Warning Devices: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Monterey and 2004 Ford Freestar. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The instrument cluster controls the warning chime function. The warning chime sounds to remind the driver to turn the headlamps off when exiting the vehicle, remove the ignition key when exiting the vehicle, close the doors after starting the vehicle, or to fasten the safety belt after starting the vehicle. The instrument cluster utilizes various inputs to determine when to sound the warning chime. The warning chime will sound if the headlamps have been left on with the key OFF and the driver door is ajar, the key is in the ignition with the key OFF and the driver door is ajar, a door is ajar while the key is in the RUN position, or the safety belts have not been fastened and the key is in the RUN position.

The instrument cluster will momentarily sound the chime to alert the driver when a warning message is first displayed on vehicles equipped with a message center. The instrument cluster will also momentarily sound the warning chime to alert the driver when the electronic parking brake is applied, and again when the electronic parking brake is released, for confirmation of parking brake status.