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identify particular vehicles or crashes may be released for
incorporation in aggregate crash databases, such as those
maintained by the US government and various states.
Data of a potentially sensitive nature, such as would
identify a particular driver, vehicle, or crash, will be
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 lamp status
for electronically-controlled safety systems, including
the airbag system
•Airbag disable lamp status (if equipped)
•Ti m eof 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
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 71
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•Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning lamp status
for electronically-controlled safety systems, including
the airbag system
•Airbag disable lamp status (if equipped)
•Ti m eof 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 at all
times — 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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 105
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▫Daytime Running Lights (DRL)(Canada Only) . 182
▫Lights-On Reminder...................182
▫Fog Lights — If Equipped...............183
▫Turn Signals.........................183
▫Highbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch.........183
▫Passing Light........................183
Windshield Wipers And Washers...........184
▫Windshield Washers...................184
▫Mist Feature.........................184
▫Windshield Wiper Operation.............185
▫Intermittent Wiper System...............185
▫Rear Window Wiper/Washer
(Sedan Models Only)...................186Tilt Steering Column....................187
Traction Control Switch — If Equipped.......188
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped......189
▫ToActivate ..........................189
▫To Set At A Desired Speed...............190
▫To Deactivate........................190
▫To Resume Speed.....................190
▫To Vary The Speed Setting...............190
▫Manual Transaxle.....................191
▫To Accelerate For Passing...............191
Garage Door Opener — If Equipped.........192
▫Programming The Universal Transceiver.....194
▫“Rolling Code” Programming............196
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 119
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WARNING!
Tilting the steering column while the vehicle is
moving is dangerous. Without a stable steering col-
umn, you could lose control of the vehicle and have
an accident. Adjust the column only while the ve-
hicle is stopped. Be sure it is locked before driving.
TRACTION CONTROL SWITCH — IF EQUIPPED
The traction control indicator, located in the
instrument cluster, will flash when the Traction
Control System (TCS ) is in use.
The TCS switch is located on the instrument panel below
the radio.
To turn the system OFF, press the TCS switch until the
traction control indicator in the instrument cluster lights
up.To turn the system back ON, press the switch a second
time until the traction control indicator turns OFF.
NOTE:The traction control indicator will illuminate
momentarily as a bulb check, each time the ignition
switch is turned ON. This will occur even if you used the
TCS switch to turn the system OFF.
Traction Control Switch
188 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Page 189 of 464
NOTE:The Traction Control System will make buzzing
or clicking sounds when the system is in operation.
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, this device takes over the accelerator
operation at speeds greater than 35 mph (56 km/h). The
speed control lever is located on the right side of the
steering wheel.
To Activate:
Push the ON/OFF button. The CRUISE indicator in the
instrument cluster will illuminate. To turn the system
OFF, push the ON/OFF button a second time. The
CRUISE indicator will turn off. The system should be
turned OFF when not in use.
Speed Controls L or R
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 189
3
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9. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors emissions, engine, and
automatic transmission control systems. The light
will illuminate when the key is in the ON/RUN position
before engine start. If the bulb does not come on when
turning the key from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condi-
tion checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
If the Malfunction Indicator Light flashes when the
engine is running, serious conditions may exist that
could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalyticconverter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as
soon as possible if this occurs. (See page 364 for more
information.)
10. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrows will flash in unison with the exterior
turn signal, when using the turn signal lever.
NOTE:Turn signal bulbs are located in the Instrument
Panel. (See page 183 for more information.)
11. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light —
If Equipped
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road con-
ditions, and do not switch off the ESP, or TCS — if
equipped. (See page 300 for more information.)
224 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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▫AutoStick General Information............289
Manual Transaxle Operation...............290
▫2.4 Liter Turbo— If Equipped.............292
▫Recommended Shift Speeds..............292
▫Downshifting........................293
Parking Brake.........................294
Brake System..........................296
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) — If Equipped . 297
Power Steering........................299
Traction Control — If Equipped............300
Tire Safety Information...................302
▫Tire Markings........................302
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........306▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........307
Tires—General Information................311
▫Tire Pressure.........................311
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................312
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................314
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped.........315
▫Limited Use Spare — If Equipped.........316
▫Tire Spinning........................316
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................317
▫LifeOfTire .........................318
▫Replacement Tires.....................318
▫Alignment And Balance.................319
Tire Chains...........................320
278 STARTING AND OPERATING
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WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolong operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
TRACTION CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
The Traction Control System will improve acceleration
and steering on slippery surfaces by reducing tire spin.
The system reduces wheel slip and maintains traction at
the driving (front) wheels by engaging the brake on the
wheel that is losing traction. When this occurs the TRAC
indicator light located above the instrument cluster
odometer will flash. The system operates at speeds below
35 mph (56 km/h).
300 STARTING AND OPERATING