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— 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
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, additonal 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 directly to your
dealership 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.
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR 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.
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
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.
•Reassemble the transmitter case. Snap the halves to-
gether and test transmitter operation.
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:
40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
If the pointer rises to the “H” mark, stop the vehicle and
turn off the engine until the problem is corrected.
CAUTION!
Continuing to drive with an overheated engine cool-
ing system can cause damage to the engine or other
components.
There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition. If your air conditioning is
on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to Floor and
the Fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
16. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system called OBD that monitors engine and
automatic transmission control systems. Thelight will illuminate when the key is in the ON
position before engine start. If the bulb does not come
on when turning the key from OFF to ON, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap or
poor fuel quality may illuminate the light after engine
start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on
through several of your typical driving cycles. In most
situations the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert to serious
conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or
severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.
17. Trip Odometer Reset Knob
To reset the trip odometer, push the reset knob for about
two seconds.
18. Airbag Light
The light will come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch
is first turned ON. If the bulb is not lit during starting,
90 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
have it replaced. If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
19. Odometer/Trip Odometer
Shows the total distance the vehicle has been driven.
U.S. Federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
The Trip Odometer shows individual trip mileage and is
accessed by pressing the reset button.
20. Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical
charging system. The light should come on
briefly when the ignition is first turned on and remain
on briefly as a bulb check. If the light stays on or
comes on while driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s
electrical devices, such as the Fog Lights or RearDefroster. If the Charging System Light remains on, it
means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with
the charging system and should be serviced immedi-
ately. See your local authorized dealer.
21. Transmission Range Indicator
This indicator illuminates to show the automatic trans-
mission gear selection.
22. ABS Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake system
described elsewhere in this manual. The yellow
ABS light will come on when the ignition key is turned
to the ON position and may stay on for several
seconds. If the ABS light does not come on have the
system checked by an authorized dealer. The warning
light should be checked frequently to assure that it is
operating properly.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required, however,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the red BRAKE warning light is not on.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 91
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