2005 Chrysler TOWN and Country Owners Manual

Download PDF Manual
SECTION TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 STARTING AND OPERATING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443 10 INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 453 10 INTRODUCTION CONTENTS 䡵 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 䡵 How To Use This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 䡵 Warnings And Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 䡵 Vehicle Identification Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 䡵 Vehicle Modifications / Alterations . . . . . . . . . . . 7 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 instruc- tions 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 techni- cians and genuine Mopar威 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, cer- tain 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 6 INTRODUCTION WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS This manual contains WARNINGS against operating procedures which could result in an accident or bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do not read this entire manual you may miss important information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions. VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER The vehicle identification number (VIN) is found on the left front corner of the instrument panel, 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. Vehicle Identification Number NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN plate. VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS WARNING! Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and may lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or death. INTRODUCTION 7 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE CONTENTS ▫ Ignition Key Removal ▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder 䡵 A Word About Your Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 䡵 Sentry Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 ▫ Replacement Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 ▫ Customer Key Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 ▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 䡵 Illuminated Entry System — If Equipped . . . . . . .16 䡵 Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 ▫ Manual Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 ▫ Power Door Locks — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . .18 䡵 Remote Keyless Entry — If Equipped . . . . . . . . .20 ▫ To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate . . . . . . . . . .22 ▫ To Lock The Doors And Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . .22 ▫ Using The Panic Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 ▫ To Program Transmitters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 ▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 ▫ Transmitter Battery Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 䡵 Vehicle Theft Alarm — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . .27 䡵 Sliding Side Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 ▫ Sliding Door Open Flash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 ▫ Power Sliding Door — If Equipped . . . . . . . . .31 ▫ Child Protection Door Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 䡵 Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 ▫ Power Liftgate — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 ▫ Power Vent Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 ▫ Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 䡵 Occupant Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 ▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 ▫ Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure . . . . .49 䡵 Windows ▫ Center Lap Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 ▫ Seat Belt Pretensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 ▫ Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Use Reminder System (BeltAlert) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 ▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women . . . . . . . . . . . .53 ▫ Seat Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 ▫ Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) — Airbags . . . . . . . . . .54 ▫ DaimlerChrysler Corporation Integrated Child Seat — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 ▫ Child Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 䡵 Rear Seat Delete Feature (Commercial Vehicles Only) — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 ▫ Restraining Infants And Small Children With Seat Delete Feature (Commercial Vehicles Only) . . . .79 䡵 Engine Break-In Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . .82 䡵 Safety Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 ▫ Exhaust Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11 ▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84 ▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS be used to order duplicate keys from your dealer. Ask your dealer for these numbers and keep them in a safe place. Ignition Key Removal The shift lever must be in PARK. Turn the key to the OFF position, then the LOCK position. Remove the key. Vehicle Key You can insert the double sided keys into the locks with either side up. The dealer that sold you your new vehicle has the key code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers can Ignition Key Position THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13 NOTE: The power window switches, radio, power outlets, and removable console (if equipped), will remain active for up to 45 seconds after the ignition switch has been turned off. Opening a vehicle front door will cancel this feature. CAUTION! An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always remove key from the ignition and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended. WARNING! Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is danger- ous 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. 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. SENTRY KEY The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unautho- rized 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 14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 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. 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,™ additional Sentry Keys, or any other transponder equipped components on the same keychain will not cause a key-related (transpon- der) 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. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15 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. 16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 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. If a programmed key has been lost, see your NOTE: dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the sys- tems memory. The remaining keys must then repro- grammed. This will prevent the lost key from starting your vehicle. 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 undes- ired operation. ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED The courtesy lights will turn on when you use the keyless entry transmitter or open the doors. This feature is only available if you have Remote Keyless Entry. The lights will fade to off after about 30 seconds or they will immediately fade to off once the ignition switch is turned on. NOTE: • The front courtesy overhead console, door courtesy and liftgate lights do not turn on if the dimmer control is in the interior lights ON position (extreme top position). • The illuminated entry system will not operate if the dimmer control is in the “defeat” position (extreme downward position). DOOR LOCKS Manual Door Locks Lock the doors by pushing down on the lock plungers on each door trim panel. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17 Door Lock Plunger If the lock plunger 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. 18 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 per- sonal injuries and death. Power Door Locks — If Equipped A power door lock switch is on each front door trim panel. Use this switch to lock or unlock the doors. Power Door Lock switch If you press the power door lock switch while the key is in the ignition, and any front door is open, the power locks will not operate. This prevents you from acciden- tally locking your keys in the vehicle. Removing the key or closing the door will allow the locks to operate. A chime will sound if the key is in the ignition switch and a door is open, as a reminder to remove the key. If you press the power door lock switch while the sliding door is open, the sliding door will lock. Auto Door Locks — If Equipped The doors will lock automatically on vehicles with power door locks if: 1. The transmission is in gear, 2. all doors are closed, 3. the vehicle speed is above 18 mph (29 km/h) and 4. the doors were not previously locked using the power door lock switch or remote keyless entry transmitter. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19 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 switch. 2. Cycle the ignition switch ON/OFF four times ending in the OFF position. (do not start the engine) 3. Within 10 seconds of the final cycle, press the interior driver’s door lock switch to the LOCK position. 4. A single chime will sound to signify that you have successfully completed the programming. You can turn the feature back on by repeating the above mentioned procedure or by performing the procedure in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), Cus- tomer Programmable Features section on vehicles so equipped. 20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE Auto Unlock On Exit— If Equipped The doors will unlock automatically on vehicles with power door locks if: 1. The Auto Door Locks feature is enabled and the Auto Unlock On Exit feature is enabled, 2. the transmission was in gear and the vehicle speed returned to 0 mph (0 km/h), 3. the transmission is in NEUTRAL or PARK, 4. any door is opened (excluding liftgate) and 5. the vehicle speed is 0 mph (0 km/h). The Auto Unlock On Exit feature can be enabled or disabled by performing the procedure in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), Customer Program- mable Features section on vehicles so equipped. NOTE: Use the Auto Door Locks and Auto Unlock features in accordance with local laws. REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY — IF EQUIPPED This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors and liftgate, and activate the panic alarm, optional power liftgate, left power sliding door, and right power sliding door 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. If the key is in the ignition switch, then all NOTE: 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. Two (2) transmitters may be supplied with the vehicle. Vehicles built without the powered options will be equipped from the factory with three button transmitters and those built with power options will be equipped with six button transmitters. Three button transmitters will provide basic UNLOCK, LOCK and PANIC functions. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21 options of the system allow you to turn ON/OFF the Sound Horn On Lock, Remote Unlock Driver’s Door 1st, and Flash Lights On Lock/Unlock features. Three Button Transmitter Six button transmitters will provide functions that allow the same basic operation as the three button, but may also be used to Open/Close the optional power liftgate, left power sliding door, or right power sliding door. Other Six Button Transmitter 22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE To unlock the doors and liftgate: Press and release the UNLOCK button on the transmitter once to unlock the driver’s door side of the vehicle, or twice to unlock all doors and liftgate. The illuminated entry system also turns on. The Remote Unlock Driver’s Door 1st feature can be enabled or disabled by performing the following proce- dure: 1. Press the UNLOCK button for 5 to 10 seconds. 2. While the UNLOCK button is pressed, (after 5 sec- onds) press the LOCK button. Release both buttons. The “Remote Unlock Driver’s Door 1st” feature can be reactivated by repeating the above mentioned procedure or by performing the procedure in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), Customer Programmable Features section on vehicles so equipped. To lock the doors and liftgate: Press and release the LOCK button on the transmitter to lock all doors and liftgate. The horn will chirp once to acknowledge the signal. If desired, the “Sound Horn On Lock” feature can be turned on and off by performing the following proce- dure: 1. Press the LOCK button for 5 to 10 seconds. 2. While the LOCK button is pressed (after 5 seconds), press the PANIC button. Release both buttons. The “Sound Horn On Lock” feature can be reactivated by repeating this procedure or by performing the procedure in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), Customer Programmable Features section on vehicles so equipped. 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 by turning the ignition switch to the ON position. 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. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23 To Program Transmitters: Refer to SENTRY KEY “Customer Key Programming.” If you do not have a programmed transmitter, contact your dealer for details. To Open/Close Power Liftgate — If Equipped Press the LIFTGATE button twice within five seconds to open/close the power liftgate. The liftgate will beep for 2 seconds and then open/close. If the button is pushed while the liftgate is being power closed, the liftgate will reverse to the full open position. If the liftgate is locked and is not equipped with a powered liftgate, pressing the button twice will result in the liftgate becoming unlocked for 30 seconds allowing you to manually access the liftgate area. 24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE To Open/Close Left Power Sliding Door — If Equipped Press the LEFT button twice within five seconds to open/close the left power sliding door. If the button is pushed while the door is being power closed, the door will reverse to the full open position. If the vehicle is not equipped with a left power sliding door and the door is closed and locked, pressing the button twice will result in the left side doors becoming unlocked. To Open/Close Right Power Sliding Door — If Equipped Press the RIGHT button twice within five seconds to open/close the right power sliding door. If the button is pushed while the door is being power closed, the door will reverse to the full open position. If the vehicle is not equipped with a right power sliding door and the door is closed and locked, pressing the button twice will result in the right side doors becoming unlocked. To Turn Off “Flash Lights On Lock/Unlock” — If Equipped If desired, the “Flash Lights On Lock/Unlock” feature can be turned on and off by performing the following procedure: 1. Press the LOCK button for 5 to 10 seconds. 2. While the LOCK button is pressed, (after 5 seconds) press the UNLOCK button. Release both buttons. The “Flash Lights On Lock/Unlock” feature can be reactivated by repeating this procedure or by performing the procedure in the Electronic Vehicle Information Cen- ter (EVIC), Customer Programmable Features section on vehicles so equipped. The table below explains the Lamp Flash options. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25 Function Which Turn Signal Lamps Number of Flashes Lock Unlock 1st Press Unlock All Doors Left Side Right Side Liftgate All Left Side All Left Side Right Side All 26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 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 op- eration. 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, use a thin coin to pry the two halves of the transmitter apart. Make sure not to damage the rubber gasket during removal. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27 3. To reassemble the transmitter case snap two halves together. 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 in the instrument cluster, 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. Separating transmitter halves 2. Remove and replace the batteries. Avoid touching the new batteries with your fingers. Skin oils may cause battery deterioration. If you touch a battery, clean it with rubbing alcohol. 28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE To arm the system: Remove the key from the ignition switch and either: 1. Press a power door lock button while the driver’s or passenger’s door is open. 2. Press the LOCK button on the keyless entry transmit- ter. 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 posi- tion will disarm the system. If you disarm the system and access the liftgate area, the system must be rearmed, as described previously, when closing the liftgate. If some- thing has triggered the system in your absence, the horn will sound three times when you disarm the system. Check the vehicle for tampering. NOTE: • The driver’s door and liftgate key cylinders cannot • Once the alarm is set, and the liftgate button on the keyless entry transmitter is pressed, on a non-power liftgate vehicle, you have a 30 second one time access into the liftgate area. If the liftgate is not opened within 30 seconds the liftgate will remain locked. arm or disarm the system. • The system remains armed during liftgate entry, press- ing the liftgate button will not disarm the system, if someone enters the vehicle through the liftgate 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 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29 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. 30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE SLIDING SIDE DOOR The sliding door may be opened from the inside or the outside. Pull out on the outside handle to open the sliding door from the outside. To open the sliding door from the inside, press the button on the grab handle and open the door. Sliding Door Hardware To keep your door operating properly, observe the fol- lowing guidelines: • Always open the door smoothly. • Avoid high impacts against the door stop when open- ing the door. This is very important when your vehicle is parked on an incline as the door will slide faster in the downhill direction. • There is a hold-open latch that is activated when the sliding door is fully opened. This latch will keep your sliding door open on any incline. To close the sliding door after the hold-open latch is activated, you must push the button on the inside grab handle or pull out on the outside sliding door handle. • Use the grab handle on the inside of the sliding door to assist you in closing and securing the door. Always make sure that the sliding door is fully latched any time the vehicle is in motion. NOTE: The driver’s side sliding door cannot be opened while the fuel door is open. This feature operates only when the sliding door is fully closed prior to opening the fuel door. Sliding Door Open Flash When the sliding door(s) are opened, the left and right exterior hazard lights will flash for 12 seconds to alert other drivers in the area that passenger(s) could be entering or exiting the vehicle. The Sliding Door Open Flash can be enabled or disabled by performing the following procedure: 1. Place the key in the ignition switch. 2. Cycle the ignition switch ON/OFF four times ending in the OFF position. (do not start the engine) 3. Within 10 seconds of the final cycle, press the hazard switch. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 31 4. A single chime will sound to signify that you have successfully completed the programming. You can turn the feature back on by repeating the above mentioned procedure or by performing the procedure in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), Cus- tomer Programmable Features section on vehicles so equipped. Power Sliding Door — If Equipped NOTE: The power sliding door must be unlocked before the switches located on the trim panel, just in front of the power sliding door will operate. The power sliding door may be opened manually or by using the buttons on the remote keyless entry transmitter. Press the buttons on the remote keyless entry transmitter twice within five seconds, to open a power sliding door. Once the door is fully open, pressing the button twice within five seconds a second time will close the door. 32 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE The power sliding door may also be opened by pressing the switches on the overhead console or the switch located on the trim panel just in front of the sliding door. To keep your door operating properly, observe the fol- lowing guidelines. • Always open the door smoothly. • Avoid high impacts against the door stop when open- ing the door manually. This is very important when your vehicle is parked on an incline as the door will slide faster in the downhill direction. • There is a hold-open latch that is activated when the sliding door is fully opened. This latch will keep your sliding door open on any incline. To close the power sliding door after the hold-open latch is activated, you must press any one of the power sliding door switches, push the button on the inside grab handle or pull out on the outside sliding door handle. There are power sliding door switches located on the trim panel just in front of the power sliding door for the rear seat passengers. Pressing the switch once will open the power sliding door, once the door is fully open pressing the switch a second time will close the door. Power Sliding Door Switch If the inside or outside door handles are used while the power sliding door is activated, the power sliding door feature will be canceled and the door must be opened or closed manually. To avoid unintentional operation of the power sliding door from the rear seats, press the button located in the overhead console to disable the switches for the rear seat passengers. NOTE: • If anything obstructs the power sliding door while it is closing or opening, the door will automatically reverse to the closed or open position, provided it meets sufficient resistance. • The driver’s side sliding door cannot be opened while the fuel door is open. This feature operates only when the sliding door is fully closed prior to opening the fuel door. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 33 • If the power sliding door is not in the full open or close position, it will fully open when a power sliding door switch is pressed. To close the door, wait until it is fully open and then press the switch again. • The power sliding door switches will not operate if the vehicle is in gear or the vehicle speed is above 0 mph (0 km/h). • If the power sliding door encounters multiple obstruc- tions within the same cycle, the system will automati- cally stop and must be opened or closed manually. WARNING! You or others could be injured if caught in the path of the sliding door. Make sure the door path is clear before closing the door. To activate the system, open the sliding door and move the child lock control, located near the door’s rear latch, to the ON position. 34 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE Child Protection Door Lock To provide a safer environment for small children riding in the rear seats, the sliding doors are equipped with a child protection door lock system. WARNING! To avoid trapping anyone in the vehicle in a colli- sion. Remember that the sliding doors can only be opened from the outside door handle or the switches located on the trim panel just in front of the power sliding door when the child protection locks are engaged. Child Lock Control When the child lock system is engaged the door can be opened only by using the outside door handle, remote keyless entry transmitter, switches on the overhead con- sole or the switches located on the trim panel just in front of the power sliding door, even though the inside door lock is in the unlocked position. The power sliding door will operate from the switches located on the trim panel just in front of the power sliding door, regardless of the child lock lever position. To avoid unintentional operation of the power sliding door from the rear seats, press the button located in the overhead console to disable the switches for the rear seat passen- gers. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 35 NOTE: • The power sliding door switches will not operate if the vehicle is in gear or the vehicle speed is above 0 mph (0 km/h). • The power sliding door will operate from the remote keyless entry transmitter, if the vehicle is in Park, regardless of the child lock lever position. 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 open the liftgate, insert the key into the lock and turn to the right. On vehicles equipped with power locks the liftgate can also be unlocked using the remote keyless entry or by activating the power door lock switches located on the front doors. 36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE Once unlocked, on vehicles equipped with power locks, the liftgate can be opened or closed without using the key. To open the liftgate, depress the liftgate release switch located on the underside of the license plate bar and pull the liftgate open with one fluid motion. Liftgate Release Switch If the liftgate is locked and is not equipped with a powered liftgate, pressing the button on the remote keyless entry transmitter will result in the liftgate becom- ing unlocked for 30 seconds allowing you to manually access the liftgate area. NOTE: On vehicles without power locks, the liftgate can only be opened using the vehicle keys. The key must be held in the unlocked position for the liftgate to open. Power Liftgate — If Equipped The power liftgate may be opened manually or by using the button on the remote keyless entry transmitter. Press the button on the remote keyless entry transmitter twice within five seconds, to open the power liftgate. Once the liftgate is fully open, pressing the button twice within five seconds a second time will close the liftgate. The power liftgate may also be opened by pressing the button located on the overhead console. WARNING! THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37 During power operation, personal injury or cargo damage may occur. Ensure the liftgate travel path is clear. Make sure the liftgate is closed and latched before driving away. NOTE: • If anything obstructs the power liftgate while it is closing or opening, the liftgate will automatically reverse to the closed or open position, provided it meets sufficient resistance. • There are also pinch sensors attached to the side of the liftgate opening. Light pressure anywhere along these strips will cause the liftgate to return to the open position. Power Liftgate Switch When the remote keyless entry transmitter button is pressed and the “Lamp Flash” feature is enabled, the tail lights will flash to signal that the liftgate is opening or closing. 38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE • The power liftgate must be in the full open or close positions for any of the buttons to operate. If the liftgate is not in the full open or close positions it must be opened or closed manually. • If the liftgate release button is activated while the power liftgate is closing, the liftgate will reverse to the full open position. • The power liftgate buttons will not operate if the vehicle is in gear or the vehicle speed is above 0 mph (0 km/h). • The power liftgate will not operate in temperatures below ⫺12°F (⫺24°C) or temperatures above 143°F (62°C). Be sure to remove any build-up of snow or ice from the liftgate before pressing any of the power liftgate buttons. • If the power liftgate encounters multiple obstructions within the same cycle, the system will automatically stop and must be opened or closed manually. WARNING! • Driving with the liftgate open can allow poison- ous 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. Gas props support the liftgate in the open position. However, because the gas pressure drops with tempera- ture, it may be necessary to assist the props when opening the liftgate in cold weather. WINDOWS Power Vent Windows Switches on the driver’s door trim panel let the driver operate the two vent windows from the driver’s seat. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39 Power Vent Window Switches 40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE Power Windows You can control either front window using switches on the driver’s door trim panel. There is a single switch on the passenger’s door trim panel which operates the passenger door window. The switches will operate only when the ignition switch is in the ON or ACCESSORY position. Power Window Switches THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41 Auto Down Feature — If Equipped The driver’s window switch has an auto down feature. Press the window switch past the detent, release, and the window will go down automatically. To open the window part way, press the window switch part way and release it when you want the window to stop. The power window switches remain active for up to 45 seconds after the ignition switch has been turned off. Opening a vehicle front door will cancel this feature. 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 occur- rence 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. 42 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS Some of the most important safety features in your vehicle are the restraint systems. These include the front and rear seat belts for the driver and all passengers, front airbags for both the driver and front passenger, driver inflatable knee blocker and if equipped, window bags for the driver and passengers seated next to a window. If you will be carrying children too small for adult-size seat belts, your seat belts or the LATCH feature (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren) also, can be used to hold infant and child restraint systems. If your vehicle is equipped with the Occupant Classifi- cation System (OCS) there will be a Passenger Airbag Disabled (PAD) Indicator Light located on the center of the instrument panel. Passenger Airbag Disabled Light NOTE: The front airbags have a multi stage inflator design. This allows the airbag to have different rates of inflation that are based on collision severity. Please pay close attention to the information in this section. It tells you how to use your restraint system properly to keep you and your passengers as safe as possible. WARNING! In a collision, you and your passengers can suffer much greater injuries if you are not properly buck- led 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 43 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 outboard 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. 44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 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. 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 instruc- tions 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 a collision, 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 near the seatback of the front seats and next to your arm in the rear seats. 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. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45 Latch Plate 46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 3. When the belt is long enough to fit, insert the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a “click”. Latch Plate To Buckle WARNING! • A belt that is buckled into the wrong buckle will not protect you properly. The lap portion could ride too high on your body, possibly causing internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you. • A belt that is too loose will not protect you as well. In a sudden stop you could move too far forward, increas- ing 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 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. Removing Slack From Belt THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47 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 pos- sible 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. 48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 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 seats and the second row outboard seats, the shoulder belt anchorage can be adjusted upward or downward to help position the belt away from your neck. The upper anchorage can be adjusted upward by pushing anywhere on the anchorage. To move the an- chorage downward, press the actuation button while simultaneously pushing down on the anchorage assem- bly. Adjusting Upper Shoulder Belt 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. Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure Use the following procedure to untwist a twisted lap/ shoulder belt. 1. Position the latch plate as close as possible to the anchor point. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49 Positioning Latch Plate 50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 2. At about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) above the latch plate, grasp and twist the belt webbing 180° to create a fold that begins immediately above the latch plate. 3. Slide the latch plate upward over the folded webbing. The folded webbing must enter the slot at the top of the latch plate. Creating A Fold Sliding The Latch Plate 4. Continue to slide the latch plate up until it clears the folded webbing. Center Lap Belts The center seating positions have a lap belt only. To fasten the lap belt, slide the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a “click”. To lengthen the lap belt, tilt the latch plate and pull. To remove slack, pull the loose end of the webbing. Wear the lap belt snug against the hips. Sit back and erect in the seat, then adjust the belt as tightly as is comfort- able. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51 WARNING! and under the belt in a collision. • A lap belt worn too loose or too high is dangerous. • A belt worn too loose can allow you to slip down • A belt that is too high will apply crash forces to the abdomen, not to the stronger hip bones. In either case, the risk of internal injuries is greater. Wear a lap belt low and snug. Seat Belt Pretensioners The seat belts for both front seating positions are equipped with pretensioning devices that are designed to remove slack from the seat belt in the event of a collision. These devices improve the performance of the seat belt by assuring that the belt is tight about the occupant early in a collision. Pretensioners are designed to work for all size occupants. 52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 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 front airbag con- trol module (see Front Airbag Section). Like the front airbags, the pretensioners are single use items. After a collision that is severe enough to deploy the front airbags and pretensioners, both must be replaced. Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Use 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 reacti- vated 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 en- abled 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 RUN position. DaimlerChrysler does not recommend deactivating the Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert). 1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position, and buckle the driver’s seat belt. 2. Turn the ignition key to the RUN position (engine does not need to be running), and wait for the Seat Belt Warning Light to turn off. 3. Within 60 seconds, unbuckle and then re-buckle the driver’s seat belt at least three times, ending with the seat belt buckled. 4. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position. A single chime will sound to signify that you have successfully completed the programming. The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) can be reacti- vated 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’s seat belt remains unfastened. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53 Seat Belts and Pregnant Women We recommend that pregnant women use the seat belts throughout their pregnancies. Keeping the mother safe is the best way to keep the baby safe. Pregnant women should wear the lap part of the belt across the thighs and as snug across the hips as possible. Keep the belt low so that it does not come across the abdomen. That way the strong bones of the hips will take the force if there is a collision. Seat Belt Extender If a seat belt is too short, even when fully extended and when the adjustable upper shoulder belt anchorage (if equipped) is in its lowest position, your dealer can provide you with a seat belt extender. This extender should be used only if the existing belt is not long enough. When it is not required, remove the extender and stow it. 54 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE WARNING! Using a seat belt extender when not needed can increase the risk of injury in a collision. Only use when the lap belt is not long enough when it is worn low and snug, and in the recommended seating positions. Remove and store the extender when not needed. Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) — Airbags This vehicle has airbags for both the driver and front passenger as a supplement to the seat belt restraint systems. The driver’s front airbag is mounted in the center of the steering wheel. The passenger’s front airbag is mounted in the instrument panel, above the glove compartment. The words SRS AIRBAG are embossed on the airbag covers. Front Airbag Components NOTE: The front airbags are certified to the Federal regulations that allow less forceful deployment in low speed collisions. The front airbags have a multi stage inflator design. This may allow the airbag to have different rates of inflation that are based on collision severity and occupant size. Also, the front passenger airbag is certified to the Federal regulations that define Occupant Classification (Refer to “Occupant Classification System” in this section). This vehicle may also be equipped with a driver inflat- able knee blocker located on the instrument panel below the steering column. This vehicle may also be equipped with window bags to protect the driver, front, and rear passengers sitting next to a window. If the vehicle is equipped with window bags, they are located above the side windows. Their covers are also labeled SRS AIRBAG. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55 Window Bags NOTE: Airbag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim; but they will open to allow airbag deployment. 56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE WARNING! • Do not put anything on or around the airbag covers or attempt to manually open them. You may damage the airbags and you could be injured because the airbags are not there to protect you. These protective covers for the airbag cushions are designed to open only when the airbags are inflating. • If your vehicle is equipped with window bags, do not stack luggage or other cargo up high enough to block the location of the window bag. The area where the window bag is located should remain free from any obstructions. • If your vehicle is equipped with window bags, 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 perma- nent attachments (bolts or screws) for installation on the vehicle roof. Do not drill into the roof of the vehicle for any reason. Along with the seat belts, front airbags work with the instrument panel knee bolsters to provide improved protection for the driver and front passenger. Window bags also work with seat belts to improve occupant protection. The seat belts are designed to protect you in many types of collisions. The front airbags deploy in moderate to severe frontal collisions. NOTE: The passenger front airbag may not deploy even when the driver front airbag has if the Occupant Classi- fication System (refer to “Occupant Classification Sys- tem” in this section) has determined the seat is empty or is occupied by a child. If your vehicle is equipped, the window bag on the crash side of the vehicle is triggered in moderate to severe side collisions. But even in collisions where the airbags inflate, you need the seat belts to keep you in the right position for the airbags to protect you properly. Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize the risk of harm from a deploying airbag. 1. Children 12 years old and under should always ride buckled up in a rear seat. Infants in rear facing child restraints should NEVER ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger front airbag. An airbag deployment can cause severe injury or death to infants in that position. Children that are not big enough to properly wear the vehicle seat belt (refer to section on Child Restraint) should be secured in the rear seat, in a child restraint or belt-positioning booster seat. Older children who do not use child restraints or belt-positioning booster seats should ride properly buckled up in the rear seat, and in the outboard seat if possible. Never allow children to slide the shoulder belt behind them or under their arm. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 57 If a child from 1 to 12 years old must ride in the front passenger seat because the vehicle is crowded, move the seat as far back as possible, and use the proper child restraint. See the section on Child Restraint. You should read the instructions provided with your child restraint to make sure that you are using it properly. 2. All occupants should wear their lap and shoulder belts properly. 3. The driver and front passenger seats should be moved back as far as practical to allow the front airbags room to inflate. 4. If your vehicle has window bags, do not lean against the door, airbags will inflate forcefully into the space between you and the door. 58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 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 instru- ment panel during front airbag deployment could cause serious injury. Airbags need room to inflate. Sit back, comfortably extending your arms to reach the steering wheel or instrument panel. • If the vehicle has window bags, they also need room to inflate. Do not lean against the door or window. Sit upright in the center of the seat. The Airbag System consists of the following: • Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) • AIRBAG Readiness Light • Driver Airbag • Front Passenger Airbag • Window Bags above Side Windows (If Equipped) • Front Impact Sensors • Side Impact Sensors (If Equipped) • Steering Wheel and Column • Instrument Panel • Seat Belt Readiness Light • Front Seat Belt Pretensioners • Interconnecting Wiring • Knee Impact Bolster • Driver Inflatable Knee Blocker • Front Passenger Seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) — If Equipped − Occupant Classification Module − Passenger Airbag Disabled (PAD) Indicator Light − Interconnecting Wiring − Bladder Assembly − Belt Tension Sensor How The Airbag System Works • The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) determines if a frontal collision is severe enough to require the airbags to inflate. Based on the level of collision severity, the front control module determines the THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59 proper rate of inflation. The front airbag inflators are designed to provide different rates of airbag inflation. • The ORC may modify the rate of inflation based on the occupant size provided by the Occupant Classification Module. • The ORC will not detect side, roll over, or rear impacts. • The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of the system whenever the ignition switch is in the START or RUN positions. These include all of the items listed above except the steering wheel and column, instrument panel and passenger knee bol- sters. If the key is in the OFF position, in the ACC position, or not in the ignition, the airbags are not on and will not inflate. • Also, the ORC turns on the AIRBAG warn- ing light and PAD indicator light in the center of the instrument panel for 6 to 8 seconds for a self-check when the ignition is 60 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE first turned on. After the self-check, the AIRBAG warning light will turn off. The PAD indicator light will function normally (Refer to “Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) Indicator Light” in this section). If the ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns on the AIRBAG warning light either momen- tarily 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 instru- ment panel could mean you won’t have the airbags to protect you in a collision. If the light does not come on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you drive, have the airbag system checked right away. • The Driver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Units are located in the center of the steering wheel and the right side of the instrument panel. When the ORC and impact sensors detects a collision requiring the air- bags, 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 and occupant size. The steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper right side of the instrument panel separate and fold out of the way as the airbags inflate to their full size. The airbags fully inflate in about 50–70 milliseconds. This is about half of the time it takes to blink your eyes. The airbags then quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and front passenger. The driver’s and passenger’s front airbag gas is vented through the airbag material towards the instrument panel. In this way the airbags do not interfere with your control of the vehicle. • The Side Impact SRS Window Bags are designed to activate only in certain side collisions. When the ORC and the side impact sensors (with side impact option) detects a collision requiring the window bags to inflate, it signals the inflators on the crash side of the vehicle. A quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate the window bag. The inflating window bag pushes the outside edge of the headliner out of the way and covers the window. The airbag inflates in about 30 milliseconds (about one quarter of the time it takes to blink your eyes) with enough force to injure you if you are not belted and seated properly, or if items are positioned in the area where the window bag inflates. This especially applies to children. The win- dow bag is only about 31⁄2 inches (9 cm) thick when it is inflated. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61 • When the ORC and the side impact sensors (with side impact option) detects a collision requiring the Driver Inflatable Knee Blocker , it signals the inflator unit. A quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate the Driver Inflatable Knee Blocker. The Driver Inflatable Knee Blocker inflates rearward towards the driver’s knees to help protect the knees and position you for the best interaction with the front airbag. The Driver Inflatable Knee Blocker fully inflates in about 50 milliseconds, this is only about half of the time it takes you to blink your eyes. It then quickly deflates while helping to protect the driver’s knees. • The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees, and position everyone for the best interaction with the front airbag. 62 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE • If your vehicle contains a Passenger Airbag Disable indicator light, it will be equipped with the Occupant Classification System (OCS). The OCS system will classify an occupant into a size category based on sensor readings from within the seat cushion. Occu- pants should try to remain in a normally seated position. If the occupant’s weight is transferred to another object in the vehicle (i.e. feet on the dash- board), the OCS may not be able to properly approxi- mate occupant size. Furthermore, the occupant size may appear to increase or decrease due to objects hanging on the seat, other passengers pushing on the seat, or objects lodged underneath the seat. Ensure that the front passenger seat back does not touch anything placed on the back seat because this can also affect occupant classification. Also, if you fold down the rear seat, check to be sure it doesn’t touch the front passenger seat. If there is a rapid change in temperature or humidity, the OCS may not be able to properly approximate occupant size. If your seat including your trim cover and cushion needs to be serviced in any way (includ- ing removal or loosening/tightening of seat attach- ment bolts), take the vehicle to your authorized dealer. Only manufacturer approved seat accessories may be used. If there is a fault present in the system, the AIRBAG warning light will illuminate indicating that you should take the vehicle to an authorized dealer. In the presence of an occupant in the passenger seat, if both the PAD indicator light and AIRBAG warning light are illumi- nated the airbag will be disabled. The ORC will not allow front airbag deployment in the event of a collision for occupants classified into the empty or child size categories. The PAD indicator light will illuminate indicating that the Passenger Airbag is OFF when the OCS has determined that the occupant size category is a child. Also, when the seat is empty or an object that weighs less than a predetermined threshold is placed on the seat, the light will remain OFF. (The PAD indicator light is an amber light located on the center of the instrument panel above the radio.) Passenger Airbag Disabled Light For almost all sizes of properly seated adults, the airbag will be enabled in the event of a collision. For small teenagers and some small adults, depending on size, the airbag may or may not be enabled in the event of a collision. Both drivers and passengers should always use the PAD indicator light as an indication if the front THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 63 passenger is properly positioned or not. If the PAD indicator light comes on when an adult is in the passen- ger seat, have the passenger re-position themselves in the seat until the light goes out. Remember, if the PAD indicator light is illuminated the passenger front airbag will not inflate. For almost all properly installed child restraints, the “PAD Indicator Light” will be illuminated indicating that the front pas- senger airbag is turned off and will not inflate. If the “PAD Indicator Light” is not illuminated, DO NOT assume the airbag is turned off and move the child restraint to the rear seat. A deploying passenger airbag can cause death or serious injury to a child in a rear facing infant seat. NOTE: Even though this vehicle is equipped with an Occupant Classification System, children 12 years and under should always ride buckled up in a rear seat in an appropriate child restraint. 64 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE • The Occupant Classification Module (OCM) — If Equipped is located beneath the front passenger seat. The OCM classifies the occupant into one of three size categories based on the input from the Bladder Assem- bly and Belt Tension Sensor. The size categories in- clude empty, child, and adult. The OCM sends the Occupant Classification to the ORC to identify if a front passenger airbag is allowed. If a fault is present, the AIRBAG warning light is illuminated. • The Passenger Airbag Disabled (PAD) Indicator Light — If Equipped indicates to the driver and passenger when the airbag is turned OFF in the presence of a properly seated occupant. When the PAD indicator light is illuminated, the airbag is OFF. Also, when the Occupant Classification System detects ei- ther an empty seat or a weight less than the predeter- mined occupant threshold, the ORC will not illumi- nate the PAD indicator light even though the airbag is turned OFF. When the ocs system detects an adult the PAD indicator light will be off, and the airbag will be enabled. • The Belt Tension Sensor (BTS) — If Equipped is located at the outboard passenger lap belt anchor. The BTS generates a signal based on outboard lap belt tension. This signal is sent to the OCM to ensure that the resultant bladder pressure increase due to applied lap belt tension does not cause a small occupant to be classified as a larger occupant. • The Bladder Assembly — If Equipped is located beneath the seat cushion foam. The pressure sensor sends a signal to the OCM. The front passenger seat assembly contains critical com- ponents that affect the front passenger airbag deploy- ment. Correctly functioning front passenger seat compo- nents are critical for the Occupant Classification System (OCS) to properly classify the front passenger and calcu- late the proper airbag deployment. Do not make any modifications to the front passenger seat components, assembly, or to the seat cover. WARNING! Unapproved modifications or service procedures to the front passenger seat assembly, its related compo- nents, or seat cover may inadvertently change the airbag deployment in case of a frontal crash. This could result in death or serious injury to the front seat passenger if the vehicle is involved in an acci- dent. A modified vehicle may not comply with required Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65 components in any way. position seat in any way. The following requirements must be strictly adhered to: • Do not modify the front passenger seat assembly or • Do not modify the front seat center console or center • Do not use prior or future model year seat covers not designated for the specific model being repaired. Al- ways use the correct seat cover specified for the vehicle. • Do not replace the seat cover with an aftermarket seat • Do not add a secondary seat cover other than those cover. approved by DaimlerChrysler/Mopar. 66 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE • At no time should any supplemental restraint system (SRS) component or SRS related component or fas- tener be modified or replaced with any part except those which are approved by DaimlerChrysler/ Mopar. If A Deployment Occurs The airbag system is designed to deploy the airbags when the ORC and impact sensors detect a moderate-to- severe collision, to help restrain the vehicle passengers, and then immediately deflate. NOTE: A 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 abra- sions and/or skin reddening to the driver and front passenger as the airbags deploy and unfold. The abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or those you might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium floor. They are not caused by contact with chemicals. They are not permanent and normally heal quickly. However, if you haven’t healed significantly within a few days, or if you have any blistering, see your doctor immediately. • As the airbags deflate you may see some smoke-like particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the process that generates the nontoxic gas used for airbag 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 instruc- tions for cleaning. • It is not advisable to drive your vehicle after the airbags have deployed. If you are involved in another collision, the airbags will not be in place to protect you. WARNING! Deployed airbags, seat belt pretensioners and driver inflatable knee blocker cannot protect you in an- other collision. Have the airbags, seat belt preten- sioners, driver inflatable knee blocker and the front passenger seat belt retractor assembly, replaced by an authorized dealer as soon as possible. Also, have the Occupant Classification System serviced as well. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 67 Enhanced Accident Response If the airbags and seat belt pertensioners deploy after an impact and the electrical system remains functional, vehicles equipped with power door locks will unlock automatically. In addition, approximately 10 seconds after the vehicle has stopped moving, the interior lights will illuminate until the ignition switch is turned off. 68 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 right side of the instrument panel. Do not modify the front bumper, vehicle body structure, or frame. • Do not attempt to modify any part of your advanced airbag system. The airbag may inflate accidentally or may not function properly if modifications are made. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for any advanced airbag system service. If your seat including your trim cover and cushion needs to be serviced in any way (including removal or loosening/tightening of seat attachment bolts), take the vehicle to your authorized dealer. Only manufacturer ap- proved seat accessories may be used. If it is necessary to modify an advanced airbag system for persons with dis- abilities, contact your authorized dealer. WARNING! • You need proper knee impact protection in a collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket equipment on or behind the knee bolsters. • 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 Light You will want to have the airbags ready to inflate for your protection in a collision. While the airbag system is designed to be mainte- nance free, if any of the following occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system immediately. • The AIRBAG light 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 • The light flickers or comes on and remains on while interval. driving. DaimlerChrysler Corporation Integrated Child Seat — If Equipped Operating instructions for this seat are included with the seat. If the instructions are not with the seat or in the Owner’s Manual Package, replacement instructions can be obtained. To obtain Integrated Child Seat replacement instructions: Use the order form at the back of this manual and specify publication number 81-016-1950. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69 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 buck- led up in a rear seat. According to crash statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seats, rather than in the front. 70 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 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. There are different sizes and types of restraints for children from newborn size to the child almost large enough for an adult safety belt. Always check the child seat owner’s manual to ensure you have the right seat for your child. Use the restraint that is correct for your child. Infants and Child Restraints • Safety experts recommend that children ride rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least one year old and weigh at least 20 lbs (9 kg). Two types of child restraints can be used rearward-facing: infant carriers and ⬙convertible⬙ child seats. Both types of child restraints are held in the vehicle by the lap/ shoulder belt or the LATCH child restraint anchorage system. Refer to “Lower Anchors and Tether for CHil- dren (LATCH)” later in this section. • The infant carrier is only used rearward-facing in the vehicle. It is recommended for children who weigh up to about 20 lbs (9 kg). ⬙Convertible⬙ child seats can be used either rearward-facing or forward-facing in the vehicle. Convertible child seats often have a higher weight limit in the rearward-facing direction than infant carriers do, so they can be used rearward-facing by children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) but are less than one year old. • Rearward-facing child seats must NEVER be used in the front seat of a vehicle with a front passenger airbag. An airbag deployment could cause severe injury or death to infants in this position. Older Children and Child Restraints • Children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) and who are older than one year can ride forward-facing in the vehicle. Forward-facing child seats and convertible child seats used in the forward-facing direction are for children who weigh 20 to 40 lbs (9 to 18 kg) and who are older than one year. These child seats are also held in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt or the LATCH child restraint anchorage system. Refer to “Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH)” later in this section. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 71 • The belt-positioning booster seat is for children weigh- ing more than 40 lbs (18 kg), but who are still too small to fit the vehicle’s seat belts properly. If the child can not sit with knees bent over the vehicles seat 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/ shoulder belt. Children Too Large For Booster Seats Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend over the front of the seat when their back is against the seatback, 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. 72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE slouching can move the belt out of position. • Check belt fit periodically. A child’s squirming or • If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the child closer to the center of the vehicle. If this doesn’t help, move the child to the center rear seating position and use the lap belt. Never allow a child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind their back. refer NOTE: www.seatcheck.org or call 1-866-SEATCHECK. information, additional For to 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 ex- actly when installing an infant or child restraint. • A rearward facing child restraint should only be used in a rear seat. A rearward facing child re- straint in the front seat may be struck by a deploying passenger airbag which may cause se- vere 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 cinching latch plates, which are designed to keep the lap portion tight around the child restraint so that it is not necessary to use a locking clip. Pulling up on the THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 73 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. • 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 pulling and pushing on the restraint loosens the belt, disconnect the latch plate from the buckle, turn the buckle around, and insert the latch plate into the buckle again. If you still can’t make the child restraint secure, try a different seating position. 74 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE restraint manufacturer’s directions. • Buckle the child into the seat according to the child • 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 seatbacks and cause serious personal injury. 3-passenger bench seats and 3rd row store in the floor seats are equipped with a child restraint tether anchor at the center seating position. Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) Each vehicle, except commercial cargo vehicles, is equipped with the child restraint anchorage system called LATCH, which stands for Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren. Two LATCH child restraint anchor- age systems are installed on all second-row seats and in the center position on all 3rd row store in the floor seats. Second-row seats also feature tether strap anchorages, located in the rear surface of the seatback. In addition, all Latch Anchorages When using the tether anchorages in the outboard seat- ing positions, ensure that the strap is routed over the top of the seatback and under the head restraint between the head restraint posts. Except for bench seats with split seatbacks, when the tether anchorage is used in the center seating position, the strap should be positioned straight over the top of the seatback. For bench seats with split seatbacks, route the tether between the seatbacks. When using the tether anchorages in the center position on 3rd row store in the floor seating, ensure that the strap is routed over the top of the seatback and under the head restraint between the head restraint posts. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 75 Tether Strap Mounting 76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE WARNING! An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to increased head motion and possible injury to the child. Use only the anchor positions directly behind the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether strap. Child restraint systems having attachments designed to connect to the lower anchorages are now available. Child restraints having tether straps and hooks for connection to the seatback 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. If your child restraint seat is not LATCH com- NOTE: patible, install the restraint using the vehicle seat belts. Fleet vehicles equipped with the LATCH system on the 3-passenger bench seat must have the seat adjusted to the full rear position on the tracks when the LATCH system is used. Also, when using the LATCH system, be sure the seatback is two clicks rear of its full upright position. Because the lower anchorages are to be introduced to passenger carrying vehicles over a period of years, child restraint systems having attachments for those anchor- ages 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. Installing the Child Restraint System If your fleet vehicle is equipped with LATCH anchorages on the 3-passenger bench seat, do not install three child restraints at the same time in this seat. The anchorages in this seat are not designed to restrain three child restraints THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 77 strap. Forward-facing toddler restraints and some rearward-facing infant restraints will also be equipped with a tether strap, a hook and means for adjusting the tension in the strap. In general, you will first loosen the adjusters on the lower straps and tether straps so that you can more easily attach the hook or connector to the lower anchorages and tether anchorages. Then tighten all three straps as you push the child restraint rearward and downward into the seat. Not all child restraint systems will be installed as we have described here. Again, carefully follow the instruc- tions that come with the child restraint system. at one time. Instead, you may install one child restraint at the center position, or one child restraint at each of the right and left positions. WARNING! Fleet Vehicles Only: Do not install child restraint systems equipped with LATCH attachments at all three seating positions in the seat at one time. The LATCH anchorages in this seat are designed to restrain no more than two child restraints at a time in the event of a collision. Failure to follow this may result in serious or fatal injury. 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 78 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE WARNING! Improper installation of a child restraint to the LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of an infant or child restraint. The child could be badly injured or killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly when installing an infant or child restraint. Transporting Pets Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet. An unrestrained pet could 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. REAR SEAT DELETE FEATURE (COMMERCIAL VEHICLES ONLY) — IF EQUIPPED Commercial cargo vehicles are not designed for use as a family vehicle and are not intended for carrying children in the front passenger seat. However, if you must carry a child in a vehicle without a rear seat, the passenger seat should be moved to the full rearward position and the child must be in a proper restraint system based on it’s age, size and weight. NEVER carry a child in a rear facing infant carrier in a vehicle without rear seats. In an accident, serious injury or death may occur from the deploying passenger air bag. This vehicle is equipped with a child restraint tether anchor located on the floor, behind the front passenger seat. Use this tether anchor to secure only forward facing child restraints equipped with an upper tether strap. WARNING! Rear Facing Infant restraints must never be secured in the passenger seat of a vehicle with a passenger airbag. In an accident a passenger airbag may deploy causing severe injury or death to infants riding in rear facing infant restraints. Restraining Infants and Small Children with Seat Delete Feature (Commercial Vehicles Only) There are different sizes and types of restraints for children from newborn size to the child almost large enough for an adult safety belt. Use the restraint that is correct for your child: • The rearward-facing infant carrier is for babies weigh- ing up to about 20 lbs (9 kg), and less than one year old. THIS TYPE OF SEAT CANNOT BE USED IN A THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 79 VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THE REAR SEAT DE- LETE FEATURE (Commercial Vehicles Only). • The forward-facing child seat is for children from about 20 to 40 lbs (9 to 18 kg), and more than one year old. • A “convertible” child seat, one that is designed to be used for children who are too heavy for a rear facing infant seat, may be used IN THE FORWARD FACING POSITION ONLY, IT MUST NEVER BE INSTALLED FACING TO THE REAR IN A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THE REAR SEAT DELETE FEATURE (Com- mercial Vehicles Only). When a convertible seat is properly installed forward facing, the vehicle seat should be adjusted to the rear most position. • Children more than 40 lbs (18 kg) should be secured in the passenger seat in a child restraint or belt- positioning booster seat with the seat adjusted to the rear most position. Older children who do not use 80 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE child restraints or belt-positioning booster seats should ride properly buckled in the passenger seat with the seat adjusted to the rear most position. Never allow children to slide the shoulder belt behind them or under their arm. Tether Installation For Commercial Vehicles With Rear Seat Delete To secure the child restraint upper tether strap to the vehicle, follow the instructions shown: 1. Locate the child restraint tether anchor on the floor just behind the front passenger seat. Tether Anchor Location 2. Extend the child restraint tether anchor forward to- wards the front passenger seat. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 81 5. Route the tether strap beneath the head restraint between the two head restraint posts. Ensure that the child restraint tether strap is centered between the two head restraint posts. Tether To Anchor

Boost Classifieds - Car Advice, Reviews, Events & Classifieds

2005 Chrysler TOWN and Country Owners Manual