2004 JEEP LIBERTY Instrument

modify the rate of inflation based on the occupant size
provided by the Occupant Classification Module. The
ORC will not detect roll over, or rear impacts.
The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic parts
of the system whenever the ignition switch is in the
START or RUN positions. These include all of the
items listed above except the steering wheel and
column, and knee bolsters. If the key is in the OFF
position, in the ACC position, or not in the ignition,
the airbags are not on and will not inflate.
Also, the ORC turns on the AIRBAG warning light and
PAD indicator light in the instrument panel for 6 to 8
seconds for a self-check when the ignition is first turned
on. After the self-check, the AIRBAG warning light will
turn off. The PAD indicator light will function normally
(Refer to ªPassenger Airbag Disable (PAD) Indicator
Lightº in this section). If the ORC detects a malfunction
in any part of the system, it turns on the AIRBAGwarning light either momentarily or continuously. A
single chime will sound if the light comes on again after
initial start up.
WARNING!
Ignoring the AIRBAG warning light in your instru-
ment panel could mean you won't have the airbags
to protect you in a collision. If the light does not
come on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it
comes on as you drive, have the airbag system
checked right away.
²TheOccupant Classification System (OCS)will clas-
sify an occupant into a size category based on sensor
readings from within the seat cushion. Occupants
should try to remain in a normally seated position. If
the occupant's weight is transferred to another object
in the vehicle (i.e. feet on the dashboard), the OCS may
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51
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For almost all sizes of properly seated adults, the passen-
ger frontal airbag will be enabled in the event of a
collision. For small teenagers and some small adults,
depending on size, the airbag may or may not be enabled
in the event of a collision. For small teenagers and some
small adults, depending on size, the airbag may or may
not be enabled in the event of a collision. Both driversand passengers should always use the PAD indicator
light as an indication if the front passenger is properly
positioned or not. If the PAD indicator light comes on
when an adult is in the passenger seat, have the passen-
ger re-position themselves in the seat until the light goes
out. Remember, if the PAD indicator light is illuminated
the passenger front airbag will not inflate. For properly
installed child restraint systems and children properly
seated on the front passenger seat, the airbag will be
disabled. If at all possible, place children 12 years and
younger in a back seat.²TheDriver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Unitsare
located in the center of the steering wheel and the right
side of the instrument panel. When the ORC detects a
collision requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator
units. A large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to
inflate the front airbags. Different airbag inflation rates
may be possible based on collision severity and occu-
pant size. The steering wheel hub trim cover and the
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53
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upper right side of the instrument panel separate and
fold out of the way as the bags inflate to their full size.
The bags fully inflate in about 50±70 milliseconds. This
is about half of the time it takes to blink your eyes. The
bags then quickly deflate while helping to restrain the
driver and front passenger.
The driver's front airbag gas is vented through vent
holes in the sides of the airbag. The passenger's front
airbag gas is vented through vent holes in the sides of
the airbag. In this way the airbags do not interfere with
your control of the vehicle.
²TheOccupant Classification Module (OCM)is lo-
cated beneath the front passenger seat. The OCM
classifies the occupant into one of three size categories
based on the input from the Bladder Assembly and a
Belt Tension Sensor. The size categories include empty,child, and adult. The OCM sends the Occupant Clas-
sification to the ORC to determine if a front passenger
airbag is allowed. If a fault is present, the AIRBAG
warning light is illuminated.
²ThePassenger Airbag Disabled (PAD) Indicator
Lightindicates to the driver and passenger when the
airbag is turned OFF. In the presence of a properly
seated occupant, when the PAD indicator light is
illuminated, the airbag is OFF. Also, when the Occu-
pant Classification System detects either an empty seat
or a weight less than the predetermined threshold, the
ORC will not illuminate the PAD indicator light even
though the airbag is turned OFF.
²TheBelt Tension Sensor (BTS)is located at the
outboard passenger lap belt anchor. The BTS creates a
signal based on outboard lap belt tension. This signal
is sent to the OCM to ensure that the resultant bladder
54 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Also, the fuel system will shut off immediately upon
airbag deployment (gasoline models only). The ignition
switch will need to be cycled (i.e. turn the ignition key
from the ON position to the LOCK position) after ap-
proximately 5 seconds in order to restart the 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 if the
airbag system is 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 structure, or add aftermar-
ket side steps or running boards.
²Do not attempt to modify any part of your advanced airbag
system. The airbag may inflate accidentally or may not
function properly if modifications are made. Take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer for any advanced airbag
system service. If your seat including your trim cover and
cushion needs to be serviced in any way, take the vehicle to
your authorized dealer. Only manufacturer approved seat
accessories may be used. If it is necessary to modify an
advanced airbag system for persons with disabilities, con-
tact your authorized dealer.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 57
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Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should feel the air
directed against the windshield.
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of all exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes
are detected, the cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
70 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NHead Restraints.......................92
NPower Seat Adjuster Ð If Equipped.........93
N65/35 Split Folding Rear Seat..............94
NHeated Seats Ð If Equipped..............97
mTo Open And Close The Hood..............97
mLights................................98
NInterior Lights........................98
NFront Map/Reading Lights..............100
NMulti-Function Control Lever.............100
NParking Lights, Instrument Panel Lights, And
Headlights..........................101
NHigh Beam/Low Beam Select Switch.......101
NPassing Light........................101NTurn Signals.........................101
NLights-On Reminder...................102
NBattery Saver Feature Ð Exterior Lights.....102
NFog Lights Ð If Equipped...............102
NDaytime Running Lights Ð If Equipped.....102
NLight Bar Ð If Equipped................103
mWindshield Wipers And Washers............104
NWindshield Washers...................105
NMist Feature.........................106
NWindshield Wiper Operation.............106
NIntermittent Wiper System...............107
mTilt Steering Column....................107
72 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Heated Seats Ð If Equipped
The heated seat switch is located on the outboard side of
the front seats. Pressing this switch to its desired setting
(HI or LO) will activate the respective heating element for
the heated seat.
Once the heated seat switch is activated, depressing it a
second time will de-activate it.
TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
To open the hood, two latches must be released. First pull
the hood release lever inside your vehicle located under
the left side of the instrument panel.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 97
3

The overhead lights will automatically turn off in about 8
minutes if a door is left open or the dimmer control is left
in the dome light position. Turn the ignition switch ON to
restore the overhead light operation.
Rear Cargo Light
The rear cargo light includes an independent ªOn/Offº
switch, which when ªoffº will not allow the illumination
of any interior lighting when the rear swing gate or
flipper glass is opened. All other methods of turning the
interior lighting on/off will function normally regardless
of the rear cargo light switch position.
Dimmer Control
With the park lights or headlights on, rotating the control
for the dimmer switch on the multi-function control lever
upward will increase the brightness of the instrument
panel lights. Rotating the control completely upward
turns on the dome light.
Daytime Brightness Feature
Certain components (odometer, radio, etc.) can be illumi-
nated at full brightness during the daytime. This can be
helpful when driving with your headlights on during the
daytime such as in a parade or a funeral procession. To
activate this feature, rotate the multi-function control
lever one detent lower than the dome light.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 99
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