Page 51 of 420

the airbags inflate to their full size. The airbags fully
inflate in about 50–70 milliseconds. This is about half
of the time it takes to blink your eyes. The airbags then
quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and
front passenger.
The driver’s and passenger’s front airbag gas is vented
through the airbag material towards the instrument
panel. In this way the airbags do not interfere with
your control of the vehicle.
•TheSide Impact SRS Window Bagsare designed to
activate only in certain side collisions. When the ORC
and the side impact sensors (with side impact option)
detects a collision requiring the window bags to
inflate, it signals the inflators on the crash side of the
vehicle. A quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to
inflate the window bag. The inflating window bag
pushes the outside edge of the headliner out of the
way and covers the window. The airbag inflates inabout 30 milliseconds (about one quarter of the time it
takes to blink your eyes) with enough force to injure
you if you are not belted and seated properly, or if
items are positioned in the area where the window bag
inflates. This especially applies to children. The win-
dow bag is only about 3
1 2inches (9 cm) thick when it
is inflated.
•When the ORC and the impact sensors detect a
collision requiring theDriver Inflatable Knee Blocker
, it signals the inflator unit. A quantity of nontoxic gas
is generated to inflate the Driver Inflatable Knee
Blocker. The Driver Inflatable Knee Blocker inflates
rearward towards the driver’s knees to help protect
the knees and position you for the best interaction
with the front airbag. The Driver Inflatable Knee
Blocker fully inflates in about 50 milliseconds, this is
only about half of the time it takes you to blink your
eyes. It then quickly deflates while helping to protect
the driver’s knees.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51
2
Page 64 of 420

WARNING!
•Improper installation can lead to failure of an
infant or child restraint. It could come loose in a
collision. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions ex-
actly when installing an infant or child restraint.
•A rearward facing child restraint should only be
used in a rear seat. A rearward facing child re-
straint in the front seat may be struck by a
deploying passenger airbag which may cause se-
vere or fatal injury to the infant.
Here are some tips on getting the most out of your child
restraint:
•Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it
has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety
Standards. We also recommend that you make surethat you can install the child restraint in the vehicle
where you will use it, before you buy it.
•The restraint must be appropriate for your child’s
weight and height. Check the label on the restraint for
weight and height limits.
•Carefully follow the instructions that come with the
restraint. If you install the restraint improperly, it may
not work when you need it.
The passenger seat belts are equipped with cinching
latch plates, which are designed to keep the lap
portion tight around the child restraint so that it is not
necessary to use a locking clip. Pulling up on the
shoulder portion of the lap/shoulder belt will tighten
the belt. The cinching latch plate will keep the belt
tight, however, any seat belt system will loosen with
time, so check the belt occasionally and pull it tight if
necessary.
64 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 248 of 420

STARTING PROCEDURES
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds, can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting into any driving gear.
Normal Starting
Normal Startingof either a cold or a warm engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the“START”position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine has not started
within 3 seconds, slightly depress the accelerator pedal
while continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start
within 15 seconds, turn the key to the“OFF”position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting
procedure.
Extremely Cold Weather(below29°Cor20°F) To
insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your dealer) is recommended.
248 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 257 of 420
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector in Park, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the selector out of park. As an
added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb
on a downhill grade and away from the curb on a uphill
grade.
The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.WARNING!
•Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dan-
gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be injured. Children should be warned not
to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the
gear selector lever. Don’t leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving: failure to do so can lead to brake
failure, and an accident.
STARTING AND OPERATING 257
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Page 406 of 420

Car Washes............................ 355
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 290
Cargo Area Cover....................... 152
Cargo Compartment
Luggage Carrier....................... 155
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 153
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 220
Cassette Tape Player...................193,198
Catalytic Converter...................... 332
Caution, Exhaust Gas...................68,339
CD Changer......................189,201,203
CD Player..................183,187,193,200,203
CD Player Maintenance................... 221
Cellular Phone........................79,222
Chains, Tire............................ 284
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 302
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 265
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light).............................170,323Child Restraint.......................... 59
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............59,61
Child Safety Locks........................ 19
Child Seat.............................. 65
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 287
Climate Control......................... 223
Clock.............................182,183
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 221
Compact Spare Tire...................... 276
Compass.............................. 180
Compass Calibration..................... 180
Compass Variance....................... 181
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 182
Console.............................. 151
Console, Floor.......................... 151
Console, Overhead....................... 137
Contract, Service........................ 396
Coolant Pressure Cap..................... 343
Cooling System......................... 340
406 INDEX
Page 413 of 420

Capacities........................... 293
Tires ............................... 268
Locks
Door................................ 16
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................59,61
Lubrication, Body....................... 338
Luggage Rack.......................... 155
Maintenance, Airbag...................... 58
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 333
Maintenance Procedures................... 326
Maintenance Schedule.................... 372
ScheduleA......................... 387
ScheduleB.......................... 375
Maintenance, Sunroof..................... 148
Malfunction Indicator Light..............170,323
Manual, Service......................... 400
Map/Reading Lights..................... 138Memory Feature........................ 116
Memory Seat.........................78,116
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 182
Mirrors................................ 75
Automatic Dimming..................... 76
Electric Remote........................ 78
Exterior Folding........................ 76
Heated.............................. 78
Memory............................. 116
Outside.............................. 77
Rearview............................. 75
Vanity............................... 78
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 281
Mopar Parts.........................325,399
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 122
Navigation System....................... 222
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 67
INDEX 413
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