vehicle information center (EVIC)—if equipped. Refer to
Personal Settings in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) Section for details.
WARNING!
Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is danger-
ous 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.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver’s door and the key is in the ignition
switch, a chime will sound to remind you to remove the
key.
NOTE:The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds
when the ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC
positions.
Horn
Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position to
operate the horn.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized operation of the vehicle by disabling the engine.
The system will shut the engine off 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.
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treated confidentially. Confidential data will not be dis-
closed by DaimlerChrysler to any third party except
when:
1. Used for research purposes, such as to match data
with a particular crash record in an aggregate database,
provided confidentiality of personal data is thereafter
preserved
2. Used in defense of litigation involving a
DaimlerChrysler product
3. Requested by police under a legal warrant
4. Otherwise required by law
Data Parameters that May Be Recorded:
•Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning light status for
electronically-controlled safety systems, including the
airbag system
•Airbag disable light status (if equipped)
•Timeof airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)
•Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
•Seatbelt status
•Brake status (service and parking brakes)
•Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
•Engine control status (including engine speed)
•Cruise control status
•Traction/stability control status
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time, babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
Children 12 years and under should ride properly buck-
led up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats rather than in the front.
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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.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc. If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
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.
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▫Windshield Washers...................107
▫Rain Sensing Wipers—If Equipped.........107
▫Mist Feature.........................108
▫Headlights On With Wipers
(Available With Auto Headlights Only)......108
▫Windshield Wiper Operation.............109
▫Intermittent Wiper System...............109
▫Adding Washer Fluid..................109
Headlight Washers—If Equipped.........110
▫Adding Washer Fluid..................110
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column..........111
Power Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column—
If Equipped
..........................112
Traction Control System (TCS)—
If Equipped
..........................113
Rear Park Assist System—If Equipped.....114
Brake Assist System (BAS)—If Equipped....116
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)—
If Equipped
..........................117
▫Synchronizing ESP....................119
Electronic Speed Control.................119
▫To Activate..........................120
▫To Set At A Desired Speed...............120
▫To Deactivate........................120
▫To Resume Speed.....................120
▫To Vary The Speed Setting...............120
▫To Accelerate For Passing...............121
Overhead Console—If Equipped..........122
▫Courtesy/Reading Lights................122
▫Sunglasses Storage....................122
Garage Door Opener—If Equipped........123
▫Programming HomeLink................124
▫Canadian Programming/Gate Programming . . 126
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NOTE:The Easy Entry/Easy Exit feature is disabled
when the vehicle is delivered from the factory. The Easy
Entry/Easy Exit feature can be enabled or disabled
through the programmable features in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to“Automati-
cally Move Seat Back on Exit”under“Personal Settings
(Customer Programmable Features)”under“Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”in Section 4 of this
manual for details.
ADJUSTABLE PEDALS—IF EQUIPPED
This feature allows both the brake and accelerator pedal
to move toward or away from the driver to provide
improved position with the steering wheel. The adjust-
able pedal system is designed to allow a greater range of
driver comfort for steering wheel tilt and seat position.
The switch is located on the front side of the driver’s seat
cushion side shield.Press the switch forward to move the pedals forward
(toward the front of the vehicle).
Press the switch rearward to move the pedals rearward
(toward the driver).
•The pedals can be adjusted with the ignition OFF.
•The pedals can be adjusted while driving.
Adjustable Pedal Switch
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SmartBeams—If Equipped
The SmartBeam system provides increased forward light-
ing at night by automating high beam control through
the use of a digital camera mounted on the inside
rearview mirror. This camera detects vehicle specific light
and automatically switches from high beams to low
beams until the approaching vehicle is out of view.
To Activate
1. Select“Automatic High Beams—ON”with the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
“EVIC—Personal Settings”in Section 4 of this manual
for details.
2. Rotate the headlight switch counter-clockwise to the
AUTO (A) position.
3. Push the Multi-Function Lever away from you to
switch the headlights to HIGH BEAM position.
NOTE:This system will not activate until the vehicle is
at or above 25 mph (40 km/h).
To Deactivate
Perform either of the following steps to deactivate the
SmartBeam system.
1. Pull the Multi-Function Lever towards you to switch
the headlights from the HIGH BEAM to the LOW BEAM
position.
2. Rotate the headlight switch clockwise from the AUTO
(A) to the ON position.
NOTE:Broken, muddy, or obstructed headlights and
taillights of vehicles in the field of view will cause
headlights to remain on longer (closer to the vehicle).
Also, dirt, film, and other obstructions on the windshield
or camera lens will cause the system to function improp-
erly.
Daytime Running Lights (Canada Only)
The high beam headlights will come on as Daytime
Running Lights whenever the ignition switch is on, the
headlights are off, and the parking brake is off. The
headlight switch must be used for normal night time
driving.
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NOTE:The Rear Park Assist System displays the outer
most yellow LED’s at a slightly dimmer level to indicate
that the system is ON.
NOTE:When an audio tone is indicated by the Rear
Park Assist display the system will MUTE the radio if it
is turned on.
The system can be turned on or off through the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) when the vehicle is in
PARK. Refer to“Personal Settings”in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center section of this manual for
details.
NOTE:
•
Ensure that the rear bumper is free of dirt and debris
to keep the system operating properly.
•Jackhammers, large trucks, and other vibrations could
affect the performance of the system.
If“Service Park Assist System”appears in the EVIC after
making sure the rear bumper is clean please see your
authorized dealer.
BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM (BAS)—IF EQUIPPED
BAS is standard on vehicles equipped with electronic
stability program (ESP). The BAS is designed to optimize
the vehicle’s braking capability during emergency brak-
ing maneuvers. The system applies optimum pressure to
the brakes in emergency braking conditions than might
otherwise be afforded solely by the driver’s braking style.
This can help reduce braking distances. The BAS comple-
ments the antilock brake system (ABS). Applying the
brakes very quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To
receive the benefit of the system, you must apply con-
tinuous braking power during the stopping sequence. Do
not reduce brake pedal pressure.
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WARNING!
BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking
efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of
the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
The BAS cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or
the safety of others.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
The malfunction indicator light for the ESP is
combined with BAS. The yellow ESP/BAS
malfunction indicator light and the yellow ESP
warning light in the instrument cluster both
come on when the ignition switch is turned to the“ON”
position. They should go out with the engine running. Ifthe ESP/BAS malfunction indicator light comes on con-
tinuously with the engine running, a malfunction has
been detected in either the ESP or the BAS system. If this
light stays illuminated, have the ESP and BAS checked at
your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP)—IF
EQUIPPED
WARNING!
ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded. The ESP cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in turns, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ESP-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopar-
dize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
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