lock CHRYSLER PACIFICA 2004 1.G Owner's Manual

This vehicle is also equipped with a driver inflatable knee
blocker located on the instrument panel below the steer-
ing column.
This vehicle may also be equipped with left and right
side curtain airbags to protect the driver and passengers
sitting next to a window. If the vehicle is equipped with
side curtain airbags, they are located above the side
windows. Their covers are also labeled SRS AIRBAG.
NOTE:Airbag covers may not be obvious in the interior
trim; but they will open to allow airbag deployment.
44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
²Do not put anything on or around the airbag covers
or attempt to manually open them. You may damage
the airbags and you could be injured because the
airbags are not there to protect you. These protective
covers for the airbag cushions are designed to open
only when the airbags are inflating.
²If your vehicle is equipped with left and right side
curtain airbags, do not stack luggage or other cargo
up high enough to block the location of the side
curtain airbag. The area where the side curtain airbag
is located should remain free from any obstructions.
²If your vehicle is equipped with left and right side
curtain airbags, do not have any accessory items
installed which will alter the roof, including adding
a sunroof to your vehicle. Do not add roof racks that
require permanent attachments (bolts or screws) for
installation on the vehicle roof. Do not drill into the
roof of the vehicle for any reason.
Airbags inflate in moderate to high speed impacts. Along
with seat belts, and pretensioners, front airbags work
with the instrument panel knee blockers to provide
improved protection for the driver and front passenger.
Left and right side curtain airbags also work with seat
belts to improve occupant protection.
The seat belts are designed to protect you in many types
of collisions. The front airbags deploy only in moderate
to severe frontal collisions. If your vehicle is equipped,
the side curtain airbag on the crash side of the vehicle is
triggered in moderate to severe side collisions. In certain
types of collisions where the airbags deploy, you need the
seat belts to keep you in the right position for the airbags
to protect you properly.
Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize the
risk of harm from a deploying airbag.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45
2

WARNING!
²Relying on the airbags alone could lead to more
severe injuries in a collision. The airbags work
with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In
some collisions the airbags won't deploy at all.
Always wear your seat belts even though you
have airbags.
²Being too close to the steering wheel or instru-
ment panel during front airbag deployment could
cause serious injury. Airbags need room to inflate.
Sit back, comfortably extending your arms to
reach the steering wheel or instrument panel.
²If the vehicle has left and right side curtain
airbags, they also need room to inflate. Do not
lean against the door or window. Sit upright in the
center of the seat.
ªThe Front Airbag Systemº consists of the following:
²Airbag Control Module (with integrated impact sen-
sor)
²AIRBAG Readiness Light
²Driver Airbag
²Front Passenger Airbag
²Seat Belt Pretensioners
²Steering Wheel and Column
²Instrument Panel
²Seat Belt Readiness Light
²Interconnecting Wiring
²Passenger Knee Impact Blocker
²Driver Inflatable Knee Blocker
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47
2

How The Airbag Systems Work
²
The airbag control module determines if an impact is
severe enough to require the airbags to inflate. Based
on the level of collision severity, the control module
determines the proper rate of inflation. The front
airbag inflators are designed to provide different rates
of airbag inflation. The airbag control module will not
detect roll over collisions.
The airbag control module also monitors the readiness
of the electronic parts of the system whenever the
ignition switch is in the START or ON positions. These
include all of the items listed under ªThe Front Airbag
Systemº, except the passenger knee blocker, instru-
ment panel and the steering wheel and column. If the
key is in the OFF position, in the ACC position, or not
in the ignition switch, the front airbags are not on and
will not inflate.The airbag control module sends a message
to the instrument cluster to turn on the
AIRBAG light in the instrument panel for 6
to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned ON, then turns the light off. If the airbag
control module detects a malfunction in any part of the
system, the airbag light will turn on either momen-
tarily or continuously.
WARNING!
Ignoring the AIRBAG light in your instrument panel
could mean you won't have the airbags to protect
you in a collision. If the light does not come on, stays
on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you
drive, have the airbag system checked right away.
48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

²When the airbag control module detects a collision
requiring theFront Airbags, it signals the inflator
units. A large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to
inflate the front airbags. Different front airbag inflation
rates are possible, these rates are determined by the
airbag control module based on collision severity. The
front airbag covers separate and fold out of the way as
the front airbags inflate to their full size. The front
airbags fully inflate in about 50 milliseconds. This is
only about half of the time it takes you to blink your
eyes. The front airbags then quickly deflate while
helping to restrain the driver and front passenger. The
driver's and passenger's front airbag gas is vented
through the airbag material and small vent openings
towards the instrument panel. In this way the front
airbags do not interfere with your control of the
vehicle.
²TheSupplemental Side Curtain Airbagsare designed
to activate only in certain side collisions. When theairbag control module detects a collision requiring the
side curtain airbags to inflate, it signals the inflators on
the crash side of the vehicle. A quantity of nontoxic gas
is generated to inflate the side curtain airbag. The
inflating side curtain airbag pushes the outside edge of
the headliner out of the way and inflates (in about the
same time it takes to blink your eyes). A properly
belted and seated occupant is less likely to be injured
by the force of the airbag or crash event. Items that are
positioned in the area where the side curtain airbag
inflates can reduce the effectiveness of the airbag and
also increase the likelihood of injuries to the occu-
pants, this especially applies to children. The side
curtain airbag is about 4 inches (10 cm) thick when it
is inflated.
²When the airbag control module detects a collision
requiring theDriver Inflatable Knee Blocker,it
signals the inflator unit. A quantity of nontoxic gas is
generated to inflate the Driver Inflatable Knee Blocker.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49
2

The Driver Inflatable Knee Blocker inflates rearward
towards the driver's knees to help protect the knees
and position you for the best interaction with the front
airbag. The Driver Inflatable Knee Blocker fully in-
flates in about 50 milliseconds, this is only about half
of the time it takes you to blink your eyes. It then
quickly deflates while helping to protect the driver's
knees.
²The Knee Impact Blockershelp protect the knees and
position you for the best interaction with the front
airbags.
Side Airbags Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) Ð If Equipped
ªSupplemental Side Curtain Airbag Systemº, on ve-
hicles equipped, consists of the following:
²AIRBAG Readiness Light (shared with the front airbag
system)
²Left and Right Side Curtain Airbags Above Side
Windows
²Airbag Control Module
²Interconnecting Wiring
If An Airbag Deployment Occurs
The airbag systems are designed to deploy when the
airbag control modules detect a moderate-to-severe col-
lision, to help restrain the driver and front passenger, and
then immediately deflate.
NOTE:A collision that is not severe enough to need
airbag protection will not activate the system. This does
not mean something is wrong with the airbag system.
If you do have a collision which deploys the airbag, any
or all of the following may occur:
50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

²The airbag material may sometimes cause abrasions
and/or skin reddening to the driver and front passen-
ger as the airbags deploy and unfold. The abrasions
are similar to friction rope burns or those you might
get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium floor. They
are not caused by contact with chemicals. They are not
permanent and normally heal quickly. However, if you
haven't healed significantly within a few days, or if
you have any blistering, see your doctor immediately.
²As the airbags deflate you may see some smoke-like
particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the
process that generates the nontoxic gas used for airbag
inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the skin,
eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation,
rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat
irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues,
see your doctor. If these particles settle on your
clothing, follow the garment manufacturer's instruc-
tions for cleaning.
²It is not advisable to drive your vehicle after the
airbags have deployed. If you are involved in another
collision, the airbags and seat belt pretensioners will
not be in place to protect you.
WARNING!
Deployed airbags and seat belt pretensioners cannot
protect you in another collision. Have the airbags
and seat belt pretensioners replaced by an autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible.
Enhanced Accident Response
If the airbags and seat belt pertensioners deploy after an
impact and the electrical system remains functional,
vehicles equipped with power door locks will unlock
automatically. In addition, approximately 5 seconds after
the vehicle has stopped moving, the interior lights will
illuminate until the ignition switch is turned off.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51
2

Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
²Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbags are not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or
the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do
not modify the front bumper, vehicle body struc-
ture, or frame.
²You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee blockers.
²It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has airbags.
Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to inflate for your
protection in a collision. While the airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free, if any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
immediately.
²The AIRBAG light does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
²The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.
²The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
²Improper installation can lead to failure of an
infant or child restraint. It could come loose in a
collision. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer's directions ex-
actly when installing an infant or child restraint.
²A rearward facing child restraint should only be
used in a rear seat. A rearward facing child re-
straint in the front seat may be struck by a
deploying passenger airbag which may cause se-
vere or fatal injury to the infant.
Here are some tips on getting the most out of your child
restraint:
²Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it
has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety
Standards. We also recommend that you make surethat you can install the child restraint in the vehicle
where you will use it, before you buy it.
²The restraint must be appropriate for your child's
weight and height. Check the label on the restraint for
weight and height limits.
²Carefully follow the instructions that come with the
restraint. If you install the restraint improperly, it may
not work when you need it.
The passenger seat belts are equipped with cinching
latch plates, which are designed to keep the lap
portion tight around the child restraint so that it is not
necessary to use a locking clip. Pulling up on the
shoulder portion of the lap/shoulder belt will tighten
the belt. The cinching latch plate will keep the belt
tight, however, any seat belt system will loosen with
time, so check the belt occasionally and pull it tight if
necessary.
58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
²If the lights in the second row heated seat switch begin
to flash when the switch is pressed, it indicates that the
heated seat is not functioning properly and that ser-
vice is required. See your authorized dealer for service.
²Once a heat setting is selected, heat will be felt within
2 to 3 minutes.
²The heated seats will turn off when the ignition switch
is turned to the OFF position.
Memory Seat Ð If Equipped
If your vehicle is equipped with memory systems, your
remote keyless entry transmitter or memory seat buttons
on the driver's door panel can be used to recall the
driver's seat, outside mirrors, adjustable pedals (if
equipped) and radio station presets to saved positions.The memory seat buttons located on the driver's door
will always recall stored settings. The remote keyless
entry transmitter can be programmed to recall positions
when the UNLOCK button is pressed. Refer to the
following procedure on how to link a remote keyless
entry transmitter to a position.
88 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE