Dodge JS Avenger Sedan 2008, Avenger 2008 User Manual

2008
OWNER’S MANUAL
Avenger
VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA
With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name Chrysler LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the name Chrysler Canada Inc. used in substitution therefor.
DRIVING AND ALCOHOL
Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired with blood alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you are drinking, don’t drive. Ride with a designated non-drinking driver, call a cab, a friend, or use public transportation.
WARNING!
Driving after drinking can lead to an accident. Your perceptions are less sharp, your reflexes are slower, and your judgment is impaired when you have been drinking. Never drink and then drive.
This manual illustrates and describes the operation of features and equipment that are either standard or op­tional on this vehicle. This manual may also include a description of features and equipment that are no longer available or were not ordered on this vehicle. Please disregard any features and equipment described in this manual that are not on this vehicle.
Chrysler LLC reserves the right to make changes in design and specifications, and/or make additions to or improvements to its products without imposing any obligation upon itself to install them on products previ­ously manufactured.
Copyright © 2007 Chrysler LLC
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
...............................81
................................... 163
.................................................257
...............................................347
...............................................365
..................................................425
..........................................433
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10
INDEX
....................................................................443
10
CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1
m Introduction ...........................4
m How To Use This Manual ..................4
m Warnings And Cautions ...................6
m Vehicle Identification Number ...............6
m Vehicle Modifications/Alterations ............7
4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis­tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle. It is supplemented by 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, rememberthat your authorized dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained technicians and genuine Mopart parts, and is interested in your satisfaction.

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 manual:
INTRODUCTION 5
1
6 INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

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

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the left front corner of the instrument panel, visible through the windshield. This number also appears on the vehicle registration and title.
Vehicle Identification Number

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS

WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and may lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or death.
INTRODUCTION 7
1

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS
m A Word About Your Keys ..................12
Ignition Key Removal ...................12
Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................14
Locking Doors With The Key ..............14
m Sentry Keyt ...........................14
Replacement Keys ......................16
Customer Key Programming ..............16
General Information ....................17
m Security Alarm System — If Equipped .........18
2
Rearming The System ...................18
To Arm The System .....................18
To Disarm The System ...................19
m Illuminated Entry System — If Equipped .......20
m Remote Keyless Entry — If Equipped .........21
To Unlock The Doors ...................22
To Lock The Doors .....................24
To Unlatch The Trunk ...................25
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Using The Express Down Windows Feature —
If Equipped ..........................25
Using The Panic Alarm ..................25
Programming Additional Transmitters ........26
Battery Replacement ....................26
General Information ....................27
m Remote Start System — If Equipped ..........28
How To Use Remote Start ................29
m Door Locks ............................30
Manual Door Locks .....................30
Power Door Locks .....................32
“Child-Protection” Door Lock System
(Rear Doors) ..........................34
m Power Windows ........................35
Power Window Switches .................35
Auto Window Down — If Equipped .........36
Auto Window Up — If Equipped ...........37
Reset Auto Up ........................37
Window Lockout Switch .................38
Wind Buffeting ........................38
m Trunk Release ..........................39
m Trunk Safety Warning.....................39
Trunk Internal Emergency Release ..........40
m Occupant Restraints ......................40
Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................42
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ....47
Rear Seat Belts ........................48
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................48
Enhanced Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlertt) ..........................48
BeltAlertt Programming .................49
Automatic Locking Mode ................50
Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............50
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag . .51
Airbag System Components ...............52
Front Seat Airbag Features ................53
Airbag Deployment Sensors And Controls .....59
Event Data Recorder (EDR) ...............65
Child Restraint ........................67
m Engine Break-In Recommendations ...........78
m Safety Tips ............................78
Exhaust Gas ..........................78
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ..............................79
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ....................80
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12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS

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

IGNITION KEY REMOVAL

Automatic Transaxle
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the ignition switch to the ACC position, push the key and cylinder inward, rotate the key to the LOCK position, and remove the key.
Ignition Key Positions
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
NOTE:
If you try to remove the key before you place the selector lever in PARK, the key may become trapped temporarily in the ignition switch lock cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the key to the right slightly, then remove the key as described. If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the key in the ignition switch lock cylinder to warn you that this safety feature is inop­erable. The engine can be started and stopped, but the key cannot be removed until you obtain service.
For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), the power window switches, radio, hands–free system (if equipped), and power outlets will remain active for approximately 45 seconds after theignitionswitch is turned to the LOCK position. Opening either door will cancel this feature.
For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), the power window
switches, radio, hands–free system (if equipped), and
power outlets will remain active for up to 10 minutes
after the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK posi-
tion. Opening either door will cancel this feature. The
time for this feature isprogrammable. For details, refer
to “Key-Off Power Delay,” under “Personal Settings
(Customer Programmable Features)” under “Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Section 4
of this manual.
WARNING!
NEVER leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be seri­ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys in the ignition. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle
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14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR 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

Opening the driver’s door when the key is inthe ignition, sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.
NOTE:
The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds when the ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC position.
With either front door open, and the key in the ignition, both the power door locks and Remote Key­less Entry (RKE) will not function.

LOCKING DOORS WITH THE KEY

There is only one external door lock cylinder which is located in the driver’s door only.
You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the door, turn the key rearward, to unlock the door, turn the key forward. See Section 7 of this manual for door lock lubrication.

SENTRY KEYT

The Sentry Keyt Immobilizer System prevents unautho­rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The system does not needto be armed or activated. Operation is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked or unlocked.
The system uses ignition keys that have an embedded electronic chip (transponder) to prevent unauthorized vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro­grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two seconds if someone uses an invalid key to try to start the engine.
NOTE: A key that has not been programmed is also considered an invalid key, even if it is cut to fit the ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition switch, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on for three seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains on after the bulb check, it indicates that there is a problem with the electronics. In addition, if the light begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that someone used an invalid key to try to start the engine. Either of these conditions will result in the engine being shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than 10
seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electron­ics. Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
NOTE:
The Sentry Keyt Immobilizer System is not compat-
ible with some aftermarket remote starting systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.
Exxon/Mobil Speedpass™, additional Sentry Keyst,
or any other transponder-equipped components on
the same key chain will not cause a key-related
(transponder) fault unless the additional part is physi-
cally held against the ignition key being used when
starting the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other RF
electronics will notcause interference with this system. All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
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16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Replacement Keys

NOTE: Only keys that are programmed to the vehicle electronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle. Once a Sentry Keyt is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot be programmed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove the Sentry Keyst from the vehicle and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided with a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN). Keep the PIN in a secure location. This number is required for authorized dealer replacement of keys. Du­plication of keys may be performed at an authorized dealer or by following the customer key programming
procedure. This procedure consists of programming a blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blank key is one that has never been programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry Keyt Immobilizer System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an authorized dealer.

Customer Key Programming

If you have two valid Sentry Keyst, you can program new Sentry Keyst to the system by performing the following procedure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry Keyt Transponder blank(s) to match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.
2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position for at least three seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds. Then, turn the ignition switch to the LOCKposition and remove the first key.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
3. Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within 15 seconds. After 10 seconds, a chime will sound. In addi­tion, the Vehicle Security Light will begin to flash. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the second key.
4. Insert a blank Sentry Keyt into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within 60 seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound. In addition, the Vehicle Security Light will stop flashing. To indicate that programming is complete, the Vehicle Secu­rity Light will turn on again for three seconds and then turn off.
The new Sentry Keyt is programmed. The Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be pro­grammed during this procedure.
Repeat this procedure to program up to eight keys. If you do not have a programmed Sentry Keyt, contact your authorized dealer for details.
NOTE: If a programmed key is lost, see your authorized dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the sys­tem’s 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 an authorized dealer at the time of service to be repro­grammed.

General Information

The Sentry Keyt 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.
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18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
This device must accept any interference that may be received, including interference that may cause undes­ired operation.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security Alarm (VSA) system monitors the doors and trunk for unauthorized entry and ignition switch for unauthorized operation.
If something triggers the alarm, the system will signal for about 18 minutes. For the first 3 minutes, the horn will sound intermittently and the headlights, park lights, taillights and the Vehicle Security Light in the cluster will flash. Then the exterior lights will flash for another 15 minutes.
REARMING THE SYSTEM:
If something triggers the alarm, and no action is taken to disarm it, the system will turn off the horn after 3 minutes, turn off all of the visual signals after 15 minutes, and then the system will rearm itself.
TO ARM THE SYSTEM:
1. Remove the keys from the ignition switch and get out of the vehicle.
2. Lock the door using either the power door lock switch or the Keyless Entry Transmitter, and close all doors.
3. The Vehicle Security Light in the instrument cluster will flash rapidly for approximately 16 seconds. This shows that the system is arming. During this period, if a door is opened, the ignition switch is turned ON, or the power door locks are unlocked in any manner,the system
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
will automatically disarm. After 16 seconds, the Vehicle Security Light will flash slowly. This shows that the system is fully armed.
NOTE:
During the 16 second arming period, if a door is opened or the ignition switchis turned ON, the system will automatically disarm.
Once armed, the system disables the unlock switch on the driver door trim panel and passenger door trim panel, the trunk release button on the instrument panel, and the HomeLinkt/Garage Door Opener (if equipped).

TO DISARM THE SYSTEM

Either press the UNLOCK button on the remote keyless entry transmitter or insert a valid sentry key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the key to the ON/START position.
NOTE:
The driver’s door key cylinderand the trunk button on
the keyless entry transmitter cannot arm or disarm the
system.
The system remains armed during trunk entry. Press-
ing the trunk button will not disarm the system. If
someone enters the vehicle through the trunk and
opens any door, the alarm will sound.
When the system is armed, the interior power door
lock switches will not unlock the doors. The Vehicle Security Alarm system is designed to protect
your vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the system will give you a false alarm. If one of the previously described arming sequences has occurred, the system will arm regardless of whether you are in the vehicle or not. If you remain in the vehicle and open a door, the alarm will sound. If this occurs, disarm the system.
2
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
If the alarm system is armed and the battery becomes disconnected the system will remain armed when the battery is reconnected. The exterior lights will flash, the horn will sound, and the ignition will not start the vehicle. If this occurs, disarm the system.
Tamper Alert
If the alarm was triggered, but the warning signals have timed out, the park and taillights flash three times (instead of the normal twice) when unlocking the vehicle with a valid Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to alert the driver.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The courtesy/reading lights will turn on when you use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or open either door.
This feature also turns on the approach lighting (if so equipped). For details, refer to “Illumination Approach,” under “Personal Settings (Customer Programmable Fea­tures),” under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual.
The lights will fade to off after about 30 seconds or they will immediately fade to off once the ignition switch is turned on.
NOTE:
The front courtesy overhead console and door cour-
tesy lights do not turn on if the dimmer control is in
the interior lights ON position (extreme top position).
The illuminated entry system will not operate if the
dimmer control is in the “defeat” position (extreme
downward position).
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY — IF EQUIPPED
This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors, open the trunk, or activate the PANIC alarm from distances a maximum of 66 ft (20 m) using a hand-held radio transmitter. The transmitter need not be pointed at the vehicle to activate the system.
NOTE: The line of transmission must not be blocked with metal objects.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21
2
Vehicle Key
NOTE: Inserting the key into the ignition switch dis-
ables all buttons on the transmitter.
22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

TO UNLOCK THE DOORS

Press and release the UNLOCK button on the transmitter once to unlock the driver’s door, or twice to unlock all doors. The turn signal lights will flash to acknowledge the unlock signal. The illuminated entry system (if equipped) will also turn on.
Remote Key Unlock, Driver Door/All Doors First
This feature lets you program the system to unlock either the driver’s door or all doors on the first press of the UNLOCK button on the transmitter. To change the cur­rent setting, proceed as follows:
For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), refer to “Remote Key Unlock,” under “Personal Settings (Customer Pro­grammable Features)” under “Electronic Vehicle Infor­mation Center (EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual for details.
For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the
following procedure:
1. Press and hold the LOCK button on a programmed transmitter for at least four seconds, but not longer than ten seconds. Then, press and hold the UNLOCK button while still holding the LOCK button.
2. Release both buttons at the same time.
3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle, by pressing the LOCK/UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter with the ignition in the LOCK position, and the key removed.
4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to its previous setting.
NOTE: Pressing the LOCK button on the transmitter while you are inside the vehicle will activate the Security
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23
Alarm. Opening a door withthe Security Alarm activated will cause the alarm to sound. Press the UNLOCK button to deactivate the Security Alarm.
Flash Lights With Lock
The feature will cause the turn signal lights to flash when the doors are locked or unlocked with the transmitter. This feature can be turned on or turned off. To change the current setting, proceed as follows:
For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), refer to “Flash Lights with Lock,” under 9Personal Settings (Customer Program­mable Features)” under “Electronic Vehicle Informa­tion Center (EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual for details.
For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the following procedure:
1. Press and hold the UNLOCKbuttonon a programmed transmitter for at least four seconds, but not longer than ten seconds. Then, press and hold the LOCK button while still holding the UNLOCK button.
2. Release both buttons at the same time.
3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle, by pressing the LOCK/UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter with the ignition in the LOCK position, and the key removed.
4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to its previous setting.
NOTE: Pressing the LOCK button on the transmitter while you are in the vehicle will activate the Security Alarm. Opening a door withthe Security Alarm activated will cause the alarm to sound. Press the UNLOCK button to deactivate the Security Alarm.
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24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Illuminated Approach — If Equipped
This feature activates the headlights for up to 90 seconds when the doors are unlocked with the transmitter. The time for this feature is programmable on vehicles equipped with EVIC. For details, refer to “Illuminated Approach,” under “Personal Settings (Customer Pro­grammable Features), under “Electronic Vehicle Informa­tion Center (EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual.

TO LOCK THE DOORS

Press and release the LOCK button on the transmitter to lock all doors. The turn signal lights will flash and the horn will chirp once to acknowledge the lock signal.
Sound Horn with Lock
This feature will cause the horn to chirp when the doors are locked with the transmitter. This feature can be turned on or off.To changethecurrent setting, proceed as follows:
For vehicles equipped with EVIC, refer to “Sound
Horn with Lock,” under “Personal Settings (Customer
Programmable Features)” under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)” in Section4of this manual
for details.
For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the
following steps:
1. Press the LOCK button on a programmed transmitter for at least four seconds, but not longer than ten seconds. Then, press the PANIC button while still holding the LOCK button.
2. Release both buttons at the same time.
3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle, by pressing the LOCK button on the transmitter with the ignition in the LOCK position, and the key removed.
4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to its previous setting.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25
NOTE: Pressing the LOCK button on the transmitter while you are in the vehicle will activate the Security Alarm. Opening a door withthe Security Alarm activated will cause the alarm to sound. Press the UNLOCK button to deactivate the Security Alarm.

TO UNLATCH THE TRUNK

Press the TRUNK button on the transmitter two times to unlatch the trunk.
USING THE EXPRESS DOWN WINDOWS FEATURE — IF EQUIPPED
This feature allows youtoremotely lower both front door windows at the same time. To use this feature, press and release the UNLOCK button on the transmitter and then immediately press and hold the UNLOCK button until the windows lower to the level desired or until they lower completely.

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 illuminated entry system (if equipped) will turn on.
The PANIC alarm will stay on for three minutes unless you turn it off by pressing the PANIC button a second time or if the vehicle speed is 5 mph (8 km/h) or greater.
NOTE: You may need to be close to the vehicle when using the transmitter to turn off the PANIC alarm due to the radio frequency noises emitted by the system.
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26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

PROGRAMMING ADDITIONAL TRANSMITTERS

Refer to SENTRY KEYt “Sentry Keyt Programming.”
If you do not have a programmed transmitter, contact your authorized dealer for details.

BATTERY REPLACEMENT

The recommended replacement battery is CR2032.
NOTE:
Perchlorate Material — special handling may
apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
1. With the transmitter buttons facing down, use a flat blade to pry thetwo halves of the transmitter apart. Make sure not to damage the seal during removal.
Separating Transmitter Halves
2. Remove and replace the batteries. Avoid touching the new batteries with your fingers. Skin oils may cause battery deterioration. If you touch a battery, clean it with rubbing alcohol.
3. To assemble the transmitter case, snap the two halves together.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27

GENERAL INFORMATION

This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules and with RS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference that may be received including interference that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: Changes or modifications not expressly ap­proved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
If your Remote Lock Control fails to operate from a normal distance, check for these two conditions.
1. Weak batteries in the transmitter. The expected life of batteries is five years.
2. Closeness to a radio transmitter such as a radio station tower, airport transmitter, militarybase,and some mobile or CB radios.
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28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
REMOTE START SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
Remote start conveniently starts the engine from outside the vehicle by using the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) key fob while maintaining security. The system has a targeted range of up to 328 ft (100 m). The vehicle must be locked, the deck lid and hood closed and the transmission gear selector lever in PARK in order to start the engine using the Remote Start button on the key fob.
Remote Start
NOTE: Remote start requires automatic transaxle
equipped vehicles.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29

HOW TO USE REMOTE START

All of the following conditions must be met before the engine will remote start:
Shift the gear selector lever into PARK.
Doors closed.
Hood closed.
Trunk closed.
Hazard switch off.
Brake switch inactive (brake pedal not pressed).
Ignition key removed from ignition switch.
Battery at an acceptable charge level.
RKE PANIC button not pressed.
To Enter Remote Start Mode
Press and release the Remote Start button on the RKE transmitter twice.Theengine will start and the vehicle will remain in the Remote Start mode for a 15–minute cycle.
NOTE:
For security, power window operation is disabled
when the vehicle is in the Remote Start mode.
The engine can be started two consecutive times (two
15–minute cycles) with the RKE transmitter. However,
the ignition switch must be cycled to the ON position
before you can repeat the start sequence for a third
cycle.
To Exit Remote Start Mode Without Driving The Vehicle
Allow the engine to run for the entire 15-minute cycle.
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30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
To Exit Remote Start Mode And Drive The Vehicle
Before the end of the 15-minute cycle, press and release the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter to unlock the doors and disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm (if equipped). Then, within 15 minutes, insert the key into the ignition switch and turn the switch to the ON position.
NOTE: The ignition switch must be in the ON position in order to drive the vehicle.
To Turn Off The Engine While In Remote Start Mode
Press and release the Remote Start button one time. NOTE: To avoid inadvertent shut downs, the system
will disable the one-time press of the Remote Start button for two seconds after receiving a valid remote start request.
DOOR LOCKS MANUAL DOOR LOCKS
Use the manual door lock plunger to lock the doors from inside the vehicle. If the plunger is down when the door is closed, the door will lock. Therefore, make sure the keys are not inside the vehicle before closing the door.
Manual Lock Plunger
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 31
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.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dangerousfora number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. Don’tleavethekeys in the ignition. A child could operate power win­dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves. Always remove the key from the ignition and lock all of the doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
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32 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

POWER DOOR LOCKS

A door lock switch is located on the driver and passenger door panel. Press this switch to lock or unlock the doors.
Power Door Lock Switch
Automatic Door Locks — If Equipped
The auto door lock feature can be enabled or disabled by your authorized dealer. See your dealer for program­ming.
Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit
The doors will unlock automatically on vehicles with power door locks if:
1. The Auto Unlock feature is enabled.
2. The transmission gear selector lever was in gear and the vehicle speed returned to 0 mph (0 km/h).
3. The transmission gear selector lever is inNEUTRAL 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).
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 33
Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit Programming
The Auto Unlock on Exit feature can be enabled or disabled as follows:
For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), refer to “Personal Settings (Customer Programmable Features)” under “Elec­tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual for details.
For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, performing the following procedure:
1. Close all doors and place the key in the ignition.
2. Cycle the ignition switch between LOCK and ON and then back to LOCK four times ending up in the LOCK position.
3. Depress the power door unlock switch to unlock the doors.
4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to its previous setting.
NOTE: Use the Auto Unlock On Exit feature in accor­dance with local laws.
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34 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
“CHILD-PROTECTION” DOOR LOCK SYSTEM (REAR DOORS)
The Rear Door Child-Protection Locks are located inside the rear edge of the door. Insert the tip of the ignition key or similar flat-bladed object into the lock and rotate approximately one—quarter turn to the lock or unlock position (as indicated by the stamped icons).
Child Lock Control
WARNING!
Avoid trapping anyone in a vehicle in a collision. Remember that the rear doors can only be opened from the outside when the child protection locks are engaged.
NOTE: For emergency exit with the system engaged,
move the lock plunger up (unlocked position), roll down the window, and open the door with the outside door handle.
POWER WINDOWS POWER WINDOW SWITCHES
The control on the driver’s door has up-down switches that give you fingertip control of all four power win­dows.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 35
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Auto Power Window Switch
There is a single window control on the passenger’s door trim panel, which operates the passenger door window. The window controls will operate when the ignition switch is turned to the ON or ACC position, and when the accessory delay feature is active.
36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
Never leave children in a vehicle, with the keys in the ignition switch. Occupants, particularly unat­tended children, can become entrapped by the win­dows while operating the power window switches. Such entrapment may result in serious injury or death.
AUTO WINDOW DOWN — IF EQUIPPED
The front window controls on the driver and passenger door trim panels have an Auto Down feature. These switches are labeled AUTO to indicate this capability. Push the window switch pastthe first detent, release, and the window will go down automatically.
To open the window part way, push the window switch to the first detent and release it when you want the window to stop.
To cancel the Auto Down movement, operate the switch either in the up or down direction and release the switch.
For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), the power window switches will remain active for approximately 45 seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position. Opening either door will cancel this feature.
For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Infor­mation Center (EVIC), the power window switches will remain active for up to 10 minutes after the ignition switch is turned off. Opening either door will cancel this feature. The time for this feature is programmable. For details, refer to “Key-Off Power Delay,” under “Personal Settings (Customer Programmable Features)” under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Sec­tion 4 of this manual.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37
AUTO WINDOW UP — IF EQUIPPED
Lift the window switch to the second detent, release, and the window will go up automatically.
To cancel the Auto Up movement, operate the switch either in the up or down direction and release the switch.
To close the window part way, lift the window switch to the first detent and release it when you want the window to stop.
NOTE: ANTI-PINCH PROTECTION
If the window runs into an obstacle during auto­closure, it willreverse direction and thenstop.Remove the obstacle and use the window switch again to close the window.
Any impact due to rough road conditions may trigger the auto reverse function unexpectedly during auto­closure. If this happens, pull the switch lightly to the first detent and hold to close window manually.
WARNING!
When the window is almost closed, there is no anti-pinch protection. To avoid personal injury, be sure to clear your arms, hands, fingers and all objects from the window path before closing.

RESET AUTO UP

Any time the vehicle battery goes dead, the auto-up function will be disabled. To reactivate the auto-up feature, pull the window switch up to close the window completely and continue to hold the switch up for an additional two seconds after the window is closed.
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38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WINDOW LOCKOUT SWITCH

The window lockout switch on the driver’s door allows you to disable the window control on the other doors. To disable the window controls on the other doors, press the window lock button. To enable the window controls, press the window control button again.
Window Lockout Switch

WIND BUFFETING

Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of pressure on the ears or a helicopter type sound in the ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped) in certain open or partially open positions. This is a normal occur­rence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with the rear windows open, then open the front and rear windows together to minimize the buffeting. If the buffeting occurs with the sunroof open, then adjust the sunroof opening to minimize the buffeting.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39

TRUNK RELEASE

From inside the car the trunk lid can be released by depressing 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.
NOTE: The gear selector lever must be in PARK for this switch to operate.
To unlatch the trunk lid from outside the vehicle, press and release the TRUNK button on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter two times.
With the ignition ON, the word “deck” will display in place of the odometer display indicating that the trunk is open. The odometer display will reappear once the trunk is closed or if the trip button is depressed.
With the key in the lock position or with the key out, the word “deck” will display until the trunk is closed.
On EVIC equipped vehicles, the words “Trunk Ajar” will display.

TRUNK SAFETY WARNING

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

TRUNK INTERNAL EMERGENCY RELEASE

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

OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS

Some of the most important safety features in your vehicle are the restraint systems. The following safety features are standard on all vehicles:
Three point lap and shoulder belts for all seating
positions
Pretensioning and load-limiting retractors for the front
seat belts
Advanced multistage driver and new active-vent front
passenger airbags
New active-vent front passenger airbags.
Knee Bolsters/Blockers for front seat occupants
An energy absorbing steering column and steering
wheel
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41
Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) that span the front and second rows for sedans — if equipped
Supplemental seat side (Thorax) airbags — if equipped
Front seat belt retractors incorporate pretensioners to enhance occupant protection by managing occupant energy during an impact event.
All seat belt systems (except the driver’s) include Automatic Locking Retractors (ALRs), which lock the seat belt webbing into position by extending the belt all the way out and then adjusting the belt to the desired length to restrain a child seat or secure a large item in a seat.
If you will be carrying children too small for adult-size seat belts, your seat belts or the LATCH feature also can be used to hold infant and child restraint systems.
NOTE: The front airbags have a multi stage inflator design. This allows the airbag to have different rates of inflation that are based on collision severity.
Please pay close attention to the information in this section. It tells you how to use your restraint system properly to keep you and your passengers as safe as possible.
WARNING!
In a collision, you and your passengers can suffer much greater injuries if you are not properly buckled up. You can strike theinteriorof 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.
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42 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver and cause a collision that includes you. This can happen far away from home or on your own street.
Research has shown that seat belts save lives, and they can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a collision. Some of the worst injuries happen when people are thrown from the vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility of ejection and the risk of injury caused by striking the inside of the vehicle. Everyoneina 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 will lock only during very sudden stops or collisions. This feature allows the shoul­der part of the belt to move freely with youundernormal
conditions. But in acollision,the belt will lock and reduce your risk of striking the inside of the vehicle or being thrown out.
WARNING!
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a seat belt properly.
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle.Inacollision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seri­ously injured or killed.
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 acollisionthebest.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43
WARNING!
Wearing your belt in the wrong place could make your injuries in a collision much worse. You might suffer internalinjuries,or you could even slide out of part of the belt. Follow these instructions to wear your seat belt safely and to keep your pas­sengers safe, too.
Two people should never be belted into a single seat belt. People belted together can crash into one another in an accident, hurting one another badly. Never use a lap/shoulder belt or lap belt for more than one person, no matter what their size.
Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions
1. Enter the vehicle and close the door. Sit back and adjust the seat.
2. The seat belt latch plate is above the back of the front seat, next to your arm. Grasp the latch plate and pull out the belt. Slide the latch plate up the webbing as far as necessary to allow the belt to go around your lap.
Pulling Out the Latch Plate
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44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
3. When the belt is long enough to fit, insert the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”
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.
Inserting Latch Plate Into Buckle
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45
WARNING!
A belt that is worn under your arm is very danger­ous. Your body could strike the inside surfaces of the vehicle in a collision, increasing head and neck injury. A belt worn under the arm can cause internal injuries. Ribs aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. Wear the belt over your shoulder so that your stron­gest bones will take the force in a collision.
A shoulder belt placed behind you will not protect you from injury during a collision. You are more likely to hit your head in a collision if you do not wear your shoulder belt. The lap and shoulder belt are meant to be used together.
4. Position the lap belt across your thighs, below your abdomen. To remove slack in the lap belt portion, pull up on the shoulderbelt.Toloosenthe lap belt if it istootight, tilt the latch plate and pull on the lap belt. A snug belt reduces the risk of sliding under the belt in a collision.
Positioning the Lap Belt
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46 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.
Atwisted 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, takeitto 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 couldripapartina collision and leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing, etc.).
Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure
Use the following procedure to untwist a twisted lap/ shoulder belt.
1. Position the latch plate as close as possible to the anchor point.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47
2. At about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) above the latch plate, grasp and twist the belt webbing 180° to create a fold that begins immediately above the latch plate.
3. Slide the latch plate upward over the folded webbing. The folded webbing must enter the slot at the top of the latch plate.
4. Continue to slide the latch plate up until it clears the folded webbing.

ADJUSTABLE UPPER SHOULDER BELT ANCHORAGE

In the front seat, the shoulder belt can be adjusted upward or downward to position the belt away from your neck. Push anchorage button to release the anchor­age, and move it up or down to the position that serves you best.
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Adjustable Anchorage
As a guide, if you are shorter than average, you will prefer a lower position, and if youare 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.
48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

REAR SEAT BELTS

Three point belts are nonadjustable for outboard and center rear passengers on sedans. The center belt is mounted to the rear shelf panel and exits through a bezel in the panel.

SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS

The seat belts for both front seating positions are equipped with pretensioning devices thatare designed to remove slack from the seat belt in the event of a collision. These devices improve the performance of the seat belt by assuring that the belt is tight about the occupant early in a collision. Pretensioners work for all size occupants, including those in child restraints.
In addition, the front passenger seat belt includes a two-stage load-limiting feature to enhance occupant pro­tection for the same reason.
NOTE: These devices are not a substitute for proper seat belt placement by the occupant. The seatbelt 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 pretensionersare single use items. After a collision that issevere enough to deploy the airbagsand pretensioners, both must be replaced.
ENHANCED SEAT BELT REMINDER SYSTEM (BELTALERTT)
If the occupied driver’s seat belt has not been buckled within 60 seconds ofstarting the vehicle and if the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h), BeltAlertt will alert the driver to buckle their seat belt. The driver should also instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat belts. Once the warning is triggered, BeltAlertt will continue to chime and flash the Seat Belt Warning Light for 96 seconds or until the driver’s seat belt is buckled.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49
BeltAlertt will be reactivated if the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled for more than 10 seconds and the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h).
BELTALERTT PROGRAMMING
BeltAlertt 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 BeltAlertt.
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 partially each time when unbuckling.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position. A single chime will sound to signify that you have success­fully completed the programming.
BeltAlertt canbe reactivated by repeating this procedure. NOTE: Although BeltAlertt has been deactivated, the
Seat Belt Warning Light will continue to illuminate while the driver’s seat belt remains unbuckled.
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50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

AUTOMATIC LOCKING MODE

In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre­locked. However, the belt will still retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt. The Automatic Locking Mode is available on all passenger-seating positions. Use the Automatic Locking Mode anytime a child safety seat is installed in a passenger seating position. Children 12 years old and under should be properly restrained in the rear seat whenever possible.
How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode
1. Buckle the combination lap/shoulder belt.
2. Grasp the shoulder portion and pull downward until the entire belt is extracted.
3. Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This indicates the safety belt is now in the Automatic Locking Mode.
How To Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode
Unbuckle the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow it to retract completely to disengage the Automatic Locking Mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode.

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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51
Seat Belt Extender
If a seat belt is too short, even when fully extended and when the adjustable upper shoulder belt anchorage (if equipped) is in its lowest position, your dealer can provide you with a seat belt extender. This extender should be used only if the existing belt is not long enough. When it is not required, remove the extender, and stow it.
WARNING!
Using a seat belt extender when not needed can increase the risk of injury in a collision. Only use when the lap belt is not long enough when it is worn low and snug, and in the recommended seating positions. Remove and store the extender when not needed.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) ­AIRBAG
This vehicle has airbags for both the driver and front passenger as a supplement to the seat belt restraint systems. The driver’s front airbag is mounted in the center of the steering wheel. The passenger’s front airbag is mounted in the instrument panel, above the glove compartment. The words SRS AIRBAG are embossed on the airbag covers.
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52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Front Airbag Components
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.
This vehicle may also be equipped with window bags to protect the driver, front, and rear passengers sitting next to a window. If the vehicle is equipped with window bags, they are located above the side windows. Their covers are also labeled SRS AIRBAG.
NOTE: Airbag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim; but they will open to allow airbag deployment.

AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS

The airbag system consists of the following:
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
Airbag Light
Driver Airbag
Front Passenger Airbag
Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC)
— If Equipped
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53
Front Seat— side mounted (Thorax) Airbags — If Equipped
Front Impact Sensors
Side Impact Sensors (If Equipped)
Steering Wheel and Column
Instrument Panel
Seat Belt Reminder Light
Knee Impact Bolster
Front Seat Belt Pretensioners

FRONT SEAT AIRBAG FEATURES

The front airbag system has dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags. This system provides output appro­priate to the level of crash severity as determined by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) and the impact sensors at the front of the car.
The first stage inflatoris triggered immediately during an impact that requires airbag deployment. The timing of the second stage determines whether the output force is low, medium, or high. If a lowoutputis sufficient to meet the need, the second stage is expended later in the crash event.
Driver Airbag Special Features
Driver airbag deployment and force level is controlled by the driver’s seat position as well as impact severity. Use of special inflators, result in a very compact driver’s side airbag.
In addition to the small size, the inflating gasses exit through strategically placed vents, which direct the gas away from the occupant.
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54 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Front Passenger Airbag Special Features
A new active venting front-passenger airbag is designed to reduce the risk of occupants who may be out of position by the use of active vents positioned on each side of the airbag.
Supplemental Front Seat-Mounted Thorax Side Airbags — If Equipped
Front seat mounted side (Thorax) airbags provide en­hanced protection and work together with supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) to help protect an occupant during a side impact. The seat-mounted side airbag is marked with an airbag label sewn into the outboard side of the seat.
seat-mounted Side Airbag Label
When the bag deploys, it opens the seam between the front and side of the seat’s trim cover. Each bag deploys independently, that is a left side impact deploys the left bag only and a right-side impact deploys only the right bag.
Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) — If Equipped
Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) Airbags offer side-impactprotection to front and rearseat outboard occupants in addition to that provided by the body structure. Each airbag features inflated chambers place adjacent to the head of each outboard occupant that reduce the potential for side-impact head injuries. The curtains deploy downward, covering both windows on the impact side.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55
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Side Airbag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) Location
NOTE: Airbag covers may not be obvious in the interior
trim; but they will open to allow airbag deployment. The system includes sensors adjacent to both front and
rear seat occupants that are calibrated to deploy the side bags during an impact severe enough to require airbag occupant protection.
56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
Do not put anything on or around the airbag covers or attempt to open them manually. 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.
Do not use accessory seat covers or place objects between you andtheside airbags; the performance could be adversely affected and/or objects could be pushed into you, causing serious injury.
WARNING!
If your vehicle is equipped with left and right window bags, do not stack luggage or other cargo up high enough to block the location of the Side Airbag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC). The area where the side curtain airbag is located should remain free from any obstructions.
Do not attach cup holders or any other objects on or around the door. The inflating side airbag could drive the object into occupants, causing serious injury.
Airbags inflate in moderate to high speed impacts. Along with seat belts and pretensioners, front airbags, and side airbags work with the knee bolsters to provide improved protection for the driver and front passenger.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 57
The seat belts are designed to protect you in many types of collisions. The front airbags deploy in moderate to severe frontal collisions. If your vehicle is equipped, the side airbag on the crash side of the vehicle is triggered in moderate to severe side collisions. In certain types of collisions, both the front and side airbags may be trig­gered. However, even in collisions where the airbags work, you need the seat belts to keep you in the right position for the airbags to protect you properly.
Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize the risk of harm from a deploying airbag.
1. Children 12 years old and under should always ride
buckled up in a rear seat.
Infants in rear facing child restraints should NEVER ride in the frontseat of a vehicle with apassengerfront airbag. An airbag deployment cancause severe injury or death to infants in that position.
Children that are not big enough to wear the vehicle seat belt properly (see Section on Child Restraints) should be secured in the rear seat in child restraints or belt­positioning booster seats. Older children who do not use child restraints or belt-positioning booster seats should ride properly buckled up in the rear seat. Never allow children to slide the shoulder belt behind them or under their arm.
If a child from 1 to 12 years old must ride in the front passenger seat because the vehicle is crowded, move the seat as far back as possible, and use the proper child restraint. Refer to the section on Child Restraint.
You should read the instructions provided with your child restraint to make surethat you are using it properly.
2. All occupants should wear their lap and shoulder
belts properly.
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58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
3. The driver and front passenger seats should be moved back as far as practical to allow the front airbags room to inflate.
4. If your vehicle has side airbags, do not lean against the door, airbags will inflate forcefully into the space between you and the door.
5. If the airbag system in this vehicle needs to be modified to accommodate a disabled person, contact the Customer Center. Phone numbers are provided under (If You Need Assistance( in Section 9 of 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 wheelorinstrument panel during front airbag deployment could cause serious injury. Airbags need room to inflate. Sit back, comfortably extending your arms to reach the steering wheel or instrument panel.
Side airbags also need room to inflate. Do not lean against the door. Sit upright in the center of the seat.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59

AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT SENSORS AND CONTROLS

Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
The Occupant Restraint Controller System (ORC) is part of a Federally regulated safety system required for this vehicle.
The ORC determines if a frontal collision is severe enough to require the airbags to inflate. Based on the sensor signals, a central electronic Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) deploys the front airbags, side inflat­able airbag curtains (if equipped), seat-mounted side (Thorax) airbags (if equipped), and front seat belt preten­sioners as required for each type of impact.
The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of the system whenever the ignition switch is in the START or RUN positions. These include all of the items listed above except the steering wheel and column, instrument panel, and passenger knee bolsters. If the key is in the
OFF position, in the ACC position, or not in the ignition, the airbags are not on and will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply system that will deploy the airbags even if the battery loses power or it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.
Also, the ORC turns on the Airbag Warning 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. 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.
It also includes diagnostics thatwillilluminate the instru­ment cluster Airbag Warning Light if a malfunction is noted. The diagnostics also record the nature of the malfunction.
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60 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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.
Impact Sensors
Two sensors, located on the front body structure, trigger airbag deployment in direct frontal impacts and aid the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) in determining appropriate response tofrontal impact events. Additional sensors in the ORC determine the level of airbag deploy­ment and provide deployment verification.
Side Inflatable Curtain and Front Seat Mounted Airbags — If equipped
The Occupant Restraint Controller System (ORC) de­ploys the side inflatable curtain and seat mounted thorax side airbags during collision with other vehicles and during collisions where the impact is confined to a particular area of the vehicle — such as collisions with poles, trees or similar objects.
It will deploy the side inflatable curtains and front seat thorax mounted airbags only on the impact side of the vehicle.
The front driver and passenger seat contain inflatable side airbags to protect the occupant from impact injuries. Correctly functioning front passenger seat components are critical for the Occupant Restraint Controller System
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61
(ORC) 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 make any modifications to the front passenger seat components, assembly, or to the seat cover in any way.
Do not use prior or future model year seat covers not designated for the specific model being repaired. Al­ways use the correct seat cover specified for the vehicle.
Do not replace the seat cover with an aftermarket seat cover.
Do not add a secondary seat cover other than those approved by DaimlerChrysler/Mopar.
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).
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62 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact that causes airbag deployment, with the vehicle stopped, and the vehicle communication network intact, and the power intact, the Enhanced Accident Response System performs the following func­tions:
Cuts off fuel to the engine
Flashes hazard lights
Turns on the interior lights which remain on as long as the battery has power or until the ignition key is removed
Unlocks the doors automatically
If A Deployment Occurs
The airbag systems are designed to deploy when the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) detect a moderate­to-severe collision, to help restrain the driver and front passenger, and then 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 youhaveany 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
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 63
process that generates the nontoxic gas used for airbag inflation. These airborne particles mayirritate the skin, eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation, rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues, see your doctor. If these particles settle on your clothing, follow the garment manufacturer’s instruc­tions for cleaning.
It is not advisable to drive your vehicle after the airbags have deployed. If you are involved in another collision, the airbags willnot be in place to protectyou.
WARNING!
Deployed airbags and seat belt pretensioners cannot protect you in another collision. Have the airbags, seat belt pretensioners, and the front passenger seat belt retractor assembly, replaced by an authorized dealer as soon as possible. Also, have the Occupant Restraint Controller System serviced as well.
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64 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 if the airbag system is not there to protect you. Do not modify the components or wiring, including adding any kind of badges or stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do not modify the front bumper, vehicle body structure, or add aftermarket side steps or running boards.
It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who works on your vehicle that it has an airbag system.
NOTE:
Perchlorate Material — special handling may ap-
ply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate
WARNING!
Do not attempt to modify any part of your advanced airbag system. The airbag may inflate accidentally or may not function properly if modifications are made. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for any advanced airbag system service. If your seat includ­ing your trim cover and cushion needs to be serviced in any way (including removal or loosening/ tightening of seat attachment bolts), take the vehicle to your authorized dealer. Only manufacturer ap­proved seat accessories may be used. If it is necessary to modify an advanced airbag system for persons with disabilities, contact your authorized dealer.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65
Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to inflate for your protection in a collision. While the airbag system is designed to be mainte­nance free, if any of the following occurs, have
an authorized dealer service the system immediately.
The AIRBAG light does not come on during the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first turned on.
The light remains on after the 6 to 8 second interval.
The light comes on and remains on while driving.
NOTE: If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine related gauges are not working, the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. The airbags may not be ready to inflate for your protection. Promptly check fuse block for blown fuses. Refer to the label located on the inside of the fuse block cover for the proper airbag fuses. See your dealer if the fuse is good.

EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)

In the event of an accident, your vehicle is designed to record up to 5 seconds ofspecificvehicle data parameters (see the following list) in an event data recorder prior to the moment of airbag deployment, or near deployment, and up to a quarter second of high-speed deceleration data during and/or after airbag deployment. EDR data are ONLY recorded if an airbag deploys, or nearly deploys, and are otherwise unavailable.
NOTE:
1. A near-deployment event occurs when the airbag sensor detects severe vehicle deceleration usually indica­tive of a crash, but not severe enough to warrant airbag deployment.
2. Under certain circumstances, EDR data may not be recorded (e.g., loss of battery power).
In conjunction with other data gathered during a com­plete accident investigation, the electronic data may be
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66 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
used by DaimlerChrysler Corporation and othersto 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 Corporation, 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 Corporation (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 Corporation 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 Corporation product.
3. Requested by police under a legal warrant.
4. Otherwise required by law.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 67
Data Parameters that May Be Recorded:
Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning light status for electronically-controlled safety systems, including the airbag system
Airbag disable light status (if equipped)
9Time9 of airbag deployment (in terms of ignition cycles and vehicle mileage)
Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
Impact acceleration and angle
Seatbelt status
Brake status (service and parking brakes)
Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
Engine control status (including engine speed)
Transmission gear selection
Cruise control status
Traction/Stability Control status
Tire Pressure Monitoring System status – If Equipped

CHILD RESTRAINT

Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up at all times — babies and children, too. Every state in the United States and all Canadian provinces require that small children ride in properrestraint 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.
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68 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrainedchild,evena tiny baby, can become a missile inside the vehicle. The force required to hold even an infant on your lap could become so great that you could not hold the child, no matter how strong you are. The child and others could be badly injured. Any child riding in your vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the child’s size.
There are different sizes and types of restraints for children from newborn size to the child almost large enough for an adult safety belt. Always check the child seat owner’s manual to ensure you have the correct seat for your child. Use the restraint that is correct for your child.
Infants And Small Children
Safety experts recommend that children ride
rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least one year old and weighatleast 20 lbs (9 kg). Two types of child restraints can be used rearward-facing: infant carriers and 9convertible9 child seats. Both types of child restraints are held in the vehicle by the lap/ shoulder belt or the LATCH child restraint anchorage system.
The infant carrier is only used rearward-facing in the vehicle. It is recommended for children who weigh up to about 20 lbs (9 kg). 9Convertible9 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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69
Rearward-facing child seats must NEVER be used in the front seat of a vehicle with a front passenger airbag. An airbag deployment could cause severe injury or death to infants in this position.
Older Children and Child Restraints
Children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) and who are older than one year can ride forward-facing in the vehicle. Forward-facing child seats and convertible child seats used in the forward-facing directionare for children who weigh 20 to 40 lbs (9 to 18 kg) and who are older than one year. These child seats are also held in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt or the LATCH child restraint anchorage system. Refer to “LATCH — Child Seat Anchorage System (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren)” in this section.
The belt-positioning booster seat is for children weighing more than 40 lbs (18 kg), but who are still too small to fit the vehicle’s seat belts properly. If the child cannot sit
with knees bent over the vehicle’s cushion while the child’s back is against the seatback, then the child should use a Belt Positioning Booster Seat. The child and booster seat are held in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt. (Some booster seats are equipped with a front shield and are held in the vehicle by the lap portion.)
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.
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70 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Here are some tips on getting the most out of your child restraints:
Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend over the front of the seat when their back is against the seatback, should use the lap/shoulder belt in a rear seat.
Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety Standards. We also recommend that you make sure that you can install the child restraint in the vehicle where you will use it, before you buy it.
The restraint must be appropriate for your child’s weight and height. Check the label on the restraint for weight and height limits.
Carefully follow the instructions that come with the restraint. If you install the restraint improperly, it may not work when you need it.
All passenger seating positions contain automatic locking retractors. However, any seat belt system will loosen with time, so check the belt occasionally and pull it tight if necessary.
In the rear seat, you may have trouble tightening the lap/shoulder belt on the child restraint because the buckle or latch plate is too close to the belt path opening on the restraint. Disconnect the latch plate from the buckle and twist the short buckle end of the belt several times to shorten it. Insert the latch plate into the buckle with the release button facing out.
If the belt still can’t be tightened, or if by pulling and pushing on the restraint loosens the belt, disconnect the latch plate from the buckle, turn the latch plate
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 71
around, and insert the latch plate into the buckle again. If you still can’t make the child restraint secure, try a different seating position.
Buckle the child into the seat according to the child restraint manufacturer’s directions.
When your child restraint is not in use, secure it in the vehicle with the seat belt or remove it from the vehicle. Don’t leave it loose in the vehicle. In a sudden stop or collision, it could strike the occupants or seat backs and cause serious personal injury.
NOTE: For additional information, refer online to www.seatcheck.org.
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH)
Your vehicle is equipped with the child restraint anchor­age system called LATCH, which stands for Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren. The LATCH system provides for the installation of the child restraint without
using the vehicle seat belt. The outboard rear seating positions have lower anchorages that are capable of accommodating LATCH-compatible child seats having flexible, webbing-mounted lower attachments. Child seats with fixed lower attachments must be installed in the outboard positions only. Regardless of the specific type of lower attachment, NEVER install LATCH­compatible child seats such that two seats share a com­mon lower anchorage. If you are installing LATCH­compatible child restraints in adjacent rear seating positions, you can use the LATCH anchors or the vehi­cle’s seat belt for the outboard position, but you must use the vehicle’s seat belt at the center position. If your child restraints are not LATCH-compatible, you can only in­stall the child restraints using the vehicle’s seat belts. Please refer to “Installing the Child Restraint System” for typical installation instructions.
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72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Rear Seat LATCH Anchors
Child restraints systems having attachments designed to connect to the lower anchorages are now available. Child restraints having tether straps and hooks for connection to the top tether anchorage have been available for some time. In fact, many child restraint manufacturers will provide add-on tether strap kits for some of their older products. Tether anchorage kits are also available for most older vehicles.
Rear Seat LATCH Anchors
Because the lower anchorages are to be introduced to passenger carrying vehicles over a period of years, child restraint systems having attachments for those anchor­ages will continue to have features for installation in vehicles using the lapor lap/shoulder belt. They will also
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 73
have tether straps, and you are urged to take advantage of all of the available attachments provided with your child restraint in any vehicle.
NOTE: When using the LATCH attaching system to install a child restraint, please ensure that all seat belts not being used for occupant restraints are stowed and out of reach of children. It is recommended that before installing the child restraint, buckle the seat belt so the seat belt is tucked behind the child restraint and out of reach. If the buckled seat belt interferes with the child restraint installation, instead of tucking the seat belt behind the child restraint, route the seat belt through the child restraint belt path and then buckle it. This should stow the seat belt out of the reach of an inquisitive child. Remind all children in the vehicle that the seat belts are not toys and should not be played with, and never leave your child unattended in the vehicle.
Installing the LATCH-Compatible Child Restraint System
We urge that you carefully follow the directions of the manufacturer when installingyourchild restraint. Not all child restraint systems will be installed as described here. Again, carefully follow the installation instructions that were provided with the child restraint system.
The rear seat lower anchorages are round bars,
located at the rear of the seat cushion where it
meets the seat back, and are just visible when
you lean into the rear seat to install the child restraint. You will easily feel them if you run your finger along the intersection of the seatback and seat cushion surfaces.
In addition, there are tether strap anchorages
behind each rear seating position located in the
panel between the rear seat back and the rear
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74 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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. Finally, tighten all three straps as you push the child restraint rearward and downward into the seat, removing slack in the straps according to the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions.
NOTE:
Ensure that the tether strap does not slip into the opening between the seat backs as youremove slack in the strap.
When using the LATCH attaching system to install a child restraint, please ensure that all seat belts not being used for occupant restraints are stowed and out of reach of children. It is recommended that before installing the child restraint, buckle the seat belt so the seat belt is tucked behind the child restraint and out of reach. If the buckled seat belt interferes with the child restraint installation, instead of tucking the seat belt behind the child restraint, route the seat belt through
the child restraint belt path and then buckle it. This should stow the seat belt out of the reach of an inquisitive child. Remind all children in the vehicle that the seat belts are not toys and should not be played with, and never leave your child unattended in the vehicle.
WARNING!
Improper installation of a child restraint to the LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of an infant or child restraint. The child could be badly injured or killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly when installing an infant or child restraint.
Installing Child Restraint Tether Strap
1. Rotate the cover over the anchor directly behind the seat where you are placing the child restraint.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 75
2
1— Cover A—Tether Strap Hook 3— Attaching Strap B—Tether Anchor
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
76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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.
Installing Child Restraints Using the Vehicle Seat belt
The passenger seat belts are equipped with Automatic Locking Retractors (ALRs), which are designed to keep the lap portion tight around the child restraint.
The seat belt must be in the Automatic Locking Mode in order to enable a child restraint to be tightly installed. Refer to “Automatic Locking Mode” in this section for details. A locking clip should not be necessary once the automatic locking feature is enabled. Position the shoul­der and lap belt on the child restraint. The Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) is activated by first attaching the child seat, then pulling all of the webbing out of the retractor, then allowing the webbing to retract. As the webbing retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This indicates the safety belt is now in the Automatic Locking Mode. To release, simply unbuckle the seat belt by depressing the button, and allow the webbing to retract into the retractor.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 77
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. Insertthe latch plate into the buckle with the release button facing out.
If the belt still can’t be tightened, or if by pulling and pushing on the restraint loosens the belt, you may need to do something more. Disconnect the latch plate from the buckle, turn the buckle around, and insert the latch plate into the buckle again. If you still can’t make the child restraint secure, try a different seating position.
Children Too Large For Booster Seats
Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend
over the front of the seat when their back is against the seat back, should use the lap/shoulder belt in a rear seat. Make sure that:
The child is upright in the seat.
The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug as possible.
Check belt fit periodically. A child’s squirming or slouching can move the belt out of position.
If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the child closer to the center of the vehicle. Never allow a child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind their back.
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.
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78 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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 vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 mi (500 km). After the initial 60 mi (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 operationswilloccur. For the recommended viscosity and quality grades, refer to
“Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7. NON­DETERGENT 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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 79
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.
WARNING!
If you are required to drive with the deck lid 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 beendamaged (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 six to eight 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.
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80 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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.
NOTE: If the defrost feature is not functioning, the cause should be located and corrected immediately by an authorized service center. The windshield could fog up while driving and obscure your visibility.

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The Vehicle

Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ­ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area undervehicle after overnight parking for fuel, engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. In addition, if gasoline fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and corrected immediately.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS
m Mirrors ...............................85
Phone Call Features ....................98
3
Inside Day/Night Mirror — If Equipped ......85
Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped ....86
Electric Remote-Control Mirrors ............86
Adjusting Side View Mirrors ..............87
Illuminated Vanity Mirrors — If Equipped ....88
m Hands-Free Communication (UConnectt)—
If Equipped ............................89
Operation ............................91
UConnectt System Features ..............100
Advanced Phone Connectivity ............105
Things You Should Know About Your
UConnectt System ....................107
General Information ...................115
m Voice Recognition System — If Equipped ......115
Voice Recognition System (VR) Operation ....115
Commands ..........................116
82 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Voice Training ........................119
m Seats ................................120
Manual Front Seat Adjustments ...........120
Power Seats — If Equipped ..............123
Heated Seats — If Equpped ..............123
Fold-Flat Front Passenger Seat ............124
Adjustable Head Restraints ..............125
Folding Rear Seat .....................126
Folding Rear Seat Center Armrest ..........127
m To Open And Close The Hood .............127
m Lights ...............................129
Map/Reading/Interior Lights ............129
Multi-Function Control Lever .............130
Headlights; Parking Lights; Instrument Lights
. . 130
Automatic Headlight System — If Equipped . . 131
Headlight Time Delay ..................131
Passing Light / Flash-To-Pass .............131
Daytime Running Lights (DRL) —
If Equipped .........................132
Lights On Reminder ...................132
Fog Lights — If Equipped ...............132
Turn Signals .........................133
Highbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch .........134
m Windshield Wipers And Washers ............134
Intermittent Wiper System ...............136
Mist Feature .........................137
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 83
Headlights With Wipers Feature
(Available With Auto Headlights Only) ......137
Windshield Washers ...................138
Adding Washer Fluid ..................138
m Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column ...........139
m Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped ......140
To Activate ..........................140
To Set Desired Speed ...................141
To Deactivate ........................141
To Resume Speed .....................141
To Vary Speed Setting ..................142
To Accelerate For Passing ...............142
m Garage Door Opener — If Equipped .........143
Programming HomeLinkt ...............144
Gate Operator/Canadian Programming .....148
Security ............................148
Troubleshooting Tips ...................149
General Information ...................149
m Power Sunroof — If Equipped .............150
Sunroof Operation ....................151
Auto Sunroof Express With Anti-Pinch
Protection — If Equipped ...............151
Sunshade Operation ...................152
Wind Buffeting .......................152
Sunroof Maintenance ...................152
Ignition Off Operation ..................152
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84 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
m Electrical Power Outlets ..................153
Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off .......154
Cigar Lighter And Ash Receiver — If Equipped
m
. . 155
Cupholder Ash Receiver — If Equipped .....155
m Console Features .......................156
Dual Storage Bins .....................156
Video Console — If Equipped ............157
m Cup Holders ..........................158
Heated Or Cooled Cup Holder —
If Equipped .........................158
Rear Bottle Holders ....................159
m Storage ..............................160
CargoArea..........................160
m Beverage Cooler Storage Bin — If Equipped ....161
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 85
MIRRORS INSIDE DAY/NIGHT MIRROR — IF EQUIPPED
Adjust the mirror to center on the view through the rear window. A two-point pivot system allows for horizontal and vertical mirror adjustment.
Adjusting Rear View Mirror
Annoying headlight glare can be reduced by moving the small control under the mirror to the night position (toward rear of vehicle). The mirror should be adjusted while set in the day position (toward windshield).
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86 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
AUTOMATIC DIMMING MIRROR — IF EQUIPPED
This mirror will automatically adjust for annoying head­light glare from vehicles behind you. Push in the button on the face of the mirror to activate the dimming feature.
Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped
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.

ELECTRIC REMOTE-CONTROL MIRRORS

Both of the outside mirrors can be adjusted by using the remote controls mounted on the driver’s door panel.
A rotary knob selects the left mirror, right mirror, or off position.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 87
3
Power Mirror Adjust Switch
After selecting a mirror, move the knob in the same direction you want the mirror to move. When finished, return the knob to the center O (OFF) position to guard against accidentally moving a mirror position.
Mirror Directions

ADJUSTING SIDE VIEW MIRRORS

Outside Mirror — Driver’s Side
Adjust the outside mirrorto center on the adjacent lane of traffic, with a slight overlap of the view obtained on the inside mirror.
88 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Outside Mirror — Passenger’s Side
Adjust the convex outside mirror so you can just see the side of your vehicle in the part of the mirror closest to the vehicle.
WARNING!
Vehicles and other objects seen in the 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.
ILLUMINATED VANITY MIRRORS — IF EQUIPPED
An illuminated vanity mirror is on each sun visor. To use the mirror, rotate the sun visor down and swing the mirror cover upward. The lights will turn on automati­cally. Closing the mirror cover turns off the lights.
Illuminated Vanity Mirror
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 89
HANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnectT)— IF EQUIPPED
NOTE: The sales code RER, REN and REU radios contain an integrated Hands-Free Communication (UConnectt) system. Refer to your “Navigation User’s Manual” for UConnectt system operating instructions for these radios.
UConnectt is a voice-activated, hands-free, in-vehicle communications system. UConnectt allows you to dial a phone number with your cellular phone using simple voice commands (e.g., 9Call” { “Mike” {”Work9 or 9Dial” { “248-555-12129). Your cellular phone’s audio is trans­mitted through your vehicle’s audio system; the system will automatically mute your radio when using the UConnectt system.
NOTE: The UConnectt system requires a cellular phone equipped with the Bluetootht9Hands-Free Profile,9 Ver- sion 0.96 or higher. See the UConnectt website for supported phones.
NOTE: For UConnectt customer support, visit the following websites:
www.chrysler.com/uconnect
www.dodge.com/uconnect
www.jeep.com/uconnect
or call 1–877–855–8400
UConnectt allows you to transfer calls between the system and your cellular phone as you enter or exit your vehicle and enablesyouto mute the system’s microphone for private conversation.
The UConnectt phonebook enables you to store up to 32 names, with four numbers per name. Each language has
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90 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
a separate 32-name phonebook accessible only in that language. This system is driven through your Bluetootht “Hands-Free profile” cellular phone. UConnectt features Bluetootht technology - the global standard that enables different electronic devices to connect to each other without wires or a docking station, so UConnectt 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 UConnectt system. The UConnectt system allows up to seven cellular phones to be linked to the system. Only one linked (or paired) cellular phone canbe used with the system at a time. The system is available in English, Spanish, or French languages.
Phone Button
The rearview mirror contains the microphone for the system (depending on the type of mirror and radio equipped), and either the
radio or the mirror has the two control buttons (PHONE Button and VOICE RECOGNITION button) that will enable you to access the system.
Voice Recognition Button
Actual button location may vary with radio. The individual buttons are described in the “Operation” section.
The UConnectt system can be used with any Hands-Free Profile certified Bluetootht cellular phone. See the UConnectt website for supported phones. If your cellu­lar phone supports a different profile (e.g., Headset Profile) you may not be able to use any UConnectt features. Refer to your cellular service provider or the phone manufacturer for details.
The UConnectt system is fully integrated with the vehi­cle’s audio system. The volume of the UConnectt system
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 91
can be adjusted either from the radio volume control knob or from the steering wheel radio control (right switch), if so equipped.
The radio display will be used for visual prompts from the UConnectt system such as 9CELL9 or caller ID on certain radios.

Operation

Voice commands can be used to operate the UConnectt system and to navigate through the UConnectt menu structure. Voice commands are required after most UConnectt 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 beep, which followsthe 9Ready9 prompt oranother prompt.
For certain operations, compound commands can be used. For example, instead of saying 9Setup9 and then 9Phone Pairing,9 the following compound command can be said: 9Setup Phone Pairing.9
For each feature explanation in this section, only the combined form of the voice command is given. You can also break the commands into parts and say each part of the command when you are asked for it. For example, you can use the combined form voice com­mand 9Phonebook New Entry,9 or you can break the combined form command into two voice commands: 9Phonebook9 and 9New Entry.9 Please remember, the UConnectt system works best when you talk in a normal conversational tone, as if speaking to someone sitting a few feet/meters away from you.
Voice Command Tree
Refer to “Voice Tree” in this section.
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Help Command
If you need assistance at any prompt, or if you want to know your options at any prompt, say 9Help9 following the beep. The UConnectt system will play all the options at any prompt if you ask for help.
To activate the UConnectt system from idle,simplypress the PHONE button and follow the audible prompts for directions. All UConnectt system sessions begin with a press of the PHONE button on the radio control head.
Cancel Command
At any prompt, after the beep, you can say 9Cancel9 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) UConnectt System to a Cellular Phone
To begin using your UConnectt system, you must pair your compatible Bluetootht enabled cellular phone.
To complete the pairing process, you will need to refer­ence your cellular phone Owner’s Manual. The UConnectt website may also provide detailed instruc­tions for pairing.
The following are general phone to UConnectt system pairing instructions:
Press the PHONE button to begin.
After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say 9Setup Phone Pairing.9
When prompted, after thebeep,say 9Pair a Phone9 and follow the audible prompts.
You will be asked to say a four-digit Personal Identi­fication Number (PIN), which you will later need to enter into your cellular phone. You can enter any four-digit PIN.You willnot need to remember thisPIN after the initial pairing process.
For identification purposes, you will be prompted to give the UConnectt 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,with 1 being the highest priority. You can pair up to seven cellular phones to your UConnectt system. However, at any given time, only one cellular phone can be in use, connected to your UConnectt system. The priority allows the UConnectt 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 UConnectt 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 9Advanced Phone Connectivity9 in this section).
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Dial by Saying a Number
Press the PHONE button to begin.
After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say 9Dial.9
The system will prompt you to say the number you want to call.
For example, you can say 9234-567-8901.9 The phone number that you enter must be of valid length and combination. Based on the country in which the ve­hicle was purchased, the UConnectt system limits the user from dialing an invalid combination of numbers. For example, in the U.S., 234-567-890 is nine digits long, which is not a valid U.S. phone number - the closest valid phone number has 10 digits.
The UConnectt system will confirm the phone num­ber and then dial. The number will appear in the display of certain radios.
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Call by Saying a Name
Press the PHONE button to begin.
After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say “Call.9
The system will prompt you to say the name of the person you want to call.
After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say the name of the person you want to call. For example, you can say 9John Doe,9 where John Doe is a previ­ously stored name entry inthe UConnectt phonebook. To learn how to store a name in the phonebook, refer to 9Add Names to Your UConnectt Phonebook,9 in this section.
The UConnectt 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 UConnectt Phonebook NOTE: Adding names to the phonebook is recom-
mended when the vehicle is not in motion.
Press the PHONE button to begin.
After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say 9Phonebook New Entry.9
When prompted, saythename of the new entry. Useof long names helps the voice recognition and it is recommended. For example, say 9Robert Smith9 or 9Robert9 instead of 9Bob.9
When prompted, enter the number designation (e.g., 9Home,99Work,99Mobile,9 or 9Pager9). 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.
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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 UConnectt 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.
Phonebook Download
UConnectt allows the user to download entries from their phone via Bluetootht. To use this feature, press the PHONE button and say “Phonebook Download.” The system prompts, “Ready to accept “V” card entry via Bluetootht…” The system is now ready to accept phone­book entries from your phone using the Bluetootht
Object Exchange Profile (OBEX). Please see your phone Owner’s Manual for specific instructions on how to send these entries from your phone.
NOTE:
The phone handset must support Bluetootht OBEX transfers of phonebook entries to use this feature.
Some phones cannot send phonebook entries if they are already connected to any system via Bluetootht, and you may see a message on the phone display that the Bluetootht link is busy. In this case, the user must first disconnect or drop the Bluetootht connection to the UConnectt system, and then send the address book entry via Bluetootht. Please see your phone Owner’s Manual for specific instructions on how to drop the Bluetootht connection.
If the phonebook entry is longer than 24 characters, it will only use the first 24 characters.
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Edit Entries in the UConnectt Phonebook NOTE: Editing names in the phonebook is recom-
mended when the vehicle is not in motion.
Press the PHONE button to begin.
After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say 9Phonebook Edit.9
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 opportunity to edit another entry in the phonebook, call the number you just edited, or return to the main menu.
9Phonebook Edit9 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 9Phonebook Edit9 feature.
Delete Entries in the UConnectt Phonebook NOTE: Editing phonebook entries is recommended
when the vehicle is not in motion.
Press the PHONE button to begin.
After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say 9Phonebook Delete.9
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 9List Names9 to hear a list of the entries in the phonebook
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from which you choose. To select one of the entries from the list, press the “Voice Recognition” button while the UConnectt system is playing the desired entry and say 9Delete.9
After you enter the name, the UConnectt system will ask you which designation you wish to delete: home, work, mobile, pager, or all. Say the designation you wish to delete.
Note that only the phonebook entry in the current language is deleted.
Delete All Entries in the UConnectt Phonebook
Press the PHONE button to begin.
After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say 9Phonebook Erase All.9
The UConnectt 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.
Note that only the phonebook in the current language is deleted.
List All Names in the UConnectt Phonebook
Press the PHONE button to begin.
After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say 9Phonebook List Names.9
The UConnectt 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 9Call.9
NOTE: The user can also exercise 9Edit9 or 9Delete9 operations at this point.
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The UConnectt system will then prompt you as to the number designation you wish to call.
The selected number will be dialed.

Phone Call Features

The following features can be accessed through the UConnectt 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 UConnectt 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 UConnectt system will interrupt the vehicle audio sys­tem, if on, and will ask if you would like to answer the call. Press the PHONE button to accept the call. To reject
the call, press and hold the PHONE buttonuntilyou 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 UConnectt system compatible phones in the market today do not support rejecting an incoming call when another call is in progress. Therefore, the user can only answer an incoming call or ignore it.
Making a Second Call While Current Call in Progress
To make a second call while you are currently on a call, press the “Voice Recognition” button and say 9Dial9 or
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