Dodge Intrepid (2004 year). Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION

PAGE

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

STARTING AND OPERATING

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211

IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

INDEX

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237

INTRODUCTION

This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.

NOTE:

After you read the manual, it should be stored

in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold.

When it comes to service, remember that your manufac-
turers dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-
trained technicians and genuine Mopar

威 parts, and is

interested in your satisfaction.

WARNING!

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.

The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.

Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this owner’s manual:

INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

This manual contains WARNINGS against operating
procedures which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures
which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do
not read this entire manual you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is on a stamped
plate at the left front corner of the instrument panel,
visible through the windshield. This number also ap-
pears on the Automobile Information Disclosure Label
affixed to a window on your vehicle. Save this label as a
convenient record of your vehicle identification number
and optional equipment.

INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

䡵 A Word About Your Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

▫ Sentry Key Engine Immobilizer— If Equipped . . 9
▫ Ignition Key Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
▫ Floor Shift Ignition Interlock System — If

Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

䡵 Glove Compartment Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
䡵 Illuminated Entry System — If Equipped . . . . .14
䡵 Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

▫ Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
▫ Central Locking Feature — If Equipped . . . . . .15
▫ “Child-Protection” Lock System (Rear Doors) . .16

▫ Automatic (Rolling) Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . .16
▫ Automatic Unlock On Exit (Only Available If

Automatic Door Locks Enabled) . . . . . . . . . . . .17

䡵 Remote Keyless Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

▫ To Unlock The Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
▫ Enable/Disable Lamp Flash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
▫ To Lock The Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
▫ Enable/Disable Horn Chirp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
▫ To Unlock The Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
▫ Enable/Disable Trunk Press And Hold . . . . . . .19
▫ Panic Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
▫ To Use The Panic Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

▫ To Program Additional Transmitters . . . . . . . . .20
▫ Transmitter Linked To Memory Programming . .21
▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
▫ Transmitter Battery Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

䡵 Security Alarm System— If Equipped . . . . . . . .23

▫ To Set The Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
▫ To Disarm The System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
▫ Security System Manual Override . . . . . . . . . . .24

䡵 Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
䡵 Remote Trunk Lid Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
䡵 Trunk Safety Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

▫ Trunk Emergency Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

䡵 Occupant Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women . . . . . . . . . . . .32
▫ Seat Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
▫ Driver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental

Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . .33

▫ Child Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

䡵 Engine Break-In Recommendations . . . . . . . . . .47
䡵 Safety Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

▫ Exhaust Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside

The Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside

The Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS

You can insert the double sided keys into the locks with
either side up.

The dealer that sold you your new vehicle has the key
code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers can
be used to order duplicate keys from your dealer or a
locksmith. Ask your dealer for these numbers and keep
them in a safe place.

CAUTION!

An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove the key from the ignition and lock all the
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.

Sentry Key Engine Immobilizer— If Equipped

The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized operation of the vehicle by disabling the engine.
The system will shut the engine down after 2 seconds of
running if an invalid key is used to start the vehicle. This
system utilizes ignition keys which have an electronic
chip (transponder) embedded into them. Only keys that

have been programmed to the vehicle can be used to start
and operate the vehicle for more than the two second
validation time period.

The Sentry Key Immobilizer System does not need to be
armed or activated. Operation of the system is automatic
regardless of whether or not the vehicle is locked or
unlocked. During normal operation, the Sentry Key
Indicator light, located on the instrument panel upper
cover, will come on for 3 seconds immediately after the
ignition is turned on for a bulb check. Afterwards, if the
bulb remains on solid, this indicates a problem with the
electronics. If the bulb begins to flash after the bulb check,
this indicates that an invalid key has been used to start
the vehicle or there is a communication failure between
the transponder and the Sentry Key Immobilizer module.
Both of these conditions will result in the engine being
shut down after 2 seconds of running. Keep in mind that
a key which has not been programmed is also considered
an invalid key even if it is cut to fit the ignition for that
vehicle. All of the keys provided with your new vehicle
have been programmed to the vehicle electronics.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If the Sentry Key Immobilizer System indicator light
comes on during normal vehicle operation (it has been
running for longer than 10 seconds) a fault has been
detected in the electronics and the vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible.

NOTE:

• The Sentry Immobilizer System is not compatible with

remote starting systems. Use of these systems may
result in vehicle starting problems and loss of security
protection.

• Mobil SpeedPass, additonal sentry keys, or any other

transponder equipped components on the same key-
chain will not cause a key-related (transponder)
fault unless the additional part is physically held
against the ignition key

being used when starting

the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other RF Elec-
tronics will also not cause interference with this
system.

The Theft Alarm Light, located on top of the instrument
panel, will illuminate for about 3 seconds when the
ignition switch is first turned to the On position. If the
vehicle electronics do not receive a valid signal from the

ignition key, the theft alarm light will flash continuously
to signal that the vehicle has been immobilized. If the
Theft Alarm Light remains On during vehicle operation,
it indicates a fault in the system electronics.

All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.

Important Note about Service
A four digit PIN is needed to service the Sentry Key
Immobilizer System. This number can be obtained by the
dealership. However, this number can also be found on
your customer invoice that you were given upon receipt
of your vehicle. YOU MUST BRING ALL SENTRY KEYS
that are programmed to your vehicle directly to your
dealership for service.

Replacement Keys

NOTE:

Only keys that have been programmed to the

vehicle electronics can be used to start the vehicle. Once
a Sentry Key has been programmed to a vehicle, it can
not be programmed to any other vehicle.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four digit PIN number. This number is required
for dealer replacement of keys. Duplication of keys may
be performed at an authorized dealer or by using the
Customer Key Programming procedure. This procedure
consists of programming a blank key to the vehicle
electronics. A blank key is one which has never been
programmed.

NOTE: When having the Sentry Key System serviced,
bring all vehicle keys to the dealer.

Customer Key Programming
You can program new keys to the system if you have two
valid keys by doing the following:

1. Insert the first valid key into the ignition and turn the
ignition On for at least 3 seconds but no longer than 15
seconds.

Turn the ignition Off and remove the first key.

2. Insert the second valid key and switch the ignition On
within 15 seconds. After ten seconds a chime will sound
and the Theft Alarm Light will begin to flash.

Turn the ignition Off and remove the second key.

3. Insert a blank Sentry Key into the ignition and switch
the ignition On within 60 seconds. After 10 seconds a
single chime will sound. The Theft Alarm Light will stop
flashing, and turn On for 3 seconds; then turn Off.

The new Sentry Key has been programmed. Repeat this
process to program up to a total of 8 keys.

CAUTION!

An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove the key from the ignition, lock the doors,
close the windows, and raise the top when leaving
the vehicle unattended.

General Information
The Sentry Key system complies with FCC rules part 15
and with RS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:

1. this device may not cause harmful interference

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

2. this device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation

Ignition Key Removal

Place the shift lever in Park and make sure that the shift
knob push-button (vehicles with floor shift) is in the out
position.

Turn the key to the Lock position and remove the key.

NOTE:

If you try to remove the key before you place

the lever in Park, the key may become trapped tempo-
rarily in the key cylinder. If this occurs, turn the key
clockwise slightly, then remove the key as described.

Key-In-Ignition Reminder

Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition
and is in the OFF, LOCK, or ACC position, sounds a
signal to remind you to remove the key.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

GLOVE COMPARTMENT LOCK

The glove box lock has been designed so that the key can
be inserted only about half way. Do not force the key past
this point.

ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED

The interior lights will come on when you unlock the
vehicle with the remote keyless entry (if so equipped) or
central unlock (if so equipped). They will remain on for
about 30 seconds after all doors are closed then fade to
off.

The lights also will fade to off if you turn on the ignition
after you close all the doors.

DOOR LOCKS

Power Door Locks

There is a door lock switch on each front door trim panel.
Press this switch to lock or unlock the four doors.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If you press the door lock switch while the keys are in the
ignition switch, with the ignition switch in the ACC,
LOCK, or OFF position, and the driver’s door is open, the
doors will not lock. A chime will sound as a reminder to
remove the keys.

WARNING!

For personal security and safety in the event of an
accident, lock the vehicle doors as you drive and
when you park and leave the vehicle.

The rear doors cannot be opened from inside the vehicle
until you pull up the lock plungers.

Central Locking Feature — If Equipped

Turning the key in the driver’s door to the unlock
position once will unlock only the driver’s door. Turning
the driver’s door lock to the unlock position twice within
five seconds, will unlock all doors.

Locking either front door with the key will lock all doors

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

“Child-Protection” Lock System (Rear Doors)

To provide a safer environment for small children riding
in the rear seat, the rear doors of your vehicle have the
“child-protection” door lock system.

To use the system, open each rear door and use a key to
move the control near the door latch UP to the “Engage”
position as shown on the door label. When the system on
a door is engaged, that door can be opened only by using
the outside door handle. This will occur even though the
inside door lock is in the unlocked position.

NOTE:

For emergency exit with the system engaged,

move the lock plunger up (unlocked position), lower the
window and open the door with the outside door handle.

WARNING!

Avoid trapping anyone in the vehicle in a collision.
Remember that the rear doors can only be opened
from the outside when the child protection locks are
engaged.

Automatic (Rolling) Door Locks

On vehicles equipped with an EVIC (Electronic Vehicle
Information Center), these functions can be selected at
the EVIC using the Customer Programmable Features.
Refer to the EVIC-Customer Programmable Features for
details.

The doors will lock automatically, as delivered from the
factory, if:

1. The transaxle is in gear,

2. all doors are closed,

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Dodge Intrepid (2004 year). Manual - part 1