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pedal and the ignition control. See Starting the Engine on page 9‑20 for additional information about the vehicle's keyless ignition with push start. Replace the transmitter battery as soon as possible. Battery Replacement Replace the battery if the REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY message displays in the DIC. See “Replace Battery in Remote Key” under Key and Lock Messages on page 5‑36. The battery is not rechargeable. To replace the battery: 1. Push the button on the


transmitter to extend the key. 2. Remove the battery cover by


prying it with a finger.


3. Remove the battery by pushing


on the battery and sliding it toward the keyblade.


4.


Insert the new battery, positive side facing up. Push the battery down until it is held in place. Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.


5. Snap the battery cover back on


to the transmitter.


Remote Vehicle Start If available, this feature allows the engine to be started from outside the vehicle. The / button will be on the RKE transmitter if the vehicle has remote start. Laws in some local communities may restrict the use of remote starters. For example, some laws may require a person using remote start to have the vehicle in view. Check local regulations for any requirements.


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Keys, Doors and Windows


2-9


Starting the Engine Using Remote Start To start the engine using the remote start feature: 1. Aim the Remote Keyless Entry


transmitter at the vehicle.


2. Press Q. 3.


Immediately after completing Step 2, press and hold / until the turn signal lamps flash, or for about 2 seconds if the vehicle is not in view. Once the vehicle is started, the parking lamps will turn on and remain on as long as the engine is running.


Turn the ignition to ON/RUN (key access), or select the ON/RUN/START ignition position (keyless access), to drive the vehicle.


The engine will shut off after 10 minutes unless a time extension is done or the ignition is put in ON/RUN (key access) or ON/RUN/START (keyless access). Vehicles with an automatic climate control system will default to a heating or cooling mode depending on the outside temperature during a remote start. When the key is turned to ON/RUN (key access), or the ON/RUN/START ignition position is selected (keyless access), the climate control system will turn on at the setting the vehicle was set to when the vehicle was last turned off. Vehicles with heated or heated and ventilated front seats can have this feature turn on automatically during a remote start. See “Remote Start Heated Seats” and “Remote Start Vented Seats” under Vehicle Personalization on page 5‑39
for more information.


Extending Engine Run Time For a 10-minute extension, repeat Steps 1 and 2 while the engine is still running. The remote start can only be extended once. When the remote start is extended, the second 10 minutes will start immediately. For example, if the vehicle has been running for five minutes, and 10 minutes are added, the engine will run for a total of 15 minutes. A maximum of two remote starts or remote start attempts are allowed between ignition cycles. The vehicle's ignition must be turned on and then back off before the remote start procedure can be used again.


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Keys, Doors and Windows


Canceling a Remote Start To cancel a remote start, do any of the following: . Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press and hold / until the parking lamps turn off. Turn on the hazard warning flashers. Turn the vehicle on and then off.


Conditions in Which Remote Start Will Not Work The remote start will not operate if:


The key is in the ignition (key access) or the ignition is in any position other than OFF (keyless access).


The transmitter is in the vehicle (keyless access). The hood is not closed. The hazard warning flashers are on. There is an emission control system malfunction. The engine coolant temperature is too high. The oil pressure is low. Two remote vehicle starts have already been used. The vehicle is not in P (Park).


Door Locks


{ WARNING Unlocked doors can be dangerous.


. Passengers, especially


children, can easily open the doors and fall out of a moving vehicle. The chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash is increased if the doors are not locked. So, all passengers should wear safety belts properly and the doors should be locked whenever the vehicle is driven.


(Continued)


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Keys, Doors and Windows


2-11


WARNING (Continued)


. Young children who get into


unlocked vehicles may be unable to get out. A child can be overcome by extreme heat and can suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Always lock the vehicle whenever leaving it.


. Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when slowing or stopping the vehicle. Lock the doors to help prevent this from happening.


To lock and unlock the door, use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or the key from the outside and the door lock knob or switch from the inside. From inside the vehicle with the doors locked, pull once on the door handle to unlock it, and a second time to open it. Manually locking the driver door also automatically locks all other doors. For more information see: . Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)


System Operation on page 2‑4.


. Power Door Locks on page 2‑11. . Vehicle Personalization on


page 5‑39.


Power Door Locks


K (Unlock): Press to unlock all doors. Q (Lock): Press to lock all doors. See “Power Door Locks” in Vehicle Personalization on page 5‑39.


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Keys, Doors and Windows


Delayed Locking When locking the doors with the power lock switch and a door is open, the doors will lock five seconds after the last door is closed. You will hear three chimes to signal that the delayed locking feature is in use. Pressing the power lock switch twice or the lock button on the RKE transmitter twice will override the delayed locking feature and immediately lock all the doors. This feature will not operate if the key is in the ignition. This feature can be programmed by using the Driver Information Center (DIC). See “Delayed Door Lock” under Vehicle Personalization on page 5‑39.


Safety Locks


Doors


Trunk


{ WARNING


Exhaust gases can enter the vehicle if it is driven with the liftgate, trunk/hatch open, or with any objects that pass through the seal between the body and the trunk/hatch or liftgate. Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.


(Continued)


Press the button on the driver door armrest to activate the safety locks on the passenger rear doors. This switch also disables the rear power windows. Once activated, the light, located on the switch, illuminates and goes out when deactivated. If the light flashes, the feature may not be working properly.


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WARNING (Continued)


If the vehicle must be driven with the liftgate, or trunk/hatch open:


. Close all of the windows. . Fully open the air outlets


on or under the instrument panel.


. Adjust the Climate Control


system to a setting that brings in only outside air and set the fan speed to the highest setting. See Climate Control System in the Index.


. If the vehicle has a power liftgate, disable the power liftgate function.


For more information about carbon monoxide, see Engine Exhaust on page 9‑27.


Remote Trunk Release To open the trunk from the outside the vehicle, press V on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter, or press the touchpad above the license plate. Emergency Trunk Release Handle Notice: Do not use the emergency trunk release handle as a tie-down or anchor point when securing items in the trunk as it could damage the handle. The emergency trunk release handle is only intended to aid a person trapped in a latched trunk, enabling them to open the trunk from the inside.


There is an emergency trunk release handle located inside the trunk on the trunk latch. On some vehicles, the release handle can be accessed by folding the rear seat center seatback. See Rear Seats on page 3‑11. Pull the release handle to open the trunk from the inside.


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Keys, Doors and Windows


Vehicle Security This vehicle has theft-deterrent features; however, they do not make it impossible to steal.


Anti-Theft Alarm System This vehicle has an anti-theft alarm system. Arming the System To arm the system, press Q on the RKE transmitter. The alarm automatically arms after about 30 seconds. The security light, located on the instrument panel, flashes. Press V on the RKE transmitter to open the trunk without setting off the alarm. The system rearms when the trunk is closed.


Disarming the System To disarm the system, do one of the following: . Press K on the RKE transmitter. . Approach the vehicle with


the RKE transmitter (keyless access).


. Start the engine. The alarm automatically disarms. How to Detect a Tamper Condition If K is pressed and the horn sounds, an attempted break-in has occurred while the system was armed. If the alarm has been activated, the THEFT ATTEMPTED message will appear on the DIC. See Key and Lock Messages on page 5‑36 for additional information.


Immobilizer See Radio Frequency Statement on page 13‑20 for information regarding Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and Industry Canada Standards RSS-210/220/310.


Immobilizer Operation (Key Access) This vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent system. The system does not have to be manually armed or disarmed. The vehicle is automatically immobilized when the key is removed from the ignition. The system is automatically disarmed when the vehicle is started with the correct key.


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The key uses a transponder that matches an immobilizer control unit in the vehicle and automatically disarms the system. Only the correct key starts the vehicle. The vehicle may not start if the key is damaged.


The security light, located in the instrument panel cluster, comes on if there is a problem with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system. When trying to start the vehicle, the security light comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on.


Keys, Doors and Windows


2-15


If the engine does not start and the security light stays on, there is a problem with the system. Turn the ignition off and try again. If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to be undamaged or the light continues to stay on, try another ignition key. If the engine still does not start with the other key, the vehicle needs service. If the vehicle does start, the first key may be damaged. See your dealer who can service the theft-deterrent system and have a new key made. Do not leave the key or device that disarms or deactivates the theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.


Immobilizer Operation (Keyless Access) This vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent system. The system does not have to be manually armed or disarmed. The vehicle is automatically immobilized when the transmitter leaves the vehicle. The immobilization system is disarmed when the ignition button is pushed in and a valid transmitter is found in the vehicle.


The security light, located in the instrument panel cluster, comes on if there is a problem with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.


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Keys, Doors and Windows


The system has one or more transmitters that are matched to an immobilizer control unit in your vehicle. Only a correctly matched transmitter will start the vehicle. If the transmitter is ever damaged, you may not be able to start your vehicle. When trying to start the vehicle, the security light comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on. If the engine does not start and the security light stays on, there is a problem with the system. Turn the ignition off and try again.


If the RKE appears to be undamaged, try another transmitter. Or, you may try placing the transmitter in the transmitter pocket located in the center console. See “No Remote Detected” under Key and Lock Messages on page 5‑36. If the engine does not start with the other transmitter or when the transmitter is on the pocket in the center console, your vehicle needs service. See your dealer who can service the theft-deterrent system and have a new transmitter programmed to the vehicle. Do not leave the key or device that disarms or deactivates the theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.


Exterior Mirrors


Power Mirrors


To adjust the mirrors: 1. Turn the control knob to the


L (left) or R (right) selecting the driver or passenger mirror.


2. Push the control knob to the left,


right, up, or down to adjust the mirror.


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Vehicles with the memory feature can store a preferred mirror position. See “Memory Seats” under Power Seat Adjustment on page 3‑5 for more information.


Folding Mirrors


Manual Foldaway Mirrors The mirrors on vehicles with manual folded mirrors are folded inward to prevent damage when going through an automatic car wash. To fold, pull the mirror toward the vehicle. Push the mirror outward to return it to the original position. Automatic Dimming Feature The driver outside mirror automatically adjusts for the glare of the headlamps behind you.


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2-17


Turn Signal Indicator The vehicle may have a turn signal indicator lamp built into the mirror housing. The turn signal lamp flashes with the use of the vehicle's turn signal and hazard flashers.


Heated Mirrors For vehicles with heated mirrors: < (Rear Window Defogger): Press to heat the mirrors. See “Rear Window Defogger” under Automatic Climate Control System on page 8‑1 for more information.


Park Tilt Mirrors If the vehicle is equipped with memory mirrors, there is an option to have the mirrors tilt down, when in R (Reverse), to more easily see the ground near the vehicle. When the vehicle is shifted to R (Reverse), both the driver and passenger mirrors will tilt downward. They will return to their previous position when the vehicle is shifted out of R (Reverse), the ignition is turned to OFF, or the vehicle is left in R (Reverse) for an extended period of time. This feature can be turned on or off. See Vehicle Personalization on page 5‑39.


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Keys, Doors and Windows


Interior Mirrors


Windows


Manual Rearview Mirror Adjust the inside rearview mirror for a clear view of the area behind your vehicle. To avoid glare of the headlamps from behind, push the tab forward for daytime and pull it for nighttime use. Vehicles with OnStar® have three control buttons at the bottom of the mirror. See your dealer for more information about OnStar and how to subscribe to it. See the OnStar Owner's Guide for more information about the services OnStar provides.


{ WARNING Leaving children, helpless adults, or pets in a vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous. They can be overcome by the extreme heat and suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Never leave a child, a helpless adult, or a pet alone in a vehicle, especially with the windows closed in warm or hot weather.


The vehicle aerodynamics are designed to improve fuel economy performance. This may result in a pulsing sound when either rear window is down and the front windows are up. To reduce the sound, open either a front window or the sunroof (if equipped).


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Keys, Doors and Windows


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The switches work when the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY, or in Retained Accessory Power (RAP). See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 9‑24. Express Window Operation Windows with an express-up or down feature allow the front windows to be lowered or raised without holding the switch. Rear windows only have express-down. Pull a window switch up or push it down all the way, release it, and the window goes down or up automatically. Stop the window by pushing or pulling the switch.


Rear Window Lockout The rear window lockout button is on the driver door. Press v to disable the rear window controls. The light on the button comes on indicating the feature is in use. The rear windows can still be raised or lowered using the driver window switches when the lockout feature is active. To restore power to the rear windows, press the button again. The light on the button goes out. If the light flashes, the feature may not be working properly. This switch also activates the safety locks. See Safety Locks on page 2‑12.


Power Windows


The power window switches located on the driver door control all four windows. The passenger doors have a window switch that controls that window. Push the switch down to open the window. Pull the front of the switch up to close it.


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Keys, Doors and Windows


Programming the Power Windows If the battery on the vehicle has been recharged, disconnected, or is not working, you will need to reprogram each front power window for the express-up feature to work. Before reprogramming, replace or recharge the vehicle's battery. To program each front window: 1. With the ignition in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY, or in Retained Accessory Power (RAP), close all doors.


2. Press and hold the power


window switch until the window is fully open.


3. Pull the power window switch up


until the window is fully closed. 4. Continue holding the switch up for approximately two seconds after the window is completely closed.


The window is now reprogrammed. Repeat the process for the other windows.


Sun Visors


Pull the sun visor down to block glare. Detach the sun visor from the center mount to pivot to the side window, or to extend along the rod, if available.


Rear Window Sunshade On vehicles with a rear window sunshade, the switch is on the console to the right of the shifter. The sunshade only operates when the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY. To open the sunshade, press and release the switch. The sunshade will fully extend. To close the sunshade, press and release the switch again. The sunshade will fully close. If the vehicle is shifted into R (Reverse) when the sunshade is extended, it will automatically close.


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Roof


Sunroof


On vehicles with a sunroof, the switch is located on the overhead console.


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2-21


The sunroof only operates when the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY, or in Retained Accessory Power (RAP). See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 9‑24. Vent The sunroof has an express-vent open feature. From the closed position, press the rear of the sunroof switch (B) to the first detent to vent the sunroof. To close the sunroof, press the front of the sunroof switch (A) to the second detent.


Express-Open/Express-Close To express-open the sunroof from the closed or vent position, fully press and release the rear of the switch (B). The sunroof opens automatically. To stop the sunroof partway, press the switch a second time. To express-close the sunroof, fully press and release the front of the switch (A). The sunroof closes automatically. To stop the sunroof partway, press the switch a second time. If the sunshade is closed, it opens automatically with the sunroof but can also be express-opened/ express-closed by using the sunshade control (C) or (D). The sunshade cannot be fully closed with the sunroof open.


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Keys, Doors and Windows


Anti-Pinch Feature If an object is in the path of the sunroof while it is closing, the anti-pinch feature will detect the object and stop the sunroof from closing at the point of the obstruction. The sunroof and sunshade will then return to the open or vent position. To close the sunroof once the obstruction has been removed, refer to "Express-Open/Express-Close" earlier in this section.


To express-open the sunshade from the closed position, fully press and release the rear of the switch (C). The sunshade opens automatically. To stop the sunshade partway, press the switch a second time. To express-close the sunshade fully press and release the front of the switch (D). The sunshade closes automatically. To stop the sunshade partway, press the switch a second time. Notice: Forcing the sunshade forward of the sliding glass panel may cause damage and the sunroof may not operate properly. Always close the glass panel before closing the sunshade. The sunroof glass panel cannot be opened or closed if the vehicle has an electrical failure.


Dirt and debris may collect on the sunroof seal or in the track. This could cause issues with sunroof operation and noise. It could also plug the water drainage system. Periodically open the sunroof and remove any obstacles or loose debris. Wipe the sunroof seal and roof sealing area using a clean cloth, mild soap, and water. Do not remove grease from the sunroof.


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Seats and Restraints


Head Restraints


Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2


Front Seats


Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . 3-5
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Heated and Ventilated Front


Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10


Seats and Restraints


3-1


Rear Seats


Airbag System


Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Rear Seat


Pass-Through Door . . . . . . . . 3-13


Safety Belts


Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
How to Wear Safety Belts


Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Safety Belt Use During


Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27
Safety Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . 3-27
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . 3-27
Safety Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28
Replacing Safety Belt System


Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-28


Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . 3-31
When Should an Airbag


Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32


What Makes an Airbag


Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34


How Does an Airbag


Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34


What Will You See After an


Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35


Passenger Sensing


System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-37


Servicing the Airbag-Equipped


Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41


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3-2


Seats and Restraints


Adding Equipment to the


Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . 3-42
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . 3-43
Replacing Airbag System


Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-43


Child Restraints


Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-44
Infants and Young


Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-46
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . 3-49
Where to Put the Restraint . . . 3-51
Lower Anchors and


Tethers for Children (LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . 3-52


Replacing LATCH System


Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-61


Securing Child Restraints


(Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-61


Securing Child Restraints


(Front Passenger Seat) . . . . 3-63


Head Restraints The vehicle's front seats have adjustable head restraints in the outboard seating positions. The vehicle's rear seats have adjustable head restraints in the outboard seating positions. { WARNING


With head restraints that are not installed and adjusted properly, there is a greater chance that occupants will suffer a neck/spinal injury in a crash. Do not drive until the head restraints for all occupants are installed and adjusted properly.


Adjust the head restraint so that the top of the restraint is at the same height as the top of the occupant's head. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash.


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Front Seat


Rear Seat


Seats and Restraints


3-3


Push down on the head restraint after the button is released to make sure that it is locked in place. If you are installing a child restraint in the rear seat, see “Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System” under Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑52.


To raise or lower the head restraint, press the release button located on the side of the head restraint and pull up or push the head restraint down and release the button. Pull and push on the head restraint after the button is released to make sure that it is locked in place. The front head restraints are not designed to be removed.


Pull the head restraint up to raise it. To lower the head restraint, press the release button, located on the head restraint post on the top of the seatback, while you push the head restraint down.


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3-4


Seats and Restraints


Front Seats


Seat Adjustment


Seat Position


{ WARNING You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you do not want to. Adjust the driver seat only when the vehicle is not moving.


To adjust the seat position: 1. Pull the handle under the front of


the seat cushion.


2. Slide the seat to the desired


position and release the handle.


3. Try to move the seat back and


forth to be sure it is locked in place.


Height Adjustment


Press and hold the top or bottom of the switch to raise or lower the seat. Release the switch when the desired height is reached.


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Power Seat Adjustment


Memory Seats


To adjust a power seat: . Move the seat forward or


rearward by sliding the control forward or rearward.


. Raise or lower the front or rear


part of the seat cushion by moving the front or rear of the control up or down.


. Raise or lower the entire seat


by moving the entire control up or down.


On vehicles with the memory feature, the “1” and “2” buttons on the outboard side of the driver seat are used to manually save and recall the driver seat and outside mirror positions. These manually stored positions are referred to as Button Memory positions.


Seats and Restraints


3-5


The vehicle will also automatically save driver seat and outside mirror positions to the current driver Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter when the ignition is placed in OFF. These automatically stored positions are referred to as RKE Memory positions. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2‑4
for more information.


Storing Button Memory Positions To save positions into Button Memory: 1. Adjust the driver seat, seatback


recliner, and both outside mirrors to the desired driving positions.


2. Press and release the MEM (Memory) button.


3. Press “1” until a beep sounds. 4. Repeat Steps 1 through 3 for a


second driver using “2.”


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3-6


Seats and Restraints


Recalling Button Memory Positions To recall the manually saved Button Memory positions, press and hold “1” or “2.” The driver seat and outside mirrors move to the positions stored to those buttons when pressed. Releasing “1” or “2” before the stored positions are reached stops the recall. If something has blocked the driver seat while recalling a memory position, the recall may stop. Remove the obstruction; then press and hold the appropriate manual control for the memory item that is not recalling for two seconds. Try recalling the memory position again by pressing the appropriate memory button. If the memory position is still not recalling, see your dealer for service.


Recalling RKE Memory Positions (Memory Remote Recall) The Memory Remote Recall feature can recall the driver seat and outside mirrors to previously stored RKE Memory positions when entering the vehicle. Every time the ignition is placed in OFF, the positions of the driver seat and outside mirrors are automatically stored to the RKE transmitter that was used to start the vehicle. These positions are called RKE Memory positions and may be different than the previously mentioned Button Memory positions saved to the “1” or “2” buttons.


To automatically recall RKE Memory positions, unlock the driver door with the RKE transmitter, and open the driver door. On vehicles with Keyless Access, opening the driver door when an RKE transmitter is present will activate the RKE Memory recall. If the driver door is already open, pressing the RKE transmitter K button will also activate the RKE Memory recall. The driver seat and outside mirrors will move to the previously saved RKE Memory positions.


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This feature is turned on or off using the vehicle personalization menu. See “Remote Recall” under Vehicle Personalization on page 5‑39 for more information. To stop recall movement, press one of the memory, power mirror, or power seat controls. If something has blocked the driver seat while recalling a memory position, the recall may stop. Remove the obstruction; then press and hold the appropriate manual control for the memory item that is not recalling for two seconds. Try recalling the memory position again by opening the driver door and pressing the RKE transmitter K button. If the memory position is still not recalling, see your dealer for service.


Easy Exit Driver Seat This feature moves the seat rearward allowing the driver more room to exit the vehicle. To activate, place the ignition in OFF and open the driver door. If the driver door is already open, placing the ignition in OFF will activate the easy exit driver seat. This feature is turned on or off using the vehicle personalization menu. See “Driver Seat Easy Exit” under Vehicle Personalization on page 5‑39 for more information. To stop recall movement, press one of the memory or power seat controls. If something has blocked the driver seat while recalling the exit position, the recall may stop. Remove the obstruction; then press and hold the power seat control rearward for two seconds. Try recalling the exit position again. If the exit position is still not recalling, see your dealer for service.


Seats and Restraints


3-7


Lumbar Adjustment


To increase or decrease lumbar support, press and hold the front or rear of the control. To raise or lower lumbar support, press and hold the top or bottom of the control. Release the control when the seatback reaches the desired level of lumbar support. See Power Seat Adjustment on page 3‑5 for more information.


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3-8


Seats and Restraints


Reclining Seatbacks


{ WARNING


Sitting in a reclined position when the vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even when buckled up, the safety belts cannot do their job when reclined like this.


(Continued)


WARNING (Continued)


The shoulder belt cannot do its job because it will not be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash, you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt cannot do its job either. In a crash, the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear the safety belt properly.


Manual Reclining Seatbacks


{ WARNING You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you do not want to. Adjust the driver seat only when the vehicle is not moving.


{ WARNING


If either seatback is not locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always push and pull on the seatbacks to be sure they are locked.


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Seats and Restraints


3-9


Power Reclining Seatbacks


To return the seatback to the upright position: 1. Lift the lever fully without applying pressure to the seatback, and the seatback will return to the upright position.


2. Push and pull on the seatback to


make sure it is locked.


To recline the seatback: 1. Lift the recline lever. 2. Move the seatback to the desired position, and then release the lever to lock the seatback in place.


3. Push and pull on the seatback to


make sure it is locked.


To adjust a power seatback, if equipped:


Tilt the top of the control rearward to recline. Tilt the top of the control forward to raise.


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3-10


Seats and Restraints


Heated and Ventilated Front Seats


{ WARNING


If you cannot feel temperature change or pain to the skin, the seat heater may cause burns even at low temperatures. To reduce the risk of burns, people with such a condition should use care when using the seat heater, especially for long periods of time. Do not place anything on the seat that insulates against heat, such as a blanket, cushion, cover, or similar item. This may cause the seat heater to overheat. An overheated seat heater may cause a burn or may damage the seat.


Heated and Ventilated Seat Buttons Shown,


Heated Seat Buttons Similar If available, the buttons are on the climate control panel. To operate, the ignition must be on.


Press L to heat the seat cushion and seatback or {, if equipped, to ventilate the seat. Press the button once for the highest setting. With each press of the button, the seat will change to the next lower setting, and then to the off setting. The lights indicate three for the highest setting and one for the lowest. The passenger seat may take longer to heat up.


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Seats and Restraints


3-11


Rear Seats


To fold the seatback down:


Folding the Seatback Either side of the seatback can be folded down for more cargo space. Fold a seatback only when the vehicle is not moving. Notice: Folding a rear seat with the safety belts still fastened may cause damage to the seat or the safety belts. Always unbuckle the safety belts and return them to their normal stowed position before folding a rear seat.


1. Be sure the safety belt is in the


retainer clip.


Remote Start Heated and Ventilated Seats During a remote start, the heated or ventilated seats, if equipped, can be turned on automatically. They are canceled when the ignition is turned on. Press the button to use the heated or ventilated seats after the vehicle is started. The heated or ventilated seat indicator lights on the button do not turn on during a remote start. The heated seat temperature performance of an unoccupied seat may be reduced. This is normal. The heated or ventilated seats will not turn on during a remote start unless they are enabled in the vehicle personalization menu. See Remote Vehicle Start on page 2‑8 and “Remote Start Heated Seats” or “Remote Start Cooled Seats” under Vehicle Personalization on page 5‑39
for more information.


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Seats and Restraints


To raise a seatback: 1. Lift the seatback up and push it rearward to lock it in place. Make sure the safety belt is in the retainer clip and is not twisted or caught in the seatback. A tab near the seatback lever retracts when the seatback is locked in place.


2. Push and pull the top of the


seatback to be sure it is locked into position.


3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for the other seatback, if necessary.


When the seat is not in use, it should be kept in the upright, locked position.


Raising the Seatback { WARNING


If either seatback is not locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always push and pull on the seatbacks to be sure they are locked.


{ WARNING


A safety belt that is improperly routed, not properly attached, or twisted will not provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. After raising the rear seatback, always check to be sure that the safety belts are properly routed and attached, and are not twisted.


2. Pull on the lever on the top of


the seatback to unlock it. A tab near the seatback lever raises when the seatback is unlocked.


3. Fold the seatback down.


Repeat Steps 1 through 3 for the other seatback, if desired.


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Rear Seat Pass-Through Door


The vehicle may have a door in the rear seat that provides access to the trunk. Lower the rear seat armrest to access the pass-through door. Pull the release handle to open the door. To close, push and latch the door.


Seats and Restraints


3-13


{ WARNING


It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in the vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.


This vehicle has indicators as a reminder to buckle the safety belts. See Safety Belt Reminders on page 5‑14 for additional information.


Safety Belts This section of the manual describes how to use safety belts properly. It also describes some things not to do with safety belts.


{ WARNING


Do not let anyone ride where a safety belt cannot be worn properly. In a crash, if you or your passenger(s) are not wearing safety belts, the injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle harder or be ejected from the vehicle. You and your passenger(s) can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be, if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passenger(s) are restrained properly too.


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Seats and Restraints


In most states and in all Canadian provinces, the law requires wearing safety belts. Here is why: You never know if you will be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you do not know if it will be a serious one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up, a person would not survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without safety belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 40 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!


Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.


Put someone on it.


Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it is just a seat on wheels.


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Seats and Restraints


3-15


Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider does not stop.


The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield...


or the instrument panel...


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Seats and Restraints


or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That is why safety belts make such good sense.


Q: If I am a good driver, and I never drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts?


A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you are in a crash — even one that is not your fault — you and your passenger(s) can be hurt. Being a good driver does not protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 40 km (25 mi) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 65 km/h (40 mph). Safety belts are for everyone.


Questions and Answers About Safety Belts Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after a crash if I am wearing a safety belt?


A: You could be — whether you


are wearing a safety belt or not. But your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted. And you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you are upside down.


Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why


should I have to wear safety belts?


A: Airbags are supplemental


systems only; so they work with safety belts — not instead of them. Whether or not an airbag is provided, all occupants still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That is true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.


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Seats and Restraints


3-17


worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones and you would be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force on your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The shoulder belt locks if there is a sudden stop or crash.


How to Wear Safety Belts Properly This section is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and infants. If a child will be riding in the vehicle, see Older Children on page 3‑44 or Infants and Young Children on page 3‑46. Follow those rules for everyone's protection. It is very important for all occupants to buckle up. Statistics show that unbelted people are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Occupants who are not buckled up can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.


First, before you or your passenger(s) wear a safety belt, there is important information you should know.


Sit up straight and always keep your feet on the floor in front of you. The lap part of the belt should be


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Seats and Restraints


Q: What is wrong with this?


{ WARNING


Q: What is wrong with this?


You can be seriously hurt if the shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit snugly against your body.


A: The shoulder belt is too loose.


It will not give as much protection this way.


A: The lap belt is too loose. It will not give nearly as much protection this way.


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{ WARNING


Q: What is wrong with this?


{ WARNING


Seats and Restraints


3-19


You can be seriously hurt if the lap belt is too loose. In a crash, you could slide under the lap belt and apply force on your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The lap belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs.


You can be seriously injured if the belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not on the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle the belt into the buckle nearest you.


A: The belt is buckled in the wrong


buckle.


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Seats and Restraints


Q: What is wrong with this?


{ WARNING


Q: What is wrong with this?


You can be seriously injured if the belt goes over an armrest like this. The belt would be much too high. In a crash, you can slide under the belt. The belt force would then be applied on the abdomen, not on the pelvic bones, and that could cause serious or fatal injuries. Be sure the belt goes under the armrests.


A: The belt is over an armrest.


A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times.


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{ WARNING


Q: What is wrong with this?


{ WARNING


Seats and Restraints


3-21


You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which are not as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest.


A: The belt is behind the body.


You can be seriously injured by not wearing the lap-shoulder belt properly. In a crash, you would not be restrained by the shoulder belt. Your body could move too far forward increasing the chance of head and neck injury. You might also slide under the lap belt. The belt force would then be applied right on the abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest.


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Seats and Restraints


Q: What is wrong with this?


{ WARNING


A: The belt is twisted across


the body.


You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you would not have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.


Lap-Shoulder Belt All seating positions in the vehicle have a lap-shoulder belt. The following instructions explain how to wear a lap-shoulder belt properly. 1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is adjustable, so you can sit up straight. To see how, see “Seats” in the Index.


2. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Do not let it get twisted. The lap-shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.


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Seats and Restraints


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If the shoulder portion of a passenger belt is pulled out all the way, the child restraint locking feature may be engaged. If this happens, let the belt go back all the way and start again.


Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary. If equipped with a shoulder belt height adjuster, move it to the height that is right for you. See “Shoulder Belt Height Adjustment” later in this section for instructions on use and important safety information.


4. To make the lap part tight,


pull up on the shoulder belt. It may be necessary to pull stitching on the safety belt through the latch plate to fully tighten the lap belt on smaller occupants.


3. Push the latch plate into the


buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 3‑27.


To unlatch the belt, push the button on the buckle. The belt should return to its stowed position. Slide the latch plate up the safety belt webbing, when the safety belt is not in use. The latch plate should rest on the stitching on the safety belt, near the guide loop on the side wall. Before a door is closed, be sure the safety belt is out of the way. If a door is slammed against a safety belt, damage can occur to both the safety belt and the vehicle.


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Seats and Restraints


Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster The vehicle has a shoulder belt height adjuster for the driver and right front passenger seating positions. Adjust the height so the shoulder portion of the belt is on the shoulder and not falling off of it. The belt should be close to, but not contacting, the neck. Improper shoulder belt height adjustment could reduce the effectiveness of the safety belt in a crash. See How to Wear Safety Belts Properly on page 3‑17.


Safety Belt Pretensioners This vehicle has safety belt pretensioners for front outboard occupants. Although the safety belt pretensioners cannot be seen, they are part of the safety belt assembly. They can help tighten the safety belts during the early stages of a moderate to severe frontal and near frontal crash if the threshold conditions for pretensioner activation are met. Pretensioners work only once. If the pretensioners activate in a crash, the pretensioners and probably other parts of the vehicle's safety belt system will need to be replaced. See Replacing Safety Belt System Parts After a Crash on page 3‑28.


Press the release button (A) and move the height adjuster to the desired position. The adjuster can be moved up by pushing the slide/trim up. After the adjuster is set to the desired position, try to move it down without pushing the release button to make sure it has locked into position.


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Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides This vehicle may have rear shoulder belt comfort guides. If not, they are available through your dealer. The guides may provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for some adults. When installed and properly adjusted, the comfort guide positions the belt away from the neck and head.


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3-25


There is one guide for each outside passenger position in the rear seat. Here is how to install a comfort guide to the safety belt:


2. Place the guide over the belt,


and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide.


1. Remove the guide from its


storage pocket on the side of the seat.


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Seats and Restraints


{ WARNING


A safety belt that is not properly worn may not provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces.


3. Be sure that the belt is


not twisted and it lies flat. The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top.


4. Buckle, position, and release


the safety belt as described previously in this section. Make sure the shoulder portion of the belt is on the shoulder and not falling off of it. The belt should be close to, but not contacting, the neck.


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Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they do not wear safety belts.


A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.


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3-27


Safety System Check Now and then, check that the safety belt reminder light, safety belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job. See your dealer to have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working. See Safety Belt Reminders on page 5‑14 for more information. Keep safety belts clean and dry. See Safety Belt Care on page 3‑28.


The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it is more likely that the fetus will not be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly.


Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt is not long enough, your dealer will order you an extender. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. To help avoid personal injury, do not let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. The extender has been designed for adults. Never use it for securing child seats. To wear it, attach it to the regular safety belt. For more information, see the instruction sheet that comes with the extender.


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Seats and Restraints


Safety Belt Care Keep belts clean and dry. { WARNING


Do not bleach or dye safety belts. It may severely weaken them. In a crash, they might not be able to provide adequate protection. Clean safety belts only with mild soap and lukewarm water.


Replacing Safety Belt System Parts After a Crash


{ WARNING


A crash can damage the safety belt system in the vehicle. A damaged safety belt system may not properly protect the person using it, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure the safety belt systems are working properly after a crash, have them inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.


After a minor crash, replacement of safety belts may not be necessary. But the safety belt assemblies that were used during any crash may have been stressed or damaged. See your dealer to have the safety belt assemblies inspected or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the safety belt system was not being used at the time of the crash. Have the safety belt pretensioners checked if the vehicle has been in a crash, or if the airbag readiness light stays on after you start the vehicle or while you are driving. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 5‑14.


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Airbag System The vehicle has the following airbags: . A frontal airbag for the driver. . A frontal airbag for the right front


passenger.


. A seat-mounted side impact


airbag for the driver.


. A seat-mounted side impact


airbag for the right front passenger.


. A roof-rail airbag for the driver


and the passenger seated directly behind the driver.


. A roof-rail airbag for the


right front passenger and the passenger seated directly behind the right front passenger.


The vehicle may have the following airbags: . A seat-mounted side impact


airbag for the rear seat passenger seated directly behind the driver.


. A seat-mounted side impact


airbag for the rear seat passenger seated directly behind the right front passenger.


All of the airbags in the vehicle will have the word AIRBAG embossed in the trim or on an attached label near the deployment opening. For frontal airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear on the middle part of the steering wheel for the driver and on the instrument panel for the right front passenger.


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3-29


With seat-mounted side impact airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear on the side of the seatback closest to the door. With roof-rail airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear along the headliner or trim. Airbags are designed to supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Even though today's airbags are also designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating bag, all airbags must inflate very quickly to do their job.


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Seats and Restraints


Here are the most important things to know about the airbag system:


{ WARNING


{ WARNING


{ WARNING


You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you are not wearing a safety belt — even if the vehicle has airbags. Airbags are designed to work with safety belts, but do not replace them. Also, airbags are not designed to

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