2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE roof rack

WARNING!
²Do not put anything on or around the front airbag
covers or attempt to manually open them. You may
damage the airbags and you could be injured be-
cause the airbags are not there to protect you. These
protective covers for the airbag cushions are de-
signed to open only when the airbags are inflating.
²If your vehicle is equipped with window bags, do
not stack luggage or other cargo up high enough to
block the location of the window bag. The area
where the window bag is located should remain
free from any obstructions.
²If your vehicle is equipped with window bags, do
not have any accessory items installed which will
alter the roof, including adding a sunroof to your
vehicle. Do not add roof racks that require perma-
nent attachments (bolts or screws) for installation
on the vehicle roof. Do not drill into the roof of the
vehicle for any reason.
²Do not cover or place items on the airbag covers.
These items may cause serious injury during infla-
tion.
The front airbags have a multi stage inflator design. This
allows the airbag to have different rates of inflation that
are based on collision severity. Along with the seat belts,
front airbags work with the instrument panel knee bol-
sters to provide improved protection for the driver and
front passenger. Window bags also work with seat belts
to improve occupant protection.
The seat belts are designed to protect you in many types
of collisions. The front airbags deploy in moderate to
severe frontal collisions. If your vehicle is so equipped,
the window bag on the crash side of the vehicle is
triggered in moderate to severe side collisions. In certain
types of collisions, both the front and side airbags may be
triggered. But even in collisions where 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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37
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mGlove Compartment.....................116
mCup Holders..........................116
mCargo Area Features.....................118
NCargo Light.........................118NRetractable Cargo Area Cover Ð If
Equipped...........................118
NCargo Tie-Down Hooks.................119
mRoof Luggage Rack.....................121
58 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

ROOF LUGGAGE RACK
External racks do not increase the total load carrying
capacity of the vehicle. Be sure that the total occupant
and luggage load inside the vehicle, plus the load on the
luggage rack, do not exceed the rated vehicle capacity.
This vehicle is not equipped with roof rack cross rails as
built, unless ordered as optional equipment. Cross rails
must be installed prior to carrying loads on the roof rack.
If not equipped, your authorized dealer can order and
install Mopartcross rails built specifically for this roof
rack system or a number of after market rails that are
tailored to your life-style or activities.CAUTION!
²To prevent damage to the roof of your vehicle, DO
NOT carry any loads on the roof rack without cross
rails installed. The load should be secured and
placed on top of the cross rails, not directly on the
roof. If it is necessary to place the load on the roof,
place a blanket or some other protection between the
load and the roof surface.
²To avoid damage to the roof rack and vehicle, do not
exceed the rated load capacity of your cross rail system
or the roof rack system maximum load capacity of 150
lbs (68 kg). Always distribute heavy loads as evenly as
possible and secure the load appropriately.
²Long loads which extend over the windshield, such
as wood panels or surfboards, should be secured to
both the front and rear of the vehicle.
²Travel at reduced speeds and turn corners carefully
when carrying large or heavy loads on the roof rack.
Wind forces, due to natural causes or nearby truck
traffic, can add sudden upward loads. This is espe-
cially true on large flat loads and may result in
damage to the cargo or your vehicle.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 121
3

WARNING!
Cargo must be securely tied before driving your
vehicle. Improperly secured loads can fly off the
vehicle, particularly at high speeds, resulting in
personal injury or property damage. Follow the roof
rack ªCautionsº when carrying cargo on your roof
rack.
122 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE