Tamper Alert
If the alarm was triggered, but the warning signals have
timed out, the park and taillights flash three times
(instead of the normal twice) when unlocking the vehicle
with a valid Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to
alert the driver.
Security System Manual Override
The Vehicle Theft Security Alarm (VTSA) system will not
arm if you lock the doors using the manual door lock
plunger.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The courtesy lights will turn on when you use the keyless
entry transmitter or open the doors. This feature is only
available if you have Remote Keyless Entry.
The lights will fade to off after about 30 seconds or they
will immediately fade to off once the ignition switch is
turned on.
NOTE:
•
The front courtesy overhead console and door cour-
tesy lights do not turn on if the dimmer control is in
the interior lights ON position (extreme top position).
•The illuminated entry system will not operate if the
dimmer control is in the “defeat” position (extreme
downward position).
Manual Lock Plunger
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
To close the window part way, lift the window switch to
the first detent and release it when you want the window
to stop.
NOTE:
•
If the window runs into any obstacle during auto-
closure, it will reverse direction and then stop. Remove
the obstacle and use the window switch again to close
the window.
•Any impact due to rough road conditions may trigger
the auto reverse function unexpectedly during auto-
closure. If this happens, pull the switch lightly to the
first detent and hold to close window manually.
WARNING!
There is no anti-pinch protection when the window
is almost closed. To avoid personal injury, be sure to
clear your arms, hands, fingers and all objects from
the window path before closing.
Window Lockout Switch
The window lockout switch on the driver’s door allows
you to disable the window control on the other doors. To
disable the window controls on the other doors, press the
window lock button. To enable the window controls,
press the window control button again.
Window Lockout Switch
28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
3. Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will
hear a clicking sound. This indicates the safety belt is
now in the automatic locking mode.
How To Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode
Disconnect the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow
it to retract completely to disengage the automatic lock-
ing mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emergency)
locking mode.
Rear Seat Belts
Three point belts are nonadjustable for outboard and
center rear passengers on sedans. The center belt is
mounted to the rear shelf panel and exits through a bezel
in the panel.
Seat Belt Pretensioners
The seat belts for both front seating positions are
equipped with pretensioning devices that are designed to
remove slack from the seat belt in the event of a collision.
These devices improve the performance of the seat belt
by assuring that the belt is tight about the occupant early
in a collision. Pretensioners work for all size occupants,
including those in child restraints.In addition, the front passenger seat belt includes a
two-stage load-limiting feature to enhance occupant pro-
tection for the same reason.
NOTE:These devices are not a substitute for proper
seat belt placement by the occupant. The seat belt still
must be worn snugly and positioned properly.
The pretensioners are triggered by the Occupant Re-
straint Controller (ORC) (see Airbag Section). Like the
front airbags, the pretensioners are single use items. After
a collision that is severe enough to deploy the airbags and
pretensioners, both must be replaced.
BeltAlertEnhanced Warning System
If the occupied driver’s seat belt has not been buckled
within 60 seconds of starting the vehicle and if the vehicle
speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h), the Enhanced
Warning System (BeltAlert) will alert the driver to buckle
their seat belt. The driver should also instruct all other
occupants to buckle their seat belts. Once the warning is
triggered, the Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) will
continue to chime and flash the Seat Belt Warning Light
for 96 seconds or until the driver’s seat belt is buckled.
38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) will be reacti-
vated if the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled for more than
10 seconds and the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8
km/h).
Belt Alert Programming
BeltAlertcan be enabled or disabled by your authorized
dealer or by following these steps:
NOTE:The following steps must occur within the first
60 seconds of the ignition switch being turned to the ON
or START position. DaimlerChrysler does not recom-
mend deactivating the Enhanced Warning System
(BeltAlert).
1. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and
buckle the driver’s seat belt.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and wait
for the Seat Belt Warning Light to turn off.
3. Within 60 seconds of turning the ignition switch to the
ON 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 Warning Light to turn on
while unbuckling and off while re-buckling the seat belt.
It may be necessary to retract the seat belt partially each
time when unbuckling.
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:Although the Enhanced Warning System
(BeltAlert) has been deactivated, the Seat Belt Warning
Light will continue to illuminate while the driver’s seat
belt remains unbuckled.
Seat Belts And Pregnant Women
We recommend that pregnant women use the seat belts
throughout their pregnancy. Keeping the mother safe is
the best way to keep the baby safe.
Pregnant women should wear the lap part of the belt
across the thighs and as snug across the hips as possible.
Keep the belt low so that it does not come across the
abdomen. That way the strong bones of the hips will take
the force if there is a collision.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39
2
Airbag Deployment Sensors and Controls
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
TheOccupant Restraint Controller System (ORC)is
part of a Federally regulated safety system required for
this vehicle.
The ORC determines if a frontal collision is severe
enough to require the airbags to inflate. Based on the
sensor signals, a central electronic Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) deploys the front airbags, side inflat-
able airbag curtains, seat-mounted side (Thorax) airbags,
and front seat belt pretensioners as required for each type
of impact.
The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of
the system whenever the ignition switch is in the START
or RUN positions. These include all of the items listed
above except the steering wheel and column, instrument
panel, and passenger knee bolsters. If the key is in the
OFF position, in the ACC position, or not in the ignition,
the airbags are not on and will not inflate.The ORC contains a backup power supply system that
will deploy the airbags even if the battery loses power or
becomes disconnected prior to deployment.
Also, the ORC turns on the AIRBAG warning
light in the instrument panel for 6 to 8 seconds
for a self-check when the ignition is first turned
on. After the self-check, the AIRBAG warning
light will turn off. If the ORC detects a malfunction in any
part of the system, it turns on the AIRBAG warning light
either momentarily or continuously. A single chime will
sound if the light comes on again after initial start up.
It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the instru-
ment cluster airbag warning lamp if a malfunction is
noted. The diagnostics also record the nature of the
malfunction.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47
2
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.
Impact Sensors
Two sensors, located on the front body structure, trigger
airbag deployment in direct frontal impacts and aid the
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) in determining
appropriate response to frontal impact events. Additional
sensors in the ORC determine the level of airbag deploy-
ment and provide verification.
Side Inflatable Curtain and Front Seat Mounted
Airbags
The Occupant Restraint Controller System (ORC) de-
ploys the side inflatable curtain and seat mounted thorax
side airbags during collision with other vehicles and
during collisions where the impact is confined to a
particular area of the vehicle — such as collisions with
poles, trees or similar objects.
It will deploy the side inflatable curtains and front seat
thorax mounted airbags only on the impact side of the
vehicle.
The front driver and passenger seat contain inflatable
side airbags to protect the occupant from impact injuries.
Correctly functioning front passenger seat components
are critical for the Occupant Restraint Controller System
(ORC) to properly classify the front passenger and calcu-
late the proper airbag deployment. Do not make any
modifications to the front passenger seat components,
assembly, or to the seat cover.
48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The following requirements must be strictly adhered to:
•Do not make any modifications to the front passenger
seat components, assembly, or to the seat cover in any
way.
•Do not use prior or future model year seat covers not
designated for the specific model being repaired. Al-
ways use the correct seat cover specified for the
vehicle.
•Do not replace the seat cover with an aftermarket seat
cover.
•Do not add a secondary seat cover other than those
approved by DaimlerChrysler/Mopar.
•At no time should any supplemental restraint system
(SRS) component or SRS related component or fas-
tener be modified or replaced with any part except
those which are approved by DaimlerChrysler/
Mopar.
WARNING!
Unapproved modifications or service procedures to
the front passenger seat assembly, its related compo-
nents, or seat cover may inadvertently change the
airbag deployment in case of a frontal crash. This
could result in death or serious injury to the front
seat passenger if the vehicle is involved in an acci-
dent. A modified vehicle may not comply with
required Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
(FMVSS).
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact that causes airbag deployment,
with the vehicle stopped, and the vehicle communication
network intact, and the power intact, the Enhanced
Accident Response System performs the following func-
tions:
•Cuts off fuel to the engine.
•Flashes hazard lights.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49
2
WARNING!
Do not attempt to modify any part of your advanced
airbag system. The airbag may inflate accidentally or
may not function properly if modifications are
made. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for
any advanced airbag system service. If your seat
including your trim cover and cushion needs to be
serviced in any way (including removal or
loosening/tightening of seat attachment bolts), take
the vehicle to your authorized dealer. Only manufac-
turer approved seat accessories may be used. If it is
necessary to modify an advanced airbag system for
persons with disabilities, contact your authorized
dealer.
Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to
inflate for your protection in a collision. While
the airbag system is designed to be mainte-
nance free, if any of the following occurs, have
an authorized dealer service the system immediately.
•The AIRBAG light does not come on during the 6 to 8
seconds when the ignition switch is first turned on.
•The light remains on after the 6 to 8 second interval.
•The light comes on and remains on while driving.
NOTE:If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine
related gauges are not working, the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. The airbags may
not be ready to inflate for your protection. Promptly
check fuse block for blown fuses. Refer to the label
located on the inside of the fuse block cover for the
proper airbag fuses. See your dealer if the fuse is good.
Event Data Recorder (EDR)
In the event of an accident, your vehicle is designed to
record up to 5 seconds of specific vehicle data parameters
(see the following list) in an event data recorder prior to
the moment of airbag deployment, or near deployment,
and up to a quarter second of high-speed deceleration
data during and/or after airbag deployment. EDR data
are ONLY recorded if an airbag deploys, or nearly
deploys, and are otherwise unavailable.
52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE