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2010 Chevrolet Express Owner Manual M


Instrument Panel Initial Drive Information Vehicle Features Performance and Maintenance


In Brief ........................................................... 1-1
........................................ 1-2
............................... 1-4
...................................... 1-14
................... 1-16
Seats and Restraint System ............................. 2-1
Head Restraints ......................................... 2-2
Front Seats ............................................... 2-2
Rear Seats ............................................... 2-6
Safety Belts ............................................. 2-10
Child Restraints ....................................... 2-30
Airbag System ......................................... 2-60
Restraint System Check ............................ 2-80
Features and Controls ..................................... 3-1
........................................................ 3-3
....................................... 3-9
................................................. 3-16
............................ 3-19
........... 3-22
.................................................... 3-42
......................................... 3-44


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


Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle Towing


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


Instrument Panel ............................................. 4-1
.......................... 4-3
...................................... 4-15
........ 4-20
.................. 4-36
....................................... 4-59
Driving Your Vehicle ....................................... 5-1
....... 5-2
................................................... 5-26
Service and Appearance Care .......................... 6-1
Service ..................................................... 6-3
Fuel ......................................................... 6-5
Checking Things Under the Hood ............... 6-12
All-Wheel Drive ........................................ 6-49
Rear Axle ............................................... 6-50
Front Axle ............................................... 6-50
Noise Control System ............................... 6-51
Bulb Replacement .................................... 6-53
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement ......... 6-59
Tires ...................................................... 6-60


Appearance Care ................................... 6-102
Vehicle Identification ............................... 6-109
Electrical System .................................... 6-109
Capacities and Specifications ................... 6-116
Maintenance Schedule ..................................... 7-1
................................ 7-2


Maintenance Schedule


Customer Assistance Information .................... 8-1
........... 8-2
........................... 8-16
........... 8-18
Index ................................................................ 1


Customer Assistance and Information Reporting Safety Defects Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy


GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem, and the name EXPRESS are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual describes features that may or may not be on your specific vehicle either because they are options that you did not purchase or due to changes subsequent to the printing of this owner manual. Please refer to the purchase documentation relating to your specific vehicle to confirm each of the features found on your vehicle. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Chevrolet Motor Division wherever it appears in this manual. If the vehicle has the DURAMAX® Diesel engine, refer to the DURAMAX® Diesel supplement for additional and specific information on this engine. Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick reference.


Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 25830408 A First Printing


Canadian Owners Propriétaires Canadiens A French language copy of this manual can be obtained from your dealer/retailer or from: On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide en français auprès du concessionnaire ou à l’adresse suivante:


Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
1-800-551-4123


Numéro de poste 6438 de langue française


www.helminc.com


Index To quickly locate information about the vehicle, use 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.


©2009 General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.


iii


Safety Warnings and Symbols Warning Messages found on vehicle labels and in this manual describe hazards and what to do to avoid or reduce them. Danger indicates a hazard with a high level of risk which will result in serious injury or death. Warning or Caution indicates a hazard that could result in injury or death.


{ WARNING:


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


Notice: This means there is something that could result in property or vehicle damage. This would not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty.


A circle with a slash through it is a safety symbol which means “Do Not,” “Do not do this,” or “Do not let this happen.”


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. M : This symbol is shown when you need to see your owner manual for additional instructions or information.


* : This symbol is shown when you need to see a service manual for additional instructions or information.


iv


Vehicle Symbol Chart Here are some additional symbols that may be found on the vehicle and what they mean. For more information on the symbol, refer to the index.


9 : Airbag Readiness Light # : Air Conditioning ! : Antilock Brake System (ABS) g : Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar® $ : Brake System Warning Light " : Charging System I : Cruise Control B : Engine Coolant Temperature O : Exterior Lamps


# : Fog Lamps


. : Fuel Gage


+ : Fuses


i : Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer


j : LATCH System Child Restraints * : Malfunction Indicator Lamp : : Oil Pressure


} : Power


/ : Remote Vehicle Start > : Safety Belt Reminders


7 : Tire Pressure Monitor


_ : Tow/Haul Mode


F : Traction Control


M : Windshield Washer Fluid


✍ NOTES


vi


Section 1


In Brief


Instrument Panel ..............................................1-2
Initial Drive Information ....................................1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System ................1-4
Remote Vehicle Start ......................................1-4
Door Locks ....................................................1-5
Windows .......................................................1-6
Seat Adjustment .............................................1-6
Safety Belt ....................................................1-8
Airbag On-Off Switch ......................................1-8
Sensing System for Passenger Airbag ...............1-9
Mirror Adjustment ...........................................1-9
Steering Wheel Adjustment ............................1-10
Interior Lighting ............................................1-11
Exterior Lighting ...........................................1-11
Windshield Wiper/Washer ...............................1-12
Climate Controls ...........................................1-13


Vehicle Features .............................................1-14
Radio(s) ......................................................1-14
Portable Audio Devices ..................................1-15
Steering Wheel Controls ................................1-15
Cruise Control ..............................................1-16
Power Outlets ..............................................1-16
Performance and Maintenance .........................1-16
StabiliTrak® ..................................................1-16
Tire Pressure Monitor ....................................1-17
Engine Oil Life System ..................................1-17
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) ................................1-18
Driving for Better Fuel Economy .....................1-18
Roadside Assistance Program ........................1-18


1-1


Instrument Panel


1-2


A. Outlet Adjustment on page 4-17. B. Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 4-36. C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 4-4. D. Hazard Warning Flashers on page 4-3. E. Instrument Panel Cluster on page 4-21. F. Shift Lever. See Starting the Engine on page 3-23. G. Climate Control System on page 4-15. H. Audio System(s) on page 4-59. I. Exterior Lamps on page 4-9. J. Instrument Panel Brightness on page 4-11. K. Cruise Control on page 4-6. Fast Idle System


(If Equipped). See Duramax Diesel Manual for more information.


L. Tilt Wheel on page 4-3. M. Horn on page 4-3. N. Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 4-77. O. Tow/Haul Mode Button. See “Tow/Haul Mode” under


Towing a Trailer on page 5-30.


P. Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 4-14. Q. StabiliTrak® System on page 5-5 (If Equipped). R. Airbag Off Switch on page 2-70. S. Storage Areas on page 3-44. T. Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 4-25. U. Rear Heating System on page 4-18 (If Equipped).


1-3


Initial Drive Information This section provides a brief overview about some of the important features that may or may not be on your specific vehicle. For more detailed information, refer to each of the features which can be found later in this owner manual.


Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System The RKE transmitter is used to remotely lock and unlock the doors from up to 20 m (65 feet) away from the vehicle.


Press K to unlock the driver door.


Press K again within five seconds to unlock all remaining doors. Press j to unlock only the cargo doors. Press Q to lock all doors. Lock and unlock feedback can be personalized. Press L and release to locate the vehicle. Press L and hold for more than two seconds to sound the panic alarm. Press again to turn off the alarm. See Keys on page 3-3 and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 3-4. Remote Vehicle Start With this feature the engine can be started from outside of the vehicle. Starting the Vehicle 1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle. 2. Press Q . 3. Immediately after completing Step 2, press and


hold / until the turn signal lamps flash.


1-4


When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn on and remain on as long as the engine is running. The doors will be locked and the climate control system may come on. The engine will continue to run for 10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a 10-minute time extension. Remote start can be extended only once. Canceling a Remote Start To cancel a remote start: • Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press


and hold / until the parking lamps turn off.


• Turn on the hazard warning flashers. • Turn the ignition switch ON/RUN and then


back to LOCK/OFF.


See Remote Vehicle Start on page 3-7.


Door Locks Manual Door Locks


Lock and unlock the door from the outside using the key or the RKE transmitter, if available. From the inside, slide the manual lever on the door up or down.


See Door Locks on page 3-9. Power Door Locks On vehicles with power door locks, the switches are located on the doors.


T : Press to lock and unlock the doors. See Power Door Locks on page 3-10.


1-5


Windows Manual Windows Operate the manual windows by turning the hand crank on each door to raise or lower the side door windows. See Manual Windows on page 3-16. Power Windows


Seat Adjustment Manual Seats


1. Lift the bar to unlock


the seat.


2. Slide the seat to the desired position and release the bar.


If the vehicle has power windows, the controls are located on each of the side doors. The driver door also has a control to operate the front passenger window.


Press or pull up on the switch to lower or raise the window. See Power Windows on page 3-17.


1-6


Try to move the seat to be sure the seat is locked in place. See Manual Seats on page 2-2.


Power Seats


Reclining Seatbacks


If the vehicle has front power seat(s), the controls are located at the front center of the seat cushion. Adjust the seat by moving the center knob up, down, right or left. Raise and lower the front or rear of the seat cushion by moving the right or left lever up or down. See Power Seat on page 2-3.


To recline the seatback: 1. Lift the recline lever on the inboard side of the


seats.


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.


See Reclining Seatbacks on page 2-4.


1-7


Safety Belt


Airbag On-Off Switch If the instrument panel has one of the switches pictured in the following illustrations, the vehicle has an airbag on-off switch that you can use to manually turn on or off the right front passenger airbag.


Refer to the following sections for important information on how to use safety belts properly. • Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone on page 2-10. • How to Wear Safety Belts Properly on page 2-15. • Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 2-23. • Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)


on page 2-42.


1-8


United States


Canada


See Airbag Off Switch on page 2-70 for important information.


Sensing System for Passenger Airbag The passenger sensing system, if equipped, will turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions. The driver airbag and roof-rail airbags, if equipped, are not affected by this. If the vehicle has a passenger sensing system, the passenger airbag status indicator will be visible on the instrument panel when the vehicle is started.


Mirror Adjustment Exterior Mirrors Vehicles with outside manual mirrors can be adjusted by moving the mirror up and down or left to right so you can see a little of the side of your vehicle, and have a clear view of objects behind you.


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


United States


Canada


See Passenger Sensing System on page 2-73 for important information.


Select each mirror by turning the knob clockwise for the passenger side mirror or counterclockwise for the driver side mirror. Adjust the mirror angle by moving the knob in the desired direction. Keep the selector switch in the center position when not adjusting either outside mirror.


1-9


Vehicles with towing mirrors can be adjusted manually for a clear view of the objects behind you.


Steering Wheel Adjustment


Manually fold the mirrors inward to prevent damage when going through an automatic car wash. To fold, pull the mirror toward the vehicle. Push the mirror outward, to return it to the original position. Interior Mirror Hold the inside rearview mirror in the center to move it for a clearer view behind the vehicle. Adjust the mirror to avoid glare from the headlamps behind. Push the tab, located at the base of the mirror, forward for daytime use and pull it for nighttime use. See Manual Rearview Mirror on page 3-42.


1-10


For vehicles with a tilt steering wheel, the lever is located on the left side of the steering column. To adjust the steering wheel: 1. Pull the lever to move the steering wheel up or


down into a comfortable position.


2. Release the lever to lock the steering wheel in


place.


See Tilt Wheel on page 4-3.


Interior Lighting Dome Lamp The dome lamps come on when any door is opened. They turn off after all the doors are closed. To manually turn on the dome lamps, turn the instrument panel brightness knob, located on the instrument panel to the left of the steering column, clockwise to the farthest position. In this position, the dome lamps remain on whether a door is opened or closed. E : The dome lamp override button is located next to the exterior lamps control. Press the button in and the dome lamps remain off when a door is opened. Press the button again to return it to the extended position so that the dome lamps come on when a door is opened.


Reading Lamps For vehicles with reading lamps, press the button located next to each lamp to turn it on or off. The vehicle may also have reading lamps in other locations. The lamps cannot be adjusted. For more information on interior lighting, see: • Instrument Panel Brightness on page 4-11. • Entry/Exit Lighting on page 4-13.


Exterior Lighting


The exterior lamps control is located on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel.


O : Briefly turn the control to this position to turn the automatic headlamps and daytime running lamps (DRL) off or back on.


For vehicles first sold in Canada, the off position only works for vehicles that are shifted into the P (Park) position.


1-11


AUTO: Automatic operation of the headlamps at normal brightness and other exterior lamp. ; : Manual operation of the parking lamps and other exterior lamps, except headlamps. 2 : Manual operation of the headlamps and other exterior lamps. For more information, see: • Exterior Lamps on page 4-9. • Headlamps on Reminder on page 4-10. • Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) on page 4-10. • Automatic Headlamp System on page 4-11.


Windshield Wiper/Washer


The lever is located on the left side of the steering column. 8 : Use for a single wiping cycle.


6 : Turn the band to adjust the delay time between wipes. Turn the band up or down for more frequent wipes or less frequent wipes. d : Slow wipes. a : Fast wipes.


1-12


9 : Turns the wipers off. L : Push the paddle on top of the multifunction lever to spray washer fluid on the windshield. See Windshield Wipers on page 4-5 and Windshield Washer on page 4-6.


Climate Controls The vehicle’s heating, cooling, and ventilation can be controlled with these systems.


Vehicles Without Air Conditioning


A. Fan Control B. Temperature Control C. Air Delivery Mode Control


Vehicles With Air Conditioning


A. Fan Control B. Temperature


Control


C. Air Delivery Mode


Control


D. Rear Window


Defogger


See Climate Control System on page 4-15. See Rear Heating System on page 4-18 (If Equipped) or Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System on page 4-18
(If Equipped).


1-13


Vehicle Features


Radio(s)


Radio with CD (MP3)


O : Press to turn the system on and off. Turn to increase or decrease the volume.


BAND: Press to choose between FM and AM.


f : Select radio stations.


1-14


© ¨: Seek or scan stations. 4 : Press to display additional text information related to the current FM-RDS station or MP3 song. A choice of additional information such as: Channel, Song, Artist, and CAT (category) can display. Continue pressing to highlight the desired label, or press the softkey located under any one of the tabs and the information about that tab displays. For more information about these and other radio features, see Audio System(s) on page 4-59. Storing a Favorite Station Depending on which radio the vehicle has, radio stations are stored as either favorites or presets. For vehicles with a FAV button, a maximum of 36 stations can be stored as favorites using the six softkeys located below the radio station frequency tabs and by using the radio FAV button. Press FAV to go through up to six pages of favorites, each having six favorite stations available per page. Each page of favorites can contain any combination of AM and FM stations. If the radio does not have a FAV button, up to 18 stations (six FM1, six FM2, and six AM), can be programmed on the six numbered buttons. See Radio(s) on page 4-62.


Setting the Clock To set the time and date for the Radio with CD (MP3): 1. Press H and the HR, MIN, MM, DD, YYYY


(hour, minute, month, day, and year) displays.


2. Press the pushbutton located below any one of the


tabs that you want to change.


3. Increase or decrease the time or date depending


on the radio, by pressing ©SEEK¨ arrows, s\ REV/FWD buttons or by turning f clockwise or counterclockwise.


For detailed instructions on setting the clock for your specific audio system, see Setting the Clock on page 4-60.


Portable Audio Devices This vehicle may have an auxiliary input jack, located on the audio faceplate. External devices such as iPod®, MP3 players, etc. can be connected to the auxiliary input jack using a 3.5 mm (1/8 in) input jack cable. See “Using the Auxiliary Input Jack” under Radio(s) on page 4-62.


Steering Wheel Controls


If equipped, these controls are located on the right side of the steering wheel.


w / x: Press to seek radio stations or select tracks on a CD. Press and hold to scan radio stations. g : Press to mute the audio system. Press again to cancel mute. + e − e : Increases or decreases volume.


SRCE: Press to choose between the radio, CD, and auxiliary input jack. ¨ : Press to seek the next radio station, or the next track or chapter while sourced to the CD.


1-15


Cruise Control


The cruise control buttons are located on the left side of the steering wheel.


J : On/Off. RES+: Press to resume or accelerate speed. SET−: Press to set or decrease speed.


[ : Press to cancel cruise control without erasing the set speed from memory. For more information, see Cruise Control on page 4-6.


