▫Rear Seat Belts........................48
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners...................48
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert) ..........................49
▫BeltAlertProgramming.................49
▫Automatic Locking Mode................50
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women............51
▫Seat Belt Extender......................51
▫Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag . .52
▫Airbag System Components...............53
▫Front Seat Airbag Features................53▫Airbag Deployment Sensors And Controls.....59
▫Event Data Recorder (EDR)...............65
▫Child Restraint........................67
Engine Break-In Recommendations...........78
SafetyTips ............................78
▫Exhaust Gas..........................78
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
TheVehicle ..........................79
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle....................80
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
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Locking Doors With The Key
There is only one external door lock cylinder which is
located in the driver’s door only.
You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key rearward. To unlock the door, turn the
key forward. See ”Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” of this manual for door lock
lubrication.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry KeyImmobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses ignition keys, which have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder), to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate thevehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two seconds
if someone uses an invalid key to start the engine.
NOTE:A key which has not been programmed is also
considered an invalid key even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will turn
on for three seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains on
after the bulb check, it indicates that there is a problem
with the electronics. In addition, if the light begins to flash
after the bulb check, it indicates that someone used an
invalid key to start the engine. Either of these conditions
will result in the engine being shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light turns on
during normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for
longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in
the electronics. Should this occur, have the vehicle ser-
viced as soon as possible.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2
If your Remote Lock Control fails to operate from a
normal distance, check for these two conditions.
1. Weak batteries in the transmitter. The expected life of
batteries is five years.
2. Closeness to a radio transmitter such as a radio station
tower, airport transmitter, military base, and some mobile
or CB radios.
REMOTE START SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
Remote start conveniently starts the engine from outside
the vehicle by using the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) key
fob while maintaining security. The system has a targeted
range of up to 300 ft (91 m). The vehicle must be locked,
the deck lid and hood closed and the transmission gear
selector lever in PARK in order to start the engine using
the Remote Start button on the key fob.NOTE:Remote start requires automatic transaxle
equipped vehicles.
Remote Start
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27
2
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.
•The AIRBAG light does not come on during the six to
eight seconds when the ignition switch is first turned
on.
•The light remains on after the six to eight second
interval.
•The light comes on and remains on while driving.
NOTE:If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine
related gauges are not working, the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. The airbags may
not be ready to inflate for your protection. Promptly
check fuse block for blown fuses. Refer to the labellocated on the inside of the fuse block cover for the
proper airbag fuses. See your authorized dealer if the
fuse is good.
Event Data Recorder (EDR)
In the event of an accident, your vehicle is designed to
record up to five seconds of specific vehicle data param-
eters (see the following list) in an event data recorder
prior to the moment of airbag deployment, or near
deployment, and up to a quarter second of high-speed
deceleration data during and/or after airbag deploy-
ment. EDR data are ONLY recorded if an airbag deploys,
or nearly deploys, and are otherwise unavailable.
NOTE:
1. A near-deployment event occurs when the airbag
sensor detects severe vehicle deceleration usually indica-
tive of a crash, but not severe enough to warrant airbag
deployment.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65
2
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
WARNING!
If you are required to drive with the deck lid 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 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 Light
The light should come on and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 79
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.
NOTE:If the defrost feature is not functioning, the
cause should be located and corrected immediately by an
authorized service center. The windshield could fog up
while driving and obscure your visibility.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing 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.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. In addition, if
gasoline fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid,
transmission fluid, or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the
cause should be located and corrected immediately.
80 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Windshield Washers
To use the washer, pull the Windshield Wiper/Washer
Control lever toward you and hold it for as long as
washer spray is desired.
If you activate the washer while the wiper control is in
the delay range, the wipers will operate in low speed for
two wipe cycles after releasing the lever and then resume
the intermittent interval previously selected.
If you activate the washer while the wiper control is in
the OFF position, the wipers will operate for two wipe
cycles and then turn OFF.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers is located
in the engine compartment. Be sure to check the fluid
level in the reservoir at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir
with windshield washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze)
and operate the system for a few seconds to flush out theresidual water. Refer to the appropriate engine diagram
in Section 7 “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for the location
of the reservoir.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
TILT/TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN
This feature allows you to tilt the steering column
upward or downward. It also allows you to lengthen or
shorten the steering column. The tilt/telescoping control
handle is located below the steering wheel at the end of
the steering column.
140 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
5. Low Fuel Light
When the fuel level drops to two gal (7.6 L), the fuel
symbol will light and a single chime will sound.
6. Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on briefly when
the ignition is first turned ON and remain on briefly as a
bulb check. If the light stays on or comes on while
driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s electrical devices,
such as the Fog Lights or Rear Defroster. If the Charging
System Light remains on, it means that the vehicle is
experiencing a problem with the charging system. Obtain
SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See your local authorized
dealer.
7. Airbag Light
The light comes on and remains on for six to
eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light does notcome on during starting, stays on, or comes on while
driving, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
8. Theft Alarm Light — If Equipped
This light will flash rapidly for several seconds when the
alarm system is arming. The light will begin to flash
slowly indicating that the system is armed.
9. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will come on for about six seconds. A chime
will sound if you have not pulled the shoulder belt
out of the retractor. This is a reminder to “buckle up.” If
you do not buckle up, the light will remain on.
10. Oil Pressure Light
Shows low engine oil pressure. The light will come
on and remain on when the ignition switch is
turned from the OFF to the ON position, and the light
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 173
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