
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
vehicle performance. In addition to crash investigations
initiated by DaimlerChrysler, such investigations may be
requested by customers, insurance carriers, government
officials, and professional crash researchers, such as those
associated with universities, and with hospital and insur-
ance organizations.
In the event that an investigation is undertaken by
DaimlerChrysler (regardless of initiative), the company
or its designated representative will first obtain permis-
sion of the appropriate custodial entity for the vehicle
(usually the vehicle owner or lessee) before accessing the
electronic data stored, unless ordered to download data
by a court with legal jurisdiction (i.e., pursuant to a
warrant). A copy of the data will be provided to the
custodial entity upon request. General data that does not
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 betreated 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)
•Timeof airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)
•Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49
2

one year oldandweigh at least 9 kg (20 lbs). Two types
of child restraints can be used rearward-facing: infant
carriers and “convertible” child seats.
•The infant carrier is only used rearward-facing in the
vehicle. It is recommended for children who weigh up
to about 20 lbs (9 kg). “Convertible” child seats can be
used either rearward-facing or forward-facing in the
vehicle. Convertible child seats often have a higher
weight limit in the rearward-facing direction than
infant carriers do, so they can be used rearward-facing
by children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) but are
less than one year old. Both types of child restraints are
held in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt or the
LATCH child restraint anchorage system. (See the
LATCH — Child Seat Anchorage System section.)
•Rearward-facing child seats mustNEVERbe used in
the front seat of a vehicle with the front passenger
airbag unless the airbag is turned off. An airbag
deployment could cause severe injury or death to
infants in this position.
WARNING!
•Improper installation can lead to failure of an
infant or child restraint. It could come loose in a
collision. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions ex-
actly when installing an infant or child restraint.
•A rearward facing child restraint should only be
used in a rear seat. A rearward facing child re-
straint in the front seat may be struck by a
deploying passenger airbag which may cause se-
vere or fatal injury to the infant.
Here are some tips on getting the most out of your child
restraint:
•Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it
has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety
Standards. We also recommend that you make sure
that you can install the child restraint in the vehicle
where you will use it before you buy it.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51
2

plate into the buckle again. If you still can’t make the
child restraint secure, try a different seating position.
To attach a child restraint tether strap:
1. Rotate the cover over the anchor directly behind the
seat where you are placing the child restraint.
2. Route the tether strap to provide the most direct path
for the strap between the anchor and the child seat. If
your vehicle is equipped with adjustable rear head
restraints, raise the head restraint and, where possible,route the tether strap under the head restraint and
between the two posts. If not possible, lower the head
restraint and pass the tether strap around the outboard
side of the head restraint.
3. Attach the tether strap hook (A) of the child restraint to
the anchor (B) and remove slack in the tether strap
according to the child restraint manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
WARNING!
An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
increased head motion and possible injury to the
child. Use only the anchor positions directly behind
the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether
strap.
Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision.
Tether Strap Mounting
56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
If you are required to drive with the trunk open,
make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
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.
58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

9. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
If the vehicle electronics sense that the vehicle has
traveled about one mile with the turn signals on, a chime
will sound to alert you to turn the signals off. If either
indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check for a defective
outside light bulb. (See page 99 for more information.)
10. Airbag Light
This light turns on and remains on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light is not
on during starting, stays on, or turns on
while driving, have the system inspected by an autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible. (See page 48 for more
information.)11. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light illuminates, and will be accompanied
by a single chime to warn of an overheated
engine condition. The engine temperature is
critically hot, and the vehicle should be turned off
immediately. The vehicle should be serviced as soon
as possible.
12. Electronic Stability Program (ESP)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator Light
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 conditions, and do not switch off the ESP. (See
page 103 for more information.)
134 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Cavity Fuse Circuits
27 10 Amp
RedAirbag/Occupant Classifica-
tion Module
28 10 Amp
RedCurtain Airbag - if equipped
29 5 Amp
OrangeSentry Key/Remote Keyless
Entry/Powertrain Control
Module Ignition Feed
30 10 Amp
RedSteering Column Module/
Power Mirrors - if equipped
31——
32——
33——
34——
35 5 Amp
OrangePower Antenna/Garage Door
Opener/Ignition Delay
36 20 Amp
YellowRadio/Navigation
37 15 Amp
Dk. BlueTransmissionCavity Fuse Circuits
38 5 Amp
OrangeAnalog Clock/Garage Door
Opener
39 10 Amp
RedHeated Mirror
40 5 Amp
OrangePower Mirror
41 10 Amp
RedClimate Control Module/
Headlamp Leveling — if
equipped/Rear Park Assist —
if equipped/Tire Pressure
Monitoring — if equipped
42 30 Amp
PinkAutomatic Temperature Con-
trol (ATC) Blower Motor
43 30 Amp
PinkRear Defroster
44 20 Amp
Lt. BlueAudio Amplifier
288 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............. 205
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 273
Adding Fuel.......................... 235
Adding Washer Fluid.................101,270
Additives, Fuel........................ 233
Adjustable Pedals....................... 93
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 267
Air Conditioning....................... 178
Air Conditioning Filter................187,268
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 188
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 268
Air Conditioning System................. 178
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 218
Airbag................................ 36
Airbag Deployment....................40,46
Airbag Light....................41,48,58,134
Airbag Maintenance...................... 48
Airbag, Side........................... 45
Airbag, Window......................37,45
Alarm System.......................... 22
Alignment and Balance.................. 223
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 172Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............272,295
Disposal............................ 274
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)..........103,205
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 138
Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 22
Appearance Care....................... 280
Auto Down Power Windows............... 25
Auto Up Power Windows................. 25
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 65
Automatic Door Locks.................... 17
Automatic Temperature Control............ 181
Automatic Transmission............194,278,279
Adding Fluid.....................279,296
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 279
Fluid Change........................ 279
Fluid Level Check..................... 278
Fluid Type.......................... 296
Autostick..........................196,201
Ball Joints............................ 269
Battery............................... 266
Jump Starting........................ 247
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 22
322 INDEX

High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer)
Switch................................ 99
Holder, Cup........................... 122
Homelink Transmitter................... 112
Hood Release.......................... 94
Horn................................. 12
Hoses............................275,278
Ignition
Key ................................ 11
Illuminated Entry....................... 15
Immobilizer............................ 12
Infant Restraint......................... 50
Information Center, Vehicle............... 139
Instrument Cluster...................131,132
Instrument Panel and Controls............. 130
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............ 283
Interior Appearance Care................. 282
Interior Fuses.......................... 283
Interior Lights.......................... 96
Intermittent Wipers..................... 101
Introduction............................ 4Jump Starting......................... 247
Key, Programming....................... 14
Key, Replacement....................... 13
Key, Sentry............................ 12
Key-In Reminder........................ 12
Keyless Entry System..................... 19
Keys................................. 11
Knee Bolster........................... 36
Lap/Shoulder Belts...................... 29
LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren)..... 54
Latch Plate............................ 30
Latches
Hood............................... 94
Lead Free Gasoline...................... 231
Lights..............................59,95
Airbag.......................41,48,58,134
Anti-Lock........................... 138
Brake Assist Warning.................. 107
Brake Warning....................... 136
INDEX 327
10