!REAR SWING GATE.....................47
!OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS..........48
▫Important Safety Precautions..............48
▫Seat Belt Systems......................50
▫Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)........63
▫Child Restraints.......................76
▫Transporting Pets......................98
!ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS....98
!SAFETY TIPS..........................99
▫Transporting Passengers..................99
▫Exhaust Gas.........................100
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle.............................101
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle.........................103
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
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
seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electron-
ics. 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 aftermarket remote starting systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.
All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE:Only keys that are programmed to the vehicle
electronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle.
Once a Sentry Key® is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot
be programmed to any other vehicle.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
The ORC contains a backup power supply system that
may deploy the air bags even if the battery loses power or
it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.
The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in the
instrument panel for approximately four to eight seconds
for a self-check when the ignition switch is first turned to
the ON/RUN position. After the self-check, the Air Bag
Warning Light will turn off. If the ORC detects a mal-
function in any part of the system, it turns on the Air Bag
Warning Light, either momentarily or continuously. A
single chime will sound to alert you if the light comes on
again after initial startup.
The ORC also includes diagnostics that will illuminate
the instrument panel Air Bag Warning Light if a malfunc-
tion is detected that could affect the air bag system. The
diagnostics also record the nature of the malfunction.
While the air bag system is designed to be maintenance
free, if any of the following occurs, have an authorized
dealer service the air bag system immediately.
•The Air Bag 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 Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the four to
eight-second interval.
•The Air Bag 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. In this condition
the air bags may not be ready to inflate for your protec-
tion. Have an authorized dealer service the air bag
system immediately.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 73
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 objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires
(including spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and
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 (if
equipped), or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 103
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 Light
This 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 nones-
sential 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
(10.6 L) 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.
306 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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
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 Indicators
The 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. Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system reservoir.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 307
13. Air Bag Warning Light
This 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. 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.
310 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
31. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected while the engine is run-
ning, the light will either stay on or flash depending on
the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition key when
the vehicle is safely and completely stopped and the shift
lever is placed in the PARK position. The light should
turn off. If the light remains on with the engine running,
your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an
authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle, or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will
come on when the ignition is first turned to ON/RUN
and remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not
come on during starting, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
32. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This light indicates the Electronic Stability Con-
trol (ESC) is off.
33. Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Dis-
play / Compass Mini-Trip Computer Display — If
Equipped
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
messages. For further information, refer to “Electronic
Vehicle Information Center”.
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Mini-Trip Computer messages. Refer to “Mini-
Trip Computer” for further information.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 321