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.
When it comes to service, remember that your manufac-
turers dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-
trained technicians and genuine Moparparts, and is
interested in your satisfaction.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
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:
4 INTRODUCTION
▫To Program Additional Transmitters.........20
▫Transmitter Linked To Memory Programming . .21
▫General Information....................22
▫Transmitter Battery Service...............22
Security Alarm System...................23
▫To Set The Alarm......................23
▫To Disarm The System...................24
▫Security System Manual Override...........24
Power Windows........................25
Remote Trunk Lid Release................25
Trunk Safety Warning....................26
▫Trunk Emergency Release................26
Occupant Restraints.....................27▫Lap/Shoulder Belts.....................28
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women............32
▫Seat Belt Extender......................32
▫Driver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag............33
▫Child Restraint........................41
Engine Break-In Recommendations..........48
Safety Tips............................49
▫Exhaust Gas..........................49
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle..............................49
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle....................50
8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
If the Sentry Key Immobilizer System indicator light
comes on during normal vehicle operation (it 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 Immobilizer System is not compatible with
remote starting systems. Use of these systems may
result in vehicle starting problems and loss of security
protection.
•Mobil SpeedPass, additional sentry keys, or any other
transponder equipped components on the same key-
chain willnot
cause a key-related (transponder)
fault unless the additional part isphysically held
against the ignition keybeing used when starting
the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other RF Elec-
tronics will also not cause interference with this
system.
The Theft Alarm Light, located on top of the instrument
panel, will illuminate for about 3 seconds when the
ignition switch is first turned to the On position. If the
vehicle electronics do not receive a valid signal from theignition key, the theft alarm light will flash continuously
to signal that the vehicle has been immobilized. If the
Theft Alarm Light remains On during vehicle operation,
it indicates a fault in the system electronics.
All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Important Note about Service
A four digit PIN is needed to service the Sentry Key
Immobilizer System. This number can be obtained by the
dealership. However, this number can also be found on
your customer invoice that you were given upon receipt
of your vehicle. YOU MUST BRING ALL SENTRY KEYS
that are programmed to your vehicle with you when
bringing your vehicle in for service.
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
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
for dealer replacement of keys. Duplication of keys may
be performed at an authorized dealer or by using the
Customer Key Programming procedure. This procedure
consists of programming a blank key to the vehicle
electronics. A blank key is one which has never been
programmed.
NOTE:When having the Sentry Key System serviced,
bring all vehicle keys to the dealer.
Customer Key Programming
You can program new keys to the system if you have two
valid keys by doing the following:
1. Insert the first valid key into the ignition and turn the
ignition On for at least 3 seconds but no longer than 15
seconds.
Turn the ignition Off and remove the first key.
2. Insert the second valid key and switch the ignition On
within 15 seconds. After ten seconds a chime will sound
and the Theft Alarm Light will begin to flash.
Turn the ignition Off and remove the second key.3. Insert a blank Sentry Key into the ignition and switch
the ignition On within 60 seconds. After 10 seconds a
single chime will sound. The Theft Alarm Light will stop
flashing, and turn On for 3 seconds; then turn Off.
The new Sentry Key has been programmed. Repeat this
process to program up to a total of 8 keys.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove the key from the ignition, lock the doors,
close the windows, and raise the top when leaving
the vehicle unattended.
General Information
The Sentry Key system complies with FCC rules part 15
and with RS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:
1. this device may not cause harmful interference
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2
transmitters are programmed into the vehicle, the first
transmitter trained will be associated with memory set-
ting 1, and the second transmitter trained will be associ-
ated with memory setting 2. Additional transmitters will
not be associated with a memory setting.
General Information
This transmitter complies with FCC rules part 15 and
with RS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) this device may not
cause harmful interference and (2) This device must
accept any interference that may be received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
If your Remote Lock Control fails to operate from a
normal distance, check for these two conditions:
1. Weak batteries in transmitter. The expected life of
batteries is from one to two years.
2. Closeness to a radio transmitter such as a radio station
tower, airport transmitter, and some mobile or CB radios.
Transmitter Battery Service
The recommended replacement battery is DL 2016 or its
equivalent.
•Pry the transmitter halves apart with a dime or similar
object. Make sure not to damage the rubber gasket
during removal.
•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.
22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready for your
protection in an impact. While the airbag system
is designed to be maintenance free, if any of the
following occurs, have an authorized dealer service the
system 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
interval.
•The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time– babies and children too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.Children 12 years and under should ride properly buck-
led up in a rear seat. According to crash statistics,
children are safer when properly restrained in the rear
seat rather than the front.
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:
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41
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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 so 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.
Sun Roof Maintenance
Use only a non abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to clean
the glass panel.
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
(EVIC) — IF EQUIPPED
The vehicle information center, when the appropriate
conditions exist, displays the following WARNING mes-
sages and symbols. Each message is accompanied by a
series of beeps:
•TURN SIGNALS ON (with graphic)
•PERFORM SERVICE
•DOOR OPEN (one or more, with graphic)
88 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
feature selected. Pressing the STEP button when in this
display will select “Yes” or “No.”
Headlamp Delay
When this feature is selected the driver can choose, when
exiting the vehicle, to have the headlamps remain on for
30, 60, or 90 seconds, or not remain on. Pressing the STEP
button when in this display will select 30, 60, 90, or OFF.
Headlamp On With Wipers (Available with Auto
Headlights Only)
When this feature is selected and the headlight switch
has at least once been moved to the AUTO position, the
headlights will turn on when the wipers are turned on.
The headlights will also turn off when the wipers are
turned off if they were turned on in this way. Pressing the
STEP button when in this display will select “Yes” or
“No.”
NOTE:Turning the headlights on during the daytime
causes the instrument panel lights to dim. To increase the
brightness, refer to “Lights” in this section.
Service Interval
When this feature is selected a service interval between
2,000 (3 200 km) and 6,000 miles (9 600 km) in 500 mile
(800 km) increments may be selected. Pressing the STEP
button when in this display will select distances between
2,000 (3 200 km) and 6,000 miles (9 600 km) in 500 mile
(800 km) increments.
Reset Service Distance (Displays Only if Service
Interval was Changed)
When this feature is selected the current accumulated
service distance can be reset to the newly selected service
interval. Pressing the STEP button when in this display
will select “Yes” or “No.”
Easy Exit Seat
When this feature is selected the driver’s seat moves
rearward two inches (55 mm) or to the farthest rearward
position if this distance is less than two inches (55 mm)
when the key is removed from the ignition switch so that
the driver can more easily exit the vehicle. The seat will
return to the memorized seat location (if REMOTE LINK
TO MEMORY is set to YES) when the remote keyless
entry transmitter is used to unlock the door. Pressing the
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 91
3