SENTRY KEY
The Sentry KeyImmobilizer System prevents unauthor-
ized 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 that 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
the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to try to start the
engine.
NOTE: A key that 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 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 Vehicle Security Light
begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that
someone used an invalid key to try to start the engine.
Either of these conditions will result in the engine being
shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during normal
vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than 10 sec-
onds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electronics.
Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible by an authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
The Sentry Key
Immobilizer system is not compat-
ible with some after-market remote starting systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your instru-
ment panel could mean you won’t have the air bags
to protect you in a collision. If the light does not come
on as a bulb check when the ignition is first turned
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes
on as you drive, have an authorized dealer service the
air bag system immediately.
Driver And Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
Inflator Units
The Driver and Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
Inflator Units are located in the center of the steering
wheel and on the right side of the instrument panel.
When the ORC detects a collision requiring the Ad-
vanced Front Air Bags, it signals the inflator units. A large
quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the
Advanced Front Air Bags. Different air bag inflation ratesare possible, based on the collision type and 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 air bags inflate to their full size. The air bags fully
inflate in about 50 to 70 milliseconds. This is about half of
the time it takes to blink your eyes. The air bags then
quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and
front passenger.
The Advanced Front Air Bag gas is vented through the
vent holes in the sides of the air bag. In this way, the air
bags do not interfere with your control of the vehicle.Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB)
Inflator Units — If Equipped
The Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags Inflator
Units (if equipped) are designed to activate only in
certain side collisions.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65
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.
Air Bag 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 yourauthorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized 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. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit the footwell of your
vehicle. Use only floor mats that leave the pedal area
unobstructed and that are firmly secured so that they
cannot slip out of position and interfere with the pedals
or impair safe operation of your vehicle in other ways.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 87
NOTE:The engine must be running before the head-
lights will turn on in the Automatic mode.
Turn Signals
Move the multifunction lever up or down and the arrows
on each side of the instrument cluster flash to show
proper operation of the front and rear turn signal lights. NOTE:
•If either light remains on and does not flash, or there is
a very fast flash rate, check for a defective outside light
bulb. If an indicator fails to light when the lever is
moved, it would suggest that the indicator bulb is
defective.
Headlight SwitchTurn Signal Operation
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 151
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN position.
2. Charging System LightThis light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on when the
ignition switch is first turned to ON/RUN, 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 non-
essential electrical devices or increase engine speed (if at
idle). If the charging system light remains on, it means
that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the
charging system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See
an authorized dealer.
If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting
Procedures” in “What To Do In Emergencies”. 3. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped
This indicator will illuminate when the front fog
lights are on.
4. Low Fuel Warning Light When the fuel level reaches approximately 2.8 gal
(10.6L) this light will turn on and a single chime
will sound.
5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
6. Front Axle Lock Indicator — If Equipped Indicates when the front axle lock has been
activated.
7. Seat Belt Reminder Light When the ignition switch is first turned to ON/
RUN, this light will turn on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check. During the bulb check, if
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 269
the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound.
After the bulb check or when driving, if the driver seat
belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light
will flash or remain on continuously. Refer to “Occupant
Restraints” in “Things To Know Before Starting Your
Vehicle” for further information.
8. Turn Signal IndicatorsThe left or right arrow will flash with the corre-
sponding exterior turn signal lights when the turn
signal lever is operated. A chime will sound if the vehicle
is driven more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal
on.
NOTE: If either indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check
for a defective outside light bulb.
9. Oil Pressure Warning Light This light indicates low engine oil pressure. The
light should turn on momentarily when the engine
is started; if the bulb does not come on, have the system checked by an authorized dealer. If the light turns on
while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as
soon as possible. A chime will sound when this light
turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
10. High Beam Indicator
This indicator shows that the high beam head-
lights are on. Push the multifunction control lever
away from you to switch the headlights to high beam.
Pull the lever toward you to switch the headlights back to
low beam. If the driver’s door is open, and the headlights
or park lights are left on, the high beam indicator light
will remain illuminated and a chime will sound.
270 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
13. Air Bag Warning LightThis light will turn on for four to eight seconds
as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned to ON/RUN. If the light is either not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while
driving, have the system inspected at an authorized
dealer as soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant Restraints”
in “Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for
further information.
14. Rear Axle Lock Indicator — If Equipped This light indicates when the rear axle lock has
been activated.
15. Tachometer
Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute
(RPM x 1000).CAUTION!
Do not operate the engine with the tachometer
pointer in the red area. Engine damage will occur.
16. Coolant Temperature Warning Light This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. If the light turns on while driving, safely pull
over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on,
turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL
and idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not
return to normal, turn the engine off immediately and
call for service.
NOTE: As the coolant temperature gauge approaches
H, this indicator will illuminate and a single chime will
sound. Further overheating will cause the temperature
gauge to pass H.In this case, the indicator light will
flash continuously and a continuous chime will sound,
until the engine is allowed to cool.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 273
means the engine oil change interval may fluctuate
dependent upon your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN
position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and
release the Trip Odometer button on the instrument
cluster. To reset the oil change indicator system (after
performing the scheduled maintenance), refer to the
following procedure:1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position
(do not start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three
times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
NOTE: If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure. 25. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is a part of
an Onboard Diagnostic System called OBD II that
monitors engine and automatic transmission con-
trol systems. The light will illuminate when the ignition
is in the ON position before engine start. If the bulb does
not come on when turning the key from OFF to ON/
RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several typical driving styles. In most
situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert
serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.
280 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL