
To activate the delay feature, turn off the ignition switch
while the headlights are still on. Then turn off the
headlights within 45 seconds. The 90 second delay inter-
val begins when headlight switch is turned off. If the
headlights or park lights are turned back on or the
ignition switch is turned on, the delay will be cancelled.
If the headlights are turned off before the ignition, they
will turn off in the normal manner.
NOTE:The lights must be turned off within 45 seconds
of turning the ignition off to activate this feature
The Headlamp delay time is programmable on vehicles
equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC). Refer to ªDelay Turning Headlamps Offº in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center section for details.
Fog Lights Ð If Equipped
The front fog light switch is on the headlamp
switch below the dimmer control. To activate the
front fog lights, turn on the parking lights or the
low beam headlights and press the fog lamp switch.
NOTE:The fog lights will operate with the low beam
headlights, or parking lights on. However, selecting the
high beam headlights will turn off the fog lights.
Turn Signals
Move the Multi-Function Lever up or down and the
arrows on each side of the instrument cluster flash to
show proper operation of the front and rear turn signal
lights. You can signal a lane change by moving the lever
partially up or down without moving beyond the detent.
Releasing the lever at the detent will provide 3 flashes.
If either light has a very fast flash rate, check for a
defective outside light bulb. If an indicator fails to light
when the lever is moved, it would suggest that the fuse
or indicator bulb is defective or there may be a circuit
failure.
NOTE:The message ªTurn Signal Onº will appear in
the electronic vehicle information center (EVIC) Ð if
equipped, and a continuous chime will be heard when
the vehicle has been driven more than 1 mile (1.6 km)
with either turn signal on.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 105
3

Highbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch
Push the Multi-Function Lever away from you to switch
the headlights to HIGH beam. Pull the Lever towards
you to switch the headlights back to LOW beam.
Flash to Pass
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
lightly pulling the Multi-Function Lever toward you.
This will cause the headlights to turn on at high beam
and remain on until the lever is released.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS
The wipers and washers are operated by the
multi-function lever. The lever is located on the
left side of the steering column. Rotate the end of
the control lever to select the desired wiper speed.
Windshield Washers
To use the front washer, push the lever in and hold while
spray is desired. If the lever is released while in the delay
range, the wiper will operate for two wipe cycles after the
lever is released, and then resume the intermittent inter-
val previously selected.
If the lever is pushed while in the OFF position, the
wipers will operate for two wipe cycles, then turn OFF.
Multi-Function Lever
106 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Rain Sensing WipersÐIf Equipped
This feature senses moisture on the windshield and
automatically activates the wipers for the driver. The
feature is especially useful when road splash or over-
spray from the windshield washers of the vehicle ahead
requires quick but brief wiping action. The sensitivity of
the system to the amount of water on the glass can be
adjusted with the rotary knob on the wiper stalk. Wiper
delay positions 1±6 indicate the rain sensing wiper sen-
sitivity where 1 is the least sensitive, and 6 is the most
sensitive.
NOTE:The rain sensing feature will not operate when
the wiper switch is in the LOW or HIGH speed position.
CAUTION!
Turn the windshield wipers off when driving
through an automatic car wash. Damage to the
windshield wipers may result if the wiper switch is
left in any position other than OFF.
NOTE:A customer programmable feature in the Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) allows the Rain
Sense feature to be turned off. Refer to ªPersonal Set-
tingsº in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center sec-
tion of this manual for details.
Mist Feature
Push the wiper lever in to activate a single wipe to clear
off road mist or spray from a passing vehicle. As long as
the lever is pushed in, the wipers will continue to
operate.
Headlamps On With Wipers (Available with Auto
Headlights Only)
The headlights will turn on approximately 10 seconds
after the wipers are turned on if the headlight switch is
placed in the AUTO position. The headlights will also
turn off when the wipers are turned off if they were
turned on by this feature. This feature can be turned on or
off using the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) Ð If equipped. Refer to ºHeadlamps On With
Wipersº in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
section of this manual for details.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 107
3

The traction control system (TCS) warning
light is located in the instrument cluster. The
TCS light will flash as soon as the tires lose
traction and the wheels begin to spin. This
indicates that the TCS system is active. If the TCS
warning light begins to flash during acceleration, ease up
on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible.
Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions. When the TCS warning light is illumi-
nated continuously, the TCS is switched off. To return to
the enhanced vehicle stability offered by TCS, press the
TCS switch (the TCS warning light in the instrument
cluster goes out). Avoid spinning one drive wheel. This
may cause serious damage to the drive train and is not
covered by the DaimlerChrysler warranty.
The TCS OFF switch is located on the center of the
instrument panel. To turn the traction control system OFF
press the TCS OFF switch until the traction control
Indicator in the instrument cluster lights up.
To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off the TCS system by pressing the TCS switch.To turn the system back ON, press the TCS OFF switch a
second time until the traction control Indicator turns OFF.
NOTE:
²
The traction control system comes on each time the
ignition switch is turned ON. This will occur even if
you used the switch to turn the system OFF.
²The Traction Control system will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when in operation.
TCS OFF switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 111
3

OVERHEAD CONSOLE Ð IF EQUIPPED
The overhead console contains courtesy/reading lights,
an optional universal garage door opener (HomeLinkt),
storage for sunglasses, and optional power sunroof
switches.
Courtesy/Reading Lights
At the forward end of the console are two courtesy/
reading lights.
Press the lens to turn these lights on. Press a second time
to turn the lights off.
The lights also turn on when a front door or rear door is
opened. The lights will also turn on when the unlock
button on the remote keyless entry transmitter is pressed.
Sunglasses Storage
At the rear of the console a compartment is provided for
the storage of a pair of sunglasses.
The storage compartment access is a9push/push9design.
Push the finger depression on the overhead console to
open. Push the finger depression to close.
Overhead Console
118 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

The center console outlet is powered directly from the
battery (power available at all times). Items plugged into
this outlet may discharge the battery and/or prevent
engine starting.Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off
CAUTION!
²Many accessories that can be plugged in draw power
from the vehicle's battery, even when not in use (i.e.
cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long
enough, the vehicle's battery will discharge suffi-
ciently to degrade battery life and/or prevent engine
starting.
²Accessories that draw higher power (i.e. coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.), will degrade the bat-
tery even more quickly. Only use these intermit-
tently and with greater caution.
²After the use of high power draw accessories, or long
periods of the vehicle not being started (with acces-
sories still plugged in), the vehicle must be driven a
sufficient length of time to allow the alternator to
recharge the vehicle's battery.
²Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs only.
Do not hang any type of accessory or accessory
bracket from the plug. Improper use of the power
outlet can cause damage not covered by your war-
ranty.
128 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The
light should turn on momentarily when the
engine is started. If the light turns on while driving,
stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as
possible. A continuous chime will sound when this
light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
2. Low Fuel Indicator Light
The Low Fuel Light will turn on when there is
approximately 2 gallons (9 liters) of fuel remain-
ing in the tank. This light will remain on until
fuel is added.
3. Front Fog Light Indicator Ð If Equipped
This light shows the front fog lights are ON.4. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
If the vehicle electronics sense that the vehicle has
traveled about one mile with the turn signals on, a chime
will sound to alert you to turn the signals off. If either
indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check for a defective
outside light bulb.
5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
6. Electronic Vehicle Information Center Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
messages. Refer to Electronic Vehicle Information Center
for specific messages (only on vehicles equipped with
steering wheel mounted switches).
NOTE:On non-EVIC equipped vehicles the odometer
is located here.
140 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads (H),
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the ªHº, and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure
Cap paragraph.
15. Trip Odometer Button
Trip Odometer Button Ð Standard Cluster
The word9TRIP9will appear when this button is pressed.
Push in and hold the button for two seconds when the
trip odometer is displayed to reset it to 0 miles or
kilometers. A second press of the button will display the
outside temperature in the odometer.
Trip Odometer Button Ð Premium Cluster
Press this button to change the display from odometer to
either of the two trip odometer settings. The letter ªAº or
ªBº will appear when in the trip odometer mode. Push in
and hold the button for two seconds to reset the trip
odometer to 0 miles or kilometers. The odometer must be
in trip mode to reset.
16. High Beam Light
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Push the Multi-Function lever away from
the steering wheel to switch the headlights to high
beam.
144 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL