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CARGO AREA FEATURES
Cargo Light
The cargo area light is activated by opening the swing
gate, opening any door, or by rotating the dimmer control
on the multi-function control lever to the extreme top
position. If all doors are closed and only the swing gate is
open, pushing on the cargo light lens surface will turn off
all interior lights. Push on the lens surface a second time
to restore the interior lights to normal operation.
Retractable Cargo Area Cover Ð If Equipped
To cover the cargo area:
1. Grasp the center portion of the cover flap. Pull it over
the cargo area.
2. Insert the pins on the ends of the cover into the slots in
the pillar trim cover.3. The swing gate may be opened or closed with the
cargo cover in place.
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WARNING!
In an accident a cargo cover loose in the vehicle
could cause injury. It could fly around in a sudden
stop and strike someone in the vehicle. Do not store
the cargo cover on the cargo floor or in the passenger
compartment. Remove the cover from the vehicle
when taken from its mounting. Do not store in the
vehicle.
Cargo Tie-Down Hooks
The tie-downs located on cargo area floor should be used
to safely secure loads when vehicle is moving.
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WARNING!
²Cargo tie-down hooks are not safe anchors for a
child seat tether strap. In a sudden stop or colli-
sion a hook could pull loose and allow the child
seat to come loose. A child could be badly injured.
Use only the anchors provided for child seat
tethers.
²The weight and position of cargo and passengers
can change the vehicle center of gravity and
vehicle handling. To avoid loss of control result-
ing in personal injury, follow these guidelines for
loading your vehicle:
²Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor. Put
heavier objects as low and as far forward as possible.
²Place as much cargo as possible in front of the rear
axle. Too much weight or improperly placed weight
over or behind the rear axle can cause the rear of the
vehicle to sway.
²Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the top of the
seatback. This could impair visibility or become a
dangerous projectile in a sudden stop or collision.
WARNING!
To help protect against personal injury, passengers
should not be seated in the rear cargo area. The rear
cargo space is intended for load carrying purposes
only, not for passengers, who should sit in seats and
use seat belts.
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Cargo Organizer Ð If Equipped
This vehicle may be equipped with a cargo organizer that
mounts on the floor behind the rear seat. Items may be
placed on the flat surface or stored in the three storage
compartments.
WARNING!
²To avoid tipping, lock the shelf securely in all
positions.
²Do not drive this vehicle with the liftgate open, or
use the shelf as a seat.
²Failure to follow these warnings could result in
serious or fatal injury.
1. To raise the cargo organizer pull up on the handle and
pull towards the rear of the vehicle.
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2. Place the rear corners of the cargo organizer into the
supports located on the rear trim panel. Press down on
the back of the cargo organizer to lock it into place.WARNING!
Do not load objects over 30 lbs (13.5 kg) in the upper
position. Failure to follow this warning could cause
the cargo organizer to collapse resulting in personal
injury.
CAUTION!
Do not load objects over 100 lbs (45 kg) in the lower
position. Failure to follow this could cause damage
to the cargo organizer.
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To Open Storage Compartments
1. Pull up on the center opening of the cargo organizer.
2. Lift up on the storage compartment dividers and lock
into place.Cargo Organizer Removal
Loosen screw, then lift lever from each mount located on
the floor of the rear cargo area, and remove the cargo
organizer from the 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 as
shown on the label attached to the drivers door shut face.
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CAUTION!
²To avoid damage to the roof rack and vehicle, do
not exceed the maximum roof rack load capacity
of 150 lbs (68 kg) or 65 lbs (29.5 kg) on Renegade
models. 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.
²Place a blanket or other protection between the
surface of the roof and the load.
²Travel at reduced speeds and turn corners care-
fully 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 especially true on large flat loads
and may result in damage to the cargo or your
vehicle.
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.
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