
NOTE:If you try to remove the key before you place the 
lever in PARK, the key may become trapped temporarily
in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the key to the
right slightly, then remove the key as described. 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. 
NOTE:  The power window switches, radio, power 
sunroof (if equipped), and power outlets will remain
active for 10 minutes after the ignition switch is turned
off. Opening either front door will cancel this feature.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.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
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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 airbag control 
module. Like the airbags, the pretensioners are single use
items. After a collision that is severe enough to deploy
the airbags and pretensioners, both must be replaced.
Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert)
If the 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. The  Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) will be reactivated 
if the ignition is cycled, driver’s seat belt is unbuckled for
more than 10 seconds and the vehicle speed is greater
than 5 mph (8 km/h). 
The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) can be en- 
abled 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. 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 position and wait 
for the Seat Belt Warning Light to turn off.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43
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3. Within 60 seconds of starting the vehicle, unbuckle 
and then re-buckle the driver’s seat belt at least three
times within 10 seconds, ending with the seat belt
buckled. 
4. Turn off the engine. A single chime will sound to 
signify that you have successfully completed the pro-
gramming. 
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 seat belts
throughout their pregnancies. 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 against 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.
Seat Belt Extender
If a seat belt is too short, even when fully extended, your
dealer can provide you with a seat belt extender. This
extender should be used only if the existing belt is not
long enough. When it is not required, remove the ex-
tender and store it.
44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 

WARNING!
•Do not put anything on or around the airbag covers or 
attempt to manually open them. You may damage the 
airbags and you could be injured because the airbags are
not there to protect you. These protective covers for the
airbag cushions are designed to open only when the airbags
are inflating.
•Do not mount any aftermarket equipment such as trailer 
brake controllers, snowplow controllers, auxiliary light 
switches, radios, etc. on or behind the knee bolster. Knee
bolsters are designed to work with the air bag and seat belt
to protect you. Mounting any additional equipment on or
behind the knee bolster can cause injury during a crash.
•If your vehicle is equipped with window bags, do not stack 
luggage or other cargo up high enough to block the location 
of the window bag. The area where the window bag is
located should remain free from any obstructions.
•If your vehicle is equipped with window bags, do not have 
any accessory items installed which will alter the roof, 
including adding a sunroof 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.
NOTE: Do not use a clothing bar mounted to the coat 
hooks in this vehicle. A clothing bar will impede the
proper performance of the window bags. 
Airbags inflate in moderate to high speed impacts. Along 
with the seatbelts, front airbags work with the instrument
panel knee bolsters to provide improved protection for
the driver and front passenger. Window bags also work
with seat belts to improve occupant protection. 
The seat belts are designed to protect you in many types 
of collisions. The front airbags deploy in moderate to
severe frontal collisions. If your vehicle is so equipped,
the window bag on the crash side of the vehicle is
triggered in moderate to severe side collisions. In certain
types of collisions, both the front and side airbags may be
triggered. But even in collisions where the airbags work,
you need the seat belts to keep you in the right position
for the airbags to protect you properly.
46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 

WARNING!
•Relying on the airbags alone could lead to more 
severe injuries in a collision. The airbags work
with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In
some collisions the airbags won’t deploy at all.
Always wear your seat belts even though you
have airbags.
•Being too close to the steering wheel or instru-
ment panel during airbag deployment could cause
serious injury. Airbags need room to inflate. Sit
back, comfortably extending your arms to reach
the steering wheel or instrument panel.
•If the vehicle has window airbags, they also need
room to inflate. Do not lean against the door or
window. Sit upright in the center of the seat.
Airbag System Components 
The airbag system consists of the following:
•Airbag Control Module
•AIRBAG Readiness Light
•Driver Airbag
•Passenger Airbag
•Steering Wheel and Column
•Instrument Panel
•Crash Sensor
•Interconnecting Wiring
•Knee Impact Bolsters
•Passenger Side Frontal Airbag ON/OFF Switch (Stan- 
dard Cab Vehicles Only)
48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 

WARNING!
Ignoring the AIR BAG 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.
•When the airbag control module detects a collision
requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator units. A
large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate
the airbags. The airbag covers separate and fold out of
the way as the airbags inflate to their full size. The
airbags fully inflate in milliseconds. This is less time
than it takes you to blink your eyes. The airbags then
quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and
front passenger. The driver’s front airbag deflates
through vents towards the instrument panel. The passenger’s front airbag is deflated through vent holes 
in the sides of the airbag. In this way the airbags do
not interfere with your control of the vehicle.
•The knee impact bolsters help protect the knees and
position you for the best interaction with the front
airbag.
50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 

WARNING!
Whenever an airbag is turned off, even a lap/ 
shoulder belted passenger may hit their head, neck,
or chest on the dashboard (instrument panel) or
windshield in a crash. This may result in serious
injury or death.
To Shut Off the Passenger Airbag (Standard Cab Ve-
hicles Only) 
Place the ignition key in the Passenger Airbag On/Off 
Switch, push the key in and turn clockwise, and remove
the key from the switch. This will shut off the passenger
side airbag. The “Off” light near the switch will illumi-
nate when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position. To Turn On the Passenger Airbag (Standard Cab Ve- 
hicles Only) 
Place the ignition key in the Passenger Airbag On/Off 
Switch, push the key in and turn counterclockwise, and
remove the key from the switch. This will turn on the
passenger airbag. The “Off” light near the switch will be
off when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position.If A Deployment Occurs
The airbag system is designed to deploy when the air bag
control module detects a moderate-to-severe frontal col-
lision, and then immediately to deflate. 
NOTE: 
A frontal collision that is not severe enough to 
need airbag protection will not activate the system. This
does not mean something is wrong with the airbag
system.
52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 

Maintaining Your Airbag Systems
WARNING!
•Modifications 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 right side of the instrument panel. Do
not modify the front bumper, vehicle body struc-
ture, or frame.
•You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolster.
•It 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.
Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to
inflate for your protection in an impact. While
the airbag system is designed to be mainte-
nance free, if any of the following occurs, have
an authorized dealer service the system promptly:
•The airbag light does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
•The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.
•The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving. 
NOTE:  If the speedometer, tachometer or any engine 
related gauges are not working, the airbag control mod-
ule may also be disabled. The airbags may not be ready
to inflate for your protection. Promptly check fuse block
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55
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