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Driving (cont.)


Drunken ................................................... 247
Freeway ................................................... 279
Hill and Mountain Roads .......................... 282
In Rain and on Wet Roads ...................... 275
Off-Road .................................................. 260
Recovery Hooks ....................................... 289
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out .......... 288
Winter ...................................................... 284


Electric Power Management ........................ 173
Electrical System


Add-On Equipment ................................... 434
Engine Compartment Fuse Block ............. 435
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ...................... 435
Windshield Wiper Fuses ........................... 435


Air Cleaner/Filter ...................................... 338
Battery ..................................................... 361
Check and Service Engine Soon Light ..... 190
Coolant .................................................... 345
Coolant Heater ......................................... 119


489


Engine (cont.)


Coolant Temperature Gage ...................... 189
Drive Belt Routing .................................... 459
Engine Compartment Overview ................ 332
Exhaust ................................................... 136
Fan Noise ................................................ 355
Oil ........................................................... 333
Oil Life System ........................................ 336
Overheating ............................................. 348
Starting .................................................... 118
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ...................... 476
Exit Lighting ................................................ 173
Extender, Safety Belt ..................................... 42
Exterior Cargo Lamps ................................. 172
Exterior Lamps ............................................ 168


Filter


Engine Air Cleaner ................................... 338
Finish Damage ............................................ 431
Fixed Mast Antenna .................................... 244
Flashers, Hazard Warning ........................... 160
Flash-to-Pass .............................................. 163
Flat Tire ...................................................... 401


490


Flat Tire, Changing ...................................... 402
Flat Tire, Storing ......................................... 418
Fluid


Automatic Transmission ............................ 339
Manual Transmission ................................ 342
Power Steering ........................................ 355
Windshield Washer .................................. 356
Fog Lamps .................................................. 171
Four-Wheel Drive ............................... 126, 368
Front Armrest Storage Area ......................... 151
Front Axle ................................................... 369
Front Turn Signal, Parking and Daytime


Running Lamps ........................................ 372
Fuel ............................................................ 325
Additives .................................................. 326
California Fuel .......................................... 326
Filling a Portable Fuel Container .............. 330
Filling Your Tank ...................................... 328
Fuels in Foreign Countries ....................... 327
Gage ....................................................... 195
Gasoline Octane ...................................... 325
Gasoline Specifications ............................ 325


Fuses


Engine Compartment Fuse Block ............. 435
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ...................... 435
Windshield Wiper ..................................... 435


G


Gage


Gasoline


Engine Coolant Temperature .................... 189
Fuel ......................................................... 195
Speedometer ........................................... 181
Tachometer .............................................. 181


Octane ..................................................... 325
Specifications ........................................... 325
Glove Box ................................................... 150
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program .......... 469


Hazard Warning Flashers ............................ 160
Head Restraints ............................................ 15
Headlamps .................................................. 371
Automatic Headlamp System .................... 170
Bulb Replacement .................................... 370
Daytime Running Lamps .......................... 170
Flash-to-Pass ........................................... 163
Halogen Bulbs ......................................... 370
High/Low Beam Changer ......................... 163
On Reminder ........................................... 169


Heated Seats ................................................ 11
Heater ......................................................... 176
Highbeam On Light ..................................... 194
Highway Hypnosis ....................................... 281
Hill and Mountain Roads ............................. 282
Hood


Checking Things Under ............................ 330
Release ................................................... 331
Horn ............................................................ 160
How to Use This Manual ................................ 4
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ............... 25
Hydraulic Clutch .......................................... 344


Ignition Positions ......................................... 116
Infants and Young Children, Restraints .......... 46
Inflation - Tire Pressure ............................... 385
Instrument Panel


Overview .................................................. 158


Instrument Panel (I/P)


Brightness ................................................ 172
Cluster ..................................................... 180
Interior Lamps ............................................. 172


491


LATCH System


Child Restraints ......................................... 56
Latches, Seatback ......................................... 16
License Plate Lamps ................................... 374
Light


Airbag Readiness ..................................... 183
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning ............. 188
Battery Warning ....................................... 186
Brake System Warning ............................. 187
Cruise Control .......................................... 194
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator ............ 195
Highbeam On .......................................... 194
Malfunction Indicator ................................ 190
Oil Pressure ............................................. 193
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator ............ 184
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder .............. 182
Safety Belt Reminder ............................... 182
Security ................................................... 194
Tire Pressure ........................................... 189
Up-Shift ................................................... 187


Jump Starting .............................................. 362


Keyless Entry System ................................. 101
Keys ............................................................. 99


Labeling, Tire Sidewall ................................. 378
Lamps


Battery Run-Down Protection ................... 174
Dome ....................................................... 173
Dome Lamp Override ............................... 173
Electric Power Management ..................... 173
Exterior .................................................... 168
Exterior Cargo .......................................... 172
Fog .......................................................... 171
Interior ..................................................... 172


492


Lighting


Exit .......................................................... 173
Limited-Slip Rear Axle ................................. 254
Loading Your Vehicle ................................... 290
Lockout Protection ....................................... 107
Locks


Door ........................................................ 104
Lockout Protection ................................... 107
Power Door ............................................. 105
Programmable Automatic Door Locks ....... 106
Rear Door Security Locks ........................ 106
........................................... 259


Loss of Control Lumbar


Manual Controls ......................................... 10
Power Controls .......................................... 11


Maintenance Schedule


Additional Required Services .................... 448
At Each Fuel Fill ...................................... 451
At Least Once a Month ............................ 452


Maintenance Schedule (cont.)


At Least Once a Year .............................. 452
Introduction .............................................. 442
Maintenance Footnotes ............................ 449
Maintenance Record ................................ 460
Maintenance Requirements ...................... 442
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts .... 458
Owner Checks and Services .................... 451
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ....... 455
Scheduled Maintenance ........................... 445
Using ....................................................... 443
Your Vehicle and the Environment ............ 442
Malfunction Indicator Light ........................... 190
Manual Lumbar Controls ............................... 10
Manual Seats .................................................. 9
Manual Transmission


Fluid ........................................................ 342
Operation ................................................. 124
Manual Windows ......................................... 110
Message


DIC Warnings and Messages ................... 200


493


Mirrors


Automatic Dimming Rearview with


Compass and Temperature Display ....... 142


Automatic Dimming Rearview with


OnStar®, Compass and Temperature Display ................................................. 139
Manual Rearview Mirror ........................... 138
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar® ...... 138
Outside Convex Mirror ............................. 146
Outside Manual Mirrors ............................ 145
Outside Power Mirrors ............................. 145
MP3 ............................................................ 234
MyGMLink.com ............................................ 467


New Vehicle Break-In .................................. 115
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts ..... 458


Odometer .................................................... 181
Odometer, Trip ............................................ 181
Off-Road Driving .......................................... 260
Off-Road Recovery ...................................... 257


494


Oil


Engine ..................................................... 333
Pressure Light .......................................... 193
Oil, Engine Oil Life System ......................... 336
Older Children, Restraints ............................. 43
Online Owner Center ................................... 467
OnStar® System, see OnStar® Manual ........ 147
Other Warning Devices ................................ 160
Outlet Adjustment ........................................ 178
Outlet(s), Accessory Power .......................... 174
Outside


Convex Mirror .......................................... 146
Manual Mirrors ......................................... 145
Power Mirrors .......................................... 145
Owner Checks and Services ....................... 451
Owners, Canadian .......................................... 3


Paint, Damage ............................................ 431
Park (P)


Shifting Into ............................................. 132
Shifting Out of ......................................... 134


Parking


Brake ....................................................... 130
Over Things That Burn ............................ 135
Parking Your Vehicle ................................... 134
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator ............... 184
Passenger Sensing System ........................... 86
Passing ....................................................... 257
Passlock® .................................................... 114
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab .............. 296
Power


Accessory Outlet(s) .................................. 174
Door Locks .............................................. 105
Lumbar Controls ........................................ 11
Retained Accessory (RAP) ....................... 117
Seat .......................................................... 10
Steering Fluid .......................................... 355
Windows .................................................. 111
Pretensioners, Safety Belt ............................. 42
Programmable Automatic Door Locks .......... 106


Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ...... 24


Radiator Pressure Cap ................................ 348
Radios ........................................................ 205
AM-FM Radio .......................................... 207
Care of Your CD Player ........................... 243
Care of Your CDs .................................... 243
Radio with CD ......................................... 210
Radio with Six-Disc CD ............................ 221
Setting the Time for Radios with


Radio Data Systems (RDS) .................. 207


Setting the Time for Radios without


Radio Data Systems (RDS) .................. 206
Theft-Deterrent ......................................... 242
Understanding Reception ......................... 242
Rear Axle .................................................... 368
Limited-Slip .............................................. 254
Rear Door Security Locks ........................... 106
Rear Doors ................................................. 107
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides .................. 39
Rear Seat Operation .............................. 17, 18
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts .............. 36
Rear Storage Area ...................................... 151
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with


Compass and Temperature Display .......... 142


495


Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with


OnStar®, Compass and Temperature Display ..................................................... 139
Rearview Mirror with OnStar® ...................... 138
Rearview Mirrors ......................................... 138
Reclining Seatbacks ...................................... 12
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants .......... 455
Recovery Hooks .......................................... 289
Recreational Vehicle Towing ........................ 297
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System .......... 101
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System,


Operation ................................................. 102


Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the


Spare Tire ................................................ 406
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools ............ 403
Replacement Bulbs ..................................... 374
Reporting Safety Defects Canadian Government ............................. 481
General Motors ........................................ 481
United States Government ....................... 481


Restraint System Check


Checking the Restraint Systems ................. 94
Replacing Restraint System Parts After


a Crash .................................................. 95


496


Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ................ 117
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety


Belts .......................................................... 34


Roadside


Assistance Program ................................. 470
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out .............. 288
Routing, Engine Drive Belt .......................... 459
Running the Engine While Parked ............... 137


Safety Belt


Safety Belts


Passenger Reminder Light ....................... 182
Pretensioners ............................................. 42
Reminder Light ........................................ 182


Care of .................................................... 427
Center Front Passenger Position ................ 35
Driver Position ........................................... 25
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ............ 25
Questions and Answers About


Safety Belts ............................................ 24
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides ............... 39
Rear Seat Passengers ............................... 36


Safety Belts (cont.)


Right Front Passenger Position .................. 34
Safety Belt Extender .................................. 42
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ............. 34
Safety Belts Are for Everyone .................... 20
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster .................... 33
Safety Warnings and Symbols ......................... 4
Scheduled Maintenance ............................... 445
Seatback Latches .......................................... 16
Seats


Head Restraints ......................................... 15
Heated Seats ............................................. 11
Manual ........................................................ 9
Manual Lumbar .......................................... 10
Power Lumbar ........................................... 11
Power Seats .............................................. 10
Rear Seat Operation ........................... 17, 18
Reclining Seatbacks ................................... 12
Seatback Latches ...................................... 16
Secondary Latch System ............................. 414
Securing a Child Restraint


Center Front Seat Position ......................... 71
Rear Seat Position ..................................... 68
Right Front Seat Position ........................... 71


Security Light .............................................. 194
Service ........................................................ 322
Accessories and Modifications .................. 323
Adding Equipment to the Outside


of Your Vehicle ..................................... 325
California Proposition 65 Warning ............. 323
Doing Your Own Work ............................. 324
Engine Soon Light ................................... 190
Publications Ordering Information ............. 482
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ......... 92
Setting the Time


Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS) ..... 207
Radios without Radio Data


Systems (RDS) ..................................... 206
Sheet Metal Damage ................................... 431
Shifting Into Park (P) ................................... 132
Shifting Out of Park (P) ............................... 134
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster ........................ 33
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change .................. 162
Sliding Rear Windows ................................. 112
Spare Tire ................................................... 422
Installing .................................................. 406
Removing ................................................ 403
Storing ..................................................... 418


497


Specifications, Capacities ............................ 439
Speedometer ............................................... 181
Starting Your Engine ................................... 118
Steering ...................................................... 255
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel .......................... 161
Storage Areas


Cupholder(s) ............................................ 150
Front Armrest Storage Area ...................... 151
Glove Box ................................................ 150
Rear Storage Area ................................... 151
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow ............... 288
Sun Visors .................................................. 112
Sunroof ....................................................... 153


Tachometer ................................................. 181
Tailgate ....................................................... 108
Taillamps


Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up


Lamps .................................................. 373
Theft-Deterrent, Radio ................................. 242
Theft-Deterrent Systems .............................. 112
Content Theft-Deterrent ............................ 113
Passlock® ................................................ 114


Tilt Wheel .................................................... 161
Tire


Pressure Light .......................................... 189
Tires ........................................................... 377


Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels,


Cleaning ............................................... 430
Buying New Tires ..................................... 394
Chains ..................................................... 400
Changing a Flat Tire ................................ 402
Cleaning .................................................. 431
Different Size ........................................... 396
If a Tire Goes Flat ................................... 401
Inflation - Tire Pressure ............................ 385
Inspection and Rotation ............................ 391
Installing the Spare Tire ........................... 406
Pressure Monitor System ......................... 386
Removing the Flat Tire ............................. 406
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools ......... 403
Secondary Latch System ......................... 414
Spare Tire ................................................ 422
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools ..... 418
Tire Sidewall Labeling .............................. 378
Tire Terminology and Definitions ............... 382
Uniform Tire Quality Grading .................... 397
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance ........... 398


498


Tires (cont.)


Wheel Replacement ................................. 398
When It Is Time for New Tires ................. 393


Recreational Vehicle ................................. 297
Towing a Trailer ....................................... 305
Your Vehicle ............................................. 297


Control System (TCS) .............................. 253
Limited-Slip Rear Axle .............................. 254


Vehicle


Towing


Traction


Trailer


Recommendations .................................... 318


Transmission


Fluid, Automatic ....................................... 339
Fluid, Manual ........................................... 342
Up-Shift Light ........................................... 187
Transmission Operation, Automatic .............. 120
Transmission Operation, Manual .................. 124
Trip Odometer ............................................. 181
Truck-Camper Loading Information .............. 296
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ................... 162
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever .................... 161


Understanding Radio Reception ................... 242
Uniform Tire Quality Grading ....................... 397
Up-Shift Light .............................................. 187


Control ..................................................... 250
Damage Warnings ....................................... 5
Loading .................................................... 290
Parking Your ............................................ 134
Symbols ...................................................... 5


Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data


Recorders ................................................ 476


Vehicle Identification


Number (VIN) .......................................... 434
Service Parts Identification Label .............. 434
Ventilation Adjustment .................................. 178
Visors .......................................................... 112


499


W


Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators ......... 179
Warnings


DIC Warnings and Messages ................... 200
Hazard Warning Flashers ......................... 160
Other Warning Devices ............................ 160
Safety and Symbols ..................................... 4
Vehicle Damage .......................................... 5


Wheels


Alignment and Tire Balance ..................... 398
Different Size ........................................... 396
Replacement ............................................ 398
Where to Put the Restraint ............................ 53
Windows ..................................................... 110
Manual ..................................................... 110
Power ...................................................... 111
Sliding Rear ............................................. 112


Windshield


Washer .................................................... 164
Washer Fluid ........................................... 356
Wiper Blade Replacement ........................ 375
Wiper Blades, Cleaning ............................ 429
Wiper Fuses ............................................ 435
Wipers ..................................................... 163
Winter Driving ............................................. 284


XM Radio Messages ................................... 240
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System ......... 244


Your Vehicle and the Environment ............... 442


500


2007 Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual M


Seats and Restraint Systems ....................... 7
Front Seats .............................................. 9
Rear Seats ............................................. 17
Safety Belts ............................................ 20
Child Restraints ...................................... 43
Airbag System ........................................ 76
Restraint System Check ......................... 94
Features and Controls ................................ 97
....................................................... 99
.................................. 104
............................................... 110
....................... 112
..... 115
.................................................. 138


Keys Doors and Locks Windows Theft-Deterrent Systems Starting and Operating Your Vehicle Mirrors


OnStar® System ................................... 147
Storage Areas ...................................... 150
Sunroof ................................................ 153
Instrument Panel ....................................... 155
................... 158
................................... 176
... 179
............ 196
................................... 205
Driving Your Vehicle ................................. 245


Instrument Panel Overview Climate Controls Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators Driver Information Center (DIC) Audio System(s)


Your Driving, the Road, and Your


Vehicle


Towing


.............................................. 246
................................................. 297


Maintenance Schedule


Vehicle Identification ............................. 434
Electrical System .................................. 434
Capacities and Specifications ................ 439
Maintenance Schedule .............................. 441
.......................... 442
Customer Assistance Information ............. 463
... 464
...................... 481
Index .......................................................... 485


Customer Assistance and Information Reporting Safety Defects


Service and Appearance Care .................. 319
................................................. 322
...................................................... 325
......... 330
............................................. 368
.................................. 368
............................................ 369
................................ 370
... 375
..................................................... 377
.................................. 424


Service Fuel Checking Things Under the Hood Rear Axle Four-Wheel Drive Front Axle Bulb Replacement Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Tires Appearance Care


This manual describes features that may be available in this model, but your vehicle may not have all of them. For example, more than one entertainment system may be offered or your vehicle may have been ordered without a front passenger or rear seats. Keep this manual in the vehicle, so it will be there if it is needed while you are on the road. If the vehicle is sold, leave this manual in the vehicle.


Canadian Owners A French language copy of this manual can be obtained from your dealer or from:


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


GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem, and the name COLORADO 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.


Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 15866155 A First Printing


©2006 General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.


How to Use This Manual Many people read the owner manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If this is done, it can help you learn about the features and controls for the vehicle. Pictures and words work together in the owner manual to explain things.


Index A good place to quickly locate information about the vehicle is the Index in the back of the manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is in the manual and the page number where it can be found.


Safety Warnings and Symbols There are a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.


{CAUTION:


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


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


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


Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this manual you will find these notices: Notice: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. A notice tells about something that can damage the vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell 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. There are also warning labels on the vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.


Vehicle Symbols The vehicle has components and labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols 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: (cid:127) Seats and Restraint Systems in Section 1
(cid:127) Features and Controls in Section 2
(cid:127) (cid:127) Climate Controls in Section 3
(cid:127) Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators in


Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3


Section 3


(cid:127) Audio System(s) in Section 3
(cid:127) Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5


These are some examples of symbols that may be found on the vehicle:


Section 1


Seats and Restraint Systems


Front Seats ..................................................... 9
Manual Seats ................................................ 9
Power Seats ............................................... 10
Manual Lumbar ........................................... 10
Power Lumbar ............................................. 11
Heated Seats .............................................. 11
Reclining Seatbacks .................................... 12
Head Restraints .......................................... 15
Seatback Latches ........................................ 16
Rear Seats .................................................... 17
Rear Seat Operation (Extended Cab) .......... 17
Rear Seat Operation (Crew Cab) ................ 18
Safety Belts .................................................. 20
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone ........... 20
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts .... 24
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ............. 25
Driver Position ............................................. 25
Shoulder Belt Height Adjustment ................. 33
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy .............. 34


Right Front Passenger Position ................... 34
Center Front Passenger Position ................. 35
Rear Seat Passengers ................................ 36
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides ................ 39
Safety Belt Pretensioners ............................ 42
Safety Belt Extender ................................... 42
Child Restraints ............................................ 43
Older Children ............................................. 43
Infants and Young Children ......................... 46
Child Restraint Systems .............................. 49
Where to Put the Restraint .......................... 53
Lower Anchors and Tethers for


Children (LATCH) .................................... 56


Securing a Child Restraint in a


Rear Seat Position ................................... 68


Securing a Child Restraint in the


Center Front Seat Position ....................... 71


Securing a Child Restraint in the


Right Front Seat Position ......................... 71


Section 1


Seats and Restraint Systems


Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ...... 92
Adding Equipment to Your


Airbag-Equipped Vehicle .......................... 93
Restraint System Check ............................... 94
Checking the Restraint Systems .................. 94
Replacing Restraint System Parts


After a Crash ........................................... 95


Airbag System .............................................. 76
Where Are the Airbags? .............................. 79
When Should an Airbag Inflate? .................. 82
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? ................... 84
How Does an Airbag Restrain? ................... 84
What Will You See After an


Airbag Inflates? ........................................ 85
Passenger Sensing System ......................... 86


Front Seats


Manual Seats


{CAUTION:


You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to 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 do not want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.


Lift the bar located under the front of the seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it and release the bar. Try to move the seat with your body to make sure the seat is locked into place.


Power Seats


If the vehicle has power seats, the controls used to operate them are located on the outboard side of the seats.


(cid:127) Raise or lower the entire seat by moving the


entire horizontal control up or down.


(cid:127) Use the vertical control to recline the seatback.


See “Power Reclining Seatbacks” under Reclining Seatbacks on page 12 for more information.


Manual Lumbar


If your vehicle has this feature, there is a knob located on the outboard side of the driver’s seat.


To adjust the seat, do any of the following: (cid:127) Move the seat forward or rearward by sliding


the horizontal control forward or rearward.


(cid:127) Raise or lower the front part of the seat


cushion by moving the front of the horizontal control up or down.


(cid:127) Raise or lower the rear part of the seat


cushion by moving the rear of the horizontal control up or down.


10


Turn the top of the knob toward the front of the vehicle to increase lumbar support. Turn the top of the knob toward the rear of the vehicle to decrease lumbar support.


Power Lumbar


Heated Seats


If your vehicle has this feature, the control is located on the outboard side of the seat(s).


If your vehicle has this feature, the controls are located on the outboard side of the front seats.


Press and hold the front of the control until you have the desired lumbar support. To decrease lumbar support, press and hold the rear of the control.


This feature will heat the cushion and back of the seats. Press the top of the switch to turn the heat to the high setting. Press the bottom of the switch to turn the heat to the low setting. Put the switch in the center position to turn the heat off. The ignition must be on for the heated seat feature to work. The seat will heat to the last setting if the ignition has been turned off and then turned back on. The passenger’s safety belt must be fastened for the heated seat feature to work on the passenger’s seat.


11


Reclining Seatbacks Manual Reclining Seatbacks


If your seats have manual reclining seatbacks, the lever used to operate them is located on the outboard side of the seat(s).


{CAUTION:


You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to 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 do not want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.


{CAUTION:


If the 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 seatback to be sure it is locked.


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


3. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it


is locked.


12


To return the seatback to an upright position, do the following: 1. Lift the lever fully without applying pressure to


the seatback and the seatback will return to the upright position.


2. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure


it is locked.


Power Reclining Seatbacks


If the seats have power reclining seatbacks, use the vertical power seat control located on the outboard side of the seat.


(cid:127) To recline the seatback, press the control


toward the rear of the vehicle.


(cid:127) To raise the seatback, press the control toward


the front of the vehicle.


13


{CAUTION:


Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts cannot do their job when you are 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. 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 your safety belt properly.


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


14


Head Restraints Your front seats may have adjustable head restraints. If your vehicle has rear seats, they may have adjustable head restraints.


Pull up on the head restraint to raise it. To lower the head restraint, press the button located on top of the seatback and push down on the head restraint.


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.


15


Seatback Latches Your vehicle may have front seatbacks that fold forward for easy access to the rear seats or the storage area behind the seats.


To fold the seatback forward, push the lever on the side of the seat rearward and pull the seatback forward.


{CAUTION:


If the 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 seatback to be sure it is locked.


To return the seatback to the upright position, push the seatback all the way back until it latches. If the seatback was reclined before being folded forward, it will return to the reclined position.


16


Rear Seats Rear Seat Operation (Extended Cab)


If your vehicle has an extended cab, there may be forward folding seats in the rear area.


To store the seat, do the following: Notice: Folding a rear seat with the safety belts still fastened may cause damage to the seat or the safety belts. Always unbuckle the safety belts and return them to their normal stowed position before folding a rear seat.


To fold the rear seat cushion(s) from the stored position to the sitting position, pull the front of the seat cushion down completely. The rear seat storage compartments must be closed before folding the seat down. See Rear Storage Area on page 151.


1. Secure the safety belt buckle to the inboard


side of the seat with the hook and loop fastener (A), so that it does not move when not in use.


2. Push the entire seat up until it is flush with the


trim panel.


17


Rear Seat Operation (Crew Cab) The rear seatback(s) in the crew cab can be folded forward. Notice: Folding a rear seat with the safety belts still fastened may cause damage to the seat or the safety belts. Always unbuckle the safety belts and return them to their normal stowed position before folding a rear seat.


To fold the rear seatback(s) forward, do the following:


1. Disconnect the rear center safety belt latch


from the mini buckle by inserting the tip of the safety belt tongue into the slot on the buckle. Let the belt retract.


18


2. Pull the loop, located on the outboard side of the seatback, forward until you hear a click.


3. Fold the seatback(s) forward. To return the seatback(s) to the upright position, do the following: 1. Lift the seatback(s) and push it into place.


{CAUTION:


If the 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 seatback to be sure it is locked.


2. Make sure the seatback(s) is locked by


pushing and pulling on it.


{CAUTION:


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.


3. Reconnect the center safety belt latch plate to the mini buckle. Make sure the safety belt is not twisted. Push and pull on the latch plate to be sure it is secure.


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


19


{CAUTION:


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


Your vehicle has indicators to remind you and your passengers to buckle your safety belts. See Safety Belt Reminder Light on page 182 and Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light on page 182.


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.


{CAUTION:


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


20


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


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


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


21


Put someone on it.


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


22


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


or the instrument panel...


23


Questions and Answers About Safety Belts


Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I am wearing a safety belt?


A: You could be — whether you are wearing a


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


Q: If my vehicle has 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. Every airbag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you are in a vehicle that has airbags, you 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.


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.


24


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 an accident — even one that is not your fault — you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver does not 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 43 or Infants and Young Children on page 46. Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you will want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We will start with the driver position.


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


To see how, see “Seats” in the Index.


25


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 42. 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.


5. Move the shoulder belt height adjuster to the height that is right for you. Improper shoulder belt height adjustment could reduce the effectiveness of the safety belt in a crash. See Shoulder Belt Height Adjustment on page 33.


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.


26


6. 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.


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 would 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 is a sudden stop or crash.


27


Q: What is wrong with this?


{CAUTION:


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


A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It will not give nearly as much protection this way.


28


Q: What is wrong with this?


{CAUTION:


You can be seriously hurt if your lap belt is too loose. In a crash, you could slide under the lap belt and apply force at 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.


29


Q: What is wrong with this?


{CAUTION:


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


A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.


30


Q: What is wrong with this?


A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm.


It should be worn over the shoulder at all times.


{CAUTION:


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


31


Q: What is wrong with this?


{CAUTION:


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.


A: The belt is twisted across the body.


32


Shoulder Belt Height Adjustment Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt height 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. Improper shoulder belt height adjustment could reduce the effectiveness of the safety belt in a crash.


To move it up or down, squeeze the release buttons (A) together, or pull them toward you, and move the height adjuster to the desired position.


After you move the height adjuster to where you want it, try to move it down without squeezing the release buttons to make sure it has locked into position.


33


To unlatch the belt, push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. When the safety belt is not in use, slide the latch plate up the safety belt webbing. The latch plate should rest on the stitching on the safety belt, near the guide loop on the side wall. 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.


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.


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.


Right Front Passenger Position To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt properly, see Driver Position on page 25. 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 which may turn off the passenger’s frontal airbag. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and start again.


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.


34


Center Front Passenger Position Lap Belt If your vehicle has a 60/40 split front seat, someone can sit in the center position.


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


To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug. Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder belt. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 42. 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.


35


Rear Seat Passengers It is very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Rear passengers who are not 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. Lap-Shoulder Belt All rear seating positions have lap-shoulder belts. Here is how to wear one properly.


36


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


you. Do not 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. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 42. 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.


3. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the


shoulder part.


37


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 is a sudden stop or a crash.


{CAUTION:


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


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


38


To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. For outboard seating positions, when the safety belt is not in use, slide the latch plate up the safety belt webbing. The latch plate should rest on the stitching on the safety belt, near the guide loop on the side wall.


Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides Your vehicle may have rear shoulder belt comfort guides for the rear outside positions. 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 belt away from the neck and head. Here is how to install a comfort guide to the shoulder belt.


1. Slide the guide off of its storage clip located between the interior body and the seatback.


39


2. Slide the guide under and past the belt. The


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


3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat. The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top.


40


{CAUTION:


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.


4. Buckle, position, and release the safety belt


as described in Rear Seat Passengers on page 36. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder.


To remove and store a comfort guide, squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out of the guide. Slide the guide back on its storage clip located between the interior body and the seatback.


41


Safety Belt Pretensioners Your vehicle has safety belt pretensioners for the driver and right front passenger. Although you cannot see them, they are part of the safety belt assembly. They 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. Pretensioners work only once. If they activate in a crash, you will need to get new ones, and probably other new parts for your safety belt system. See Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash on page 95.


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, just attach it to the regular safety belt. For more information see the instruction sheet that comes with the extender.


42


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: 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.


According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions. 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.


43


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. Also see Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides on page 39. 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.


{CAUTION:


Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can not 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.


44


{CAUTION:


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


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


45


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.


{CAUTION:


Children can be seriously injured or strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped around their neck and the safety belt continues to tighten. Never leave children unattended in a vehicle and never allow children to play with the safety belts.


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.


{CAUTION:


People should never hold a baby in their arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby does not weigh much — until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12 lb (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240 lb (110 kg) force on a person’s arms. A baby should be secured in an appropriate restraint.


46


CAUTION:


(Continued)


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.


{CAUTION:


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.


CAUTION:


(Continued)


47


{CAUTION:


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


Q: What are the different types of add-on


child restraints?


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


48


{CAUTION:


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 is unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries. Young children always should be secured in appropriate child restraints.


Child Restraint Systems


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


49


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.


50


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.


Q: How Should I Use a Child Restraint? 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. To help reduce injuries, an add-on child restraint must be secured in the vehicle. With built-in or add-on child restraints, the child has to be secured within the child restraint. When choosing an add-on 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.


51


See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 56 for more information. A child can be endangered in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle. 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. 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.


Securing an Add-on Child Restraint in the Vehicle


{CAUTION:


A child can be seriously injured or killed in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle. Make sure the child restraint is properly installed in the vehicle using the vehicle’s safety belt or LATCH system, following the instructions that came with that restraint, and also the instructions in this manual.


To help reduce the chance of injury, the child restraint must be secured in the vehicle. Child restraint systems must be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap belt portion of a lap-shoulder belt, or by the LATCH system.


52


Securing the Child Within the Child Restraint There are several systems for securing the child within the child restraint. One system, the three-point harness, has straps that come down over each of the infant’s shoulders and buckle together at the crotch. The five-point harness system has two shoulder straps, two hip straps, and a crotch strap. A shield may take the place of hip straps. A T-shaped shield has shoulder straps that are attached to a flat pad which rests low against the child’s body. A shelf- or armrest-type shield has straps that are attached to a wide, shelf-like shield that swings up or to the side.


Because there are different systems, it is important to refer to the instructions that come with the restraint. A child can be endangered in a crash if the child is not properly secured in the child restraint.


Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We recommend 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.


{CAUTION:


A child can be seriously injured or killed in a crash if the child is not properly secured in the child restraint. Make sure the child is properly secured, following the instructions that came with that restraint.


53


There is a label on your sun visor that 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.


{CAUTION:


A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. Even though the passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal airbag if the system detects a rear-facing child restraint, no system is fail-safe, and no one can


CAUTION:


(Continued)


CAUTION:


(Continued)


guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. We recommend that rear-facing child restraints be secured in the rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you need to 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.


If your vehicle does not have a rear seat that will accommodate a rear-facing child restraint, never put a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger seat unless passenger airbag status indicator shows off and the airbag is off. Here is why:


54


{CAUTION:


CAUTION:


(Continued)


A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. Be sure the airbag is off before using a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat position. Even though the passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal airbag if the system detects a rear-facing child restraint, no system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. We recommend that rear-facing child restraints be transported in vehicles with a rear seat that will accommodate a rear-facing child restraint, whenever possible.


CAUTION:


(Continued)


If you need to 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.


{CAUTION:


A child in a child restraint in the center front seat can be badly injured or killed by the right front passenger’s airbag if it inflates. Never secure a child restraint in the center front seat. It is always better to secure a child restraint in the rear seat.


Do not use child restraints in the center front seat position. The restraints will not work properly. Wherever you install a child restraint, be sure to secure the child restraint properly.


55


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.


Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) The LATCH system holds a child restraint during driving or in a crash. This system is designed to make installation of a child restraint easier. The LATCH system uses anchors in the vehicle and attachments on the child restraint that are made for use with the LATCH system. Make sure that a LATCH-compatible child restraint is properly installed using the anchors, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with that restraint, and also the instructions in this manual.


When installing a child restraint with a top tether, you must also use either the lower anchors or the safety belts to properly secure the child restraint. A child restraint must never be installed using only the top tether and anchor. In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle, you need a child restraint that has LATCH attachments. The child restraint manufacturer will provide you with instructions on how to use the child restraint and its attachments. The following explains how to attach a child restraint with these attachments in your vehicle. Not all vehicle seating positions or child restraints have lower anchors and attachments or top tether anchors and attachments.


56


Lower Anchors


Top Tether Anchor


Lower anchors (A) are metal bars built into the vehicle. There are two lower anchors for each LATCH seating position that will accommodate a child restraint with lower attachments (B).


A top tether (A, C) anchors the top of the child restraint to the vehicle. A top tether anchor is built into the vehicle. The top tether attachment (B) on the child restraint connects to the top tether anchor in the vehicle in order to reduce the forward movement and rotation of the child restraint during driving or in a crash. Your child restraint may have a single tether (A) or a dual tether (C). Either will have a single attachment (B) to secure the top tether to the anchor.


57


Some child restraints that have a top tether are designed for use with or without the top tether being attached. Others require the top tether always to be attached. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. In the United States, some child restraints also have a top tether. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint. If the child restraint does not have a top tether, one can be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints. Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not a kit is available.


Lower Anchor and Top Tether Anchor Locations


i (Top Tether Anchor): Seating positions with top tether anchors.


j (Lower Anchor): Seating positions with two lower anchors.


i (Top Tether Anchor): Seating positions with top tether anchors.


j (Lower Anchor): Seating positions with two lower anchors.


Crew Cab — Rear Seat


Extended


Cab — Rear Seat


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i (Top Tether Anchor): Seating positions with top tether anchors.


For extended cab models with rear seats, there are exposed metal lower anchors for each rear seating position, attached to the back wall, near the seat cushion. To assist you in locating the lower anchors, place your hand in a palm-up position and reach up between the seat cushion and the seatback.


Front Seat — Regular


and Extended Cab without Rear Seats


For crew cab models, there are exposed metal lower anchors for each rear outboard seating position, located where the seatback meets the back of the seat cushion.


To assist you in locating the top tether anchors, the top tether anchor symbol is located on the trim cover.


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Crew Cab


Extended Cab — Rear Seat


The top tether anchors in a crew cab model are located on the back wall behind each rear seating position. Be sure to use an anchor located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed.


The top tether anchors in an extended cab model are located on the center of the back wall behind a removable cover for the rear seating positions. Be sure to use an anchor located nearest to the seating position where the child restraint will be placed.


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Regular and Extended Cab without Rear Seats


For regular and extended cab models without rear seats, there is a top tether anchor located behind a removable cover on the back wall behind the right front passenger seat. You may have to pull the seatback forward to access the anchor.


Do not secure a child restraint in the right front passenger’s position of a vehicle that has rear seats if a national or local law requires that the top tether be attached, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top tether must be attached. There is no place to attach the top tether in this position. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 53
for additional information.


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Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System


{CAUTION:


{CAUTION:


If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached to anchors, the restraint will not 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 anchors, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with that restraint, and also the instructions in this manual.


Each top tether anchor and lower anchor in the vehicle is designed to hold only one child restraint. Attaching more than one child restraint to a single anchor could cause the anchor or attachment to come loose or even break during a crash. A child or others could be injured if this happens. To help prevent injury to people and damage to your vehicle, attach only one child restraint per anchor.


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{CAUTION:


Children can be seriously injured or strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped around their neck and the safety belt continues to tighten. Secure any unused safety belts behind the child restraint so children cannot reach them. Pull the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock, if your vehicle has one, after the child restraint has been installed. Be sure to follow the instructions of the child restraint manufacturer.


Notice: Contact between the child restraint or the LATCH attachment parts and the vehicle’s safety belt assembly may cause damage to these parts. Make sure when securing unused safety belts behind the child restraint that there is no contact between the child restraint or the LATCH attachment parts and the vehicle’s safety belt assembly. Folding an empty rear seat with the safety belts secured may cause damage to the safety belt or the seat. When removing the child

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