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5-4 5-4 Doing Your Own Work Engine Soon Light 3-30 Publications Ordering Information ................... 7-1 1 3-35 Vehicle Soon Light Service Bulletins ............................................. 7-1 1 Service Manuals 7-1 1 3-38, 3-42, 3-52 Setting Preset Stations Setting the Time


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


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


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


Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS) ......... 3-36 Radios without Radio Data Systems (RDS) ........ 3-36 Setting the Tone (BassTTreble) .......... 3-38, 3-43, 3-53 Sheet Metal Damage ................................... 5-77 ................... 2-27 Shift Speeds Shifting Into Park (P) ............. ................... 2-28 Shifting Out of Park (P) 2-30 ................................... Short Trip/City Definition .................................... 6-5 Short Trip/City Intervals ..................................... 6-5 ................ 6-6 Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster (Four Door


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


R R - A - I V I U U ~ 1 3 ]


I - \


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


Skidding ........................................................ 4-1 4


-I i7 1 - 1 I


Some Other Rainy Weather Tips ....................... Special Fabric Cleaning Problems ..................... Specifications, Capacities ................................. Speedometer .................................................. Starter Switch Check ....................................... Starting Your Engine ............................... Steering ........................................................ Steering in Emergencies .................................. Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection .....................................


4-18 5-72 5-85 3-23 6-20 2-20, 2-21 4-10 4-11


6-22 .... 4-10


Steering Tips ............................... Storage Areas


.....


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


Center Console Storage Area Convenience Net Cupholder(s) ............................................... Storing the Flat Tire and Tools .......................... Storing the Spare Tire and Tools ....................... Ice or Snow ...................... Stuck in Sand, Mud, Sun Visors ..................................................... Sunroof ... ...........................................


.... 2-38 ........ 2-38 2-38 5-68 5-69 4-29 2-15 2-39


13


Tachometer ...................................... Taillamps


... 3-23


Content Theft-Deterrent . . Passlock@ ....................


Turn Signal Lamps ...................................... Theft.Deterrent. Radio ..................................... Theft-Deterrent Systems ...................................


Throttle System Inspection ........................... Tilt Wheel ........................................................ Tire Inflation Check ......................................... Tires .....................................................


5-48 3-62 2-1 6 .............. 2-16 .......... 2-17 6-22 3-5 6-18 5-51, 5-77 Buying New Tires ........................................ 5-55 Chains ....................................................... 5-59 Changing a Flat Tire .................................... 5-60 Compact Spare Tire ..................................... 5-70 If a Tire Goes Flat ....................................... 5-60 5-52 Inflation - Tire Pressure ............................... Inspection and Rotation ................................ 5-53 Uniform Tire Quality Grading ......................... 5-56 Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance ................. 5-57 Wheel Replacement ..................................... 5-57 When It Is Time for New Tires ...................... 5-54 To Use the Engine Coolant Heater .................... 2-22 5-73 Top of the Instrument Panel ............................. Top Strap ...................................................... 1-41 Top Strap Anchor Location ............................... 1-42


14


Torque Lock ................................................... Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires Towing


2-29 .................. 4-38


Recreational Vehicle ..................................... 4-31 Towing a Trailer .................................. 4.36. 4-42 Your Vehicle ............................................... 4-31


Traction


Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Enhanced Traction System (ETS)


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


4-8


Active Light .............................................


Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Warning


Light ...................................................... Trailer Brakes ................................................. Transaxle


3-29


3-28 4-39


Fluid, Automatic ........................................... 5-20 Fluid, Manual .............................................. 5-20 2-23 2-26


Transaxle Operation, Automatic ......................... Transaxle Operation, Manual ............................ Transmission


Up-Shift Light .............................................. 3-26


Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit


7-11 Repair Manual ............................................ Transportation Options ...................................... 7-8 Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit ................................... 2-13 Trip Odometer ................................................ 3-23 Trunk ............................................................ 2-11 Turn and Lane-Change Signals .......................... 3-6 ........................... Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever 3-5 Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer .................. 4-40


6-21 Underbody Flushing Service ............................. Understanding Radio Reception ........................ 3-63 Uniform Tire Quality Grading ............................ 5-56 7-4 United States ................................................... Up-Shift Light ................................................. 3-26 Used Replacement Wheels 5-58 .............................. Using Cleaner on Fabric .................................. 5-72 2-9 Using the Rear Door Security Lock .....................


Vehicle


Control ........................................................ Damage Warnings ........................................... Loading ...................................................... Parking Your ............................................... Service Soon Light ...................................... Sym bok .......................................


4-5 iv 4-34 2-30 3-35 ........... iv


Vehicle Identification


Number (VIN) ............................................. 5-80 Identification Label ................... 5-80 Service Parts Vehicle Storage 5-39 .............................................. Ventilation Adjustment ...................................... 3-20 Vinyl ............................................................. 5-73 Visors ....................................................... 2-1 5


.... 3-21


Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators ..... Warnings


Hazard Warning Flashers ............................... Other Warning Devices .................................. Safety and Symbols ......................................... Vehicle Damage ..............................................


Washing Your Vehicle ...................................... Weatherstrip Lubrication ................................... Weight of the Trailer ........................................ ............................. Weight of the Trailer Tongue What Kind of Engine Oil to Use ........................ What to Do with Used Oil ................................ What to Use .................................. Wheels


3-3 3-4 ... III iv 5-74 6-19 4-37 4-38 5-16 5-18 5-22, 5-33, 5-34


Alignment and Tire Balance .......................... 5-57 Replacement ............................................... 5-57 5-15 5-17 5-52 5-21 5-33


When to Add Engine Oil .................................. When to Change Engine Oil ............................. When to Check .............................................. When to Check and What to Use ..................... !l\!hey! k! Check PE!!Pr steering F!L!ic! . . . . . . . . . . . . . When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking


on a Hill ..................................................... Where to Put the Restraint ............................... Why Safety Belts Work .................................... Window Lock-Out ............................................


4-42 1-40 1-10 2-15


15


Windows . ,


2-14 .......................................... Manual ...................................................... 2-15 Power ........................................................ 2-15 5-76


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


Windshield and Wiper Blades Windshield Washer


Fluid ..........................................................


5-34 Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check ................ 6-18 Windshield Washers .......................................... 3-8 Windshield Wiper


Blade Replacement ...................................... 5-50 Fuses ........................................................ 5-81 Windshield Wipers ............................................ 3-7 Winter Driving ................................................ 4-24 Wiper Blade Check ......................................... 6-19


XMTM XMTM XMTM


Radio Satellite Service (USA Only) ...... 3.40. 3-50 Satellite Radio Antenna System ................ 3-65 Satellite Radio Service ............................ 3-63


Your Vehicle and


the Environment .......................


6-2


16



The 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier Owner Manual


Front Seats Rear Seats Safety Belts Child Restraints Air Bag Systems Restraint System Check


Seats and Restraint Systems ........................... ............................................... ............................................... ..............................................


....................................... ...................................... ............................ Features and Controls .....................................


1-1 1-2 1-8 1-9 1-31 1-51 1-61 2-1 ........................................................ 2-2 2-8 2-1 4 2-1 6 ........... 2-18 2-33 2-36 2-38 2-39 3-1 3-2 ...................................... 3-1 7 ......... 3-21 3-36


Keys Doors and Locks ?AdilldGVd§ Theft-Deterrent Systems Starting and Operating Your Vehicle Mirrors Onstar@ System Storage Areas Sunroof


.................................................... ...................................... ......................................... .................................................. Instrument Panel ............................................. ..........................


Instrument Panel Overview Climate Controls Warning Lights, Gages and Audio System(s)


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


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


Indicators


the Hood


Driving Your Vehicle


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


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


Service and Appearance Care ..........................


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


Towing Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle


Service Fuel Checking Things Under Bulb Replacement Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Tires Appearance Care Vehicle Identification Electrical System Capacities and Specifications Normal Maintenance Replacement


4-1 4-2 ....... 4-31 5-1 ..................................................... 5-3 5-5 ................. 5-10 5-45 ......... 5-50 5-51 5-71 5-80 5-81 5-85 ...... 5-86 6-1 6-2 7-1 .................. 7-2 7-10


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


Maintenance Schedule ..................................... ................................ Customer Assistance Information ....................


Customer Assistance Information Reporting Safety Defects


INDEX ...............................................................


Maintenance Schedule


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


Parts


Canadian Owners


You can obtain a French copy of this manual from your dealer or from: Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207


How to Use This Manual


Many people read their owner’s manu la1 from begin to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things.


ning


Index


A good place to look for what you need is the Index in back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of what’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it.


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


Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 22686694 A First Edition


‘Copyright General Motors Corporation 08/02/02 All Rights Reserved


Safety Warnings and Symbols


You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.


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


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


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


... I l l


Vehicle Damage Warnings


Also, in this book you will find these notices:


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


Vehicle Symbols Your vehicle has components and labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols, used on your vehicle, are shown along with the text describing the operation or information relating to a specific component, control, message, gage or indicator. If you need help figuring out a specific name of a component, gage or indicator reference the following topics:


Seats and Restraint Systems in Section 1 Features and Controls in Section 2 Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3 Climate Controls in Section 3 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators in Section 3 Audio System(s) in Section 3 Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5


iV


These are some examples of vehicle symbols you may find on your vehicle:


LATCH BOTH LAP AND SHOULDER BELTS TO PROTECT OCCUPANT


DO NOT TWIST SAFETY BELT WHEN ATTACHING


48: @


8- LIGHTING - 0 ,


MASTER SWITCH


ENGINE


COOLANT cc


TEMP


l.fJ


ACCESS


FASTEN SEAT BELTS


MOVE SEAT FULLY REARWARD* SECURE CHILD SEAT


PULL BELT


COMPLETELY rHEN SECURE CHILD SEAT


\& /z


DO NOT INSTALL A REAR-FACING CHILD RESTRAINT IN THIS SEATING POSITION


HAZARD WARNING FLASHER


DO NOT INSTALL A 'ORWARD-FACING CHILD RESTRAINT IN THIS SEATING POSITION


?"OR L"CK UNLOCK


DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS


BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM


ENGINE COOLANT FAN


COOLANT d ':{io


OWNERS MANUAL


ENGINE OIL PRESSURE w


SERVICE


SERVICE


MANUAL IfL?I


CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY


PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING


CAUSTIC BAlTERY 4CID COULD CAUSE BURNS


AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES


SPARK OR


FLAME '\b'


COULD EXPLODE BATTERY


Section


Seats and Restraint Systems


Front Seats ......................................................


1.2 Manual Seats ................................................ 1.2 Reclining Seatbacks ........................................ 1.4 Head Restraints ............................................. 1.5 Seatback Latches ........................................... 1-6 Easy Entry Seat ............................................. 1-7 Rear Seats ....................................................... 1.8 Rear Seat Operation ....................................... 1.8 Safety Belts ..................................................... 1-9 Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone ................. 1-9 Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ...... 1-13 How to Wear Safety Beits Properiy ................. 1-14 Driver Position .............................................. 1.1 4 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy .................. 1-22 Right Front Passenger Position ....................... 1.23 .................................. 1-23 Rear Seat Passengers Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children


Satety Belt Extenaer


and Small Adults ....................................... 1.27 - - ..................................... i -;JU Child Restraints ............................................. 1.31 Older Children .............................................. 1.31 Infants and Young Children ............................ 1-34 Child Restraint Systems ............. ..... 1-37


Where to Put the Restraint ............................. 1-40 Top Strap .................................................... 1-41 Top Strap Anchor Location ............................. 1-42 Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for


Children (LATCH System) ........................... 1-43


Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the


LATCH System .........................................


Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat


1-45


Position ................................................... 1-45


Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front


Air Bag Systems


Seat Position ............................................ 1-48 ............................................ 1-51 Where Are the Air Bags? ............................... 1-54 When Should an Air Bag Inflate? .................... 1-57 What Makes an Air Bag Inflate? ..................... 1-57 How Does an Air Bag Restrain? ..................... 1-58 What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates? ...... .l -58 Se!?.licincJ Vnllr Air B._g-Eqlrippec! \!ehic!E? ......... 1-69 Restraint System Check .................................. 1-61 Checking Your Restraint Systems ................... 1-61 Replacing Restraint System Parts After a


Crash ...................................................... 1-62


1-1


Front Seats


Manual Seats


ihe vehicle if you try to You can lose contrL, .,, adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.


1 -2


Lift the lever located on the front of the driver’s seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it and release the lever. Then try to move the seat with your body, to make sure the seat is locked into place.


Your vehicle will be equipped with one of the following passenger seat adjusters.


If your vehicle is not equipped with easy entry seats, your passenger seat adjuster looks like this. Slide the lever located under the passenger’s seat to the right to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it and release the lever. Then try to move the seat with your body, to make sure the seat is locked into place.


If your vehicle is equipped with easy entry seats, this is your front passenger seat adjuster. Pull up on the lever located at the front of the passenger’s seat up to unlock it. Slide the seat to a comfortable position and release the lever. Then try to move the seat with your body, to make sure the seat is locked into place.


1 -3


Reclining Seatbacks


To adjust the seatback, lift the lever located on the outboard side of the seat and move the seatback to where you want it. Release the lever and push rearward on the seatback to make sure it is locked. Pull up on the lever without pushing on the seatback and the seatback will go to an upright position.


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


1 -4


Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it won’t be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the beit 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 ana wear your safety beit properly.


Head Restraints


Adjust your head restraint so that the top of the restraint is ciosesi io ihe iop oi yvur ileaci. I 111s p 3 i i u l - l reduces the chances of a neck injury in a crash.


I, .


1 -5


Seatback Latches


If your vehicle is a two-door model, the front seatback folds forward to let people get into the back seat.


To fold a front seatback forward, lift the latch located on the lower back side of the seatback and push the seatback forward.


the seatback isn’t locked, it could move


forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked.


When you return the seatback to its original position, make sure the seatback is locked. The latch must be down for the seat to work properly.


1-6


Easy Entry Seat


.. .he easy entry right front seat isn’t loc..,d, it


can move. In a sudden stop or crash, the person sitting there could be injured. After you’ve used it, be sure to push rearward on an easy entry seat to be sure it


is locked.


If your vehicle has this feature, the right front seat makes it easy to get in and out of the rear seat. 1. Lift the right front seatback latch to release the


seat bac k.


2. Tilt the seatback completely forward and the whole


seat will slide forward.


3. Move the right front seatback to its original position


after someone gets into the rear seat area. 4. Then move the seat rearward until it locks. Tilt the seatback completely forward again and move the seat to get out of the back seat.


1 -7


Rear Seats


Rear Seat Operation Folding the Seatback To fold the seatback, do the following:


1. Pull the release straps


located in the trunk. The right strap operates the passenger’s side rear split seat. The left strap operates the driver’s side rear split seat.


2. Fold the seatback down from the inside of the


vehicle.


1 -8


If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked.


A safety belt that is improperly routed, not properly attached, or twisted won’t 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.


To raise the seatback, push the seatback up to return it to its original position. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is latched securely in the fully upright position.


Safety Belts


Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone


This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts.


Don’t let anyone rib= where he or she ca,, J wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be, if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers’ beirs are fastened properly too.


dangerous to ride in a cargo


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


Your vehicie has a iignt that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. See Safety Belt Reminder Light on page 3-24.


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


1 -9


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


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


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


1-10


11-1


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


or the instrument panel ...


1-12


Questions and Answers About Safety Belts


Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an


accident if I’m wearing a safety beit?


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


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


most of them in the future. But they are ! q y & m . ~ n t ~ l y s t ~ m c on!!/; sn they work with safety belts - not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale has required the use ot safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.


1-13


or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. I VU LjGl l l l u l G L I I I I G tu dlvy. I v u v ~ v y V Y U S and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense.


tirnn t n ptn* Vn,, p+nn n,,nr rn*ro d ; c + g n r n


I I I V S v U O Y L U O


?.-+


-,-.r*


/ - a .


home, why should I wear safety belts?


Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident - even one that isn’t your fault - you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone.


How to Wear Safety Belts Properly This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your vehicle, see Older Children on page 1-31 or lnfanfs and Young Children on page 1-34. Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position. Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system.


1-14


Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up straight. To see


how, see “Front Seats” in the index.


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


Don’t let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.


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


Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt isn’t long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-30. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.


1-15


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


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


1-16


Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster (Four Door Models) Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt adjuster to the height that is right for you. Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of the belt is centered on your shoulder. The belt should be away from your face and neck, but not falling off your shoulder.


To move it down, squeeze the release button and move the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move the adjuster up just by pushing up on the shoulder belt guide. After you move the adjuster to where you want it, try to move it down without squeezing the release button to make sure it has locked into position.


1-17


Q: What’s wrong with this?


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


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


as much protection this way.


1-18


Q: What's wrong with this?


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


1-19


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. 1 Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen.


Q: What’s wrong with this?


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


be worn over the shoulder at all times.


1-20


Q: What’s wrong with this?


You can be seriously injured b) - tw.,,,, belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.


1-21


Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy


Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts.


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


1 -22


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’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. Right Front Passenger Position To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt properly, see Driver Position on page 1-14. The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt - except for one thing. If you ever pull the shoulder portion of the belt out all the way, you will engage the child restraint locking feature. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and start again.


Rear Seat Passengers


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


1-23


Lap-Shoulder Belt All rear seating positions have lap-shoulder belts. Here’s how to wear one properly.


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


Don’t let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.


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


1-24


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


If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-30. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.


1-25


the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.


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


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


1-26


Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults


Your vehicle may have this feature already. If it doesn’t, you can get it from any GM dealer. Rear shoulder belt comfort guides will provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for small adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide better positions the belt away from the neck and head. There is one guide available for each outside passenger position in the rear seat. To provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and booster seats and for smaller adults, the comfort guides may be installed on the shoulder belts. Here’s how to install a comfort guide and use the safety belt:


1-27


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


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.


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


1-28


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 in Rear Seat Passengers on page 1-23. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shcL!!der.


1-29


To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out of the guides. Pull the guide upward to expose its storage clip, and then slide the guide onto the clip. Turn the guide and clip inward and in between the seatback and the interior body, leaving only the loop of elastic cord exposed.


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


1-30


Child Restraints


Older Children


Older children who have outgrown booster seats should wear the vehicle’s safety belts.


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


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


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


1-31


Q: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt, but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck? A: If the child is sitting in a seat next to a window,


move the child toward the center of the vehicle. If the child is sitting in the center rear seat passenger position, move the child toward the safety belt buckle. In either case, be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide. If the child is so small that the shoulder belt is still very close to the child’s face or neck, you might want to place the child in a seat that has a lap belt, if your vehicle has one.


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


1-32


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


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


1-33


Infants and Young Children


Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes infants and all other children. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle. Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have the protection provided by appropriate restraints. Young children should not use the vehicle’s adult safety belts alone, unless there is no other choice. Instead, they need to use a child restraint.


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


CAUTION: (Continued)


1-34


holdit. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lis. (1 10 kg) force on a person’s arms. A baby should be secured in an appropriate restraint.


against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer outstanding protection for adults and older children, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can


1-35


swborn infants need complete support,


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


Q: What are the different types of add-on child


restraints?


A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by the vehicle’s owner, are available in four basic types. Selection of a particular restraint should take into consideration not only the child’s weight, height and age but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used. For most basic types of child restraints, there are many different models available. When purchasing a child restraint, be sure it is designed to be used in a motor vehicle. If it is, the label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. The restraint manufacturer’s instructions that come with the restraint, state the weight and height limitations for a particular child restraint. In addition, there are many kinds of restraints available for children with special needs.


restraint will have a


1-36


Child Restraint Systems


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


An infant car bed (A), a special bed made for use in a rrwior vehicie, is a1 I iI ~ i a ~ to restrain or position a child on a continuous flat surface. Make sure that the infant’s head rests toward the center of the vehicle.


~i ~e:si~ai~-~i


systei-1-1 deSigiT&


1-37


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


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


1-38


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


1-39


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


When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to the instructions that come with the restraint which may be on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraint instructions are important, so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer.


Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. General Motors, therefore, recommends that child restraints be secured in a rear seat, including an infant riding in a rear-facing infant seat, a child riding in a forward-facing child seat and an older child riding in a booster seat. N e w - put a rear-facing child restraint ’- the front pass ger seat. Here’s why:


A child in a rear-facing child restraint can seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat.


CAUTION: (Continued)


1 -40


’I ,u may secure a forward-facing ,hild restraint in the right front seat, but before you do, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It’s better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.


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


Top Strap


Some child restraints have a top strap, or “top tether”. It can help restrain the child restraint during a collision. For it to work, a top strap must be properly anchored to the vehicle. Some top strap-equipped child restraints are designed for use with or without the top strap being anchored. Others require the top strap always to be anchored. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint. If yours requires that the top strap be anchored, don’t use the restraint unless it is anchored properly. If the child restraint does not have a top strap, one can be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints. Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not a kit is available.


1-41


Once you have the top strap anchored, you’ll be ready to secure the child restraint itself. Tighten the top strap when and as the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions say.


Top Strap Anchor Location


Top strap anchors are already installed in your vehicle for the rear seating positions. You’ll find them behind the rear seat on the filler panel.


In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. In the United States, some child restraints also have a top strap. If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. Anchor the top strap to one of the following anchor points. Be sure to use an anchor point located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed.


Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) Your vehicle has the LATCH system. You'll find anchors (A) in the rear outside seat positions. To assist you in locating the lower anchors for this child restraint system, each seating position with the LATCH system will have a label applied to the seatback


at each anchor position. 1


The labels are located near the base of the two rear outside seating positions.


In order to use the system, you need either a forward-facing child restraint that has attaching points (B) at its base and a top tether anchor (C), or a .---. ID\ it3a1-la~tlty ~ I I I I U I G G L I ~ I ~ I L as shown here.


+ L e + L-- -+&--L;-- ...,.;,..+- L I


I ~ G a u a b l ~ l l l y ~ V I I I L D [u),


- L : l A


L--:.--


I ~ L I


1 -43


a LATCI ype child restraint isn’t attached to


its anchorage points, the restraint won’t be able to protect the child correctly. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Make sure that a LATCH-type child restraint is properly installed using the anchorage points, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint. See “Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System” or “Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position” in the Index for information on how to secure a child restraint in your vehicle.


With this system, use the LATCH system instead of the vehicle’s safety belts to secure a child restraint.


1 -44


Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System


Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position


1. Find the anchors for the seating position you want


to use, where the bottom of the seatback meets the back of the seat cushion.


2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 3. Attach the anchor points on the child restraint to the


anchors in the vehicle. The child restraint instructions will show you how.


4. If the child restraint is forward-facing, attach the top


strap to the top strap anchor. See Top Strap on page 1-41. Tighten the top strap according to the child restraint instructions.


5. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


To remove the child restraint, simply unhook the top strap from the top tether anchor and then disconnect the anchor points.


If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-43. You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the Top Strap on page 1-41 if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say.


1. Put the restraint on the seat. 2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder


portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions LAii!! Sk9Ln.l )(C)U hC)LAi,


1-45


Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed.


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


1-46


4. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt


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


5. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


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


1-47


Although a rear seat is a safer place, you can secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat. You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See Top Strap on page 1-41, if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say.


1.


2. 3.


Because your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a forward-facing child restraint. See Manual Seats on page 1-2. Put the restraint on the seat. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.


Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position


Your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag. Never put a rear-facing chilc straint in this seal lere’s why:


A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat.


I -48


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


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


the retractor to set the lock.


1-49


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


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


7. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


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


1-50


Air Bag Systems This part explains the frontal and side impact air bag systems. Your vehicle has a frontal air bag for the driver and a frontal air bag for the right front passenger. Your vehicle may also have a side impact air bag for the driver, and another side impact air bag for the right front passenger. If your vehicle has a side impact air bag for the driver, the words AIR BAG will appear on the air bag covering on the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door.


If your vehicle has a side impact air bag for the right front passenger, the words AIR BAG will appear on the air bag covering on the side of the right front passenger’s seatback closest to the door.


1-51


You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you aren’t wearing your safety belt - even if you have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Air bags are designed to work with safety belts but don’t replace them. Frontal air bags for the driver and right front in passenger are designed to deploy only moderate to severe frontal and near frontal crashes. They aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear or low-speed frontal crashes, or in many side crashes. And, for some unrestrained occupants, frontal air bags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful air bags have provided in the past. The side impact air bags for the driver and right front passenger are designed to inflate only in moderate to severe crashes where something


CAUTION:


(Continued)


Frontal air bags are designed to help minimize the risk of injury from the force of an inflating frontal air bag while providing enough force to perform properly. Air bags must inflate very quickly to do their job and comply with federal regulations. Therefore, you need to know some important things about the air bag systems.. .


1-52


1


its the side of your vehicle. They aren’t esigned to inflate in frontal, in rollover or in rear crashes. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly - whether or not there’s an air bag for that person.


Both frontal and side impact air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, as you would be if you were leaning forward, it could seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in position for air bag inflation before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with frontal air bags. The driver


CAUTION:


(Continued)


should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle. Front occupants should not lean on or sleep against the door.


_ _ _ ~


~~


Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Older Children” or “Infants and Young Children”.


1-53


Where Are the Air Bags?


instrument panel, which shows the air bag symbol.


The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See Air Bag Readiness Light on page 3-24 for more information.


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


1-54


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


If your vehicle has one, the driver’s side impact air bag is in the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door.


1-55


If something __ between an occupant _. an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person causing severe injury or even death. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t put anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other air bag covering. Don’t let seat covers block the inflation path of a side impact air bag.


If your vehicle has one, the passenger’s side impact air bag is in the side of the passenger’s seatback closest to the door.


1-56


When Should an Air Bag Inflate? The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level”. If the front of your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about 9 to 14 mph (14 to 23 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags are not designed to inflate in rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts because inflation would not help the occupant. Your vehicle may or may not have a side impact air bag. See Air Bag Systems on page 1-57. Side impact air hags 2,rp designed tn inflate in moderate tn severe side crashes. A side impact air bag will inflate if the crash severity is above the system’s designed “threshold level”. The threshold level can vary with specific vehicle design. Side impact air bags are not designed to inflate in frontal or near-frontal impacts, I W l l U V & I S r or rear impacts, because irrflation v?lou!d not rnlln\/ help the occupant. A side impact air bag will only deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck.


In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air bag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. For frontal air bags, inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal and near-frontal impacts. For side impact air bags, inflation is determined by the location and severity of the impact.


What Makes an Air Bag Inflate?


In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. For both frontal and side impact air bags, the sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, the air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules. Frontal air bag modules are located inside the steering wheel and instrument panel. For vehicles with side impact air bags, the air bag modules are located in the seatback closest to the driver’s and/or right front passenger’s door.


1-57


What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates?


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


How Does an Air Bag Restrain?


In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle. The air bag supplements the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But the frontal air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts, and many side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward the air bag. Side impact air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including frontal or near frontal collisions, rollovers, and rear impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward those air bags. Air bags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions for the driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags, and only in moderate to severe side collisions for vehicles with a driver’s and right front passenger’s side impact air bag.


1-58


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


In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger air bag.


Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After an air bag inflates, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include air bag modu!es and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.


0 Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and


diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the system commands air bag inflation and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment. Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag system. Improper service can mean that your air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service.


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


1-59


Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are air bag system parts in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. To purchase a service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7- I 1.


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


Air bag systems do not need regular maintenance.


1 -60


Restraint System Check


Checking Your Restraint Systems Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired.


Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.)


1-61


Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash


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


If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts or LATCH system parts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new parts. If the LATCH system was being used during a more severe crash, you may need new LATCH system parts. If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have LATCH system, safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt or LATCH system wasn’t being used at the time of the collision. If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag system parts. See Air Bag Systems on page 1-51.


1-62


Section 2


Features and Controls


Keys ............................................................... 2-2 Remote Keyless Entry System ......................... 2-3 Remote Keyless Entry System Operation ........... 2-4 Doors and Locks ............................................. 2-8 Door Locks .................................................... 2-8 Power Door Locks .......................................... 2-9 Rear Door Security Locks ................................ 2-9 Lockout Protection ........................................ 2-10 Leaving Your Vehicle .................................... 2-10 Trunk .......................................................... 2-11 Windows ........................................................ 2-14 Manuai Windows .......................................... L- I 5 Power Windows ............................................ 2-15 Sun Visors ................................................... 2-15 Theft-Deterrent Systems .................................. 2-16 Content Theft-Deterrent ................................. 2-16 Passlock" ................................................... 2-17


-&-.A:--. ---I n ---- &.- V- .... II-L:-I- J L ~ I LII ~y a1 Iu U ~ G I a r l l l y I UUI v GI 1 1 - t ~


r ) i o L- I u New Vehicle Break-In .................................... 2-18 Ignition Positions ...................................... 2-18 ............ 2-20 Starting Your Engine


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


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


Engine Coolant Heater .................................. 2-22 Automatic Transaxle Operation ....................... 2-23 Manual Transaxle Operation ........................... 2-26 Parking Brake .............................................. 2-27 Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle) ...... 2-28 Shifting Out of Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle) ..... 2.30 Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transaxle) ......... 2.30 Parking Over Things That Burn ....................... 2-31 Engine Exhaust ............................................ 2.31 Running Your Engine While You Are Parked ....... 2.32 Mirrors ........................................................... 2.33 Manual Rearview Mirror ................................. 2-33 Outside Remote Control Mirror ....................... 2.33 Outside Power Mirrors ................................... 2-33 Outside Convex Mirror ................................... 2.34 Outside Breakaway Mirror .............................. 2.34 Onstar@ System ............................................ 2-36 Storage Areas ................................................ 2.38


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~ u p i Center Console Storage Area ......................... 2.38 Convenience Net .......................................... 2-38 ............. 2.39


Sunroof .................


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2- 1


Keys


Leavmg children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don't leave the keys in a vehicle with children.


2-2


One key is used for the ignition, the doors and all other locks.


When a new vehicle is delivered, the dealer removes the key tag from the key and gives it to the first owner. Each tag has a code on it that tells your dealer or a qualified locksmith how to make extra keys. Keep the tag in a safe place. If you lose your key, you'll be able to have a new one made easily using the tag. If you need a new key, contact your dealer who can obtain the correct key code. See Roadside Assistance Pp-wsrn cy? ,rx12p 7-6 fnr mnre information.

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