Dodge Charger 2006 User Manual

SECTION PAGE

1

INTRODUCTION

2

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

3

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

4

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

6

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

7

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

9

IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

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

................................................189

.............................................241

..............................................253

................................................297

.......................................313

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

INDEX

...................................................................321

10

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1

䡵 Introduction

䡵 How To Use This Manual

䡵 Warnings And Cautions

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

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

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

䡵 Vehicle Identification Number

䡵 Vehicle Modifications / Alterations

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

.......... 7

4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

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

NOTE:

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

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

WARNING!

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

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

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

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

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

INTRODUCTION 5

1

6 INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

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

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

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

NOTE:

VIN LOCATION

It is illegal to remove the VIN plate.

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS

WARNING!

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

INTRODUCTION 7

1

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

䡵 A Word About Your Keys

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

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

▫ Horn ...............................12

䡵 Sentry Key

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

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

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

䡵 Illuminated Entry System

䡵 Door Locks

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

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

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

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

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

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

▫ Child Protection Door Lock ...............18

䡵 Remote Keyless Entry

▫ To Unlock The Doors ...................20

▫ To Lock The Doors .....................20

▫ To Unlock The Trunk ....................20

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

▫ General Information ....................21

▫ Transmitter Battery Service ...............22

䡵 Vehicle Theft Alarm

䡵 Windows

.............................24

....................19

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

2

10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Power Windows .......................24

䡵 Trunk Lock And Release

䡵 Occupant Restraints

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

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

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................29

▫ Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................33

▫ Enhanced Seat Belt Reminder System

(BeltAlert) ...........................34

▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............35

▫ Seat Belt Extender ......................35

▫ Driver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental

Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag ............36

䡵 Engine Break-In Recommendations

䡵 Safety Tips

............................57

..........57

▫ Exhaust Gas ..........................57

▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside

The Vehicle ..........................58

▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make

Outside The Vehicle ....................58

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS

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

Vehicle Key Ignition Key Positions

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

Ignition Key Removal

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

NOTE:

sunroof, and power outlets will remain active for 10
minutes (programmable) after the ignition switch has
been turned off. Opening either front door will cancel this
feature. This feature is programmable through the elec­tronic vehicle information center (EVIC)—if equipped.

The power window switches, radio, power

2

12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Refer to Personal Settings in the electronic vehicle infor­mation center (EVIC) Section of this manual for details.

WARNING!

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

CAUTION!

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

Key-In-Ignition Reminder

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

NOTE:

The Key-In-Ignition reminder only occurs when

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

Horn

Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position to
operate the horn.

SENTRY KEY

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

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

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

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

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

NOTE:

•

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

•

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

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

Replacement Keys

NOTE:

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

Only keys that have been programmed to the

cause a key-related (tran-

2

14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

NOTE:

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

Customer Key Programming

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

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

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

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

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

The new Sentry Key has been programmed. The Keyless

Entry Transmitter will also be programmed during this
procedure.

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

NOTE:

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

General Information

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

•

This device may not cause harmful interference.

•

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

ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM

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

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

NOTE:

None of the courtesy lights will operate if the dimmer

•

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

DOOR LOCKS

Manual Door Locks

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

Door Lock Plunger

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

2

16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

•

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

•

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

Power Door Locks

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

Power Door Lock Switch

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

Automatic Door Locks

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

1. The Auto Lock feature is enabled.

2. The transmission is in gear.

3. All doors are closed.

4. The throttle is pressed.

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

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

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

Auto Unlock

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

1. The Auto Unlock feature is enabled.

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

3. The transmission is in NEUTRAL or PARK.

4. The driver door is opened.

5. The doors were not previously unlocked.

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

The Auto Unlock feature can be enabled or disabled.
Refer to “Personal Settings” (Customer Programmable
Features) in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) section of this manual.

NOTE:

features in accordance with local laws.

Use the Auto Door Locks and Auto Unlock

2

18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Child Protection Door Lock

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

WARNING!

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

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

Child Lock Control

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

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19

2

NOTE:

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

If the key is in the ignition switch, then all

Keyless Entry Transmitter

20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To unlock the doors:

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

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

NOTE:

The system can also be programmed to unlock
all doors on the first press of the UNLOCK button. Refer
to “Remote Unlock Driver’s Door 1st” under “Personal
Settings” in the EVIC section of this manual.

To lock the doors:

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

To unlock the trunk:

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

Using The Panic Alarm:

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21

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

NOTE:

The interior lights will turn off when the ignition is

•

switched to the ACC or ON position after the panic
alarm is activated. However, the exterior lights and
horn will remain on.

•

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

To Turn Off “Flash Lights On Lock/Unlock”

NOTE:

be turned on or off. Refer to ⬙Personal Settings⬙ in the
EVIC section of this manual.

The Flash Lights On Lock/Unlock feature can

General Information

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

•

This device may not cause harmful interference.

•

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

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

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

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

2

22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Transmitter Battery Service

The recommended replacement battery is one CR2032
battery.

NOTE:

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

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

Separating Transmitter Halves

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

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

VEHICLE THEFT ALARM

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23

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

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

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

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

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

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

NOTE:

The driver’s door key cylinder and the liftgate button

•

on the keyless entry transmitter cannot arm or disarm
the system.

•

Once the alarm is set, and the liftgate button on the
keyless entry transmitter is pressed, on a non-power
liftgate vehicle, you have a 30 second one time access
into the liftgate area. If the liftgate is not opened within
30 seconds the liftgate will automatically re-lock
within 10 seconds.

•

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

•

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

2

24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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

WINDOWS

Power Windows

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

Power Window Switches

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25

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

WARNING!

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

Auto Down Feature

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

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

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

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

Auto Up Feature with Anti–Pinch Protection—If
Equipped

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

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

2

26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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

NOTE:

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

NOTE:

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

WARNING!

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

Reset

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

•

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

•

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27

Wind Buffeting

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

TRUNK LOCK AND RELEASE

2

Trunk Release Button

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

28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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

CAUTION!

Do not use the decklid spoiler to close the decklid, as
vehicle damage may result.

OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS

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

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29

WARNING!

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

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

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

Lap/Shoulder Belts

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

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

WARNING!

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

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

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

2

30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

•

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

•

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

Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions

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

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

Latch Plate To Buckle

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 31

WARNING!

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

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

Removing Slack From Belt

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32 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

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

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

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

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

WARNING!

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 33

Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage

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

Adjusting Upper Shoulder Belt

As a guide, if you are shorter than average, you will
prefer a lower position, and if you are taller than average,

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

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

Seat Belt Pretensioners

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

NOTE:

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

These devices are not a substitute for proper

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34 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Enhanced Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert)

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

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

NOTE:

The following steps must occur within the first

60 seconds of the ignition switch being turned to the ON

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

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

2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and wait
for the Seat Belt Warning Light to turn off.

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

NOTE:

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

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

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 35

NOTE:

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

Seat Belts and Pregnant Women

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

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

Although the Enhanced Warning System

Seat Belt Extender

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

WARNING!

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

2

36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Front Airbag Components

This vehicle has front airbags for both the driver and
front passenger as a supplement to the seat belt restraint

systems. The driver’s airbag is mounted in the center of
the steering wheel. The passenger’s front airbag is
mounted in the instrument panel, above the glove com­partment. The words SRS AIRBAG are embossed on the
airbag covers.

NOTE:

The front airbags are certified to the Federal

regulations that allow less forceful deployment.

The front airbags have a multistage inflator design. This
may allow the airbag to have different rates of inflation
that are based on collision severity and occupant size.
Also, the front passenger airbag is certified to the Federal
regulations that define Occupant Classification (Refer to
⬙Occupant Classification System⬙ in this section).

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37

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

Window Airbag

NOTE:

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

WARNING!

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

2

38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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

NOTE:

The passenger front airbag may not deploy

even when the driver front airbag has if the Occupant
Classification System (refer to ⬙Occupant Classification
System⬙ in this section) has determined the passenger
seat is empty or is occupied by someone that is classified
in the ⬙small child⬙ category.

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

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

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

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

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

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39

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

3. All occupants should use their seat belts properly.

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

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

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

WARNING!

•

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

•

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

•

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

2

40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Air Bag System Components

The airbag system consists of the following:

•

Occupant Restraint Controller

•

Airbag Warning Light

•

Driver Airbag

•

Passenger Airbag

•

Side Curtain Airbags above Side Windows (If
Equipped)

•

Side Remote Acceleration Sensors (If Equipped)

•

Steering Wheel and Column

•

Instrument Panel

•

Interconnecting Wiring

•

Knee Impact Bolsters

•

Front Acceleration Sensors

•

Driver and Front Passenger Seat Belt Pretensioners

•

Occupant Classification System (OCS) for the Front
Passenger Seat

−

Occupant Classification Module

−

Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) Indicator Light

−

Weight Sensors

How The Airbag System Works

The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) determines

•

if a frontal collision is severe enough to require the
airbags to inflate. The front airbag inflators are de­signed to provide different rates of airbag inflation
from direction provided by the ORC. The ORC may
also modify the rate of inflation based on the occupant
size provided by the Occupant Classification Module.
The ORC will not detect roll over.

•

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

•

Also, the ORC turns on the airbag warning
light and PAD indicator light in the instru­ment panel for 6 to 8 seconds for a self-check
when the ignition is first turned on. After the

self-check, the airbag warning light will turn off. The
PAD indicator light will function normally (Refer to
⬙Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) Indicator Light⬙ in
this section). If the ORC detects a malfunction in any
part of the system, it turns on the airbag warning light
either momentarily or continuously. A single chime
will sound if the light comes on again after initial start
up.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41

WARNING!

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

•

The Occupant Classification System (OCS) is part of
a Federally regulated safety system required for this
vehicle. It is designed to turn off the front passenger
airbag in the unlikely event that a rear-facing infant
seat is in the front passenger seat.

NOTE:

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

•

Children 12 years and under should always ride

The Passenger Air Bag Disable (PAD) Indicator Light
(an amber light located in the center of the instrument
panel) tells the driver and front passenger when the
front passenger air bag is turned off. The PAD indica­tor lamp illuminates the front passenger air bag icon
and the words ⬙PASS AIR BAG OFF⬙ to show that the
passenger air bag will not inflate during a collision

2

42 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

requiring air bags. When the right front passenger seat
is empty or when very light objects are placed on the
seat, the passenger air bag will not inflate even though
the PAD indicator lamp is not illuminated.

Passenger Airbag Disable Light

The PAD indicator light should not be illuminated
when teenagers, most children in a forward-facing
child restraint or booster seats, most children that can
properly wear the vehicle’s seat belt, and when an

adult passenger is properly seated in the front passen­ger seat. In this case, the air bag is ready to be inflated
if a collision requiring an air bag occurs.

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

NOTE:

NOTE: Even though this vehicle is equipped
with an occupant classification system, children 12 years
and under should always ride buckled up in a rear seat in
an appropriate child restraint (see section on child re­straints).

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43

Passenger Air-

Front Passenger

Seat Occupant

Adult OFF ON

Grocery Bags,

Heavy Briefcases

and Other Rela­tively Light Ob-

jects

Empty or Very

Small Objects

* Since the system senses weight, some small objects

will turn the PAD Indicator Light on.

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

bag Disable

(PAD) Indicator

Light

ON OFF

OFF* OFF

Airbag Status

properly classified. Reclining the seat back too far may
change how an occupant is classified by the OCS.

Drivers and adult passengers should verify that the PAD
Indicator Light is not illuminated when an adult is riding
in the front passenger seat. If an adult occupant’s weight
is transferred to another part of the vehicle (like the door
or instrument panel), the weight sensors in the seat may
not properly classify the occupant. Objects lodged under
the seat or between the seat and the center console can
prevent the occupant’s weight from being measured
properly and may result in the occupant being improp­erly classified. Ensure that the front passenger seat back
does not touch anything placed on the back seat because
this can also affect occupant classification. Also, if you
fold down the rear seat check to be sure it doesn’t touch
the front passenger seat.

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

2

44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

•

The Driver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Units are
located in the center of the steering wheel and the right
side of the instrument panel. When the ORC detects a
collision requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator
units. A large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to
inflate the front airbags. Different airbag inflation rates
may be possible based on collision severity and occu­pant size. The steering wheel hub trim cover and the

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

•

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

•

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

•

The Side Impact SRS Side Curtain Airbag are de­signed to activate only in certain side collisions. When
the ORC (with side impact option) detects a collision
requiring the side curtain airbag to inflate, it signals
the inflators on the crash side of the vehicle. A quantity
of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate the side curtain
airbag. The inflating side curtain airbag pushes the
outside edge of the headliner out of the way and
covers the window. The airbag inflates in about 30
milliseconds (about one quarter of the time it takes to
blink your eyes) with enough force to injure you if you
are not belted and seated properly, or if items are
positioned in the area where the side curtain airbag
inflates. This especially applies to children. The side
curtain airbag is only about 3-1/2 inches (9 cm) thick
when it is inflated.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45

•

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

The front passenger seat assembly contains critical com­ponents that affect the front passenger airbag deploy­ment. Correctly functioning front passenger seat compo­nents are critical for the Occupant Classification System
(OCS) to properly classify the front passenger and calcu­late the proper airbag deployment. Do not make any
modifications to the front passenger seat components,
assembly, or to the seat cover.

The following requirements must be strictly adhered to:

•

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

•

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

•

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

2

46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•

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

•

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

•

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

WARNING!

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

If A Deployment Occurs

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

NOTE:

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

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47

WARNING!

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

Enhanced Accident Response Feature

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

NOTE:

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

The interior lights can only be deactivated if the

2

48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Maintaining Your Airbag System

WARNING!

•

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

•

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

•

Do not place or hang any items such as add-on video
players on the right front passenger seat back. The
additional weight may cause the Occupant Classifi­cation System to be unable to correctly classify the
right front occupant. This could allow the passenger
frontal airbag to inflate when it is not desired.

•

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

Airbag Light

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

an authorized dealer service the system promptly:

•

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

•

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

•

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

Event Data Recorder (EDR)

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49

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

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

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

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

2. Used in defense of litigation involving a
DaimlerChrysler product

3. Requested by police under a legal warrant

4. Otherwise required by law

Data Parameters that May Be Recorded:

•

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

•

Airbag disable lamp status (if equipped)

•

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

•

Airbag deployment level (if applicable)

2

50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•

Seatbelt status

•

Brake status (service and parking brakes)

•

Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)

•

Engine control status (including engine speed)

•

Cruise control status

•

Traction/stability control status

Child Restraint

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

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

WARNING!

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

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

Infants and Child Restraints

Safety experts recommend that children ride

•

rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51

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

•

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

•

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

WARNING!

•

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

•

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

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

•

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

2

52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

NOTE:

For additional information refer to

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

Older Children and Child Restraints

Children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) and who are
older than one year can ride forward-facing in the
vehicle. Forward-facing child seats and convertible child
seats used in the forward-facing direction are for children
who weigh 20 to 40 lbs (9 to 18 kg) and who are older

than one year. These child seats are also held in the
vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt or the LATCH child
restraint anchorage system. (See the LATCH — Child
Seat Anchorage System Section.)

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

Children Too Large For Booster Seats

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

•

Make sure that the child is upright in the seat.

•

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53

•

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

•

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

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

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

LATCH-compatible child restraint systems are now avail­able. However, because the lower anchorages are to be
introduced over a period of years, child restraint systems
having attachments for those anchorages will continue to
also have features for installation using the vehicle’s seat
belts. Child restraints having tether straps and hooks for
connection to the top tether anchorages have been avail­able for some time. For some older child restraints, many

child restraint manufacturers offer add-on tether strap
kits or retro-fit kits. You are urged to take advantage of all
the available attachments provided with your child re­straint in any vehicle.

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

LATCH Anchorages

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54 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Installing the LATCH-Compatible Child Restraint
System

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

The rear seat lower anchorages are round bars,
located at the rear of the seat cushion where it
meets the seat back. The location of the lower

anchorages are identified by a symbol on the
seat back. You will easily feel them if you run your finger
along the intersection of the seatback and seat cushion
surfaces.

In addition, there are tether strap anchorages

behind each rear seating position located in the

panel between the rear seat back and the rear

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

Many, but not all restraint systems will be equipped with
separate straps on each side, with each having a hook or
connector for attachment to the lower anchorage and a

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

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55

NOTE:

install a child restraint, please ensure that all seat belts
not being used for occupant restraints are stowed and out
of reach of children. It is recommended that before
installing the child restraint, buckle the seat belt so the
seat belt is tucked behind the child restraint and out of
reach. If the buckled seat belt interferes with the child
restraint installation, instead of tucking the seat belt
behind the child restraint, route the seat belt through the
child restraint belt path and then buckle it. This should
stow the seat belt out of the reach of an inquisitive child.
Remind all children in the vehicle that the seat belts are
not toys and should not be played with, and never leave
your child unattended in the vehicle.

When using the LATCH attaching system to

WARNING!

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

Installing Child Restraints Using the Vehicle Seat
belt

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

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

If the belt still can’t be tightened, or if by pulling and
pushing on the restraint loosens the belt, you may need
to do something more. Disconnect the latch plate from
the buckle, turn the buckle around, and insert the latch

2

56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

plate into the buckle again. If you still can’t make the
child restraint secure, try a different seating position.

To attach a child restraint tether strap:

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

Tether Strap Mounting

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.

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

WARNING!

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

Transporting Pets

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 57

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

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS

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

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

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

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

A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.

SAFETY TIPS

Exhaust Gas

WARNING!

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

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

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

2

58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

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

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle

Seat Belts

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

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

Airbag Light

The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.

Defroster

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

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle

Tires

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59

Lights

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

Fluid Leaks

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

2

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

䡵 Mirrors

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

▫ Illuminated Vanity Mirrors — If Equipped ....67

3

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

▫ Automatic Dimming Inside Mirror —

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

▫ Driver’s Side Outside Mirror Auto Dimmer —

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

▫ Exterior Mirrors Folding Feature —

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

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

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

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

▫ Heated Remote Control Mirrors —

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

䡵 Hands–Free Communication (UConnect™) —

If Equipped

▫ Operations ...........................69

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

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

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

▫ Things You Should Know About Your

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

䡵 Seats

................................88

▫ Power Seats ..........................88

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

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

62 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Lumbar Support .......................90

▫ Heated Seats—If Equipped ...............90

▫ Head Restraints .......................91

▫ Folding Rear Seat ......................92

䡵 Adjustable Pedals

䡵 To Open And Close The Hood

䡵 Lights

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

.......................93

.............94

▫ Overhead Console Map/Reading Lights ......95

▫ Interior Lights ........................96

▫ Headlight Switch ......................97

▫ Multi-Function Lever ....................97

▫ Headlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel

Lights ..............................98

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

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

▫ Headlight Time Delay ...................98

▫ Fog Lights — If Equipped ................99

▫ Turn Signals ..........................99

▫ Highbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch ..........99

▫ Flash To Pass .........................99

䡵 Windshield Wipers And Washers

..........100

▫ Windshield Washers ...................100

▫ Mist Feature .........................101

▫ Windshield Wiper Operation .............101

▫ Intermittent Wiper System ...............101

▫ Adding Washer Fluid ..................101

䡵 Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column

䡵 Electronic Brake Control System

..........102

...........103

▫ ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) ............103

▫ TCS (Traction Control System) ............103

▫ BAS (Brake Assist System) ...............103

▫ ESP (Electronic Stability Program) .........104

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 63

▫ ESP/BAS Warning Lamp And ESP/TCS

Indicator Light .......................107

䡵 Electronic Speed Control

▫ To Activate ..........................109

▫ To Set At A Desired Speed ...............109

▫ To Deactivate ........................109

▫ To Resume Speed .....................109

▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ...............110

▫ To Accelerate For Passing ...............110

䡵 Overhead Console — If Equipped

▫ Courtesy/Reading Lights ................111

▫ Sunglasses Storage ....................111

䡵 Garage Door Opener — If Equipped

▫ Programming Homelink ................112

▫ Canadian Programming/Gate Programming . . 115

▫ Using Homelink ......................116

.................108

..........111

........112

▫ Erasing Homelink Buttons ...............116

▫ Reprogramming a Single Homelink Button . . . 116

▫ Security ............................116

䡵 Power Sunroof — If Equipped

▫ Opening Sunroof - Express ..............118

▫ Closing Sunroof - Express ...............118

▫ Pinch Protect Feature ...................118

▫ Pinch Protect Override .................119

▫ Venting Sunroof - Express ...............119

▫ Sunshade Operation ...................119

▫ Wind Buffeting .......................119

▫ Sunroof Maintenance ...................119

▫ Ignition Off Operation ..................120

▫ Sunroof Fully Closed ...................120

䡵 Electrical Power Outlets

▫ Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off .......122

............117

.................120

3

64 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

䡵 Cupholders

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

▫ Front Seat Cupholders — Standard .........122

▫ Front Seat Cupholders — Premium .........123

▫ Rear Seat Cupholders ..................123

䡵 Storage

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

▫ Console Features ......................124

▫ Cargo Tie-Down Hooks .................124

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 65

MIRRORS

Inside Day/Night Mirror

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

Adjusting Rearview Mirror

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

Automatic Dimming Inside Mirror — If Equipped

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

Automatic Dimming Mirror

3

66 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!

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

Driver’s Side Outside Mirror Auto Dimmer — If
Equipped

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

Exterior Mirrors Folding Feature — If Equipped

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

Outside Mirror — Driver’s Side

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

Outside Mirror — Passenger’s Side

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

WARNING!

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

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

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 67

Power Remote-Control Mirrors

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

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

Power Mirror Controls

Heated Remote Control Mirrors — If Equipped

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

Illuminated Vanity Mirrors — If Equipped

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

Illuminated Vanity Mirror

3

68 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

HANDS–FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect™) —
IF EQUIPPED

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

NOTE:

The UConnect™ system use requires a cellular

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

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

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

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 69

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

UConnect™ Switches

The UConnect™ system can be used with any Hands­Free Profile certified Bluetooth™ cellular phone. See
www.chrysler.com/uconnect for supported phones. If
your cellular phone supports a different profile (e.g.,

Headset Profile), you may not be able to use any UCon­nect™ features. Refer to your cellular service provider or
the phone manufacturer for details.

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

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

Operations

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

•

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

3

70 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

•

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

•

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

Voice Command Tree

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

Help Command

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

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

Cancel Command

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

Pair (Link) UConnect™ System to a Cellular Phone

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

NOTE:

www.chrysler.com/uconnect

•

•

www.dodge.com/uconnect

•

www.jeep.com/uconnect

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 71

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

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

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72 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Dial by Saying a Number

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

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

•

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

•

For example, you can say ⬙234-567-8901.⬙ The phone
number that you enter must be of valid length and
combination. The UConnect™ limits the user from
dialing invalid combination of numbers. For example,
234-567-890 is nine digits long, which is not a valid
phone number - the closest valid phone number has
ten digits.

•

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

Call by Saying a Name

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

Add Names to Your UConnect™ Phonebook

NOTE:

Adding names to phonebook is recommended

when vehicle is not in motion.

•

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

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

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

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 73

Edit Entries in the UConnect™ Phonebook

NOTE:

when vehicle is not in motion.

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

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

Editing phonebook entries is recommended

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74 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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

Delete Entries in the UConnect™ Phonebook

NOTE:

Editing phonebook entries is recommended
when vehicle is not in motion.

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

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

Delete All Entries in the UConnect™ Phonebook

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

•

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

•

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

•

After confirmation, the phonebook entries will be
deleted.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 75

List All Names in the UConnect™ Phonebook

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

The selected number will be dialed.

Phone Call Features

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

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

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

Answer or Reject an Incoming Call - Call
Currently in Progress

If a call is currently in progress and you have another
incoming call, you will hear the same network tones for
call waiting that you normally hear when using your cell
phone. Press the ’Phone’ button to place the current call
on hold and answer the incoming call. NOTE: The
UConnect™ system compatible phones in market today
do not support rejecting an incoming call when another
call is in progress. Therefore, the user can only either
answer an incoming call or ignore it.

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76 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Making a Second Call while Current Call in
Progress

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

Place/Retrieve a Call from Hold

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

Toggling Between Calls

If two calls are in progress (one active and one on hold),
press the ’Phone’ button until you hear a single beep
indicating that the active and hold status of the two calls
have switched. Only one call can be placed on hold at one
time.

Conference Call

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

Three-Way Calling

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

Call Termination

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

Redial

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

•

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

•

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

Call Continuation

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 77

UConnect™ System Features

Language Selection

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

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

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

•

Continue to follow the system prompts to complete
language selection.

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

NOTE:

eration, only the language specific 32 name phonebook is
usable. The paired phone name is not language specific
and usable across all languages.

After every UConnect™ language change op-

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78 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Emergency Assistance

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

•

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

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

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

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

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

NOTE:

The emergency number dialed is based on the
Country where the vehicle is purchased (911 for USA and
Canada and 060 for Mexico). The number dialed may not
be applicable with the available cellular service and area.

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

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

Towing Assistance

If you need towing assistance,

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

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

NOTE:

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

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

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 79

Paging

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

Voice Mail Calling

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

Working with Automated Systems

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

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

When calling a number with your UConnect™ system
that normally requires you to enter in a touch-tone
sequence on your cellular phone keypad, you can push

the ’Voice Recognition’ button and say the sequence you
wish to enter followed by the word ⬙Send.⬙ For example,
if required to enter your pin number followed with a
pound3746#,youcanpressthe’Voice Recognition’
button and say ⬙3746#Send.⬙ Saying a number, or
sequence of numbers, followed by ⬙Send⬙ is also to be
used to navigate through an automated customer service
center menu structure and to leave a number on a pager.

Barge In - Overriding Prompts

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

Turning Confirmation Prompts On/Off

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

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

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80 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

•

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

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

Phone and Network Status Indicators

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

NOTE:

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

Mute/Un-mute (Mute off)

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

Dialing Using the Cellular Phone Keypad

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

•

Press the ’Voice Recognition’ button.

•

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

In order to un-mute the UConnect™ system:

•

Press the ’Voice Recognition’ button.

•

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

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 81

Information Service

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

Advanced Phone Connectivity

Transfer Call to and from Cellular Phone

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

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

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

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

List Paired Cellular Phone Names

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

•

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

•

When prompted, say ⬙List Phones⬙.

•

The UConnect™ system will play the phone names of
all paired cellular phones in order from the highest to
the lowest priority. To “select” or “delete” a paired
phone being announced, press the ⬘Voice recognition’
button and say “Select” or “Delete.” Also, see the next
two sections for an alternate way to “select” or “de­lete” a paired phone.

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82 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Select another Cellular Phone

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

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

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

•

The phone names along with priority numbers will be
announced.

•

When prompted say the priority number of the cellu­lar phone you wish to select. You can also press the
⬘Voice Recognition’ button anytime while the list is
being played, then say the priority number of the
phone that you wish to select.

•

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

Delete UConnect™ Paired Cellular Phones

•

Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.

•

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

•

At the next prompt, say ⬙Delete.⬙

•

The phone names along with priority numbers will be
announced.

•

When prompted say the priority number of the cellu­lar phone you wish to delete. You can also press the
⬘Voice Recognition’ button anytime while the list is
being played and say the priority number of the phone
you wish to delete.

Things You Should Know About Your UConnect™
System

Voice Recognition (VR)

Always wait for the beep before speaking.

•

•

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

•

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

•

Performance is maximized under:

•

low-to-medium blower setting,

•

low-to-medium vehicle speed,

•

low road noise,

•

smooth road surface,

•

fully closed windows,

•

dry weather condition.

•

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

•

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

•

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

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 83

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

Far End Audio Performance

•

Audio quality is maximized under:

•

low-to-medium blower setting,

•

low-to-medium vehicle speed,

•

low road noise,

•

smooth road surface,

•

fully closed windows, and

•

dry weather condition.

•

Operation from driver seat.

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84 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

•

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

•

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

Bluetooth Communication Link

Cellular phones have been found to occasionally lose
connection to the UConnect™ system. When this hap­pens, the connection can generally be re-established by

switching the phone off/on. Your cell phone is recom­mended to remain in Bluetooth ⬙on⬙ mode.

Power-Up

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

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 85

3

86 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 87

3

88 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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

up

SEATS

Power Seats

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

Power Seat Switch

WARNING!

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

CAUTION!

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 89

3

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

Power Reclining Seats

The recliner control for both front seats is located on the
outboard side of the seat.

Power Seat Recline Switch

WARNING!

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

90 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Lumbar Support

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

Lumbar Support Control Lever

Heated Seats—If Equipped

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

The front driver’s and passenger seats are heated. The
controls for each heater are located near the bottom
center of the instrument panel. After turning on the
ignition, you can choose from High, Off, or Low heat
settings. Amber LEDs in the top portion of each switch
indicate the level of heat in use. Two LEDs are illumi­nated for high, one for low, and none for off. Pressing the
switch once will select high-level heating.

Heated Seat Switch

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 91

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

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

NOTE:

within two to five minutes.

Head Restraints

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

Once a heat setting is selected, heat will be felt

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

3

Adjustable Head Restraint

92 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Folding Rear Seat

Folding Rear Seats

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

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

WARNING!

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

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 93

ADJUSTABLE PEDALS

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

Adjustable Pedal Switch

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

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

•

The pedals can be adjusted with the ignition OFF.

•

The pedals can be adjusted while driving.

•

The pedals cannot be adjusted when the vehicle is in R
(Reverse) or when the Speed Control is ON.

CAUTION!

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

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94 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD

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

Hood Safety Catch

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

Hood Release Lever

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

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

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 95

WARNING!

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

CAUTION!

Do not place heavy items or sit on the aluminum
hood, as damage to the hood may result.

LIGHTS

Overhead Console Map/Reading Lights

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

Overhead Console

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96 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Interior Lights

The interior lights come on when a door is opened.

The interior lights will automatically turn off 10 minutes
after the ignition switch is moved to the LOCK position
if they are switched on manually, or if a door is left open
to protect the battery. Turn the ignition switch ON, or
cycle the switchable lamp that was left on to restore the
interior light operation.

Dimmer Control

The dimmer control is part of the
headlamp switch, and is located on the
left side of the instrument panel. With
the parking lights or headlights on,
rotating the dimmer control upward
will increase the brightness of the in­strument panel lights.

Dome Light Position

Rotate the dimmer control completely upward to the
second detent to turn on the interior lights. The interior
lights will remain on when the dimmer control is in this
position.

Interior light Defeat (OFF)

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

Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness Feature)

Rotate the dimmer control upward to the first detent.
This feature brightens all text displays such as the
odometer, Electronic Vehicle Information Center — if
equipped, and radio when the parking lights or head­lights are on.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 97

Headlight Switch

The headlight switch is located on the left side of the
instrument panel. This switch controls the operation of
the headlights, parking lights, instrument panel lights,
instrument panel light dimming, interior lights, and fog
lights.

Headlight Switch

Multi-Function Lever

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

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Multi-Function Lever

98 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Headlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel
Lights

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

Headlight Switch

Daytime Running Lights (Canada Only)

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

Lights-on Reminder

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

Headlight Time Delay

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

To activate the delay feature, turn off the ignition switch
while the headlights are still on. Then turn off the
headlights within 45 seconds. The 90 second delay inter­val begins when headlight switch is turned off. If the
headlights or park lights are turned back on or the
ignition switch is turned on, the delay will be cancelled.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 99

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

NOTE:

of turning the ignition off to activate this feature

The Headlamp delay time is programmable on vehicles
equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC). Refer to “Delay Turning Headlamps Off” in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center section for details.

Fog Lights — If Equipped

low beam headlights and press the fog lamp switch.

NOTE:

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

Turn Signals

Move the Multi-Function Lever up or down and the
arrows on each side of the instrument cluster flash to
show proper operation of the front and rear turn signal
lights. You can signal a lane change by moving the lever

The lights must be turned off within 45 seconds

The front fog light switch is on the headlamp
switch below the dimmer control. To activate the
front fog lights, turn on the parking lights or the

The fog lights will operate with the low beam

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

If either light has a very fast flash rate, check for a
defective outside light bulb. If an indicator fails to light
when the lever is moved, it would suggest that the fuse
or indicator is defective or there may be a circuit failure.

NOTE:

the electronic vehicle information center (EVIC) — if
equipped, and a continuous chime will be heard when
the vehicle has been driven more than 1 mile (1.6 km)
with either turn signal on.

Highbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch

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

Flash to Pass

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

The message “Turn Signal On” will appear in

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100 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS

The wipers and washers are operated by the
multi-function lever. The lever is located on the
left side of the steering column. Rotate the end of

the control lever to select the desired wiper speed.

CAUTION!

Turn the windshield wipers off when driving
through an automatic car wash. Damage to the
windshield wipers may result if the wiper switch is
left in any position other than OFF.

Windshield Wiper/Washer Control

Windshield Washers

To use the front washer, push the lever in and hold while
spray is desired. If the lever is released while in the delay
range, the wiper will operate for two wipe cycles after the
lever is released, and then resume the intermittent inter­val previously selected.

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