1999 Buick Park Avenue Owners Manual

8-11

Outside Mirrors Overdrive, Automatic Transaxle Overheating Engine Owner Checks and Services Owner Publications, Ordering Paint Spotting, Chemical Parade Dimming Parallel Park Assist Mirror Park (P)

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Automatic Transaxle Shifting Into Shifting Out of

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Parking

At Night Brake Brake Mechanism Check Lots Over Things That Burn With a Trailer

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Passenger Climate Control Passenger Compartment Air Filter Passing PASS-KeyR III Perimeter Lighting Periodic Maintenance Inspections Personal Choice Comfort Controls Personal Choice Features

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Audio Controls Comfort Controls Delayed Locking Memory Door Locks Memory Seat Recall

6-63
2-46
2-53, 2-89
2-24
2-29
2-31
2-15
2-28
7-34
2-16
2-32
4-39
3-7
3-9
4-13
2-18
2-47, 2-92
7-35
3-2
2-11
3-29
3-2
2-7, 2-90
2-5, 2-90
2-92

9-8

2-53, 2-89
2-47, 2-92
2-87
2-11, 2-91
2-35, 2-93
2-5
2-53
1-2
1-6
4-10
6-28
2-34
2-22
1-3
1-3
1-20
5-1
2-9
8-11

Power

Parallel Park Assist Mirror Perimeter Lighting Programming, DIC Security Feedback Window Lockout

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Door Locks Remote Control Mirror Seat Seatback Recliner Steering Steering Fluid Windows

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Power, Retained Accessory Power Seat

Lumbar Controls Memory Function

Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts Problems on the Road Protection, Lockout Publications, Service and Owner Radiator Radiator Pressure Cap Radio Reception Radios Rain, Driving In Reading Lamps Rear

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5-15
6-24
3-32
3-10, 3-14, 3-17, 3-21
4-18
2-48
2-8
1-28
1-32
2-60

Door Security Locks Outside Seat Position Safety Belt Comfort Guides Seat Pass Through

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Seat Passengers Storage Armrest Window Defogger

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Rear Seat Cushion, Removing Rear Seat Pass Through Rearview Mirror

Electrochromic Day/Night Electrochromic Day/Night with Compass Inside Day/Night

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Reclining Front Seatbacks Recovery Tank, Coolant Recreational Vehicle Towing Refrigerants, Air Conditioning Remote

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Keyless Entry Keyless Entry, Instant Alarm Keyless Entry, Personal Choice Features Keyless Entry, Resynchronization Keyless Entry, Security Feedback Trunk Release

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Replacement

Bulbs Parts Wheel

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Replacing Safety Belts Reporting Safety Defects Restraints

Checking Child Head Replacing Parts After a Crash System Check

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Reverse, Automatic Transaxle Right Front Passenger Position

1-28
2-59
3-6
6-71
2-60
2-49
2-50
2-49
1-6
5-10, 5-12
4-30
6-76
2-9
2-10
2-11
2-14
2-11
2-14
6-74
6-77
6-54
1-52
8-9, 8-10
1-52
1-37
1-7
1-52
7-32
2-25
1-21

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8-6
8-6
5-28
6-50

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Roadside Assistance Roadside Assistance, Canadian Rocking Your Vehicle Rotation, Tires Safety Belt Extender Safety Belts Adults Care Center Passenger Position Children Driver Position Extender How to Wear Properly Incorrect Usage Lap Belt Lap-Shoulder Larger Children Questions and Answers Rear Comfort Guides Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions Rear Seat Passengers Reminder Light Replacing After a Crash Right Front Passenger Position Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster Smaller Children and Babies Use During Pregnancy Why They Work

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1-52
1-8
1-13
6-59
1-27
1-34
1-13
1-52
1-13
1-16, 1-50, 1-51
1-27
1-14, 1-29
1-49
1-12
1-32
1-28
1-28
1-8, 2-73
1-52
1-21
1-15
1-34
1-20
1-9
4-36
8-9, 8-10
iii 7-4
9-9

Safety Chains Safety Defects, Reporting Safety Warnings and Symbols Scheduled Maintenance Services

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

Seatback, Power Recliner (Front) Seats

Heated Lumbar Control Memory Power Restraint Systems Seat Controls Securing a Child Restraint

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Second Gear, Automatic Transaxle Security Feedback Security Light Security System Service

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Bulletins, Ordering Manuals, Ordering Parts Identification Label Publications, Ordering Work, Doing Your Own

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Service and Appearance Care Service and Owner Publications Service and Owner Publications, Ordering in Canada Service Engine Soon Light Service Publications Service Vehicle Soon Light Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Sheet Metal Damage Shift Lever Shifting

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Automatic Transaxle Into Park (P) Out of Park

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1-6
1-5
1-3
1-3
1-2
1-1
1-2
1-43, 1-45, 1-47
2-27
2-11, 2-91
2-16
2-16, 2-18
6-2
8-11
8-11
6-65
8-11
6-2
6-1
8-11
8-10
2-78
8-11
2-81
1-26
6-62
2-24, 2-29
2-24
2-29
2-31

9-10

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Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster Signaling Turns Skidding Sound Equipment, Adding Spare Tire, Compact Speaker Covers, Cleaning Specifications and Capacities Specifications, Engine Speech Impaired, Customer Assistance Speedometer SRS Stains, Cleaning Starter Switch Check Starting Your Engine Steam Steering

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1-15
2-36
4-15
3-33
5-27
6-58
6-75
6-76
8-4
2-72
1-21
6-56
7-33
2-22
5-8
4-10
4-12
4-10
4-10
4-11
2-35
3-10, 3-31
2-54
6-33
5-28
2-61
2-63
6-12
6-20
1-21
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Storage Areas Storage, Vehicle Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow Sun Visors Sunroof Supercharged Engine Supercharger Oil Supplemental Restraint System Symbols, Vehicle

In Emergencies MagnasteerR Power Tips

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Tilt Touch Controls

Steering Wheel

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Tachometer Tape Player Care Temperature Control, Climate Control System Theater Dimming Theft Theft-Deterrent Theft-Deterrent Feature THEFTLOCKt Thermostat Third Gear, Automatic Transaxle Tilt Steering Wheel Time, Setting the Tire Chains Tire Loading Tire-Loading Information Label Tires

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Alignment and Balance Buying New Chains Changing a Flat Cleaning Compact Spare Inflation Inflation Check Inspection and Rotation Loading Pressure Temperature Traction Treadwear Uniform Quality Grading Wear Indicators Wheel Replacement When It’s Time for New

2-72
3-33
3-3
2-46
2-15
2-16
3-29
3-29
6-24
2-26
2-35
3-10
6-55
4-31
4-31
6-46
6-54
6-51
6-55
5-18
6-62
5-27
6-47
7-31
6-50
4-31
6-47
6-53
6-53
6-53
6-52
6-51
6-54
6-51

Top Strap Torque Lock Torque, Wheel Nut Towing a Trailer Towing, Recreational Vehicle Towing Your Vehicle Traction

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

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

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

Control System Control System Warning Light

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

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

Trailer

Brakes Driving on Grades Driving with Engine Cooling When Towing Hitches Maintenance When Towing Parking on Hills Safety Chains Tongue Weight Total Weight on Tires Towing Turn Signals Weight

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

Transaxle Fluid, Automatic Transmitters

Matching to Your Vehicle Remote Keyless Entry Transportation, Courtesy Trip Odometer Trunk

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

Lamp Lock Release Rear Seat Pass Through

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

1-42
2-31
5-24, 6-75
4-33
4-30
5-7
4-9
2-76, 4-9
4-36
4-39
4-37
4-40
4-36
4-40
4-39
4-36
4-35
4-35
4-33
4-38
4-34
6-21
2-12
2-9
8-7
2-72
2-48
2-14
2-60

9-11

Trunk (Continued) Release, Remote Security Override

Trunk-Mounted CD Changer

Errors Playing a Compact Disc

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

TTY Users Turn and Lane Change Signal Turn Signal On Chime Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer Twilight SentinelR Underbody Flushing Service Underbody Maintenance Universal Transmitter Vehicle Control Damage Warnings Dimensions Identification Number Loading Storage

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

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

Ventilation System Visor Vanity Mirror, Illuminated Visors, Sun Voltage Indicator

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

2-14
2-15
3-26
3-27
3-28
8-4
2-36
2-37
2-36
4-38
2-45

7-34
6-63
2-64

4-5
iv 6-77
6-65
4-31
6-33
3-7
2-61
2-61
2-74

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Warning Devices Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators Warranty Information Washer Fluid, Windshield Washing Your Vehicle Weatherstrips Wheel

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

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

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

Alignment Nut Torque Replacement Wrench

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

Window Lock Windows

Express-Down Power

Windshield Washer

Fluid Fluid Level Check

Windshield Wipers

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

Blade Check Blade Cleaning Blade Replacement Moisture-Sensing Delay

Winter Driving Wiper Blade Check Wiper Blades, Cleaning Wiper Blades, Replacement Wrecker Towing Wrench, Wheel

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

5-2
2-73
8-8
2-40, 6-28
6-60
6-60
6-54
5-24, 6-75
6-54
5-19
2-35
2-34
2-35
2-34
2-40, 6-28
7-31
2-38
7-32
6-59
6-45
2-39
4-26
7-32
6-59
6-45
5-7
5-19

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The 1999 Buick Park Avenue Owner’s Manual

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1-1

2-1

3-1

4-1

5-1

6-1

7-1

8-1

9-1

Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the “SRS” system. Features and Controls This section explains how to start and operate your vehicle. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system. Your Driving and the Road Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions. Problems on the Road This section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc. Service and Appearance Care Here the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good. Maintenance Schedule This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use. Customer Assistance Information This section tells you how to contact Buick for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8-9. Index Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

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We support voluntary technician certification.

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, BUICK, the BUICK Emblem and the name PARK AVENUE are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Buick Motor Division whenever it appears in this manual. Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it.

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual: Aux propriétaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en français chez votre concessionaire ou au:

DGN Marketing Services Ltd. 1577 Meyerside Dr. Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1B9

Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 25685483 A First Edition ii

ECopyright General Motors Corporation 1998
All Rights Reserved

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How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly. Index A good place to look for what you need is the Index in back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of what’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it. Safety Warnings and Symbols You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.

CAUTION:

These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people.

In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or others could be hurt.

You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,” “Don’t do this” or “Don’t let this happen.”

iii

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Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices:

NOTICE:

These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.

In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

iv

Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.

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These symbols have to do with your lamps:

These symbols are on some of your controls:

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

Here are some other symbols you may see:

For example, these symbols are used on an original battery:

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

CAUSTIC BATTERY ACID COULD CAUSE BURNS

AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BATTERY

These symbols are important for you and your passengers whenever your vehicle is driven:

DOOR LOCK UNLOCK

FASTEN SEAT BELTS

POWER WINDOW

MASTER LIGHTING SWITCH

TURN SIGNALS

PARKING LAMPS

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER

DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS

AIR BAG

FOG LAMPS

WINDSHIELD WIPER

WINDSHIELD WASHER

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER

VENTILATING FAN

ENGINE COOLANT TEMP

BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM

BRAKE

FUSE

LIGHTER

HORN

COOLANT

SPEAKER

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE

ANTI-LOCK BRAKES

FUEL

- NOTES

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vi

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

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Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.

1-2
1-8
1-12

1-13
1-13
1-20
1-21
1-21
1-27

Seats and Seat Controls Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Driver Position Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Right Front Passenger Position Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Center Passenger Position

1-28
1-32

1-34
1-37
1-49
1-52
1-52
1-52

Rear Seat Passengers Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Children Child Restraints Larger Children Safety Belt Extender Checking Your Restraint Systems Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

1-

1-1

Seats and Seat Controls This part tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them, and also about memory seats, reclining seatbacks and head restraints. Power Seats

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D Raise or lower the front of the seat cushion by

holding the front part of the horizontal control up or down.

D Raise or lower the rear of the seat cushion by

holding the rear part of the horizontal control up or down.

D Raise or lower the entire seat cushion by holding the

whole horizontal control up or down.

D Move the seat forward or back by pushing the

horizontal control to the front or back.

D Push the vertical control forward to bring the seat to a more upright position. Push it rearward to recline the seatback.

D Raise or lower the shoulder belt and head rest by pushing the vertical control to the top or bottom.

1-2

4-Way Power Lumbar Control (Option)

Memory Seat and Mirrors (If Equipped)

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If you have this option, the driver’s and passenger’s seatback lumbar support can be adjusted four ways by moving the single switch located on the side of the seat.

If your vehicle has this feature, the controls on the driver’s door panel are used to program and recall previous settings.

To increase or decrease support, hold the switch forward or rearward. To move the lumbar up or down, hold the switch upward or downward.

You can use this memory function to save your seat cushion positions (minus the head restraint), optional lumbar, mirror adjustment, window lockout, HVAC and radio settings. Save your seat positions in memory by using the following procedure: 1. You must first program the SEAT RECALL feature

to be active when the SEAT RECALL choice appears on the DIC. See “Memory Seat Recall” in the Index for programming instructions.

1-3

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2. Adjust the driver’s seat and lumbar position (if

equipped) to a safe and comfortable driving position. Adjust both outside mirrors to suit you. See “Outside Mirrors” in the Index.

3. Press one of the two MEMORY buttons

corresponding with your driver number, for longer than three seconds. You will hear two beeps to confirm that the mirror and seat positions have been entered into memory.

4. Press UNLOCK on the transmitter within

five seconds.

When your vehicle is in PARK (P), push and release the memory button you just stored. The seat and mirrors will move to the set position. You will hear one beep.

To set the seat and mirror positions for a second driver, follow the previous steps, but use the other MEMORY button. If you press the wrong MEMORY button, or if there is a third driver, use the seat adjuster. The EXIT button allows for easy exit from the vehicle. Press and release the EXIT button while in PARK (P) and the seat will move all the way back. You will hear a beep when the EXIT button is pressed. You can also set unique exit positions by moving the seat to the desired position, and then pressing and holding the EXIT button for longer than three seconds. You will hear two beeps to confirm the position has been set. The exit position will be set for the previously identified driver.

1-4

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If the ignition is not in RUN, automatic seat and mirror movement will occur if the UNLOCK button on the remote keyless entry transmitter is pressed. Automatic seat and mirror movement is programmed through the Driver Information Center (DIC) so that the driver can select whether the seat moves to the programmed driving position, the programmed exit position, or does not move at all. For memory seat and mirror recall programming instructions, see “DIC Personal Choice Programming” in the Index. Heated Seats (Option)

When the heated seat control is first pressed, the HI setting is activated. Press the button again for the LO setting. The third press of the button turns the feature off. The LO setting warms the seatback and cushion until the seat nears body temperature. The HI setting heats the seat to a slightly higher temperature. A telltale light in the control reminds you that the heating system is in use. When the ignition is turned off, the heating element is also turned off.

The heated seat controls are located next to the climate controls on the instrument panel. Press this button to turn on the heating element in the seat.

1-5

Reclining Front Seatbacks The vertical control described previously in this section reclines the front seatbacks.

CAUTION:

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Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t 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 your safety belt properly.

But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving.

1-6

Head Restraints

Use this switch to move a front head restraint up or down. Lift up on the switch to move the head restraint up. Press down on the switch to move the head restraint down. The top of the head restraint should be closest to the top of your ears. This position helps reduce the chance of a neck injury in a crash. When you move a front seat head restraint up or down, the shoulder belt height changes. On some models, the head restraints tilt forward and rearward also.

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Some rear seats have adjustable head restraints. Slide an adjustable head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. On some models, the rear seat head restraints tilt forward and rearward also. There are four different positions for the front seat head restraints and three different positions for the rear seat head restraints. Adjust either head restraint by grasping the top of the restraint and moving it forward the way you want it to go until you hear a click. It will then be locked into that position until you need to move it again. Pulling it forward past the last position will allow the headrest to return to its full rear position.

1-7

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Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), or air bag system.

CAUTION:

Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You 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 passengers’ belts are fastened properly too.

CAUTION:

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 your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.

Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. (See “Safety Belt Reminder Light” in the Index.)

In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work.

1-8

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

You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!

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

1-9

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Put someone on it.

Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop.

1-10

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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1-11

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Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an

accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

A: You could be -- whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.

Q: If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to

wear safety belts?

A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be

in most of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts -- not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.

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’s why safety belts make such good sense.

1-12

Q: If I’m 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’re in an accident -- even one that isn’t your fault -- you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers.

Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone.

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How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This part 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 babies. If a child will be riding in your vehicle, see the part of this manual called “Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position. Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system.

1-13

Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index)

so you can sit up straight.

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3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.

Don’t 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.

4. 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 isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

1-14

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to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at 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 safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster When you move a front seat head restraint, the shoulder belt height changes. See “Head Restraints” in the Index.

1-15

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely

Q: What’s wrong with this?

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CAUTION:

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

A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly

as much protection this way.

1-16

Q: What’s wrong with this?

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CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured if your 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 at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

1-17

Q: What’s wrong with this?

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CAUTION:

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 aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen.

A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

1-18

Q: What’s wrong with this?

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CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t 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.

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

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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 don’t wear safety belts.

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle.

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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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The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. Right Front Passenger Position To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt properly, see “Driver Position” earlier in this section. The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt -- except for one thing. If you ever pull the lap portion of the belt out all the way, you will engage the child restraint locking feature. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and start again. If your vehicle has a center passenger position, be sure to use the correct buckle when buckling your lap-shoulder belt. If you find that the latch plate will not go fully into the buckle, see if you are using the buckle for the center passenger position. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) This part explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) or air bag system.

Your vehicle has “Next Generation” frontal air bags -- one air bag for the driver and another air bag for the right front passenger. Next Generation frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating air bag. But even these air bags must inflate very quickly if they are to do their job and comply with federal regulations. Here are the most important things to know about the air bag system:

CAUTION:

You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Air bags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. All air bags -- even Next Generation air bags -- are designed to work with safety belts, but don’t replace them.

CAUTION: (Continued)

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CAUTION: (Continued)

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Air bags are designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits something. They aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear, side or low-speed frontal crashes. And, for unrestrained occupants, Next Generation air bags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful air bags have provided in the past. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly -- whether or not there’s an air bag for that person.

CAUTION:

Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, as you would be if you were leaning forward, it could seriously injure you. This is true even with Next Generation frontal air bags. Safety CAUTION: (Continued)

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belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with Next Generation air bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle.

CAUTION:

Children who are up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. This is true even though your vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them.

CAUTION: (Continued)

How the Air Bag System Works

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CAUTION: (Continued)

Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Children” and see the caution labels on the sunvisors and the right front passenger’s safety belt.

There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows AIR BAG.

The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index for more information.

Where are the air bags? The driver’s air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.

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CAUTION:

If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t put anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other air bag covering.

When should an air bag inflate? An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about 9 to 15 mph (14 to 24 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant.

The right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side.

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In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air bag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal or near-frontal impacts. What makes an air bag inflate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. The sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger. How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. Air bags supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts and side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward those air bags. Air bags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions.

What will you see after an air bag inflates? After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module -- the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, or the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag -- will be hot for a short time. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.

CAUTION:

When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but can’t get out of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door.

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D Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After they

inflate, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include air bag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.

D Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and

diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the sensors are activated and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment. Some modules also record speed, engine rpm, brake and throttle data.

D Let only qualified technicians work on your air

bag system. Improper service can mean that your air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service.

NOTICE:

If you damage the covering for the driver’s or the right front passenger’s air bag, the bag may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module in the steering wheel or both the air bag module and the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s air bag. Do not open or break the air bag coverings.

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag system in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your dealer and the Park Avenue Service Manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. To purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.

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CAUTION:

For up to 10 seconds after the ignition key is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an air bag can still inflate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an air bag when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors. They are probably part of the air bag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualified to do so.

The air bag system does not need regular maintenance. Center Passenger Position

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Lap Belt If your vehicle has a front split seat and a rear bench seat, someone can sit in the center positions.

When you sit in a center seating position, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt.

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Rear Seat Passengers It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts. Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions

To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug. Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder belt. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

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Lap-Shoulder Belt The positions next to the windows have lap-shoulder belts. Here’s how to wear one properly.

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1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.

Don’t let it get twisted. The 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.

2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.

If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

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3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part.

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at 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 safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

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

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To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.

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1. Remove the guide from its storage pocket on the side

of the seatback.

Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Rear shoulder belt comfort guides will provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for small adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide pulls the belt away from the neck and head. There is one guide for each outside passenger position in the rear seat. To provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for smaller adults, the comfort guides may be installed on the shoulder belts. Here’s how to install a comfort guide and use the safety belt:

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2. Slide the guide under and past the belt. The elastic cord must be under the belt. Then, place the guide over the belt, and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide.

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.

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Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle. Smaller Children and Babies

CAUTION:

Children who are up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. This is true even though your vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle.

4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as

described in “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions” earlier in this section. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder.

To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out from the guides. Slide the guide into its storage pocket on the side of the seatback.

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Infants need complete support, including support for the head and neck. This is necessary because an infant’s neck is weak and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a frontal crash, an infant in a rear-facing restraint settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of the infant’s body, the back and shoulders. A baby should be secured in an appropriate infant restraint. This is so important that many hospitals today won’t release a newborn infant to its parents unless there is an infant restraint available for the baby’s first trip in a motor vehicle.

CAUTION:

Smaller children and babies should always be restrained in a child or infant restraint. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is the right type and size for your child. A very young child’s hip bones are so small that a regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it should. Instead, the belt will likely be over the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force right on the child’s abdomen, which could cause serious or fatal injuries. So, be sure that any child small enough for one is always properly restrained in a child or infant restraint.

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CAUTION: (Continued)

at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force on your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold. Secure the baby in an infant restraint.

CAUTION:

Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash

CAUTION: (Continued)

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Child Restraints Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have protection provided by appropriate restraints. Q: What are the different types of add-on

child restraints?

A: Add-on child restraints are available in four basic types. When selecting a child restraint, take into consideration not only the child’s weight and size, but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used.

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An infant car bed (A) is a special bed made for use in a motor vehicle. It’s an infant restraint system designed to restrain or position a child on a continuous flat surface. With an infant car bed, make sure that the infant’s head rests toward the center of the vehicle.

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A rear-facing infant restraint (B) positions an infant to face the rear of the vehicle. Rear-facing infant restraints are designed for infants of up to about 20 lbs. (9 kg) and about one year of age. This type of restraint faces the rear so that the infant’s head, neck and body can have the support they need in a frontal crash. Some infant seats come in two parts -- the base stays secured in the vehicle and the seat part is removable.

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A forward-facing child restraint (C-E) positions a child upright to face forward in the vehicle. These forward-facing restraints are designed to help protect children who are from 20 to 40 lbs. (9 to 18 kg) and about 26 to 40 inches (66 to 102 cm) in height, or up to around four years of age. One type, a convertible restraint, is designed to be used either as a rear-facing infant seat or a forward-facing child seat.

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A booster seat (F, G) is designed for children who are about 40 to 60 lbs., or even up to 80 lbs. (18 to 27 kg, or even up to 36 kg), and about four to eight years of age. A booster seat is designed to improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Booster seats with shields use lap-only belts; however, booster seats without shields use lap-shoulder belts. Booster seats can also help a child to see out the window.

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When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. The instructions that come with the infant or child restraint will show you how to do that. Both the owner’s manual and the child restraint instructions are important, so if either one of these is not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer.

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Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We at General Motors therefore recommend that you put your child restraint in the rear seat. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat. Here’s why:

CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates, even though your vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat. You may secure a forward-facing child restraint