2. Closeness to a radio transmitter such as a radio station
tower, airport transmitter, and some mobile or CB radios.
REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
This system uses the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) trans-
mitter to start the engine conveniently from outside the
vehicle while still maintaining security. The system has a
targeted range of 328 ft (100 m).
NOTE:The vehicle must be equipped with an auto-
matic transmission to be equipped with Remote Start.
How To Use Remote Start
All of the following conditions must be met before the
engine will remote start:
•Shift lever in PARK
•Doors closed
•Hood closed
•Trunk closed
•HAZARD switch off
•BRAKE switch inactive (brake pedal not pressed)
•Ignition key removed from ignition switch
•Battery at an acceptable charge level, and
•RKE PANIC button not pressed.
To Enter REMOTE START Mode
Press and release the REMOTE START button
on the RKE transmitter twice, within five sec-
onds. The parking lights will flash and the horn
will honk twice (if programmed). Then, the
engine will start and the vehicle will remain in the
REMOTE START mode for a 15 minute cycle.
NOTE:
•The park lamps will turn on and remain on during
REMOTE START mode.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25
2
may be released for incorporation in aggregate crash
databases, such as those maintained by the US govern-
ment and various states. Data of a potentially sensitive
nature, such as would identify a particular driver, ve-
hicle, or crash, will be treated confidentially. Confidential
data will not be disclosed by DaimlerChrysler
Corporation 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 Corporation product
3. Requested by police under a legal warrant
4. Otherwise required by law
Data Parameters that May Be Recorded:•Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning light status for
electronically-controlled safety systems, including the
airbag system
•Airbag disable light status (if equipped)
•Ti m eof airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)
•Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
•Impact acceleration and angle
•Seat belt status
•Brake status (service and parking brakes)
•Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
•Engine control status (including engine speed)
•Transmission gear selection
•Cruise control status
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 63
2
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. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is inoper-
able.
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 the 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 77
2
Headlight Time Delay
This feature provides the safety of headlight illumination
for up to 90 seconds (programmable) when leaving your
vehicle in an unlit area.
To activate the delay feature, turn OFF the ignition switch
while the headlights are still on. Then, turn OFF the
headlights within 45 seconds. The delay interval begins
when the HEADLIGHT switch is turned OFF.
If you turn the headlights, park lights, or ignition switch
ON again, the system will cancel the delay.
If you turn the headlights OFF before the ignition, they
will turn off in the normal manner.
NOTE:The lights must be turned OFF within 45 sec-
onds of turning the ignition OFF to activate this feature.The Headlight delay time is programmable. Refer to
“Delay Turning Headlights Off,” under “Personal Set-
tings (Customer Programmable Features),” under “Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Section 4.
Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped
The high beam headlights will come on as Daytime
Running Lights whenever the ignition switch is ON, the
headlights are off, and the parking brake is off. The
HEADLIGHT switch must be used for normal nighttime
driving.
Lights-On Reminder
If the headlights or parking lights are on after the ignition
is turned OFF, a chime will sound to alert the driver
when the driver’s door is opened.
136 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
ACC will allow you to keep cruise control engaged in
light to moderate traffic conditions without the constant
need to reset your cruise control. ACC utilizes an infrared
sensor designed to detect a vehicle directly ahead in your
path.
NOTE:
•If the sensor does not detect a vehicle directly ahead of
you, ACC will function in the same way as a standard
cruise control system. For additional information, refer
to “Electronic Speed Control” in this section.
•If the ACC sensor detects a vehicle ahead, ACC will
apply limited braking or acceleration automatically so
that your vehicle maintains a preset following dis-
tance.
WARNING!
•Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a convenience system. It is not
a substitute for active driving involvement. It is always the
driver ’s responsibility to be attentive of road, traffic, and weather
conditions, vehicle speed, distance to the vehicle ahead; and, most
importantly, brake operation to ensure safe operation of the
vehicle under all road conditions. Your complete attention is
always required while driving to maintain safe control of your
vehicle. Failure to follow these warnings can result in an accident
or serious personal injury.
•The ACC system:
Does not react to pedestrians, oncoming vehicles, and stationary
objects (i.e., a stopped vehicle in a traffic jam or a disabled
vehicle).
Does not predict the lane curvature or the movement of preceding
vehicles and will not compensate for such changes.
Cannot take street, traffic, and weather conditions into account,
and may be limited upon adverse sight distance conditions.
Does not always fully recognize complex driving conditions,
which can result in wrong or missing distance warnings.
May not detect a vehicle ahead when strong light (for example,
sunrise or sunset) is directly shining on the front of the vehicle.
Can only apply a maximum of 25% of the vehicle’s braking
capability, and will not bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
154 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
To Vary the Speed Setting
While ACC is set, you can increase the set speed by lifting
and holding the lever in RESUME ACCEL. If the lever is
continually held, the set speed will continue to increase
in 5 mph (Canada 10 km/h) increments until the lever is
released. The increase in set speed is reflected in the EVIC
display.
Tapping the lever up once will result in a 1 mph (Canada
1 km/h) increase in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the
lever results in an increase of 1 mph (Canada 1 km/h).
While ACC is set, the set speed can be decreased by
pushing and holding the lever down in SET DECEL. If
the lever is continually held, the set speed will continue
to decrease in 5 mph (Canada 10 km/h) increments until
the lever is released. The decrease in set speed is reflected
in the EVIC display.Tapping the lever down once will result ina1mph
(Canada 1 km/h) decrease in set speed. Each subsequent
tap of the lever results in a decrease of 1 mph (Canada 1
km/h).
NOTE:
•When you use the lever to decelerate, if the engine’s
braking power does not slow the vehicle sufficiently to
reach the set speed, the brake system will automati-
cally slow the vehicle.
•The ACC system maintains set speed when driving up
hill and down hill. However, a slight speed change on
moderate hills is normal. In addition, downshifting
may occur while climbing uphill or descending down-
hill. This is normal operation and necessary to main-
tain set speed.
160 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
•The distance setting is changed.
•The system disengages. (Refer to the information on
ACC Activation).
The maximum braking applied by ACC is limited; how-
ever, the driver can always apply the brakes manually, if
necessary.
NOTE:The brake lights will illuminate whenever the
ACC system applies the brakes.
A Proximity Warning will alert the driver if ACC predicts
that its maximum braking level is not sufficient to
maintain the set distance. If this occurs, a visual alert
“ATTENTION” will flash in the EVIC and a chime will
sound while ACC continues to apply its maximum
braking capacity. When this occurs, you should immedi-
ately apply the brakes as needed to maintain a safe
distance from the vehicle ahead.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Menu
The EVIC displays the current ACC system settings. The
EVIC is located in the upper part of the instrument
cluster between the speedometer and the tachometer. The
information it displays depends on ACC system status.
162 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Loose Fuel Filler Cap
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“Check Gascap” message will display in the EVIC.
Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the TRIP
ODOMETER button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
(See page 387 for more information.)
7. Tachometer
The red segments indicate the maximum permissible
engine revolutions per minute (RPM x 1000) for each gear
range. Ease up on the accelerator before reaching the red
area.8. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light will turn on and a single chime will
sound to warn of an overheated engine condition.
When this light turns on, the engine temperature
is critically hot. The vehicle should be turned OFF
immediately and serviced as soon as possible. (See page
371 for more information.)
9. Anti-Lock Brake Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and may stay on for
as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving,
then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and service is required. However, the con-
ventional brake system will continue to operate normally
if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
200 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL