2008 CHRYSLER PACIFICA warning light

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.
WARNING!
Ignoring the AIRBAG warning light in your instru-
ment 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.
²TheDriver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Unitsare
located in the center of the steering wheel and the right
side of the instrument panel. When the ORC and
impact sensors detects a collision requiring the air-
bags, it signals the inflator units. A large quantity ofnontoxic gas is generated to inflate the front airbags.
Different airbag inflation rates may be possible based
on collision severity. The steering wheel hub trim
cover and the upper right side of the instrument panel
separate and fold out of the way as the airbags inflate
to their full size. The airbags fully inflate in about
50±70 milliseconds. This is about half of the time it
takes to blink your eyes. The airbags then quickly
deflate while helping to restrain the driver and front
passenger.
The driver's and passenger's front airbag gas is vented
through the airbag material towards the instrument
panel. In this way the airbags do not interfere with
your control of the vehicle.²TheSide Airbag Inflatable Curtainsare designed to
activate only in certain side collisions. When the ORC
and the side impact sensors (with side impact option)
detects a collision requiring the window bags to
56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

another object in the vehicle (i.e. feet on the dash-
board), the OCS may not be able to properly approxi-
mate occupant size. Furthermore, the occupant size
may appear to increase or decrease due to objects
hanging on the seat, other passengers pushing on the
seat, or objects lodged underneath the seat.
If there is a rapid change in temperature or humidity,
the OCS may not be able to properly approximate
occupant size. If your seat including your trim cover
and cushion needs to be serviced in any way (includ-
ing removal or loosening/tightening of seat attach-
ment bolts), take the vehicle to your authorized dealer.
Only manufacturer approved seat accessories may be
used.If there is a fault present in the system, the AIRBAG
warning light will illuminate indicating that you should
take the vehicle to an authorized dealer. In the presence
of an occupant in the passenger seat, if both the PAD
indicator light and AIRBAG warning light are illumi-
nated the airbag will be disabled.
The ORC will not allow front airbag deployment in the
event of a collision for occupants classified into the
empty or child size categories. The PAD indicator light
will illuminate indicating that the Passenger Airbag is
OFF when the OCS has determined that the occupant size
category is a child. Also, when the seat is empty or an
object that weighs less than a predetermined threshold is
placed on the seat, the light will remain OFF. (The PAD
indicator light is an amber light located on the center of
the instrument panel above the climate controls.)
58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

front passenger airbag is allowed. If a fault is present,
the AIRBAG warning light is illuminated.
²ThePassenger Airbag Disabled (PAD) Indicator
Light Ð If Equippedindicates to the driver and
passenger when the airbag is turned OFF in the
presence of a properly seated occupant. When the PAD
indicator light is illuminated, the airbag is OFF. Also,
when the Occupant Classification System (OCS) de-
tects either an empty seat of a weight less than the
predetermined occupant threshold, the ORC will not
illuminate the PAD indicator light even though the
airbag is turned off. When the OCS detects an adult
the PAD indicator light will be off, and the airbag will
be enabled.
²TheBelt Tension Sensor (BTS) Ð If Equippedis
located at the outboard passenger lap belt anchor. The
BTS generates a signal based on outboard lap belt
tension. This signal is sent to the OCM to ensure thatthe resultant bladder pressure increase due to applied
lap belt tension does not cause a small occupant to be
classified as a larger occupant.
²TheBladder Assembly Ð If Equippedis located
beneath the seat cushion foam. The pressure sensor
sends a signal to the OCM.
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.
60 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Deployed airbags, front seat belt pretensioners and
driver inflatable knee blocker cannot protect you in
another collision. Have the airbags, front seat belt
pretensioners and driver inflatable knee blocker (if
equipped) replaced by an authorized dealer as soon
as possible.
Enhanced Accident Response
If the airbags and seat belt pretensioners deploy after an
impact and the electrical system remains functional,
vehicles equipped with power door locks will unlock
automatically. In addition, approximately 10 seconds
after the vehicle has stopped moving, the interior lights
will illuminate until the ignition switch is turned off.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:
²Cuts off fuel to the engine
²Flashes hazard lights
²Turns on the interior lights approximately 10 seconds
after the vehicle has stopped moving, and will remain
on as long as the battery has power or until the
ignition key is removed
²Unlocks the doors automatically
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 63
2

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 right side of the instrument panel. Do not
modify the front bumper, vehicle body structure,
or frame.
²Do not attempt to modify any part of your ad-
vanced airbag system. The airbag may inflate
accidentally or may not function properly if modi-
fications are made. Take your vehicle to an autho-
rized dealer for any advanced airbag system ser-
vice. If it is necessary to modify an advanced
airbag system for persons with disabilities, contact
your authorized dealer.
WARNING!
²You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolsters.
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.
NOTE:Perchlorate Material Ð special handling may
apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
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.
64 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

In the event that an investigation is undertaken by
DaimlerChrysler Corporation (regardless of initiative),
the company or its designated representative will first
obtain permission of the appropriate custodial entity for
the vehicle (usually the vehicle owner or lessee) before
accessing the electronic data stored, unless ordered to
download data by a court with legal jurisdiction (i.e.,
pursuant to a warrant). A copy of the data will be
provided to the custodial entity upon request. General
data that does not identify particular vehicles or crashes
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 Corpora-
tion 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:
²Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning light status for
electronically-controlled safety systems, including the
airbag system
²Airbag disable light status (if equipped)
²9Time9of airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)
66 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
If you are required to drive with the deck lid / liftgate
open, make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced aftera 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 Light
The light should come on and remain on for 4 seconds as
a bulb check when the ignition switch is first turned ON.
If the LED is not lit during starting, and/or the light stays
on or comes on while driving, have the system checked
by an authorized 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.
NOTE:If the defroster is not working or you are unable
to feel air against the windshield in defrost mode, please
see your authorized dealer service center for repairs.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 79
2

Next, push to the left the safety catch located under the
front edge of the hood, near the center.
Use the hood prop rod to secure the hood in the open
position.
To prevent possible damage, do not slam the hood to
close it. Lower the hood until it is open approximately 15cm (6 inches) and then drop it. This should secure both
latches. Never drive your vehicle unless the hood is fully
closed, with both latches engaged.
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
Overhead Console Map/Reading Lights
These lights are mounted between the sun visors on the
overhead console. Each light is turned ON by pressing
the lens. Press the lens a second time to turn the lightHood Safety Catch
134 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE