Download PDF Manual

calling from outside Canada, please dial 1-905-644-3063. All TTY users call 1-800-263-3830.


Buick Motor Division is proud to offer Buick Premium Roadside Assistance to customers for vehicles covered under the 3 year/36,000 mile (60 000 km) new car warranty (whichever occurs first).


8-5


Our commitment to Buick owners has always included superior service through our network of Buick dealers. Buick Premium Roadside Assistance provides an extra measure of convenience and security. Buick’s Roadside Assistance toll-free number is staffed by a team of technically trained advisors, who are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We take anxiety out of uncertain situations by providing minor repair information over the phone or making arrangements to tow your vehicle to the nearest Buick dealer. We will provide the following services for 3 years/36,000 miles (60 000 km), at no expense to you: D Fuel delivery D Lock-out service (identification required) D Tow to nearest dealership for warranty service D Change a flat tire D Jump starts We have quick, easy access to telephone numbers of the following additional services depending on your needs: D Hotels D Glass replacement


8-6


D Tire repair facilities D Rental vehicle or taxis D Airports or train stations D Police, fire department or hospitals In many instances, mechanical failures are covered under Buick’s comprehensive warranty. However, when other services are utilized, our advisors will explain any payment obligations you might incur. For prompt and efficient assistance when calling, please provide the following information to give the advisor: D Location of vehicle D Telephone number of your location D Vehicle model, year and color D Mileage of vehicle D Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) D Vehicle license plate number Buick reserves the right to limit services or reimbursement to an owner or driver when, in Buick’s judgement, the claims become excessive in frequency or type of occurrence.


While we hope you never have the occasion to use our service, it is added security while traveling for you and your family. Remember, we’re only a phone call away. Buick Roadside Assistance -- 1-800-252-1112, text telephone (TTY) users, call 1-888-889-2438. Canadian Roadside Assistance Vehicles purchased in Canada have an extensive Roadside Assistance program accessible from anywhere in Canada or the United States. Please refer to the separate brochure provided by the dealer or call 1-800-268-6800 for emergency services. Courtesy Transportation Buick has always exemplified quality and value in its offering of motor vehicles. To enhance your ownership experience, we and our participating dealers are proud to offer Courtesy Transportation, a customer support program for new vehicles. The Courtesy Transportation program is offered to ’retail purchase/lease customers in conjunction with the Bumper-to-Bumper coverage provided by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Several transportation options are available when warranty repairs are required. This will reduce your inconvenience during warranty repairs.


Plan Ahead When Possible When your vehicle requires warranty service, you should contact your dealer and request an appointment. By scheduling a service appointment and advising your service consultant of your transportation needs, your dealer can help minimize your inconvenience. If your vehicle cannot be scheduled into the service department immediately, keep driving it until it can be scheduled for service, unless, of course, the problem is safety-related. If it is, please call your dealership, let them know this, and ask for instructions. If the dealer requests that you simply drop the vehicle off for service, you are urged to do so as early in the work day as possible to allow for same day repair. Transportation Options Warranty service can generally be completed while you wait. However, if you are unable to wait Buick helps minimize your inconvenience by providing several transportation options. Depending on the circumstances, your dealer can offer you one of the following:


8-7


Shuttle Service Participating dealers can provide you with shuttle service to get you to your destination with minimal interruption of your daily schedule. This includes a one way shuttle ride to a destination up to 10 miles from the dealership.


Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement If your vehicle requires overnight warranty repairs, reimbursement up to $30 per day (five days maximum) may be available for the use of public transportation such as taxi or bus. In addition, should you arrange transportation through a friend or relative, reimbursement for reasonable fuel expenses up to $10 per day (five day maximum) may be available. Claim amounts should reflect actual costs and be supported by original receipts.


Courtesy Rental Vehicle When your vehicle is unavailable due to overnight warranty repairs, your dealer may arrange to provide you with a courtesy rental vehicle or reimburse you for a rental vehicle you obtained, at actual cost, up to a maximum of $30.00 per day supported by receipts. This requires that you sign and complete a rental agreement and meet state, local and rental vehicle provider requirements.


8-8


Requirements vary and may include minimum age requirements, insurance coverage, credit card, etc. You are responsible for fuel usage charges and may also be responsible for taxes, levies, usage fees, excessive mileage or rental usage beyond the completion of the repair. Generally it is not possible to provide a like-vehicle as a courtesy rental. Additional Program Information Courtesy Transportation is available during the Bumper-to-Bumper warranty coverage period, but it is not part of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. A separate booklet entitled “Warranty and Owner Assistance Information” furnished with each new vehicle provides detailed warranty coverage information. Courtesy Transportation is available only at participating dealers and all program options, such as shuttle service, may not be available at every dealer. Please contact your dealer for specific information about availability. All Courtesy Transportation arrangements will be administered by appropriate dealer personnel.


Canadian Vehicles: For warranty repairs during the Complete Vehicle Coverage period of the General Motors of Canada New Vehicle Limited Warranty, alternative transportation may be available under the Courtesy Transportation Program. Please consult your dealer for details. General Motors reserves the right to unilaterally modify, change or discontinue Courtesy Transportation at any time and to resolve all questions of claim eligibility pursuant to the terms and conditions described herein at its sole discretion. Warranty Information Your vehicle comes with a separate warranty booklet that contains detailed warranty information.


REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying General Motors. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer or General Motors. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in the Washington, D.C. area) or write to:


NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation Washington, D.C. 20590


You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the hotline.


8-9


REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle has a safety defect, you should immediately notify Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:


Transport Canada 330 Sparks Street Tower C Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5


REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO GENERAL MOTORS In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us. Please call us at 1-800-521-7300, or write:


Buick Customer Assistance Center P.O. Box 33136
Detroit, MI 48232-5136


In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7


8-10


2001 BUICK SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION


The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out


the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order,


or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.)


CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 2001 BUICK


SERVICE MANUALS Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00


OWNER’S INFORMATION Owner publications are written directly for Owners and intended to provide basic operational information about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the Maintenance Schedule for all models.


TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE UNIT REPAIR MANUAL This manual provides information on unit repair service procedures, adjustments and specifications for the 2001 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00


SERVICE BULLETINS Service Bulletins give technical service information needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.


PLEASE COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM SHOWN ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE AND MAIL TO:


Helm, Incorporated S P.O. Box 07130 S Detroit, MI 48207


In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual and Warranty Booklet. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $20.00


Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $15.00


CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS Service Publications are available for current and past model GM vehicles. To request an order form, please specify year and model name of the vehicle.


OR ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123


Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Eastern Time Visit Helm, Inc. on the World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA–MasterCard–Discover)


8-11


ORDER TOLL FREE


(NOTE: For Credit Card Holders Only)


1-800-551-4123


(Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST)


FAX Orders Only 1-313-865-5927


Orders will be mailed within 10 days of receipt. Please allow adequate time for postal service. If further information is needed, write to the address shown below or call 1-800-551-4123. Material cannot be returned for credit without packing slip with return information within 30 days of delivery. On returns, a re-stocking fee may be applied against the original order.


PUBLICATION FORM PUBLICATION FORM


NUMBER NUMBER


ITEM DESCRIPTION


Service Manual Car & Light Truck Transmission Unit Repair


Owner’s Manual In Portfolio


Owner’s Manual Without Portfolio


VEHICLE MODEL


NAME


TOTAL PRICE


YEAR 2001


2001


2001


2001


QTY.


PRICE EACH*


$120.00


$50.00


$20.00


$15.00


NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name, and also the name of the person to whose attention the shipment should be sent. Mail completed order form to:


HELM, INCORPORATED S P.O. Box 07130 S Detroit, MI 48207
For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the above address for quotation.


(CUSTOMER’S NAME)


(ATTENTION)


(STREET ADDRESS—NO P.O. BOX NUMBERS)


(CITY)


(STATE)


DAYTIME TELEPHONE NO.


( )


AREA CODE


(ZIP CODE)


Check or Money Order payable to Helm, Inc. (USA funds only — do not send cash.)


MasterCard


VISA


Discover


Account Number: Expiration Date mo/yr:


CUSTOMER SIGNATURE


TOTAL MATERIAL


Michigan Purchasers add 6% sales tax


U.S. Order Processing


Canadian Postage


GRAND TOTAL


$6.00


Check here if your billing address is different from your shipping address shown.


GM-BUI-ORD00
8-12


*(Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.)


Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make checks payable in U.S. funds.



Every 2001


Park Avenue


under warranty is backed with the


following services:


Courtesy


Transportation


1-800-252-1112
1-800-252-1112


(For vehicles purchased in Canada, (For vehicles purchased in Canada,


call 1-800-268-6800) call 1-800-268-6800)


that provides in an emergency:


Free lockout assistance Free dead-battery assistance Free out-of-fuel assistance Free flat-tire change Emergency towing


2001 Buick Park Avenue


Owner's Manual


Litho in U.S.A. Part Number 25711389 A First Edition


© Copyright General Motors Corporation 2000
All Rights Reserved


Table of Contents


Section 1


Seats and Seat Controls Safety Belts


Seats and Restraint Systems


Air Bag Systems Restraint Systems for Children


Windows Keys and Door Locks Remote Keyless Entry System Trunk Release Automatic Transaxle Parking Brake Tilt Wheel Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever Windshield Wipers Cruise Control Exterior and Interior Lamps Mirrors


Features and Controls


Storage Compartments Convenience Net Auxiliary Power Outlets OnStar® System (If Equipped) Sunroof (Option) HomeLink® Transmitter (If Equipped) Instrument Panel, Warning Lights and Gages Driver Information Center (If Equipped) Personal Choice Features Head-Up Display (If Equipped) Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (Option)


Section 2


ii


Section 3


Section 4


Table of Contents (cont'd)


Comfort Controls and Audio Systems


Heating and Air Conditioning Setting the Radio Clock Radio/Cassette Player/CD Player


Radio Theft-Deterrent Feature Steering Wheel Controls


Defensive Driving Drunken Driving Control of a Vehicle Braking Steering


Your Driving and the Road


Driving Tips for Various Road Conditions Recreational Vehicle Towing Loading Your Vehicle Towing a Trailer


Section 5


Hazard Warning Flashers Jump Starting Towing Your Vehicle


Problems on the Road


Engine Overheating Changing a Flat Tire If You're Stuck


iii


Table of Contents (cont'd)


Service and Appearance Care


Section 6


Fuel Checking Fluids and Lubricants GM Oil Life System™ (If Equipped) Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Passenger Compartment Air Filter Brakes Bulb Replacement


Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Tires and Wheels Appearance Care Electrical System/Fuses and Circuit Breakers Capacities and Specifications Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts


Section 7


Scheduled Maintenance Owner Checks and Services Periodic Maintenance Inspections


Maintenance Schedule


Recommended Fluids and Lubricants Maintenance Records


iv


Table of Contents (cont'd)


Customer Assistance Information


Section 8


Customer Satisfaction Procedures Customer Assistance Offices Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation


Warranty Information (See Warranty Manual) Reporting Safety Defects on page 8-9
Service Publications


Section 9


In the Index you will find an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual.


You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.


Index


Please refer to the last page of this manual for your Service Station Guide


We support voluntary technician certification.


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:


Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207


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 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.


vi


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.


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.”


vii


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.


viii


Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle. Also see “Warning Lights and Gages” in the Index.


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:


CHILD RESTRAINT TOP STRAP ANCHOR


DOOR LOCK UNLOCK


FASTEN SEAT BELTS


POWER WINDOW


AIR BAG


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:


MASTER LIGHTING SWITCH


TURN SIGNALS


PARKING LAMPS


HAZARD WARNING FLASHER


DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS


WINDSHIELD WIPER


WINDSHIELD WASHER


WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER


REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER


FOG LAMPS


VENTILATING FAN


ENGINE COOLANT TEMP


BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM


BRAKE


COOLANT


ENGINE OIL PRESSURE


ANTI-LOCK BRAKES


FUSE


LIGHTER


HORN


FUEL


ix


Service Station Guide


Battery


See Section 6


Tire Pressure See Section 6


Spare Tire Pressure


See Section 5


Alternate


Fuel Door Release


See Section 6


Cooling System See Section 5


Windshield Washer


Fluid


See Section 6


Fuel


Use unleaded only.


See Section 6


for octane ratings.


Remote Fuel Door Release See Section 6


For a More


Detailed Look at


What's Under the Hood


See Section 6


Hood Release See Section 6


Engine Oil Dipstick


See Section 6


Oil Viscosity Engine Oil See Section 6


Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems


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
1-13


1-14
1-14
1-20
1-21
1-21
1-29


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 Air Bag Systems Center Passenger Position


1-31
1-34


1-36
1-40
1-52
1-55
1-56
1-56


Rear Seat Passengers Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Children Restraint Systems for Children Older 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


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 backward 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 by pushing the


vertical control up or down.


1-2


4-Way Power Lumbar Control (Option)


Memory Seat and Mirrors (If Equipped)


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 outboard 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 function to save your seat cushion positions (including the shoulder belt height adjuster), recliner, lumbar, mirror adjustment, personal choice settings, comfort controls and radio settings.


1-3


To save your seat and mirror positions into memory, use the following procedure: 1. Adjust the driver’s seat and lumbar position to a


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


2. Press and hold the MEMORY button (1 or 2)


corresponding with your DRIVER # displayed on the DIC for longer than three seconds. You will hear two beeps confirming that the seat and mirror positions have been entered into memory.


To set the seat and mirror positions for a second driver, follow the previous steps, but start by pressing the button with the unlock symbol on the transmitter that displays the other DRIVER # on the DIC. Be sure to use the MEMORY button (1 or 2) which corresponds to the DRIVER # identified by the second transmitter.


To store the exit position for an easy exit, use the following procedure: 1. First identify the DRIVER # by pressing the MEMORY button (1 or 2) or by pressing the button with the unlock symbol on the transmitter.


2. Adjust the driver’s seat to the desired exit position. 3. Press and hold the EXIT button for longer than


three seconds. You will hear two beeps confirming that the seat exit position has been entered into memory. To set the exit position for a second driver, follow the previous steps, but start by pressing the button with the unlock symbol on the transmitter that displays the other DRIVER # on the DIC. Be sure to use the MEMORY button (1 or 2) which corresponds to the DRIVER # identified by the other transmitter. To recall your memory positions, your vehicle must be in PARK (P). Push and release the MEMORY button (1 or 2) corresponding to the desired driving position. The seat and mirrors will move to the position previously stored for the identified driver. You will hear one beep.


1-4


To stop recall movement of the seat at any time, press the driver’s power seat control located on the outboard side of the front seat. To recall the exit position, your vehicle must be in PARK (P). Push and release the EXIT button and the seat will move to the exit position previously stored for the current identified driver. You will hear one beep. If an exit position has not been stored for the current identified driver, the seat will move all the way back. Mirrors, lumbar and shoulder belt height adjuster positions will not be stored or recalled for the exit position. If you would like your stored driving or exit position to be recalled when unlocking your vehicle with the transmitter, see “Personal Choice Features, Memory Seat Recall” in the Index.


Heated Seats (Option)


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.


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 light on the control reminds you that the heating system is in use. When the ignition is turned off, the heating element is also turned off.


1-5


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


CAUTION:


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


Slide the 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 head restraints tilt forward and rearward also.


Adjust the head restraint by grasping the top of the restraint and moving it forward or rearward until it is in the desired position. 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 head restraints tilt forward and rearward also. There are three different positions for the rear seat head restraints. Adjust a rear 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 position until you need to move it again. Pulling it forward past the last position will allow the head restraint to return to its full rear position.


1-7


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.


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 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.


1-8


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. 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!


1-9


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’s just a seat on wheels.


1-10


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


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


1-11


or the instrument panel ...


1-12


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.


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.


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.


1-13


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. 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 so you can sit up straight. To see


how, see “Seats” in the Index.


1-14


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.


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 crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.


Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt height adjuster to the height that is right for you. Using the power seat control, raise or lower the shoulder belt height adjuster by pushing the vertical control up or down. Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of the belt is centered on your shoulder. The belt should be away from your face and neck, but not falling off your shoulder.


1-15


Q: What’s wrong with this?


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?


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?


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?


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.


1-19


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.


1-20


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.


Air Bag Systems This part explains the frontal and side impact air bag systems. Your vehicle has four air bags -- a frontal air bag for the driver, another frontal air bag for the right front passenger, a side impact air bag for the driver, and another side impact air bag for the right front passenger. Frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating frontal air bag. But these air bags must inflate very quickly to do their job and comply with federal regulations.


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.


1-21


Here are the most important things to know about the air bag systems:


CAUTION: (Continued)


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 are designed to work with safety belts but don’t replace them.


CAUTION: (Continued)


Frontal air bags for the driver and right front passenger 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, frontal air bags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful air bags have provided in the past. The side impact air bags for the driver and right front passenger are designed to inflate only in moderate to severe crashes where something hits the side of your vehicle. They aren’t designed to inflate in frontal, in rollover or in rear crashes. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly -- whether or not there’s an air bag for that person.


1-22


CAUTION:


CAUTION:


Both frontal and side impact 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. Safety belts help keep you in position for air bag inflation before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with frontal air bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle. Front occupants should not lean on or sleep against the door.


Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. 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. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Children.”


1-23


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


How the Air Bag Systems Work


Where are the air bags?


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.


The driver’s frontal air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.


1-24


The right front passenger’s frontal air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. The driver’s side impact air bag is in the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door.


The right front passenger’s side impact air bag is in the side of the passenger’s seatback closest to the door.


1-25


If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags are not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts, or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. The side impact air bags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe side crashes. A side impact air bag will inflate if the crash severity is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” The threshold level can vary with specific vehicle design. Side impact air bags are not designed to inflate in frontal or near-frontal impacts, rollovers or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. A side impact air bag will only deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck. 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. For frontal air bags, inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal and near-frontal impacts. For side impact air bags, inflation is determined by the location and severity of the impact.


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 and don’t let seat covers block the inflation path of a side impact air bag.


When should an air bag inflate? The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. But they are designed to 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.


1-26


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. For both frontal and side impact air bags, 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, instrument panel and the side of the front seatbacks closest to the door.


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. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle. The air bag supplements 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 the frontal 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 the air bag. Side impact air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including frontal or near frontal collisions, rollovers, and rear 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 for the driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags, and only in moderate to severe side collisions for the driver’s and right front passenger’s side impact air bags.


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, the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag, the side of the seatback closest to the door for the driver and right front passenger’s side impact air bags -- 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 the vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from seeing or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.


1-27


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 a door.


D Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After an air bag inflates, 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.


1-28


D Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and


diagnostic module, which records information about the frontal air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the system commands air bag inflation and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment. The module also records speed, engine rpm, brake and throttle data. D Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag systems. Improper service can mean that an 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, or the air bag covering on the driver’s and right front passenger’s seatback, the bag may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module in the steering wheel, both the air bag module and the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s air bag, or both the air bag module and seatback for the driver’s and right front passenger’s side impact air bag. Do not open or break the air bag coverings.


Center Passenger Position


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


Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag systems in several places around your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag systems. To purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.


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 systems. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualified to do so.


The air bag systems do not need regular maintenance.


1-29


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.


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.


1-30


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


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


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.


1-31


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


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.


1-32


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.


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.


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


1-33


Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Rear shoulder belt comfort guides will provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for small adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide better positions 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:


1-34


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


of the seatback.


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.


1-35


Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes infants and all other children. 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. Infants and Young Children Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have the protection provided by the appropriate restraint. Young children should not use the vehicle’s safety belts, unless there is no other choice.


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.


1-36


CAUTION: (Continued)


For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force on a person’s arms. A baby should be secured in an appropriate restraint.


CAUTION:


People should never hold a baby in their arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it.


CAUTION: (Continued)


1-37


CAUTION:


Children who are up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer outstanding protection for adults and older children, 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.


Q: What are the different types of add-on


child restraints?


A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by the


vehicle’s owner, are available in four basic types. Selection of a particular restraint should take into consideration not only the child’s weight, height and age but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used.


For most basic types of child restraints, there are many different models available. When purchasing a child restraint, be sure it is designed to be used in a motor vehicle. If it is, the restraint will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. The restraint manufacturer’s instructions that come with the restraint state the weight and height limitations for a particular child restraint. In addition, there are many kinds of restraints available for children with special needs.


1-38


CAUTION:


CAUTION:


Newborn infants need complete support, including support for the head and neck. This is necessary because a newborn infant’s neck is weak and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a crash, an infant in a rear-facing seat settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of an infant’s body, the back and shoulders. Infants always should be secured in appropriate infant restraints.


The body structure of a young child is quite unlike that of an adult or older child, for whom the safety belts are designed. A young child’s hip bones are still so small that vehicle’s regular safety belt may not remain low on the hip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settle up around the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force on a body area that’s unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries. Young children always should be secured in appropriate child restraints.


1-39


Restraint Systems for Children


A rear-facing infant seat (B) provides restraint with the seating surface against the back of the infant. The harness system holds the infant in place and, in a crash, acts to keep the infant positioned in the restraint.


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


1-40


A forward-facing child seat (C-E) provides restraint for the child’s body with the harness and also sometimes with surfaces such as T-shaped or shelf-like shields.


A booster seat (F-G) is a child restraint designed to improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Some booster seats have a shoulder belt positioner, and some high-back booster seats have a five-point harness. A booster seat can also help a child to see out the window.


1-41


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. When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to the instructions that come with the restraint which may be on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraint instructions are important, so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer.


Q: How do child restraints work? A: A child restraint system is any device designed for use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or position children. A built-in child restraint system is a permanent part of the motor vehicle. An add-on child restraint system is a portable one, which is purchased by the vehicle’s owner. For many years, add-on child restraints have used the adult belt system in the vehicle. To help reduce the chance of injury, the child also has to be secured within the restraint. The vehicle’s belt system secures the add-on child restraint in the vehicle, and the add-on child restraint’s harness system holds the child in place within the restraint. One system, the three-point harness, has straps that come down over each of the infant’s shoulders and buckle together at the crotch. The five-point harness system has two shoulder straps, two hip straps and a crotch strap. A shield may take the place of hip straps. A T-shaped shield has shoulder straps that are attached to a flat pad which rests low against the child’s body. A shelf- or armrest-type shield has straps that are attached to a wide, shelf-like shield that swings up or to the side.


1-42


Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. General Motors, therefore, recommends that child restraints be secured in the rear seat including an infant riding in a rear-facing infant seat, a child riding in a forward-facing child seat and an older child riding in a booster 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. 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 in the right front seat, but before you do, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It’s better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.


CAUTION:


A child in a child restraint in the center front seat can be badly injured or killed by the right front passenger air bag if it inflates. Never secure a child restraint in the center front seat. It’s always better to secure a child restraint in the rear seat. You may secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front passenger seat, but before you do, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It’s better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.


Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle -- even when no child is in it.


1-43


Top Strap Some child restraints have a top strap, or “top tether.” It can help restrain the child restraint during a collision. For it to work, a top strap must be properly anchored to the vehicle. If the child restraint does not have a top strap, one can be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints. Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not a kit is available.


In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. In the United States, some child restraints also have a top strap. If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. Your vehicle has top strap anchors already installed for the rear seating positions. You’ll find them behind the rear seat on the filler panel. In order to get to a bracket, you’ll have to open the trim cover.


1-44


Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position


You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. 2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder


portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.


1-45


Anchor the top strap to one of these anchor points. Be sure to use an anchor point located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed. If you have an adjustable head restraint, raise the head restraint and route the top strap under it. Once you have the top strap anchored, you’ll be ready to secure the child restraint itself. Tighten the top strap when and as the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions say.


Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.


3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.


1-46


4. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.


5. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.


1-47


Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position


CAUTION:


You’ll be using the lap belt. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say.


A child in a child restraint in the center front seat can be badly injured or killed by the right front passenger air bag if it inflates. Never secure a child restraint in the center front seat. It’s always better to secure a child restraint in the rear seat. You may secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front passenger seat, but before you do, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It’s better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.


See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one.


1-48


1. Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch


plate and pulling it along the belt.


2. Put the restraint on the seat. 3. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.


4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.


5. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push


down on the child restraint. If you’re using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.


6. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


1-49


To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position


Your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in this 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. 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 the rear seat.


Although a rear seat is a safer place, you can secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat. You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger


air bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a forward-facing child restraint. See “Seats” in the Index.


2. Put the restraint on the seat.


1-50


3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder


portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.


5. Pull the rest of the lap belt all the way out of the


retractor to set the lock.


4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.


1-51


Older Children


6. To tighten the belt, feed the lap belt back into the


retractor while you push down on the child restraint. You may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.


7. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. 1-52


Older children who have outgrown booster seats should wear the vehicle’s safety belts. If you have the choice, a child should sit next to a window so the child can wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide.


Q: What is the proper way to wear safety belts? A: If possible, an older child should wear a


lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. The shoulder belt should not cross the face or neck. The lap belt should fit snugly below the hips, just touching the top of the thighs. It should never be worn over the abdomen, which could cause severe or even fatal internal injuries in a crash.


Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat. In a crash, children who are not buckled up can strike other people who are buckled up, or can be thrown out of the vehicle. Older children need to use safety belts properly.


CAUTION:


Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time.


1-53


Q: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt, but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck?


A: Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but


be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide. If the child is sitting in a rear seat outside position, see “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” in the Index. If the child is so small that the shoulder belt is still very close to the child’s face or neck, you might want to place the child in the center seat position, the one that has only a lap belt.


1-54


CAUTION:


Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries.


Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash.


Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The extender will be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt.


1-55


Checking Your Restraint Systems Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, 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. Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.)


Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new belts. If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt wasn’t being used at the time of the collision. If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier in this section.


1-56


Section 2 Features and Controls


Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working properly -- and what to do if you have a problem.


2-2
2-4
2-6
2-10
2-15
2-17
2-18
2-20
2-22
2-22
2-24
2-25
2-26
2-29
2-30
2-33
2-33
2-34


Windows Keys Door Locks Remote Keyless Entry System Trunk Theft Content Theft-Deterrent System PASS-KeyR III New Vehicle “Break-In” Ignition Positions Starting Your Engine Engine Coolant Heater (Option) Automatic Transaxle Operation Parking Brake Shifting Into PARK (P) Shifting Out of PARK (P) Parking Over Things That Burn Engine Exhaust


2-


2-34
2-35
2-36
2-43
2-45
2-49
2-55
2-62
2-65
2-66
2-70


2-72
2-75
2-86
2-96
2-99


Running Your Engine While You’re Parked Tilt Wheel Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever Exterior Lamps Interior Lamps Mirrors Storage Compartments OnStarR System (If Equipped) Sunroof (Option) HomeLinkR Transmitter (If Equipped) The Instrument Panel -- Your Information System Instrument Panel Clusters Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators Driver Information Center (DIC) (If Equipped) Head-Up Display (HUD) (If Equipped) Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) (Option)


2-1


Windows


CAUTION:


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


2-2


Power Windows


Switches on the driver’s armrest control each of the windows while the ignition is on or Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See “Retained Accessory Power (RAP) in the Index for more information. In addition, each passenger door has a switch for its own window.


Loading...
x