
NGeneral Information....................18
NTransmitter Battery Service...............18
mVehicle Theft Alarm.....................19
NTamper Alert.........................19
NSecurity System Manual Override...........20
mTrunk Lock And Release..................20
mTrunk Safety Warning....................20
NTrunk Internal Emergency Release..........21
mPower Windows........................21
NWind Buffeting........................22
mOccupant Restraints.....................22
NLap/Shoulder Belts.....................23
NPretensioners.........................26NEnhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert)...........................27
NSeat Belts And Pregnant Women............28
NSeat Belt Extender......................28
NDriver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag............29
NChild Restraint........................34
mEngine Break-In Recommendations..........42
mSafety Tips............................42
NExhaust Gas..........................42
NSafety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle..............................43
NPeriodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle....................43
8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

inoperable. The engine can be started and stopped but
the key cannot be removed until you obtain service.
Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting out of
PARK unless the key is in the OFF or RUN positions.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver's door when the key is in the ignition
and is in the OFF, LOCK, or ACC position, sounds a
signal to remind you to remove the key.
SENTRY KEY Ð IF EQUIPPED
With this system, an electronically coded ignition key
sends a signal to the vehicle electronics. If the electronics
recognizes the signal, the vehicle will start and continue
to run. If the system does not recognize the signal the
vehicle will start and run for 2 seconds then shut off. The
system will allow the engine to be started and run (for 2
seconds) up to six times after which the starter motor will
be disabled and the engine will not crank.
NOTE:
²
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.
²Additional Sentry Keys or Mobil Speed PassŸ devices
held too close to the ignition key when starting the
vehicle may cause problems when attempting to start
the vehicle. These devices cannot damage the Sentry
Key System, but can cause a momentary problem
when attempting to start the engine. If a problem
occurs, remove the Sentry Key from the key ring and
restart the vehicle. Pagers, cell phones, walkmans, etc.,
have no effect on this system.
The Theft Alarm Light, located on the instrument cluster
to the right of the fuel gauge, 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 the ignition key, the theft alarm light will
flash continuously to signal that the vehicle has been
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

General Information
The Sentry Key system complies with FCC rules part 15.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. this device may not cause harmful interference
2. this device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation
ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM
The interior lights will come on when you open either
door, unlock the vehicle with the remote keyless entry or
central unlock from the driver's side (if so equipped).
They will remain on for about 30 seconds after all doors
are closed then fade to off.
The lights also will turn off if you turn on the ignition
after you close all doors.
DOOR LOCKS
WARNING!
For personal security and safety in the event of an
accident, lock the vehicle doors as you drive and
when you park and leave the vehicle.
WARNING!
When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the ignition lock, and lock your vehicle. Do not
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of
vehicle equipment may cause severe personal inju-
ries and death.
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Security System Manual Override
The system will not arm if you lock the doors using the
manual lock control.
TRUNK LOCK AND RELEASE
Use the key or the Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter to
open the trunk from outside the vehicle. From inside the
car the trunk lid can be released by turning the ignition
ON and depressing the Trunk Release Button located on
the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. The
transmission must be in Park before the switch willoperate. Vehicles with manual transmissions must have
the ignition ON and be at 0 mph for the switch to work.
With the ignition ON, the word ªdeckº will be displayed
in place of the odometer display indicating that the trunk
is open. The odometer display will reappear once the
trunk is closed or if the trip button is depressed.
With the key in lock position or key out, the ªdeckº will
be displayed until the trunk is closed.
TRUNK SAFETY WARNING
WARNING!
Do not allow children to have access to the trunk,
either by climbing into the trunk from outside, or
through the inside of the vehicle. Always close the
trunk lid when your vehicle is unattended. Once in
the trunk, young children may not be able to escape,
even if they entered through the rear seat. If trapped
in the trunk, children can die from suffocation or
heat stroke.
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Trunk Internal Emergency Release
NOTE:
As a security measure, a Trunk Internal Emer-
gency Release lever is built into the trunk latching
mechanism. In the event of an individual being locked
inside the trunk, the trunk can be simply opened by
pulling on the glow-in-the-dark handle attached to the
trunk latching mechanism. See picture.
POWER WINDOWS
The window controls on the driver's door operate all
windows.
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, pull the window switch
part way and release it when you want the window to
stop.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21
2

the airbags work, 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 ride buckled
up in the rear seat. Infants in rear-facing child restraints
shouldNEVERride in the front seat of a vehicle with a
passenger front airbag. An airbag deployment could
cause severe injury or death to infants in that position.
Children that are not big enough to properly wear the
vehicle seat belt (see section on ªChild Restraintsº)
should be secured in the rear seat in child restraints or
belt-positioning booster seats appropriate for the size and
age of the child.
Older children who do not use child restraints or belt-
positioning booster seats should ride properly buckled
up in the rear seat. Never allow children to slide the
shoulder belt behind them or under their arm.
If a child from 1 to 12 years old must ride in the front
passenger seat because the vehicle is crowded, move theseat as far back as possible, and use the proper child
restraint. See the section on ªChild Restraintº.
2. You should read the instructions provided with your
child restraint to make sure that you are using it properly.
3. All occupants should use their seat belts properly.
4. The driver and front passenger seats should be moved
back as far as practical to allow the airbags time to inflate.
WARNING!
²Relying 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.
²Being too close to the steering wheel or instru-
ment panel during airbag deployment could cause
serious injury. Airbags need room to inflate. Sit
back, comfortably extending your arms to reach
the steering wheel or instrument panel.
30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
²Modifications 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 struc-
ture, or frame.
²You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee impact bolster.
²It 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 for your
protection in an impact. While the airbag system
is designed to be maintenance free, if any of the
following occurs, have an authorized dealer service the
system promptly:
²TheAIRBAGlight does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
²The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.
²The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
timeÐ 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.
34 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
²Improper 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.
²A rearward facing infant restraint should only be
used in a rear seat. A rearward facing infant
restraint 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:
²Before 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.
²The restraint must be appropriate for your child's
weight and height. Check the label on the restraint for
weight and height limits.
²Carefully follow the instructions that come with the
restraint. If you install the restraint improperly, it may
not work when you need it.
²Buckle the child into the seat according to the child
restraint manufacturer's directions.
²When your child restraint is not in use, secure it in the
vehicle with the seat belt or remove it from the vehicle.
Do not leave it loose in the vehicle. In a sudden stop or
collision, it could strike the occupants or seat backs
and cause serious personal injury.
NOTE:For additional information, refer to
www.seatcheck.org or call 1±866±SEATCHECK.
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
36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE