Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver's door when the key is in the ignition,
sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.
CAUTION!
Always remove the key from the ignition, and lock
all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM Ð IF
EQUIPPED
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) prevents
unauthorized 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 that have been programmed to the vehicle can be
used to start and operate the vehicle for longer than the
2 second validation time period.
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System does not need to be
armed or activated. Operation of the system is automaticregardless of whether or not the vehicle is locked or
unlocked. During normal operation, the SKIS indicator
light will come on for 3 seconds immediately after the
ignition switch is turned on for a bulb check. Afterwards,
if the bulb remains on, this indicates a malfunction in the
electronics. If the bulb begins to flash immediately after
the ignition switch is turned on, this indicates that an
invalid key is being used to start the vehicle. 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.
If the SKIS 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:
²
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not compatible
with remote starting systems. Use of these systems
may result in vehicle starting problems and loss of
security protection.
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
To Shut Off the Passenger Airbag
1. Turn ignition to OFF position.
2. Remove the water-resistant plug.
3. Place the ignition key in the Passenger Airbag ON/
OFF Switch, press inward and turn the key to the right to
the OFF position. This will shut off the passenger airbag.
4. Reinstall the water-resistant plug.
NOTE:When the Passenger Airbag ON/OFF Switch is
in the OFF position, a indicator light will illuminate when
the ignition is ON. If the indicator light does not illumi-
nate for 3 seconds after the ignition is turned ON, or
when the Passenger Airbag ON/OFF Switch is turned
OFF (while ignition is in the ON position), have an
authorized dealer service the system immediately.
To Turn On the Passenger Airbag
1. Turn ignition to OFF position.
2. Remove the water-resistant plug.3. Place the ignition key in the Passenger Airbag ON/
OFF Switch, press inward and turn the key to the left to
the ON position. This will turn on the passenger airbag.
4. Reinstall the water-resistant plug.
NOTE:Do not turn the Passenger Airbag ON/OFF
Switch on or off with the ignition in the ON/RUN or
START positions, as the ACM could cause the ªAirbag
Warning Lampº to illuminate.
If A Deployment Occurs
The airbag system is designed to deploy when the impact
sensors detect a moderate-to-severe frontal collision, to
help restrain the driver and right front passenger, and
then to immediately deflate.
NOTE:A frontal collision that is not severe enough to
need airbag protection will not activate the system. This
does not mean something is wrong with the airbag
system.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27
2
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a indicator check when the ignition switch is
first turned on. If the indicator is not lit during starting,
have it serviced. If the light stays on or comes on while
driving, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41
2
7. High Beam Indicator Light
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever towards the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or
low. If the driver's door is open, and the headlights or
parklights are left on, the ªHigh Beam Indicator Lightº
will flash and a chime will sound.
8. Seat Belt Indicator Light
A warning chime and an indicator light will
alert you to buckle the seat belts. When the belt
is buckled, the chime will stop, but the light will
stay on until it times out (about 6 seconds).
9. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
10. Front Axle Lock Indicator Light Ð If Equipped
Indicates when the front axle lock has been
activated.11. Rear Axle Lock Indicator Light Ð If Equipped
Indicates when the rear axle lock has been
activated.
12. 4WD Indicator Light
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is
in the four-wheel drive mode, and the front
and rear driveshafts are mechanically locked
together forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed.
13. Shift Indicator Light Ð If Equipped
This light shows the driver when to shift to the
next higher gear for best fuel economy (4.0L
Only).
14. Oil Pressure Gauge
Indicates engine oil pressure. This gauge does
not indicate oil level, and pressure varies with
engine speed, temperature and oil viscosity. Consis-
tent lower readings indicate possible malfunction.
Seek authorized service.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 117
4
15. Coolant Temperature Gauge
Indicates engine coolant temperature. The red
zone to the far right indicates possible overheat-
ing. Seek authorized service immediately if the
gauge operates in the red zone. In U.S. vehicles,
temperature is indicated in degrees fahrenheit; in
Canadian vehicles in degrees centigrade.
16. Airbag Warning Light
This indicator lights and remains lit for 6 to
8 seconds when the ignition is first turned
on. If the light does not come on for 6 to 8
seconds, stays on or comes on while driving,
have the airbag system checked by an authorized
dealer.
17. Check Gauges Warning Light
This light monitors the engine coolant tem-
perature, engine oil pressure, and voltage
gauges. If it detects an extreme condition a
chime will sound and the light will come on. If the
light comes on, check the operation of these gauges for
a malfunction condition.18. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic
System called OBD II that monitors engine,
and automatic transmission control systems.
The light will illuminate when the ignition 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,
poor quality fuel, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several typical driving styles. In most
situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
When the engine is running, the ªMalfunction Indicator
Lightº may flash to alert 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.
118 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
It is even more important to look for gasoline without
MMT in Canada because MMT can be used at levels
higher than allowed in the United States. MMT is pro-
hibited in Federal and California reformulated gasoline.
Sulfur In Gasoline
If you live in the northeast United States, your vehicle
may have been designed to meet California low emission
standards with clean burning, low sulfur, California
gasoline. Gasoline sold outside of California is permitted
to have higher sulfur levels which may affect the perfor-
mance of the vehicle's catalytic converter. This may cause
the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº to illuminate.
Illumination of this light while operating on high sulfur
gasoline does not necessarily mean your emission control
system is malfunctioning. The manufacturer recom-
mends that you try a different brand of unleaded gaso-
line having lower sulfur to determine if the problem is
fuel related prior to returning your vehicle to an autho-
rized dealer for service.
CAUTION!
If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing,
immediate service is required. See ªOnboard Diag-
nostic Systemº in Section 7 of this manual.
Materials Added To Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions.
STARTING AND OPERATING 199
5
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on top of the steering column, just
behind the steering wheel. Depress the switch and both
cluster indicators and all front and rear directional sig-
nals will flash. Depress the switch again to turn Hazard
Warning Flashers off.Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may wear down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways Ð Slow down.
²In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transmission in N
(Neutral), but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
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
210 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
²Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indica-
tor Lightº on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
²If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 225
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