2011 Acura TL Owners Manual

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27

2011 TLFailure to follow these instructions could damage the sensors or prevent them from working properly.

10/07/29 11:43:11 31TK4620_033

Additional Information About Your Airbags

Dual-Stage,Multiple-Threshold FrontAirbags(SRS) Your vehicle is equipped with dual- stage, multiple-threshold front airbags (SRS). During a frontal crash severe enough to cause one or both front airbags to deploy, the airbags can inflate at different rates, depending on the severity of the crash, whether or not the seat belts are latched, and/or other factors. Front airbags are designed to supplement the seat belts to help reduce the likelihood of head and chest injuries in frontal crashes.

AdvancedAirbags Your front airbags are also advanced airbags. The main purpose of this feature is to help prevent airbag- caused injuries to short drivers and children or small-statured adults who ride in front.

For both advanced airbags to work properly:

Occupants must sit upright and wear their seat belts properly.

Do not spill any liquids on or under the seats, cover the sensors, or put any cargo or metal objects under the front seats.

Objects placed or pushed under the front passenger’s seat may cause the sensor to malfunction, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

28

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Additional Information About Your Airbags

Be aware that objects placed on the passenger’s seat can also cause the airbag to be turned off.

When the passenger airbag gets turned off by the weight sensors, a ‘‘passenger airbag off’’ indicator in the center of the dashboard comes on (see page

34

).

DRIVER’S SEAT POSITION SENSOR

PASSENGER’S SEAT WEIGHT SENSOR

The driver’s advanced front airbag system includes a seat position sensor under the seat. If the seat is too far forward, the airbag will inflate with less force, regardless of the severity of the impact.

If there is a problem with the sensor, the SRS indicator will come on, and the airbag will inflate in the normal manner regardless of the driver’s seating position.

The passenger’s advanced front airbag system has weight sensors under the seat. Although Acura does not encourage carrying an infant or small child in front, if the sensors detect the weight of an infant or small child (up to about 65 lbs or 29
kg), the system will automatically turn the passenger’s front airbag off.

If the weight sensors detect there is no passenger in the front seat, the airbag is automatically turned off. However, the passenger airbag off indicator in this situation will not come on.

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29

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Additional Information About Your Airbags

Back seat passengers should not wedge objects or intentionally force their feet under the front passenger seat.

Also, make sure the floor mat behind the front passenger’s seat is hooked to the floor mat anchor (see page ). If it is not, the mat may interfere with the proper operation of the sensors and operation of the seat.

529

To ensure that the passenger’s advanced front airbag system will work properly, donotdoanything thatwouldincreaseordecreasethe weightonthefrontpassenger’sseat. This includes:

A rear passenger pushing or pulling on the back of the front passenger’s seat.

Moving the front seat or seat-back forcibly back against cargo on the seat or floor behind it.

Hanging heavy items on the front passenger seat, or placing heavy items in the seat-back pocket.

How Your Side Airbags Work

If you ever have a moderate to severe side impact, sensors will detect rapid acceleration and signal the control unit to instantly inflate either the driver’s or the passenger’s side airbag.

30

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Additional Information About Your Airbags

Only one airbag will deploy during a side impact. If the impact is on the passenger’s side, the passenger’s side airbag will deploy even if there is no passenger.

SideAirbagCutoffSystem Your vehicle has a side airbag cutoff system designed primarily to protect a child riding in the front passenger’s seat.

To get the best protection from the side airbags, front seat occupants should wear their seat belts and sit upright and well back in their seats.

Although Acura does not encourage children to ride in front, if the position sensors detect a child has leaned into the side airbag’s deployment path, the airbag will shut off.

The side airbag may also shut off if a short adult leans sideways, or a larger adult slouches and leans sideways into the airbag’s deployment path.

Objects placed on the front passenger seat can also cause the side airbag to be shut off.

33

), have the

If the side airbag off indicator comes on (see page passenger sit upright. Once the passenger is out of the airbag’s deployment path, the system will turn the airbag back on, and the indicator will go out.

There will be some delay between the moment the passenger moves into or out of the airbag deployment path and when the indicator comes on or goes off.

A front seat passenger should not use a cushion or another object as a backrest. It may prevent the cutoff system from working properly.

31

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Additional Information About Your Airbags

If the impact is on the passenger’s side, the passenger’s side curtain airbag will inflate even if there are no occupants on that side of the vehicle.

One or both side curtain airbags may inflate in a moderate to severe frontal collision which causes the front airbags to deploy.

To get the best protection from the side curtain airbags, occupants should wear their seat belts and sit upright and well back in their seats.

How Your Side Curtain Airbags Work

SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG

In a moderate to severe side impact, sensors will detect rapid acceleration and signal the control unit to instantly inflate the side curtain airbag.

32

How the SRS Indicator Works

The SRS indicator alerts you to a potential problem with your airbag system components.

When you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, this indicator comes on briefly then goes off. This tells you the system is working properly.

＊

＊

Models equipped with the keyless access system have an engine start/stop button instead of an ignition switch. ON Mode is the equivalent of ON (II). For more information, see pages 178

and

181

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Additional Information About Your Airbags

If the indicator comes on at any other time, or does not come on at all, you should have the system checked by your dealer. For example:

If you see any of these indications, the airbag system components may not work properly when you need them.

If the SRS indicator does not come on after you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position or on models with keyless access system, press the engine start/ stop button to set ON mode (see page

181

).

If the indicator stays on after the engine starts.

If the indicator comes on or flashes on and off while you drive.

You will also see a ‘‘CHECK AIRBAG SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-information display.

Ignoring the SRS indicator can result in serious injury or death if the airbag systems or tensioners do not work properly.

Have your vehicle checked by a dealer as soon as possible if the SRS indicator alerts you to a possible problem.

U. S.

Canada

How the Side Airbag Off Indicator Works

This indicator alerts you that the passenger’s side airbag has been automatically shut off. It does not mean there is a problem with your side airbags.

＊

When you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, the indicator should come on briefly and then go out (see page ). If it doesn’t come on, stays on, or comes on while driving without a passenger in the front seat, have the system checked.

67

You will also see a ‘‘PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG OFF’’ message on the multi-information display. ＊ Models equipped with the

keyless access system have an engine start/stop button instead of an ignition switch. ON Mode is the equivalent of ON (II). For more information, see pages 178

and

181

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33

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Additional Information About Your Airbags

Be aware that objects placed on the front seat can cause the indicator to come on.

If no weight is detected on the front seat, the airbag will be automatically shut off. However, the indicator will not come on.

The passenger airbag off indicator may come on and off repeatedly if the total weight on the seat is near the airbag cutoff threshold.

If an adult or teenage passenger is riding in front, move the seat as far to the rear as possible, and have the passenger sit upright and wear the seat belt properly.

How the Passenger Airbag Off Indicator Works

U. S. Canada

PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR

This indicator alerts you that the passenger’s front airbag has been shut off because weight sensors detect about 65 lbs (29 kg) or less (the weight of an infant or small child) on the front passenger’s seat. It does there is a problem with the airbag.

notmean

34

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Additional Information About Your Airbags

If the indicator comes on with no front seat passenger and no objects on the seat, or with an adult riding there, something may be interfering with the weight sensors. Look for and remove:

Airbag Service Your airbag systems are virtually maintenance free, and there are no parts you can safely service. However, you must have your vehicle serviced if:

Any items under the front passenger’s seat.

Any object hanging on the seat or in the seat-back pocket.

Any object(s) touching the rear of the seat-back.

If no obstructions are found, have your vehicle checked by a dealer as soon as possible.

Any airbag

Anairbageverinflates. that has deployed must be replaced along with the control unit and other related parts. Any seat belt tensioner that activates must also be replaced.

Do not try to remove or replace any airbag by yourself. This must be done by an authorized dealer or a knowledgeable body shop.

TheSRSindicatoralertsyoutoa Take your vehicle to an problem. authorized dealer as soon as possible. If you ignore this indication, your airbags may not operate properly.

Even if your

Ifyourvehiclehasamoderateto severeimpact. airbags do not inflate, your dealer should inspect the driver’s seat position sensor, the front passenger’s weight sensors, the front seat belt tensioners, and all seat belts and their anchors worn during a crash to make sure they are operating properly.

35

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Additional Information About Your Airbags

Donotremoveormodifyafront seatwithoutconsultingyour This could make the dealer. driver’s seat position sensor or the front passenger’s weight sensors ineffective. If it is necessary to remove or modify a front seat to accommodate a person with disabilities, first contact Acura Client Services. In the US, call 800-382-2238, and in Canada ,call 888-9- ACURA-9.

Additional Safety Precautions

Donotattempttodeactivateyour airbags. seat belts provide the best protection.

Together, airbags and

Donottamperwithairbag componentsorwiringforany Tampering could cause reason. the airbags to deploy, possibly causing very serious injury.

Donotexposethefrontpassenger’s If water or seat-backtoliquid. another liquid soaks into a seat- back, it can prevent the side airbag cutoff system from working properly.

36

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Protecting Children General Guidelines

−

All Children Must Be Restrained Each year, many children are injured or killed in vehicle crashes because they are either unrestrained or not properly restrained. In fact, traffic collisions are the number one cause of death of children age 12 and under.

To reduce the number of child deaths and injuries, every state, Canadian province and territory requires that infants and children be properly restrained when they ride in a vehicle.

Infantsandsmallchildrenmustbe restrainedinanapprovedchildseat thatisproperlysecuredtothe vehicle

(see pages

42

52

).

−

Children who are unrestrained or improperly restrained can be seriously injured or killed in a crash.

Any child too small for a seat belt should be properly restrained in a child seat. A larger child should be properly restrained with a seat belt and use a booster seat if necessary.

Largerchildrenmustberestrained withalap/shoulderbeltandrideon aboosterseatuntiltheseatbeltfits ). themproperly

(see pages

53

56

−

37

Children depend on adults to protect them. However, despite their best intentions, many adults do not know how to passengers.

protect child

properly

If you have children, or ever need to drive with a child in your vehicle, be sure to read this section. It begins with important general guidelines, then presents special information for infants, small children, and larger children.

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Protecting Children General Guidelines

−

All Children Should Sit in a Back Seat According to crash statistics, children of all ages and sizes are safer when they are restrained in a back seat.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that all children age 12 and under be properly restrained in a back seat. Some states have laws restricting where children may ride.

Children who ride in the back are less likely to be injured by striking interior vehicle parts during a collision or hard braking. Also, children cannot be injured by an inflating front airbag when they ride in the back.

38

The Passenger’s Front Airbag Can Pose Serious Risks Front airbags have been designed to help protect adults in a moderate to severe frontal collision. To do this, the passenger’s front airbag is quite large, and it can inflate with enough force to cause very serious injuries.

Even though your vehicle has an advanced front airbag system that automatically turns the passenger’s front airbag off under certain circumstances (see page follow these guidelines:

), please

34

Infants Neverputarear-facingchildseatin thefrontseatofavehicleequipped If withapassenger’sfrontairbag. the airbag inflates, it can hit the back of the child seat with enough force to kill or very seriously injure an infant.

SmallChildren Placingaforward-facingchildseatin thefrontseatofavehicleequipped withapassenger’sfrontairbagcan If the vehicle seat is behazardous. too far forward, or the child’s head is thrown forward during a collision, an inflating front airbag can strike the child with enough force to kill or very seriously injure a small child.

Whenever possible,

LargerChildren Childrenwhohaveoutgrownchild seatsarealsoatriskofbeinginjured orkilledbyaninflatingpassenger’s frontairbag. larger children should sit in the back seat, on a booster seat if needed, and be properly restrained with a seat belt (see page information about protecting larger children).

for important

53

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To remind you of the passenger’s front airbag hazards, and that children must be properly restrained in a back seat, your vehicle has warning labels on the dashboard (U.S. models) and on the front visors. Please read and follow the instructions on these labels.

Protecting Children General Guidelines

−

U.S.Models SUN VISOR

DASHBOARD

CanadianModels

SUN VISOR

39

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Protecting Children General Guidelines

−

If You Must Drive with Several Children Your vehicle has a back seat where children can be properly restrained. If you ever have to carry a group of children, and a child must ride in front:

If a Child Requires Close Attention Many parents say they prefer to put an infant or a small child in the front passenger seat so they can watch the child, or because the child requires attention.

Placing a child in the front seat exposes the child to hazards in a frontal collision, and paying close attention to a child distracts the driver from the important tasks of driving, placing both of you at risk.

If a child requires close physical attention or frequent visual contact, we strongly recommend that another adult ride with the child in the back seat. The back seat is far safer for a child than the front.

Place the largest child in the front seat, provided the child is large enough to wear the lap/shoulder belt properly (see page

53

).

Move the vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible (see page

155

).

Have the child sit upright and well back in the seat (see page

18

).

Make sure the seat belt is properly positioned and secured (see page 16

).

40

Additional Safety Precautions

Neverholdaninfantorchildon If you are not wearing a yourlap. seat belt in a crash, you could be thrown forward and crush the child against the dashboard or a seat-back. If you are wearing a seat belt, the child can be torn from your arms and be seriously hurt or killed. Neverputaseatbeltoveryourself andachild. belt could press deep into the child and cause serious or fatal injuries.

During a crash, the

Neverlettwochildrenusethe If they do, they sameseatbelt. could be very seriously injured in a crash.

Usethechildproofdoorlocksto preventchildrenfromopeningthe reardoors. children from accidentally falling out (see page

This can prevent

147

).

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Protecting Children General Guidelines

−

Makesureanyunusedseatbelt thatachildcanreachisbuckled, thelockableretractorisactivated, andthebeltisfullyretractedand locked. seat belt around their neck, they can be seriously or fatally injured. (See pages activate and deactivate the lockable retractor.)

If a child wraps a loose

for how to

and

50

51

Donotleavechildrenaloneina Leaving children without vehicle. adult supervision is illegal in most states, Canadian provinces and territories, and can be very hazardous.

For example, infants and small children left in a vehicle on a hot day can die from heatstroke. A child left alone with the key in the ignition switch or with the keyless access remote in the vehicle can accidentally set the vehicle in

system

Onmodelswithkeylessaccess Your vehicle has the engine start/stop button instead of an ignition switch. For more information on how to select the power mode, see page

178

motion, possibly injuring themselves or others.

＊

Lockalldoorsandthetrunkwhen Children yourvehicleisnotinuse. who play in vehicles can accidentally get trapped inside. Teach your children not to play in or around vehicles. Know how to operate the emergency trunk opener and decide if your children should be shown how to use this feature (see page

150

).

Keepvehiclekeys/remote transmittersorkeylessaccess remotesoutofthereachof Even very young children. children learn how to unlock vehicle doors, turn on the ignition switch , and open the trunk, which can lead to accidental injury or death.

＊

41

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Protecting Infants and Small Children

Protecting Infants

Two types of seats may be used: a seat designed exclusively for infants, or a convertible seat used in the rear- facing, reclining mode.

Donotputarear-facingchildseatin If placed aforward-facingposition. facing forward, an infant could be very seriously injured during a frontal collision.

ChildSeatType An infant must be properly restrained in a rear-facing, reclining child seat until the child reaches the seat maker’s weight or height limit for the seat, and the child is at least one year old.

Only a rear-facing child seat provides proper support for a baby’s head, neck, and back.

42

Rear-facingChildSeatPlacement A rear-facing child seat can be placed in any seating position in the back seat, but not in the front. put a rear-facingchildseatinthe front seat.

Never

If the passenger’s front airbag inflates, it can hit the back of the child seat with enough force to kill or seriously injure an infant.

When properly installed, a rear- facing child seat may prevent the driver or a front passenger from moving their seat as far back as recommended, or from locking their seat-back in the desired position.

It can also interfere with proper operation of the passenger’s advanced front airbag system.

2011 TL10/07/29 11:45:15 31TK4620_048

In any of these situations, we strongly recommend that you install the child seat directly behind the front passenger’s seat, move the seat as far forward as needed, and leave it unoccupied. Or, you may wish to get a smaller rear-facing child seat.

Placing a rear-facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious injury or death during a crash.

Always place a rear-facing child seat in the back seat, not the front.

Protecting Infants and Small Children

Protecting Small Children

ChildSeatType Many states, Canadian provinces and territories allow a child one year of age or older who also meets the minimum size and weight requirements to transition from a rear-facing child seat to a forward facing seat. Know the requirements where you are driving and follow the child seat instructions. Many experts recommend use of a rear-facing seat up to age two, if the child’s height

and weight are appropriate for a rear-facing seat.

Of the different seats available, we recommend those that have a five- point harness system as shown.

We also recommend that a small child use the child seat until the child reaches the weight or height limit for the seat.

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43

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Protecting Infants and Small Children

Even with advanced front airbags that automatically turn the passenger’s front airbag off (see page place for a small child.

), a back seat is the safest

34

If it is necessary to put a forward- facing child seat in the front, move the vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible, and be sure the child seat is firmly secured to the vehicle and the child is properly strapped in the seat.

Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious injury or death if the front airbag inflates.

If you must place a forward- facing child seat in front, move the vehicle seat as far back as possible, and properly restrain the child.

ChildSeatPlacement We strongly recommend placing a forward-facing child seat in a back seat, not the front.

If the vehicle seat is too

Placingaforward-facingchildseatin thefrontseatofavehicleequipped withapassenger’sairbagcanbe hazardous. far forward, or the child’s head is thrown forward during a collision, an inflating airbag can strike the child with enough force to cause very serious or fatal injuries.

44

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When buying a child seat, you need to choose either a conventional child seat, or one designed for use with the Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system.

Conventional child seats must be secured to a vehicle with a seat belt, whereas LATCH-compatible seats are secured by attaching the seat to hardware built into the two outer seating positions in the back seat.

Since LATCH-compatible child seats are easier to install and reduce the possibility of improper installation, we recommend selecting this style.

In seating positions and vehicles not equipped with LATCH, a LATCH- compatible child seat can be installed using a seat belt.

Whatever type of seat you choose, to provide proper protection, a child seat should meet three requirements:

1.

Thechildseatshouldmeet FederalMotorVehicleSafety Standard213orCanadianMotor VehicleSafetyStandard213. Look for FMVSS 213 or CMVSS 213 on the box.

2.

Thechildseatshouldbeofthe propertypeandsizetofitthechild. Rear-facing for infants, forward- facing for small children.

Selecting a Child Seat

3.

Thechildseatshouldfitthe vehicleseatingposition(or positions)whereitwillbeused.

Before purchasing a conventional child seat, or using a previously purchased one, we recommend that you test the seat in the specific vehicle seating position or positions where the seat will be used.

45

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Installing a Child Seat

After selecting a proper child seat and a good place to install the seat, there are three main steps in installing the seat:

1.

Properlysecurethechildseatto All child seats must be thevehicle. secured to the vehicle with the lap part of a lap/shoulder belt or with the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system. A child whose seat is not properly secured to the vehicle can be endangered in a crash.

2.

After installing a child

Makesurethechildseatisfirmly secured. seat, push and pull the seat forward and from side-to-side to verify that it is secure.

46

The following pages provide guidelines on how to properly install a child seat. A forward-facing child seat is used in all examples, but the instructions are the same for rear- facing child seats.

A child seat secured with a seat belt should be installed as firmly as possible. However, it does not need to be ‘‘rock solid.’’ Some side-to-side movement can be expected and should not reduce the child seat’s effectiveness.

If the child seat is not secure, try installing it in a different seating position, or use a different style of child seat that can be firmly secured.

3.

Securethechildinthechildseat. Make sure the child is properly strapped in the child seat according to the child seat maker’s instructions. A child who is not properly secured in a child seat can be seriously injured in a crash.

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Installing a Child Seat with LATCH Your vehicle is equipped with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) at the outer rear seats.

The lower anchors are located between the seat-back and seat bottom, and are to be used only with a child seat designed for use with LATCH.

The location of each lower anchor is indicated by a small button above the anchor point.

Installing a Child Seat

BUTTON

COVERS

LOWER ANCHORS

To install a LATCH-compatible child seat:

1.

Move the seat belt buckle or tongue away from the lower anchors.

STRAPS

Outer seating position

2.

3.

Use the pull strap to lower the anchor cover on the lower seat cushion that covers the LATCH anchor holes in the seat.

Make sure there are no objects near the anchors that could prevent a secure connection between the child seat and the anchors.

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47

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Installing a Child Seat

HEAD RESTRAINT

BUTTON

Outer seating position

Rigid type

Flexible type

4.

Push the button located next to each rear head restraint to pivot the head restraint down.

5.

Place the child seat on the vehicle seat, then attach the seat to the lower anchors according to the child seat maker’s instructions.

Some LATCH-compatible seats have a rigid-type connector as shown above.

Other LATCH-compatible seats have a flexible-type connector as shown above.

6.

Whatever type you have, follow the child seat maker’s instructions for adjusting or tightening the fit.

48

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TETHER STRAP HOOK

COVER

ANCHOR

7.

Route the tether strap over the head restraint, then attach the tether strap hook to the anchor, making sure the strap is not twisted.

8.

Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the child seat maker.

9.

Push and pull the child seat forward and from side-to-side to verify that it is secure.

Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Belt When not using the LATCH system, all child seats must be secured to the vehicle with the lap part of a lap/ shoulder belt.

In addition, the lap/shoulder belts in all seating positions except the driver’s have a lockable retractor that must be activated to secure a child seat.

Installing a Child Seat

1.

With the child seat in the desired seating position, route the belt through the child seat according to the seat maker’s instructions, then insert the latch plate into the buckle and remove any slack from the lap portion of the belt.

CONTINUED

49

2011 TL10/07/29 11:46:07 31TK4620_055

Installing a Child Seat

2.

3.

To activate the lockable retractor, slowly pull the shoulder part of the belt all the way out until it stops, then let the belt feed back into the retractor.

After the belt has retracted, tug on it. If the belt is locked, you will not be able to pull it out. If you can pull the belt out, it is not locked, and you will need to repeat these steps.

4.

After confirming that the belt is locked, grab the shoulder part of the belt near the buckle, and pull up to remove any slack from the lap part of the belt. Remember, if the lap part of the belt is not tight, the child seat will not be secure.

To remove slack, it may help to put weight on the child seat, or push on the back of the seat while pulling up on the belt.

5.

Push and pull the child seat forward and from side-to-side to verify that it is secure enough to stay upright during normal driving maneuvers. If the child seat is not secure, unlatch the belt, allow it to retract fully, then repeat these steps.

50

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To deactivate the lockable retractor and remove a child seat, unlatch the buckle, unroute the seat belt, and let the belt fully retract.

Installing a Child Seat with a Tether

TETHER ANCHORAGE POINTS

UsinganOuterAnchor

TETHER STRAP HOOK

COVER

Installing a Child Seat

1.

ANCHOR

COVER

A child seat with a tether can be installed in any seating position in the back seat, using one of the anchorage points shown above.

Since a tether can provide additional security to the lap/shoulder belt installation, we recommend using a tether whenever one is required or available.

ANCHOR

After properly securing the child seat with the lap/shoulder belt ), pivot the head (see page restraint down (see page 157
route the tether strap over the head restraint.

49

) and

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51

2011 TL10/07/29 11:46:22 31TK4620_057

Installing a Child Seat

2.

Lift the anchor cover, then attach the tether strap hook to the anchor, making sure the strap is not twisted.

3.

Tighten the strap according to the seat maker’s instructions.

UsingtheCenterAnchor

TETHER STRAP HOOK

COVER

ANCHOR

1.

After properly securing the child seat (see page head restraint to its lowest position, then route the tether strap over the head restraint.

), adjust the

49

2.

Follow steps 2 and 3 in the previous column.

52

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When a child reaches the recommended weight or height limit for a forward-facing child seat, the child should sit in a back seat on a booster seat and wear the lap/ shoulder belt.

The following pages give instructions on how to check proper seat belt fit, what kind of booster seat to use if one is needed, and important precautions for a child who must sit in front.

Allowing a child age 12 or under to sit in front can result in injury or death if the passenger’s front airbag inflates.

If a child must ride in front, move the vehicle seat as far back as possible, use a booster seat if needed, have the child sit up properly and wear the seat belt properly.

Protecting Larger Children

Checking Seat Belt Fit

To determine if a lap/shoulder belt properly fits a child, have the child put on the seat belt, then ask yourself:

1.

Does the child sit all the way back against the seat?

2.

Do the child’s knees bend comfortably over the edge of the seat?

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53

2011 TL10/07/29 11:46:37 31TK4620_059

Protecting Larger Children

3.

Does the shoulder belt cross between the child’s neck and arm?

Using a Booster Seat

4.

Is the lap part of the belt as low as possible, touching the child’s thighs?

5.

Will the child be able to stay seated like this for the whole trip?

If you answer yes to all these questions, the child is ready to wear the lap/shoulder belt correctly. If you answer no to any question, the child needs to ride on a booster seat.

54

A child who has outgrown a forward- facing child seat should ride in a back seat and use a booster seat until the lap/shoulder belt fits them properly without the booster.

Some states, Canadian provinces and territories also require children to use a booster seat until they reach a given age or weight (e.g., 6 years or 60 lbs). Be sure to check current laws in the states, provinces or territories where you intend to drive.

Booster seats can be high-back or low-back. Whichever style you select, make sure the booster seat meets federal safety standards (see page ) and that you follow the booster 45
seat maker’s instructions.

If a child who uses a booster seat must ride in front, move the vehicle seat as far back as possible and be sure the child is wearing the seat belt properly.

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A child may continue using a booster seat until the tops of their ears are even with the top of the vehicle’s or booster’s seat-back. A child of this height should be tall enough to use the lap/shoulder belt without a booster seat.

When Can a Larger Child Sit in Front The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that all children age 12 and under be properly restrained in the back seat.

If the passenger’s front airbag inflates in a moderate to severe frontal collision, the airbag can cause serious injuries to a child who is unrestrained, improperly restrained, sitting too close to the airbag, or out of position.

A side airbag also poses risks. If any part of a larger child’s body is in the path of a deploying side airbag, the child could receive possibly serious injuries.

Protecting Larger Children

Of course, children vary widely. And while age may be one indicator of when a child can safely ride in front, there are other important factors you should consider.

PhysicalSize Physically, a child must be large enough for the lap/shoulder belt to properly fit (see pages ). If 53
the seat belt does not fit properly, with or without the child sitting on a booster seat, the child should not sit in front.

and

16

Maturity To safely ride in front, a child must be able to follow the rules, including sitting properly, and wearing the seat belt properly throughout the ride.

CONTINUED

55

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Protecting Larger Children

If you decide that a child can safely ride up front, be sure to:

Carefully read the owner’s manual, and make sure you understand all seat belt instructions and all safety information.

Move the vehicle seat to the rear- most position.

Have the child sit up straight, back against the seat, and feet on or near the floor.

Check that the child’s seat belt is properly and securely positioned.

Supervise the child. Even mature children sometimes need to be reminded to fasten the seat belts or sit properly.

56

Devices intended to

Donotputanyaccessoriesona seatbelt. improve a child’s comfort or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt can make the belt less effective and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.

Additional Safety Precautions

Donotletachildwearaseatbelt This could result acrosstheneck. in serious neck injuries during a crash.

This could

Donotletachildputtheshoulder partofaseatbeltbehindtheback orunderthearm. cause very serious injuries during a crash. It also increases the chance that the child will slide under the belt in a crash and be injured.

Twochildrenshouldneverusethe sameseatbelt. could be very seriously injured in a crash.

If they do, they

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Your vehicle’s exhaust contains carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide should not enter the vehicle in normal driving if you maintain your vehicle properly and follow the information on this page.

Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks whenever:

The vehicle is raised for an oil change.

You notice a change in the sound of the exhaust.

The vehicle was in a collision that may have damaged the underside.

Carbon monoxide gas is toxic. Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and even kill you.

Avoid any enclosed areas or activities that expose you to carbon monoxide.

High levels of carbon monoxide can collect rapidly in enclosed areas, such as a garage. Do not run the engine with the garage door closed. Even with the door open, run the engine only long enough to move the vehicle out of the garage.

Carbon Monoxide Hazard

With the trunk lid open, airflow can pull exhaust gas into your vehicle’s interior and create a hazardous condition. If you must drive with the trunk open, open all the windows, and set the climate control system as shown below.

If you must sit in your parked vehicle with the engine running, even in an unconfined area, adjust the climate control system as follows:

1. 2. 3. 4.

Select the fresh air mode. mode. Select the Set the fan speed to high. Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.

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Safety Labels

These labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential hazards that could cause serious injury or death. Read these labels carefully.

If a label comes off or becomes hard to read (except for the U.S. dashboard label which may be removed by the owner), contact your dealer for a replacement.

58

2011 TL10/07/29 11:47:22 31TK4620_064

SUN VISOR U.S.models

Canadianmodels

Safety Labels

DOORJAMB U.S.models

Canadianmodels

59

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This section gives information about the controls and displays that contribute to the daily operation of your vehicle. All the essential controls are within easy reach.

Control Locations Instrument Panel Instrument Panel Indicators Gauges

........................... ............................ .......... ............................................. .................................. ................... .............

Fuel Gauge Temperature Gauge

Multi-Information Display Controls Near the Steering

. 62
. 63
. 64
. 75
. 75
. 76
. 77

Wheel

.........................................

. 130

Windshield Wipers and

Washers

Turn Signals and Headlights

..................................... .......

. 131
. 133

Automatic Lighting Off

Feature

Daytime Running Lights

Fog Lights Instrument Panel Brightness Hazard Warning Button Rear Window Defogger Steering Wheel Adjustments Keys and Locks Immobilizer System Ignition Switch Door Locks

................................... ......... ..................................... ...... ............... ............... ...... ............................. ...................... .............................. .................................... ............

Childproof Door Locks

. 135
. 136
. 137
. 137
. 139
. 139
. 140
. 141
. 143
. 145
. 146
. 147

Instruments and Controls

Trunk

Remote Transmitter Seats

Emergency Trunk Opener

.............................................. ...... ..................... ............................................... ...... ...........................................

Trunk Pass-through Cover

Mirrors Driving Position Memory

System

Keyless Access System

Keyless Access Remote Engine Start/Stop Button

Seat Heaters Power Windows Moonroof Parking Brake Interior Convenience Items

........................................ ................ ........... ........ .................................. ............................ ....................................... ............................... ......... ..................... ........ .................................. ............. ............................ ................................... ........................... .................... .................................. ...............................

Beverage Holders Accessory Power Sockets Glove Box Console Compartment Vanity Mirror Sun Visor Center Pocket Sunglasses Holder Coat Hook

Interior Lights

. 148
. 150
. 151
. 155
. 160
. 161

. 164
. 167
. 173
. 177
. 196
. 198
. 202
. 204
. 205
. 206
. 207
. 208
. 208