2005 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY instrument panel

first turned on. After the self-check, the AIRBAG
warning light will turn off. The PAD indicator light
will function normally (Refer to“Passenger Airbag
Disable (PAD) Indicator Light”in this section). If the
ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it
turns on the AIRBAG warning light either momen-
tarily 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.
•TheDriver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Unitsare
located in the center of the steering wheel and the right
side of the instrument panel. When the ORC and
impact sensors detects a collision requiring the air-
bags, 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 occupant size. The steering
wheel hub trim cover and the upper right side of the
instrument panel separate and fold out of the way as
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.
60 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

OFF when the OCS has determined that the occupant size
category is a child. Also, when the seat is empty or an
object that weighs less than a predetermined threshold is
placed on the seat, the light will remain OFF. (The PAD
indicator light is an amber light located on the center of
the instrument panel above the radio.)
For almost all sizes of properly seated adults, the 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. Both drivers and passengers should always use
the PAD indicator light as an indication if the frontpassenger is properly positioned or not. If the PAD
indicator light comes on when an adult is in the passen-
ger seat, have the passenger 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 almost all
properly installed child restraints, the“PAD Indicator
Light”will be illuminated indicating that the front pas-
senger airbag is turned off and will not inflate. If the
“PAD Indicator Light”is not illuminated, DO NOT
assume the airbag is turned off and move the child
restraint to the rear seat. A deploying passenger airbag
can cause death or serious injury to a child in a rear
facing infant seat.
NOTE:Even though this vehicle is equipped with an
Occupant Classification System, children 12 years and
under should always ride buckled up in a rear seat in an
appropriate child restraint.
Passenger Airbag Disabled Light
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 63
2

Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
•Modifications to any part of the airbag system could cause
it to fail when you need it. You could be injured because the
airbags are 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 frame.
•Do 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 (including removal
or loosening/tightening of seat attachment bolts), take the
vehicle to your authorized dealer. Only manufacturer ap-
proved seat accessories may be used. If it is necessary to
modify an advanced airbag system for persons with dis-
abilities, contact your authorized dealer.
WARNING!
•You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolsters.
•It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has airbags.
Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to
inflate for your protection in a collision. While
the airbag system is designed to be mainte-
nance free, if any of the following occurs, have
an authorized dealer service the system immediately.
•The AIRBAG light does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
68 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Periodic 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 tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of 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,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 85
2

▫To Accelerate For Passing...............153

Overhead Console—If Equipped...........154
▫Courtesy/Reading Lights................154
▫Sunglass Storage......................155
▫Compass/Temperature Display...........155
▫Mini-Trip Computer...................158
▫Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)—
If Equipped.........................159
▫Customer Programmable Features—
If Equipped.........................160

Garage Door Opener—If Equipped.........163
▫Programming Homelink................164
▫Canadian Programming/Gate Programming . . 167
▫Using Homelink......................168▫Erasing Homelink Buttons...............168
▫Reprogramming a Single Homelink Button . . . 168
▫Security............................169

Power Sunroof—If Equipped.............169
▫Express Open Feature..................170
▫Wind Buffeting.......................171
▫Sunroof Maintenance...................171

Electrical Power Outlets—If Equipped.......172
▫Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off.......173

Convenience Tray Drawer And Cup Holders . . . 174
▫Instrument Panel Cup Holders............174
▫Convenience Tray And Optional Smoker’s
Package Kit.........................175
▫Rear Cupholders......................175
90 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Outside Mirror—Driver’s Side
Adjust the outside mirror to center on the adjacent lane of
traffic, with a slight overlap of the view obtained on the
inside mirror.
Outside Mirror—Passenger’s Side
Adjust the convex outside mirror so you can just see the
side of your vehicle in the portion of the mirror closest to
the vehicle. This type of mirror will give a much wider
view to the rear, and especially of the lane next to your
vehicle.
WARNING!
Vehicles and other objects seen in the right side
convex mirror will look smaller and farther away
than they really are. Relying too much on your right
side mirror could cause you to collide with another
vehicle or other object.
Use your inside mirror when judging the size or
distance of a vehicle seen in this convex mirror.
Power Remote-Control Mirrors
Use the mirror select switch, located on the instrument
panel to the left of the steering column, to adjust the view
obtained in the outside mirrors. Press the rocker switch to
the L or R for Left or Right mirror selection. Use the
center off position to guard against accidentally moving
a mirror position.
94 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Heated Seats—If Equipped
This feature heats the front driver and passenger seats.
The controls for the heated seats are located on the
instrument panel above the radio. You may choose LOW,
HIGH or No Heat. The switch position as well as an
indicator light will show when the LOW or HIGH heat is
ON.
Heated Seat Switches
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 111
3

To disable another transmitter linked to either memory
position, repeat steps 1-5 for each transmitter.
NOTE:Once programmed, all transmitters linked to
memory can be easily enabled or disabled at one time.
Refer to the Remote Linked to MemoryCustomer Pro-
grammable Featuresin the Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC) for more information.
TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
To open the hood, two latches must be released. First pull
the hood release lever located under the left side of the
instrument panel.
Hood release Lever
136 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE