Page 1 of 448
TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTIONPAGE
1INTRODUCTION.............................................................3
2THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE..............................9
3UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE..............................73
4UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL...................................175
5STARTING AND OPERATING.................................................247
6WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES..............................................327
7MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE...............................................341
8MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES..................................................395
9IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE.........................................415
10INDEX....................................................................423
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Failure to use driver and passenger seat beltsprovided
is a major cause of severe or fatal injury. In fact, the U.S.
government notes that the universal use of existing seat
belts could cut the highway death toll by 10,000 or more
each year, and could reduce disabling injuries by 2
million annually. In a roll over crash an unbelted person
is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing
a seat belt. Always buckle up.
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Moparparts, and is interested
in your satisfaction.
6 INTRODUCTION 
     
        
        Page 56 of 448

Airbag Warning Light
You will want to have the airbag system ready to inflate
for your protection in an impact. The airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free. If any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
promptly:
•Does not come on during the 6 to 8 seconds after the
ignition switch is first turned on.
•Remains on after the 6 to 8 second interval.
•Comes on for any period of time 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 the following list) in the 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 conjunctionwith other data gathered during a complete accident
investigation, the electronic data may be used by
DaimlerChrysler Corporation and others to learn more
about the possible causes of crashes and associated
injuries in order to assess and improve vehicle perfor-
mance. In addition to crash investigations initiated by
DaimlerChrysler Corporation, such investigations may
be requested by customers, insurance carriers, govern-
ment officials, and professional crash researchers, such as
those associated with universities, and with hospital and
insurance organizations.
In the event that an investigation is undertaken by
DaimlerChrysler Corporation (regardless of initiative),
the company or its designated representative will first
obtain permission 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
56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 
     
        
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▫Pinch Protect Override.................160
▫Venting Sunroof - Express...............160
▫Sunshade Operation...................161
▫Wind Buffeting.......................161
▫Sunroof Maintenance...................161
▫Ignition Off Operation..................161
▫Sunroof Fully Closed...................161
Power Outlet..........................162
Cup Holders..........................164Cargo Area Features.....................165
▫Cargo Light.........................165
▫Rear Storage Compartment..............165
▫Retractable Cargo Area Cover—If Equipped . 166
▫Cargo Tie-Down Hooks.................167
▫Cargo Load Floor.....................169
Rear Window Features...................170
▫Rear Window Wiper/Washer.............170
Roof Luggage Rack—If Equipped..........171
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 77
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Sunshade Operation
The sunshade can be opened manually. However, the
sunshade will open automatically as the sunroof opens.
NOTE:The sunshade cannot be closed if the sunroof is
open.
Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped) in certain
open or partially open positions. This is a normal occur-
rence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with
the rear windows open, open the front and rear windows
together to minimize the buffeting. If the buffeting occurs
with the sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to
minimize the buffeting or open any window.
Sunroof Maintenance
Use only a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to clean
the glass panel.
Ignition Off Operation
The power sunroof switches remain active for 10 minutes
after the ignition switch has been turned off. Opening
either front door will cancel this feature.
Sunroof Fully Closed
Press the switch forward and release to ensure that the
sunroof is fully closed.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 161
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▫Selecting Satellite Mode In REF Radios......228
▫Selecting Satellite Mode In RAQ Radios.....228
▫Selecting a Channel....................228
▫Storing And Selecting Pre-Set Channels......229
▫Using The PTY (Program Type) Button—
If Equipped.........................229
▫PTY ButtonScan.....................229
▫PTY ButtonSeek.....................229
▫Satellite Antenna......................230
▫Reception Quality.....................230
Remote Sound System Controls—If Equipped . . 230
▫Radio Operation......................231
▫CD Player..........................231CD/DVD Disc Maintenance...............232
Radio Operation And Cellular Phones........232
Climate Controls.......................233
▫Climate Controls—Manual..............233
▫Operating Tips.......................237
▫Automatic Temperature Control—
If Equipped.........................238
▫Summer Operation....................244
▫Winter Operation.....................244
▫Vacation Storage......................245
▫Window Fogging.....................245
▫Outside Air Intake....................245
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 177
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prevailing road conditions. The“ESP/TCS Indicator
Light”will flash any time the ESP or TCS is active and
helping to improve vehicle stability. If the“ESP/TCS
Indicator Light”is on solid, the ESP system has been
turned off by the driver or a temporary condition exists
that will not allow full ESP function. (See page 131 for
more information.)
12. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accord-
ingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and
inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale. (See page 294 for more infor-
mation.)
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 183
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The center button on the left side rocker switch has no
function for a single disc CD player. However, when a
multiple disc CD player is equipped on the vehicle, the
center button will select the next available CD in the
player.
CD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE
To keep the CD/DVD discs in good condition, take the
following precautions:
1. Handle the disc by its edge; avoid touching the
surface.
2. If the disc is stained, clean the surface with a soft cloth,
wiping from center to edge.
3. Do not apply paper, paper CD labels, or tape to the
disc; avoid scratching the disc.
4. Do not use solvents such as benzine, thinner, cleaners,
or antistatic sprays.5. Store the disc in its case after playing.
6. Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight.
7. Do not store the disc where temperatures may become
too high.
RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES
Under certain conditions, the cellular phone being On in
your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy performance from
your radio. This condition may be lessened or eliminated
by relocating the cellular phone antenna. This condition
is not harmful to the radio. If your radio performance
does not satisfactorily“clear”by the repositioning of the
antenna, it is recommended that the radio volume be
turned down or off during cellular phone operation.
232 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL