This vehicle may also be equipped with left and right
side curtain airbags to protect the driver and passengers
sitting next to a window. If the vehicle is equipped with
side curtain airbags, they are located above the side
windows. Their covers are also labeled SRS AIRBAG.
NOTE:Airbag covers may not be obvious in the
interior trim; but they will open to allow airbag deploy-
ment.
WARNING!
•Do not put anything on or around the front airbag
covers or attempt to manually open them. You may
damage the airbags and you could be injured be-
cause the airbags are not there to protect you. These
protective covers for the airbag cushions are de-
signed to open only when the airbags are inflating.
•If your vehicle is equipped with left and right side
curtain airbags, do not stack luggage or other cargo
up high enough to block the location of the side
curtain airbag. The area where the side curtain airbag
is located should remain free from any obstructions.
•If your vehicle is equipped with left and right side
curtain airbags, do not have any accessory items
installed which will alter the roof, including adding
a sunroof to your vehicle. Do not add roof racks that
require permanent attachments (bolts or screws) for
installation on the vehicle roof. Do not drill into the
roof of the vehicle for any reason.
•Do not drill, cut or tamper with the knee bolster in
any way.
•Do not mount any accessories to the knee bolster
such as alarm lights, stereos, citizens band radios etc.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37
2
•It is not advisable to drive your vehicle after the
airbags have been deployed. If you are involved in
another collision, the airbags will not be in place to
protect you.
WARNING!
Deployed airbags can’t protect you in another colli-
sion. Have the airbags replaced by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Enhanced Accident Response Feature
If the airbags deploy after an impact and the electrical
system remains functional, vehicles equipped with
power door locks will unlock automatically. In addition,
approximately 5 seconds after the vehicle has stopped
moving, the interior lights will illuminate to aid visibility.
NOTE:The interior lights can only be deactivated if the
key is removed from the ignition switch or the vehicle is
driven.
Side Airbag System
The airbag control module determines if a side collision is
severe enough to require the airbag to inflate. The control
module receives the level of collision severity from the
side impact sensors. The airbag control module will not
detect rollover or rear impacts.
The side impact SRS Airbags are designed to activate
only in certain side collisions. When the airbag control
module detects a collision requiring the side curtain
airbags to inflate, it signals the inflators on the crash side
of the vehicle. A quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to
inflate the side curtain airbags. The inflating side curtain
airbag pushes the outside edge of the headliner out of the
way and inflates (in about the same 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 side curtain airbag inflates. This
especially applies to children. The side curtain airbag is
only about 3
1⁄2inches (83⁄4cm) thick when it is inflated.
42 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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 OFF button (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 button is located on the center of the
instrument panel. To turn the traction control system OFF
press the TCS OFF button 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 OFF
button.
To turn the system back ON, press the TCS OFF button a
second time until the traction control Indicator turns OFF.
TCS OFF button
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 99
3
12. 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.
13. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transmission
gear selection.
14. Front Fog Light Indicator—If Equipped
This light shows the front fog lights are ON.
15. Voltage Light
This light monitors the electrical system volt-
age. The light should turn on momentarily as
the engine is started. If the light stays on or turns on
while driving, it indicates a problem with the charging
system. Immediate service should be obtained.
16. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected the light will come on whilethe engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when the
vehicle has completely stopped and the gear selector is
placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off.
If the light remains lit with the engine running your
vehicle will usually be drivable, however, see your
dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate ser-
vice is required and you may experience reduced
performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall
and your vehicle may require towing. The light will
come on when the ignition is first turned on and
remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not
come on during starting, have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.
17. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for 5 to 8 seconds as a bulb
check. During the bulb check, if the driver’s seat
belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb
check or when driving, if the driver seat belt remains
unbuckled, the Seat Belt Warning Light will flash or
remain on continuously. Refer toEnhanced Driver
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 137
4
•The“D”range can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the“3”
range must be selected.
NOTE:Using the“3”range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
•Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire, except for emergency use only. Do not
exceed 50 mph (80km/h), and repair the damaged tire
immediately.
•When towing a trailer greater than 2000 lbs. (907 kg)
you should carry a full-size wheel and tire as a spare in
the event of a flat. If the compact spare tire is used it
may adversely affect vehicle handling.
•Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.
•The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more
than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule
“B”in section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid
change intervals.
NOTE:
•
For vehicles equipped with Autostick. By using the
Autostick modes, and selecting a specific gear range,
frequent shifting can be avoided. The highest gear
range should be selected that allows for adequate
performance. For example, choose“4”if the desired
speed can be maintained. Choose“3”or“2”if needed
to maintain the desired speed.
252 STARTING AND OPERATING
Fluid Level Checks
Brake.............................. 321
Power Steering....................292,321
Fog Lights..........................94,137
Folding Rear Seat....................... 87
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 270
Fuel................................. 243
Adding............................. 247
Additives........................... 245
Clean Air........................... 243
Filler Cap........................... 247
Filter.............................. 287
Gasoline............................ 243
Gauge............................. 134
Hoses.............................. 301
Octane Rating.....................243,320
Requirements.....................243,319
Tank Capacity........................ 319
Fueling.............................. 247
Fuses................................ 307
Garage Door Opener.................... 107
GasCap .............................. 247Gasoline............................. 243
Gasoline, Clean Air..................... 243
Gasoline, Reformulated.................. 244
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................. 134
Fuel............................... 134
Speedometer......................... 134
Tachometer.......................... 134
Gear Ranges.......................... 202
General Information.................15,23,240
Glass Cleaning......................... 306
Gross Axle Weight Rating................. 249
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating............... 249
Hands-Free Phone....................... 65
Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 256
Head Restraints......................... 86
Headlights
High Beam........................... 95
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch....... 95
Passing............................. 95
Switch.............................. 93
Time Delay........................... 94
354 INDEX
Brake Warning....................... 138
Bulb Replacement..................313,314
Courtesy/Reading..................... 91
Daytime Running...................... 94
Dimmer Switch, Headlight............... 93
Engine Temperature Warning............ 135
Fog .............................94,137
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 256
Headlight Switch...................... 93
Headlights........................... 93
High Beam Indicator................... 137
Illuminated Entry...................... 15
Instrument Cluster..................... 93
Interior.............................. 91
License............................. 318
Lights On Reminder.................... 94
Malfunction Indicator.................. 140
Oil Pressure......................... 136
Reading............................ 106
Seat Belt Reminder.................... 137
Service..........................313,314
Service Engine Soon................... 140
Turn Signal........................93,94Voltage............................. 137
Load Leveling System................... 126
Loading Vehicle.....................249,250
Capacities........................... 250
Tires ............................... 224
Locks
Door............................... 15
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH).............................. 52
Lubrication, Body....................... 293
Luggage Rack......................... 125
Lumbar Support........................ 85
Maintenance Free Battery................. 289
Maintenance Procedures.................. 281
Maintenance Schedule................... 324
Light Duty ScheduleB................ 327
ScheduleA......................... 335
ScheduleB......................... 327
Malfunction Indicator Light............140,279
Manual, Service........................ 344
Manual Transmission.................... 201
Mini-Trip Computer..................... 143
356 INDEX