GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE33
Climate Control Functions
A/C (Air Conditioning)
The Air Conditioning (A/C) button allows the
operator to manually activate or deactivate the
air conditioning system. When the air condi -
tioning system is turned on, cool dehumidified
air will flow through the outlets into the cabin.
For improved fuel economy, press the A/C
button to turn off the air conditioning and manu -
ally adjust the blower and airflow mode settings.
Also, make sure to select only Panel, Bi-Level or
Floor modes.
NOTE:
For Manual Climate Controls, if the system is
in Mix, Floor or Defrost Mode, the A/C can be
turned off, but the A/C system shall remain
active to prevent fogging of the windows.
If fog or mist appears on the windshield or
side glass, select Defrost mode, and increase
blower speed if needed.
If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the
A/C condenser (located in front of the radi -
ator), for an accumulation of dirt or insects.
Clean with a gentle water spray from the front
of the radiator and through the condenser.
Recirculation
In cold weather, use of Recirculation mode may
lead to excessive window fogging. The Recircu -
lation feature may be unavailable if conditions
exist that could create fogging on the inside of
the windshield. On systems with Manual
Climate Controls, the Recirculation mode is not
allowed in Defrost mode to improve window
clearing operation. Recirculation is disabled
automatically if this mode is selected.
Attempting to use Recirculation while in this
mode causes the LED in the control button to
blink and then turns off.
Operating Tips
NOTE:
Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather
conditions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected
with a high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide
proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50%
OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant that
meets the requirements of FCA Material Stan -dard MS.90032 and 50% water is recom
-
mended. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specifications” for proper coolant
selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during Winter
months is not recommended because it may
cause window fogging.
Vacation Storage
Any time 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 the fresh air and high blower
setting. This will ensure adequate system lubri -
cation to minimize the possibility of compressor
damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly
removed by turning the mode selector to
Defrost. The Defrost/Floor mode can be used to
maintain a clear windshield and provide suffi -
cient heating. If side window fogging becomes a
problem increase blower speed. Vehicle
windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
2
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34GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE:
Recirculate without A/C should not be used 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.
A/C Air Filter
The climate control system filters outside air
containing dust, pollen and some odors. Strong
odors cannot be totally filtered out. Refer to
“Dealer Service” in “Servicing and Mainte -
nance” for filter replacement instructions.
Operating Tips Chart
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 parallel to the
heating elements. Labels can be peeled off
after soaking with warm water.
Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or
abrasive window cleaners on the interior
surface of the window.
Keep all objects a safe distance from the
window.WEATHER CONTROL
SETTINGS
Hot Weather And
Vehicle Interior Is Very
Hot Set the mode control
to , on, and
blower on high. Roll
down the windows for
a minute to flush out
the hot air. Adjust the
controls as needed to
achieve comfort.
Warm Weather
Turn on and set
the mode control to
the position.
Cool Sunny Operate in
position.
Cool & Humid
Conditions Set the mode control
to and turn on
to keep windows
clear.
Cold Weather Set the mode control to the position. If
windshield fogging
starts to occur, move
the control to the
position.
WEATHERCONTROL
SETTINGS
20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 34
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE35
WINDOWS
Power Windows
The control on the left front door panel has
up-down switches that give you fingertip control
of all power windows. There is a single opening
and closing switch on the front passenger door
for passenger window control.
Power Window Switches
NOTE:
The Key Off Power Delay feature will allow the
power windows to operate for up to three
minutes after the ignition is placed in the STOP
(OFF/LOCK) position. This feature is cancelled
when either front door is opened.
Auto-Down Feature — If Equipped
The window switches may be equipped with an
Auto-Down feature. Push the window switch for
half a second, release, and the window will go
down automatically.
To stop the window from going all the way down
during the auto-down operation, pull up or push
down on the switch briefly.
To open the window part way, lift the window
switch to the detent for less than half a second
and release it to stop the window. NOTE:
The power window switches remain active for
up to three minutes after the ignition switch has
been placed in the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position.
Opening either of the vehicle’s front doors will
cancel this feature.
Auto-Up Feature — If Equipped
The driver window may be equipped with an
Auto-Up feature. This feature is only available
when the ignition is in the MAR (ACC/ON/RUN)
position. Lift the window switch to the detent for
half a second, release, and the window will go
up automatically.
To stop the window from going all the way up
during the auto-up operation, pull up/push
down on the switch briefly.
To close the window part way, lift the window
switch to the detent for less than half a second
and release it when you want the window to
stop.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat
-
tended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seriously
or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the gear selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle or in a location accessible to chil -
dren. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
WARNING!
There is no auto-reverse protection. Be sure
to clear all objects from the window before
closing.
2
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36GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Window Bar Grates — If Equipped
This vehicle may be equipped with metal grates
over the side door windows. This feature is a
part of the vehicle’s safety system, and is
designed to protect you and your passengers in
the event of an accident.
Window Bar Grates
Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the percep -
tion of pressure on the ears or a helicopter-type
sound in the ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind
buffeting with the windows down, or the sunroof
(if equipped) in certain open or partially open
positions. This is a normal occurrence and can
be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with the
rear windows open, open the front and rear
windows together to minimize the buffeting. If
the buffeting occurs with the sunroof open,
adjust the sunroof opening to minimize the
buffeting or open any window.
HOOD
Opening
To open the hood, two latches must be
released.
1. Open the driver’s door to gain access to the hood release lever. Pull the hood release
lever located on the side of the instrument
panel. Hood Release
2. Move to the outside of the vehicle, reach into the opening beneath the center of the
hood and push the safety latch lever to the
right to release it, before raising the hood.
Hood Safety Latch Lever Location
WARNING!
The metal grates over the sliding door
windows are designed to protect you in the
event of an accident. Modification or removal
of the grates could lead to serious injury or
death.
20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 36
SAFETY63
The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsi -
bility to maintain correct tire pressure using
an accurate tire pressure gauge, even if
under-inflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the TPMS Warning
Light.
Seasonal temperature changes will affect
tire pressure, and the TPMS will monitor the
actual tire pressure in the tire.
Base System
This is the TPMS warning indicator
located in the instrument cluster.
The TPMS uses wireless technology
with wheel rim mounted electronic
sensors to monitor tire pressure levels.
Sensors, mounted to each wheel as part of the
valve stem, transmit tire pressure readings to
the Receiver Module.
NOTE:
It is particularly important for you to check the
tire pressure in all of the tires on your vehicle
regularly and to maintain the proper pressure.
The TPMS consists of the following components:
Receiver Module
Four Tire Pressure Monitoring sensors
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning
Light
Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure Warnings
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning
Light will illuminate in the instrument cluster, an
audible chime will be activated, and the “Check
tire pressure” message will display when one or
more of the four active road tire pressures are
low. Should this occur, you should stop as soon
as possible, check the inflation pressure of
each tire on your vehicle, and inflate each tire to
the vehicle’s recommended cold placard pres
-
sure value. The system will automatically
update and the Tire Pressure Monitoring Light
will extinguish once the updated tire pressures
have been received. The vehicle may need to be
driven for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph
(24 km/h) to receive this information.
Check TPMS Warnings
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning
Light will flash on and off for 75 seconds and
remain on solid when a system fault is detected,
an audible chime will be activated and the “Tire
Pressure Monitoring Unavailable” message will
display. If the ignition key is cycled, this
sequence will repeat providing the system fault
still exists. The TPMS Warning Light will turn off
when the fault condition no longer exists. A
system fault can occur with any of the following
scenarios:
Jamming due to electronic devices or driving
next to facilities emitting the same radio
frequencies as the TPM sensors
Installing some form of aftermarket window
tinting that affects radio wave signals
Snow or ice around the wheels or wheel
housings
Using tire chains on the vehicle
Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPM
sensors
4
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SAFETY65
Some of the safety features described in this
section may be standard equipment on some
models, or may be optional equipment on
others. If you are not sure, ask an authorized
dealer.
Important Safety Precautions
Please pay close attention to the information in
this section. It tells you how to use your restraint
system properly, to keep you and your passen -
gers as safe as possible.
Here are some simple steps you can take to
minimize the risk of harm from a deploying air
bag:
1. Children 12 years old and under should always ride buckled up in the rear seat of a
vehicle with a rear seat.
2. A child who is not big enough to wear the vehicle seat belt properly (Refer to “Child
Restraints” in this section for further infor -
mation) must be secured in the appropriate
child restraint or belt-positioning booster
seat in a rear seating position. 3. If a child from 2 to 12 years old (not in a
rear-facing child restraint) must ride in the
front passenger seat, move the seat as far
back as possible and use the proper child
restraint (Refer to “Child Restraints” in this
section for further information).
4. Never allow children to slide the shoulder belt behind them or under their arm.
5. You should read the instructions provided with your child restraint to make sure that
you are using it properly.
6. All occupants should always wear their lap and shoulder belts properly.
7. The driver and front passenger seats should be moved back as far as practical to allow
the front air bags room to inflate.
8. Do not lean against the door or window. If your vehicle has side air bags, and deploy -
ment occurs, the side air bags will inflate
forcefully into the space between occupants
and the door and occupants could be
injured. 9. If the air bag system in this vehicle needs to
be modified to accommodate a disabled
person, refer to the “Customer Assistance”
section for customer service contact infor -
mation.WARNING!
Never place a rear-facing child restraint in
front of an air bag. A deploying passenger
front air bag can cause death or serious
injury to a child 12 years or younger,
including a child in a rear-facing child
restraint.
Never install a rear-facing child restraint in
the front seat of a vehicle. Only use a
rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat. If
the vehicle does not have a rear seat, do
not transport a rear-facing child restraint in
that vehicle.
4
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SAFETY77
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains
(SABICs)
This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental
Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABICs).
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains
(SABICs) are located above the side windows.
The trim covering the SABICs is labeled “SRS
AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG.”
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) Label Location SABICs may help reduce the risk of head and
other injuries to front and rear seat outboard
occupants in certain side impacts, in addition to
the injury reduction potential provided by the
seat belts and body structure.
The SABIC deploys downward, covering the side
windows. An inflating SABIC pushes the outside
edge of the headliner out of the way and covers
the window. The SABICs inflate with enough
force to injure occupants if they are not belted
and seated properly, or if items are positioned
in the area where the SABICs inflate. Children
are at an even greater risk of injury from a
deploying air bag.
The SABICs may help reduce the risk of partial
or complete ejection of vehicle occupants
through side windows in certain side impact
events.WARNING!
Do not mount equipment, or stack luggage
or other cargo up high enough to block the
deployment of the SABICs. The trim
covering above the side windows where the
SABIC and its deployment path are located
should remain free from any obstructions.
In order for the SABICs to work as intended,
do not install any accessory items in your
vehicle which could alter the roof. Do not
add an aftermarket sunroof to your vehicle.
Do not add roof racks that require perma
-
nent attachments (bolts or screws) for
installation on the vehicle roof. Do not drill
into the roof of the vehicle for any reason.
4
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78SAFETY
(Continued)
Side Impacts
The Side Air Bags are designed to activate in
certain side impacts. The Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) determines whether the
deployment of the Side Air Bags in a particular
impact event is appropriate, based on the
severity and type of collision. The side impact
sensors aid the ORC in determining the appro -
priate response to impact events. The system is
calibrated to deploy the Side Air Bags on the
impact side of the vehicle during impacts that
require Side Air Bag occupant protection. In side
impacts, the Side Air Bags deploy inde -
pendently; a left side impact deploys the left
Side Air Bags only and a right-side impact
deploys the right Side Air Bags only. Vehicle
damage by itself is not a good indicator of
whether or not Side Air Bags should have
deployed. The Side Air Bags will not deploy in all side colli
-
sions, including some collisions at certain
angles, or some side collisions that do not
impact the area of the passenger compartment.
The Side Air Bags may deploy during angled or
offset frontal collisions where the front air bags
deploy.
Side Air Bags are a supplement to the seat belt
restraint system. Side Air Bags deploy in less
time than it takes to blink your eyes.
WARNING!
Occupants, including children, who are up
against or very close to Side Air Bags can be
seriously injured or killed. Occupants,
including children, should never lean on or
sleep against the door, side windows, or
area where the side air bags inflate, even if
they are in an infant or child restraint.
Seat belts (and child restraints where
appropriate) are necessary for your protec -
tion in all collisions. They also help keep
you in position, away from an inflating Side
Air Bag. To get the best protection from the
Side Air Bags, occupants must wear their
seat belts properly and sit upright with their
backs against the seats. Children must be
properly restrained in a child restraint or
booster seat that is appropriate for the size
of the child.
WARNING!
(Continued)
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