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 left. The liftgate can also be unlocked using the
remote keyless entry or by activating the power door lock
switches located on the front doors. The central locking/
unlocking feature (if equipped) can also be activated
from the liftgate key cylinder.
Once unlocked, the liftgate can be opened or closed
without using the key. To open the liftgate, pull out on
the outside handle and lift up with one fluid motion.
WARNING!
²Driving 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.
²If 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.
28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
WARNING!
If you are required to drive with the deck lid/liftgate
open, make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc. If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
60 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
NUsing The PTY (Program Type) Button
(If Equipped)........................164
NPTY Button9Scan9.....................164
NPTY Button9Seek9.....................164
NSatellite Antenna......................164
NReception Quality.....................164
mCassette Tape And Player Maintenance.......165
mCD/DVD Disc Maintenance...............166
mRadio Operation And Cellular Phones........166mClimate Controls.......................166
NAir Conditioning.....................166
NOperating Tips.......................171
mRear Window Features...................173
NElectric Rear Window Defroster...........173
NRear Wiper/Washer Switch..............174
NAdding Washer Fluid..................175
124 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
dirty (noticeably poor sound), it may not be possible to
remove all deposits with a simple WET cleaning cassette.
CD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE
To keep the CD/DVD discs in good condition, take the
following precautions:
1. Handle the disc by its edge; avoid touching the
surface.
2. If the disc is stained, clean the surface with a soft cloth,
wiping from center to edge.
3. Do not apply paper, paper CD labels, or tape to the
disc; avoid scratching the disc.
4. Do not use solvents such as benzine, thinner, cleaners,
or antistatic sprays.
5. Store the disc in its case after playing.
6. Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight.7. Do not store the disc where temperatures may become
too high.
RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES
Under certain conditions, the cellular phone being On in
your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy performance from
your radio. This condition may be lessened or eliminated
by relocating the cellular phone antenna. This condition
is not harmful to the radio. If your radio performance
does not satisfactorily ªclearº by the repositioning of the
antenna, it is recommended that the radio volume be
turned down or off during cellular phone operation.
CLIMATE CONTROLS
Air Conditioning
The Air Conditioning System allows you to balance the
temperature, amount, and direction of air circulating
throughout the vehicle. The controls are located on the
instrument panel, above the radio.
166 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
REPLACEMENT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS Ð Inside Bulb No.
ABS Indicator.......................... LED
Airbag Indicator........................ LED
Brake System Warning Indicator............. LED
Center Console Floor Lamp................. T37
Climate Controls......................6233137
Console Gear Selector...................PC194
Cruise Indicator....................... VFD*
Dome Light............................T579
Door Ajar Indicator..................... VFD*
Front Fog Indicator...................... LED
High Beam Indicator....................... 74
Instrument Cluster Illumination.............. 74
Liftgate Ajar Indicator.................... LED
Low Fuel Indicator....................... LED
Low Oil Pressure Indicator................. LED
Overhead Reading Light (Overhead Console). . . T1037LIGHT BULBS Ð Inside Bulb No.
Overhead Reading Light (Rearview Mirror).....T192
Rear Cargo............................T906
Seat Belt Indicator....................... LED
Security Alarm Indicator................... LED
Malfunction Indicator Light................ LED
Temperature Indicator.................... LED
Trac (Active) Indicator................... VFD*
TRAC OFF Indicator..................... LED
Trip Indicator......................... VFD*
Turn Signal Indicator...................... 103
Visor Vanity.........................6501966
Voltage Indicator........................ LED
NOTE:* Vacuum Fluorescent Display
All the inside bulbs are brass or glass wedge base.
Aluminum base bulbs are not approved and should not
be used for replacement.
286 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Call Toll Free at1±800±890±4038 (U.S.)or1±800±387±1143
(Canada)
Or
Visit us on the World Wide Web at:
www.techauthority.daimlerchrysler.comor
www.daimlerchrysler.ca/manuals
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following describes the tire grading categories estab-
lished by the National highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire's
manufacturer in each category is shown on the sidewall
of the tires on your car.
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in Addition to These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1
1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and
C, and they represent the tire's ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 323
9
CD Changer........................146,152
CD Player..................144,148,150,154,157
CD Player Maintenance................... 166
Cellular Phone........................70,166
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 289
Central Door Locks....................... 20
Chains, Tire............................ 214
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 230
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 199
Child Restraint.......................... 50
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 55
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts........... 54
Child Safety Locks........................ 21
Child Seat.............................. 56
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 217
Climate Control......................... 166
Clock................................ 136
Coin Holder........................... 112
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 166Compact Disc Player..................138,144
Compact Spare Tire...................... 210
Compass.............................. 105
Compass Calibration..................... 107
Compass Variance....................... 106
Console............................... 112
Console, Overhead....................... 104
Contract, Service........................ 318
Cool Down, Turbo....................... 182
Coolant............................290,291
Coolant Pressure Cap..................... 267
Cooling System......................... 265
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 267
Coolant Level......................266,268
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 266
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 266
Inspection........................... 268
Points to Remember.................... 268
Pressure Cap......................... 267
328 INDEX