Jeep Compass 2008 User Manual

SECTION PAGE

1

INTRODUCTION

2

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

3

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

4

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

6

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

7

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

9

IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

...............................69

................................... 155

.................................................223

...............................................295

...............................................309

..................................................363

..........................................371

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

10

INDEX

....................................................................381

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.

Rollover Warning Label

INTRODUCTION 5

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
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.

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

1

6 INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

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

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

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

INTRODUCTION 7

1

Vehicle Identification Number

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

▫ Locking Doors With The Key ..............14

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

m Steering Wheel Lock — Manual Transmission

Only .................................14

▫ To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel .......14

▫ To Release The Steering Wheel Lock .........14

m Sentry Key ............................15

2

▫ Replacement Keys ......................16

▫ Customer Key Programming ..............17

▫ General Information ....................18

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

▫ To Set The Alarm ......................18

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

▫ Security System Manual Override ...........19

m Remote Keyless Entry — If Equipped .........19

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

10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

▫ Using The Panic Alarm ..................21

▫ To Turn Off “Flash Lights With Lock” ........22

▫ Programming Additional Transmitters ........22

▫ General Information ....................24

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

m Door Locks ............................26

▫ Manual Door Locks .....................26

▫ Power Door Locks .....................27

▫ “Child-Protection” Door Lock System

(Rear Doors) — If Equipped ...............30

m Power Windows— If Equipped ..............31

▫ Power Window Switches .................31

▫ Auto Down ..........................31

▫ Window Lockout Switch .................32

m Liftgate ...............................32

m Occupant Restraints ......................34

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................35

▫ Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ....39

▫ Second Row Center Lap/Shoulder Belt

Operating Instructions ...................40

▫ Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................43

▫ Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System

(BeltAlert) ...........................44

▫ Seat Belt Extender ......................45

▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............46

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

▫ Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental

Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag ............46

▫ Event Data Recorder (EDR) ...............55

▫ Child Restraint ........................57

m Engine Break-In Recommendations ...........65

m Safety Tips ............................66

▫ Exhaust Gas ..........................66

▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The

Vehicle ..............................66

▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make

Outside The Vehicle ....................67

2

12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS

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

Vehicle Key

Ignition Key Removal

Manual Transaxle

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.

Automatic Transaxle — If Equipped

Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the ignition switch to
the ACC position, push the key and cylinder inward,
rotate the key to the LOCK position, and remove the key.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

inoperable. The engine can be started and stopped but
the key cannot be removed until you obtain service.

Ignition Key Positions

NOTE: If you try to remove the key before you place the

lever in PARK, the key may become trapped temporarily
in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the key to the
right slightly, then remove the key as described. If a
malfunction occurs, the system will trap the key in the
ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety feature is

WARNING!

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

CAUTION!

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

2

14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Locking Doors With The Key

You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key rearward, to unlock the door, turn the
key forward. See Section 7 of this manual for door lock
lubrication.

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.

NOTE: With the driver’s door open, and the key in the
ignition, both the power door locks and Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) will not function.

STEERING WHEEL LOCK — MANUAL
TRANSMISSION ONLY

Your manual transmission vehicle is equipped with a
passive steering wheel lock. This lock prevents steering
the vehicle without the ignition key. If the steering wheel

is moved no more than 1/2 turn in either direction and
the key is not in the ignition switch, the steering wheel
will lock.

To Manually Lock the Steering Wheel

With the engine running, turn the steering wheel upside
down, turn off the engine and remove the key. Turn the
steering wheel slightly in either direction until the lock
engages.

To Release the Steering Wheel Lock

Insert the key in the ignition switch and start the engine.
If the key is difficult to turn, move 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

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.

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.

2

16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•

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
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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

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.

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.

2

18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

The system monitors the doors, hood, liftgate, and igni­tion switch for unauthorized operation.

If something triggers the alarm, the system will signal
with the horn for 30 seconds and the lights for 60
seconds. If the triggering device is not deactivated the
horn will sound again after a 5 second delay for another
30 seconds. If the trigger remains present this cycle will
repeat for up to 5 minutes.

To Set the Alarm

1. Remove the keys from the ignition switch and get out
of the vehicle.

2. Lock the door using either the power door lock switch,
or the Keyless Entry Transmitter and close all doors.

3. The indicator light in the instrument cluster will flash
rapidly for 16 seconds. This shows that the system is
arming. During this period, if a door is opened, the
ignition switch is turned ON, or the power door locks are
unlocked in any manner, the system will automatically
disarm. After 16 seconds the indicator light will flash
slowly. This shows that the system is fully armed.

To Disarm the System

1. Press UNLOCK on the Keyless Entry Transmitter.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19

2. Starting the vehicle with a valid Sentry key will
disarm the system. A valid key is one that is programmed
to that particular vehicle. A valid key will disarm the
system, an invalid key will allow the engine to run for 2
seconds and stop.

Security System Manual Override

The system will not arm if you lock the doors using the
manual door lock plunger.

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY — IF EQUIPPED

This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors and
liftgate or activate the panic alarm from distances a
maximum of 66 feet (20 meters) using a hand held radio
transmitter. The transmitter need not be pointed at the
vehicle to activate the system.

2

Three Button Transmitter

NOTE: The line of transmission must not be blocked

with metal objects.

20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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. The time for this
feature is programmable on vehicles equipped with the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
“Turn Headlamps on with Remote Key Unlock” under
“Personal Settings” in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) section of this manual for details.

NOTE: The system can also be programmed to unlock
all doors on the first press of the UNLOCK button. On
electronic vehicle information center (EVIC) equipped
vehicles refer to “Remote Unlock Driver’s Door 1st”
under “Personal Settings” in the EVIC section of this
manual. On non EVIC – equipped vehicles perform the
following steps:

The system can be programmed to unlock all the doors
upon the first UNLOCK button press by using the
following procedure:

1. Press and hold the LOCK button on a programmed
key fob.

2. Continue to hold the LOCK button at least 4 seconds,
but not longer than 10 seconds, then press and hold the
UNLOCK button. A single chime will sound to indicate
that this feature has changed.

3. Release both buttons at the same time.

4. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle, by
pressing the LOCK/UNLOCK button on the keyfob.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21

NOTE: Pressing the LOCK button on the keyfob 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.

5. If the desired programming was not achieved or to
reactivate this feature, repeat the above steps.

To Lock the Doors and Liftgate

Press and release the LOCK button on the transmitter to
lock all doors. 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. On electronic vehicle information center
(EVIC) equipped vehicles refer to “Personal Settings” in
the “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” sec­tion of this manual. On non EVIC – equipped vehicles
perform the following steps:

1. Press the LOCK button for 4 to 10 seconds.

2. While the LOCK button is pressed (after 4 seconds),
press the PANIC button. Release both buttons.

The “Sound Horn On Lock” and “Flash Lamps With
Lock” feature can be reactivated by repeating this proce­dure.

Using The Panic Alarm

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

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.

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

2

22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To Turn Off “Flash Lights With Lock”

NOTE: The Flash Lights With Lock feature can be
turned on or off. On electronic vehicle information center
(EVIC) equipped vehicles refer to 9Personal Settings9 in
the EVIC section of this manual. On non EVIC - equipped
vehicles perform the following steps:

1. Press the UNLOCK button for 4 to 10 seconds.

2. While the UNLOCK button is pressed, (after 4 sec­onds) press the LOCK button. Release both buttons.

3. Test the flash lamps with LOCK feature while outside
of the vehicle, by pressing the LOCK button on the key
fob with the ignition in the LOCK position, and the key
removed.

NOTE: Pressing the LOCK button on the key fob, while
you are in the vehicle, will activate the Security Alarm.

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

The “Flash Lights On Lock/Unlock” feature can be
reactivated by repeating this procedure.

Programming Additional Transmitters

Vehicles will be shipped from the assembly plants with
two key fob transmitters programmed only for that
vehicle. A total of eight fobs can be programmed for your
vehicle. Additional fobs can be programmed to your
vehicle through the use of a currently programmed fob.

NOTE: When entering program mode using that fob, all
other programmed fobs will be erased and you will have
to reprogram them for your vehicle.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23

Use the Following procedure to program additional key
fobs if the vehicle is not equipped with Sentry Key:

1. Enter your vehicle and close all doors.

2. Fasten your seat belt (Fastening the seatbelt will cancel
any chiming that may confuse you during this program­ming procedure).

3. Place the key into the ignition.

4. Turn the ignition to the ON position ( Do not start the
engine ).

5. Press and hold the UNLOCK button on the key fob.

6. After holding the UNLOCK button for four seconds,
also press the PANIC button within 6 seconds.

7. When a single chime is heard release both buttons. The
chime is an indication that you have successfully entered
program mode. All fobs that are to be programmed must
be done so within 60 seconds of when the chime was
heard.

8. Using the fob to be programmed, press and release
both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons, simultaneously.

9. A single chime will be heard.

10. Within four seconds of hearing the chime, press and
release the UNLOCK button on the fob.

11. A single chime will be heard.

12. Repeat steps 8 through 10 to program up to six
additional fobs.

13. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.

14. Your vehicle will remain in program mode up to 60
seconds from when the original chime was heard. After
60 seconds, all programmed fobs function normally.

NOTE: If you do not have a programmed transmitter,
contact your dealer for details.

2

24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

General Information

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

1. This device may not cause harmful interference.

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

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

If your Remote Lock Control fails to operate from a
normal distance, check for these two conditions.

1. Weak batteries in transmitter. The expected life of
batteries is five years.

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

Battery Replacement

The recommended replacement battery is CR2032.

NOTE:

Perchlorate Material – special handling may ap-

ply, See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.”

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 elastomer seal during
removal.

Separating Transmitter 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 transmitter case, snap the two halves
together.

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

2

26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

DOOR LOCKS
Manual Door Locks

Use the manual door lock plunger to lock the doors from
inside the vehicle. If the plunger is down when the door
is closed, the door will lock. Therefore, make sure the
keys are not inside the vehicle before closing the door.

Manual Door Lock Plunger

WARNING!

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

WARNING!

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.

CAUTION!

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27

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

Power Door Locks

A door lock switch is located on the driver door panel.
Press this switch to lock or unlock the doors.

2

Power Door Lock Switches

Automatic Door Locks—If Equipped

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

1. The Auto Lock feature is enabled.

2. The transmission is in gear.

28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

3. All doors are closed.

4. The throttle is pressed.

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

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

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

For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC the Automatic
Door Locks can be enabled or disabled by performing the
following procedure:

Ignition Key Position

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

4. Verify reprogramming by driving the vehicle.

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

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

Auto Unlock

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29

1. The Auto Unlock feature is enabled.

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

3. The transmission is in NEUTRAL or PARK.

4. The driver door is opened.

5. The doors were not previously unlocked.

6. The vehicle speed is 0 mph (0 km/h).
The Auto Unlock feature can be enabled or disabled.

Refer to “Personal Settings” (Customer Programmable
Features) in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) — if equipped section of this manual.

For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC the Auto
Unlock Feature can be enabled or disabled by performing
the following procedure:

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

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

2

Ignition Key Position

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

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

30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: Use the Auto Door Locks and Auto Unlock
features in accordance with local laws.

“Child-Protection” Door Lock System (Rear
Doors) — If Equipped

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

Child Protection Door Lock Location

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 31

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.

POWER WINDOWS— IF EQUIPPED
Power Window Switches

Power Window Switch Location

The control on the left front door has up-down switches
that give you finger tip control of all four power win­dows. There is a single opening and closing switch on the
passenger doors for passenger window control. The
windows will operate only when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position, ACC position, and for up to 10
minutes after the ignition is turned OFF or the driver’s
door is opened. Refer to “Delay Power Off to Accessories
Until Exit” under the “Understanding your Instrument
Panel” section.

Auto Down

The driver’s window switch has an Auto Down feature.
Push the window switch past the first detent, release, and
the window will go down automatically. To cancel the
Auto Down movement, operate the switch in either the
up or down direction and release the switch.

2

32 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Window Lockout Switch

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

Lock Out Switch

LIFTGATE

NOTE: The key that is used to start the vehicle is also
used to lock or unlock the doors and open the liftgate.

To unlock the liftgate, insert the key into the lock and
turn to the right (manual lock models only). The liftgate
can also be unlocked using the remote keyless entry or by
activating the power door lock switches located on the
front doors. The central locking/unlocking feature (if
equipped) can also be activated from the liftgate key
cylinder.

Once unlocked, the liftgate can be opened or closed
without using the key. To open the liftgate, squeeze the
liftgate release and pull the liftgate open with one fluid
motion.

Liftgate Latch Location

NOTE: In the event of a power malfunction, or the

remote transmitter is inoperative, insert the key into the
liftgate lock cylinder and turn to the right (manual lock
models only). Using the liftgate handle, pull the liftgate
open with one fluid motion.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 33

NOTE: Although the liftgate has no inside release
mechanism, the liftgate trim panel includes an opening
with a snap-in cap that provides access to release the
latch in the event of an electrical system malfunction.

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.

•

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

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34 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Gas props support the liftgate in the open position.
However, because the gas pressure drops with tempera­ture, it may be necessary to assist the props when
opening the liftgate in cold weather.

OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS

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

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

WARNING!

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

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

Research has shown that seat belts save lives, and they
can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a collision. Some
of the worst injuries happen when people are thrown
from the vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility of

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 35

ejection and the risk of injury caused by striking the
inside of the vehicle. Everyone in a motor vehicle should
be belted at all times.

Lap/Shoulder Belts

All the seats in your vehicle are equipped with 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 your striking the inside of the
vehicle or being thrown out.

WARNING!

•

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

•

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

•

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

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36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

•

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

•

Wearing your belt in the wrong place could make
your injuries in a collision much worse. You might
suffer internal injuries, or you could even slide out
of part of the belt. Follow these instructions to
wear your seat belt safely and to keep your pas­sengers safe, too.

•

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

Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions

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

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

Pulling Out The Latch Plate

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37

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

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

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38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

4. Position the lap belt across your thighs, below your
abdomen. To remove slack in the lap belt portion, pull up
on the shoulder belt. Toloosen 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.

Positioning Lap Belt

WARNING!

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

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

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39

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

WARNING!

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

Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage

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

Adjustable Anchorage

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40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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.

Second Row Center Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions

The second row center lap/shoulder belt features a three
point seat belt with a mini latch and buckle, which allows
the shoulder belt to detach from the lower anchor when
the seat is folded. The mini buckle and shoulder belt can
then be stored out of the way in the right side trim panel
for added convenience.

1. Remove the mini latch and regular latch from its
stowed position in the right rear side trim panel.

Mini Latch Stowage

2. Grasp the mini latch plate and pull the belt over the
seat.

3. Route the shoulder belt to the inside of the right head
restraint.

Routing The Rear Center Shoulder Belt

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41

2

Routing The Rear Center Shoulder Belt

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

5. Sit back in seat. Slide the regular latch plate up the
webbing as far as necessary to allow the belt to go around
your lap.

42 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Connecting Mini Latch to Buckle

7. Position the lap belt across your thighs, below your
abdomen. To remove slack in the lap belt portion, pull up
on the shoulder belt. Toloosen the lap belt if it is too tight,
pull on the lap belt. A snug belt reduces the risk of sliding
under the belt in a collision.

Rear Center Seat Belt Buckled

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43

8. 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.

9. To release the belt, push the red button on the buckle.

Detaching Mini Latch and Buckle

10. To disengage the mini latch from the mini buckle for
storage, insert the regular latch plate into the black
button on the top of the mini buckle. The belt will
automatically retract to its stowed position. If necessary,
slide the latch plate down the webbing to allow the belt
to retract fully. Insert the mini latch plate into the slot
provided in the trim panel.

Seat Belt Pretensioners

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

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

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44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The pretensioners are triggered by the Airbag Control
Module (refer to information on Airbags in this section).
Like the front airbags, the pretensioners are single use
items. After a collision that is severe enough to deploy
the airbags and pretensioners, both must be replaced.

Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert)

If the driver’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 to buckle their seat
belt. The driver should also instruct all other occupants to
buckle their seat belts. Once the warning is triggered, the
Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) will continue to
chime and flash the Seat Belt Warning Light for 96 seconds
or until the driver’s seat belt is buckled. The Enhanced
Warning System (BeltAlert) will be reactivated if the
driver’s seat belt is unbuckled for more than 10 seconds
and the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h).

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

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

1. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and
buckle the driver or front passenger seat belt.

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

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45

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

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

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

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

Seat Belt Extender

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

WARNING!

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

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46 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.

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

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

Front Airbags and Knee Bolsters

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.

This vehicle may also be equipped with side curtain
airbags to protect the driver and passengers sitting next

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47

to a window. If the vehicle is equipped with side curtain
airbags, they are located above the side windows. Their
covers are also labeled SRS AIRBAG.

Side Curtain 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.

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

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48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: Do not use a clothing bar mounted to the coat
hooks in this vehicle. A clothing bar will impede the
proper performance of the curtain airbags.

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

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

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

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

1. Children 12 years old and under should ride buckled
up in the rear seat.

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

3. Children that are not big enough to wear the vehicle
seat belt properly (refer to information on Child Restraint
in this section) should be secured in the rear seat in child
restraints or belt-positioning booster seats.

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49

5. If a child from 1 to 12 years old must ride in the front
passenger seat because the vehicle is crowded, move the
seat as far back as possible, and use the proper child
restraint (refer to information on Child Restraint in this
section).

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

7. All occupants should use their seat belts properly.

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

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

10. If the airbag system in this vehicle needs to be
modified to accommodate a disabled person, contact the
Customer Center. Phone numbers are provided in the 9If
You Need Customer Assistance9 section in this manual.

WARNING!

•

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

•

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

•

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

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50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Air Bag System Components

The airbag system consists of the following:

•

Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)

•

Side Remote Acceleration Sensors (If Equipped)

•

Airbag Warning Light

•

Driver Airbag

•

Front Passenger Airbag

•

Supplemental Side Curtain Airbags above Side Win­dows (If Equipped)

•

Steering Wheel and Column

•

Instrument Panel

•

Interconnecting Wiring

•

Seatbelt Reminder Light

•

Knee Impact Bolsters

•

Front Acceleration Sensors

•

Driver and Front Passenger Seat Belt Pretensioners

How The Airbag System Works

•

The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) determines
if a frontal collision is severe enough to require the
airbags to inflate. The front airbag inflators are de­signed to provide different rates of airbag inflation
from direction provided by the ORC. This ORC will
detect roll over.

•

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

•

The ORC also turns on the Airbag Warning
Light in the instrument panel for 6 to 8
seconds as a self-check when the ignition is
first turned on. After the self-check, the

Airbag Warning Light will turn off. If the ORC detects
a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns on the
Airbag Warning Light either momentarily or continu­ously. A single chime will sound if the light comes on
again after initial start up.

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51

•

The Driver and Front Passenger Airbag/Inflator
Units are located in the center of the steering wheel

and the passenger side of the instrument panel. When
the ORC detects a collision requiring the airbags, it
signals the inflator units. A large quantity of nontoxic
gas is generated to inflate the front airbags. Different
airbag inflation rates may be possible based on colli­sion severity. The steering wheel hub trim cover, and
the upper passenger 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 that it takes
to blink your eyes. The bags then quickly deflate while
helping to restrain the driver and front passenger. The
driver’s front airbag gas is vented through vent holes
in the sides of the airbag. The passenger’s front airbag
gas is vented through vent holes in the sides of the
airbag. In this way, the airbags do not interfere with
your control of the vehicle.

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52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•

The Side Impact SRS Side Curtain Airbag are de­signed to activate only in certain side collisions. When
the ORC (with side impact option) detects a collision
requiring the side curtain airbag to inflate, it signals
the inflators on the crash side of the vehicle. Aquantity
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 that it
takes to blink your eyes) with enough force to injure
you if you are not belted and seated properly, or if
items are positioned in the area where the side curtain
airbag inflates. This especially applies to children. The
side curtain airbag is only about 3-1/2 inches (9 cm)
thick when it is inflated.

•

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

If A Deployment Occurs

The airbag system is designed to deploy when the ORC
detects a moderate-to-severe 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53

However, if you haven’t healed significantly within a
few days, or if you have any blistering, see your doctor
immediately.

•

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

•

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

WARNING!

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

Enhanced Accident Response 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

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54 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Maintaining Your Airbag System

WARNING!

•

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

•

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

•

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

Airbag Warning Light

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55

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 list below) 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:

1. A near-deployment event occurs when the airbag
sensor detects severe vehicle deceleration usually indica­tive of a crash, but not severe enough to warrant airbag
deployment.

2. Under certain circumstances, EDR data may not be
recorded (e.g., loss of battery power).

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

In the event that an investigation is undertaken by
DaimlerChrysler (regardless of initiative), the company
or its designated representative will first obtain permis­sion of the appropriate custodial entity for the vehicle
(usually the vehicle owner or lessee) before accessing the
electronic data stored, unless ordered to download data
by a court with legal jurisdiction (i.e., pursuant to a
warrant). A copy of the data will be provided to the

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56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

custodial entity upon request. General data that does not
identify particular vehicles or crashes may be released for
incorporation in aggregate crash databases, such as those
maintained by the US government and various states.
Data of a potentially sensitive nature, such as would
identify a particular driver, vehicle, or crash, will be
treated confidentially. Confidential data will not be dis­closed by DaimlerChrysler to any third party except
when:

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

2. Used in defense of litigation involving a
DaimlerChrysler product

3. Requested by police under a legal warrant

4. Otherwise required by law

Data Parameters that May Be Recorded:

•

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

•

Airbag disable lamp status (if equipped)

•

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

•

Airbag deployment level (if applicable)

•

Impact acceleration and angle

•

Seatbelt status

•

Brake status (service and parking brakes)

•

Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)

•

Engine control status (including engine speed)

•

Transmission gear selection

•

Cruise control status

•

Traction/stability control status

•

Tire pressure monitoring system status

Child Restraint

Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up at all
times — babies and children, too. Every state in the
United States and all Canadian provinces require that
small children ride in 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 57

WARNING!

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

Infants And Small Children

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

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58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•

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 9convertible9 child seats. Both types of
child restraints are held in the vehicle by the lap/
shoulder belt or the LATCH child restraint anchorage
system.

•

The infant carrier is only used rearward-facing in the
vehicle. It is recommended for children who weigh up
to about 20 lbs (9 kg). 9Convertible9 child seats can be
used either rearward-facing or forward-facing in the
vehicle. Convertible child seats often have a higher
weight limit in the rearward-facing direction than
infant carriers do, so they can be used rearward-facing
by children who weigh more than 9 kg (20 lbs) but are
less than one year old.

•

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

•

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.

•

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59

shoulder belt. (Some booster seats are equipped with a
front shield and are held in the vehicle by the lap
portion.)

NOTE: For additional information refer to
www.seatcheck.org.

WARNING!

•

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

•

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

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

•

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

•

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.

The passenger seat belts are equipped with either
cinching latch plates or seat belt retractors that can be
switched to an automatic locking mode, which are
designed to keep the lap portion tight around the child

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60 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

If the seat belt has a switchable retractor, it will have a
distinctive label. To operate the switchable retractor,
please refer to Automatic-Locking Retractor (ALR) 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 of the
belt several times to shorten it. Insert the latch plate
into the buckle with the release button facing out.

•

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

•

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

•

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61

Automatic-Locking Retractor (ALR)

To operate the switchable retractor, 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 on the belt until it is all removed
from the retractor. Allow the belt to return into the
retractor, pulling on the excess webbing to tighten the lap
portion about the child restraint. Follow the instructions
of the child restraint manufacture.

NOTE: To reset this feature you must let all of the belt
webbing return into the retractor. You will not be able to
pull out more webbing until all of the webbing has been
returned back into the retractor.

Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH)

Your vehicle is equipped with the child restraint anchor­age system called LATCH, which stands for Lower
Anchors and Tether for CHildren. The LATCH system
provides for the installation of the child restraint without
using the vehicle seat belt. All three rear seating positions
have lower anchorages that are capable of accommodat­ing LATCH-compatible child seats having flexible,
webbing-mounted lower attachments. Child seats with
fixed lower attachments must be installed in the out­board positions only. Regardless of the specific type of
lower attachment, NEVER install 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

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62 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

LATCH-compatible, you can only install the child re­straints using the vehicle’s seat belts. Please refer to,
Installing the Child Restraint System for typical installa­tion instructions.

Rear Seat LATCH

Child restraints systems having attachments designed to
connect to the lower anchorages are now available. Child
restraints having tether straps and hooks for connection
to the top tether anchorage have been available for some
time. In fact, many child restraint manufacturers will
provide add-on tether strap kits for some of their older
products. Tether anchorage kits are also available for
most older vehicles.

Because the lower anchorages are to be introduced to
passenger carrying vehicles over a period of years, child
restraint systems having attachments for those anchor­ages will continue to have features for installation in
vehicles using the lap or lap/shoulder belt. They will also
have tether straps, and you are urged to take advantage
of all of the available attachments provided with your
child restraint in any vehicle.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 63

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

Installing the Child Restraint System

We urge that you carefully follow the directions of the
manufacturer when installing your child restraint. Many,
but not all, restraint systems will be equipped with
separate straps on each side, with each having a hook or
connector and a means for adjusting the tension in the
strap. Forward-facing toddler restraints and some
rearward-facing infant restraints will also be equipped
with a tether strap with a hook and means for adjusting
the tension in the strap.

In general, you will first loosen the adjusters on the lower
and tether straps so that you can more easily attach the
hook or connector to the lower and tether anchorages.
The tether strap should be routed under the center of the
head restraint and attached to the tether anchor on the

2

64 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

rear of the seat back. Then tighten all three straps as you
push the child restraint rearward and downward into the
seat.

Rear Seat Tether Anchors

Not all child restraint systems will be installed as we
have described here. Again, carefully follow the instruc­tions that come with the child restraint system.

NOTE: If your child restraint seat is not LATCH com­patible, install the restraint using the vehicle seat belts.

WARNING!

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

Children Too Large For Booster Seats

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

•

Make sure that the child is upright in the seat.

•

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

•

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

•

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

Transporting Pets

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

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65

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.

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66 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas

WARNING!

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

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

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

WARNING!

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

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 67

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

Airbag Light

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

Defroster

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

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The Vehicle

Tires

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

Lights

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

Fluid Leaks

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

2

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

m Mirrors ...............................73

▫ Operation ............................78

3

▫ Inside Day/Night Mirror — If Equipped ......73

▫ Outside Mirror—Driver’s Side .............73

▫ Outside Mirror—Passenger’s Side ...........74

▫ Power Remote Control Mirrors —

If Equipped ..........................74

▫ Vanity Mirrors — If Equipped .............76

▫ Sun Visor Sliding Feature ................76

m Hands–Free Communication (UConnect™) —

If Equipped ............................76

▫ Phone Call Features ....................85

▫ UConnect™ System Features ..............88

▫ Advanced Phone Connectivity .............93

▫ Things You Should Know About Your

UConnect™ System .....................95

▫ General Information ...................103

m Seats ................................103

▫ Front Seat Adjustment ..................103

70 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Manual Seat Height Adjustment —

If Equipped .........................104

▫ Manual Lumbar— If Equipped ............105

▫ Driver’s Seat Back Recline ...............105

▫ Adjustable Head Restraints ..............106

▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped .............107

▫ Fold Flat Front Passenger Seat ............108

▫ Folding Rear Seat .....................109

▫ Reclining Rear Seat — If Equipped .........110

m To Open And Close The Hood .............112

m Lights ...............................113

▫ Map/Reading Lights ...................113

▫ Multi-Function Control Lever .............114

▫ Headlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel

Lights .............................114

▫ Daytime Running Lights (DRL) —

If Equipped .........................115

▫ Lights-On Reminder ...................115

▫ Fog Lights — If Equipped ...............116

▫ Turn Signals .........................116

▫ Highbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch .........117

▫ Passing Light ........................118

▫ Off-Road Lights – If Equipped ............118

m Windshield Wipers And Washers ...........119

▫ Windshield Washers ...................119

▫ Mist Feature .........................120

▫ Windshield Wiper Operation .............121

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 71

▫ Intermittent Wiper System ...............122

▫ Adding Washer Fluid ..................122

m Tilt Steering Column ....................122

m Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped ......123

▫ To Activate ..........................123

▫ To Set At A Desired Speed ...............124

▫ To Deactivate ........................124

▫ To Resume Speed .....................124

▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ...............124

▫ Manual Transaxle .....................125

▫ To Accelerate For Passing ...............125

m Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) – If Equipped . . . 126

m Electronic Brake Control System –

ABS/TCS/BAS/ERM/ESP ................127

▫ Anti-Lock Brake System – (ABS) ...........127

▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ............127

▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............128

▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ..........129

▫ ESP (Electronic Stability Program) .........130

m Garage Door Opener — If Equipped .........134

▫ Programming HomeLinkt ...............135

▫ Gate Operator/Canadian Programming .....138

▫ Using HomeLinkt .....................139

▫ Reprogramming a Single HomeLinkt Button . . 139

▫ Security ............................139

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72 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Troubleshooting Tips ...................140

▫ General Information ...................140

m Power Sunroof — If Equipped .............141

▫ Opening The Sunroof ..................142

▫ Closing The Sunroof ...................142

▫ Pinch Protect Feature ...................143

▫ Pinch Protect Override .................143

▫ Venting Sunroof – Express ...............143

▫ Sunshade Operation ...................143

▫ Wind Buffeting .......................143

▫ Sunroof Maintenance ...................144

▫ Ignition Off Operation ..................144

m Electrical Power Outlets — If Equipped .......144

▫ Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off .......146

m Console Features .......................147

m Cargo Area Features .....................148

▫ Cargo Light/Removable Self Recharging

Flashlight – If Equipped ................148

▫ Cargo Cover — If Equipped ..............150

▫ Removable Load Floor ..................150

▫ Cargo Tie-Down Loops .................151

▫ Fold Down Speakers – If Equipped .........152

m Rear Window Features ...................152

▫ Rear Window Wiper/Washer .............152

▫ Rear Window Defroster .................153

m Roof Luggage Rack — If Equipped ..........154

MIRRORS
Inside Day/Night Mirror — If Equipped

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

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

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 73

3

Adjusting Rear View Mirror

Outside Mirror—Driver’s Side

Adjust the Flat (Drivers Side) Outside Mirror so you can
just see the side of your vehicle in the part of the mirror
closest to vehicle with your head close to the door glass.

74 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Outside Mirror—Passenger’s Side

Adjust the convex outside mirror so you can just see the
side of your vehicle in the part of the mirror closest to the
vehicle with your head close to the center of the vehicle.

WARNING!

Vehicles and other objects seen in the passenger side
convex mirror will look smaller and farther away
than they really are. Relying too much on your
passenger side mirror could cause you to collide with
another vehicle or other object. Use your inside
mirror when judging the size or distance of a vehicle
seen in this convex mirror.

Power Remote Control Mirrors — If Equipped

The controls for the power mirrors are located on the
driver’s door trim panel.

Remote Control Mirrors Switch

Mirror Directions

To adjust a mirror, turn the control wand toward the left
or right mirror positions indicated. Tilt the control wand
in the direction you want the mirror to move. When
finished adjusting the mirror, turn the control to the
center position to prevent accidentally moving a mirror.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 75

WARNING!

Vehicles and other objects seen in the passenger side
convex mirror will look smaller and farther away
than they really are. Relying too much on your
passenger side mirror could cause you to collide with
another vehicle or other object. Use your inside
mirror when judging the size or distance of a vehicle
seen in this convex mirror.

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76 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Vanity Mirrors — If Equipped

To use the mirror, rotate the sun visor down and swing
the mirror cover upward.

Vanity Mirror

Sun Visor Sliding Feature

The sun visors may be pulled out to provide extended
coverage of the side glass.

HANDS–FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect™) —
IF EQUIPPED

UConnect™ is a voice-activated, hands-free, in- vehicle
communications system. UConnect™ allows you to dial
a phone number with your cellular phone using simple
voice commands (e.g., 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
UConnect™ system.

NOTE: The UConnect™ system use requires a cellular
phone equipped with the Bluetooth 9Hands-Free Profile,9
version 0.96 or higher. See UConnect™ website for sup­ported phones.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 77

NOTE: For UConnect™ 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

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

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

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78 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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 UConnect™ system can be used with any Hands­Free Profile certified Bluetooth™ cellular phone. See
UConnect™ website for supported phones. If your cellu­lar phone supports a different profile (e.g., Headset

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

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

The radio display will be used for visual prompts from
the UConnect™ system such as 9CELL9 or caller ID on
certain radios.

Operation

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

•

Prior to giving a voice command, one must wait for
the 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
UConnect™ system works best when you talk in a
normal conversational tone, as if speaking to some one
sitting eight feet away from you.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 79

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 UConnect™ system will play all the
options at any prompt if you ask for help.

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

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80 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Pair (Link) UConnect™ System to a Cellular Phone

To begin using your UConnect™ 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 UConnect™
website may also provide detailed instructions for pairing.

The following are general phone to UConnect™ 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 UConnect™ system a name for your cellular
phone. Each cellular phone that is paired should be
given a unique phone name.

•

You will then be asked to give your cellular phone a
priority level between 1 and 7, 1 being the highest
priority. You can pair up to seven cellular phones to
your UConnect™ system. However, at any given time,
only one cellular phone can be in use, connected to
your UConnect™ System. The priority allows the
UConnect™ system to know which cellular phone to
use if multiple cellular phones are in the vehicle at the
same time. For example, if priority 3 and priority 5
phones are present in the vehicle, the UConnect™
system will use the priority 3 cellular phone when you
make a call. You can select to use a lower priority
cellular phone at any time (refer to 9Advanced Phone
Connectivity9).

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 81

Dial by Saying a Number

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

•

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

•

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

Call by Saying a Name

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

•

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

•

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 UConnect™ phone
book. Refer to 9Add Names to Your UConnect™
Phonebook,9 to learn how to store a name in the phone
book.

•

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

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82 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Add Names to Your UConnect™ Phonebook
NOTE: Adding names to phone book is recommended

when vehicle is not in motion.

•

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

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

•

When prompted, 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.

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.

The UConnect™ 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

UConnect™ 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

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 83

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 UConnect™ 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 UConnect™ 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

•

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.

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84 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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 UConnect™ 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 UConnect™ system is playing the desired
entry and say 9Delete.9

•

After you enter the name, the UConnect™ 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 UConnect™ Phonebook

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

•

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

•

The UConnect™ 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.

List All Names in the UConnect™ Phonebook

•

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

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

•

The UConnect™ 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.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 85

•

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

•

The selected number will be dialed.

Phone Call Features

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

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

When you receive a call on your cellular phone, the
UConnect™ system will interrupt the vehicle audio
system, if on, and will ask if you would like to answer the
call. 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.

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86 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Answer or Reject an Incoming Call - Call
Currently in Progress

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

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

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

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.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 87

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
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 UConnect™ system will call the last number that
was dialed on your cellular phone.

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

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88 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Call Continuation

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

UConnect™ System Features

Language Selection

To change the language that the UConnect™ 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 UConnect™ language change op­eration, only the language specific 32-name phone book
is usable. The paired phone name is not language specific
and usable across all languages.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 89

Emergency Assistance

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

•

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

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

•

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

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

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

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

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

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

Towing Assistance

If you need towing assistance,

•

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

After the 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).

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90 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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

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

When calling a number with your UConnect™ system
that normally requires you to enter in a touch-tone
sequence on your cellular phone keypad, you can push
the “Voice Recognition” button and say the sequence you
wish to enter followed by the word 9Send.9 For example,
if required to enter your pin number followed with a
pound3746#,youcanpressthe“Voice Recognition”
button and say 93746#Send.9 Saying a number, or
sequence of numbers, followed by 9Send9 is also to be
used to navigate through an automated customer service
center menu structure and to leave a number on a pager.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 91

You can also send stored UConnect™ phonebook entries
as tones for fast and easy access to voicemail and pager
entries. To use this feature, dial the number you wish to
call and then press the “Voice Recognition” button and
say “Send.” The system will prompt you to enter the
name or number, say the name of the phonebook entry
you wish to send. The UConnect™ will then send the
corresponding phone number associated with the phone­book entry as tones over the phone.

NOTE:

•

You may not hear all of the tones due to cellular phone
network configurations, this is normal.

•

Some paging and voicemail systems have system
timeout settings too short that may not allow the use
of this feature.

Barge In - Overriding Prompts

The “Voice Recognition” button can be used when you
wish to skip part of a prompt and issue your voice
recognition command immediately. For example, if a
prompt is playing 9Would you like to pair a phone, clear
a{,9 you could press the “Voice Recognition” button and
say 9Pair a Phone9 to select that option without having to
listen to the rest of the voice prompt.

Turning Confirmation Prompts On/Off

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

•

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
9Setup Confirmations.9 The UConnect™ system will

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

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92 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Phone and Network Status Indicators

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

Dialing Using the Cellular Phone Keypad

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

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

Mute/Un-Mute (Mute Off)

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

•

Press the “Voice Recognition” button.

•

Following the beep, say 9Mute.9

In order to un-mute the UConnect™ system:

•

Press the “Voice Recognition” button.

•

Following the beep, say 9Mute-off.9

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 93

Advanced Phone Connectivity

Transfer Call to and from Cellular Phone

The UConnect™ system allows on going calls to be
transferred from your cellular phone to the UConnect™
system without terminating the call. To transfer an ongo­ing call from your UConnect™ paired cellular phone to
the UConnect™ system or vice-versa, press the “Voice
Recognition” button and say 9Transfer Call.9

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

Your cellular phone can be paired with many different
electronic devices, but can only be actively 9connected9
with one electronic device at a time.

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

List Paired Cellular Phone Names

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

•

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

•

When prompted, say 9List Phones.9

•

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

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94 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Select another Cellular Phone

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

•

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
9Setup Select Phone9 and follow the prompts.

•

You can also press the “Voice Recognition” button
anytime while the list is being played, and then choose
the phone that you wish to select.

•

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

Delete UConnect™ Paired Cellular Phones

Press the “Phone” button to begin.

•

•

After the 9Ready9 prompt and the following beep, say
9Setup Phone Pairing.9

•

At the next prompt, say 9Delete9 and follow the
prompts.

•

You can also press the “Voice Recognition” button
anytime while the list is being played, and then choose
the phone you wish to delete.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 95

Things You Should Know About Your UConnect™
System

UConnect™ Tutorial

To hear a brief tutorial of the system features, press the
“Phone” button and say “UConnect™ Tutorial.”

Voice Training

For users experiencing difficulty with the system recog­nizing their voice commands or numbers, the UCon­nect™ system Voice Training feature may be used. To
enter this training mode, follow one of the two proce­dures:

From outside the UConnect™ mode (e.g. from radio
mode)

•

Press and hold the “Voice Recognition” button for 5
seconds until the session begins, or,

•

Press the “Voice Recognition” button and say 9Setup,
Voice Training9 command.

Repeat the words and phrases when prompted by the
UConnect™ system. For best results, the Voice Training
session should be completed when the vehicle is parked,
engine running, all windows closed, and the blower fan
switched off.

This procedure may be repeated with a new user. The
system will adapt to the last trained voice only.

To restore the Voice Recognition system to factory default
settings, enter the Voice Training session via the above
procedure and follow the prompts.

Voice Recognition (VR)

For best performance, adjust the rear view mirror to

•

provide at least

1

⁄2inch (1 cm) gap between the

overhead console (if equipped) and the mirror.

•

Always wait for the beep before speaking.

•

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

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96 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

•

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

•

Performance is maximized under:

•

low-to-medium blower setting,

•

low-to-medium vehicle speed,

•

low road noise,

•

smooth road surface,

•

fully closed windows,

•

dry weather condition.

•

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

•

When navigating through an automated system, such
as voice mail, or when sending a page, at the end of
speaking the digit string, make sure to say 9Send.9

•

Storing names in phone book when vehicle is not in
motion is recommended.

•

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

•

UConnect™ phone book nametag recognition rate is
optimized for the person who stored the name in the
phone book.

•

You can say 9O9 (letter 9O9) for 909 (zero). 98009 must be
spoken 9eight-zero-zero.9

•

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

•

In a convertible vehicle, system performance may be
compromised with the convertible top down.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 97

Far End Audio Performance

Audio quality is maximized under:

•

•

low-to-medium blower setting,

•

low-to-medium vehicle speed,

•

low road noise,

•

smooth road surface,

•

fully closed windows, and

•

dry weather condition.

•

operation from driver seat.

•

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

•

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

•

In a convertible vehicle, system performance may be
compromised with the convertible top down.

Bluetooth Communication Link

Cellular phones have been found to lose connection to
the UConnect™ system. When this happens, the connec­tion can generally be re-established by switching the
phone off/on. Yourcell phone is recommended to remain
in Bluetooth 9on9 mode.

Power-Up

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

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98 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 99

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100 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE