2011 Chevrolet Camaro Owners Manual

system malfunction. The engine coolant temperature is too high. The oil pressure is low. Two remote vehicle starts have already been used. The vehicle is not in P (Park).

Door Locks

{ WARNING Unlocked doors can be dangerous.

. Passengers, especially

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

(Continued)

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.

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Keys, Doors and Windows

Manual Door Locks Lock the doors from inside the vehicle by pressing down the button on the top of the door. The doors can also be unlocked from the inside by pulling the door handle. Pulling the door handle again unlatches the door. Unlock the door from the outside by turning the key counterclockwise. Lock all doors from the outside by turning the key clockwise. The door lock cylinder turns freely when either the wrong key is used, or the correct key is not fully inserted. The free turning door lock feature prevents the lock from being forced open. To reset the lock, turn it to the vertical position with the correct key fully inserted. Remove the key and insert it again.

If this does not reset the lock, turn the key half-way around in the cylinder and repeat the reset procedure.

Power Door Locks

The power door lock switch is on the center console. K (Unlock): Press to unlock both doors. Q (Lock): Press to lock both doors.

To program the power door locks, see Vehicle Personalization on page 5‑42.

Lockout Protection If the power door lock switch is pressed when the key is in the ignition and a door is open, all the doors will lock and only the driver door will unlock. If the doors are closed, they can be locked by using the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition when locking the vehicle. This feature can be overridden by pressing the lock button on the RKE transmitter or by pressing the power lock switch a second time. This feature can be disabled. See Power Door Locks in Vehicle Personalization on page 5‑42.

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Keys, Doors and Windows

2-9

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 System in the Index.

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

For more information about carbon monoxide, see Engine Exhaust on page 9‑28.

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

From inside the vehicle, press the V button located on the driver door.

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Keys, Doors and Windows

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.

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.

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 seatback down. See Rear Seats on page 3‑7. Pull the release handle to open the trunk from the inside. Return the release handle to its original position for proper operation.

The security light is located on the instrument panel.

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Keys, Doors and Windows

2-11

How the System Alarm is Activated To activate the system if it is armed, open any door, the trunk, or hood. The horn will sound and the hazard warning flashers will flash. How to Turn Off the System Alarm To turn off the system alarm, do one of the following: . Press K on the RKE transmitter.

Turn the ignition to ON/RUN.

The theft-deterrent system is disarmed when the alarm is turned off.

How to Detect a Tamper Condition If the horn sounds and the turn signal lamps flash three times when K is pressed, an attempted break-in has occurred while the system was armed. The vehicle may also display a message on the DIC. See Anti-Theft Alarm System Messages on page 5‑39 for more information.

Immobilizer See Radio Frequency Statement on page 13‑19 for information regarding Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and Industry Canada Standards RSS-210/220/310.

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

Turn the ignition to ON/RUN.

The security light stays on for approximately one second when the vehicle is disarming. If the system is armed when there are people inside of the vehicle, pulling the door handle from the inside one time will unlock the door. Pulling the handle a second time will unlatch the door.

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Keys, Doors and Windows

Immobilizer Operation 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. 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 immobilizer light, located in the instrument panel cluster, comes on if there is a problem with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system. See Immobilizer Light on page 5‑24. When trying to start the vehicle, the immobilizer light comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on. If the engine does not start and the immobilizer 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, try another ignition key. If the engine still does not start and the light continues to stay on, try another 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.

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Keys, Doors and Windows

2-13

Exterior Mirrors

Power 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.

Vehicles with outside power mirrors have controls located on the driver door armrest.

To adjust each mirror: 1. Press the switch to select the

driver or passenger side mirror. 2. Press one of the four sides on

the i (control pad) to adjust the mirror.

3. Adjust each outside mirror so

that a little of the vehicle and the area behind it can be seen.

Turn Signal Indicator The vehicle has a turn signal indicator on the mirror. An arrow on the mirror flashes in the direction of the turn or lane change.

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Keys, Doors and Windows

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

Automatic Dimming Mirror If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic dimming outside mirror on the driver side, the mirror will adjust for the glare of headlamps behind you.

Interior Mirrors

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

Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror The vehicle may have an automatic dimming inside rearview mirror. Automatic dimming reduces the glare from the headlamps of the vehicle behind you. The dimming feature and the indicator light come on each time the vehicle is started. Vehicles with OnStar® have three additional control buttons located at the bottom of the mirror. See your dealer for more information about OnStar and how to subscribe to it. See the OnStar Owner's Guide for more information about the services OnStar provides. Cleaning the Mirror Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the mirror. Use a soft towel dampened with water.

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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.

Keys, Doors and Windows

2-15

Power Windows

The power window switches located on the driver door control all windows. The window switch on the passenger door is only for that window. Push the front of the switch down to open the window. Pull the switch up to close it.

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Keys, Doors and Windows

The switches work when the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY, or in Retained Accessory Power (RAP). See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 9‑24. Window Indexing This automatically lowers the window a small amount when the door is opened. When the door is closed, the window will raise fully. If the vehicle loses power or the window freezes, this feature may not work. From outside the vehicle, close the door and push the window inward so that the glass goes under the molding.

If the OPEN, THEN CLOSE DRIVER WINDOW or OPEN, THEN CLOSE PASSENGER WINDOW messages are displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC), follow the procedure for Programming the Power Windows later in this section. See also Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 5‑25. Express Window Operation The front window switches have an express-up or down feature that lowers or raises the window without holding the switch. Pull the switch up or press it down all the way and release it. Stop the window by pressing or pulling the switch.

Express Window Anti-Pinch Feature When express-up is active, the window will auto-reverse if there is an obstruction or severe icing. The window returns to normal operation after the obstruction or condition is removed.

{ WARNING

If express override is activated, the window will not reverse automatically. You or others could be injured and the window could be damaged. Before you use express override, make sure that all people and obstructions are clear of the window path.

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Keys, Doors and Windows

2-17

Roof

Sunroof On vehicles with a sunroof, the switch is located on the overhead console. The sunroof only operates when the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY, or if Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 9‑24.

Express Window Anti-Pinch Override The anti-pinch feature can be overridden by holding the window switch all the way down. The window will lower for as long as the switch is held. Once the switch is released, the express mode is re-activated. In this mode, the window can still close on an object in its path. Use care when using the override mode. 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. With the ignition in ON/RUN or

ACC/ACCESSORY, or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active, close all doors.

2. Press and hold the power

window switch until the window is fully open.

3. Pull the power window switch up

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

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

Sun Visors Pull the sun visor toward you or move it to the side to reduce glare.

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Keys, Doors and Windows

Express Sunroof Operation

The sunroof can be opened without holding the switch down. Push the switch in the open direction until the second pause. The sunroof will fully open. To stop the sunroof from moving, press either the open or close sunroof switch. Press and release the back of the switch to open the sunroof to the vent position. Press it again to

express-open the sunroof. To stop the sunroof from opening, press the switch again. A deflector automatically raises when the sunroof is opened and retracts while the sunroof closes. If the sunshade is closed, it opens automatically when the sunroof opens past the vented position. Notice: Forcing the sunshade forward of the sliding glass panel may cause damage and the sunroof may not operate properly. Always close the glass panel before closing the sunshade. To close the sunroof, press the front of the switch and hold it until the sunroof is closed. The sunroof will stop if the switch is released. Close the sunshade by hand. The sunroof glass panel cannot be opened or closed if the vehicle has an electrical failure.

Dirt and debris may collect on the sunroof seal or in the track. This could cause an issue with sunroof operation, noise, or plugging 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-39
Infants and Young

Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . 3-43
Where to Put the Restraint . . . 3-45
Lower Anchors and Tethers

for Children (LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-47

Replacing LATCH System

Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-52

Securing Child Restraints

(Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-52

Securing Child Restraints

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

Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints

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

Front Seats

Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . 3-4
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Seatback Latches . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Rear Seats

Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Safety Belts

Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
How to Wear Safety Belts

Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Safety Belt Use During

Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
Safety Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . 3-21

Safety System Check . . . . . . . . 3-22
Safety Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Replacing Safety Belt System

Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-22

Airbag System

Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . 3-25
When Should an Airbag

Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27

What Makes an Airbag

Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28

How Does an Airbag

Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29

What Will You See After an

Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29

Passenger Sensing

System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31

Servicing the Airbag-Equipped

Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36

Adding Equipment to the

Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . 3-36
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . 3-38
Replacing Airbag System

Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-38

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Seats and Restraints

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

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

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

Pull the head restraint up to raise it. To lower the head restraint, press the button, located on the top of the seatback, and push the restraint down. Push down on the head restraint after the button is released to make sure that it is locked in place. The vehicle's head restraints are not designed to be removed.

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Front Seats

Seat Adjustment

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

Seats and Restraints

3-3

Seat Height Adjustment

To adjust a manual seat: 1. Lift the handle under the seat to

unlock it.

2. Slide the seat and release the

handle.

3. Try to move the seat back and

forth to be sure it is locked in place.

To manually raise or lower the seat, move the lever repeatedly upward or downward.

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Seats and Restraints

Power Seat Adjustment

Reclining Seatbacks

Power Reclining Seatbacks

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

To adjust the seatback:

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

To adjust a power seat, if equipped: . Move the seat forward or

rearward by moving the control forward or rearward.

. Move the whole seat up or down by moving the control up or down. Tilt the seat by turning the control forward or rearward.

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Seats and Restraints

3-5

{ 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

Seatback Latches

To access the rear seats, pull up on the latch on the rear of the driver or front passenger seatback. Fold the seatback forward.

{ 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.

Lift the seatback to return it to the upright position. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.

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.

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Rear Seats The rear seat has two designated seating positions and can be folded for more cargo space. Fold only when the vehicle is parked. To fold the seatback down:

If available, press L or M to turn on the heated seat. A light indicates this feature is on. To operate, the engine must be running. 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 the off setting. Two lights indicate the highest setting, and one light indicates the lowest.

1. Pull on the strap located on the

top of the rear seatback. 2. Fold the seatback down.

Seats and Restraints

3-7

{ 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.

Lift the seatback up to raise it, and push it back to lock it into place. Make sure the safety belt is not twisted or caught in the seatback.

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3-8

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

{ WARNING

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

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

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

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Seats and Restraints

3-9

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

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

Put someone on it.

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

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3-10

Seats and Restraints

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

or the instrument panel...

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

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Seats and Restraints

3-11

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

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

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly This section is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and infants. If a child will be riding in the vehicle, see Older Children on page 3‑39 or Infants and Young Children on page 3‑41. 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.

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

A: You could be — whether you

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

Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why

should I have to wear safety belts?

A: Airbags are supplemental

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

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3-12

Seats and Restraints

Occupants who are not buckled up can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts. First, before you or your passenger(s) wear a safety belt, there is important information you should know.

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

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is too loose.

It will not give as much protection this way.

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

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{ WARNING

Q: What is wrong with this?

{ WARNING

Seats and Restraints

3-13

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

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

A: The lap belt is too loose. It will

not give nearly as much protection this way.

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3-14

Seats and Restraints

Q: What is wrong with this?

{ WARNING

Q: What is wrong with this?

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

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong

buckle.

A: The belt is over an armrest.

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{ WARNING

Q: What is wrong with this?

{ WARNING

Seats and Restraints

3-15

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

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

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

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3-16

Seats and Restraints

Q: What is wrong with this?

{ WARNING

Q: What is wrong with this?

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

A: The belt is behind the body.

A: The belt is twisted across

the body.

{ WARNING

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

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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.

2. Adjust the seat, if the seat is adjustable, so you can sit up straight. To see how, see “Seats” in the Index.

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

1.

If the seat has a safety belt guide, and the safety belt is not routed through the guide, snap the guide around the belt webbing. Be sure the belt is not twisted.

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

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 is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 3‑21.

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Seats and Restraints

Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary.

5. 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.

Safety Belt Pretensioners This vehicle has safety belt pretensioners for the 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 or near frontal 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.

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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Pretensioners work only once. If the pretensioners activate in a crash, the pretensioners and probably other parts of the vehicle's safety belt system will need to be replaced. See Replacing Safety Belt System Parts After a Crash on page 3‑22. Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides Rear shoulder 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.

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

2. Place the guide over the belt

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

1. Pull the elastic cord out

from between the edge of the seatback and the interior body to remove the guide from its storage clip.

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Seats and Restraints

{ WARNING

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

3. Be sure that the belt is

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

4. Buckle, position, and release

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

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To remove and store the comfort guide, squeeze the belt edges together so that the safety belt can be removed from the guide. Slide the guide onto the clip, leaving only the loop of the elastic cord exposed. Properly secure the guide before folding the seatback.

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. 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.

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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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3-22

Seats and Restraints

Safety System Check Now and then, check that the safety belt reminder light, safety belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job. See your dealer to have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working. See Safety Belt Reminders on page 5‑14 for more information. Keep safety belts clean and dry. See Safety Belt Care on page 3‑22.

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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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 5‑15.

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

passenger.

. A seat-mounted side impact

airbag for the driver.

. A seat-mounted side impact

airbag for the right front passenger.

The vehicle may also have the following airbags: . A roof-rail airbag for the driver

and the passenger seated directly behind the driver.

. A roof-rail airbag for the right

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

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

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Seats and Restraints

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

{ WARNING

{ WARNING

{ WARNING

You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you are not wearing a safety belt — even if the vehicle has airbags. Airbags are designed to work with safety belts, but do not replace them. Also, airbags are not designed to deploy in every crash. In some crashes safety belts are the only restraint. See When Should an Airbag Inflate? on page 3‑27. Wearing a safety belt during a crash helps reduce your 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.

Airbags inflate with great force, 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 you were 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 3‑39 or Infants and Young Children on page 3‑41.

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Where Are the Airbags?

There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument panel, 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 5‑15
for more information.

The driver frontal airbag is in the middle of the steering wheel.

The right front passenger frontal airbag is in the instrument panel on the passenger side.

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Seats and Restraints

Driver Side Shown, Passenger

Driver Side Shown, Passenger

Side Similar

Side Similar

The seat-mounted side impact airbags for the driver and right front passenger are in the side of the seatbacks closest to the door.

If the vehicle has roof-rail airbags for the driver, right front passenger, and second row outboard passengers, they are in the ceiling above the side windows.

{ 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.

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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 right front 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 deploy is not based on how fast your vehicle is traveling. It depends largely on what you hit, the direction of the impact, and how quickly your vehicle slows down.

Frontal airbags may inflate at different crash speeds. For example:

If the vehicle hits a stationary object, the airbags could inflate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits a moving object. If the vehicle hits an object that deforms, the airbags could inflate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits an object that does not deform. If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole), the airbags could inflate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits a wide object (like a wall). If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle, the airbags could inflate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle goes straight into the object.

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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. Your 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

Your vehicle has seat-mounted side impact airbags. Your vehicle may or may not have roof-rail airbags. See Airbag System on page 3‑23. Seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags are intended to inflate in moderate to severe side crashes. In addition, these roof‐rail airbags are intended to inflate 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.

A seat-mounted side impact airbag is intended to deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck. Roof-rail airbags are intended to deploy on both sides in some high threshold frontal impacts. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an airbag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. For frontal airbags, inflation is determined by what the vehicle hits, the angle of the impact, and how quickly the vehicle slows down. For seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags, deployment is determined by the location and severity of the side impact.

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 and deploy. The inflator, the airbag, and related hardware are all part of the airbag module. Frontal airbag modules are located inside the steering wheel and instrument panel. For vehicles with seat-mounted side impact airbags, there are airbag modules in the side of the front seatbacks closest to the door. For vehicles with roof-rail airbags, there are airbag modules in the ceiling of the vehicle, near the side windows that have occupant seating positions.

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Seats and Restraints

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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. Frontal airbags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the

occupant's upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. Seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant's upper 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 3‑27 for more information. Airbags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts.

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 deploy. Some components of the airbag module may be hot for several minutes. For location of the airbag modules, see What Makes an Airbag Inflate? on page 3‑28.

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Seats and Restraints

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

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

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.

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In many crashes severe enough to inflate the airbag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front 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 your 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 13‑17 and Event Data Recorders on page 13‑17.

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 right front passenger position. The passenger airbag status indicator will be visible on the overhead console when the vehicle is started.

United States

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Canada and Mexico

The words ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off, will be visible during the system check. If you are using 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 OFF, or the symbol for on or off, will be visible. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 5‑16. The passenger sensing system will turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions. The driver airbags and roof‐rail airbags (if equipped) are not affected by the passenger sensing system.

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Seats and Restraints

The passenger sensing system works with sensors that are part of the right front passenger seat. The sensors are designed to detect the presence of a properly seated occupant and determine if the right front passenger frontal airbag should be enabled (may 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. We recommend that children be secured in a rear seat, including: an infant or a child riding in a rear-facing child restraint; a child riding in a forward-facing child seat; an older child riding in a booster seat; and children, who are large enough, using safety belts. A label on the sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great if the airbag deploys.

{ WARNING

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inflates and the passenger seat is in a forward position. Even if the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag, no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though the airbag is turned off.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.

The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag if:

The right front passenger seat is unoccupied. The system determines that an infant is present in a rear-facing infant seat. The system determines that a small child is present in a child restraint.

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{ WARNING

If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right away. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 5‑15 for more information, including important safety information.

The system determines that a small child is present in a booster seat.

. A right front passenger takes