Cargo Area
The 60/40 split-folding rear seat provides cargo-carrying
versatility. The seatbacks fold down easily by pulling
nylon tabs between the seatbacks and the bolsters. When
the seats are folded down, they provide a continuous,
nearly flat extension of the load floor.
When the seatback is folded to the upright position, make
sure it is latched by strongly pulling on the top of the
seatback above the seat strap.
WARNING!
•Be certain that the seatback is securely locked into
position. If the seatback in not securely locked
into position, the seat will not provide the proper
stability for child seats and/or passengers. An
improperly latched seat could cause serious injury.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•The cargo area in the rear of the vehicle (with the
rear seatbacks in the locked-up or folded down
position) should not be used as a play area by
children when the vehicle is in motion. They could
be seriously injured in an accident. Children
should be seated and using the proper restraint
system.
•To help protect against personal injury, passengers
should not be seated in the rear cargo area. The
rear cargo space is intended for load carrying
purposes only, not for passengers, who should sit
in seats and use seat belts.
•The weight and position of cargo and passengers
can change the vehicle center of gravity and ve-
hicle handling. To avoid loss of control resulting
in personal injury, follow these guidelines for
loading your vehicle:
134 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.
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 seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
Automatic Transmission
The shift lever must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.NOTE:
The ignition switch must be in the ON position,
and you must press the brake pedal before shifting out of
PARK.
Normal Starting
NOTE: Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
For vehicles not equipped with Tip Start (Four-Speed
Transmission), turn the ignition switch to the START
position and release it when the engine starts. If the
engine fails to start within 10 seconds, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
For vehicles equipped with Tip Start (Six-Speed Trans-
mission), turn the ignition switch to the START position
and release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter
238 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING! (Continued)
•Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should
always shift the vehicle into PARK, remove the
key from the ignition, and apply the parking
brake. Once the key is removed from the ignition,
the shift lever is locked in the PARK position,
securing the vehicle against unwanted movement.
Furthermore, you should never leave children un-
attended inside a vehicle.
Key Ignition Park Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Inter-
lock which requires the shift lever to be placed in PARK
prior to rotating the key to the LOCK position. The key
can only be removed from the ignition when the ignition
is in the LOCK position and once removed the shift lever
is locked in PARK.
Brake/Transmission Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the shift lever in the
PARK position when the ignition switch is in the LOCK
position. To move the shift lever out of the PARK
position, the ignition switch must be turned to any other
switch position (ACC, ON, or START) (engine running or
not) and the brake pedal must be pressed.
NOTE:If a malfunction occurs, the transmission will
not shift out of PARK. Battery power is required to
release the Brake/Transmission Interlock system. How-
ever, an override system allows you to shift out of PARK
in case of loss of power. To activate the override system:
•Firmly apply the parking brake.
•Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch and
rotate it to the ON position.
•Remove the cup holder liner.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 243
When parking on a flat surface, place the shift lever into
the PARK position first, and then apply the parking
brake.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK. As
an added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
WARNING!
•Never use the PARK position as a substitute for
the parking brake. Always apply the parking
brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the
ignition key in the ignition switch. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
CAUTION!
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK
or NEUTRAL positions into another gear range as
this can damage the drivetrain.
REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Use only
after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 245
WARNING!
•Never use the PARK position as a substitute for
the parking brake. Always apply the parking
brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured.
•Do not leave the key in the ignition. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and an accident.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also, be certain to leave the transmission in
PARK. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to
roll and cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the “Brake Warning Light” remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction
is indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) provides increased
vehicle stability and brake performance under most
braking conditions. The system operates with a separate
256 STARTING AND OPERATING
Caps, FillerFuel ............................... 303
Oil (Engine) .................. 341,342,343,350
Power Steering ........................ 253
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 363
Car Washes ............................ 372
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............81,298
Cargo Area Features ...................... 134
Cargo Compartment ...................... 134
Cargo Load Floor ........................ 134
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 134
Cellular Phone ........................ 93,219
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 391
Chains, Tire ............................ 283
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 323
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 268
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 345
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 80Checks, Safety
........................... 80
Child Restraint .................... 69,71,75,78
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............73,75
Child Safety Locks ........................ 32
Cigar Lighter ........................... 131
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 295
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 373
Windshield Wiper Blades ................ 357
Climate Control ......................... 219
Clock .................. 169,171,186,187,190,200
Coin Holder ........................... 135
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 218
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 279
Compass .............................. 163
Compass Calibration ..................... 164
Compass Variance ....................... 165
Computer, Trip/Travel .................. 20,162
Console ............................ 103,135
426 INDEX
Traction Control....................... 263
Turn Signal ................ 84,108,153,385,387
Voltage ............................. 146
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 145
Loading Vehicle ...................... 305,307
Capacities ........................... 307
Tires ............................... 272
Locks Auto Unlock .......................... 31
Child Protection ........................ 32
Power Door ........................... 30
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 285
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) .............................. 75
Lubrication, Body ....................... 356
Lumbar Support ......................... 96
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 352
Maintenance, General ..................... 347 Maintenance Procedures
................... 347
Maintenance Schedule .................... 396
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 156,345
Manual, Service ......................... 419
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 111
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 366
Methanol ............................. 295
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 162
Mirrors ................................ 89
Automatic Dimming ..................... 90
Electric Powered ....................... 90
Outside .............................. 91
Rearview ............................. 89
Vanity ............................... 92
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 285
Mopar Parts ......................... 346,418
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 295
434 INDEX