Dodge NITRO Owner Manual

SECTION PAGE

1

INTRODUCTION

2

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

3

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

4

INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

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

...............................79

......................................... 163

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

...............................................333

...............................................345

..................................................397

..........................................405

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

10

INDEX

....................................................................415

10

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1

m Introduction ...........................4

m Rollover Warning ........................4

m How To Use This Manual ..................5

m Warnings And Cautions ................... 7

m Vehicle Identification Number ...............7

m Vehicle Modifications/Alterations ............8

4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

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

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

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

ROLLOVER WARNING

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate
than other types of vehicles. This vehicle has a higher
ground clearance, and a higher center of gravity than
many passenger cars. It is capable of performing better in
a wide variety of off-road applications. Driven in an
unsafe manner, all vehicles can be caused to go out of
control. Because of the higher center of gravity, if this
vehicle is out of control it may rollover when some other
vehicles may not.

Do not attempt sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers or other
unsafe driving actions that can cause loss of vehicle
control. Failure to operate this vehicle safely may result
in an accident, rollover of the vehicle, and severe or fatal
injury. Drive carefully.

INTRODUCTION 5

belts could cut the highway death toll by 10,000 or more
each year, and could reduce disabling injuries by 2
million annually. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person
is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing
a seat belt. Always buckle up.

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.

1

Rollover Warning Label

Failure to use driver and passenger seat belts provided

is a major cause of severe or fatal injury. In fact, the U.S.
government notes that the universal use of existing seat

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

6 INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

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

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

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

INTRODUCTION 7

1

Vehicle Identification Number

NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN.

8 INTRODUCTION

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

m A Word About Your Keys ..................12

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

▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................14

m Sentry Key ............................14

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

▫ Customer Key Programming ..............16

▫ General Information ....................17

m Steering Wheel Lock — If Equipped ..........17

▫ To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel .......17

2

▫ To Release The Steering Wheel Lock .........18

m Security Alarm System — If Equipped .........18

▫ To Arm The System .....................18

▫ To Disarm The System ...................19

m Illuminated Entry ........................19

m Remote Keyless Entry .....................20

▫ To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate ..........20

▫ To Lock The Doors And Liftgate ............21

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

10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Programming Additional Transmitters ........24

▫ Battery Replacement ....................24

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

m Remote Starting System — If Equipped ........25

m Door Locks ............................27

▫ Manual Door Locks .....................28

▫ Power Door Locks .....................29

▫ Automatic Door Locks ...................29

▫ Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit ...........30

▫ Child-Protection Door Lock System (Rear

Doors) ..............................32

m Windows .............................33

▫ Power Windows .......................33

▫ Wind Buffeting ........................37

m Liftgate ...............................38

m Occupant Restraints ......................39

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................40

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions .....41

▫ Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ....44

▫ Automatic Locking Mode — If Equipped .....45

▫ Energy Management Feature ..............45

▫ Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................46

▫ Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System

(BeltAlert) ...........................46

▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............48

▫ Seat Belt Extender ......................48

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

▫ Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental

Restraint Systems (SRS) ..................49

▫ Child Restraint ........................66

m Engine Break-In Recommendations ...........76

m Safety Tips ............................76

▫ Exhaust Gas ..........................76

▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The

Vehicle ..............................77

▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The

Vehicle ..............................78

2

12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS

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

Vehicle Key

The keys for your new vehicle are enclosed in a plastic
bag with the key code number on it. If you received your
keys without the bag, ask your dealer to give you the
number. The key code can also be obtained by the dealer
from your vehicle invoice.

Ignition Key Removal

Manual Transmission

Turn the key to the ACC position and then push the key
and cylinder inward slightly and rotate the key to the
LOCK position. Then remove the key.

Automatic Transmission — If Equipped

Place the shift lever in P (Park). Turn the key to the ACC
position and then push the key and cylinder inward
slightly and rotate the key to the LOCK position. Then
remove the key.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

WARNING!

Ignition Key Positions

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

CAUTION!

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

2

14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Key-In-Ignition Reminder

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

SENTRY KEY

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

The system uses ignition keys, which have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder), to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro­grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate

the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two (2)
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to start the
engine.

NOTE: A key, which has not been programmed, is also
considered an invalid key even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.

During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will
turn on for three (3) seconds for a bulb check. If the light
remains on after the bulb check, it indicates that there is
a problem with the electronics. In addition, if the light
begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that
someone used an invalid key to start the engine. Either of
these conditions will result in the engine being shut off
after two (2) seconds.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

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

NOTE:

•

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

•

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

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

Replacement Keys

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

CAUTION!

Always remove Sentry Keys 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 PIN number. Keep the PIN in a secure
location. This number is required for dealer replacement
of keys. Duplication of keys may be performed at an

2

16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

authorized dealer or by using the Customer Key Pro­gramming procedure. This procedure consists of pro­gramming a blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blank
key is one, which has never been programmed.

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

Customer Key Programming

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

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

2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch. Turn
the ignition switch to the “ON” position for at least 3

seconds, but no longer than 15-seconds. Then, turn the
ignition switch to the “LOCK” position and remove the
first key.

3. Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position within 15
seconds. After ten seconds, a chime will sound. In
addition, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will
begin to flash. Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK”
position and remove the second key.

4. Insert a blank Sentry Key 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 Alarm Indicator Light will
stop flashing. To indicate that programming is complete,
the indicator light will turn on again for 3 seconds and
then turn off.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

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

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

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

General Information

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

•

This device may not cause harmful interference.

•

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

STEERING WHEEL LOCK — IF EQUIPPED

Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering
wheel lock (manual transmission only). This lock pre­vents steering the vehicle without the ignition key. If the
steering wheel is moved a half turn in either direction
and the key is not in the ignition, the steering wheel will
lock.

To Manually Lock the Steering Wheel

With the engine running, rotate the steering wheel 1/2
revolution from straight ahead position, turn off the
engine, and remove the key. Rotate the steering wheel
slightly in both directions until the lock engages.

2

18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To Release the Steering Wheel Lock

Insert the key in the ignition and turn the wheel slightly
to the right or left to disengage the lock.

NOTE: If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to
disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.

SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED

This system monitors the vehicle doors, liftgate, and
ignition for unauthorized operation. When the alarm is
activated, the system provides both audible and visual
signals. The horn will sound repeatedly for three minutes
and the headlights and taillights will flash for an addi­tional 15 minutes.

NOTE: The “Panic” and “Security” alarms are quite
different. Please take a moment to activate the “Panic”
and the “Security” modes to hear the differences in the

horn. In case one should go off in the future, you will
need to know which mode has been activated in order to
deactivate it.

To Arm the System:

Remove the keys from the ignition switch and exit the
vehicle. Lock the doors and liftgate by pressing the
power door lock switch or the Lock button on the remote
keyless entry transmitter. Close all doors. The “Vehicle
Security Alarm Indicator Light” (located in the instru­ment cluster) will flash rapidly for about 16 seconds to
signal that the system is arming. During this 16-second
pre-arm period, opening any door or the liftgate will
cancel the arming process. If the system arms success­fully, the “Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light” will
flash at a slower rate to indicate the alarm is set.
Manually locking the doors with the door lock plunger
(located on the inside of the doors) or the driver’s door
key lock cylinder will not arm the system.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19

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
position.

The Security Alarm System is designed to protect your
vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the
system will give you a false alarm. If the previously
described arming sequence has occurred, the system will
arm regardless of whether you are inside or outside the
vehicle. If you remain inside the vehicle and open a door,
the alarm will sound. If this occurs, disarm the system.
Manually unlocking the doors with the door lock plunger
(located on the inside of the doors) or the driver’s door
key lock cylinder will not disarm the system.

Tamper Alert

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

ILLUMINATED ENTRY

The interior lights come on when you open any door.
They will remain on for about 30 seconds after all doors
are closed then fade to off.

The lights also will fade to off if you turn on the ignition
after you close all the doors.

2

20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY

This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors and
liftgate or activate the panic alarm from distances up to
23 feet (7 meters) using your key fob. The key fob does
not need to be pointed at the vehicle to activate the
system.

Three Button Key Fob

NOTE:

•

For the remote starting feature (if equipped), refer to
“Remote Starting System” in this section.

•

Your vehicle’s key fob may have three or four buttons
depending on the optional features purchased with
your vehicle.

To Unlock the Doors and Liftgate

Press and release the “Unlock” button on the key fob
once to unlock the driver’s door, or twice to unlock all
doors and the liftgate. The parking lights will flash to
acknowledge the unlock signal. The illuminated entry
system will also turn on.

Remote Key Unlock, Driver Door/All Doors First

This feature lets you program the system to unlock either
the driver’s door or all doors and the liftgate on the first
press of the “Unlock” button on the key fob. To change
the current setting, proceed as follows:

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21

On electronic vehicle information center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, refer to “Remote Key Unlock,” under
“Personal Settings (Customer Programmable Features),”
under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in
Section 4 of this manual

On non-EVIC equipped vehicles, perform the following
steps:

1. Press and hold the “Lock” button on a programmed
(i.e. functional) key fob for at least 4 seconds, but not
longer than 10 seconds. Then, press and hold the “Un­lock” button while still holding the “Lock” button.

2. Release both buttons at the same time.

3. Test the feature from outside the vehicle by pressing
the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons on the key fob.

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

NOTE: Pressing the “Lock” button on the key fob while
you are inside the vehicle will activate the Security
Alarm. Opening a door with the Security Alarm activated
will cause the alarm to sound. Press the “Unlock” button
to deactivate the Security Alarm.

To Lock the Doors and Liftgate

Press and release the “Lock” button on the key fob to lock
all doors and the liftgate. If the ignition is OFF when the
doors are locked, the parking lights will flash once and
the horn will chirp once.

Sound Horn with Lock

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

•

On electronic vehicle information center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, refer to “Sound Horn with Lock,”
under “Personal Settings (Customer Programmable

2

22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Features),” under “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual.

•

On non-EVIC equipped vehicles, perform the follow­ing steps:

1. Press the “Lock” button on a programmed (i.e. func­tional) key fob for at least 4 seconds, but not longer than
10 seconds. Then, press the “Panic” button while still
holding the “Lock” button.

2. Release both buttons at the same time.

3. Test the feature from outside the vehicle by pressing
the “Lock” button on the key fob.

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

NOTE: Pressing the “Lock” button on the key fob while
you are inside the vehicle will activate the Security

Alarm. Opening a door with the Security Alarm activated
will cause the alarm to sound. Press the “Unlock” button
to deactivate the Security Alarm.

Flash Lights with Lock

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

•

On electronic vehicle information center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, refer to “Flash Lights with Lock,”
under 9Personal Settings (Customer Programmable
Features),” under “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual.

•

On non-EVIC equipped vehicles, perform the follow­ing steps:

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23

1. Press and hold the “Unlock” button on a programmed
(i.e. functional) key fob for at least 4 seconds, but not
longer than 10 seconds. Then, press and hold the “Lock”
button while still holding the “Unlock” button.

2. Release both buttons at the same time.

3. Test the feature from outside the vehicle by pressing
the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons on the key fob.

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

NOTE: Pressing the “Lock” button on the key fob while
you are inside the vehicle will activate the Security
Alarm. Opening a door with the Security Alarm activated
will cause the alarm to sound. Press the “Unlock” button
to deactivate the Security Alarm.

Using the Panic Alarm

NOTE: The “Panic” and “Security” alarms are quite
different. Please take a moment to activate the “Panic”
and the “Security” modes to hear the differences in the
horn. In case one should go off in the future, you will
need to know which mode has been activated in order to
deactivate it.

To turn the panic alarm feature ON or OFF, press and
hold the “Panic” button on the key fob for at least one
second and release. When the panic alarm is on, the
headlights and parking lights will flash, the horn will
pulse on and off, and the illuminated entry system will
turn on.

The panic alarm will stay on for 3 minutes unless you
turn it off by pressing the “Panic” button a second time or
if the vehicle speed is 5 mph (8 km/h) or greater.

2

24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

During the Panic Mode, the door locks and remote
keyless entry systems will function normally. Panic mode
will not disarm the security system on vehicles so
equipped.

Programming Additional Transmitters

Refer to SENTRY KEY “Customer Key Programming.”
in this section.

NOTE: If you do not have a programmed transmitter

(key fob), contact your 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. If the key fob is equipped with a screw, remove the
screw. With the key fob buttons facing down, use a flat
blade to pry the two halves of the key fob case apart.
Make sure not to damage the seal during removal.

Separating Case Halves

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25

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 key fob case, snap the two halves
together.

NOTE: If the key fob is equipped with a screw, reinstall
and tighten the screw until snug.

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 Keyless Entry Transmitter fails to operate from a
normal distance, check for these two conditions.

1. Weak batteries in transmitter. The expected life of the
batteries is from one to two years.

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

REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED

Your vehicle may be equipped with a remote starting
system. This system allows the vehicle to be started from
distances up to 300 feet (91 meters) using the remote
keyless entry key fob, which is part of your ignition key.

In order to remote start your vehicle, the hood, the
liftgate, and all of the doors must be closed.

2

26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To remote start your vehicle, press and release the
“Remote Start” button on the key fob twice within three
seconds. To indicate that the vehicle is about to start, the
parking lights will flash and the horn will sound briefly
(if programmed).

Remote Start Button

Once the engine starts it will run for 15 minutes. To
cancel remote start, press and release the “Remote Start”
button once.

To enter the vehicle while the engine is running during a
remote start, you must first unlock the vehicle using the
“Unlock” button on the key fob. Once the vehicle is
unlocked, you have 60 seconds to enter the vehicle and
insert the key in the ignition and turn it to the ON
position. Otherwise, the system will cancel the remote
start and automatically turn off.

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

•

If the engine stalls or RPM exceeds 2500.

•

Any engine warning lamps come on.

•

The hood is opened.

•

The hazard switch is pressed.

•

The transmission is moved out of P (Park).

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27

The vehicle can be started remotely a maximum of two
times consecutively. The vehicle is also allowed a maxi­mum of one failed start, where the remote start sequence
was initiated but the engine stopped cranking without
starting. Following either of these conditions, or if the
Vehicle Security Alarm (if equipped) is alarming, or if the
PANIC button was pressed, the system must be reset
before remote starting the vehicle again. To reset the
system, insert a valid key into the ignition and turn it to
the ON position and then back to the LOCK position.

DOOR LOCKS

The vacuum fluorescent (VF) display located in the
odometer area displays the word “door” as an indication
of a door ajar or door not completely closed. When the
vehicle is not moving and the door is ajar or not
completely closed, the VF display will show the word
“door.”

If any other active warnings including “GATE”, or “GAS­CAP” are present, they will be shown in the VF display
and will also continue to cycle. If the vehicle is moving,
three single chimes will occur (One chime for each
complete display cycle (three cycles total). After this, the
display will continue to cycle only (no chimes).

If the trip/reset button is pressed while the VF warnings
are being displayed, the VF display will revert back to
only displaying the odometer/trip odometer mileage.

2

28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

WARNING!

•

For personal security and safety in the event of an
accident, lock the vehicle doors when 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29

Power Door Locks

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

Power Door Lock Switch

If you press the power door lock switch while the key is
in the ignition, and any front door is open, the power

locks will not operate. This prevents you from acciden­tally locking your keys in the vehicle. Removing the key
or closing the door will allow the locks to operate. A
chime will sound if the key is in the ignition switch and
a door is open, as a reminder to remove the key.

Automatic Door Locks

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

1. The Automatic Door Locks feature is enabled.

2. The transmission is in gear.

3. All doors are closed.

4. The throttle is pressed.

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

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

2

30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Automatic Door Locks Programming

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

For vehicles equipped with a 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, perform the
following procedure:

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

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

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

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

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

NOTE: Use the Automatic Door Locks feature in accor­dance with local laws.

Automatic Unlock Doors on Exit

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

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

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

3. The transmission is in N (Neutral) or P (Park).

4. The driver door is opened.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 31

5. The doors were not previously unlocked.

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

Automatic Unlock Doors on Exit Programming

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

For vehicles equipped with a 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, perform the
following procedure:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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32 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Child-Protection Door Lock System (Rear Doors)

Insert the tip of the ignition key into the lock and rotate
to the lock or unlock position.

Inserting Ignition Key

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
window and open the door with the outside door handle.

WINDOWS
Power Windows

The power window controls are located on the driver’s
door trim panel. There is a single switch on the front
passenger door/rear doors which operates the front
passenger/rear passenger door windows. The window
controls will operate only when the ignition switch is in
the ON or ACCESSORY position.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 33

2

Power Window Switches

The power window switches remain active for up to 10
minutes after the ignition switch has been turned off. For
vehicles equipped with a Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC), this feature is programmable. Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Delay

34 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Power Off to Accessories Until Exit” in Section 4 of this
manual. Opening a vehicle front door will cancel this
feature.

WARNING!

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

Auto Down Feature

The driver’s and front passenger’s (if equipped for pas­senger side) power window switches have an “Auto
Down” feature. Press the window switch past the first
detent, release, and the window will go down automati­cally.

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

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

For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power window switches
will remain active for 45 seconds after the ignition switch
is turned to the LOCK position. Opening either front
door will cancel this feature.

For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, the power window
switches will remain active for up to 10 minutes after the
ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position. Opening
either front door will cancel this feature. The time is
programmable. For details, refer to “Delay Power Off to

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 35

Accessories Until Exit,” under “Personal Settings (Cus­tomer Programmable Features),” under “Electronic Ve­hicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Section 4 of this
manual.

Auto Up Feature with Anti-Pinch Protection — If
Equipped

On some models, the driver’s power window switch has
an “Auto Up” feature. Pull the window switch up to the
second detent, release, and the window will go up
automatically.

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

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

For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power window switches
will remain active for 45 seconds after the ignition switch
is turned to the LOCK position. Opening either front
door will cancel this feature.

For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, the power window
switches will remain active for up to 10 minutes after the
ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position. Opening
either front door will cancel this feature. The time is
programmable. For details, refer to “Delay Power Off to
Accessories Until Exit,” under “Personal Settings (Cus­tomer Programmable Features),” under “Electronic Ve­hicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Section 4 of this
manual.

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36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:

•

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

•

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

WARNING!

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

Reset

It may be necessary at some point in time to reactivate the
auto-up feature. To do so, perform the following proce­dure:

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

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

Window Lockout Switch

The window lockout switch on the driver’s door (below
the power window switches) allows you to disable the
window control on the other doors. To disable the
window controls on the other doors, press the window
lockout button. To enable the window controls, press the
window lockout button again.

Window Lockout Switch

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37

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 sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to minimize
the buffeting.

2

38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

LIFTGATE

The vacuum fluorescent (VF) display located in the
odometer area displays the word “GATE” as an indica­tion of when the liftgate is not completely closed. When
the vehicle is not moving, and the liftgate is not com­pletely closed, the VF display will show the word
“GATE.” On EVIC equipped vehicles, “GATE AJAR” will
be displayed.

If any other active warnings are present, they will be
shown in the VF display and will also continue to cycle.
If the vehicle is moving, three single chimes will occur if
the rear liftgate is open (one chime for each complete
display cycle). After this, the VF display will continue to
sequence only (no chimes).

If the trip/reset button is pressed while the VF warnings
are being displayed, the VF display will revert back to
only displaying the odometer/trip odometer mileage.

To open the liftgate, pull up (squeeze) on the handle and
lift. Manually unlocking the vehicle doors with the
plunger or a key in the lock cylinder will not unlock the
liftgate.

Liftgate Release

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39

WARNING!

Driving with the liftgate open can allow poisonous
exhaust gases into your vehicle. You and your pas­sengers could be injured by these fumes. Keep the
liftgate closed when you are operating the vehicle.

OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS

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

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
injuries, including fatalities, if you are not properly
buckled up. You can strike the interior of your
vehicle or other passengers, or you can be thrown out
of the vehicle. Always be sure you and others in your
vehicle are buckled up properly.

Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even
on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver

2

40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

and cause a collision which includes you. This can
happen far away from home or on your own street.

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

Lap/Shoulder Belts

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

WARNING!

•

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

•

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

Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions

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

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41

2

Latch Plate

42 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.”

Latch Plate To Buckle

WARNING!

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

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

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

A shoulder belt placed behind 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43

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

WARNING!

A lap belt worn too high can increase the risk of
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 part of your seat belt as
low as possible and keep it snug.

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

2

Removing Slack From Belt

44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

WARNING!

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

Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage

In the front seating positions, the shoulder belt can be
adjusted upward or downward to position the belt away
from your neck. Press the release button to release the
anchorage, and then move it up or down to the position
that serves you best.

Adjusting Upper Shoulder Belt

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45

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

Automatic Locking Mode — If Equipped

In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre­locked. The belt will still retract to remove any slack in
the shoulder belt.

When To Use The Automatic Locking Mode

Anytime a child safety seat is installed in the rear center
seating position. Children 12 years old and under should
be properly restrained in the rear seat whenever possible.

How To Use The Automatic Locking Mode

1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt.

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

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

How to Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode

Disconnect 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.

Energy Management Feature

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

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

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46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

•

The belt and retractor assembly must be replaced
if the seat belt assembly “automatic locking retrac­tor” feature or any other seat belt function is not
working properly when checked according to the
procedures in the Service Manual.

•

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

Seat Belt Pretensioners

The driver and front passenger seat belts are equipped
with pretensioning devices that are designed to remove
any slack from the seat belt systems in the event of a
collision. These devices improve the performance of the
seat belt by assuring that the belt is tight around the
occupant early in a collision. Pretensioners work for all
size occupants, including those in child restraints.

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

The pretensioners are triggered by the Occupant Re­straint Control (ORC) Module. Like the front airbags, the
pretensioners are a single use item. After a collision that
is severe enough to deploy the airbags and pretensioners,
they must be replaced.

Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System (BeltAlert)

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47

chime and flash the Seat Belt Reminder Light for 96
seconds or until the driver’s or front passenger’s seat belt
is buckled. The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert)
will be reactivated if the driver’s or front passenger’s seat
belt is unbuckled for more than 10 seconds and the
vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h).

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

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

1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position, and
fasten the driver seat belt.

2. Start the engine, and wait for the Seat Belt Warning
Light to turn off.

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

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

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

NOTE: Although the Enhanced Warning System
(BeltAlert) has been deactivated, the Seat Belt Warning
Light will continue to illuminate while the driver seat
belt remains unfastened.

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48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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.

Seat Belt Extender

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

WARNING!

Using a seat belt extender when not needed can
increase the risk of injury in a collision. Only use
when the 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49

Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS)

Front Airbag Components

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

NOTE: The front airbags are certified to the Federal
regulations that allow less forceful deployment.

The front airbags have a multistage inflator design. This
may allow the airbag to have different rates of inflation
that are based on collision severity and occupant size.
Also, the front passenger airbag is certified to the Federal
regulations that define Occupant Classification (Refer to
9Occupant Classification System9 in this section).

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50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Window Airbag Location

NOTE: Airbag covers may not be obvious in the interior

trim; but they will open to allow airbag deployment.

WARNING!

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

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

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

• Do not cover or place items on the airbag covers. These
items may cause serious injury during inflation.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51

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. Along with the seat belts,
the front airbags provide improved protection for the
driver and front passenger. Window bags also work with
seat belts to improve occupant protection.

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

NOTE: The passenger front airbag may not deploy even
when the driver front airbag has if the Occupant Classi­fication System (refer to 9Occupant Classification System9
in this section) has determined the passenger seat is
empty or is occupied by someone that is classified in the
9child9 size category. This could be a child, teenager, or
even a adult.

The window bag on the crash side of the vehicle is
triggered in moderate to severe side, and rollover colli­sions. In certain types of collisions, both the front and
side airbags may be triggered. But even in collisions
where the airbags deploy, 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 and under should always ride
buckled up in a rear seat.

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

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52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Children that are not big enough to properly wear the
vehicle seat belt should be secured in the rear seat, in a
child restraint or belt-positioning booster seat. Older
children who do not use child restraints or belt­positioning booster seats should ride properly buckled
up in the rear seat. Never allow children to slide the
shoulder belt behind them or under their arm.

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

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

2. All occupants should use their lap and shoulder belts
properly.

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

4. Do not lean against the door or window, 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53

WARNING!

•

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

•

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

•

The side curtain airbags need room to inflate. Do
not lean against the door or window. Sit upright in
the center of the seat.

Airbag System Components

The airbag system consists of the following:

•

Occupant Restraint Control Module

•

Airbag Warning Light

•

Driver Airbag

•

Passenger Airbag

•

Side Curtain Airbags above Side Windows

•

Side Remote Acceleration Sensors

•

Steering Wheel and Column

•

Instrument Panel

•

Interconnecting Wiring

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54 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•

Front Remote Acceleration Sensors

•

Seat Track Position Sensors (STPS) — If Present

•

Driver and Front Passenger Seat Belt Pretensioner

•

Driver and Front Passenger Seat Belt Retractors

•

Occupant Classification System (OCS) — Front Pas­senger Seat Only

−

Occupant Classification Module

−

Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) Indicator Light

−

Weight Sensors

How The Airbag System Works

The Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) Module de-

•

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

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55

Also, the ORC turns on the “Airbag Warning
Light” and “PAD Indicator Light” for 6 to 8
seconds for a self-check when the ignition is

first turned on. After the self-check, the
“Airbag Warning Light” will turn off. The “PAD
Indicator Light” will function normally (Refer to 9Pas­senger Airbag Disable (PAD) Indicator Light9 in this
section). If the ORC detects a malfunction in any part
of the system, it turns on the “Airbag Warning Light”
either momentarily or continuously. A single chime
will sound if the light comes on again after initial start
up.

WARNING!

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

•

The Occupant Classification System (OCS) is part of
a Federally regulated safety system required for this
vehicle. It is designed to turn off the front passenger
airbag for an empty seat and for occupants classified
in a category other than an adult. This could be a child,
teenager, or even a adult.

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56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: Children 12 years and under should always ride
buckled up in a rear seat in an appropriate child restraint.

•

The Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) Indicator Light
(an amber light located in the center of the instrument
panel) tells the driver and front passenger when the
front passenger airbag is turned off. The “PAD Indi­cator Light” illuminates the words 9PASS AIR BAG
OFF9 to show that the passenger airbag will not inflate
during a collision requiring airbags. When the right
front passenger seat is empty or when very light
objects are placed on the seat, the passenger airbag
will not inflate even though the “PAD Indicator Light”
is not illuminated.

Indicator Light Location

The “PAD Indicator Light” should not be illuminated
when a adult passenger is properly seated in the front
passenger seat. In this case, the airbag is ready to be
inflated if a collision requiring an airbag occurs.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 57

For occupants classified into the “child” size category, the
“PAD Indicator Light” will be illuminated indicating that
the front passenger airbag is turned off and will not
inflate. If the “PAD Indicator Light” is not illuminated,
DO NOT assume the airbag is turned off and move the
child restraint to the rear seat. A deploying passenger
airbag can cause death or serious injury to a child in a
rear facing infant seat.

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

Passenger Air-

Front Passenger

Seat Occupant

Adult OFF ON

Grocery Bags,

Heavy Briefcases

and Other Rela-

tively Light Objects

Empty or Very

Small Objects

* Since the system senses weight, some small objects

will turn the PAD Indicator Light on.

The OCS classifies an occupant using weight sensors
mounted in the base of the front passenger seat. Any
weight on the seat will be sensed by the system. Objects
hanging on the seat or other passengers pushing down
on the seat will also be sensed. The weight of an adult
will cause the system to turn the airbag on. In this case,

bag Disable

(PAD) Indica-

tor Light

ON OFF

OFF* OFF

Airbag Status

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58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

the OCS has classified the occupant of the seat as an
adult. An adult occupant needs to sit in a normal position
(with their feet on or near the floor) in order to be
properly classified. Reclining the seat back too far may
change how an occupant is classified by the OCS.

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

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

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

•

The Driver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Units are
located in the center of the steering wheel and the right
side of the instrument panel. When the ORC detects a
collision requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator
units. A large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to
inflate the front airbags. Different airbag inflation rates
are possible, based on collision severity and occupant
size. The steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper
right side of the instrument panel separate and fold
out of the way as the bags inflate to their full size. The
bags fully inflate in about 50–70 milliseconds. This is
about half of the time it takes to blink your eyes. The
bags then quickly deflate while helping to restrain the
driver and front passenger.

The driver front airbag gas is vented through the vent
holes in the sides of the airbag. The passenger front
airbag gas is vented through the vent holes in the sides
of the airbag. In this way, the airbags do not interfere
with your control of the vehicle.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59

•

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

•

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

•

The Side Impact SRS Side Curtain Airbags are de­signed to activate only in certain side collisions and
rollover events. When the ORC detects a collision
requiring the side curtain airbag to inflate, it signals
the inflators on the crash side of the vehicle. Aquantity

2

60 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate the side curtain
airbag. The inflating side curtain airbag pushes the
outside edge of the headliner out of the way and
covers the window. The airbag inflates in about 30
milliseconds (about one quarter of the time it takes to
blink your eyes) with enough force to injure you if you
are not belted and seated properly, or if items are
positioned in the area where the side curtain airbag
inflates. This especially applies to children. The side

1

curtain airbag is only about 3

⁄2inches (9 cm) thick

when it is inflated.

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

The following requirements must be strictly adhered to:

•

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

•

Do not 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61

WARNING!

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

If A Deployment Occurs

The airbag system is designed to deploy when the
Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) Module detects a
moderate-to-severe frontal collision, to help restrain the
driver and front passenger, and then to immediately
deflate.

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

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

•

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

•

As the airbags deflate you may see some smoke-like
particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the
process that generates the nontoxic gas used for airbag

2

62 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the skin,
eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation,
rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat
irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues,
see your doctor. If these particles settle on your
clothing, follow the garment manufacturer’s instruc­tions for cleaning.

•

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

WARNING!

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

Enhanced Accident Response 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 lamps which remain on as long as
the battery has power or until the ignition key is
removed.

•

Unlocks the doors automatically

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 63

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 or vehicle body structure.

• 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. Takeyour 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.

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

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

NOTE:

Perchlorate Material – special handling may

apply, See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate

Airbag Warning Light

You will want to have the airbag system ready to inflate
for your protection in an impact. The airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free. If any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
promptly:

•

Does not come on during the 6 to 8 seconds after the
ignition switch is first turned on.

•

Remains on after the 6 to 8 second interval.

•

Comes on for any period of time while driving.

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64 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Event Data Recorder (EDR)

In the event of an accident, your vehicle is designed to
record up to 5-seconds of specific vehicle 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 air bag deployment or near­deployment. EDR data are ONLY recorded if an airbag
deploys, or nearly deploys, and are otherwise unavail­able.

NOTE:

•

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.

•

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
used by DaimlerChrysler Corporation and others to learn
more about the possible causes of crashes and associated
injuries in order to assess and improve vehicle perfor­mance. In addition to crash investigations initiated by
DaimlerChrysler 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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65

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

Data Parameters that May Be Recorded:

•

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

•

Airbag disable lamp status (if equipped)

•

9Time9 of airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)

•

Airbag deployment level (if applicable)

•

Impact acceleration and angle

•

Seat belt status

•

Brake status (service and parking brakes)

•

Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)

•

Engine control status (including engine speed)

•

Transmission gear selection

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66 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•

Cruise control status

•

Traction/stability control status

•

Tire pressure monitoring system status

Child Restraint

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

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

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

WARNING!

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 67

Infants and Child Restraints

Safety experts recommend that children ride

•

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

•

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

•

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

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 infant restraint should only be
used in a rear seat. A rearward facing infant
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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68 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

•

Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it
has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety
Standards. The manufacturer also recommends that
you try a child restraint in the vehicle seats 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.

•

Except for the second row center seating position, all
passenger seat belts are equipped with “automatic
locking retractors identified by a distinctive label.”
The second row center position has a cinching latch

plate identified by a distinctive label. Both types of
seat belts are designed to keep the lap portion tight
around the child restraint so that it is not necessary to
use a locking clip. If the seat belt has a cinching latch
plate, pulling up on the shoulder portion of the
lap/shoulder belt will tighten the belt (the cinching
latch plate will keep the belt tight). However, any seat
belt system may loosen with time, so check the belt
occasionally and pull it tight if necessary. For the
second row seat belts with the automatic locking
retractors, pull the belt from the retractor until there is
enough to allow you to pass through the child restraint
and slide the latch plate into the buckle. Then, pull the
belt until it is fully extracted from the retractor. Allow
the belt to return to the retractor, pulling on the excess
webbing to tighten the lap portion about the child
restraint. For additional information, refer to 9Auto­matic Locking Mode9 earlier in this section.

•

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

•

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

•

Buckle the child into the restraint exactly as the
manufacturer’s instructions tell you.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69

•

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

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

Older Children and Child Restraints

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

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70 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Children Too Large for Booster Seats

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

•

Make sure that the child is upright in the seat.

•

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

•

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

•

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

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

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

LATCH-compatible child restraint systems are now avail­able. However, because the lower anchorages are to be
introduced over a period of years, child restraint systems

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 71

having attachments for those anchorages will continue to
also have features for installation using the vehicle’s seat
belts. Child restraints having tether straps and hooks for
connection to the top tether anchorages have been avail­able for some time. For some older child restraints, many
child restraint manufacturers offer add-on tether strap
kits or retro-fitkits. You are urged to take advantage of all
the available attachments provided with your child re­straint in any vehicle.

The two outboard rear seating positions have lower
anchorages that are capable of accommodating LATCH­compatible 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 LATCH-compatible child seats such that
two seats share a common lower anchorage.

If you are installing LATCH-compatible 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 LATCH­compatible, you can only install the child restraints using
the vehicle’s seat belts. Please refer to the next section for
typical installation instructions.

Installing the LATCH-Compatible Child Restraint
System

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

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

2

72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Latch Anchorages

In addition, there are tether strap anchorages behind each
rear seating position located on the back of the seat.

Tether Strap Mounting

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 73

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
anchorage bars, pushing aside the seat cover material.
Then, locate the tether anchorage 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.

WARNING!

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

Installing Child Restraints Using the Vehicle Seat
Belt

The passenger seat belts are equipped with either cinch­ing latch plates or automatic locking retractors, which are
designed to keep the lap portion tight around the child
restraint so that it is not necessary to use a locking clip. If
the seat belt has a cinching latch plate, pulling up on the
shoulder portion of the lap/shoulder belt will tighten the

2

74 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

belt. However, any seat belt system may loosen with
time, so check the belt occasionally and pull it tight if
necessary.

If the seat belt has a automatic locking retractor, it will
have a distinctive label. Pull the belt from the retractor
until there is enough to allow you to pass through the
child restraint and slide the latch plate into the buckle.
Then, pull the belt until it is all extracted from the
retractor. Allow the belt to return to the retractor, pulling
on the excess webbing to tighten the lap portion about
the child restraint. Refer to “Automatic Locking Mode”
earlier in this section.

In the rear seat, you may have trouble tightening the
lap/shoulder belt on the child restraint because the
buckle or latch plate is too close to the belt path opening
on the restraint. Disconnect the latch plate from the

buckle and twist the short buckle-end belt several times
to shorten it. Insert the latch plate into the buckle with the
release button facing out.

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

To attach a child restraint tether strap:
Route the tether strap over the seat back and attach the

hook to the tether anchor located on the back of the seat.
For the outboard seating positions, route the tether over
the head rests, and attach the hook to the tether anchor
located on the back of the seat.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 75

WARNING!

Tether Strap Mounting

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

Transporting Pets

Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision. Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in
pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.

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76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS

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

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

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

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

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

SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas

WARNING!

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

•

Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for a extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with engine running for more
than a short period, adjust the ventilation system to
force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.

•

Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte­nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.

•

Always run the climate control in panel or floor mode
when driving with any windows open, even if only
slightly, to help keep fresh air circulating inside ve­hicle. Otherwise poisonous gases could be drawn into
the vehicle.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 77

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.

Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.

Airbag Warning Light

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

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78 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Defrosters

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. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is inoper­able.

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 for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires (includ­ing spare) for proper pressure.

Lights

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

Fluid Leaks

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

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

m Mirrors ...............................83

▫ Operation ............................89

3

▫ Inside Day/Night Mirror .................83

▫ Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped ....84

▫ Outside Mirrors .......................84

▫ Exterior Mirrors Folding Feature ...........85

▫ Power Remote Control Mirrors .............85

▫ Illuminated Vanity Mirrors — If Equipped ....86

m Hands–Free Communication (UConnectt)—

If Equipped ............................87

▫ Phone Call Features ....................96

▫ UConnectt System Features ...............99

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

▫ Things You Should Know About Your

UConnectt System ....................105

▫ General Information ...................113

m Seats ................................113

▫ Front Manual Seat Adjustment ............113

80 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Front Seat Adjustment — Recline ..........114

▫ 6–Way Driver’s Power Seat With Manual

Recliner ............................115

▫ Fold Flat Front Passenger Seat ............116

▫ Head Restraints ......................116

▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped .............116

▫ 60/40 Split Folding Rear Seat With Fold Flat

Feature ............................118

m To Open And Close The Hood .............121

m Lights ...............................122

▫ Interior Lights .......................122

▫ Multi-Function Control Lever .............123

▫ Parking Lights, Instrument Panel Lights,

And Headlights ......................123

▫ Lights-On Reminder ...................124

▫ Headlight Dimmer Switch ...............124

▫ Passing Light ........................124

▫ Front Fog Lights — If Equipped ...........124

▫ Turn Signals .........................125

▫ Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped .....125

m Windshield Wipers And Washers ............125

▫ Intermittent Wiper System ...............126

▫ Windshield Wiper Operation .............126

▫ Windshield Washers ...................126

▫ Mist Feature .........................127

m Tilt Steering Column ....................127

m Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped ......128

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 81

▫ Electronic Speed Control Operation ........128

▫ To Activate ..........................128

▫ To Set At A Desired Speed ...............129

▫ To Deactivate ........................129

▫ To Resume Speed .....................129

▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ...............129

▫ Manual Transmission ..................130

▫ To Accelerate For Passing ...............130

m Electronic Brake Control System ............131

▫ ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) ............131

▫ TCS (Traction Control System) ............132

▫ BAS (Brake Assist System) ...............132

▫ ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation) ..........133

▫ ESP (Electronic Stability Program) .........134

▫ ESP/BAS Warning Lamp ................137

m Garage Door Opener — If Equipped .........137

▫ Programming HomeLinkt ...............139

▫ Gate Operator/Canadian Programming .....141

▫ Using HomeLinkt .....................142

▫ Reprogramming a Single HomeLinkt Button . . 142

▫ Security ............................143

▫ Troubleshooting Tips ...................143

▫ General Information ...................143

m Power Sunroof — If Equipped .............144

▫ Opening Sunroof - Express ..............145

▫ Closing Sunroof - Express ...............145

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82 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Pinch Protect Feature ...................145

▫ Pinch Protect Override .................146

▫ Venting Sunroof - Express ...............146

▫ Sunshade Operation ...................146

▫ Wind Buffeting .......................146

▫ Sunroof Maintenance ...................147

m Electrical Power Outlet ...................147

▫ Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off .......148

m Power Inverter ........................149

m Cup Holders ..........................151

m Storage ..............................152

▫ Front Storage Compartment ..............152

▫ Console Storage Compartment ............152

m Cargo Area Features .....................153

▫ Cargo Light .........................153

▫ Cargo Tie-Down Hooks .................153

▫ Cargo Load Floor — If Equipped ..........154

▫ Rear Cargo Slide Out System (Load N Got)—

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

m Rear Window Features ...................157

▫ Rear Window Wiper/Washer — If Equipped . .157

▫ Rear Window Defroster — If Equipped ......159

m Roof Luggage Rack— Non Functional ........160

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 83

MIRRORS
Inside Day/Night Mirror

The mirror should be adjusted to center on the view
through the rear window.

Adjusting Rearview Mirror

A two-point pivot system allows for horizontal and
vertical adjustment of the mirror.

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

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84 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped

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

Automatic Dimming Mirror

CAUTION!

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

Outside Mirrors

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

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 85

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 the
right side mirror.

Exterior Mirrors Folding Feature

Folding exterior mirrors are hinged and may be moved
either forward or rearward to resist damage.

Power Remote Control Mirrors

Use the mirror select switch, located on driver’s side door
trim panel, to adjust the view obtained in the outside
mirrors. Press the switch to the L or R for Left or Right
mirror selection.

3

Power Mirror Switches

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

86 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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 will turn off the light.

Illuminated Vanity Mirror

Sun Visor “Slide-Out” Feature

The sun visor “slide-on rod ” feature allows for addi­tional flexibility in positioning the visor to block out the
sun.

1. Fold down sun visor.

2. Unclip visor from center clip.

3. Pull the sun visor toward inside rearview mirror to
extend.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 87

HANDS–FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnectT)—
IF EQUIPPED

NOTE: The sales code RER radio contains an inte­grated Hands-Free Communication (UConnectt) sys­tem. Refer to your “Navigation User’s Manual” for
UConnectt system operating instructions for this radio.

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 use requires a cellular
phone equipped with the Bluetooth 9Hands-Free Profile,9
version 0.96 or higher. See UConnectt website for sup­ported phones.

NOTE: For UConnectt customer support, visit the
following web sites:

•

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 enables you to mute the system’s micro­phone for private conversation.

The UConnectt phone book enables you to store up to 32
names and four numbers per name. Each language has a
separate 32-name phone book accessible only in that
language. This system is driven through your Blue­tooth™ Hands-Free profile cellular phone. UConnectt
features Bluetooth™ technology - the global standard

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88 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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 system.
Only one linked (or paired) cellular phone can be used
with the system at a time. The system is available in
English, Spanish, or French languages (as equipped).

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 Bluetooth™ cellular phone. See 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
can be adjusted either from the radio volume control
knob or from the steering wheel radio control (right
switch), if so equipped.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 89

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 follows the 9Ready9 promptor another
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 some one
sitting eight feet away from you.

Voice Command Tree

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

Help Command

If you need assistance at any prompt, or if you want to
know your options at any prompt, say 9Help9 following
the beep. The UConnectt system will play all the options
at any prompt if you ask for help.

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90 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To activate the UConnectt system from idle, simply press
the “Phone” button and follow 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 Bluetooth™ 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 the beep, say 9Pair a Phone9 and
follow the audible prompts.

•

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

•

For identification purposes, you will be prompted to
give the 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, 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).

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 91

•

System will prompt you to say the number you want
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 limits the user
from dialing invalid combination of numbers. For
example, in USA, 234-567-890 is nine digits long,
which is not a valid USA phone number - the closest
valid phone number has ten digits.

•

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

3

Dial by Saying a Number

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
9Dial.9

Call by Saying a Name

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
“Call.9

92 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

•

System will prompt you to say the name of the person
you want 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 in the UConnectt phone
book. Refer to 9Add Names to Your UConnectt Phone­book,9 to learn how to store a name in the phone book.

•

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

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
9Phonebook New Entry.9

•

When prompted, say the name of the new entry. Use of
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 phone book
entry, if desired.

•

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

NOTE: Adding names to phone book is recommended
when vehicle is not in motion.

•

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

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

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 93

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

Phonebook Download

UConnectt allows the user to download entries from
their phone via Bluetooth. To use this feature, press the
“Phone” button and say “Phonebook Download.” Sys­tem prompts “Ready to accept vcard entry via Blue­tooth…” The system is now ready to accept phonebook
entries from your phone using the Bluetooth Object
Exchange Profile (OBEX). Please see your phone owners’
manual for specific instructions on how to send these
entries from your phone.

NOTE:

•

Phone handset must support Bluetooth OBEX trans­fers of phonebook entries to use this feature.

•

Some phones cannot send phonebook entries if they
are already connected to any system via Bluetooth,
and you may see a message on the phone display that
the Bluetooth link is busy. In this case, the user must
first disconnect or drop the Bluetooth connection to
the UConnectt and then send the address book entry
via Bluetooth. Please see your phone owners’ manual
for specific instructions on how to drop the Bluetooth
connection.

•

If the phonebook entry is longer than 24 characters it
will be use only the first 24 characters.

Edit Entries in the UConnectt Phonebook
NOTE: Editing names in the phone book is recom-

mended when vehicle is not in motion.

•

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
9Phonebook Edit.9

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94 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

•

You will then be asked for the name of the phone book
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
phone book entry that you are editing.

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

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 phone book entries is recommended

when 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 phone book
entry that you wish to delete or you can say 9List
Names9 to hear a list of the entries in the phone book
from which you choose. To select one of the entries
from the list, press the 9Voice Recognition9 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 phone book 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 phone book entries will be
deleted.

•

Note that only the phone book in the current language
is deleted.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 95

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
phone book entries.

•

To call one of the names in the list, press the 9Voice
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.

•

The UConnectt system will then prompt you as to the
number designation you wish to call.

•

The selected number will be dialed.

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96 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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 ’Phone’ button to accept the call. To reject the
call, press and hold the ’Phone’ button until you hear a
single beep indicating that the incoming call was rejected.

Answer or Reject an Incoming Call - Call
Currently in Progress

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

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

Making a Second Call while Current Call in
Progress

To make a second call while you are currently in a call,
press the ’Voice Recognition’ button and say 9Dial9 or
9Call9 followed by the phone number or phone book
entry you wish to call. The first call will be on hold while

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 97

the second call is in progress. To go back to the first call,
refer to 9Toggling Between Calls.9 To combine two calls,
refer to 9Conference Call.9

Place/Retrieve a Call from Hold

To put a call on hold, press the 8Phone’ button until you
hear a single beep. This indicates that the call is on hold.
To bring the call back from hold, press and hold the
“Phone” button until you hear a single beep.

Toggling Between Calls

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

Conference Call

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

Three-Way Calling

To initiate three-way calling, press the “Voice Recogni­tion” button while a call is in progress and make a second
phone call as described under 9Making a Second Call
while Current Call in Progress.9 After the second call has
established, press and hold the “Phone” button until you
hear a double beep indicating that the two calls have
been joined into one conference call.

Call Termination

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

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98 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

hold may not become active automatically. This is cell
phone dependent. To bring the call back from hold, press
and hold the “Phone” button until you hear a single
beep.

Redial

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
9Redial.9

•

The UConnectt system will call the last number that
was dialed on your cellular phone.

NOTE: This may not be the last number dialed from the
UConnectt system.

Call Continuation

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 99

UConnectT System Features

Language Selection

To change the language that the UConnectt system is
using,

•

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
the name of the language you wish to switch to
(English, Espanol, or Francais, if so equipped).

•

Continue to follow the system prompts to complete
language selection.

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

NOTE: After every UConnectt language change opera-
tion, only the language specific 32-name phone book is
usable. The paired phone name is not language specific
and usable across all languages.

Emergency Assistance

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

•

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

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

•

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
9Emergency9 and the UConnectt system will instruct

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

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

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100 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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

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

Towing Assistance

If you need towing assistance,

•

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
9Towing Assistance.9

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

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

Paging

To learn how to page refer to 9Working with Automated
Systems.9 Paging works properly except for pagers of
certain companies which time-out a little too soon to
work properly with the UConnectt system.

Voice Mail Calling

To learn how to access your voice mail, refer to 9Working
with Automated Systems.9

Working with Automated Systems

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

You can use your UConnectt system to access a voice­mail system or an automated service, such as, paging