CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage
to the heating elements:
•Use care when washing the inside of the rear
window. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on
the interior surface of the window. Use a soft
cloth and a mild washing solution, wiping paral-
lel to the heating elements. Labels can be peeled
off after soaking with warm water.
• Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abra-
sive window cleaners on the interior surface of
the window.
• Keep all objects a safe distance from the window.
Climate Control System Compressor
Push the A/C Control button to activate/deactivate the
compressor (activation is indicated by the LED on the
button turning on).
The system remembers that the compressor has been
turned off, even after the engine has stopped.
Pushing the A/C button will stop AUTO MODE
(AUTO LED will turn off). To restore automatic control
of compressor, push the AUTO button again. NOTE:
With the compressor off, air cannot be intro-
duced to the passenger compartment with a tempera-
ture lower than the outside temperature. Under certain
environmental conditions, windows could fog rapidly
since the air is not dehumidified.
MAX A/C
MAX A/C sets the system for maximum cooling per-
formance.
Rotate the driver temperature control adjust knob coun-
terclockwise for MAX A/C. Both driver and passenger
temperature displays will show MAX A/C LO.
In MAX A/C, the blower speed and mode position can
be adjusted to desired user settings. Pressing other
settings will cause the MAX A/C operation to switch to
the selected setting and MAX A/C to exit.
Rapid Window Demisting (MAX-Defrost Function)
Push the MAX-defrost button to activate (LED on) the
windshield and side window demisting function.
92 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
The Climate Control system carries out the following
operations:
•Turns on the air conditioning compressor when en-
vironmental conditions are suitable.
• Turns air recirculation off.
• Sets blower fan to the maximum speed.
• Directs air flow to windshield and front side window
diffusers.
• Activates the heated rear window defrost.
• Activates the heated windshield (if equipped).
• Displays the fan speed (Blower Control Indicator
LED illuminated).
When the function is activated, the AUTO button LED
turns off. With the function activated, the only possible
manual adjustments are pushing the A/C control but-
ton, adjusting the fan speed and turning the heated rear
window off.
When the Recirculation Control or AUTO buttons are
pushed, the Climate Control system will deactivate the
Front Defrost (MAX-DEF) function. Selecting the footwell/windshield or only windshield
distribution activates the Climate Control system com-
pressor and the air recirculation is set to outside air
intake.
This logic guarantees optimum visibility at the win-
dows. Max-defrost is also available in manual mode.
Rear Window Defrosting
Push and release the rear window defrost button to turn
the function on/off.
Activation of this function is indicated by the rear
defrost indicator light on the instrument panel turning
on. The function is automatically deactivated after 20
minutes. If equipped, push the rear defrost button to
activate the defrosting of door mirrors and heated rear
window.
CAUTION!
To avoid causing damage to the rear window de-
froster heating filaments do not affix stickers or
other objects to the inside of the rear glass.
4
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 93
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is func-
tioning properly and the proper amount, type, and
concentration of coolant is used. Use of the Air Recir-
culation mode during Winter months is not recom-
mended, because it may cause window fogging.
Vacation/Storage
Before you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes, in
fresh air with the blower setting on high. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild, rainy
and/or humid weather. To clear the windows, select
Defrost or Mix mode and increase the front blower
speed. Do not use the Recirculation mode without A/C
for long periods, as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves.
Leaves collected in the air intake may reduce airflow,
and if they enter the plenum, they could plug the water
drains. In winter months, make sure the air intake is
clear of ice, slush, and snow.
Cabin Air Filter
The climate control system filters out dust and pollen
from the air. Contact your authorized dealer to service
your cabin air filter, and to have it replaced when
needed.
96 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Warning Light
Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Warning Light
The warning light switches on and a message is displayed to indicate that the tire pressure
is lower than the recommended value and/or that slow pressure loss is occurring. In these
cases, optimal tire duration and fuel consumption may not be guaranteed.
Should one or more tires be in the condition mentioned above, the display will show the
indications corresponding to each tire in sequence.
CAUTION!
Do not continue driving with one or more flat tires
as handling may be compromised. Stop the vehicle,
avoiding sharp braking and steering. Repair imme-
diately using the dedicated tire repair kit and con-
tact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If
your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pres-
sure label, you should determine the proper tire infla-
tion pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale
when one or more of your tires is significantly under-
inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pres-
sure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
144 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
This function manages the distribution of the braking
torque between the front and rear axles by limiting
braking pressure to the rear axle. This is done to prevent
overslip of the rear wheels to avoid vehicle instability,
and to prevent the rear axle from entering ABS before
the front axle.
Brake System Warning Light
The red “Brake System Warning Light” will turn on
when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position
and may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the “Brake System Warning Light” remains on or
comes on while driving, it indicates that the brake
system is not functioning properly and that immediate
service is required. If the “Brake System Warning Light”
does not come on when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position, have the light repaired as soon as
possible.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) provides increased
vehicle stability and brake performance under mostbraking conditions. The system automatically prevents
wheel lock, and enhances vehicle control during brak-
ing.
The ABS performs a self-check cycle to ensure that the
ABS is working properly each time the vehicle is started
and driven. During this self-check, you may hear a
slight clicking sound as well as some related motor
noises.
ABS is activated during braking when the system
detects one or more wheels begins to lock. Road condi-
tions such as ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks,
loose debris, or panic stops may increase the likelihood
of ABS activation(s).
You also may experience the following when ABS
activates:
•
The ABS motor noise (it may continue to run for a
short time after the stop).
• The clicking sound of solenoid valves.
• Brake pedal pulsations.
•A slight drop of the brake pedal at the end of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
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SAFETY 155
Warning Light” does not come on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position, have the light
repaired as soon as possible.
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
system detects an emergency braking situation by sens-
ing the rate and amount of brake application and then
applies optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help
reduce braking distances. The BAS complements the
anti-lock brake system (ABS). Applying the brakes very
quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the
benefit of the system, you must apply continuous
braking pressure during the stopping sequence, (do not
“pump” the brakes). Do not reduce brake pedal pres-
sure unless braking is no longer desired. Once the brake
pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
WARNING!
The Brake Assist System (BAS) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevail-
ing road conditions. BAS cannot prevent collisions,
including those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydro-
planing. The capabilities of a BAS-equipped ve-
hicle must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner, which could jeopardize the us-
er’s safety or the safety of others.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
The HSA system is designed to mitigate roll back from
a complete stop while on an incline. If the driver
releases the brake while stopped on an incline, HSA will
continue to hold the brake pressure for a short period. If
the driver does not apply the throttle before this time
expires, the system will release brake pressure and the
vehicle will roll down the hill as normal.
The following conditions must be met in order for HSA
to activate:
•The feature must be enabled.
• The vehicle must be stopped.
• Park brake must be off.
6
SAFETY 157
when the seat is folded flat (if equipped). It is recom-
mended that pets be restrained in the rear seat (if
equipped) in pet harnesses or pet carriers that are
secured by seat belts, and cargo is properly stowed.
BeltAlert can be activated or deactivated by your au-
thorized dealer. FCA US LLC does not recommend
deactivating BeltAlert.
NOTE:If BeltAlert has been deactivated and the driver
or outboard front seat passenger (if equipped with
outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert) is unbuckled
the Seat Belt Reminder Light will turn on and remain on
until the driver and outboard front seat passenger seat
belts are buckled.
Lap/Shoulder Belts
All seating positions in your vehicle are equipped with
lap/shoulder belts.
The seat belt webbing retractor will lock only during
very sudden stops or collisions. This feature allows the
shoulder part of the seat belt to move freely with you
under normal conditions. However, in a collision the
seat belt will lock and reduce your risk of striking the
inside of the vehicle or being thrown out of the vehicle.
WARNING!
• Relying on the air bags alone could lead to more
severe injuries in a collision. The air bags work
with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In
some collisions, the air bags won’t deploy at all.
Always wear your seat belt even though you have
air bags.
• In a collision, you and your passengers can suffer
much greater injuries if you are not properly
buckled up. You can strike the interior of your
vehicle or other passengers, or you can be thrown
out of the vehicle. Always be sure you and others
in your vehicle are buckled up properly.
• It is dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or
outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding
in these areas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed.
• Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat
belts.
• Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly. Occupants, including
the driver, should always wear their seat belts
(Continued)
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SAFETY 165
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 seat 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 seat belt or retractor condition, replace the
seat belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The Air Bag warning lightwill 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. This light will illuminate with a single chime when a fault with the
Air Bag Warning Light has been detected, it will stay
on until the fault is cleared. If the light comes on
intermittently or remains on while driving, have an
authorized dealer service the vehicle immediately.
Refer to “Occupant Restraints” in “Safety” for fur-
ther information.
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.
6
SAFETY 207