2012 Buick Regal Owners Manual

10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a 10-minute time extension. Remote start can be extended only once. Start the vehicle before driving.

Extending Engine Run Time For a 10-minute extension, repeat Steps 1 through 3 while the engine is still running. The remote start can be extended once. When the remote start is extended, the second 10 minutes will start immediately.

For example, if the engine has been running for five minutes, and 10 minutes are added, the engine will run for a total of 15 minutes. A maximum of two remote starts, or a single start with an extension, are allowed between ignition cycles. The vehicle's ignition must be turned on and then back off before the remote start procedure can be used again.

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

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

The key is in the ignition (Key Access) or if the key is in the vehicle (Keyless Access). The hood is not closed. The hazard warning flashers are on. The malfunction indicator lamp is on. The engine coolant temperature is too high. The oil pressure is low. Two remote vehicle starts, or a single remote start with an extension, have already been used. The vehicle is not in P (Park).

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2-10

Keys, Doors, and Windows

Door Locks

{ WARNING Unlocked doors can be dangerous.

. Passengers, especially

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

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

. Young children who get into

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

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

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

System Operation on page 2‑4.

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

page 5‑36.

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Power Door Locks

Keys, Doors, and Windows

2-11

Safety Locks The vehicle has power safety locks that will lock the rear windows and not allow the rear doors to be opened from the inside. Power Safety Locks

This switch also disables the power window controls on the rear doors. Press v again to deactivate the safety locks on the rear doors. If the LED light (A) flashes, the feature may not be working properly. See “Rear Window Lockout” under Power Windows on page 2‑18.

K (Unlock): Press to unlock the doors. Q (Lock): Press to lock the doors. See “Power Door Locks” in Vehicle Personalization on page 5‑36.

Press v to activate the safety locks on the rear doors. The LED light (A) will illuminate.

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Keys, Doors, and Windows

Doors

Trunk

{ WARNING

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

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

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

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

or under the instrument panel.

. Adjust the Climate Control

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

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

For more information about carbon monoxide, see Engine Exhaust on page 9‑30.

Trunk Release

To open the trunk, press the touch pad (A) under the vehicle emblem.

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Keys, Doors, and Windows

2-13

Remote Trunk Release To open the trunk, press V on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.

Emergency Trunk Release Handle Notice: Do not use the emergency trunk release handle as a tie-down or anchor point when securing items in the trunk as it could damage the handle. The emergency trunk release handle is only intended to aid a person trapped in a latched trunk, enabling them to open the trunk from the inside.

There is an emergency trunk release handle located inside the trunk on the trunk latch. On some vehicles, the release handle can be accessed by folding the rear seat center seatback. See Rear Seats on page 3‑8. Pull the release handle to open the trunk from the inside.

To close the trunk, use the pull cup (A) as an aid.

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Keys, Doors, and Windows

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

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

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

RKE transmitter (keyless access).

. Start the engine. The alarm automatically disarms. How to Detect a Tamper Condition If K is pressed and the horn sounds, an attempted break-in occurred while the system was armed. If the alarm has been activated, the THEFT ATTEMPTED message will appear on the DIC. See Anti-theft Alarm System Messages on page 5‑34 for additional information.

Immobilizer See Radio Frequency Statement on page 13‑16 for information regarding Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and Industry Canada Standards RSS-GEN/210/220/310.

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

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

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

Keys, Doors, and Windows

2-15

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

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

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

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Keys, Doors, and Windows

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

If the RKE transmitter appears to be undamaged, try another transmitter. Or, you may try placing the transmitter in the transmitter pocket located in the center console. See “No Remote Detected” under Key and Lock Messages on page 5‑33. If the engine does not start with the other transmitter or when the transmitter is in the pocket in the center console, your vehicle needs service. See your dealer who can service the theft-deterrent system and have a new transmitter programmed to the vehicle. Do not leave the key or device that disarms or deactivates the theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.

Exterior Mirrors

Convex Mirrors

{ WARNING

A convex mirror can make things, like other vehicles, look farther away than they really are. If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could hit a vehicle on the right. Check the inside mirror or glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.

The passenger side mirror is convex shaped. A convex mirror's surface is curved so more can be seen from the driver seat.

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Power Mirrors

Folding Mirrors

Interior Mirrors

Keys, Doors, and Windows

2-17

Manual Foldaway Mirrors The vehicle has manual folding mirrors. These mirrors can be folded inward to prevent damage when going through an automatic car wash. To fold, pull the mirror toward the vehicle. Push the mirror outward to return it to the original position.

Heated Mirrors The vehicle has heated mirrors: 1 (Rear Window Defogger): Press to heat the mirrors. See “Rear Window Defogger” under Dual Automatic Climate Control System on page 8‑3 for more information.

Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror The vehicle has an automatic dimming inside rearview mirror. Automatic dimming reduces the glare from the headlamps of the vehicle behind you. Vehicles with OnStar® have three control buttons located at the bottom of the mirror. See your dealer for more information about OnStar and how to subscribe to it. See OnStar Overview on page 14‑1. Cleaning the Mirror Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the mirror. Use a soft towel dampened with water.

Controls for the outside power mirrors are located on the driver door. 1. Turn the control knob to the

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

2. Push the control knob to the left,

right, up, or down to adjust the mirror.

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Keys, Doors, and Windows

Windows

{ WARNING

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

Power Windows

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

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

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Keys, Doors, and Windows

2-19

The switches work when the ignition is in ON/RUN, ACC/ACCESSORY, or in Retained Accessory Power (RAP). See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 9‑27. Express Window Operation Windows with an express-up or down feature allow the front windows to be lowered or raised without holding the switch. Rear windows only have express down. Pull a window switch up or push it down all the way, release it, and the window goes up or down automatically. Stop the window by pushing or pulling the switch.

Rear Window Lockout with Power Safety Locks

For vehicles with power safety locks, the rear window lockout button is on the driver door.

Press v to disable the rear window controls and turn on the rear door power safety locks. The light on the button comes on indicating the feature is in use. The rear windows can still be raised or lowered using the driver window switches when the lockout feature is active. To restore power to the rear windows, press the button again. The light on the button goes out. If the light flashes, the feature may not be working properly.

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2-20

Keys, Doors, and Windows

Rear Window Lockout without Power Safety Locks

For vehicles without power safety locks, the rear window lockout switch is on the driver door. This feature prevents the rear passenger windows from operating, except from the driver position.

Press v to activate the rear window lockout switch. An LED comes on when activated. Press v again to deactivate the lockout switch. If the LED flashes, the feature may not be working properly. Programming the Power Windows If the battery on the vehicle has been recharged, disconnected, or is not working, you will need to reprogram each front power window for the express-up feature to work. Before reprogramming, replace or recharge the vehicle's battery.

To program each front window, follow these steps: 1. The ignition is in ACC/

ACCESSORY or ON/RUN, or Retained Accessory Power (RAP).

2. Press and hold the power

window switch until the window is fully open.

3. Pull the power window switch up

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

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

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Keys, Doors, and Windows

2-21

Sun Visors

Roof

Sunroof

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

For vehicles with a sunroof, the sunroof only operates when the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/ ACCESSORY or in Retained Accessory Power (RAP). See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 9‑27 for more information. To open or close the sunroof, press the switch (A) to the first detent position.

To express open or close the sunroof with the safety function enabled, press the open or close sunroof switch (A) to the second detent position and release. To stop the movement, press the switch again. To automatically tilt or close the sunroof, press the tilt open or close sunroof switch (B). If an object is in the path of the sunroof while it is closing, the anti-pinch feature will detect the object and stop the sunroof. The sunroof will then return to the full-open or vent position. The sunroof glass panel cannot be opened or closed if the vehicle has an electrical failure.

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Keys, Doors, and Windows

Sunshade The sunshade is manually operated. Close or open the sunshade by sliding. When the sunroof is opened, the sunshade is always open.

Safety Function If the sunroof has any resistance during automatic closing, it will immediately stop and reverse. To override the safety function, press and hold the close sunroof switch. The sunroof closes without the safety function. To stop the movement, release the switch.

Initializing After a power failure, the sunroof operation may be limited. Have the system initialized by a dealer technician.

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

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Seats and Restraints

3-1

Child Restraints

Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Infants and Young

Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . 3-39
Where to Put the Restraint . . . 3-42
Lower Anchors and Tethers

for Children (LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-43

Replacing LATCH System

Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-51

Securing Child Restraints

(Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-51

Securing Child Restraints

(Front Passenger Seat) . . . . 3-54

Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints

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

Front Seats

Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . 3-4
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Rear Seats

Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Safety Belts

Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
How to Wear Safety Belts

Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
Safety Belt Use During

Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20
Safety Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . 3-20

Safety System Check . . . . . . . . 3-20
Safety Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
Replacing Safety Belt System

Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-21

Airbag System

Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . 3-24
When Should an Airbag

Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25

What Makes an Airbag

Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26

How Does an Airbag

Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26

What Will You See after an

Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27

Passenger Sensing

System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28

Servicing the Airbag-Equipped

Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32

Adding Equipment to the

Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . 3-33
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . 3-33
Replacing Airbag System

Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-34

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3-2

Seats and Restraints

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

{ WARNING

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

Front Seat

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

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

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Seats and Restraints

3-3

WARNING (Continued)

confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you do not want to. Adjust the driver seat only when the vehicle is not moving.

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

the seat cushion.

2. Slide the seat to the desired

position and release the handle.

3. Try to move the seat back and

forth to be sure it is locked in place.

Rear Seat

Front Seats

Seat Adjustment

Seat Position

Pull the head restraint up to raise it. To lower the head restraint, press the release button, located on the head restraint post on the top of the seatback, while you push the head restraint down. Push down on the head restraint after the button is released to make sure that it is locked in place. If you are installing a child restraint in the rear seat, see “Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System” under Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑43.

{ WARNING

You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and

(Continued)

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3-4

Seats and Restraints

Height Adjustment

Power Seat Adjustment

Lumbar Adjustment

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

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

rearward by sliding the control forward or rearward.

To adjust the lumbar support: . Press and hold the front or rear

of the control to increase or decrease lumbar support.

. Raise or lower the front or rear

. Press and hold the top or bottom

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

. Raise or lower the entire seat by

moving the entire control up or down.

of the control to raise or lower lumbar support.

Release the control when the desired level of support is reached.

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Seats and Restraints

3-5

Reclining Seatbacks { WARNING

Sitting in a reclined position when the vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even when buckled up, the safety belts cannot do their job when reclined like this. The shoulder belt cannot do its job because it will not be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash, you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

The lap belt cannot do its job either. In a crash, the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear the safety belt properly.

Do not have a seatback reclined if the vehicle is moving.

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3-6

Seats and Restraints

Manual Reclining Seatbacks

{ WARNING

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

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

3. Push and pull on the seatback to

make sure it is locked.

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

2. Push and pull on the seatback to

make sure it is locked.

Power Reclining Seatbacks

To adjust a power seatback, if equipped:

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

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Heated Front Seats { WARNING

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

Uplevel Buttons Shown,

Base Buttons Similar

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

Seats and Restraints

3-7

Press M or L to heat the driver or passenger seat cushion and seatback. Indicator lights on the button or on the climate control display show the current setting. Press the button once for the highest setting. With each press of the button, the heated seat will change to the next lower setting, and then to the off setting. The lights indicate three for the highest setting and one for the lowest. The passenger seat may take longer to heat up.

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3-8

Seats and Restraints

Remote Start Heated Seats When it is cold outside, the heated seats can be turned on automatically during a remote vehicle start. The heated seats will be canceled when the ignition is turned on. Press the button to use the heated seats after the vehicle is started. The heated seat indicator lights do not turn on during a remote start. The temperature performance of an unoccupied seat may be reduced. This is normal. The heated seats will not turn on during a remote start unless the heated seat feature is enabled in the vehicle personalization menu. See Remote Vehicle Start on page 2‑8 and Vehicle Personalization on page 5‑36 for more information.

Rear Seats

To fold the seatback down:

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

Rear Seat with Safety Belt

Retainer Clip Shown

1. Before folding the seatback,

make sure the safety belt is in the retainer clip (if equipped).

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Seats and Restraints

3-9

To raise a seatback: 1. Lift the seatback up and push it

rearward to lock it in place. Make sure the safety belt is in the retainer clip (if equipped) and is not twisted or caught in the seatback. A tab near the seatback lever retracts when the seatback is locked in place.

2. Push and pull the top of the

seatback to be sure it is locked into position.

3. Repeat the steps to raise the other seatback, if necessary.

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

Raising the Seatback { WARNING

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

{ WARNING

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

Rear Seat with Safety Belt

Guide Loop Shown

2. Pull on the lever on the top of

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

3. Fold the seatback down.

Repeat the steps to fold the other seatback, if desired.

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3-10

Seats and Restraints

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

{ WARNING

Do not let anyone ride where a safety belt cannot be worn properly. In a crash, if you or your passenger(s) are not wearing safety belts, injuries can be much worse than if you are wearing safety belts. You can be seriously injured or killed by hitting things inside the vehicle harder or by being ejected from the vehicle. In addition, anyone who is not buckled up can strike other passengers in the vehicle.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, passengers riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow passengers to ride in any area of the vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Always wear a safety belt, and check that all passenger(s) are restrained properly too.

This vehicle has indicators as a reminder to buckle the safety belts. See Safety Belt Reminders on page 5‑13 for additional information.

Why Safety Belts Work

When riding in a vehicle, you travel as fast as the vehicle does. If the vehicle stops suddenly, you keep going until something stops you. It could be the windshield, the instrument panel, or the safety belts!

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Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why should I have to wear safety belts?

A: Airbags are supplemental

systems only; so they work with safety belts — not instead of them. Whether or not an airbag is provided, all occupants still have to buckle up to get the most protection. Also, in nearly all states and in all Canadian provinces, the law requires wearing safety belts.

When you wear a safety belt, you and the vehicle slow down together. There is more time to stop because you stop over a longer distance and, when worn properly, your strongest bones take the forces from the safety belts. That is why wearing safety belts makes such good sense. Questions and Answers About Safety Belts Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after a crash if I am wearing a safety belt?

A: You could be — whether you are

wearing a safety belt or not. Your chance of being conscious during and after a crash, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.

Seats and Restraints

3-11

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly This section is only for people of adult size. There are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and infants. If a child will be riding in the vehicle, see Older Children on page 3‑34 or Infants and Young Children on page 3‑36. Follow those rules for everyone's protection. It is very important for all occupants to buckle up. Statistics show that unbelted people are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts.

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3-12

Seats and Restraints

There are important things to know about wearing a safety belt properly.

. Sit up straight and always keep

your feet on the floor in front of you.

. Always use the correct buckle

for your seating position.

. Wear the lap part of the belt low

and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones and you would be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force on your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries.

. Wear the shoulder belt over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The shoulder belt locks if there is a sudden stop or crash.

{ WARNING

You can be seriously injured, or even killed, by not wearing your safety belt properly. . Never allow the lap or

shoulder belt to become loose or twisted.

. Never wear the shoulder belt

under both arms or behind your back.

. Never route the lap or shoulder belt over an armrest.

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

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

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Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 3‑20. Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary. If equipped with a shoulder belt height adjuster, move it to the height that is right for you. See “Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster” later in this section for instructions on use and important safety information.

2. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Do not let it get twisted.

3. Push the latch plate into the

buckle until it clicks.

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3-14

Seats and Restraints

Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster The vehicle has a shoulder belt height adjuster for the driver and right front passenger seating positions. Adjust the height so the shoulder portion of the belt is on the shoulder and not falling off of it. The belt should be close to, but not contacting, the neck. Improper shoulder belt height adjustment could reduce the effectiveness of the safety belt in a crash. See How to Wear Safety Belts Properly on page 3‑11.

4. To make the lap part tight,

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

To unlatch the belt, push the button on the buckle. The belt should return to its stowed position. Before a door is closed, be sure the safety belt is out of the way. If a door is slammed against a safety belt, damage can occur to both the safety belt and the vehicle.

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Seats and Restraints

3-15

Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides Rear safety belt comfort guides may provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for some adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide positions the shoulder belt away from the neck and head. This vehicle may come with either an adjustable comfort guide or comfort guides sewn into the side of the rear outboard seatback.

Safety Belt Pretensioners This vehicle has safety belt pretensioners for front outboard occupants. Although the safety belt pretensioners cannot be seen, they are part of the safety belt assembly. They can help tighten the safety belts during the early stages of a moderate to severe frontal, near frontal, or rear crash if the threshold conditions for pretensioner activation are met. And, if the vehicle has side impact airbags, safety belt pretensioners can help tighten the safety belts in a side crash or a rollover event. Pretensioners work only once. If the pretensioners activate in a crash, they will need to be replaced. Other parts of the vehicle's safety belt system may need to be replaced as well. See Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash on page 3‑21.

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

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3-16

Seats and Restraints

Adjustable Safety Belt Comfort Guide

To install the adjustable safety belt comfort guide to the seatback and the safety belt:

On vehicles with the adjustable comfort guide, one guide is provided. Additional adjustable comfort guides are available through your dealer.

1. Locate the anchorage loop between the rear outboard seatback and seat bolster, near the top.

2. Attach the adjustable comfort

guide to the anchor loop by threading the hook through the loop.

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Seats and Restraints

3-17

6. Adjust the guide so the shoulder

portion of the belt is on the shoulder and not falling off of it. The belt should be close to, but not contacting, the neck. Improper comfort guide adjustment could reduce the effectiveness of the safety belt in a crash.

{ WARNING

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

3. Place the guide over the belt,

4. Be sure that the belt is not

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

twisted and it lies flat. The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top.

5. The elastic cord on the comfort

guide is adjustable. You can make it longer or shorter by squeezing both ends of the plastic adjuster and pulling on the elastic cord or the guide.

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3-18

Seats and Restraints

Sewn‐in Safety Belt Comfort Guide

To install a comfort guide to the safety belt: 1. Remove the guide from its

storage pocket on the side of the seat.

7. Buckle, position, and release

the safety belt as described previously in this section. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder.

To remove and store the comfort guide, squeeze the belt edges together so that the safety belt can be removed from the guide. Un-hook the guide from the loop on the seat. Store the guide in a convenient place like the glove box for the next time it is needed.

On vehicles with the sewn‐in comfort guide, there is one guide for each outboard passenger position in the rear seat.

2. Place the guide over the belt,

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

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Seats and Restraints

3-19

{ WARNING

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

3. Be sure that the belt is not

twisted and it lies flat. The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top.

4. Buckle, position, and release

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

To remove and store the comfort guide, squeeze the belt edges together so that the safety belt can be removed from the guide. Store the guide in its storage pocket on the side of the seatback.

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3-20

Seats and Restraints

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

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

Safety System Check Now and then, check that the safety belt reminder light, safety belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages are all working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job. See your dealer to have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working. See Safety Belt Reminders on page 5‑13 for more information. Keep safety belts clean and dry. See Safety Belt Care on page 3‑21.

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

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

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Safety Belt Care Keep belts clean and dry. { WARNING

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

Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash

{ WARNING

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

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3-21

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

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3-22

Seats and Restraints

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

outboard passenger.

. A seat-mounted side impact

airbag for the driver.

. A seat-mounted side impact airbag for the front outboard passenger.

. A roof-rail airbag for the driver

and the passenger seated directly behind the driver.

. A roof-rail airbag for the front outboard passenger and the passenger seated directly behind the front outboard passenger.

The vehicle may have the following airbags: . Seat-mounted side impact airbags for the second row outboard passengers.

All of the airbags have the word AIRBAG embossed on the trim or on a label near the deployment opening. For frontal airbags, the word AIRBAG is on the center of the steering wheel for the driver and on the instrument panel for the front outboard passenger. For seat-mounted side impact airbags, the word AIRBAG is on the side of the seatback closest to the door. For roof-rail airbags, the word AIRBAG is on the ceiling or trim. Airbags are designed to supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Even though today's airbags are also designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating bag, all airbags must inflate very quickly to do their job.

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

{ WARNING

You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you are not wearing your safety belt, even with airbags. Airbags are designed to work with safety belts, not replace them. Also, airbags are not designed to inflate in every crash. In some crashes safety belts are the only restraint. See When Should an Airbag Inflate? on page 3‑25. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce the chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Airbags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. Everyone in the vehicle should wear a safety belt properly, whether or not there is an airbag for that person.

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Seats and Restraints

3-23

There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument panel cluster, which shows the airbag symbol. The system checks the airbag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 5‑14 for more information.

{ WARNING

{ WARNING

Because airbags inflate with great force and faster than the blink of an eye, anyone who is up against, or very close to any airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Do not sit unnecessarily close to any airbag, as you would be if sitting on the edge of the seat or leaning forward. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear a safety belt, even with airbags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle. Occupants should not lean on or sleep against the door or side windows in seating positions with seat-mounted side impact airbags and/or roof-rail airbags.

Children who are up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer protection for adults and older children, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle's safety belt system nor its airbag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in the vehicle. To read how, see Older Children on page 3‑34 or Infants and Young Children on page 3‑36.

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3-24

Seats and Restraints

Where Are the Airbags?

The driver frontal airbag is in the center of the steering wheel. The front outboard passenger frontal airbag is in the passenger side instrument panel.

Rear Seat Driver Side Shown,

Passenger Side Similar

On vehicles with second row seat‐mounted side impact airbags, they are in the sides of the rear seatback closest to the door.

Driver Side Shown,

Passenger Side Similar

The driver and front outboard passenger seat-mounted side impact airbags are in the side of the seatbacks closest to the door. The roof-rail airbags for the driver, front outboard passenger, and second row outboard passengers are in the ceiling above the side windows.

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{ WARNING If something is between an occupant and an airbag, the airbag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person causing severe injury or even death. The path of an inflating airbag must be kept clear. Do not put anything between an occupant and an airbag, and do not attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other airbag covering. Do not use seat accessories that block the inflation path of a seat-mounted side impact airbag. Never secure anything to the roof of a vehicle with roof-rail airbags by routing a rope or tie‐down through any door or window opening. If you do, the path of an inflating roof-rail airbag will be blocked.

When Should an Airbag Inflate? Frontal airbags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near frontal crashes to help reduce the potential for severe injuries, mainly to the driver's or front outboard passenger's head and chest. However, they are only designed to inflate if the impact exceeds a predetermined deployment threshold. Deployment thresholds are used to predict how severe a crash is likely to be in time for the airbags to inflate and help restrain the occupants. Whether the frontal airbags will or should inflate is not based primarily on how fast the vehicle is traveling. It depends on what is hit, the direction of the impact, and how quickly the vehicle slows down.

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3-25

Frontal airbags may inflate at different crash speeds depending on whether the vehicle hits an object straight on or at an angle, and whether the object is fixed or moving, rigid or deformable, narrow or wide. Thresholds can also vary with specific vehicle design. Frontal airbags are not intended to inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts. In addition, the vehicle has dual-stage frontal airbags. Dual-stage airbags adjust the restraint according to crash severity. The vehicle has electronic frontal sensors, which help the sensing system distinguish between a moderate frontal impact and a more severe frontal impact. For moderate frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags inflate at a level less than full deployment. For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs.

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Seats and Restraints

The vehicle has seat-mounted side impact airbags and roof-rail airbags. See Airbag System on page 3‑22. Seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags are intended to inflate in moderate to severe side crashes depending on the location of the impact. In addition, these roof‐rail airbags are intended to inflate during a rollover or in a severe frontal impact. Seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags will inflate if the crash severity is above the system's designed threshold level. The threshold level can vary with specific vehicle design. Seat‐mounted side impact airbags are not intended to inflate in frontal impacts, near frontal impacts, rollovers, or rear impacts. Roof‐rail airbags are not intended to inflate in rear impacts. A seat-mounted side impact airbag is intended to inflate on the side of the vehicle that is struck. Both roof‐rail airbags will

inflate when either side of the vehicle is struck or if the sensing system predicts that the vehicle is about to roll over on its side, or in a severe frontal impact. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an airbag should have inflated simply because of the vehicle damage or repair costs.

What Makes an Airbag Inflate? In a deployment event, the sensing system sends an electrical signal triggering a release of gas from the inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the airbag causing the bag to break out of the cover. The inflator, the airbag, and related hardware are all part of the airbag module. For airbag location, see Where Are the Airbags? on page 3‑24.

How Does an Airbag 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. Airbags supplement the protection provided by safety belts by distributing the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant's body. But airbags would not help in many types of collisions, primarily because the occupant's motion is not toward those airbags. See When Should an Airbag Inflate? on page 3‑25 for more information. Airbags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts.

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Seats and Restraints

3-27

What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? After the frontal airbags and seat-mounted side impact airbags inflate, they quickly deflate, so quickly that some people may not even realize an airbag inflated. Roof-rail airbags may still be at least partially inflated for some time after they inflate. Some components of the airbag module may be hot for several minutes. For location of the airbags, see Where Are the Airbags? on page 3‑24. The parts of the airbag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There may be some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the deflated airbags. Airbag inflation does not prevent the driver from seeing out of the windshield or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it prevent people from leaving the vehicle.

{ WARNING

When an airbag inflates, there may be 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 cannot get out of the vehicle after an airbag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or a door. If you experience breathing problems following an airbag deployment, you should seek medical attention.

The vehicle has a feature that may automatically unlock the doors, turn on the interior lamps, turn on the hazard warning flashers, and shut off the fuel system after the airbags inflate. You can lock the doors, turn

off the interior lamps, and turn off the hazard warning flashers by using the controls for those features.

{ WARNING

A crash severe enough to inflate the airbags may have also damaged important functions in the vehicle, such as the fuel system, brake and steering systems, etc. Even if the vehicle appears to be drivable after a moderate crash, there may be concealed damage that could make it difficult to safely operate the vehicle. Use caution if you should attempt to restart the engine after a crash has occurred.

In many crashes severe enough to inflate the airbag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.

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Seats and Restraints

Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the front outboard passenger airbag. . Airbags are designed to inflate

only once. After an airbag inflates, you will need some new parts for the airbag system. If you do not get them, the airbag system will not be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include airbag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for the vehicle covers the need to replace other parts. The vehicle has a crash sensing and diagnostic module which records information after a crash. See Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy on page 13‑14 and Event Data Recorders on page 13‑15. Let only qualified technicians work on the airbag systems. Improper service can mean that an airbag system will not work properly. See your dealer for service.

Passenger Sensing System The vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the front outboard passenger position. The passenger airbag status indicator will light on the instrument panel when the vehicle is started.

The words ON and OFF will be visible during the system check. If you use remote start, if equipped, to start the vehicle from a distance you may not see the system check. When the system check is complete, either the word ON or the word OFF will be visible. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 5‑15.

The passenger sensing system turns off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions. No other airbag is affected by the passenger sensing system. The passenger sensing system works with sensors that are part of the front outboard passenger seat. The sensors are designed to detect the presence of a properly-seated occupant and determine if the front outboard passenger frontal airbag should be allowed to inflate or not. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat in the correct child restraint for their weight and size.

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