2010 Chevrolet Equinox Owners Manual

For more information about carbon monoxide, see Engine Exhaust on page 8‑34.

Notice: If you open the liftgate without checking for overhead obstructions such as a garage door, you could damage the liftgate or the liftgate glass. Always check to make sure the area above and behind the liftgate is clear before opening it. Press the touchpad located in the handle of the liftgate, above the license plate, and lift up to open. Do not press the touchpad while closing the liftgate. This will cause the liftgate to be unlatched. Always close the liftgate before driving.

Liftgate (Power)

Power Liftgate Operation

{ WARNING

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

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

or under the instrument panel.

(Continued)

Keys, Doors and Windows

1-9

WARNING (Continued)

. Adjust the Climate Control

system to a setting that brings in only outside air and set the fan speed to the highest setting. See Climate Control System in the Index. . If the vehicle is equipped with

a power liftgate, disable the power liftgate function. For more information about carbon monoxide, see Engine Exhaust on page 8‑34.

On vehicles with a power liftgate, the switch is located on the overhead console. The vehicle must be in P (Park) to use the power feature. The taillamps flash when the power liftgate moves.

{ WARNING

You or others could be injured if caught in the path of the power liftgate. Make sure there is no one in the way of the liftgate as it is opening and closing.

Notice: If you open the liftgate without checking for overhead obstructions such as a garage door, you could damage the liftgate or the liftgate glass. Always check to make sure the area above and behind the liftgate is clear before opening it. The power liftgate has three modes of operation. Mode selection is controlled by the interior mode switch.

1-10

Keys, Doors and Windows

such as a garage door or roof mounted cargo during power operation. The liftgate can still be fully opened manually. OFF: The liftgate only operates manually in this position. Manual operation of a liftgate that also has power operation requires more effort than with a standard manual liftgate. In either the MAX or the 3/4 mode, the liftgate can be power opened and closed by:

First pressing K and then pressing and holding V on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter until the liftgate starts moving. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 1‑3 .

. Pressing the power liftgate

button on the center of the mode switch, located on the overhead console.

. Pressing the touchpad switch on

the liftgate outside handle to open the liftgate.

Press and release & on the liftgate adjacent to the latch to close the liftgate.

Choose the power liftgate mode by turning the dial on the switch until the indicator lines up with the desired position. The vehicle must be in P (Park). The three modes are: MAX : The liftgate power opens to the full open height. 3/4 : The liftgate power opens to a reduced open height that can be set by the vehicle operator. Use this setting to prevent the liftgate from opening into overhead obstructions

Keys, Doors and Windows

1-11

Pressing any button, or the touchpad switch while the liftgate is moving stops it. Pressing the button or RKE switch again reverses the direction. The touch pad switch will stop the liftgate from moving. There is a minimum distance that the power liftgate must already be open for the system to hold it open. If movement is stopped below that minimum the liftgate closes. Do not force the liftgate open or closed during a power cycle. The power liftgate may be temporarily disabled under extreme temperatures or low battery conditions. If this occurs, the liftgate can still be operated manually. If you shift the transmission out of P (Park) while the power function is in progress, the liftgate power function will continue to completion. If you shift the transmission out of P (Park) and accelerate before the power liftgate latch is closed, the liftgate may reverse to the open

position. Cargo could fall out of the vehicle. Always make sure the power liftgate is closed and latched before you drive away. If you power open the liftgate and the liftgate support struts have lost pressure, the turn signals flash and a chime sounds. The liftgate stays open temporarily, then slowly closes. See your dealer/retailer for service before using the liftgate. Obstacle Detection Features If the liftgate encounters an obstacle during a power open or close cycle, a warning chime will sound and the liftgate will automatically reverse direction to the full closed or open position. After removing the obstruction, the power liftgate operation can be used again. If the liftgate encounters multiple obstacles on the same power cycle, the power function will deactivate. The “Manually Close Power Liftgate” warning message in the Driver Information Center (DIC)

will display. After removing the obstructions, the liftgate will resume normal power operation. Your vehicle has pinch sensors located on the side edges of the liftgate. If an object is caught between the liftgate and the body and presses against this sensor, the liftgate will reverse direction and open fully. The liftgate will remain open until it is activated again or closed manually. Setting the Power Liftgate 3/4 Mode To change the liftgate stop position: 1. Turn the liftgate switch to the 3/4 mode position and power open the liftgate.

2. Stop the liftgate movement at the desired height by pressing any switch.

3. Press and hold the button on the liftgate adjacent to the latch until the turn signals flash and a beep sounds to indicate that the new setting is recorded.

1-12

Keys, Doors and Windows

When power opened with the 3/4 mode selected, the liftgate stops at the new set position. There is a minimum that the power liftgate must already be open for the system to hold it open. The liftgate cannot be set to stop below that minimum. Manual Operation of Power Liftgate To change the liftgate to manual operation, turn the mode switch to the OFF position. With the power liftgate disabled and all of the doors unlocked, the liftgate can be manually opened and closed. Manual operation of a liftgate that also has power operation requires more effort than with a standard manual liftgate.

To open the liftgate, press the touchpad on the handle on the outside of the liftgate, and lift the gate open. To close the liftgate, use the pull cup to lower the liftgate and close. With the power liftgate disabled the liftgate electric latch will still power latch once contact is made with the striker. Always close the liftgate before driving. If the RKE button is pressed while power operation is disabled, the turn signals flash and the liftgate will not move. The liftgate has an electric latch. If the battery is disconnected or has low voltage, the liftgate will not open. The liftgate will resume operation when the battery is reconnected and charged.

Vehicle Security Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. This vehicle has theft-deterrent features, however, they do not make it impossible to steal.

Anti-Theft Alarm System This vehicle has an anti-theft alarm system. Arming the System To arm the system, either: . Press Q on the RKE transmitter. . Or, lock the vehicle using the

key in the driver door.

The alarm automatically arms after about 30 seconds. The security light, located on the instrument panel, flashes. Press V on the RKE transmitter to open the liftgate without setting off the alarm. The system rearms when the liftgate is closed.

Keys, Doors and Windows

1-13

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

Turn the ignition to ON/RUN.

. Allow the alarm to time out after

about 30 seconds and reset itself.

The alarm automatically disarms. If the system is armed and any door is unlocked without pressing K on the RKE transmitter the alarm sounds. How to Detect a Tamper Condition If K is pressed and the horn sounds, an attempted break-in has occurred while the system was armed.

If the alarm has been activated, the “Theft Attempted” message will appear on the DIC. See Key and Lock Messages on page 4‑35 for additional information.

Immobilizer See Radio Frequency Statement on page 12‑16 for information regarding Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and RSS-210/211 of Industry and Science Canada.

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

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

The security light, located in the instrument panel cluster, comes on if there is a problem with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system. When trying to start the vehicle, the security light comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on. If the engine does not start and the security light stays on there is a problem with the system. Turn the ignition off and try again.

1-14

Keys, Doors and Windows

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

Exterior Mirrors

Power Mirrors

Convex Mirrors

{ WARNING

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

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

Controls for the outside power mirrors are located on the driver door. To adjust the mirrors: 1. Move the selector switch to

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

2. Press the arrows on the control pad to move each mirror to the desired direction.

3. Adjust each outside mirror so

that the side of the vehicle and the area behind are seen.

4. Return the selector switch to the

middle position.

Heated Mirrors For vehicles with heated mirrors: < (Rear Window Defogger): Press to heat the mirrors. See “Rear Window Defogger” under Automatic Climate Control System on page 7‑3 for more information.

Keys, Doors and Windows

1-15

Park Tilt Mirrors If the vehicle has the memory package, the outside mirrors have a park tilt feature. This feature autiomatically tilts the outside mirrors to a preselected position when the vehicle is in R (Reverse). This allows the driver to view the curb for parallel parking. The passenger and driver mirrors return to their original position when the vehicle is shifted out of R (Reverse), or the ignition is turned off or to OFF/LOCK. This feature can be turned on or off through the Driver Information Center (DIC). See Vehicle Personalization on page 4‑39 for more information.

Interior Mirrors

Manual Rearview Mirror Hold the inside rearview mirror in the center to move it for a clearer view of behind your vehicle. Adjust the mirror to avoid glare from the headlamps behind you. Push the tab forward for daytime use and pull it for nighttime use. Vehicles with OnStar® have three additional control buttons located at the bottom of the mirror. See your dealer/retailer for more information on the system and how to subscribe to OnStar. See OnStar® System on page 4‑44 for more information about the services OnStar provides.

1-16

Keys, Doors and Windows

Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation Automatic dimming reduces the glare from the headlamps of the vehicle behind you. The dimming feature comes on and the indicator light comes on each time the vehicle is started. Cleaning the Mirror Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the mirror. Use a soft towel dampened with water.

Windows

{ WARNING

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

Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror The vehicle may have an automatic dimming inside rearview mirror. Vehicles with OnStar® have three additional control buttons located at the bottom of the mirror. See your dealer/retailer for more information on the system and how to subscribe to OnStar. See OnStar® System on page 4‑44 for more information about the services OnStar provides. O : Press to turn automatic dimming on or off. If the vehicle has a rear vision camera (RVC) the O button for turning the automatic dimming feature on or off will not be available. See Rear Vision Camera (RVC) on page 8‑49 for more information.

Keys, Doors and Windows

1-17

Power Windows

{ WARNING

Leaving children in a vehicle with the keys is dangerous for many reasons, children or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. The windows will function and they could be seriously injured or killed if caught in the path of a closing window. Do not leave keys in a vehicle with children. When there are children in the rear seat use the window lockout button to prevent unintentional operation of the windows.

Uplevel shown, base similar

The power window controls are located on each of the side doors. The driver door also has switches that control the passenger and rear windows. The power windows work when the ignition is in ACC/ACCESSORY, ON/RUN or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 8‑29 . Press or pull on the switch to lower or raise the window.

1-18

Keys, Doors and Windows

Express Down Windows Windows that have the express‐down feature allow the windows to be lowered without holding the switch. Press the window switch fully and release it to activate the express‐down feature. The express mode can be canceled at any time by briefly pressing, or pulling the switch. Programming the Power Windows Programming the power windows may be necessary if the vehicle's battery has been disconnected or discharged.

To program the window: 1. Close all doors with the ignition

in the ACC/ACCESSORY, ON/RUN position, or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 8‑29.

2. Press and continue to hold the window switch until the window is fully open.

3. Pull up and hold the window switch to close the window. Continue to hold it briefly after the window is fully closed.

Window Lockout o (Window Lockout): The window lockout switch is located on the driver door. This feature prevents the rear passenger windows from operating, except from the driver position. Press the switch to turn the lockout feature on or off. An indicator light shows the feature is on.

Sun Visors Pull the sun visor down to block glare. Detach the sun visor from the center mount and slide it along the rod from side-to-side to cover the driver or passenger side of the front window. Swing the sun visor to the side to cover the side window. It can be moved along the rod from side-to-side in this position also.

Keys, Doors and Windows

1-19

Roof

Sunroof On vehicles with a sunroof, the switches used to operate it are located on the headliner above the rearview mirror. The ignition must be in ON/RUN, ACC/ACCESSORY, or in Retained Accessory Power (RAP) to operate the sunroof. See Ignition Positions on page 8‑28 and Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 8‑29 .

. Press and hold the front or

rear of the driver side switch to open or close the sunroof. The sunshade automatically opens with the sunroof, but must be closed manually.

. Press and hold the front of the passenger side switch to vent the sunroof. Press and hold the rear of the switch to close.

Express-open/Express-close Press and release the front or rear of the driver side switch to express-open or express-close the sunroof. Anti-Pinch Feature If an object is in the path of the sunroof when it is closing, the anti-pinch feature detects the object and stops the sunroof from closing at the point of the obstruction. The sunroof then returns to the full-open position.

1-20

Keys, Doors and Windows

2 NOTES

Seats and Restraints

2-1

Child Restraints

Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-41
Infants and Young

Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-43
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . 2-46
Where to Put the Restraint . . . 2-48
Lower Anchors and Tethers

for Children (LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-50

Replacing LATCH System

Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 2-55

Securing Child Restraints

(Rear Seat ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-56

Securing Child Restraints

(Front Passenger Seat) . . . . 2-58

Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints

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

Front Seats

Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . 2-4
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Rear Seats

Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Safety Belts

Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
How to Wear Safety Belts

Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Safety Belt Use During

Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23
Safety Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . 2-23

Safety System Check . . . . . . . . 2-24
Safety Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24
Replacing Safety Belt System

Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 2-24

Airbag System

Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . 2-27
When Should an Airbag

Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29

What Makes an Airbag

Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31

How Does an Airbag

Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31

What Will You See After an

Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32

Passenger Sensing

System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33

Servicing the Airbag-Equipped

Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-38

Adding Equipment to the

Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . 2-38
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . 2-40
Replacing Airbag System

Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 2-40

2-2

Seats and Restraints

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

{ WARNING

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

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

1. Pull the head restraint up to

raise it. To lower the head restraint, press the release button, located on the head restraint post on the top of the seatback, while you push the head restraint down.

2. Push down on the head restraint

after the button is released to make sure that it is locked in place.

The vehicle's rear seat head restraints are not adjustable.

Front Seats

Seat Adjustment

Seats and Restraints

2-3

To adjust the seat position: 1. Pull the handle located at the

front of the seat.

2. Move the seat forward or

backward to adjust the seat position.

3. Release the handle to stop the

seat from moving.

{ WARNING 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.

2-4

Seats and Restraints

Power Seat Adjustment

Driver Seat with Power Seat

Control, Power Recline,

and Power Lumbar shown

A: Memory Seat Adjustment B: Power Seat Adjustment C: Power Recline Adjustment D: Power Lumbar Adjustment

Driver Seat with Power Seat

Control, Power Lumbar,

and Manual Recline shown

D: Power Lumbar Adjustment E: Power Seat Adjustment F: Manual Recline Adjustment On vehicles with power seats, the controls are located on the outboard side of the seats.

Adjust the power seat by moving the control (B) forward or rearward, up or down, or by pressing the top or bottom of control (E). Adjust the seatback by moving the control (C) forward or rearward. See Reclining Seatbacks on page 2‑6 for more information. Adjust the lumbar support by using the control (D). See Lumbar Adjustment on page 2‑6 for more information. Memory Seats The vehicle may have a memory seat allowing saved and recalled seat settings. Controls (A) are located on the outboard side of the seat.

Seats and Restraints

2-5

Memory Seat recall may stop if the seat is blocked. Remove the obstruction and then press the memory button again. If the memory function does not work properly, see your dealer/retailer for service. Easy Exit Seat If the easy exit seat feature is on in the Driver Information Center (DIC), automatic adjustment occurs when the ignition is turned to LOCK/OFF and the driver door is opened. The driver seat moves back. See Vehicle Personalization on page 4‑39 for more information.

Entry using the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter with the remote recall feature on automatically adjusts the seat and mirrors. There is no adjustment when the position has not been changed by another seating position. When the remote recall feature is on, the seat and mirror position will be stored when the ignition is turned to LOCK/OFF. It is stored according to the RKE transmitter used to start the vehicle. To stop recall movement of the RKE remote recall feature, press one of the power seat controls, memory buttons, or power mirror buttons.

To save: 1. Adjust the driver seat, including the seatback recliner, and both outside mirrors, to a comfortable position.

2. Press and hold the MEM button

and button 1 at the same time until a beep indicates the position is stored.

A second seating and mirror position can be programmed by repeating the above steps and pressing button 2. To recall the memory positions, the vehicle must be in P (Park). Press and hold either button 1 or button 2
corresponding to the desired driving position. The seat, outside mirrors and pedals, if available move to the stored position. Releasing the button before the stored position is reached cancels the recall.

2-6

Seats and Restraints

Lumbar Adjustment

Reclining Seatbacks

Power Lumbar Seats with power lumbar have controls located on the outboard side of the seat. See Power Seat Adjustment on page 2‑4 for more information. Adjust lumbar support by using the rocker switch (D) on the outboard side of the driver seat. Release the switch when the seatback reaches the desired level of lumbar support.

Manual Reclining Seatbacks

{ WARNING 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.

{ WARNING

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

Vehicles with manual reclining seatbacks have a lever on the outboard side of the seat. Lift the lever and move the seatback to the desired position, then release the lever. The seatback should not move when pushed or pulled.

Power Reclining Seatbacks

{ WARNING

Seats and Restraints

2-7

Sitting in a reclined position when the vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even when buckled up, the safety belts cannot do their job when reclined like this. The shoulder belt cannot do its job because it will not be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash, you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt cannot do its job either. In a crash, the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear the safety belt properly.

On vehicles with power reclining seatbacks, the switch is located on the outboard side of the seat. See Power Seat Adjustment on page 2‑4 for more information. Move the switch forward or rearward to adjust the seatback.

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

2-8

Seats and Restraints

Heated Front Seats { WARNING

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

On vehicles with heated front seats, the controls are located near the climate controls. To operate the heated seats the ignition must be in ON/RUN.

lower setting, and then the off setting. The lights indicate three for the highest setting and one for the lowest. The passenger seat may take longer to heat up. When Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is used to remote start the vehicle, the front heated seats will heat to the highest setting if it is cold outside. When the ignition is turned on with the key the heated seat feature turns off. Press the button to turn the feature back on. See Remote Vehicle Start on page 1‑5 .

Press the button L to heat the seat cushion and seatback. Press the button once for the highest setting. With each press, the heated seat will change to the next

Rear Seats

Split Folding Seatbacks With this feature, either side of the rear seatback can be folded down for more cargo space.

{ WARNING

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

{ WARNING

A safety belt that is improperly routed, not properly attached, or twisted will not provide the protection needed in a crash.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

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.

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. 1. To fold the seatback down:

The rear safety belts must be unbuckled and the front seatbacks are not reclined.

Seats and Restraints

2-9

2. Lift the lever located on the top

of the seatback.

3. Fold the seatback forward. Keep the seat in the upright locked position when not in use. To recline the seatback: 1. Lift and hold the lever located on

top of the seatback.

2. Tilt the seatback rearward, then

release the lever when the seatback is in the desired position.

2-10

Seats and Restraints

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

{ WARNING

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

{ WARNING

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

This vehicle has indicators as a reminder to buckle the safety belts. See Safety Belt Reminders on page 4‑15 for additional information.

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

Seats and Restraints

2-11

Put someone on it.

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

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

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

2-12

Seats and Restraints

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

or the instrument panel...

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

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

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

Seats and Restraints

2-13

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly This section is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and infants. If a child will be riding in the vehicle, see Older Children on page 2‑41 or Infants and Young Children on page 2‑43 . Follow those rules for everyone's protection. It is very important for all occupants to buckle up. Statistics show that unbelted people are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Occupants who are not buckled up can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.

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

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

Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why

should I have to wear safety belts?

A: Airbags are supplemental

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

2-14

Seats and Restraints

First, before you or your passenger(s) wear a safety belt, there is important information you should know.

Sit up straight and always keep your feet on the floor in front of you. The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just

Q: What is wrong with this?

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

A: The shoulder belt is too loose.

It will not give as much protection this way.

{ WARNING

Q: What is wrong with this?

{ WARNING

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2-15

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 snugly against your body.

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 on your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The lap belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs.

A: The lap belt is too loose. It will

not give nearly as much protection this way.

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Seats and Restraints

Q: What is wrong with this?

{ WARNING

Q: What is wrong with this?

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 on 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

buckle.

A: The belt is over an armrest.

{ WARNING

Q: What is wrong with this?

{ WARNING

Seats and Restraints

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

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

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

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Seats and Restraints

Q: What is wrong with this?

{ WARNING

Q: What is wrong with this?

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

A: The belt is behind the body.

A: The belt is twisted across

the body.

{ WARNING

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

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

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

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4.

If equipped with a shoulder belt height adjuster, move it to the height that is right for you. See “Shoulder Belt Height Adjustment” later in this section for instructions on use and important safety information.

3. 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 2‑23 . Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary.

5. To make the lap part tight, pull

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

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Seats and Restraints

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

Before a door is closed, be sure the safety belt is out of the way. If a door is slammed against a safety belt, damage can occur to both the safety belt and the vehicle. Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster The vehicle has a shoulder belt height adjuster for the driver and right front passenger seating positions. Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of the belt is centered on the shoulder. The belt should be away from the face and neck, but not falling off the shoulder. Improper shoulder belt height adjustment could reduce the effectiveness of the safety belt in a crash.

Move the height adjuster up to the desired position by pushing up on the height adjuster. After the height adjuster is set to the desired position, try to move it up or down without pressing the release button (A) to make sure it has locked into position. Press the release button to lower the height adjuster.

Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides This vehicle may have rear shoulder belt comfort guides. If not, they are available through your dealer/ retailer. The guides may provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for some adults. When installed and properly adjusted, the comfort guide positions the belt away from the neck and head.

Safety Belt Pretensioners This vehicle has safety belt pretensioners for front outboard occupants. Although the safety belt pretensioners cannot be seen, they are part of the safety belt assembly. They can help tighten the safety belts during the early stages of a moderate to severe frontal and near frontal crash if the threshold conditions for pretensioner activation are met. Pretensioners work only once. If the pretensioners activate in a crash, they need to be replaced, and other new parts for the vehicle's safety belt system may be required. See Replacing Safety Belt System Parts After a Crash on page 2‑24.

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

1. Remove the guide from its

storage pocket on the side of the seatback.

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Seats and Restraints

2. Place the guide over the belt,

3. The belt should not be twisted

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

and it should lie flat. The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top.

{ WARNING

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

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.

4. Buckle, position, and release

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

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

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.

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

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

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Seats and Restraints

Safety System Check Now and then, check that the safety belt reminder light, safety belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job. See your dealer/ retailer to have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working. See Safety Belt Reminders on page 4‑15 for more information. Keep safety belts clean and dry. See Safety Belt Care on page 2‑24 .

Safety Belt Care Keep belts clean and dry. { WARNING

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

Replacing Safety Belt System Parts After a Crash

{ WARNING

A crash can damage the safety belt system in the vehicle. A damaged safety belt system may not properly protect the person using it, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure the

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

safety belt systems are working properly after a crash, have them inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.

After a minor crash, replacement of safety belts may not be necessary. But the safety belt assemblies that were used during any crash may have been stressed or damaged. See your dealer/retailer to have the safety belt assemblies inspected or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the safety belt system was not being used at the time of the crash. Have the safety belt pretensioners checked if the vehicle has been in a crash, or if the airbag readiness light stays on after you start the vehicle or while you are driving. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 4‑16.

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

passenger.

. A seat-mounted side impact

airbag for the driver.

. A seat-mounted side impact

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

. A roof-rail airbag for the right

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

All of the airbags in the vehicle will have the word AIRBAG embossed in the trim or on an attached label near the deployment opening. For frontal airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear on the middle part of the steering wheel for the driver and on the instrument panel for the right front passenger. With seat-mounted side impact airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear on the side of the seatback closest to the door. With roof-rail airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear along the trim. Even if you do not have a right front passenger seat in the vehicle there is still an active frontal airbag in the right side of the instrument panel. Do not place cargo in front of this airbag.

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{ WARNING

Be sure that cargo is not near an airbag. In a crash, an inflating airbag might force that object toward a person. This could cause severe injury or even death. Secure objects away from the area in which an airbag would inflate. For more information, see Where Are the Airbags? on page 2‑27 and Vehicle Load Limits on page 8‑24.

Airbags are designed to supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Even though today's airbags are also designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating bag, all airbags must inflate very quickly to do their job.

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Seats and Restraints

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

{ WARNING

{ WARNING

{ WARNING

You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you are not wearing your safety belt — even if you have airbags. Airbags are designed to work with safety belts, but do not replace them. Also, airbags are not designed to deploy in every crash. In some crashes safety belts are your only restraint. See When Should an Airbag Inflate? on page 2‑29. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Airbags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for that person.

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

Children who are up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer protection for adults and older children, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle's safety belt system nor its airbag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see Older Children on page 2‑41 or Infants and Young Children on page 2‑43 .

Seats and Restraints

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Where Are the Airbags?

There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument panel cluster, which shows the airbag symbol. The system checks the airbag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 4‑16 for more information.

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

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

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Seats and Restraints

{ WARNING If something is between an occupant and an airbag, the airbag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person causing severe injury or even death. The path of an inflating airbag must be kept clear. Do not put anything between an occupant and an airbag, and do not attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other airbag covering.

(Continued)

Driver Side shown, Passenger

Driver Side shown, Passenger

Side similar

Side similar

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

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

WARNING (Continued)

Do not use seat accessories that block the inflation path of a seat-mounted side impact airbag. Never secure anything to the roof of a vehicle with roof-rail airbags by routing a rope or tie down through any door or window opening. If you do, the path of an inflating roof-rail airbag will be blocked.

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

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

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

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Seats and Restraints

Thresholds can also vary with specific vehicle design. Frontal airbags are not intended to inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts. In addition, the vehicle has dual-stage frontal airbags. Dual-stage airbags adjust the restraint according to crash severity. The vehicle has electronic frontal sensors, which help the sensing system distinguish between a moderate frontal impact and a more severe frontal impact. For moderate frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags inflate at a level less than full deployment. For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs. The vehicle has seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags. See Airbag System on page 2‑25 .

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

deploy when either side of the vehicle is struck, or if the sensing system predicts that the vehicle is about to roll over, or in a severe frontal impact. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an airbag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. For frontal airbags, inflation is determined by what the vehicle hits, the angle of the impact, and how quickly the vehicle slows down. For seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags, deployment is determined by the location and severity of the side impact. In a rollover event, roof-rail airbag deployment is determined by the direction of the roll.

What Makes an Airbag Inflate? In a deployment event, the sensing system sends an electrical signal triggering a release of gas from the inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the airbag causing the bag to break out of the cover and deploy. The inflator, the airbag, and related hardware are all part of the airbag module. Frontal airbag modules are located inside the steering wheel and instrument panel. For vehicles with seat-mounted side impact airbags, there are airbag modules in the side of the front seatbacks closest to the door. For vehicles with roof-rail airbags, there are airbag modules in the ceiling of the vehicle, near the side windows that have occupant seating positions.

How Does an Airbag Restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle. Airbags supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Frontal airbags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant's upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. Seat‐mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant's upper body.

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Rollover capable roof-rail airbags are designed to help contain the head and chest of occupants in the outboard seating positions in the first and second rows. The rollover capable roof-rail airbags are designed to help reduce the risk of full or partial ejection in rollover events, although no system can prevent all such ejections. But airbags would not help in many types of collisions, primarily because the occupant's motion is not toward those airbags. See When Should an Airbag Inflate? on page 2‑29 for more information. Airbags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts.

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Seats and Restraints

What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates? After the frontal airbags and seat-mounted side impact airbags inflate, they quickly deflate, so quickly that some people may not even realize an airbag inflated. Roof-rail airbags may still be at least partially inflated for some time after they deploy. Some components of the airbag module may be hot for several minutes. For location of the airbag modules, see What Makes an Airbag Inflate? on page 2‑31. The parts of the airbag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There may be some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the deflated airbags. Airbag inflation does not prevent the driver from seeing out of the windshield or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it prevent people from leaving the vehicle.

{ WARNING

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

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

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

{ WARNING

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

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

only once. After an airbag inflates, you will need some new parts for the airbag system. If you do not get them, the airbag system will not be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include airbag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.

The vehicle has a crash sensing and diagnostic module which records information after a crash. See Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy on page 12‑15 and Event Data Recorders on page 12‑15. Let only qualified technicians work on the airbag systems. Improper service can mean that an airbag system will not work properly. See your dealer/retailer for service.

Passenger Sensing System The vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the right front passenger position. The passenger airbag status indicator will be visible on the overhead console when the vehicle is started.

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United States

Canada

The words ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off, are visible during the system check. If you are using remote start, if equipped, to start the vehicle from a distance, you may not see the system check. When the system check is complete, either the word ON or OFF, or the symbol for on or off, will be visible. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 4‑17.

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Seats and Restraints

The passenger sensing system turns off the right front passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions. The driver airbag, seat‐mounted side impact airbags and the roof-rail airbags are not affected by the passenger sensing system. The passenger sensing system works with sensors that are part of the right front passenger seat. The sensors are designed to detect the presence of a properly-seated occupant and determine if the right front passenger frontal airbag should be enabled (may inflate) or not. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat in the correct child restraint for their weight and size.

We recommend that children be secured in a rear seat, including: an infant or a child riding in a rear-facing child restraint; a child riding in a forward-facing child seat; an older child riding in a booster seat; and children, who are large