turned to the LOCK position. Opening either
door will cancel this feature. The time for this feature is
programmable. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)/Personal Settings (Customer­Programmable Features)” in “Understanding Your In­strument Panel” for further information.

CAUTION!

• If your vehicle battery becomes low or dead, your
Key Fob will become locked in the ignition.

• Do not attempt to remove the Key Fob while in this
condition, damage could occur to the Key Fob or
ignition module. Only remove the emergency key
for locking and unlocking the doors.

(Continued)

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

CAUTION! (Continued)

• Leave the Key Fob in the ignition and either:

• Jump Start the vehicle.

• Charge the battery.

WARNING!

• Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking
brake, shift the transmission into PARK or the
manual transmission in REVERSE, and remove the
Key Fob from the ignition. When leaving the
vehicle, always lock your vehicle.

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.

(Continued)

2

16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)

• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil­dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.

• Do not leave the Key Fob in or near the vehicle, or
in a location accessible to children, and do not
leave Keyless Enter-N-Go™ in the ACC or ON/
RUN mode. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.

• Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.

CAUTION!

An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove the Key Fob from vehicle, cycle the ignition
OFF with Keyless Enter-N-Go™, and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.

Key-In-Ignition Reminder

Opening the driver’s door when the Key Fob is in the
ignition and the ignition switch position is OFF or ACC,
sounds a signal to remind you to remove the Key Fob.

NOTE: The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds when
the Key Fob is placed in the OFF or ACC ignition
position.

If your vehicle is equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go™,
opening the driver’s door when the vehicle’s ignition
switch is placed in ACC or ON/RUN (engine stopped)
will cause the reminder chime to sound. Refer to “Start­ing Procedures” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.

SENTRY KEY®

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

The system uses a Key Fob with factory-mated Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter and Wireless Ignition
Node (WIN) to prevent unauthorized vehicle operation.
Therefore, only Key Fobs that are programmed to the
vehicle can be used to start and operate the vehicle. The

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

system will shut the engine off in two seconds if an
invalid Key Fob is used to start the engine.

After placing the ignition switch in the ON/RUN posi­tion, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on for three
seconds for a bulb check. In addition, if the light begins to
flash after the bulb check, it indicates that someone used
an invalid Key Fob to start the engine. If the light remains
on after the bulb check, it indicates that there is a problem
with the electronics. This condition will result in the
engine being shut off after two seconds.

If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during normal
vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than 10
seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electron­ics. Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon
as possible by an authorized dealer.

2

18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!

The Sentry Key® Immobilizer system is not compat­ible with some after-market remote starting systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.

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

Replacement Keys

NOTE: Only Key Fobs that are programmed to the
vehicle electronics can be used to start and operate the
vehicle. Once a Key Fob is programmed to a vehicle, it
cannot be programmed to any other vehicle.

CAUTION!

• Always remove the Key Fobs from the vehicle and
lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unat­tended.

• For vehicles equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go™,
always remember to place the ignition in the OFF
position.

At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Keep the PIN in a secure location. This number is
required for authorized dealer replacement of Key Fobs.

Duplication of Key Fobs may be performed at an autho­rized dealer, this procedure consists of programming a
blank Key Fob to the vehicle electronics. A blank Key Fob
is one that has never been programmed.

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

Customer Key Programming

Programming Key Fobs or RKE transmitters may be
performed at an authorized dealer.

General Information

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

• This device may not cause harmful interference.

• This device must accept any interference that may be

received, including interference that may cause unde­sired operation.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19

VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM

The Vehicle Security Alarm monitors the vehicle doors
and trunk for unauthorized entry and the ignition switch
for unauthorized operation. While the Vehicle Security
Alarm is armed, interior switches for door locks and
decklid release are disabled. If something triggers the
alarm, the Vehicle Security Alarm will provide the fol­lowing audible and visible signals: the horn will pulse,
the headlights will turn on, park lamps and/or turn
signals will flash, and the Vehicle Security Light in the
instrument cluster will flash.

Rearming Of The System

If something triggers the alarm, and no action is taken to
disarm it, the Vehicle Security Alarm will turn the horn
off after three minutes, turn all of the visual signals off
after an additional 15 minutes, and then the Vehicle
Security Alarm will rearm itself.

2

20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To Arm The System

Follow these steps to arm the Vehicle Security Alarm:

1. Remove the key from the ignition system (refer to

#Starting Procedures# in #Starting And Operating# for
further information).

• For vehicles equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go™,

make sure the vehicle ignition system is #OFF#.

• For vehicles not equipped with Keyless Enter-N-

Go™, make sure the vehicle ignition system is #OFF#
and the key is physically removed from the ignition.

2. Perform one of the following methods to lock the
vehicle:

• Press LOCK on the interior power door lock switch
with the driver and/or passenger door open.

• Press the LOCK button on the exterior Passive Entry
Door Handle with a valid Key Fob available in the

same exterior zone (refer to #Keyless Enter-N-Go™#
in #Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle# for
further information).

• Press the LOCK button on the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter.

3. If any doors are open, close them.

To Disarm The System

The Vehicle Security Alarm can be disarmed using any of
the following methods:

• Press the UNLOCK button on the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter.

• Grasp the Passive Entry Unlock Door Handle (if
equipped, refer to #Keyless Enter-N-Go™# in #Things
To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle# for further
information).

• For vehicles equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go™,
press the Keyless Enter-N-Go™ Start/Stop button
(requires at least one valid Key Fob in the vehicle).

• For vehicles not equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go™,
insert a valid key into the ignition switch and turn the
key to the ON position.

NOTE: The driver’s door key cylinder and the trunk
button on the RKE transmitter cannot arm or disarm the
Vehicle Security Alarm.

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21

• When the Vehicle Security Alarm is armed, the interior
power door lock switches will not unlock the doors.

• The Vehicle Security Alarm 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 Vehicle Security Alarm 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 Vehicle Security Alarm.

• If the Vehicle Security Alarm is armed and the battery
becomes disconnected, the Vehicle Security Alarm will
remain armed when the battery is reconnected; the
exterior lights will flash, the horn will sound. If this
occurs, disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm.

2

22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Tamper Alert

If something has triggered the Vehicle Security Alarm in
your absence, the horn will sound three times and the
exterior lights will blink three times when you disarm the
Vehicle Security Alarm. Check the vehicle for tampering.

Security System Manual Override

The Vehicle Security Alarm will not arm if you lock the
doors using the manual door lock plunger.

ILLUMINATED ENTRY

The courtesy lights will turn on when you use the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to unlock the
doors or open any door.

This feature also turns on the approach lighting in the
outside mirrors (if equipped). Refer to “Mirrors” in
“Understanding The Features Of Your Vehicle” for fur­ther information.

The lights will fade to off after approximately 30 seconds
or they will immediately fade to off once the ignition
switch is turned to ON/RUN from the OFF position.

NOTE:

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

• The Illuminated Entry system will not operate if the
dimmer control is in the “Dome defeat” position
(extreme bottom position).

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE)

The RKE system allows you to lock or unlock the doors,
open the trunk, or activate the Panic Alarm from dis­tances up to approximately 66 ft (20 m) using a hand-held
Key Fob with RKE transmitter. The RKE transmitter does
not need to be pointed at the vehicle to activate the
system.

NOTE: Inserting the Key Fob with RKE transmitter into
the ignition switch disables the system from responding
to any button presses from that RKE transmitter. Driving
at speeds 5 mph (8 km/h) and above disables the system
from responding to all RKE transmitter buttons for all
RKE transmitters.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23

2

Key Fob With RKE Transmitter

24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To Unlock The Doors

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

If equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go™ (Passive Entry),
refer to “Keyless Enter-N-Go™” under “Things To Know
Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further information.

Remote Key Unlock, Driver Door/All Doors First

This feature lets you program the system to unlock either
the driver’s door or both doors on the first press of the
UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter. Refer to “Elec­tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Personal Set­tings (Customer-Programmable Features)” in “Under­standing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.

• When not using the EVIC, perform the following steps:

1. Press and hold the LOCK button on a programmed
RKE transmitter for at least 4 seconds, but no longer
than 10 seconds. Then, press and hold the UN­LOCK button while still holding the LOCK button.

2. Release both buttons at the same time.

3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle by
pressing the LOCK/UNLOCK buttons on the RKE
transmitter with the ignition switch in the OFF
position and the Key Fob removed.

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

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

Flash Lights With Remote Key Lock

This feature will cause the turn signal lights to flash when
the doors are locked or unlocked with the RKE transmit­ter. This feature can be turned on or turned off. Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Personal
Settings (Customer-Programmable Features)” in “Under­standing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.

• When not using the EVIC, perform the following steps:

1. Press and hold the UNLOCK button on a pro­grammed RKE transmitter for at least 4 seconds,

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25

but no longer than 10 seconds. Then, press and hold
the LOCK button while still holding the UNLOCK
button.

2. Release both buttons at the same time.

3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle by
pressing the LOCK/UNLOCK buttons on the RKE
transmitter with the ignition switch in the OFF
position and the Key Fob removed.

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

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

2

26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Turn Headlights On With Remote Key Unlock

This feature activates the headlights for up to 90 seconds
when the doors are unlocked with the RKE transmitter.
The time for this feature is programmable. Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Personal
Settings (Customer-Programmable Features)” in “Under­standing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.

To Lock The Doors

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

If equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go™ (Passive Entry),
refer to “Keyless Enter-N-Go™” under “Things To Know
Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further information.

Sound Horn With Remote Key Lock

This feature will cause the horn to chirp when the doors
are locked with the RKE transmitter or the Passive Entry

feature. This feature can be turned on or turned off. Refer
to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/
Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable Features)” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further in­formation.

• When not using the EVIC, perform the following steps:

1. Press the LOCK button on a programmed RKE
transmitter for at least 4 seconds, but no longer than
10 seconds. Then, press the PANIC button while
still holding the LOCK button.

2. Release both buttons at the same time.

3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle by
pressing the LOCK button on the RKE transmitter
with the ignition switch in the OFF position and the
Key Fob removed.

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

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

To Open The Trunk

Press the TRUNK button on the RKE transmitter two
times within five seconds to open the trunk.

If equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go™ (Passive Entry),
refer to “Keyless Enter-N-Go™” under “Things To Know
Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further information.

Using The Panic Alarm

To turn the Panic Alarm feature ON or OFF, press and
hold the PANIC button on the RKE transmitter for at
least one second and release. When the Panic Alarm is on,

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27

the headlights will turn on, the 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 three minutes unless
you turn it off by either pressing the PANIC button a
second time or drive the vehicle at a speed of 5 mph
(24 km/h) or greater.

NOTE:

• The interior lights will turn off if you turn the ignition
switch to the ACC or ON/RUN position while the
Panic Alarm is activated. However, the exterior lights
and horn will remain on.

• You may need to be less than 35 ft (11 m) from the
vehicle when using the RKE transmitter to turn off the
Panic Alarm due to the radio frequency noises emitted
by the system.

2

28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Programming Additional Transmitters

Programming Key Fobs or RKE transmitters may be
performed at an authorized dealer.

Transmitter Battery Replacement

The recommended replacement battery is CR2032.

NOTE: Perchlorate Material – special handling may
apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate

1. If the RKE transmitter is equipped with a screw,
remove the screw. With the RKE ransmitter buttons
facing down, use a flat blade to pry the two halves of
the RKE transmitter apart. Make sure not to damage
the elastomer seal during removal.

2. Remove and replace the battery. When replacing the
battery, match the + sign on the battery to the + sign on
the inside of the battery clip, located on the back cover.
Avoid touching the new battery with your fingers.
Skin oils may cause battery deterioration. If you touch
a battery, clean it with rubbing alcohol.

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

General Information

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

• This device may not cause harmful interference.

• This device must accept any interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired op­eration.

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

If your RKE 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29

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

REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED

This system uses the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter to start the engine conve­niently from outside the vehicle while still
maintaining security. The system has a range of

approximately 300 ft (91 m).

NOTE:

• The vehicle must be equipped with an automatic

transmission to be equipped with Remote Start.

• Obstructions between the vehicle and the Key Fob may

reduce this range.

2

30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

How To Use Remote Start

All of the following conditions must be met before the
engine will remote start:

• Shift lever in PARK

• Doors closed

• Hood closed

• Hazard switch off

• Brake switch inactive (brake pedal not pressed)

• Ignition key removed from ignition switch

• Battery at an acceptable charge level

• RKE PANIC button not pressed

• System not disabled from previous remote start event

• Vehicle theft alarm not active

• Ignition in Off position (Keyless Enter-N-Go™)

WARNING!

• Do not start or run an engine in a closed garage or
confined area. Exhaust gas contains Carbon Mon­oxide (CO) which is odorless and colorless. Carbon
Monoxide is poisonous and can cause serious in­jury or death when inhaled.

• Keep Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitters
away from children. Operation of the Remote Start
System, windows, door locks or other controls
could cause serious injury or death.

To Enter Remote Start Mode

Press and release the REMOTE START button on
the RKE transmitter twice within five seconds.
The vehicle doors will lock, the parking lights will

flash and horn will chirp twice (if programmed).
Then, the engine will start and the vehicle will remain in the
Remote Start mode for a 15-minute cycle.

NOTE:

• If an engine fault is present the vehicle will start and

then shut down 10 seconds later.

• The park lamps will turn on and remain on during

Remote Start mode.

• For security, power window and power sunroof op-

eration (if equipped) are disabled when the vehicle is
in the Remote Start mode.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 31

• The engine can be started two consecutive times with
the RKE transmitter. However, the ignition must be
cycled by pushing the START/STOP button twice (or
the ignition switch must be cycled to the ON/RUN
position) before you can repeat the start sequence for a
third cycle.

To Exit Remote Start Mode Without Driving The Vehicle

Press and release the REMOTE START button one time or
allow the engine to run for the entire 15-minute cycle.

NOTE: To avoid unintentional shut downs, the system
will disable the one time press of the REMOTE START
button for two seconds after receiving a valid Remote
Start request.

2

32 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To Exit Remote Start Mode And Drive The Vehicle

Before the end of 15 minute cycle, press and release the
UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter to unlock the
doors and disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm (if
equipped). Then, prior to the end of the 15 minute cycle,
press and release the START/STOP button. If the
START/STOP button is not present, insert the Key Fob
into the ignition switch and turn the switch to the
ON/RUN position.

NOTE:

• For vehicles not equipped with the Keyless Enter-N­Go™ feature, the ignition switch must be in the
ON/RUN position in order to drive the vehicle.

• For vehicles not equipped with the Keyless Enter-N­Go™ feature, the message “Insert Key/Turn To On”
will display in the EVIC until you insert the Key Fob.
Once inserted, the message “Turn To On” will display
in the EVIC until you turn the Key Fob to ON/RUN.

• For vehicles equipped with the Keyless Enter-N-Go™
feature, the message “Push Button/Insert Key” will
display in the EVIC until you push the START button.

Cancel Remote Start

Remote Starting will also cancel if any of the following
occur:

• The engine stalls or engine speed exceeds 2500 rpm

• Any engine warning lights come on

• Low Fuel Light turns on

• The hood is opened

• The hazard switch is pressed

• The shift lever is moved out of PARK

• The brake pedal is pressed

DOOR LOCKS

Manual Door Locks

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

Door Lock Knob

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 33

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

WARNING!

• For personal security and safety in the event of a
collision, lock the vehicle doors before you drive as
well as when you park and leave the vehicle.

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

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.

(Continued)

2

34 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)

• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil­dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.

• Do not leave the Key Fob in or near the vehicle, or
in a location accessible to children, and do not
leave a vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-N­Go™ in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.

Power Door Locks

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

Power Door Lock Switch

The doors can also be locked and unlocked with the
Keyless Enter-N-Go™ (Passive Entry) system. For further
information, refer to “Keyless Enter-N-Go™” in “Things
To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle”.

If you press the power door lock switch while the Key
Fob is in the ignition, and either door is open, the power
locks will not operate. This prevents you from acciden­tally locking the Key Fob in the vehicle. Removing the
Key Fob or closing the door will allow the locks to
operate. If a door is open, the Key Fob is in the ignition,
and the ignition is in the OFF or ACC position, a chime
will sound as a reminder to remove the Key Fob.

Automatic Door Locks — If Equipped

The auto door lock feature default condition is enabled.
When enabled, the door locks will lock automatically
when the vehicle’s speed exceeds 15 mph (24 km/h). The
auto door lock feature can be enabled or disabled by your
authorized dealer per written request of the customer.
Please see your authorized dealer for service.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 35

Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit

The doors will unlock automatically if:

1. The Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit feature is en­abled

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

3. The transmission is in NEUTRAL or PARK

4. The driver door is opened

5. The doors were not previously unlocked

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

2

36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit Programming

The Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit feature can be
enabled or disabled. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Infor­mation Center (EVIC)/Personal Settings (Customer­Programmable Features)” in “Understanding Your In­strument Panel” for further information.

• When not using the EVIC, perform the following steps:

1. Enter the vehicle and close all doors.

2. Place the Key Fob in the ignition switch.

3. Within 15 seconds, cycle the ignition switch be­tween OFF and ON/RUN and then back to OFF
four times ending up in the LOCK position. How-

ever, do not start the engine.

4. Within 30 seconds, press the power door UNLOCK
switch to unlock the doors.

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

NOTE: If you do not hear the chime, it means that the
system did not enter the programming mode and you
will need to repeat the procedure.

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

NOTE: Use the Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit feature
in accordance with local laws.

KEYLESS ENTER-N-GO™ — IF EQUIPPED

The Passive Entry system is an enhancement to the
vehicle’s Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system and a
feature of Keyless Enter-N-Go™. This feature allows you
to lock and unlock the vehicle’s door(s) without having to
press the RKE transmitter lock or unlock buttons.

NOTE:

• Passive Entry may be programmed ON/OFF; refer to
“Uconnect® Settings” in “Understanding Your Instru­ment Panel” for further information.

• If wearing gloves on your hands, or if it has been
raining on the Passive Entry door handle, the unlock
sensitivity can be affected, resulting in a slower re­sponse time.

• If the vehicle is unlocked by Passive Entry door handle
and no door goes ajar within 60 seconds, the vehicle
will re-lock and if equipped will arm the theft alarm.

To Unlock From The Driver’s Side:

With a valid Passive Entry RKE transmitter within 5 ft
(1.5 m) of the driver door handle, grab the front driver
door handle to unlock the driver’s door automatically.
The interior door panel lock knob will raise when the
door is unlocked.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37

2

Grab The Door Handle To Unlock

NOTE: If “Unlock All Doors 1st Press” is programmed all

doors will unlock when you grab hold of the front
driver’s door handle. To select between “Unlock Driver
Door 1st Press” and “Unlock All Doors 1st Press”, refer to
“Uconnect® Settings” in “Understanding Your Instru­ment Panel” for further information.

38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To Unlock From The Passenger Side:

With a valid Passive Entry RKE transmitter within 5 ft
(1.5 m) of the passenger door handle, grab the front
passenger door handle to unlock both doors automati­cally. The interior door panel lock knob will raise when
the door is unlocked.

NOTE: All doors will unlock when the front passenger
door handle is grabbed regardless of the driver ’s door
unlock preference setting (“Unlock Driver Door 1st
Press” or “Unlock All Doors 1st Press”).

If one of the vehicle doors is open and the door panel
switch is used to lock the vehicle, once all open doors
have been closed the vehicle checks the inside and
outside of the vehicle for any valid Passive Entry RKE
transmitters. If one of the vehicle’s Passive Entry RKE
transmitters is detected inside the vehicle, and no other
valid Passive Entry RKE transmitters are detected out­side the vehicle, the Passive Entry System automatically
unlocks all vehicle doors and chirps the horn three times
(on the third attempt ALL doors will lock and the Passive
Entry RKE transmitter can be locked in the vehicle).

Preventing Inadvertent Locking Of Passive Entry RKE
Transmitter In Vehicle

To minimize the possibility of unintentionally locking a
Passive Entry RKE transmitter inside your vehicle, the
Passive Entry system is equipped with an automatic door
unlock feature which will function if the ignition switch
is in the OFF position

To Enter The Trunk:

With a valid Passive Entry RKE transmitter within 5 ft
(1.5 m) of the deck lid, press the button on the located on
the center of the light bar which is located on the deck lid
above the license plate.

Trunk Passive Entry Button

NOTE: If you inadvertently leave your vehicle’s Passive

Entry RKE transmitter in the trunk and try to close the
deck lid, the deck lid will automatically unlatch, unless
another one of the vehicle’s Passive Entry RKE transmit­ters is outside the vehicle and within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the
deck lid.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39

To Lock The Vehicle’s Doors:

With one of the vehicle’s Passive Entry RKE transmitters
within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the driver or passenger front door
handles, press the door handle LOCK button to lock both
doors.

Press The Door Handle Button To Lock

2

40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Do NOT grab the door handle, when pressing the door
handle lock button. This could unlock the door(s).

Do NOT Grab The handle When Locking

NOTE:

• After pressing the door handle LOCK button, you
must wait two seconds before you can lock or unlock
the doors, using either Passive Entry door handle. This
is done to allow you to check if the vehicle is locked by
pulling the door handle, without the vehicle reacting
and unlocking.

• The Passive Entry system will not operate if the RKE
transmitter battery is dead.

The vehicle doors can also be locked by using the RKE
transmitter lock button or the lock button located on the
vehicle’s interior door panel.

WINDOWS

Power Windows

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

Power Window Switches

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41

There is a single window control on the passenger’s door
trim panel that operates the window on the passenger’s
door. The window controls will operate only when the
ignition switch is in the ON/RUN or ACC position.

NOTE:

• The Key Off Power Delay feature will allow the power
windows to operate for up to 60 minutes after the
ignition is turned OFF. This feature is cancelled when
either front door is opened. The time for this feature is
programmable. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Informa­tion Center (EVIC)/Personal Settings (Customer- Pro­grammable Features)” in “Understanding Your Instru­ment Panel” for further information.

• The door window will lower slightly if it is closed
completely when opening the door. The window will
return to its fully closed position after closing the door.
This action allows the door to open without resistance
and prevents window and seal damage.

2

42 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

Never leave children unattended in a vehicle, and do
not let children play with power windows. Do not
leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, and do not
leave a vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go™
in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. Occupants, particu­larly unattended children, can become entrapped by
the windows while operating the power window
switches. Such entrapment may result in serious
injury or death.

AUTO-Down Feature

The driver’s door power window switch and passenger
door power window switch have an AUTO-down fea­ture. Press the window switch to the second detent,
release, and the window will go down automatically.

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

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

The power window switches will remain active for up to
60 minutes after the ignition switch is turned OFF.
Opening either door will cancel this feature. The time for
this feature is programmable. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Personal Settings (Customer­Programmable Features)” in “Understanding Your In­strument Panel” for further information.

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
one window open, then open the other window to
minimize the buffeting. If the buffeting occurs with the
sunroof open, then adjust the sunroof opening to mini­mize the buffeting.

TRUNK LOCK AND RELEASE

The trunk lid can be released from inside the vehicle by
pressing the Trunk Release button. The button is located
on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43

NOTE: The transmission must be in PARK before the
button will operate. If equipped with a manual transmis­sion, the vehicle speed must be under 5 mph (8 km/h)
before the button will operate.

The trunk lid can be released from
outside the vehicle by pressing the
Trunk Release button on the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
twice within five seconds or by us­ing the external release switch lo­cated on the underside of the deck-

Trunk Release

Button

lid overhang. The release feature
will function only when the vehicle
is in the unlock condition.

2

44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

With the ignition switch in the ON/RUN position, the
Trunk Open symbol will display in the instrument cluster
indicating that the trunk is open. The odometer display
will reappear once the trunk is closed.

With the ignition switch in the OFF position or the key
removed from the ignition switch, the Trunk Open sym­bol will display until the trunk is closed.

Refer to “Keyless Enter-N-Go™” in “Things To Know
Before Starting Your Vehicle” for more information on
trunk operation with the Passive Entry feature.

TRUNK SAFETY WARNING

WARNING!

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

Trunk Emergency Release

As a security measure, a Trunk Internal Emergency Release
lever is built into the trunk latching mechanism. In the event
of an individual being locked inside the trunk, the trunk can
be simply opened by pulling on the glow-in-the-dark handle
attached to the trunk latching mechanism.

Trunk Emergency Internal Release

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45

OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS

Some of the most important safety features in your
vehicle are the restraint systems:

• Three-point lap and shoulder belts for the driver and
all passengers

• Advanced Front Air Bags for driver and front passen­ger

• Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC)
for the driver and passengers seated next to a window

• Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB) for
the driver and front outboard passenger

• An energy-absorbing steering column and steering
wheel

• Knee bolsters/blockers for front seat occupants

2

46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

• Front seat belts incorporate pretensioners that may
enhance occupant protection by managing occupant
energy during an impact event

• All seat belt systems (except the driver’s) include
Automatic Locking Retractors (ALRs), which lock the
seat belt webbing into position by extending the belt
all the way out and then adjusting the belt to the
desired length to restrain a child seat or secure a large
item in a seat — if equipped

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.

If you will be carrying children too small for adult-sized
seat belts, the seat belts or the Lower Anchors and Tether
for CHildren (LATCH) feature also can be used to hold
infant and child restraint systems. For more information
on LATCH, refer to Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren (LATCH).

NOTE: The Advanced Front Air Bags have a multistage
inflator design. This allows the air bag to have different
rates of inflation based on several factors, including the
severity and type of collision.

Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize the
risk of harm from a deploying air bag:

1. Children 12 years old and under should always ride

buckled up in a rear seat.

WARNING!

Infants in rear facing child restraints should never
ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger
Advanced Front Air Bag. An air bag deployment can
cause severe injury or death to infants in that posi­tion.

Children that are not big enough to wear the vehicle seat
belt properly (see section on Child Restraints) should be

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

If a child from 1 to 12 years old (not in a rear facing child
seat) must ride in the front passenger seat, move the seat
as far back as possible and use the proper child restraint.
(Refer to “Child Restraints”)

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

2. All occupants should always 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 Advanced
Front Air Bags room to inflate.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47

4. Do not lean against the door or window. If your

vehicle has side air bags, and deployment occurs, the
side air bags will inflate forcefully into the space
between you and the door.

5. If the air bag system in this vehicle needs to be

modified to accommodate a disabled person, contact
the Customer Center. Phone numbers are provided
under $If You Need Assistance$.

WARNING!

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

(Continued)

2

48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)

• Being too close to the steering wheel or instrument
panel during Advanced Front Air Bag deployment
could cause serious injury, including death. Air
Bags need room to inflate. Sit back, comfortably
extending your arms to reach the steering wheel or
instrument panel.

• Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain
(SABIC) — if equipped and Seat-Mounted Side Air
Bags (SAB) also need room to inflate. Do not lean
against the door or window. Sit upright in the
center of the seat.

• 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.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Being too close to the Supplemental Side Air Bag
Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) — if equipped and/or
Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag (SAB) during deploy­ment could cause you to be severely injured or
killed.

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

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

Lap/Shoulder Belts

All seating positions in your vehicle are equipped with
lap/shoulder belts.

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

WARNING!

• It is 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49

WARNING! (Continued)

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

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

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

2

(Continued)

(Continued)

50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)

• 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 a lap belt for more
than one person, no matter what their size.

Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions

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

2. The seat belt latch plate is contacting the seat when the
belt is routed through the seat web guide. When the
belt is routed outside of the seat web guide, the latch
plate will contact the quarter trim panel. Grasp the
latch plate and pull out the belt. Slide the latch plate
up the webbing as far as necessary to make the belt go
around your lap.

Latch Plate

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

Latch Plate To Buckle

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51

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 prop­erly. In a sudden stop, you could move too far
forward, increasing the possibility of injury. Wear
your seat belt snug.

(Continued)

2

52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)

• A belt that is worn under your arm is 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 are not 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.

belt. A snug belt reduces the risk of sliding under the
belt in a collision.

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

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

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 53

WARNING!

Removing Slack From Belt

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

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.).

Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure

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

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

2

54 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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

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

Seat Belts In Passenger Seating Positions

The seat belts in the passenger seating positions are
equipped with Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR)
which are used to secure a child restraint system. For
additional information, refer to “Installing Child Re­straints Using The Vehicle Seat Belt” under the “Child
Restraints” section. The chart below defines the type of
feature for each seating position.

Driver Center Passenger

First Row N/A N/A ALR

Second Row ALR ALR ALR

• N/A — Not Applicable

• ALR — Automatic Locking Retractor

If the passenger seating position is equipped with an
ALR and is being used for normal usage:

Only pull the belt webbing out far enough to comfortably
wrap around the occupant’s mid-section so as to not
activate the ALR. If the ALR is activated, you will hear a
ratcheting sound as the belt retracts. Allow the webbing
to retract completely in this case and then carefully pull
out only the amount of webbing necessary to comfort­ably wrap around the occupant’s mid-section. Slide the
latch plate into the buckle until you hear a #click.#

Automatic Locking Retractor Mode (ALR) — If Equipped

In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre­locked. The belt will still retract to remove any slack in
the shoulder belt. The Automatic Locking Mode is avail­able on all passenger-seating positions with a combina­tion lap/shoulder belt. Use the Automatic Locking Mode
anytime a child safety seat is installed in a seating
position that has a belt with this feature. Children 12
years old and under should always be properly re­strained in the rear seat.

How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode

1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt.

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55

3. Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will
hear a clicking sound. This indicates the safety belt is
now in the Automatic Locking Mode.

How To Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode

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

WARNING!

• The belt and retractor assembly must be replaced if
the seat belt assembly Automatic Locking Retractor
(ALR) feature or any other seat belt function is not
working properly when checked according to the
procedures in the Service Manual.

• Failure to replace the belt and retractor assembly
could increase the risk of injury in collisions.

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56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Energy Management Feature

This vehicle has a safety belt system with an Energy
Management feature in the front seating positions to help
further reduce the risk of injury in the event of a head-on
collision.

This safety belt system has a retractor assembly that is
designed to release webbing in a controlled manner. This
feature is designed to help reduce the belt force acting on
the occupant’s chest.

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 may improve the performance of the seat
belt by assuring that the belt is tight about the occupant
early in a collision. Pretensioners work for all size occu­pants, including those in child restraints.

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

The pretensioners are triggered by the Occupant Re­straint Controller (ORC). Like the air bags, the preten­sioners are single use items. A deployed pretensioner or
a deployed air bag must be replaced immediately.

Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System (BeltAlert®)

BeltAlert® is a feature intended to remind the driver and
front passenger (if equipped with front passenger
BeltAlert®) to fasten their seat belts. The feature is active
whenever the ignition is on. If the driver or front seat
passenger is unbelted, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will
turn on and remain on until both front seat belts are
fastened.

The BeltAlert® warning sequence begins after the vehicle
speed is over 5 mph (8 km/h), by blinking the Seat Belt
Reminder Light and sounding an intermittent chime.
Once the sequence starts, it will continue for the entire
duration or until the respective seatbelts are fastened.
After the sequence completes, the Seat Belt Reminder
Light remains illuminated until the respective seat belts
are fastened. The driver should instruct all other occu­pants to fasten their seat belts. If a front seat belt is
unbuckled while traveling at speeds greater than 5 mph
(8 km/h), BeltAlert® will provide both audio and visual
notification.

The front passenger seat BeltAlert® is not active when
the front passenger seat is unoccupied. BeltAlert® may
be triggered when an animal or heavy object is on the
front passenger seat or when the seat is folded flat (if
equipped). It is recommended that pets be restrained in
the rear seat in pet harnesses or pet carriers that are
secured by seat belts, and cargo is properly stowed.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 57

BeltAlert® can be enabled or disabled by your autho­rized dealer. Chrysler Group LLC does not recommend
deactivating BeltAlert®.

NOTE: Although BeltAlert® has been deactivated, the
Seat Belt Reminder Light will continue to illuminate
while the driver’s or front passenger (if equipped with
BeltAlert®) seat belt remains unfastened.

Seat Belts And Pregnant Women

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

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

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58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 authorized
dealer can provide you with a seat belt extender. This
extender should be used only if the existing belt is not
long enough. When it is not required, remove the ex­tender and store it.

WARNING!

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

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) — Air Bags

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

Advanced Front Air Bag And Knee Bolster Locations

1—DriverAndPassengerAdvancedFrontAirBags
2 — Knee Bolster

NOTE: The Driver and Front Passenger Advanced Front
Air Bags are certified to the new Federal regulations for
Advanced Air Bags.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59

The Advanced Front Air Bags have a multistage inflator
design. This allows the air bag to have different rates of
inflation based on several factors, including the severity
and type of collision.

This vehicle may be equipped with driver and/or front
passenger seat track position sensors that may adjust the
inflation rate of the Advanced Front Air Bags based upon
seat position.

This vehicle may be equipped with a driver and/or front
passenger seat belt buckle switch that detects whether
the driver or front passenger seat belt is fastened. The
seat belt buckle switch may adjust the inflation rate of the
Advanced Front Air Bags.

This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Seat­Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB) to provide enhanced
protection for an occupant during a side impact. The
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags are located in
the outboard side of the front seats.

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60 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Side Air Bag
Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) to protect the driver, front,
and rear passengers sitting next to a window. The SABIC
air bags are located above the side windows and their
covers are also labeled: SRS AIRBAG.

NOTE:

• Air Bag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim,
but they will open during air bag deployment.

• After any collision, the vehicle should be taken to an
authorized dealer immediately.

• Steering Wheel and Column

• Instrument Panel

• Knee Impact Bolster

• Driver Advanced Front Air Bag

• Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag

• Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB)

• Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC)

• Front and Side Impact Sensors

Air Bag System Components

Your vehicle may be equipped with the following air bag
system components:

• Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)

• Air Bag Warning Light

• Front Seat Belt Pretensioners, Seat Belt Buckle Switch,

and Seat Track Position Sensors

Advanced Front Air Bag Features

The Advanced Front Air Bag system has multistage
driver and front passenger air bags. This system provides
output appropriate to the severity and type of collision as
determined by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC),
which may receive information from the front impact
sensors.

The first stage inflator is triggered immediately during an
impact that requires air bag deployment. This low output
is used in less severe collisions. A higher energy output is
used for more severe collisions.

WARNING!

• No objects should be placed over or near the air
bag on the instrument panel, because any such
objects could cause harm if the vehicle is in a

(Continued)

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61

WARNING! (Continued)

collision severe enough to cause the air bag to
inflate.

• Do not put anything on or around the air bag
covers or attempt to open them manually. You may
damage the air bags and you could be injured
because the air bags may no longer be functional.
The protective covers for the air bag cushions are
designed to open only when the air bags are
inflating.

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

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

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62 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB)

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB) may
provide enhanced protection to help protect an occupant
during a side impact. The SAB is marked with an air bag
label sewn into the outboard side of the front seats.

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag Label

When the air bag deploys, it opens the seam between the
front and side of the seat’s trim cover. Each air bag
deploys independently; a left side impact deploys the left
air bag only and a right-side impact deploys the right air
bag only.

Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC)

SABIC air bags may offer side-impact protection to front
and rear seat outboard occupants in addition to that
provided by the body structure. Each air bag features
inflated chambers placed adjacent to the head of each
outboard occupant that reduce the potential for side­impact head injuries. The curtains deploy downward,
covering both windows on the impact side.

Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC)

NOTE:

• Air Bag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim,
but they will open during air bag deployment.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 63

• Being too close to the SAB and SABIC air bags during
deployment could cause you to be severely injured or
killed.

The system includes side impact sensors that are cali­brated to deploy the side air bags during impacts that
require air bag occupant protection.

WARNING!

• Your vehicle is equipped with left and right
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain
(SABIC), do not stack luggage or other cargo up
high enough to block the location of the SABIC.
The area where the SABIC is located should remain
free from any obstructions.

(Continued)

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64 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)

• Do not use accessory seat covers or place objects
between you and the side air bags; the performance
could be adversely affected and/or objects could be
pushed into you, causing serious injury.

• Your vehicle is equipped with SABIC air 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.

• Do not allow occupants to extend any part of their
body outside of the window.

SAB and SABIC air bags are a supplement to the seat belt
restraint system. Occupants, including children who are
up against or very close to SAB or SABIC air bags can be

seriously injured or killed. Occupants, especially chil­dren, should not lean on or sleep against the door, side
windows, or area where the SAB or SABIC air bags
inflate, even if they are in an infant or child restraint.

Always sit upright as possible with your back against the
seat back, use the seat belts properly, and use the
appropriate sized child restraint, infant restraint or
booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the
child.

Knee Impact Bolsters

The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees of the
driver and front passengers, and position front occupants
for the best interaction with the Advanced Front Air
Bags.

Along with seat belts and pretensioners, Advanced Front
Air Bags work with the knee impact bolsters to provide

improved protection for the driver and front passenger.
Side air bags also work with seat belts to improve
occupant protection.

Air Bag Deployment Sensors And Controls

Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)

The ORC is part of a Federally regulated safety system
required for this vehicle.

The ORC determines if deployment of the front and/or
side air bags in a frontal or side collision is required.
Based on the impact sensor’s signals, a central electronic
ORC deploys the Advanced Front Air Bags, SABIC air
bags, SAB air bags, and front seat belt pretensioners, as
required, depending on several factors, including the
severity and type of impact.

Advanced Front Air Bags are designed to provide addi­tional protection by supplementing the seat belts in
certain frontal collisions depending on several factors,

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65

including the severity and type of collision. Advanced
Front Air Bags are not expected to reduce the risk of
injury in rear, side, or rollover collisions.

The Advanced Front Air Bags will not deploy in all
frontal collisions, including some that may produce sub­stantial vehicle damage — for example, some pole colli­sions, truck underrides, and angle offset collisions. On
the other hand, depending on the type and location of
impact, Advanced Front Air Bags may deploy in crashes
with little vehicle front-end damage but that produce a
severe initial deceleration.

The side air bags will not deploy in all side collisions.
Side air bag deployment will depend on the severity and
type of collision.

Because air bag sensors measure vehicle deceleration
over time, vehicle speed and damage by themselves are
not good indicators of whether or not an air bag should
have deployed.

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66 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Seat belts are necessary for your protection in all colli­sions, and also are needed to help keep you in position,
away from an inflating air bag.

turns on the Air Bag Warning Light, either momentarily
or continuously. A single chime will sound if the light
comes on again after initial startup.

The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of
the air bag system whenever the ignition switch is in the
START or ON/RUN position. If the key is in the OFF
position, in the ACC position, or not in the ignition, the
air bag system is not on and the air bags will not inflate.

The ORC contains a backup power supply system that
may deploy the air bags even if the battery loses power or
it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.

Also, the ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning
Light in the instrument panel for approxi­mately four to eight seconds for a self-check

when the ignition is first turned on. After the
self-check, the Air Bag Warning Light will turn off. If the
ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it

It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the instru­ment cluster Air Bag Warning Light if a malfunction is
noted that could affect the air bag system. The diagnos­tics also record the nature of the malfunction.

WARNING!

Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your instru­ment panel could mean you won’t have the air bags
to protect you in a collision. If the light does not come
on as a bulb check when the ignition is first turned
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes
on as you drive, have an authorized dealer service the
air bag system immediately.

Driver And Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag Inflator Units

The Driver and Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
Inflator Units are located in the center of the steering
wheel and on the right side of the instrument panel.
When the ORC detects a collision requiring the Ad­vanced Front Air Bags, it signals the inflator units. A large
quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the
Advanced Front Air Bags. Different air bag inflation rates
are possible, based on several factors, including the
collision type and severity. The steering wheel hub trim
cover and the upper right side of the instrument panel
separate and fold out of the way as the air bags inflate to
their full size. The air bags fully inflate in about 50 to 70
milliseconds. This is about half of the time it takes to
blink your eyes. The air bags then quickly deflate while
helping to restrain the driver and front passenger.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 67

The Advanced Front Air Bag gas is vented through the
vent holes in the sides of the air bag. In this way, the air
bags do not interfere with your control of the vehicle.

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag (SAB) Inflator Units

The Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags are de­signed to activate only in certain side collisions.

The ORC determines if a side collision requires the side
air bags to inflate, based on the severity and type of
collision.

Based on the severity and type of collision, the side air
bag inflator on the crash side of the vehicle may be
triggered, releasing a quantity of non-toxic gas. The
inflating SAB exits through the seat seam into the space
between the occupant and the door. The SAB fully inflate
in about 10 milliseconds. The side air bag moves at a very
high speed and with such a high force that it could injure

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68 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

you if you are not seated properly, or if items are
positioned in the area where the side air bag inflates. This
especially applies to children.

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

Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) Inflator Units

During collisions where the impact is confined to a
particular area of the side of the vehicle, the ORC may
deploy the SABIC air bags, depending on the severity
and type of collision. In these events, the ORC will
deploy the SABIC only on the impact side of the vehicle.

A quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the side
curtain air bag. The inflating side curtain air bag pushes
the outside edge of the headliner out of the way and
covers the window. The air bag inflates in about 30
milliseconds (about one-quarter of the time that it takes
to blink your eyes) with enough force to injure you if you
are not belted and seated properly, or if items are
positioned in the area where the side curtain air bag

Because air bag sensors estimate deceleration over time,
vehicle speed and damage are not good indicators of
whether or not an air bag should have deployed.

Front And Side Impact Sensors

In front and side impacts, impact sensors can aid the
ORC in determining appropriate response to impact
events.

Enhanced Accident Response System

In the event of an impact causing air bag deployment, if
the communication network remains intact, and the
power remains intact, depending on the nature of the
event the ORC will determine whether to have the
Enhanced Accident Response System perform the follow­ing functions:

• Cut off fuel to the engine.

• Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power or

until the ignition key is turned off.

• Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as

the battery has power or until the ignition key is
removed.

• Unlock the doors automatically.

In order to reset the Enhanced Accident Response System
functions after an event, the ignition switch must be
changed from IGN ON to IGN OFF.

If A Deployment Occurs

The Advanced Front Air Bags are designed to deflate
immediately after deployment.

NOTE: Front and/or side air bags will not deploy in all
collisions. This does not mean something is wrong with
the air bag system.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69

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

• The nylon air bag material may sometimes cause
abrasions and/or skin reddening to the driver and
front passenger as the air bags 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 air bags deflate, you may see some smoke-like
particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the
process that generates the non-toxic gas used for air
bag 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

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70 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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.

Do not drive your vehicle after the air bags have de­ployed. If you are involved in another collision, the air
bags will not be in place to protect you.

WARNING!

Deployed air bags and seat belt pretensioners cannot
protect you in another collision. Have the air bags,
seat belt pretensioners, and the front seat belt retrac­tor assemblies replaced by an authorized dealer im­mediately. Also, have the Occupant Restraint Con­troller (ORC) system serviced as well.

Maintaining Your Air Bag System

WARNING!

• Modifications to any part of the air bag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured if the air bag system is 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
add aftermarket side steps or running boards.

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

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Do not attempt to modify any part of your air bag
system. The air bag may inflate accidentally or may
not function properly if modifications are made.
Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for any
air bag 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 the air bag system for persons with dis­abilities, contact your authorized dealer.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 71

Air Bag Warning Light

You will want to have the air bags ready to
inflate for your protection in a collision. The
Air Bag Warning Light monitors the internal

circuits and interconnecting wiring associated
with air bag system electrical components. While the air
bag system is designed to be maintenance free. If any of
the following occurs, have an authorized dealer service
the air bag system immediately.

• The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on during

the four to eight seconds when the ignition is first
cycled to the ON/RUN.

2

(Continued)

• The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the four to

eight-second interval.

72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

• The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving.

NOTE: If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine
related gauges are not working, the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. The air bags may
not be ready to inflate for your protection. Promptly
check the fuse block for blown fuses. Refer to “Fuses” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for the proper air bag fuses.
See your authorized dealer if the fuse is good.

vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of
time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle
is designed to record such data as:

• How various systems in your vehicle were operating;

• Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts

were buckled/fastened;

• How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the
accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,

Event Data Recorder (EDR)

This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder
(EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in
certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air
bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will
assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems per­formed. The EDR is designed to record data related to

• How fast the vehicle was traveling.

These data can help provide a better understanding of
the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur.

NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a
non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are recorded by
the EDR under normal driving conditions and no per­sonal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location)
are recorded. However, other parties, such as law en­forcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of
personally identifying data routinely acquired during a
crash investigation.

To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is
required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed.
In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties,
such as law enforcement, that have the special equip­ment, can read the information if they have access to the
vehicle or the EDR.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 73

Child Restraints

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

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

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74 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 make sure you have the correct
seat for your child.

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

NOTE: For additional information, refer to
www.seatcheck.org or call 1–866–SEATCHECK. Cana­dian residents should refer to Transport Canada’s web­site for additional information: http://www.tc.gc.ca/
eng/roadsafety/safedrivers-childsafety-index-53.htm

WARNING!

In a collision, an unrestrained child can become a
projectile 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 75

Summary Of Recommendations For Restraining Children In Vehicles

Child Size, Height, Weight or Age Recommended Type of Child Restraint

Infants and

Toddlers

Children who are two years old or

younger and who have not reached the

height or weight limits of their child re-

straint

Small Children Children who are at least two years old or

who have out-grown the height or weight

limit of their rear-facing child restraint

Larger Children Children who have out-grown their

forward-facing child restraint, but are too

small to properly fit the vehicle’s seat belt

Children Too Large
for Child Restraints

Children 12 years old or younger, who

have out-grown the height or weight limit

of their booster seat

Either an Infant Carrier or a Convertible

Child Restraint, facing rearward in the rear

seat of the vehicle

Forward-Facing Child Restraint with a

five-point Harness, facing forward in the

rear seat of the vehicle

Belt Positioning Booster Seat and the ve-

hicle seat belt, seated in the rear seat of the

vehicle

Vehicle Seat Belt, seated in the rear seat of

the vehicle

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76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Infants And Child Restraints

Safety experts recommend that children ride rearward­facing in the vehicle until they are two years old or until
they reach either the height or weight limit of their rear
facing child safety seat. Two types of child restraints can
be used rearward-facing: infant carriers and convertible
child seats.

The infant carrier is only used rearward-facing in the
vehicle. It is recommended for children from birth until
they reach the weight or height limit of the infant carrier.
Convertible child seats can be used either rearward­facing or forward-facing in the vehicle. Convertible child
seats often have a higher weight limit in the rearward­facing direction than infant carriers do, so they can be
used rearward-facing by children who have outgrown
their infant carrier but are still less than at least two years
old. Children should remain rearward-facing until they

reach the highest weight or height allowed by their
convertible child seat.

WARNING!

• Never place a rear facing infant seat in front of an
air bag. A deploying passenger Advanced Front Air
Bag can cause death or serious injury to a child 12
years or younger, including a child in a rearward
facing infant seat.

• Only use a rearward-facing child restraint in a rear
seat.

Older Children And Child Restraints

Children who are two years old or who have outgrown
their rear-facing convertible child seat can ride forward­facing in the vehicle. Forward-facing child seats and
convertible child seats used in the forward-facing direc­tion are for children who are over two years old or who

have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit of
their rear-facing convertible child seat. Children should
remain in a forward-facing child seat with a harness for
as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height
allowed by the child seat.

All children whose weight or height is above the
forward-facing limit for the child seat should use a
belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle’s seat belts
fit properly. If the child cannot sit with knees bent over
the vehicle’s seat cushion while the child’s back is against
the seatback, they should use a belt-positioning booster
seat. The child and belt-positioning booster seat are held
in the vehicle by the seat belt.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 77

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 child restraint manufacturer’s
directions exactly when installing an infant or
child restraint.

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

2

78 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 seat belt in a rear seat. Use this
simple 5-step test to decide whether the child can use the
vehicle’s seat belt alone:

1. Can the child sit all the way back against the back of
the vehicle seat?

2. Do the child’s knees bend comfortably over the front
of the vehicle seat – while they are still sitting all the
way back?

3. Does the shoulder belt cross the child’s shoulder
between their neck and arm?

4. Is the lap part of the belt as low as possible, touching
the child’s thighs and not their stomach?

5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

If the answer to any of these questions was “no,” then the
child still needs to use a booster seat in this vehicle. If the
child is using the lap/shoulder belt, check belt fit peri­odically. A child’s squirming or slouching can move the
belt out of position. If the shoulder belt contacts the face
or neck, move the child closer to the center of the vehicle.
Never allow a child to put the shoulder belt under an arm
or behind their back.

Recommendations For Attaching Child Restraints

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 79

Restraint Type Combined

Weight of the

Child + Child

Restraint

Rear-Facing

Child Restraint

Rear-Facing

Child Restraint

Forward-Facing

Child Restraint

Forward-Facing

Child Restraint

Up to 65 lbs

(29.5 kg)

More than

65 lbs (29.5 kg)

Up to 65 lbs

(29.5 kg)

More than

65 lbs (29.5 kg)

Use any attachment method shown with an “X” Below

LATCH –

Lower Anchors

Only

XX

Seat Belt Only

X

LATCH –

Lower Anchors

+ Top Tether

Anchor

XX

2

Seat Belt + Top

Tether Anchor

X

80 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) Restraint System

Your vehicle is equipped with the child restraint anchor­age system called LATCH, which stands for Lower
Anchors and Tethers for CHildren. The LATCH system
has three vehicle anchor points for installing LATCH­equipped child seats. There are two lower anchorages
located at the back of the seat cushion where it meets the
seatback and one top tether anchorage located behind the
seating position. These anchorages are used to install
LATCH-equipped child seats without using the vehicle’s
seat belts. Some seating positions may have a top tether
anchorage but no lower anchorages. In these seating
positions, the seat belt must be used with the top tether
anchorage to install the child restraint. Please see the
following table for more information.

LATCH Positions For Installing Child Restraints In This Vehicle

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 81

2

•

Lower Anchorage Symbol 2 anchorages per

seating position

•

Top Tether Anchorage Symbol

82 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

What is the weight limit (child’s
weight + weight of the child re­straint) for using the LATCH an­chorage system to attach the child
restraint?

Can the LATCH anchorages and

the seat belt be used together to

attach a rear-facing or forward-

facing child restraint?

Can a child seat be installed in the

center position using the inner

LATCH lower anchorages?

65 lbs (29.5 kg) Use the LATCH anchorage system

until the combined weight of the

child and the child restraint is

65 lbs (29.5 kg). Use the seat belt

and tether anchor instead of the

LATCH system once the combined

weight is more than 65 lbs

(29.5 kg).

No Do not use the seat belt when you

use the LATCH anchorage system
to attach a rear-facing or forward-

facing child restraint.

N/A

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 83

Can two child restraints be at­tached using a common lower

LATCH anchorage?

Can the rear-facing child restraint

touch the back of the front passen-

ger seat?

Can the head restraints be re-

moved?

No Never “share” a LATCH anchorage

with two or more child restraints.

If the center position does not have

dedicated LATCH lower anchor­ages, use the seat belt to install a

child seat in the center position

next to a child seat using the

LATCH anchorages in an outboard

position.

Yes The child seat may touch the back

of the front passenger seat if the

child restraint manufacturer also

allows contact. See your child re-

straint owner ’s manual for more

information.

No

2

84 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Locating The LATCH Anchorages

The lower anchorages are round bars that are
found at the rear of the seat cushion where it
meets the seatback, below the anchorage sym-

bols on the seatback. They are just visible when
you lean into the rear seat to install the child restraint.
You will easily feel them if you run your finger along gap
between the seatback and seat cushion.

LATCH Anchorages

Locating The LATCH Anchorages

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 85

In addition, there are tether strap anchorages

behind each rear seating position located in the

panel between the rear seatback and the rear

window. These tether strap anchorages are
under a plastic cover with the tether anchorage symbol
on it.

2

Tether Strap Anchorages

LATCH-compatible child restraint systems will be
equipped with a rigid bar or a flexible strap on each side.
Each will have a hook or connector to attach to the lower
anchorage and a way to tighten the connection to the
anchorage. Forward-facing child restraints and some
rear-facing infant restraints will also be equipped with a

86 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

tether strap. The tether strap will have a hook at the end
to attach to the top tether anchorage and a way to tighten
the strap after it is attached to the anchorage.

Always follow the directions of the child restraint manu­facturer when installing your child restraint. Not all child
restraint systems will be installed as described here.

Center Seat LATCH

If a child restraint installed in the center position blocks
the seat belt webbing or buckle for the outboard position,
do not use that outboard position. If a child seat in the
center position blocks the outboard LATCH anchors or
seat belt, do not install a child seat in that outboard
position.

WARNING!

Never use the same lower anchorage to attach more
than one child restraint. Please refer to “Installing
The LATCH-Compatible Child Restraint System” for
typical installation instructions.

To Install A LATCH-compatible Child Restraint

1. If the selected seating position has a Switchable Auto­matic Locking Retractor (ALR) seat belt, stow the seat
belt, following the instructions below. See the section
“Installing Child Restraints Using the Vehicle Seat
Belt” to check what type of seat belt each seating
position has.

2. Loosen the adjusters on the lower straps and on the
tether strap of the child seat so that you can more
easily attach the hooks or connectors to the vehicle
anchorages.

3. Place the child seat between the lower anchorages for
that seating position. For some second row seats, you
may need to recline the seat and / or raise the head
restraint to get a better fit.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 87

7. Test that the child restraint is installed tightly by
pulling back and forth on the child seat at the belt
path. It should not move more than 1 inch (25.4 mm)
in any direction.

2

4. Attach the lower hooks or connectors of the child
restraint to the lower anchorages in the selected seat­ing position.

5. If the child restraint has a tether strap, connect it to the
top tether anchorage. See the section “Installing Child
Restraints Using the Top Tether Anchorage” for direc­tions to attach a tether anchor.

6. Tighten all of the straps as you push the child restraint
rearward and downward into the seat. Remove slack
in the straps according to the child restraint manufac­turer’s instructions.

How To Stow An Unused ALR Seatbelt

When using the LATCH attaching system to install a child
restraint, stow all ALR seat belts that are not being used by
other occupants or being used to secure child restraints. An
unused belt could injure a child if they play with it and
accidentally lock the seatbelt retractor. Before installing a
child restraint using the LATCH system, buckle the seat
belt behind the child restraint and out of the child’s reach.
If the buckled seat belt interferes with the child restraint
installation, instead of buckling it behind the child re­straint, route the seat belt through the child restraint belt
path and then buckle it. Do not lock the seatbelt. Remind
all children in the vehicle that the seat belts are not toys and
that they should not play with them.

88 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

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

Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat Belt

The seat belts in the passenger seating positions are
equipped with either a Switchable Automatic Locking
Retractor (ALR) or a cinching latch plate or both. Both
types of seat belts are designed to keep the lap portion of
the seat belt tight around the child restraint so that it is
not necessary to use a locking clip. The ALR retractor can
be “switched” into a locked mode by pulling all of the
webbing out of the retractor and then letting the webbing
retract back into the retractor. If it is locked, the ALR will

make a clicking noise while the webbing is pulled back
into the retractor. For additional information on ALR,
refer to the “Automatic Locking Mode” description un­der “Occupant Restraints.” The cinching latch plate is
designed to hold the lap portion of the seatbelt tight
when webbing is pulled tight and straight through a
child restraint’s belt path. Please see the table below and
the following sections for more information about both
types of seat belts.

Lap/Shoulder Belt Systems for Installing Child Restraints in this Vehicle

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 89

2

What is the weight limit (child’s
weight + weight of the child re­straint) for using the Tether Anchor
with the seat belt to attach a forward
facing child restraint?

Weight limit of the Child Restraint Always use the tether anchor when

using the seat belt to install a for­ward facing child restraint, up to the
recommended weight limit of the
child restraint.

90 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Can the rear-facing child restraint

Yes Contact between the front passenger
touch the back of the front passenger
seat?

Can the head restraints be removed? No
Can the buckle stalk be twisted to

Yes In positions with cinching latch
tighten the seat belt against the belt
path of the child restraint?

Installing A Child Restraint with a Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)

1. Place the child seat in the center of the seating
position. For some second row seats, you may need to
recline the seat and/or raise the head restraint to get a
better fit.

seat and the child restraint is al­lowed, if the child restraint manu­facturer also allows contact.

plates (CINCH), the buckle stalk
may be twisted up to 3 full turns. Do
not twist the buckle stalk in a seating
position with an ALR retractor.

2. Pull enough of the seat belt webbing from the retractor
to pass it through the belt path of the child restraint.
Do not twist the belt webbing in the belt path.

3. Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a
“click.”

4. Pull on the webbing to make the lap portion tight
against the child seat.

5. To lock the seat belt, pull down on the shoulder part of
the belt until you have pulled all the seat belt webbing
out of the retractor. Then, allow the webbing to retract
back into the retractor. As the webbing retracts, you
will hear a clicking sound. This means the seat belt is
now in the Automatic Locking mode.

6. Try to pull the webbing out of the retractor. If it is
locked, you should not be able to pull out any web­bing. If the retractor is not locked, repeat step 5.

7. Finally, pull up on any excess webbing to tighten the
lap portion around the child restraint while you push
the child restraint rearward and downward into the
vehicle seat.

8. If the child restraint has a top tether strap and the
seating position has a top tether anchorage, connect
the tether strap to the anchorage and tighten the tether

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 91

strap. Refer to “Lower Anchors and Tethers for Chil­dren (LATCH) Restraint System” for directions to
attach a tether anchor.

9. Test that the child restraint is installed tightly by
pulling back and forth on the child seat at the belt
path. It should not move more than 1 inch (25.4 mm)
in any direction.

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

Installing A Child Restraint With A Cinching Latch Plate (CINCH) — If Equipped

1. Place the child seat in the center of the seating
position. For some second row seats, you may need to
recline the seat and / or raise the head restraint to get
a better fit.

2

92 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

2. Next, pull enough of the seat belt webbing from the
retractor to pass it through the belt path of the child
restraint. Do not twist the belt webbing in the belt
path.

3. Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a
“click.”

4. Finally, pull up on any excess webbing to tighten the
lap portion around the child restraint while you push
the child restraint rearward and downward into the
vehicle seat.

5. If the child restraint has a top tether strap and the
seating position has a top tether anchorage, connect
the tether strap to the anchorage and tighten the tether
strap. Refer to “Lower Anchors and Tethers for Chil­dren (LATCH) Restraint System” for directions to
attach a tether anchor.

6. Test that the child restraint is installed tightly by
pulling back and forth on the child seat at the belt
path. It should not move more than 1 inch (25.4 mm)
in any direction.

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

If the buckle or the cinching latch plate is too close to the
belt path opening of the child restraint, you may have
trouble tightening the seat belt. If this happens, discon­nect the latch plate from the buckle and twist the short
buckle-end belt up to three full turns to shorten it. Insert
the latch plate into the buckle with the release button
facing out, away from the child restraint. Repeat steps 4
to 6, above, to complete the installation of the child
restraint.

If the belt still cannot be tightened after you shorten the
buckle, disconnect the latch plate from the buckle, turn
the buckle around one half turn, and insert the latch plate
into the buckle again. If you still cannot make the child
restraint installation tight, try a different seating position.

Installing Child Restraints Using The Top Tether Anchorage

Look behind the seating position where you
plan to install the child restraint to find the
tether anchorage. You may need to move the

seat forward to provide better access to the
tether anchorage. If there is no top tether anchorage for
that seating position (see the charts above), move the
child restraint to another position in the vehicle if one is
available.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 93

1. Rotate or lift the cover to access the anchor directly
behind the seat where you are placing the child
restraint.

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

2

94 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Tether Strap Mounting

1 — Cover A — Tether Strap Hook
3 — Attaching Strap B — Tether Anchor

3. Attach the tether strap hook of the child restraint to
the top tether anchorage as shown in the diagram.

4. Remove slack in the tether strap according to the child
restraint manufacturer’s instructions.

Transporting Pets

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

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

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS

A long break-in period is not required for the drivetrain
(engine, transmission, clutch, and rear axle) in your new
vehicle.

Drive moderately during the first 500 mi (800 km). After
the initial 60 mi (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80
or 90 km/h) are desirable.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 95

which vehicle operations will occur. For the recom­mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Mainte­nance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”.

CAUTION!

Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil
in the engine or damage may result.

2

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

The engine oil, transmission fluid, and axle lubricant
installed at the factory is high-quality and energy­conserving. Oil, fluid, and lubricant changes should be
consistent with anticipated climate and conditions under

NOTE: A new engine may consume some oil during its
first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This
should be considered a normal part of the break-in and
not interpreted as an indication of difficulty. Please check
your oil level with the engine oil indicator often during
the break in period. Add oil as required.

96 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

SAFETY TIPS

Exhaust Gas

Transporting Passengers

NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE CARGO
AREA.

WARNING!

• Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.

• 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!

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 these safety tips:

• 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 you are required to drive with the trunk/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.

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

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

Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com­plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The Vehicle

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 97

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 (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.

Air Bag Warning Light

The light should come on and remain on for
four to eight seconds as a bulb check when the
ignition switch is first turned ON. If the light is

not lit during starting, see your authorized
dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes on while
driving, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.

2

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.

Defroster

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

98 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is inoper­able.

Floor Mat Safety Information

Always use floor mats designed to fit the footwell of your
vehicle. Use only floor mats that leave the pedal area
unobstructed and that are firmly secured so that they
cannot slip out of position and interfere with the pedals
or impair safe operation of your vehicle in other ways.

WARNING!

Pedals that cannot move freely can cause loss of
vehicle control and increase the risk of serious per­sonal injury.

• Always make sure that floor mats are properly
attached to the floor mat fasteners.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Never place or install floor mats or other floor
coverings in the vehicle that cannot be properly
secured to prevent them from moving and interfer­ing with the pedals or the ability to control the
vehicle.

• Never put floor mats or other floor coverings on top
of already installed floor mats. Additional floor
mats and other coverings will reduce the size of the
pedal area and interfere with the pedals.

• Check mounting of mats on a regular basis. Always
properly reinstall and secure floor mats that have
been removed for cleaning.

(Continued)