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 (see section on child restraints).
WARNING!
Never place a rear facing infant seat in front of an
airbag. A deploying passenger airbag can cause death
or serious injury to a child in a rear facing infant seat.
Front Passenger Seat
OccupantPassenger Airbag
Disable (PAD)
Indicator LightAirbag
Status
Adult OFF ON
Child ON OFF
Grocery Bags, Heavy
Briefcases and Other
Relatively Light ObjectsON OFF
Empty or Very Small
ObjectsOFF* OFF
* Since the system senses weight, some small objects
will turn the PAD Indicator Light on.Drivers and adult passengers should verify that the PAD
Indicator Light is not illuminated when an adult is riding
in the front passenger seat. If an adult occupant's weight
is transferred to another part of the vehicle (like the door
or instrument panel), the weight sensors in the seat may
not properly classify the occupant. Objects lodged under
the seat or between the seat and the center console can
prevent the occupant's weight from being measured
properly and may result in the occupant being improp-
erly classified. Ensure that the front passenger seat back
does not touch anything placed on the second row of
seats because this can also affect occupant classification.
Also, if you fold down the seats in the second row check
to be sure they don't touch the front passenger seat.
If the front passenger seat is damaged in any way, it
should only be serviced by an authorized dealer. If the
seat is removed (or even if the seat attachment bolts are
loosened or tightened in any way), take the vehicle to an
authorized dealer.
If there is a fault present in the OCS, the Airbag Warning
Light (a red light located in the center of the instrument
cluster directly in front of the driver) will be turned on.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45
2
This indicates that you should take the vehicle to an
authorized dealer. The Airbag Warning Light is turned on
whenever there is fault that can affect the operation of the
airbag system. If there is a fault present in the OCS, both
the PAD Indicator Light and the Airbag Warning Light
are illuminated to show that the passenger airbag is
turned off until the fault is cleared. If an object is lodged
under the seat and interferes with operation of the weight
sensors, a fault will occur which turns on both the PAD
Indicator Light and the Airbag Warning Light. Once the
lodged object is removed, the fault will be automatically
cleared after a short period of time.
²TheDriver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Unitsare
located in the center of the steering wheel and the right
side of the instrument panel. When the ORC detects a
collision requiring the airbags, 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 occu-
pant 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 bags inflate to their full size.
The bags fully inflate in about 50 - 70 milliseconds.This is about half of the time it takes to blink your eyes.
The bags then quickly deflate while helping to restrain
the driver and front passenger. The driver's front
airbag gas is vented through vent holes in the sides of
the airbag. The passenger's front airbag gas is vented
through vent holes in the sides of the airbag. In this
way the airbags do not interfere with your control of
the vehicle.
²TheOccupant Classification Module (OCM)is lo-
cated beneath the front passenger seat. The OCM
classifies the occupant into categories based on the
measurements made by the seat weight sensors. The
OCM communicates with the Occupant Restraint Con-
troller (ORC). The ORC uses the occupant category to
determine whether the front passenger airbag should
be turned off. It also determines the rate of airbag
inflation during a collision.
²Your vehicle has fourWeight Sensorslocated between
the seat and the floor pan. The weight sensors measure
applied weight and transfers that information to the
OCM.
46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
²Modifications to any part of the airbag system could cause it to
fail when you need it. You could be injured if the airbag system
is 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 add aftermarket side steps or running boards.
²Do 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 approved seat accessories may be used. If it is
necessary to modify an advanced airbag system for persons with
disabilities, contact your authorized dealer.
²Do not place or hang any items such as add-on video players on
the right front passenger seat back. The additional weight may
cause the Occupant Classification System to be unable to cor-
rectly classify the right front occupant. This could allow the
passenger frontal airbag to inflate when it is not desired.
²You need proper knee impact protection in a collision. Do not
mount or locate any aftermarket equipment on or behind the
knee bolsters/ driver inflatable knee blocker.
²It 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 an airbag system.
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 maintenance free, if any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
immediately.
²The AIRBAG light does not come on during the 6 to 8
seconds when the ignition switch is first turned on.
²The light remains on after the 6 to 8 second interval.
²The light comes on and remains on while driving.
Event Data Recorder (EDR)
In the event of an airbag deployment, your vehicle is
designed to record up to 2-seconds of specific vehicle
data parameters (see list below) in an event data recorder
prior to the moment of airbag deployment. Please note
that such data are ONLY recorded if an airbag deploys,
and are otherwise unavailable. In conjunction with other
data gathered during a complete accident investigation,
the electronic data may be used by DaimlerChrysler and
others to learn more about the possible causes of crashes
and associated injuries in order to assess and improve
50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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, trans-
mission fluid or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61
2
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mMirrors..............................66
NInside Day/Night Mirror Ð If Equipped......66
NOutside MirrorÐDriver's Side.............66
NOutside MirrorÐPassenger's Side...........67
NElectric Remote-Control Mirrors............67
NVanity Mirrors Ð If Equipped.............69
NSun Visor Sliding Feature................69
mSeats................................69
NFront Seat Adjustment...................69
NManual Seat Height Adjustment Ð
If Equipped..........................70
NManual LumbarÐ If Equipped.............71NDriver's Seat Back Recline................71
NAdjustable Head Restraints...............72
NHeated Seats Ð If Equipped..............72
NFolding Rear Seat......................74
NReclining And Folding Rear Seat Ð
If Equipped..........................75
mTo Open And Close The Hood.............76
mLights...............................77
NMap/Reading Lights....................77
NMulti-Function Control Lever..............77
NHeadlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel
Lights..............................78
3
NDaytime Running Lights (DRL) Ð If Equipped..78
NLights-On Reminder....................79
NFog Lights Ð If Equipped................79
NTurn Signals..........................79
NHighbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch..........80
NPassing Light.........................80
mWindshield Wipers And Washers...........80
NWindshield Washers....................80
NMist Feature..........................81
NWindshield Wiper Operation..............82
NIntermittent Wiper System................82
NAdding Washer Fluid...................82
mTilt Steering Column.....................82
mElectronic Speed Control Ð If Equipped......83
NTo Activate...........................84
NTo Set At A Desired Speed................84NTo Deactivate.........................84
NTo Resume Speed......................84
NTo Vary The Speed Setting................84
NManual Transaxle......................85
NTo Accelerate For Passing................85
mAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ± If Equipped..86
mElectronic Brake Control System -
ABS/TCS/BAS/ESP Ð If Equipped
.........87
NTraction Control System (TCS) Ð If Equipped . .87
NBrake Assist System (BAS) Ð If Equipped.....87
NESP (Electronic Stability Program) Ð
If Equipped..........................88
mPower Sunroof Ð If Equipped.............91
NOpening Sunroof ± Manual...............92
NOpening Sunroof ± Express Mode...........92
NClosing Sunroof ± Manual................92
64 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
NClosing Sunroof ± Express Mode...........92
NPinch Protect Feature....................92
NPinch Protect Override..................92
NVenting Sunroof ± Express................93
NSunshade Operation....................93
NWind Buffeting........................93
NSunroof Maintenance....................93
NIgnition Off Operation...................93
mElectrical Power Outlets..................93
NElectrical Outlet Use With Engine Off........95
mConsole Features.......................96
mCargo Area Features.....................96NCargo Light/Removable Self- Recharging
Flashlight ± If Equipped.................96
NTonneau Cover Ð If Equipped.............98
NRemovable Load Floor...................99
NCargo Tie-Down Loops..................99
NFold Down Speakers ± If Equipped.........100
mRear Window Features..................101
NRear Window Wiper/Washer.............101
NRear Window Defroster.................102
mRoof Luggage Rack Ð If Equipped.........102
mCooled Beverage Storage Bin/Glove
Compartment Ð If Equipped
.............103
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 65
3
MIRRORS
Inside Day/Night Mirror Ð If Equipped
Adjust the mirror to center on the view through the rear
window. A two point pivot system allows for horizontal
and vertical mirror adjustment.
Annoying headlight glare can be reduced by moving the
small control under the mirror to the night position
(toward rear of vehicle). The mirror should be adjusted
while set in the day position (toward windshield).
Outside MirrorÐDriver's Side
Adjust the Flat (Drivers Side) Outside Mirror so you can
just see the side of your vehicle in the part of the mirror
closest to vehicle with your head close to the door glass.
Adjusting Rear View Mirror
Mirror Directions
66 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE