
This vehicle may also be equipped with side curtain
airbags to protect the driver and passengers sitting next
to a window. If the vehicle is equipped with side curtain
airbags, they are located above the side windows. Their
covers are also labeled SRS AIRBAG.
NOTE:Airbag covers may not be obvious in the
interior trim; but they will open to allow airbag deploy-
ment.
WARNING!
²Do not put anything on or around the front airbag
covers or attempt to manually open them. You may
damage the airbags and you could be injured
because the airbags are no longer functional. These
protective covers for the airbag cushions are de-
signed to open only when the airbags are inflating.
²If your vehicle is equipped with side curtain air-
bags, do not stack luggage or other cargo up high
enough to block the location of the side curtain
airbag. The area where the side curtain airbag is
located should remain free from any obstructions.
²If your vehicle is equipped with side curtain air-
bags, do not have any accessory items installed
which will alter the roof, including adding a sun-
roof to your vehicle. Do not add roof racks that
require permanent attachments (bolts or screws)
for installation on the vehicle roof. Do not drill into
the roof of the vehicle for any reason.
²Do not drill, cut or tamper with the knee bolster in
any way.
²Do not mount any accessories to the knee bolster
such as alarm lights, stereos, citizens band radios etc.
Window Airbag
40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Deployed airbags can't protect you in another colli-
sion. Have the airbags replaced by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Enhanced Accident Response Feature
If the airbags deploy after an impact and the electrical
system remains functional, vehicles equipped with
power door locks will unlock automatically. In addition,
approximately 5 seconds after the vehicle has stopped
moving, the interior lights will illuminate to aid visibility.
NOTE:The interior lights can only be deactivated if the
key is removed from the ignition switch or the vehicle is
driven.
Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
²Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbags are not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or
the upper passenger side of the instrument panel.
Do not modify the front bumper, vehicle body
structure, or frame.
²You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee impact bolster.
²It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has airbags.
46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc. If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see you
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
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 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 59
2

WARNING!
If the hood is not fully latched, it could fly up when
the vehicle is moving and block your forward vision.
You could have a collision. Be sure all hood latches
are fully latched before driving.
LIGHTS
Headlight Switch
The headlight switch is located on the left side of
the instrument panel. This switch controls the
operation of the headlights, parking lights, instru-
ment panel lights, instrument panel light dimming, inte-
rior lights, and fog lights.Rotate the headlight switch clockwise to the first detent
for parking light and instrument panel light operation.
Turn it to the second detent for headlight, park light, and
instrument panel light operation.
Headlight Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 93
3

cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles at
speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see your
authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected. (See page 222 for
more information.)
14. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The
light should turn on momentarily when the
engine is started. If the light turns on while driving,
stop the vehicle, and shut off the engine as soon as
possible. A single chime will sound when this light
turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked using the procedure
shown in section 7. (See page 295 for more information.)
15. High Beam Light
This light will turn on when the high beam
headlights are ON. Push the Multi-Function
lever away from the steering wheel to switch the
headlights to high beam. (See page 96 for more
information.)16. Seat Belt Reminder Light
This light will turn on for 5 to 8 seconds as a
bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. A chime will sound if the driver's
seat belt is unbuckled during the bulb check. The Seat
Belt Warning Light will flash or remain on continu-
ously if the driver's seat belt remains unbuckled after
the bulb check or when driving. (See page 36 for more
information.)
17. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transmission
gear selection.
18. Front Fog Light Indicator Ð If Equipped
This light will turn on when the front fog lights
are ON. (See page 95 for more information.)
19. Electronic Vehicle Information Center Display
This display shows the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) messages when the appropriate conditions
exist. (See page 143 for more information.)
138 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing, you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements Ð Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may includea4and7pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
4 - Pin Connector
270 STARTING AND OPERATING

Interior Care
Use MopartFabric Cleaner or equivalent to clean fabric
upholstery and MopartCarpet Cleaner for carpeting.
Interior Trim should be cleaned starting with a damp
cloth, or MopartSatin Select. Do not use harsh cleaners
or Armorall. Use MopartTotal Clean to clean vinyl
upholstery.
MopartTotal Clean is specifically recommended for
leather upholstery.
Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by regular
cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt
can act as an abrasive and damage the leather upholstery
and should be removed promptly with a damp cloth.
Stubborn soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth
and MopartTotal Clean or equivalent. Care should be
taken to avoid soaking your leather upholstery with any
liquid. Please do not use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids,
solvents, detergents, or ammonia-based cleaners to clean
your leather upholstery. Application of a leather condi-
tioner is not required to maintain the original condition.WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lighter and
less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with MopartGlass Cleaner or any commercial
household-type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type
318 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............. 219
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 309
Adding Fuel.......................... 257
Adding Rear Washer Fluid................ 198
Adding Washer Fluid..............100,198,305
Adjustable Pedals....................... 102
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner
Filter)............................... 299
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 302
Air Conditioning....................187,189
Air Conditioning Controls................ 187
Air Conditioning Filter................195,303
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 196
Air Conditioning Refrigerant...........302,303
Air Conditioning System...........187,189,302
Air Pressure, Tires...................140,238
Airbag................................ 39
Airbag Deployment....................43,45
Airbag Light....................44,47,59,137
Airbag Maintenance...................... 46
Airbag, Side........................... 44
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)...........40,44
Alarm (Security Alarm).................. 140Alarm System (Security Alarm)............. 15
Alignment and Balance.................. 243
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 182
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant).........308,309,331
Disposal............................ 310
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)..........219,222
Anti-Lock Warning Light..............142,221
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)...... 15
Anti-Theft System...................... 140
Appearance Care....................... 316
Auto Down Power Windows............... 26
Auto Up Power Windows................. 26
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 64
Automatic Door Locks..................22,23
Automatic Headlights.................... 94
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)....... 189
Automatic Transaxle
Special Additives..................... 315
Automatic Transmission............ 211,314,315
Adding Fluid.....................315,333
Autostick........................... 215
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 315
364 INDEX