
Occupant Classification Module (OCM)
The Occupant Classification Module (OCM) is located
underneath the passenger seat. The OCM uses input
from the Flex Mat to classify the occupant in the passen-
ger seat into a size category. The OCM communicates this
information to the ORC. The ORC may modify the rate of
passenger airbag inflation or prevent passenger airbag
deployment based on occupant classification.
If there is a fault present in the OCS, the Airbag Warning
Light will turn on. This indicates that you should take the
vehicle to an authorized dealer for service. The Airbag
Warning Light will turn on whenever there is a fault
present, which can affect the operation of the airbag
system. If there is a fault present in the OCS, both the
PAD Indicator Light and the Airbag Warning Light will
illuminate to show that the passenger airbag is turned
off. Should this occur the passenger airbag would remain
off until the fault is cleared. If an object is lodged under
the seat and interferes with operation of the Flex Mat, afault will occur which turns on both the PAD Indicator
Light and the Airbag Warning Light. Once the lodged
object is removed, the fault will be cleared automatically
after a short period.
Passenger Airbag Disabled (PAD) Indicator Light
The Passenger Airbag Disabled (PAD) Indicator Light
indicates to the driver and passenger when the passenger
airbag is turned OFF. In the presence of an occupant
seated properly in the passenger seat, when the PAD
Indicator Light is illuminated, the passenger airbag is
turned OFF.
The passenger airbag will be enabled for most any size
adult who is seated properly in the passenger seat. The
passenger airbag may or may not be enabled for (de-
pending on size) a small teenager or a small adult who is
seated properly in the passenger seat. The driver and
passenger should always use the PAD Indicator Light as
an indication that the passenger is positioned properly in
50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

their seat. If the PAD Indicator Light comes on when an
adult or teenager is in the passenger seat, have the
passenger reposition their self in the seat until the light
goes out. Remember, if the PAD Indicator Light is illu-
minated the passenger airbag will not inflate in the event
of a collision.
The passenger airbag will not be enabled for most any
size child who is seated properly in the passenger seat
and for most properly installed child restraint systems.
However, under certain conditions, even with a properly
installed child restraint system, the PAD Indicator Light
may not be on, even though the airbag is disabled. This
can occur if the child restraint is lighter than the thresh-
old weight necessary to turn the PAD Indicator Light on.
In any case, do not assume the airbag is turned off if the
PAD Indicator Light is not illuminated.WARNING!
An infant in rear facing child safety seat, designed
for a child up to one year or approximately 20 lbs
(9 kg), should never ride in the front seat of a vehicle
equipped with a passenger airbag, unless the airbag
is shut OFF. An airbag deployment can cause severe
injury or death to an infant in this position.
Flex Mat
The Flex Mat is located beneath the passenger seat
cushion foam. The Flex Mat sends signals to the OCM for
classifying the occupant in the passenger seat.
Any weight on the seat will be sensed by the Flex Mat.
Therefore, the occupant in the passenger seat needs to sit
in a normal position (with their feet on or near the floor)
in order to be classified properly. If an occupant’s weight
is transferred to another part of the vehicle (like the door
or instrument panel), the system may not classify the
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51

•At no time should any supplemental restraint system
(SRS) component or SRS related component or fastener
be modified or replaced with any part except those
which are approved by Chrysler Group LLC/Mopar.
WARNING!
Unapproved modifications or service procedures to
the passenger seat assembly, its related components,
or seat cover may inadvertently change the airbag
deployment in case of a frontal crash. This could
result in death or serious injury to the passenger if
the vehicle is involved in a collision. A modified
vehicle may not comply with required Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and/or Canadian
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS).
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact causing airbag deployment, if
the communication network remains intact, and the
power remains intact, depending on the nature of the
event the ORC will determine whether to have the
Enhanced Accident Response System perform the follow-
ing functions:
•Cut off fuel to the engine.
•Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power or
until the ignition key is turned off.
•Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as
the battery has power or until the ignition key is
removed.
•Unlock the doors automatically.
If a Deployment Occurs
The front airbags are designed to deflate immediately
after deployment.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53

Airbag Warning Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to
inflate for your protection in a collision. The
Airbag Warning Light monitors the internal
circuits and interconnecting wiring associated
with airbag system electrical components. While the
airbag system is designed to be maintenance free, if any
of the following occurs, have an authorized dealer ser-
vice the airbag system immediately.
•The Airbag Warning Light does not come on during
the four to eight seconds when the ignition switch is
first turned to the ON/RUN position.
•The Airbag Warning Light remains on after the four to
eight-second interval.
•The Airbag Warning Light comes on intermittently or
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 the fuse block for blown fuses. Refer to the label
located on the inside of the fuse block cover for the
proper airbag fuses. See your authorized dealer if the
fuse is good.
Child Restraints
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time, including babies and children. Every state in the
United States and all Canadian provinces require small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If you are required to drive with the trunk/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.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.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 (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65

WARNING! (Continued)
•Always make sure that objects cannot fall into the
driver foot well while the vehicle is moving.
Objects can become trapped under the brake pedal
and accelerator pedal causing a loss of vehicle
control.
•If required, mounting posts must be properly
installed, if not equipped from the factory.
Failure to properly follow floor mat installation or
mounting can cause interference with the brake
pedal and accelerator pedal operation causing loss
of control of the vehicle.
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 objectslodged 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.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 67

Outside Mirrors
To receive maximum benefit, adjust the outside mirrors
to center on the adjacent lane of traffic and a slight
overlap of the view obtained from the inside mirror.
NOTE:The passenger side convex outside mirror will
give a much wider view to the rear, and especially of the
lane next to your vehicle.
WARNING!
Vehicles and other objects seen in the passenger side
convex mirror will look smaller and farther away
than they really are. Relying too much on your
passenger side mirror could cause you to collide with
another vehicle or other object. Use your inside
mirror when judging the size or distance of a vehicle
seen in the passenger side mirror.
Adjusting Rearview Mirror
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 83

WARNING!
•Adjusting a seat while the vehicle is moving is
dangerous. The sudden movement of the seat
could cause you to lose control. The seat belt might
not be properly adjusted and you could be injured.
Adjust the seat only while the vehicle is parked.
•Do not ride with the seatback reclined so that the
shoulder belt is no longer resting against your
chest. In an accident, you could slide under the
seat belt and be seriously or even fatally injured.
Use the recliner only when the vehicle is parked.
Recliner Adjustment
The recliner control is located on the outboard side of the
seat. To recline the seat, lean forward slightly, pull the
recliner control lever upward, lean backward until the
seat is in the desired position, and release the lever. To
return the seat to its full upright position, lean forward,pull the recliner control lever upward and hold it until
the seat returns to its full upright position.
TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
Two latches must be released to open the hood.
1. Reach into the lower right grille opening and pull the
primary hood latch forward.
Recliner Control
86 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE