Page 161 of 517
To raise the seatback, pull the strap forward and lift the
seatback into its upright position.
WARNING!
Be certain that the seatback is securely locked into
position. If the seatback is 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.
Reclining Rear Seat — If Equipped
For additional comfort, pull the strap forward just
enough to release the seatback latch. Then push the
seatback to a reclined position, approximately 35 degrees
maximum, and release the strap.
Folded Rear Seat
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 159
Page 317 of 517

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
•Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking
brake, shift the transmission into PARK, and re-
move the key fob from the ignition. When leaving
the vehicle, always lock your vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle. A
child could operate power windows, other controls,
or move the vehicle.
Manual Transmission – If Equipped
Before starting the engine fully apply the parking brake,
press the clutch pedal to the floor, and place the shift
lever in NEUTRAL.
NOTE:
• The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal is
pressed to the floor.
• If the key will not turn and the steering wheel is
locked, rotate the wheel in either direction to relieve
pressure on the locking mechanism and then turn the
key.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 315
Page 323 of 517

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
• Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the vehicle
has come to a complete stop and the engine is at
idle speed.
• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEU-
TRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is above idle
speed.
• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
NOTE: You must press and hold the brake pedal while
shifting out of PARK.
WARNING!
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running.
• Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking
brake, shift the transmission into PARK, and re-
move the ignition key. Once the key is removed,
the shift lever is locked in PARK, securing the
vehicle against unwanted movement When leaving
the vehicle, always remove the ignition key and
lock your vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 321
Page 324 of 517

WARNING! (Continued)
•Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle.
A child could operate power windows, other con-
trols, or move the 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
before the ignition switch can be turned to the OFF
position. The key fob can only be removed from the
ignition when the ignition is in the OFF position, and the
shift lever is locked in PARK whenever the ignition
switch is in the OFF position. NOTE:
If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the
key in the ignition switch to warn you that this safety
feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and
stopped but the key cannot be removed until you obtain
service.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock system (BTSI) that holds the shift lever in PARK
unless the brakes are applied. To move the shift lever out
of PARK, the ignition switch must be turned to the
ON/RUN position (engine running or not) and the brake
pedal must be pressed.
322 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 328 of 517

WARNING! (Continued)
•When leaving the vehicle, always remove the igni-
tion key and lock your vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle.
A child could operate power windows, other con-
trols, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
• Before moving the shift lever out of PARK, you
must turn the ignition switch from the LOCK/OFF
position to the ON/RUN position, and also press
the brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the shift
lever could result.
• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this
can damage the drivetrain.
The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the shift lever into the PARK position:
• When shifting into PARK, firmly move the shift lever
all the way forward and to the left until it stops and is
fully seated.
• Look at the shift lever position display and verify that
it indicates the PARK position.
326 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 337 of 517

NOTE:
•When the parking brake is applied and the automatic
transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake Warning
Light” will flash. If vehicle speed is detected, a chime
will sound to alert the driver. Fully release the parking
brake before attempting to move the vehicle.
•
This light only shows that the parking brake is applied.
It does not show the degree of brake application.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. For vehicles equipped
with an automatic transmission, apply 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. The parking
brake should always be applied whenever the driver is
not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key
fob from the ignition and lock your vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle. 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 a collision.
(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 335
Page 500 of 517

Cargo Light............................ .197
Cargo Load Floor ........................ .200
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ .200
Car Washes ............................ .460
Cellular Phone ...........................112
Center High Mounted Stop Light ..............472
Chains, Tire ............................ .369
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .408
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .351
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .434
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............96
Checks, Safety ............................96
Child Restraint ............................76
Child Safety Locks .........................33
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .382
Cleaning Wheels ............................. .461
Climate Control ......................... .297
Clock ................................. .241Clutch
................................ .453
Clutch Fluid ............................ .453
Coin Holder ............................ .196
Cold Weather Operation ....................317
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............296
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .364
Compass .............................. .226
Compass Calibration ...................... .237
Compass Variance ........................ .238
Connector UCI ............................... .287
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) .........287
Console ............................... .196
Contract, Service ......................... .487
Coolant (Antifreeze) ...................... .472
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........450
Cooling System .......................... .447
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............449
Coolant Level ........................ .448
496 INDEX
Page 507 of 517

Capacities........................... .390
Tires ............................... .355
Locks ..................................29
Automatic Door ........................31
Child Protection ........................33
Door ................................29
Power Door ...........................30
Lubrication, Body ........................ .443
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack) ...................204
Lumbar Support ......................... .152
Maintenance Free Battery ....................441
Maintenance Procedures ....................436
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .476
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) .......223
Manual, Service ......................... .490
Manual Transaxle Fluid Level Check ..................... .458
Lubricant Selection ..................... .458Manual Transmission
..................... .318
Fluid Level Check ..................... .457
Frequency of Fluid Change ................457
Lubricant Selection ..................... .457
Map/Reading Lights ...................... .167
Master Cylinder (Brakes) ....................453
Methanol .............................. .382
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... .226
Mirrors ............................... .107
Automatic Dimming ....................108
Electric Powered .......................110
Exterior Folding ....................... .109
Heated ..............................111
Outside ............................. .109
Rearview ........................... .107
Vanity ...............................111
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................371
Mopar Parts ............................ .435
10
INDEX 503