SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses ignition keys, which have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder), to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two (2)
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to start the
engine.
NOTE:A key, which has not been programmed, is also
considered an invalid key even if it is cut to fit the
ignition lock cylinder for that vehicle.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will
turn on for three (3) seconds for a bulb check. If the light
remains on after the bulb check, it indicates that there is
a problem with the electronics. In addition, if the light
begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates thatsomeone used an invalid key to start the engine. Either of
these conditions will result in the engine being shut off
after two (2) seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light turns on
during normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for
longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in
the electronics. Should this occur, have the vehicle ser-
viced as soon as possible.
NOTE:
•
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not compatible
with remote starting systems. Use of these systems
may result in vehicle starting problems and loss of
security protection.
•Exxon/Mobil Speed Pass,™ additional Sentry Keys, or
any other transponder-equipped components on the
same key chain willnot
cause a key-related (tran-
sponder) fault unless the additional part isphysi-
cally held against the ignition keybeing used
when starting the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or
other RF electronics will not cause interference with
this system.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
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BeltAlert Programming
The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) can be en-
abled or disabled by your authorized dealer or by
performing the following steps:
NOTE:DaimlerChrysler does not recommend deacti-
vating the Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert).
1. With all doors closed, and the ignition switch in any
position except ON or START, buckle the driver’s seat
belt.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/ RUN position, but
do not start the engine. Wait for the Seat Belt Reminder
Light to turn off and then proceed to the next step.
NOTE:You must perform the following steps within 60
seconds of turning the ignition switch to the ON/ RUN
position.
3. Within 60 seconds of turning the ignition switch to the
ON/ RUN position, unbuckle and then re-buckle the
driver’s seat belt at least three times within 10 seconds,
ending with the seat belt buckled.
NOTE:Watch for the Seat Belt Reminder Light to turn
on while unbuckling the seat belt and turn off while
re-buckling the seat belt. It may be necessary to retract
the seat belt.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position. A
single chime will sound to signify that you have success-
fully completed the programming.
The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) can be reacti-
vated by repeating this procedure.
NOTE:When the Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert)
is deactivated, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will continue
to illuminate as long as the driver’s seat belt is unbuck-
led.
Automatic Locking Mode — If Equipped
In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre-
locked. However, the belt will still retract to remove slack
in the shoulder belt. Use The Automatic Locking Mode
any time a child safety seat is installed in a seating
position that has a seat belt with this feature. Seat belts
that have the Automatic Locking Mode feature have a
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39
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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 light status for
electronically controlled safety systems, including the
airbag system
•Timeof 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 (if applicable)
•Traction/stability control status (if applicable)
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time — 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.
50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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 and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including 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.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
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 if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61
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▫General Information...................136
Rear Park Assist System — If Equipped.....136
Overhead Console.....................140
▫Courtesy/Reading Lights................140
▫Sunglasses Storage....................140
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink)—
If Equipped
..........................141
▫Programming HomeLink................142
▫Canadian Programming/Gate Programming . . 144
▫Using HomeLink.....................145
▫Erasing HomeLink Buttons..............145
▫Reprogramming a Single HomeLink Button . . . 145
▫Security............................146
Power Sunroof — If Equipped............146
▫Opening Sunroof - Express..............147
▫Closing Sunroof - Express...............147▫Pinch Protect Feature...................147
▫Pinch Protect Override.................148
▫Venting Sunroof - Express...............148
▫Sunshade Operation...................148
▫Wind Buffeting.......................148
▫Sunroof Maintenance...................148
▫Ignition Off Operation..................148
▫Sunroof Fully Closed...................149
Electrical Power Outlets.................149
▫Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off.......151
Cup Holders.........................151
▫Front Seat Cup Holders — Standard........151
▫Front Seat Cup Holders — 300 Touring And
300C Models........................152
▫Rear Seat Cup Holders.................152
66 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE:The engine must be running before the head-
lights will come ON in the Automatic mode.
Headlights On with Wipers (Available with Auto
Headlights Only)
When this feature is active, the headlights will turn on
approximately 10 seconds after the wipers are turned on
if the headlight switch is placed in the AUTO position. In
addition, the headlights will turn off when the wipers are
turned off if they were turned on by this feature.The Headlights On with Wipers feature can be turned on
or off through the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) — if equipped. For details, refer to ”Headlights
On with Wipers,” under “Personal Settings (Customer
Programmable Features),” under “Electronic Vehicle In-
formation Center” in Section 4 of this manual.
SmartBeams — If Equipped
The SmartBeam system provides increased forward light-
ing at night by automating high beam control through
the use of a digital camera mounted on the inside
rearview mirror. This camera detects vehicle specific light
and automatically switches from high beams to low
beams until the approaching vehicle is out of view.
To Activate:
1. Select “Automatic High Beams — ON” through the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). For details,
refer to “Personal Settings (Customer Programmable
Features),” under “Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter” in Section 4 of this manual.
2. Rotate the headlight switch counter-clockwise to the
AUTO (A) position.
Headlight Switch
104 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE:The headlight washers will operate on the first
spray of the windshield washer and then every fourth
spray after that.
Adding Washer Fluid
The headlight washer and windshield washer share the
same fluid reservoir. The reservoir is located in the front
of the engine compartment on the passenger side of the
vehicle. Be sure to check the fluid level in the reservoir at
regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshieldwasher solvent (not radiator antifreeze) and operate the
system for a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
Headlight Washer
Washer Fluid Reservoir
114 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
To Vary the Speed Setting:
While ACC is set, you can increase the set speed by lifting
and holding the lever up (“RES/ACCEL”). If the lever is
continually held, the set speed will continue to increase
in 5 mph (Canada 10 km/h) increments until the lever is
released. The increase in set speed is reflected in the EVIC
display.
Lifting the lever up and releasing once will result in a 1
mph (Canada 1 km/h) increase in set speed. Each sub-
sequent lift and release of the lever results in an increase
of 1 mph (Canada 1 km/h).
While ACC is set, the set speed can be decreased by
pushing the lever down and holding (“SET/DECEL”). If
the lever is continually held, the set speed will continue
to decrease in 5 mph (Canada 10 km/h) increments until
the lever is released. The decrease in set speed is reflected
in the EVIC display.Pushing the lever down and releasing once will result in
a 1 mph (Canada 1 km/h) decrease in set speed. Each
subsequent push and release of the lever results in a
decrease of 1 mph (Canada 1 km/h).
NOTE:
•
When you use the lever to decelerate, if the engine’s
braking power does not slow the vehicle sufficiently to
reach the set speed, the brake system will automati-
cally slow the vehicle.
•The ACC system maintains set speed when driving up
hill and down hill. However, a slight speed change on
moderate hills is normal. In addition, downshifting
may occur while climbing uphill or descending down-
hill. This is normal operation and necessary to main-
tain set speed.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 127
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