a child restraint to be tightly installed. Refer to “Auto-
matic Locking Mode” in this section for details. A locking
clip should not be necessary once the automatic locking
feature is enabled. Position the shoulder and lap belt on
the child restraint. The automatic locking retractor is
activated by first attaching the child seat, then pulling all
of the webbing out of the retractor, then allowing back in.
Tighten webbing. To release, simply unbuckle the seat
belt by depressing the button, allowing the webbing to
retract into the retractor.
In the rear seat, you may have trouble tightening the
lap/shoulder belt on the child restraint because the
buckle or latch plate is too close to the belt path opening
on the restraint. Disconnect the latch plate from the
buckle and twist the short buckle-end belt several times
to shorten it. Insert the latch plate into the buckle with the
release button facing out.
If the belt still can’t be tightened, or if by pulling and
pushing on the restraint loosens the belt, you may need
to do something more. Disconnect the latch plate from
the buckle, turn the buckle around, and insert the latchplate 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.
Tether Strap Mounting
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 57
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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.
NOTE:Ensure that the tether strap does not slip into
the opening between the seat backs as you remove slack
in the strap.
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.Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your new vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55
mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown in Section 7 of this manual. NON-DETERGENT
OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE
USED.
58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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Folding Rear Seat
The rear seatbacks can be folded forward to provide an
additional storage area. Pull on the loops shown in the
illustration to fold down either or both seatbacks. These
loops can be tucked away when not in use.
When the seatback is folded to the upright position, make
sure it is latched by strongly pulling on the top of the
seatback above the seat strap.
WARNING!
•Be certain that the seatback is securely locked into
position. If the seatback in not securely locked
into position the seat will not provide the proper
stability for child seats and/or passengers. An
improperly latched seat could cause serious in-
jury.
•The cargo area in the rear of the vehicle (with the
rear seatbacks in the locked-up or folded down
position) should not be used as a play area by
children when the vehicle is in motion. They
could be seriously injured in an accident. Chil-
dren should be seated and using the proper re-
straint system.
Folding Rear Seats
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 97
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WARNING!
•Never leave children in a vehicle, with the keys in
the ignition switch. Occupants, particularly unat-
tended children, can become entrapped by the
power sunroof while operating the power sunroof
switch. Such entrapment may result in serious
injury or death.
•In an accident, there is a greater risk of being
thrown from a vehicle with an open sunroof. You
could also be seriously injured or killed. Always
fasten your seat belt properly and make sure all
passengers are properly secured too.
•Do not allow small children to operate the sun-
roof. Never allow fingers or other body parts, or
any object to project through the sunroof opening.
Injury may result.
Opening Sunroof - Express
Press the switch rearward and release, and the sunroof
will open automatically from any position. The sunroof
will open fully and then stop automatically. This is called
Express Open. During Express Open operation, any
movement of the sunroof switch will stop the sunroof.
Closing Sunroof - Express
Press the switch forward and release, and the sunroof
will close automatically from any position. The sunroof
will close fully and stop automatically. This is called
Express Close. During Express Close operation, any
movement of the switch will stop the sunroof.
Pinch Protect Feature
This feature will detect an obstruction in the opening of
the sunroof during Express Close operation. If an ob-
struction in the path of the sunroof is detected, the
sunroof will automatically retract. Remove the obstruc-
tion if this occurs. Next, press the switch forward and
release to Express Close.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 147
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WARNING!
•Be certain that the seatback is securely locked into
position. If the seatback in not securely locked
into position, the seat will not provide the proper
stability for child seats and/or passengers. An
improperly latched seat could cause serious in-
jury.
•The cargo area in the rear of the vehicle (with the
rear seatbacks in the locked-up or folded down
position) should not be used as a play area by
children when the vehicle is in motion. They
could be seriously injured in an accident. Chil-
dren should be seated and using the proper re-
straint system.
•To help protect against personal injury, passen-
gers should not be seated in the rear cargo area.
The rear cargo space is intended for load carrying
purposes only, not for passengers, who should sit
in seats and use seat belts.
WARNING!
•The weight and position of cargo and passengers
can change the vehicle center of gravity and
vehicle handling. To avoid loss of control result-
ing in personal injury, follow these guidelines for
loading your vehicle:
•Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor. Put
heavier objects as low and as far forward as possible.
•Place as much cargo as possible in front of the rear
axle. Too much weight or improperly placed weight
over or behind the rear axle can cause the rear of the
vehicle to sway.
•Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the top of the
seatback. This could impair visibility or become a
dangerous projectile in a sudden stop or collision.
154 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
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STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for
a number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys
in the ignition. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
•Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up
may cause serious injury or death.
•Be sure to turn off the engine if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by
inadvertently moving the gear selection lever or
by pressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause
excessive heat in the exhaust system, resulting in
overheating and vehicle fire, which may cause
serious or fatal injuries.
234 STARTING AND OPERATING
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Vanity Mirror......................... 71
Voltage............................. 170
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 163
Load Leveling System................... 155
Loading Vehicle.....................295,297
Capacities........................... 297
Tires ............................... 267
Locks................................ 22
Auto Unlock......................... 25
Child Protection....................... 25
Door............................... 22
Power Door.......................... 23
Low Tire Pressure System................ 281
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................54,55
Lubrication, Body....................... 346
Lumbar Support........................ 94
Maintenance Free Battery................. 343
Maintenance Procedures.................. 335
Maintenance Schedule................... 386
Schedule “A”........................ 399
Schedule “B”........................ 389Malfunction Indicator Light
(Check Engine)......................170,333
Manual, Service........................ 409
Memory Feature (Memory Seat)............. 98
Memory Seat........................... 98
Memory Seats and Radio.................. 98
Methanol............................. 290
Mini-Trip Computer..................... 175
Mirrors............................... 68
Automatic Dimming.................... 68
Electric Remote....................... 70
Exterior Folding....................... 69
Heated.............................. 71
Outside............................. 69
Rearview............................ 68
Vanity.............................. 71
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............. 281
Mopar Parts........................334,408
MTBE/ETBE.......................... 290
Multi-Displacement Engine System.......... 256
Multi-Function Control Lever.............. 106
422 INDEX
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Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)........ 149
Seats............................... 92
Steering.........................255,346
Steering, Checking.................... 346
Sunroof............................ 146
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column......... 116
Windows............................ 27
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 40
Preparation for Jacking................... 314
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................ 38
Programmable Electronic Features....142,145,182
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry).............21,142,145
Radial Ply Tires........................ 274
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)........ 351
Radio Broadcast Signals.................. 187
Radio, Navigation...................... 206
Radio Operation..................188,195,219
Radio Remote Controls.................. 215
Radio, Satellite......................207,212
Radio (Sound Systems)................188,195Rain Sensitive Wiper System............... 111
Rear Park Assist System.................. 136
Rear Seat, Folding....................... 97
Rear Window Defroster.................. 229
Rear Window Features................... 229
Rearview Mirrors........................ 68
Reclining Front Seats..................... 93
Recorder, Event Data..................... 49
Recreational Towing..................... 309
Reformulated Gasoline................... 290
Refrigerant............................ 345
Reminder, Seat Belt...................... 38
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)............... 17
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls...... 215
Remote Trunk Release.................... 31
Replacement Parts...................... 334
Replacement Tires...................... 277
Reporting Safety Defects................. 409
Restraint, Head......................... 94
Restraints, Child........................ 50
Restraints, Occupant..................... 32
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck.............. 324
Rotation, Tires......................... 280
424 INDEX
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