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
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
A Word About Your Keys................. 9
▫Sentry Key Engine Immobilizer— If Equipped . . 9
▫Ignition Key Removal...................12
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder................12
▫Floor Shift Ignition Interlock System — If
Equipped............................13
Glove Compartment Lock.................14
Illuminated Entry System — If Equipped.....14
Door Locks...........................14
▫Power Door Locks.....................14
▫Central Locking Feature — If Equipped......15
▫“Child-Protection” Lock System (Rear Doors) . .16▫Automatic (Rolling) Door Locks............16
▫Automatic Unlock On Exit (Only Available If
Automatic Door Locks Enabled)............17
Remote Keyless Entry....................18
▫To Unlock The Doors...................18
▫Enable/Disable Lamp Flash...............19
▫To Lock The Doors.....................19
▫Enable/Disable Horn Chirp...............19
▫To Unlock The Trunk....................19
▫Enable/Disable Trunk Press And Hold.......19
▫Panic Alarm..........................19
▫To Use The Panic Alarm.................20
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▫To Program Additional Transmitters.........20
▫Transmitter Linked To Memory Programming . .21
▫General Information....................22
▫Transmitter Battery Service...............22
Security Alarm System— If Equipped........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.....................26▫Lap/Shoulder Belts.....................27
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women............32
▫Seat Belt Extender......................32
▫Driver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag............33
▫Child Restraint........................40
Engine Break-In Recommendations..........47
Safety Tips............................47
▫Exhaust Gas..........................47
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle..........................48
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle..........................48
8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
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
be used to order duplicate keys from your dealer or a
locksmith. Ask your dealer for these numbers and keep
them in a safe place.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove the key from the ignition and lock all the
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Sentry Key Engine Immobilizer— If Equipped
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized operation of the vehicle by disabling the engine.
The system will shut the engine down after 2 seconds of
running if an invalid key is used to start the vehicle. This
system utilizes ignition keys which have an electronic
chip (transponder) embedded into them. Only keys thathave been programmed to the vehicle can be used to start
and operate the vehicle for more than the two second
validation time period.
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 Sentry Key
Indicator light, located on the instrument panel upper
cover, will come on for 3 seconds immediately after the
ignition is turned on for a bulb check. Afterwards, if the
bulb remains on solid, 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 or there is a communication failure between
the transponder and the Sentry Key Immobilizer module.
Both of these conditions will result in the engine being
shut down after 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 for that
vehicle. All of the keys provided with your new vehicle
have been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 9
2
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM— IF EQUIPPED
The system monitors the doors, trunk key cylinder, and
ignition for unauthorized operation.
If something triggers the alarm, the system will signal for
up to 18 minutes. For the first 3 minutes the horn will
sound and the headlights, park and tail lights and the
SET light will flash. The horn will stop and if the source
of the trigger is still present, the lights will continue to
flash for another 15 minutes.
NOTE:The engine will not start until you disarm the
system.
To set the alarm:
1. Remove the keys from the ignition switch and get out
of the vehicle.
2. Lock the door using either the door key, power door
lock switch, or the Keyless Entry Transmitter and close all
doors.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23
2
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The engine in your new vehicle does not require a long
break-in period.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55
mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.
The crankcase oil installed in the engine at the factory is
a high quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with expected climate con-
ditions under which vehicle operations will occur. The
recommended viscosity and quality grades are in Section
7 of this manual.
Do not use non-detergent or straight mineral oils.A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles of operation. This is a normal part of the
break-in and not an indication of a problem.SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
•Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in
or out of the area.
•If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running, adjust your heating or cooling con-
trols to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower
at high speed.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47
2
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL
This device can be engaged to take over the accelerator
operation at speeds between 30 mph (48 km/h) and 85
mph (137 km/h). The controls are mounted on the
steering wheel.
To Activate:
Push the ON/OFF button to turn the system ON. The
CRUISE light in the instrument cluster will illuminate
when the system is ON.
NOTE:You must press the ON/OFF button to activate
the system each time the engine is started.
WARNING!
Leaving the Electronic Speed Control system on
when not in use is dangerous. You could accidentally
set the system or cause it to go faster than you want.
You could lose control and have an accident. Always
leave the system OFF when you are not using it.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 67
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WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the system
can’t maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose
control. An accident could be the result. Don’t use
Speed Control in heavy traffic or on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, or slippery.
Using Speed Control On Hills
Your vehicle is equipped with Interactive Speed Control.
This feature operates when traveling up or down hills
with the Speed Control engaged and the driver’s foot off
of the accelerator.
When Climbing A Hill
If vehicle speed drops 3 mph (5 km/h) below the Speed
Control SET speed, the transmission will downshift to
third gear. Under severe conditions the transmission may
downshift again to second gear. The transmission will
upshift as the vehicle reaches the top of the hill.
When Descending A Hill
If vehicle speed rises 3 mph (5 km/h) over the Speed
Control SET speed, the transmission will downshift to
third gear. This provides engine braking to keep vehicle
speed under control. The transmission will not downshift
below third gear to control vehicle overspeed. The trans-
mission will upshift to fourth gear after the vehicle has
reached the bottom of the hill.
NOTE:On very steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain
may occur. It may be preferable to drive without Speed
Control.
Rolling Hills
The transmission may downshift into third gear and
remain there as the vehicle travels over rolling hills. The
transmission will upshift into fourth gear when the road
flattens out.
The transmission will resume its normal shift schedule if
you depress the accelerator pedal during any of the
above conditions.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 69
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