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From inside (document excerpt):
INTRODUCTION TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE .3 1 .9 2 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL STARTING AND OPERATING 61 3 . 133 4 205 5 . 263 6 281 7 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 335 8 . 351 9 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE INDEX . 361 10 INTRODUCTION CONTENTS Introduction . 4 How To Use This Manual . 4 Warnings And Cautions 6 Vehicle Identification Number 6 Vehicle Modifications / Alterations 7 1 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.
User and Operator’s Vehicle Manual Guide. Free Auto PDF Manual Download. Years covered by this manual: 2005.
It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and various customer oriented documents. You are urged to read these publications carefully. Following the instructions and recommendations in this manual will help assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle. NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be aware of all safety warnings. When it comes to service, remember that your dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained technicians and genuine Mopar parts, and is interested in your satisfaction. WARNING! Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL Consult the table of contents to determine which section contains the information you desire. The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a complete listing of all subjects. Consult the following table for a description of the symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout this owner’s manual: INTRODUCTION 5 1 6 INTRODUCTION WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS This manual contains WARNINGS against operating procedures which could result in an accident or bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do not read this entire manual you may miss important information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions. VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER The vehicle identification number (VIN) is located near the left front corner of the windshield. The VIN is visible from outside of the vehicle through the windshield. This number also appears on the Automobile Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window on your vehicle. Save this label for a convenient record of your vehicle identification number and optional equipment. NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN plate. INTRODUCTION 7 VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS 1 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 A Word About Your Keys .11 Ignition Key Removal .11 Key-In-Ignition Reminder . .12 Sentry Key . .12 Replacement Keys . .13 Customer Key Programming . .14 General Information . .14 Illuminated Entry System .15 Door Locks .15 Manual Door Locks .15 Power Door Locks .16 Child Protection Door Lock .19 Remote Keyless Entry . .20 To Unlock The Doors .21 To Lock The Doors .21 To Unlock The Trunk . .22 Using The Panic Alarm . .22 General Information . .23 Transmitter Battery Service .23 Vehicle Theft Alarm — If Equipped . .24 Windows .25 Power Windows .25 2 10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE Trunk Lock And Release . .28 Trunk Safety Warning . .28 Trunk Emergency Release . .29 Occupant Restraints .29 Lap/Shoulder Belts .30 Pretensioners .34 Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert) .35 Seat Belts And Pregnant Women . .36 Seat Belt Extender . .36 Driver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) – Airbag . .37 Engine Break-In Recommendations . .57 Safety Tips . .58 Exhaust Gas . .58 Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The Vehicle . .58 Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The Vehicle . .59 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11 A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS You can insert the double sided keys into the locks with either side up. Ignition Key Removal The shift lever must be in PARK. Turn the key to the LOCK position, then remove the key. 2 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. NOTE: The power window switches, radio, power sunroof, and power outlets will remain active for 10 minutes after the ignition switch has been turned off. Opening either front door will cancel this feature. The time is programmable through the electronic vehicle information center (EVIC)–if equipped. Refer to Personal Settings in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Section for details. 12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE WARNING! Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be injured. Children should be warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the gear selector lever. Don’t leave the keys in the ignition. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle. NOTE: The Key-In-Ignition reminder only occurs when the ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC positions. SENTRY KEY The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unauthorized operation of the vehicle by disabling the engine. The system will shut the engine off after 2 seconds of running if an invalid key is used to start the vehicle. This system utilizes ignition keys which have an electronic chip (transponder) embedded into them. Only keys that have been programmed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate the vehicle. The Sentry Key Immobilizer System does not need to be armed or activated. Operation of the system is automatic regardless of whether or not the vehicle is locked or unlocked. During normal operation, the Theft Alarm/ Immobilizer Light will come on for three (3) seconds immediately after the ignition switch is turned on for a bulb check. Afterwards, if the bulb remains on, this indicates a problem with the electronics. CAUTION! An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always remove key from the ignition and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended. Key-In-Ignition Reminder If you open the driver’s door and the key is in the ignition switch, a chime will sound to remind you to remove the key. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13 If the bulb begins to flash after the bulb check, this indicates that an invalid key has been used to start the vehicle. Both of these conditions will result in the engine being shut off after two (2) seconds of running. Keep in mind that a key which has not been programmed is also considered an invalid key even if it is cut to fit the ignition lock cylinder for that vehicle. If the Theft Alarm/Immobilizer Light comes on during normal vehicle operation (vehicle has been running for longer than 10 seconds), a fault has been detected in the electronics and the vehicle should be serviced as soon as possible. NOTE: · The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not compatible with remote starting systems. Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting problems and loss of security protection. · Exxon/Mobil Speed Pass,TM additional Sentry Keys, or any other transponder equipped components on the same keychain 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 have been programmed to the vehicle electronics can be used to start the vehicle. Once a Sentry Key has been programmed to a vehicle, it can not be programmed to any other vehicle. At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided with a four digit PIN number. This number is required for dealer replacement of keys. Duplication of keys may be performed at an authorized dealer or by using the Customer Key Programming procedure. This procedure consists of programming a blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blank key is one which has never been programmed. 2 14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE NOTE: When having the Sentry Key Immobilizer System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to the dealer. Customer Key Programming You can program new sentry keys to the system if you have two valid sentry keys by performing the following procedure: 1. Cut the additional Sentry Key Transponder blank(s) to match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code. 2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch and turn the ignition switch ON for at least 3 seconds but no longer than 15 seconds. Turn the ignition switch OFF and remove the first key. 3. Insert the second valid key and turn the ignition switch ON within 15 seconds. After ten seconds a chime will sound and the Theft Alarm Light will begin to flash. Turn the ignition switch OFF and remove the second key. 4. Insert a blank Sentry Key into the ignition switch and turn the ignition switch ON within 60 seconds. After 10 seconds a single chime will sound. The Theft Alarm Light will stop flashing, turn on for 3 seconds; then turn off. The new Sentry Key has been programmed. The Keyless Entry Transmitter will also be programmed during this procedure. Repeat this procedure to program up to a total of 8 keys. If you do not have a programmed sentry key, contact your dealer for details. NOTE: If a programmed key has been lost, see your dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the systems memory. This will prevent the lost key from starting your vehicle. The remaining keys must then be reprogrammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to the dealer at the time of service to be reprogrammed. 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. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15 ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM The courtesy lights will turn on when you use the keyless entry transmitter or open the doors. The lights will fade to off after about 30 seconds or they will immediately fade to off once the ignition switch is turned on from the LOCK position. NOTE: · None of the courtesy lights will operate if the dimmer control is in the “defeat ” position (extreme downward position). DOOR LOCKS Manual Door Locks Lock the doors by pushing down on the lock knob on each door trim panel. 2 If the lock knob is down when you shut the door, the door will lock. Therefore, make sure the keys are not inside the vehicle before closing the door. 16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE WARNING! · For personal security and safety in the event of an accident, lock the vehicle doors as you drive as well as when you park and leave the vehicle. · When leaving the vehicle always remove the key from the ignition lock, and lock your vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause severe personal injuries and death. Power Door Locks A power door lock switch is on each front door trim panel. Use this switch to lock or unlock the doors. If you press the power door lock switch while the key is in the ignition, and any front door is open, the power locks will not operate. This prevents you from accidentally locking your keys in the vehicle. Removing the key or closing the door will allow the locks to operate. A chime will sound if the key is in the LOCK or ACC position and a door is open, as a reminder to remove the key. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17 Automatic Door Locks The doors will lock automatically on vehicles with power door locks if all of the following conditions are met: 1. The Auto Lock feature is enabled. 2. The transmission is in gear. 3. All doors are closed. 4. The throttle is pressed. 5. The vehicle speed is above 15 mph (24 km/h). 6. The doors were not previously locked using the power door lock switch or remote keyless entry transmitter. The Automatic Door Lock feature can be enabled or disabled. Refer to “Personal Settings ” (Customer Programmable Features) in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — 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: 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 18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 3. Depress the power door lock switch to lock the doors. Auto Unlock The doors will unlock automatically on vehicles with power door locks if: 1. The Auto Unlock feature is enabled. 2. The transmission was in gear and the vehicle speed returned to 0 mph (0 km/h). 3. The transmission is in NEUTRAL or PARK. 4. The driver door is opened. 5. The doors were not previously unlocked. 6. The vehicle speed is 0 mph (0 km/h). 4. A single chime will indicate the completion of the programming. 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. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19 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. 3. Depress the power door unlock switch to unlock the doors. 4. A single chime will indicate the completion of the programming. NOTE: Use the Auto Door Locks and Auto Unlock features in accordance with local laws. Child Protection Door Lock To provide a safer environment for small children riding in the rear seats, the rear doors are equipped with a child protection door lock system. 2 WARNING! Avoid trapping anyone in the vehicle in a collision. Remember that the rear doors can only be opened from the outside when the child protection locks are engaged. 20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE To activate the system, open the rear door and move the child lock control, located near the door’s rear latch, to the ON position. REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors, open the trunk, or activate the panic alarm from distances up to about 23 feet (7 meters) using a hand held radio transmitter. The transmitter need not be pointed at the vehicle to activate the system. NOTE: If the key is in the ignition switch, then all buttons on that transmitter will be disabled. The buttons on the remaining transmitters will work. If the vehicle is shifted out of PARK, all the transmitter buttons are disabled for all keys. When the child lock system is engaged the door can be opened only by using the outside door handle even though the inside door lock is in the unlocked position. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21 To unlock the doors: Press and release the UNLOCK button on the transmitter once to unlock the driver’s door, or twice to unlock all doors. The turn signal lights will flash twice to acknowledge the unlock signal. The illuminated entry system also turns on. The headlights will also activate and remain on for 90 seconds (programmable) when the doors are unlocked using the remote keyless entry transmitter. The time for this feature is programmable 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. Refer to “Remote Unlock Driver’s Door 1st ” under “Personal Settings ” in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) section of this manual, or simply follow these 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. The “Remote Unlock Driver’s Door 1st ” feature can be reactivated by repeating this procedure. To lock the doors: Press and release the LOCK button on the transmitter to lock all doors. The turn signal lights will flash once to acknowledge the lock signal. The horn will chirp once to acknowledge the signal. If desired, the “Sound Horn On Lock ” feature can be turned on and off by referring to Personal Settings in the “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ” section of this manual, or by following these 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 ” feature can be reactivated by repeating this procedure. 2 22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE To unlock the trunk: Press the trunk button on the transmitter two times to unlatch the trunk. NOTE: The transmitter can be programmed to unlatch the trunk by pressing the trunk button only one time by performing the following procedure: 1. Press and hold the Unlock button on the transmitter. 2. Continue to hold the Unlock button, wait at least 4 but no longer than 10 seconds, then press the trunk button. 3. Release both buttons. 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 15 mph (24 km/h) or greater. NOTE: The interior lights will turn off when the ignition is switched to the ACC or ON position after the panic alarm is activated. However, the exterior lights and horn will remain on. 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. To Turn Off “Flash Lights On Lock/Unlock ” NOTE: The “Flash Lights On Lock/Unlock ” feature can be turned on and off by referring to “Personal Settings ” in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) section of this manual, or by following these steps: 1. Press the LOCK button for 4 to 10 seconds. 2. While the LOCK button is pressed, (after 4 seconds) press the UNLOCK button. Release both buttons. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23 The “Flash Lights On Lock/Unlock ” feature can be reactivated by repeating this procedure. General Information This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following conditions: · This device may not cause harmful interference. · This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. If your Remote Keyless Entry transmitter fails to operate from a normal distance, check for these two conditions. 1. A weak battery in the transmitter. The expected life of the battery is a minimum of three years. 2. Closeness to a radio transmitter such as a radio station tower, airport transmitter, and some mobile or CB radios. Transmitter Battery Service The recommended replacement battery is one CR2032 battery. NOTE: Do not touch the battery terminals that are on the back housing or the printed circuit board. 1. With the transmitter buttons facing down, remove the small screw, and separate the two halves of the transmitter. Make sure not to damage the rubber gasket during removal. 2 24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 2. Remove and replace the battery. Avoid touching the new battery with your fingers. Skin oils may cause battery deterioration. If you touch a battery, clean it with rubbing alcohol. 3. To reassemble the transmitter case, join the two halves of the case together. Install and tighten the screw until snug. Make sure there is an even “gap ” between the two halves. Test transmitter operation. VEHICLE THEFT ALARM — IF EQUIPPED This system monitors the vehicle doors and ignition switch for unauthorized entry or operation. When the alarm is activated, the system provides both audible and visual signals. The horn will pulse, headlights/park lights will flash, the Vehicle Theft Alarm/Immobilizer light, located on the instrument panel below the Electronic Vehicle Information Center buttons will flash, and the vehicle will not start. If the alarm is triggered and no action is taken to disarm it, the system will turn off the horn after three minutes and after 15 minutes of light only operation the system will then rearm itself. To arm the system: Remove the key from the ignition switch and either: 1. Press a power door lock switch while the driver’s or passenger’s door is open. 2. Press the LOCK button on the keyless entry transmitter. After the last door is closed, or if all doors are closed, the system will arm itself in about 16 seconds. During that time, the Vehicle Theft Alarm/Immobilizer light will flash. If it does not illuminate, the system is not arming. If you open a door during this arming period, the system will cancel the arming process. You must repeat one of the previously described arming sequences to rearm the system. To disarm the system: Press the UNLOCK button on the keyless entry transmitter. Also, using a valid sentry key and moving the ignition switch to the ON/START position will disarm the system. If something has triggered the system in your absence, the horn will sound three times when you disarm the system. Check the vehicle for tampering. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25 NOTE: · The driver’s door key cylinder and the trunk button on the keyless entry transmitter cannot arm or disarm the system. · The system remains armed during trunk entry. Pressing the trunk button will not disarm the system. If someone enters the vehicle through the trunk and opens any door the alarm will sound. · When the system is armed, the doors can not be unlocked from the interior power door lock switches. The Vehicle Theft Alarm system is designed to protect your vehicle, however, you can create conditions where the system will give you a false alarm. If one of the previously described arming sequences has occurred, the system will arm regardless of whether you are in the vehicle or not. If you remain in the vehicle and open a door, the alarm will sound. If this occurs, disarm the system. The alarm system will be activated when the battery is connected if the system was previously armed. The exterior lights will flash, the horn will sound, and the ignition will not start the vehicle. If this occurs, disarm the system. WINDOWS Power Windows The window controls on the driver’s door control all the door windows. 2 There are single window controls on each passenger door trim panel which operate the passenger door windows. 26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE The window controls will operate only when the ignition switch is in the ON or ACCESSORY position. The window lock switch on the driver’s door allows you to disable the window controls on the passenger doors. When the lock switch is pressed the window controls on the passenger doors will not illuminate and the passenger windows will be disabled. Auto Down Feature The driver door power window switch, and some model passenger door power window switches have an auto down feature. Press the window switch to the second detent, release, and the window will go down automatically. To open the window part way, press the window switch to the first detent and release it when you want the window to stop. To stop the window from going all the way down during the auto-down operation, pull up on the switch briefly. The power window switches remain active for 10 minutes after the ignition switch has been turned off. Opening either front door will cancel this feature. The time is customer programmable through the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — If Equipped. Refer to “Delay Power Off to Accessories Until Exit ” under “Personal Settings ” in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center section of this manual for details. Auto Up Feature with AntiPinch Protection–If Equipped Lift the window switch to the second detent, release, and the window will go up automatically. To stop the window from going all the way up during the auto-up operation, push down on the switch briefly. To close the window part way, lift the window switch to the first detent and release when you want the window to stop. The power window switches remain active for 10 minutes after the ignition switch has been turned off. The time is customer programmable through the electronic vehicle information center (EVIC)–if equipped. Refer to “Delay Power Off to Accessories Until Exit ” in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center section for details. Opening either front door will cancel this feature. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27 NOTE: If the window runs into any obstacle during auto-closure it will reverse direction and then stop. Remove the obstacle and use the window switch again to close the window. NOTE: Any impact due to rough road conditions may trigger the auto reverse function unexpectedly during auto closure. If this happens pull the switch lightly to the first detent and hold to close window manually. · Pull the window switch up to close window completely, then hold the switch for a second. · Push the window switch firmly down to second detent to open the window automatically until the window is fully open. Wind Buffeting Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of pressure on the ears or a helicopter type sound in the ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped) in certain open or partially open positions. This is a normal occurrence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with the rear windows open, open the front and rear windows together to minimize the buffeting. If the buffeting occurs with the sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to minimize the buffeting. 2 WARNING! There is no anti-pinch protection when the window is almost closed. Be sure to clear all objects from the window before closing. Reset Any time the vehicle battery is disconnected or goes dead the auto-up function will be disabled. To reactivate the auto-up feature perform the following steps after vehicle power is restored: 28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE TRUNK LOCK AND RELEASE With the ignition ON, the trunk open symbol will be displayed in the instrument cluster indicating that the trunk is open. The odometer display will reappear once the trunk is closed. With the key in lock position or key out, the trunk open symbol will be displayed until the trunk is closed. TRUNK SAFETY WARNING WARNING! Do not allow children to have access to the trunk, either by climbing into the trunk from outside, or through the inside of the vehicle. Always close the trunk lid when your vehicle is unattended. Once in the trunk, young children may not be able to escape, even if they entered through the rear seat. If trapped in the trunk, children can die from suffocation or heat stroke. Use the Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter to open the trunk from outside the vehicle. The trunk lid can be released from inside the vehicle by pressing the Trunk Release Button located on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. The transmission must be in Park before the switch will operate. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29 Trunk Emergency Release OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS Some of the most important safety features in your vehicle are the restraint systems. These include the front and rear seat belts for the driver and all passengers, front airbags for both the driver and front passenger and, if so equipped, left and right side curtain airbags for the driver and passengers seated next to a window. If you will be carrying children too small for adult-size belts, your seat belts also can be used to hold infant and child restraint systems. Please pay close attention to the information in this section. It tells you how to use your restraint system properly to keep you and your passengers as safe as possible. 2 The trunk of your vehicle is equipped with an emergency release handle. It is located on the inside of the trunk lid, near the latch, and is coated so that it glows in a darkened trunk. Pull on the handle to open the trunk. 30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE WARNING! In a collision, you and your passengers can suffer much greater injuries if you are not properly buckled up. You can strike the interior of your vehicle or other passengers, or you can be thrown out of the vehicle. Always be sure you and others in your vehicle are buckled up properly. Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver and cause a collision which includes you. This can happen far away from home or on your own street. Research has shown that seat belts save lives, and they can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a collision. Some of the worst injuries happen when people are thrown from the vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility of ejection and the risk of injury caused by striking the inside of the vehicle. Everyone in a motor vehicle should be belted at all times. Lap/Shoulder Belts All seating positions in your vehicle are equipped with Lap/Shoulder Belts. The belt webbing retractor is designed to lock during very sudden stops or impacts. This feature allows the shoulder part of the belt to move freely with you under normal conditions. But in a collision, the belt will lock and reduce your risk of striking the inside of the vehicle or being thrown out. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 31 WARNING! · Wearing a seat belt incorrectly is dangerous. Seat belts are designed to go around the large bones of your body. These are the strongest parts of your body and can take the forces of a collision the best. Wearing your belt in the wrong place could make your injuries in a collision much worse. You might suffer internal injuries, or you could even slide out of part of the belt. Follow these instructions to wear your seat belt safely and to keep your passengers safe, too. · Two people should never be belted into a single seat belt. People belted together can crash into one another in an accident, hurting one another badly. Never use a lap/shoulder belt or a lap belt for more than one person, no matter what their size. Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions 1. Enter the vehicle and close the door. Sit back and adjust the front seat. 2. The seat belt latch plate is above the back of your seat. Grasp the latch plate and pull out the belt. Slide the latch plate up the webbing as far as necessary to make the belt go around your lap. 2 3. When the belt is long enough to fit, insert the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a “click. ” 32 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE WARNING! · A belt that is buckled into the wrong buckle will not protect you properly. The lap portion could ride too high on your body, possibly causing internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you. · A belt that is too loose will not protect you as well. In a sudden stop you could move too far forward, increasing the possibility of injury. Wear your seat belt snugly. · A belt that is worn under your arm is very dangerous. Your body could strike the inside surfaces of the vehicle in a collision, increasing head and neck injury. A belt worn under the arm can cause internal injuries. Ribs aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. Wear the belt over your shoulder so that your strongest bones will take the force in a collision. · A shoulder belt placed behind you will not protect you from injury during a collision. You are more likely to hit your head in a collision if you do not wear your shoulder belt. The lap and shoulder belt are meant to be used together. 4. Position the lap belt across your thighs, below your abdomen. To remove slack in the lap belt portion, pull up a bit on the shoulder belt. To loosen the lap belt if it is too tight, tilt the latch plate and pull on the lap belt. A snug belt reduces the risk of sliding under the belt in a collision. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 33 WARNING! · A lap belt worn too high can increase the risk of internal injury in a collision. The belt forces won’t be at the strong hip and pelvic bones, but across your abdomen. Always wear the lap belt as low as possible and keep it snug. · A twisted belt can’t do its job as well. In a collision it could even cut into you. Be sure the belt is straight. If you can’t straighten a belt in your vehicle, take it to your dealer and have it fixed. 5. Position the shoulder belt on your chest so that it is comfortable and not resting on your neck. The retractor will withdraw any slack in the belt. 6. To release the belt, push the red button on the buckle. The belt will automatically retract to its stowed position. If necessary, slide the latch plate down the webbing to allow the belt to retract fully. 2 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.). 34 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage In the driver and front passenger seats, the shoulder belt can be adjusted upward or downward to position the belt away from your neck. Push and fully depress the button above the webbing to release the anchorage, and then move it up or down to the position that serves you best. In the rear seat, move toward the center of the seat to position the belt away from your neck. 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. The pretensioners are triggered by the airbag control module (see Airbag Section). Like the front airbags, the pretensioners are single use items. After a collision that is severe enough to deploy the airbags and pretensioners, both must be replaced. 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. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 35 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 does not recommend deactivating the Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert). 1. Turn the ignition …