Dodge Nitro 2007 User 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
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.............................11
.........................................159
.................................................235
..............................................323
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..................................................385
.........................................411
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
INDEX
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10
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1
Introduction ........................... 4
Roll Over Warning .....................5
How To Use This Manual ..................6
Warnings And Cautions ................... 8
Vehicle Identification Number ............... 8
Vehicle Modifications / Alterations ........... 9
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 Moparparts, and is interested in your satisfaction.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain prod­ucts of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Roll Over Warning
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher roll over rate than other types of vehicles. This vehicle has a higher ground clearance, higher center of gravity, and narrower track 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 and the narrower track, if this vehicle is out of control it may roll over 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, roll over of the vehicle, and severe or fatal injury. Drive carefully.
INTRODUCTION 5
1
Roll Over 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 belts could cut the highway death toll by 10,000 or more each year, and could reduce disabling injuries by 2
6 INTRODUCTION
million annually. In a roll over 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.
Consult the following table for a description of the symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout this owner manual:
INTRODUCTION 7
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8 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 area, visible through the windshield. This number also appears on the Automobile Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window on your vehicle, the vehicle registration and title.
Vehicle Identification Number
NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and may lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or death.
INTRODUCTION 9
1
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
A Word About Your Keys ..................14
Ignition Key Removal ...................14
Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................16
Steering Wheel Lock — If Equipped ..........16
To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel .......16
To Release The Steering Wheel Lock .........16
Sentry Key — If Equipped .................16
Replacement Keys ......................17
Customer Key Programming ..............18
2
General Information ....................19
Security Alarm System — If Equipped .........19
ToSetTheAlarm ......................19
To Disarm The System ...................20
Illuminated Entry ........................20
Remote Keyless Entry .....................21
To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate ..........21
To Lock The Doors And Liftgate ............22
Using The Panic Alarm ..................23
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Programming Additional Transmitters ........24
Battery Replacement ....................24
General Information ....................25
Remote Starting System — If Equipped ........26
Door Locks ............................27
Manual Door Locks .....................28
Power Door Locks .....................29
Child-Protection Door Lock System
(Rear Doors) ..........................30
Windows .............................31
Power Windows .......................31
Wind Buffeting ........................35
Liftgate ...............................35
Occupant Restraints ......................36
Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................38
Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions .....39
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ....42
Automatic Locking Mode — If Equipped .....43
Energy Management Feature ..............43
Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................44
Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert) ...........................44
Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............45
Seat Belt Extender ......................46
Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint Systems (SRS) ..................47
Child Restraint ........................64
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
Engine Break-In Recommendations ...........74
Safety Tips ............................74
Exhaust Gas ..........................74
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle..............................75
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle..............................76
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14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
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
Ignition Key Removal
Manual Transmission
Turn the ignition switch to the ACC position, push the key and cylinder inward, rotate the key to the LOCK position, and remove the key.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Place the shift lever in P (Park). Turn the ignition switch to the ACC position, push the key and cylinder inward, rotate the key to the LOCK position, and remove the key.
Ignition Key Positions
WARNING!
Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is danger­ous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be injured. Children should be warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal, or the gear selector lever. Do not 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.
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16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition, sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.
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.
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.
SENTRY KEY — IF EQUIPPED
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
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
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 that has not been programmed is consid­ered an invalid key even if it is cut to fit the ignition 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.
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.
Replacement Keys
NOTE: Only keys that have been programmed to the vehicle electronics can be used to start the vehicle. Once a Sentry Key has been programmed to a vehicle, it cannot be programmed to any other vehicle.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided with a four digit PIN. This number is required for dealer replacement of keys. Duplication of keys may be per­formed at an authorized dealer or by using the Customer Key Programming procedure. This procedure consists of programming a blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blank key is one which has never been programmed and needs to be cut.
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18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE: When having the Sentry Key System serviced, bring all vehicle keys to the dealer.
Customer Key Programming
You can program new keys to the system if you have two valid keys by doing the following:
1. Cut the additional Sentry Key Transponder blank(s) to match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.
2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch and turn the ignition switch ON for at least 3 seconds but no longer than 15 seconds. Turn the ignition switch OFF and remove the first key.
3. Insert the second valid key and turn the ignition switch ON within 15 seconds. After ten seconds, a chime will sound and the “Vehicle Theft Alarm Indicator Light” will begin to flash. Turn the ignition switch OFF and remove the second key.
4. Insert a blank Sentry Key into the ignition switch and turn the ignition switch ON within 60 seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound and the “Vehicle Theft Alarm Indicator Light” will stop flashing, turn on again for 3 seconds, and then turn off.
The new Sentry Key has been programmed. The Keyless
Entry Transmitter will also be programmed during this procedure. Repeat this procedure to program up to a
total of 8 keys. If you do not have a programmed sentry key, contact your dealer for details.
NOTE: If a programmed key 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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
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.
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 Set the Alarm
The alarm will set when you use the remote keyless entry transmitter to lock the doors and liftgate or when you use the power door lock switch while the door is open. After all the doors are locked and closed, 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. If the system successfully arms, the “Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light” will flash at a slower rate to indicate the alarm is set. A manual lock of the doors, either with the door lock plunger located on the inside of the doors or with the driver’s door key lock cylinder, will not set the alarm.
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20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
To Disarm the System
To disarm the system, use the remote keyless entry transmitter. Also, using a valid sentry key and moving the ignition switch to the ON/START position will disarm the system. If something has triggered the system in your absence, the horn will sound three times when you unlock the doors. Check the vehicle for tampering.
The Security Alarm System is designed to protect your vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the system will arm unexpectedly. If you remain in the vehicle and lock the doors with the transmitter, once the system is armed (after 16 seconds), when you pull the
door handle to exit the alarm will sound. If this occurs, press the “Unlock” button on the remote keyless entry transmitter to disarm the system. The Security Alarm System will not disarm with a manual unlock, either through the lock plunger located on the inside of the door, or through a key in the driver’s door key cylinder.
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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21
The lights also will fade to off if you turn on the ignition after you close all the doors.
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
Three Button Keyfob
NOTE: For the remote starting feature (if equipped),
refer to the “Remote Starting System” section.
NOTE: Your vehicle’s keyfob may have three, or four buttons, depending on the optional features purchased with your vehicle.
This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors, liftgate, or activate the panic alarm from a minimum distance of 23 feet (7 meters) using your keyfob. The keyfob does not need to be pointed at the vehicle to activate the system.
To Unlock the Doors and Liftgate
Press and release the “Unlock” button on the key fob once to unlock only the driver’s door or twice to unlock all the doors and liftgate. When the “Unlock” button is pressed, the illuminated entry will initiate, and the parking lights will flash on twice.
Remote Unlock Driver’s Door First
The system can be programmed to unlock all the doors or driver’s door only upon the first “Unlock” button press by using the following procedure:
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22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
On electronic vehicle information center (EVIC) equipped vehicles refer to “Remote Unlock Driver’s Door 1st” under “Personal Settings” in the EVIC section (Sec­tion 4) of this manual.
On non EVIC – equipped vehicles perform the following steps:
1. Perform this operation while standing outside the vehicle.
2. Press and hold the “Lock” button on your key fob.
3. Continue to hold the “Lock” button at least 4 seconds, but not longer than 10 seconds, then press and hold the “Unlock” button while still holding the “Lock” button.
4. Release both buttons at the same time.
5. This will allow you to unlock all doors on the first press of the “Unlock” button.
To Lock the Doors and Liftgate
Press and release the “Lock” button on the key fob to lock all doors and liftgate. If the ignition is OFF, when the doors are locked, the parking lights will flash on once and the horn will chirp once.
Sound Horn Unlock
Press and release the “Lock” button on the transmitter to lock all doors and tailgate. The turn signal lights will flash and the horn will chip once to acknowledge the lock signal. If desired, the “Sound Horn On Lock” feature can be turned on or off by using the following procedure:
On electronic vehicle information center (EVIC) equipped vehicles refer to “Personal Settings” in the “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” sec­tion (Section 4) of this manual.
On non EVIC – equipped vehicles perform the follow­ing steps:
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23
1. Perform this operation while standing outside the vehicle.
2. Press and hold the “Lock” button on a programmed (i.e. functional) key fob.
3. Continue to hold the “Lock” button, wait at least 4 seconds, but no longer than 10 seconds, then press and hold the PANIC button. Release both buttons at the same time.
4. To reactivate this feature, repeat the above steps.
Flash Lights With Lock
The Flash Lights With Lock feature can be turned on or off.
On electronic vehicle information center (EVIC) equipped vehicles refer to Personal Settings⬙ in the EVIC section (Section 4) of this manual.
On non EVIC - equipped vehicles perform the follow­ing steps:
1. Perform this operation while standing outside the vehicle.
2. Press and hold the “Unlock” button on a programmed (i.e. functional) key fob.
3. Continue to hold the “Unlock” button, wait at least 4 seconds, but no longer than 10 seconds, then press and hold the “Lock” button. Release both buttons at the same time.
4. To reactivate this feature, repeat the above steps.
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
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24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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 activate the Panic mode while the ignition is OFF, press and release the PANIC button on the transmitter once. When the Panic mode is activated, the interior lights will illuminate, the headlamps and parking lights will flash, and the horn will sound.
To cancel the Panic mode, press and release the PANIC button on the transmitter a second time. Panic mode will automatically cancel after 3 minutes or if the vehicle is started or exceeds 5 mph (8 km/h). 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,
contact your dealer for details.
Battery Replacement
The recommended replacement battery is CR2032.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25
1. If the key fob is equipped with a screw, remove the screw. With the transmitter buttons facing down, use a flat blade to pry the two halves of the transmitter apart. Make sure not to damage the seal during removal.
Separating Transmitter Halves
2. Remove and replace the batteries. Avoid touching the new batteries with your fingers. Skin oils may cause battery deterioration. If you touch a battery, clean it with rubbing alcohol.
3. To assemble the transmitter case, snap the two halves together.
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.
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26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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, which will allow the vehicle to be started up to 300 feet away from the vehicle using the remote keyless entry key fob which is part of your ignition key.
In order to remote start your vehicle, the hood, liftgate, and all the doors must be closed.
To remote start your vehicle, press 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).
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27
Once the vehicle has started, the engine will run for 15 minutes. To cancel remote start, press 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. After the vehicle is unlocked, you have 60 seconds to enter the vehicle, insert the key in the ignition and move it to the RUN position, otherwise the engine will cancel 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).
The vehicle can be started remotely up to a maximum of two times. 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. After either of these conditions, or if the Vehicle Theft Alarm is alarming, or if the PANIC button was pressed, the vehicle must be reset by inserting a valid key into the ignition and moving it to the RUN position, then back to LOCK.
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,
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28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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.
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 Door Locks
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29
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.
Power Door Locks
A door lock switch is on each front door panel. Press this switch to lock or unlock the doors.
2
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
30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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
If this feature is selected your door locks will lock automatically if the vehicle speed is above 15 mph (24 km/h) and all doors are closed. It will reset whenever a door is opened.
This feature is selectable and can be turned on or off. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — Customer Programmable Features” in Section 4 of this manual or see your authorized dealer.
Automatic Unlock on Exit Feature — Only Available if Auto Lock is Enabled
This feature will unlock all the doors when the driver’s door is opened if the vehicle is stopped and in P (Park) or
N (Neutral). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — Customer Programmable Features” in Section 4 of this manual or see your authorized dealer.
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
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