
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 side curtain
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 curtain airbag inflates. This especially applies
to children.
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with left and right
side curtain air bags, do not install a clothing bar
mounted to the coat hooks (or similarly mounted). A
clothing bar will impede the proper performance of the
bags.
•When 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 inflatesrearward 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
only about half of the time it takes you to blink your
eyes. It then quickly deflates while helping to protect
the driver’s knees.
•TheKnee Impact Bolstershelp protect the knees, and
position everyone for the best interaction with the
front airbag.
The front passenger seat assembly contains critical com-
ponents that affect the front passenger airbag deploy-
ment. Correctly functioning front passenger seat compo-
nents are critical for the Occupant Classification System
(OCS) 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.
The following requirements must be strictly adhered to:
•Do not modify the front passenger seat assembly or
components in any way.
48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Here are some tips on getting the most out of your child
restraint:
•Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it
has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety
Standards. We also recommend that you make sure
that you can install the child restraint in the vehicle
where you will use it, before you buy it.
•The restraint must be appropriate for your child’s
weight and height. Check the label on the restraint for
weight and height limits.
•Carefully follow the instructions that come with the
restraint. If you install the restraint improperly, it may
not work when you need it.
The passenger seat belts are equipped with either
cinching latch plates or seat belt retractors that can be
switched to an automatic locking mode, which are
designed to keep the lap portion tight around the child
restraint so that it is not necessary to use a locking clip.
If the seat belt has a cinching latch plate, pulling up on
the shoulder portion of the lap/shoulder belt will
tighten the belt. The cinching latch plate will keep thebelt tight, however, any seat belt system will loosen
with time, so check the belt occasionally and pull it
tight if necessary.
If the seat belt has a switchable retractor, it will have a
distinctive label. To operate the switchable retractor,
please refer to Automatic-Locking Retractor (ALR) in
this section.
•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 of the
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, disconnect
the latch plate from the buckle, turn the latch plate
around, and insert the latch plate into the buckle
again. If you still can’t make the child restraint secure,
try a different seating position.
56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•Buckle the child into the seat according to the child
restraint manufacturer’s directions.
•When your child restraint is not in use, secure it in the
vehicle with the seat belt or remove it from the vehicle.
Don’t leave it loose in the vehicle. In a sudden stop or
collision, it could strike the occupants or seat backs
and cause serious personal injury.
Automatic-Locking Retractor (ALR)
To operate the switchable retractor, pull the belt from the
retractor until there is enough to allow you to pass
through the child restraint and slide the latch plate into
the buckle. Then pull on the belt until it is all removed
from the retractor. Allow the belt to return into the
retractor, pulling on the excess webbing to tighten the lap
portion about the child restraint. Follow the instructions
of the child restraint manufacture.
NOTE:To reset this feature you must let all of the belt
webbing return into the retractor. You will not be able to
pull out more webbing until all of the webbing has been
returned back into the retractor.
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH)
WARNING!
Child restraint anchorages are designed to withstand
only those loads imposed by correctly fitted child
restraints. Under no circumstances are they to be
used for adult seat belts, harnesses, or for attaching
other items or equipment to the vehicle.
Your vehicle is equipped with the child restraint anchor-
age system called LATCH, which stands for Lower
Anchors and Tether for CHildren. The LATCH system
provides for the installation of the child restraint without
using the vehicle seat belt. All three rear seating positions
have lower anchorages that are capable of accommodat-
ing LATCH-compatible child seats having flexible,
webbing-mounted lower attachments. Child seats with
fixed lower attachments must be installed in the out-
board positions only. Regardless of the specific type of
lower attachment,NEVERinstall LATCH-compatible
child seats such that two seats share a common lower
anchorage. If you are installing LATCH-compatible child
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 57
2

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your 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.
WARNING!
Be sure to turn off the engine if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by inad-
vertently moving the gear selection lever or by
pressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause exces-
sive heat in the exhaust system, resulting in over-
heating and vehicle fire which may cause serious or
fatal injuries.
Automatic Transaxle
The gear selector must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE:You must press the brake pedal before shifting
out of Park.
Manual Transaxle
Before starting the engine fully apply the parking brake,
press the clutch pedal to the floor and place the gear
selector in NEUTRAL.
NOTE:The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal
is pressed to the floor.
NOTE:If key won’t turn and steering wheel is locked,
rotate the wheel in either direction to relieve pressure on
the locking mechanism and then turn the key.
Normal Starting
Normal Starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal.
Simply turn the ignition switch to the “START’” position
and release when the engine starts. If the engine fails to
208 STARTING AND OPERATING

allows you to insert your finger to override the system. If
this occurs obtain service as soon as possible.
Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting out of
PARK unless the key is in the ACC or ON positions, and
the brake pedal is depressed.
NOTE:If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the
key in the ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety
feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and
stopped but the key cannot be removed until you obtain
service.
Gear Ranges For Continuously Variable
Automatic Transaxle (CVT)
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL positions into another gear range.
“P” Park
Supplements the parking brake by locking the transmis-
sion. The engine can be started in this range. Never use P
(Park) while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parkingbrake when leaving the vehicle in this range. Always
apply the parking brake first, and then place the selector
in P (Park) position.
WARNING!
Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should always
shift the vehicle into P (Park), remove the key from
the ignition, and apply the parking brake. Once the
key is removed from the ignition, the transmission
shift lever is locked in the P (Park) position, securing
the vehicle against unwanted movement. Further-
more, you should never leave children unattended
inside a vehicle.
The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the transmission shift lever into the P
(Park) position:
212 STARTING AND OPERATING

B-Pillar Location....................... 229
Brake Assist System..................... 118
Brake Control System, Electronic........... 118
BrakeFluid ........................... 318
Brake, Parking......................... 218
Brake System.......................219,298
Anti-Lock (ABS)................... 117,220
Hoses.............................. 299
Master Cylinder...................... 300
Parking............................ 218
Warning Light....................... 150
Brakes............................219,298
Brake/Transmission Interlock.............. 211
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 61
Bulb Replacement....................310,311
Bulbs,Light ........................... 310
Calibration, Compass.................... 160
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...... 316
Capacities, Fluid....................... 316
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 252
Oil (Engine)......................279,285Car Washes........................... 304
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 251
Cargo Area Cover...................... 130
Cargo Area Features..................... 128
Cargo Compartment
Light .............................. 128
Luggage Carrier...................... 134
CargoLight ........................... 128
Cargo Load Floor....................... 130
Cargo Tie-Downs....................... 130
Carrier, Luggage....................... 134
Catalytic Converter..................... 287
Caution, Exhaust Gas..................... 61
CD (Compact Disc) Player..........162,169,180
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance...... 197
Cellular Phone....................... 72,198
Center High Mounted Stop Light........... 315
Chains, Tire........................... 247
Changing A Flat Tire.................... 268
Chart,TireSizing ....................... 226
Check Engine Light
(MalfunctionIndicatorLight) .............. 281
Child Restraint......................... 54
INDEX 347
10

Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 57
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts......... 56
Child Safety Locks....................... 18
Child Seat............................. 59
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 249
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 305
Climate Control........................ 198
Clock ....................161,164,170,181,192
Clutch ............................... 300
ClutchFluid ........................... 300
CoinHolder ........................... 127
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance........... 197
Compact Spare Tire..................... 236
Compass............................. 160
Compass Calibration.................... 160
Compass Variance...................... 158
Console.............................. 127
Contract, Service....................... 340
Coolant (Antifreeze)..................316,317
Cooler, Beverage....................... 134
Cooling System........................ 294
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 295Coolant Level.....................294,297
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 296
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 294
Inspection........................... 297
Points to Remember................296,297
Pressure Cap........................ 296
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 294
CorrosionProtection .................... 303
Crankcase Emission Control System......... 288
CruiseLight ........................... 148
CupHolder ........................... 127
Customer Assistance.................... 338
Data Recorder, Event..................... 52
Dealer Service......................... 282
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 134
Defroster, Windshield............... 62,199,200
Delay(Intermittent)Wipers ............... 108
Detent ............................... 213
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 280
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................ 105
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 296
348 INDEX

Oil Pressure......................... 145
Rear Fog............................ 152
Seat Belt Reminder.................... 145
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............. 25
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)............ 145
Traction Control...................... 119
Turn Signal.................103,105,149,312
Voltage ............................. 145
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 144
Loading Vehicle........................ 254
Tires ............................... 229
Locks
ChildProtection ....................... 18
Door............................... 14
Power Door.......................... 15
Steering Wheel........................ 13
Lubrication, Body....................... 292
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)................ 134
Lumbar Support........................ 95
Maintenance Free Battery................. 289
Maintenance, General.................... 283
Maintenance Procedures.................. 283Maintenance Schedule................... 320
Schedule “A”........................ 332
Schedule “B”........................ 323
Malfunction Indicator Light
(Check Engine)......................148,281
Manual, Service........................ 341
Manual Transaxle.................208,215,302
Downshifting........................ 217
Fluid Level Check..................302,303
Frequency of Fluid Change...........302,303
Lubricant Selection.................302,303
Map/Reading Lights.................... 102
Master Cylinder (Brakes)................. 300
Mirrors ............................... 69
Electric Powered....................... 70
Outside ............................. 69
Rearview............................ 69
Vanity .............................. 71
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 6
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............. 241
Mopar Parts........................282,340
Multi-Function Control Lever.............. 103
INDEX 353
10