
WARNING!
Ignoring the AIRBAG light in your instrument panel
could mean you won't have the airbags to protect
you in a collision. If the light does not come on, stays
on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you
drive, have the airbag system checked right away.
²TheOccupant Classification System (OCS)is part of
a Federally regulated safety system required for this
vehicle. It is designed to turn off the front passenger
airbag for occupants that weigh less than a very small
adult.
NOTE:Children 12 years and under should always ride
buckled up in a rear seat in an appropriate child restraint.
²The OCS classifies an occupant using weight sensors
mounted in the base of the front passenger seat. Any
weight on the seat will be sensed by the system.Objects hanging on the seat or other passengers push-
ing down on the seat will also be sensed. The weight of
an adult will cause the system to turn the airbag on. In
this case, the OCS has classified the occupant of the
seat as an adult. An adult occupant needs to sit in a
normal position (with their feet on or near the floor) in
order to be properly classified. Reclining the seat back
too far may change how an occupant is classified by
the OCS.
²ThePassenger Airbag Disable (PAD) Indicator Light
(an amber light located in the center of the instrument
panel) tells the driver and front passenger when the
front passenger airbag is turned off. The PAD Indica-
tor lamp illuminates the words9PASS AIR BAG OFF9
to show that the front passenger airbag will not inflate
during a collision requiring airbags. When the right
front passenger seat is empty or when very light
objects are placed on the seat, the passenger air bag
94 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

will not inflate even though the Passenger Airbag
Disable (PAD) indicator lamp is not illuminated.
²The PAD indictor light should not be illu-
minated when teenagers, most children in a
forward facing child restraint or booster
seats, most children that can properly wear
the vehicle's seat belt, and when an adult passenger is
properly seated in the front passenger seat. In this
case, the air bag is ready to be inflated if a collision
requiring an airbag occurs.For all other occupants, the PAD indicator light will be
illuminated indicating that the front passenger airbag
is turned off and will not inflate.
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 re-
straints).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.
Passenger Airbag Disabled Light
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 95
2

Front Passenger
Seat OccupantPassenger Air-
bag Disable
(PAD) Indicator
LightAirbag Status
Adult OFF ON
Child ON OFF
Grocery Bags,
Heavy Briefcases
and Other Rela-
tively Light Ob-
jectsON 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 dooror 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.
96 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 ratesmay 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
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 97
2

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.
²TheSide Impact (SRS) Seat Mounted Side Airbags
(If equipped)are designed to activate only in certain
side collisions. The ORC module determines if a side
collision is severe enough to require the side airbags to
inflate. The side airbag control module will not detect
roll over, front or rear collisions.
The ORC Module monitors the readiness of the elec-
tronic parts of the system whenever the ignition switch
is in the START or ON positions. These include all of
the items previously mentioned.In moderate to severe side collisions, the side airbag
inflator on the crash side of the vehicle is triggered,
releasing a quantity of nontoxic gas. The inflating side
airbag exits through the seat seam into the space between
the occupant and the door. The side airbag moves at a
very high speed and with such a high force, that it could
injure you if you are not seated properly, or if items are
positioned in the area where the side airbag inflates. This
especially applies to children.
²When the ORC and the impact sensors detect a
collision requiring theDriver Inflatable Knee Blocker
, it signals the inflator unit. A quantity of nontoxic gas
is generated to inflate the Driver Inflatable Knee
Blocker. The Driver Inflatable Knee Blocker inflates
rearward towards the driver's knees to help protect
the knees and position you for the best interaction
with the front airbag. The Driver Inflatable Knee
Blocker fully inflates in about 50 milliseconds, this is
98 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 associ-
ated with universities, and with hospital and insurance
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 wouldidentify a particular driver, vehicle, or crash, will be
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:
²Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning lamp status
for electronically-controlled safety systems, including
the airbag system
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 103
2

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Ignition Key Removal
Locking Doors With The KeyKey-In-Ignition ReminderSENTRY KEY - IF EQUIPPED Replacement KeysSentry Key ProgrammingGeneral InformationSTEERING WHEEL LOCK - IF EQUIPPED If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering WheelTo Release The Steering Wheel
LockAutomatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock SystemDOOR LOCKS Manual Door LocksPower Door LocksChild-Protection Door Lock System (Rear Doors) - IfEquippedREMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (SEDAN) To unlock the doors and liftgateTo lock the doors and liftgate (if
equipped with power options) Using The Panic AlarmTo Turn Off Flash Lights With LockProgramming Additional TransmittersGeneral InformationBattery ReplacementREMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (CONVERTIBLE) To Unlock the DoorsTo lock the doorsTo Unlatch the Deck
LidPanic AlarmUsing The Panic AlarmTo Turn Off Flash Lights With LockTo Program Additional TransmittersGeneral InformationTransmitter Battery ServiceSECURITY ALARM SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED To set the alarmTo disarm the systemSecurity System Manual Override
LIFTGATE (SEDAN) DECK LID (CONVERTIBLE) Power Deck Lid Release (Convertible)EMERGENCY SEAT BACK RELEASE (SEDAN) EMERGENCY DECK LID RELEASE LATCH (CONVERTIBLE) POWER WINDOWS Auto Down FeatureRear Window SwitchesWind
BuffetingOCCUPANT RESTRAINTS (SEDAN) Lap/Shoulder BeltsAdjustable Upper Shoulder Belt AnchorageLap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting ProcedureSeat Belt PretensionersEnhanced Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert) Seat Belts And Pregnant WomenDriver and Front
Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - AirbagChild RestraintOCCUPANT RESTRAINTS (CONVERTIBLE) Lap/Shoulder BeltsLap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting ProcedureSeat Belt PretensionersEnhanced Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert) Seat Belts And
Pregnant WomenDriver and Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - AirbagChild RestraintENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS SAFETY TIPS Exhaust GasSafety Checks You Should Make Inside The VehiclePeriodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The VehicleUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE CONVERTIBLE TOP OPERATION To Lower The TopTo Raise The TopConvertible Top Boot Cover Installation-If EquippedConvertible Top Boot Cover Removal and StorageCONVERTIBLE TOP
MANUAL OVERRIDEMIRRORS Inside Day/Night Mirror - If EquippedOutside Mirror-Drivers SideOutside Mirror-Passengers SideElectric Remote-Control Mirrors - If EquippedIlluminated Vanity Mirrors - If EquippedSun Visor Sliding FeatureHANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION
(UConnect) - IF EQUIPPED OperationsPhone Call FeaturesUConnect System FeaturesAdvanced Phone ConnectivityThings You Should Know About Your UConnect SystemGeneral InformationSEATS Front Seat AdjustmentPower Seat Adjuster - If EquippedManual
Lumbar-If EquippedFolding Front Passenger Seat - If EquippedDrivers Seat Back Tilt-If EquippedPassenger Seat Back Tilt (Easy Entry System) (Convertible)Adjustable Head RestraintsHeated Seats - If EquippedFolding Rear Seat (Sedan)Folding Rear Seat (Convertible)
Tumbling Rear Seat (Sedan)Tumbling Rear Seat (Convertible)Rear Seat Removal (Sedan)TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD LIGHTS Map/Reading Lights (Sedan)Map/Reading Lights (Convertible)Multi-Function Control LeverHeadlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel
LightsDaytime Running Lights (DRL) - If EquippedLights-on ReminderFog Lights - If Equipped Turn Signals Highbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch Passing LightWINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS Windshield WashersMist Feature Windshield Wiper OperationIntermittent
Wiper SystemTILT STEERING COLUMN ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IF EQUIPPED To ActivateTo Set At A Desired SpeedTo DeactivateTo Resume SpeedTo Vary The Speed SettingManual TransaxleTo Accelerate For PassingGARAGE DOOR OPENER - IF
EQUIPPED Programming The Universal TransceiverRolling Code ProgrammingCanadian Programming/Gate ProgrammingOperationReprogramming A Single ButtonSecurityPOWER SUNROOF - IF EQUIPPED Express Open FeatureWind BuffetingSunroof Maintenance
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS Electrical Outlet Use With Engine OffCONSOLE FEATURES STORAGE Center Console/Armrest Storage Bin Storage PocketsREAR SHELF PANEL- IF EQUIPPED Position 1 (Top)Position 2 (Middle)Position 3 (Floor)Position 4 (Vertical) Position 5 (table)ROOF LUGGAGE RACK - IF EQUIPPED REAR WINDOW FEATURES Electric Rear Window Defroster Rear Wiper/Washer Switch - If EquippedAdding Washer FluidUNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER-BASE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER-PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER-TURBO INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATIONCENTER (EVIC)-If Equipped EVIC Functions Compass/Temperature/Audio
Average Fuel EconomyDistance To Empty (DTE)Elapsed TimePersonal Settings (Customer Programmable Features)SETTING THE ANALOG CLOCK RADIO GENERAL INFORMATION Radio Broadcast SignalsTwo Types of SignalsElectrical DisturbancesAM Reception
FM ReceptionSALES CODE REF - AM/FM/CD (SINGLE DISC) RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO AND HANDS FREE PHONE CAPABILITY Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - CD ModeOperation Instructions - Auxiliary ModeOperating
Instructions - Hands Free Phone - If EquippedOperating Instructions - Satellite Radio - If EquippedSALES CODE RAQ - AM/FM/CD (6-DISC) RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO, HANDS FREE PHONE, AND VEHICLE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS (VES)
CAPABILITIES Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - (CD MODE for CD Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for CD Audio Play)Notes On Playing MP3 FilesOperation Instructions - (CD Mode for MP3 Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode
for MP3 Play)SATELLITE RADIO - IF EQUIPPED System ActivationElectronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ESN/SID)Selecting Satellite Mode in REF, and RAQ, RadiosSelecting a ChannelStoring and Selecting Pre-Set ChannelsUsing the PTY (Program Type)
Button (if equipped)PTY Button SCANPTY Button SEEKSatellite AntennaReception QualityCD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES CLIMATE CONTROLS Climate ControlsOperating Tips STARTING AND OPERATING STARTING
PROCEDURES Automatic TransaxleManual TransaxleNormal StartingExtremely Cold Weather (below -20 degrees F or -29 degrees C)If Engine Fails to StartAfter StartingTurbocharger Cool DownAUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - IF EQUIPPED Brake/Transmission Interlock
SystemAutomatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock SystemFour Speed Automatic TransaxleReset ModeGear Ranges For Four Speed Automatic TransaxleAUTOSTICK - IF EQUIPPED Autostick OperationAutostick General InformationMANUAL TRANSAXLE OPERATION 2.4
Liter Turbo- If Equipped Recommended Shift SpeedsDownshiftingPARKING BRAKE BRAKE SYSTEM Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) - If EquippedPOWER STEERINGTRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Tire Markings Tire
Identification Number (TIN)Tire Loading and Tire PressureTIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation PressuresRadial-Ply TiresCompact Spare Tire - If EquippedLimited Use Spare - If EquippedTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife of TireReplacement
TiresAlignment And BalanceTIRE CHAINS SNOW TIRES Tire Rotation Recommendations FUEL REQUIREMENTS 2.4L Standard Engine and 2.4L Standard Turbo Engine2.4L High Output Turbo EngineReformulated GasolineGasoline/Oxygenate BlendsMMT In Gasoline
Materials Added to FuelFuel System CautionsCarbon Monoxide WarningsADDING FUEL Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageVEHICLE LOADING TRAILER TOWING Common Towing DefinitionsTrailer Hitch ClassificationTrailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)Trailer and Tongue WeightTowing RequirementsTowing TipsRECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat towing with all four wheels on the ground)WHAT TO DO IN
EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHER IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING Jack LocationSpare Tire StowagePreparations For JackingJacking InstructionsJUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES DUE TO A LOW BATTERY DRIVING
ON SLIPPERY SURFACES AccelerationTractionFREEING A STUCK VEHICLE TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE With Ignition KeyWithout The Ignition KeyCONVERTIBLETOP MANUAL OVERRIDE MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 2.4L TURBO ENGINE COMPARTMENT
2.4L ENGINE COMPARTMENT ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - OBD II Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageEMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS REPLACEMENTPARTS DEALER SERVICE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES Engine OilDrive Belts
- Check Condition and TensionSpark PlugsIgnition Wiring SystemCatalytic ConverterEngine Timing BeltCrankcase Emission Control SystemFuel FilterAir Cleaner Element (Filter)Maintenance-Free BatteryAir Conditioner MaintenancePower Steering - Fluid CheckFront
Suspension Ball JointsBody LubricationWindshield Wiper BladesWindshield Washer ReservoirExhaust SystemCooling SystemHoses And Vacuum/VaporHarnessesFuel System ConnectionsBrake SystemAutomatic TransaxleManual TransaxleAppearance Care And
Protection From CorrosionCONVERTIBLE TOP CARE WashingGeneral CleaningCloth Top Additional Cleaning ProcedureCloth Top ProtectionWeather Strip CareINTEGRATED POWER MODULE (IPM) VEHICLE STORAGE REPLACEMENT BULBS BULB REPLACEMENT
HeadlightsFront Park/Turn Signal/Side Marker LightsFront Fog Lights - If EquippedTail/Stop, and Rear Turn Signal LightsBack Up Lights Center HighMounted Stop LightFLUIDS AND CAPACITIES FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS EngineChassis
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE SCHEDULE B-ALL ENGINESSCHEDULE A-NON TURBOSCHEDULE A-TURBOIF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING
SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE Prepare For The AppointmentPrepare A ListBe Reasonable With RequestsIF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only) MOPAR PARTS REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS In CanadaPUBLICATION ORDER
FORMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES TreadwearTraction GradesTemperature GradesINDEX