Power Outlets The accessory power outlets can be used to connect auxiliary electrical equipment, such as a cellular phone. The vehicle may have two accessory power outlets located on the instrument panel. To use the accessory power outlet lift the cover. See Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 4-14 and Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter on page 4-15
(If Equipped). Performance and Maintenance StabiliTrak® The vehicle may have a traction control system that limits wheel spin and the StabiliTrak system that assists with directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions. Both systems turn on automatically every time the vehicle is started. • To turn off both traction control and Electronic


Stability Control, press and hold d until d illuminates and the appropriate DIC message displays. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-44.


• Press and release the button again to turn on both


systems.


1-16


For more information, see StabiliTrak® System on page 5-5.


Tire Pressure Monitor This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).


The Tire Pressure Monitor alerts you when a significant reduction in pressure occurs in one or more of the vehicle’s tires by illuminating the low tire pressure warning light on the instrument cluster.


The warning light will remain on until the tire pressure is corrected. The proper tire pressures for your vehicle are listed on the Tire and Loading Information label located on the driver side center pillar (B pillar). See Loading the Vehicle on page 5-19. You may notice during cooler conditions that the low tire pressure warning light will appear when the vehicle is first started and then turn off as you drive. This may be an early indicator that your tire pressures are getting low and the tires need to be inflated to the proper pressure.


Note: The Tire Pressure Monitor can alert you about low tire pressure, but it does not replace normal monthly tire maintenance. It is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressures. See Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 6-70 and Tire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 6-72.


Engine Oil Life System The engine oil life system calculates engine oil life based on vehicle use and displays a DIC message when it is necessary to change the engine oil and filter. The oil life system should be reset to 100% only following an oil change. Resetting the Oil Life System 1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN, with the engine off. 2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal


three times within five seconds.


3. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF. See Engine Oil Life System on page 6-18.


1-17


Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) If the vehicle has the 4.8L V8 engine (VIN Code A), the 5.3L V8 engine (VIN Code 4), or the 6.0L V8 engine (VIN Code G), and the N15 flexible fuel option you can use either unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel containing up to 85% ethanol (E85). See Fuel on page 6-5. In all other engines, use only the unleaded gasoline described under Gasoline Octane on page 6-6. Vehicles that have the 4.8L V8 engine (VIN Code A), the 5.3L V8 engine (VIN Code 4), or the 6.0L V8 engine (VIN Code G) and the N15 flexible fuel option have a yellow fuel cap and can use 85% ethanol fuel (E85). See Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) on page 6-8.


Driving for Better Fuel Economy Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are some driving tips to get the best fuel economy possible. • Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly. • Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops. • Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time. • When road and weather conditions are appropriate,


use cruise control, if equipped.


• Always follow posted speed limits or drive more


slowly when conditions require.


1-18


• Keep vehicle tires properly inflated. • Combine several trips into a single trip. • Replace the vehicle’s tires with the same TPC Spec number molded into the tire’s sidewall near the size.


• Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.


Roadside Assistance Program U.S.: 1-800-CHEV-USA (1-800-243-8872) TTY Users: 1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
As the owner of a new Chevrolet, you are automatically enrolled in the Roadside Assistance program. This program provides technically trained advisors who are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, minor repair information or towing arrangements. Online Owner Center The Online Owner Center is a complimentary service that includes online service reminders, vehicle maintenance tips, online owner manual, special privileges and more. Sign up today at: www.gmownercenter.com/chevrolet (U.S.) or www.gm.ca (Canada).


Section 2


Seats and Restraint System


Head Restraints ...............................................2-2
Front Seats ......................................................2-2
Manual Seats ................................................2-2
Power Seat ...................................................2-3
Reclining Seatbacks ........................................2-4
Rear Seats .......................................................2-6
Rear Seat Operation .......................................2-6
Safety Belts ...................................................2-10
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone ................2-10
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly .................2-15
Lap-Shoulder Belt .........................................2-23
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ..................2-29
Safety Belt Extender .....................................2-29
Child Restraints .............................................2-30
Older Children ..............................................2-30
Infants and Young Children ............................2-33
Child Restraint Systems .................................2-37
Where to Put the Restraint .............................2-40
Lower Anchors and Tethers for


Children (LATCH) ......................................2-42


Securing a Child Restraint in a


Rear Seat Position ....................................2-49


Securing a Child Restraint in the


Right Front Seat Position (With Passenger Sensing System) ...............2-52


Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front


Seat Position (With Airbag On-Off Switch) .....2-56
Airbag System ...............................................2-60
Where Are the Airbags? ................................2-63
When Should an Airbag Inflate? .....................2-65
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? .......................2-67
How Does an Airbag Restrain? .......................2-67
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates? .....2-68
Airbag Off Switch ..........................................2-70
Passenger Sensing System ............................2-73
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ...........2-78
Adding Equipment to Your


Airbag-Equipped Vehicle .............................2-79
Restraint System Check ..................................2-80
Checking the Restraint Systems ......................2-80
Replacing Restraint System Parts


After a Crash ............................................2-81


2-1


Head Restraints On vehicles with factory installed seats, the front seats have built-in head restraints that are not adjustable in the outboard seating positions. Front Seats


If the vehicle has a manual seat, it can be moved forward or rearward.


1. Lift the bar to unlock


the seat.


2. Slide the seat to the desired position and release the bar.


Manual Seats


{ 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.


2-2


Try to move the seat with your body to be sure the seat is locked in place.


Power Seat


If the vehicle has front power seat(s), the controls are located at the front center of the seat cushion. To raise or lower the seat, move the center knob up or down. To move the seat forward or rearward, move the center knob toward the right or left. To raise or lower the front of the seat cushion, move the right lever up or down. To raise or lower the rear of the seat cushion, move the left lever up or down.


2-3


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.


2-4


The seats have manual reclining seatbacks. The lever used to operate them is located on the inboard side of the seats.


To recline the seatback: 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.


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


seatback and the seatback will return to the upright position.


2. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is


locked.


{ WARNING:


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


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


2-5


Rear Seats


Rear Seat Operation Removing the Rear Seat Disconnect the quick release latch plates for the lap-shoulder belts on the bench seat to be removed.


1. To do this, press the


tip of a key into the release hole of the safety belt buckle while pulling up on the safety belt.


2. Locate the pins.


On a three passenger seat there are two pins located on the inboard sides of the rear seats.


2-6


Three Passenger Seat Shown


The driver side pin has a gray cap with a black “L” marked on it.


Three Passenger Seat Shown


The passenger side pin has a black cap with a white “R” marked on it. On a four passenger seat, each half of the seat has a set of pins. The driver side has a set marked “L”, and the passenger side has a set marked “R”. If the vehicle has floor mats, the pins will be located under a flap that has been cut into the mat.


3. Pull the pin handle up to disengage the pin from


the retaining clip, then pull the pin out.


4. Repeat this procedure for the other pins. 5. Pull the seat rearward about 2 inches (5 cm) and


then lift the seat from the floor rails. 6. Remove the seat from the vehicle.


7. For the first row rear seat, stow the safety belt latch by attaching the clip on the safety belt latch to the trim just inside the side door.


For the remaining rear seats, stow the safety belt latch plate on the clip at the window trim.


2-7


Replacing the Rear Seats


{ WARNING:


A seat that is not locked into place properly can move around in a collision or sudden stop. People in the vehicle could be injured. Be sure to lock the seat into place properly when installing it.


{ WARNING:


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


WARNING:


(Continued)


2-8


WARNING:


(Continued)


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.


1. Position the seat into the open slots in both rails.


Push the seat forward in the rail, hooking both seat bases onto the pins inside of the rails.


2. Locate the hole in the rail to install the locking pins at


the rear of the seat base. If the vehicle has floor mats, pull the flap that has been cut into the mat.


3. Insert the locking pins into the seat base and push


the seat to line up the pins with the base. On a three passenger seat, the pin with the black cap marked “R” must be installed on the passenger side and the pin with the gray cap marked “L” on the driver side. On a four passenger seat, the pins marked “R” must be installed on the half of the seat on the passenger side. The pins marked “L” must be installed on the half of the seat on the driver side.


Three Passenger Seat Shown


Three Passenger Seat Shown


4. Push the pin(s) marked “R” down until they are in


the retaining clip.


5. Push the pin(s) marked “L” down until they are in


the retaining clip.


6. If the vehicle has a floor mat, put the flap back to


its original position.


7. Repeat this procedure for the other seat base. 8. Connect the quick-release latch plates for the lap-shoulder belts by inserting the latch plates into the buckles attached at the outboard positions of the bench seat. Do not twist the belt.


9. Check that all locking pins are locked into place


before operating the vehicle.


2-9


Safety Belts


Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone 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.


2-10


{ 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 4-22
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!


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


Put someone on it.


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


2-11


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


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


2-12


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.


2-13


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 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.


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


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 2-30 or Infants and Young Children on page 2-33. 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. 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 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.


2-15


Q: What is wrong with this?


{ WARNING:


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.


A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It will not give as


much protection this way.


2-16


Q: What is wrong with this?


{ WARNING:


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.


2-17


Q: What is wrong with this?


{ WARNING:


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.


2-18


Q: What is wrong with this?


A: The belt is over an armrest.


{ WARNING:


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.


2-19


Q: What is wrong with this?


{ WARNING:


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.


2-20


Q: What is wrong with this?


A: The belt is behind the body.


{ WARNING:


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.


2-21


Q: What is wrong with this?


{ 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.


A: The belt is twisted across the body.


2-22


Lap-Shoulder Belt All seating positions in the vehicle have a lap-shoulder belt. If you are using a rear seating position with a detachable safety belt and the safety belt is not attached, see Rear Seat Operation on page 2-6 for instruction on reconnecting the safety belt to the mini-buckle. 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.


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 2-29. Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary.


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.


2-23


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.


To unlatch the belt, push the button on the buckle. The belt should return to its stowed position. 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 on the side wall. 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.


2-24


Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster The vehicle has a shoulder belt height adjuster for the driver and right front passenger 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 of the shoulder. Improper shoulder belt height adjustment could reduce the effectiveness of the safety belt in a crash.


To move it down, pull on the center adjuster control labeled PULL. You can move the height adjuster up just by pushing up on the shoulder belt guide.


Safety Belt Pretensioners If the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of the vehicle is below 8,500 lb (3 855 kg) then the vehicle has safety belt pretensioners for the front outboard occupants. See Loading the Vehicle on page 5-19 to locate the certification label which contains the GVWR. Although the safety belt pretensioners cannot be seen, they are part of the safety belt assembly. They can help tighten the safety belts during the early stages of a moderate to severe frontal, near frontal, or rear crash if the threshold conditions for pretensioner activation are met. And, if the vehicle has side impact airbags, safety belt pretensioners can help tighten the safety belts in a side crash or a rollover event. Pretensioners work only once. If the pretensioners activate in a crash, they will need to be replaced, and probably other new parts for the vehicle’s safety belt system. See Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash on page 2-81.


After the adjuster is set to the desired position, try to move it down without pushing in to make sure it has locked into position.


2-25


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 shoulder belt away from the neck and head.


Here is how to install a comfort guide to the safety belt:


1. Locate the guide in a pocket on the side of the


seatback.


2-26


2. 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.


2-27


{ 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.


2-28


4. Buckle, position, and release the safety belt as


described in 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 into its storage pocket on the side of the seatback.


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


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.


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


Safety 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.


2-29


Child Restraints


Older Children


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


2-30


The manufacturer’s instructions that come with the booster seat state the weight and height limitations for that booster. Use a booster seat with a lap-shoulder belt until the child passes the below fit test: • Sit all the way back on the seat. Do the knees bend


at the seat edge? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat.


• Buckle the lap-shoulder belt. Does the shoulder belt


rest on the shoulder? If yes, continue. If no, try using the rear safety belt comfort guide. See “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” under Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 2-23 for more information. If the shoulder belt still does not rest on the shoulder, then return to the booster seat.


• Does the lap belt fit low and snug on the hips,


touching the thighs? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat.


• Can proper safety belt fit be maintained for the length of the trip? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat.


• If you have the choice, a child should sit in a position with a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide.


{ WARNING:


Never do this. Never allow two children to wear the same safety belt. The safety belt can not properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A safety belt must be used by only one person at a time.


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. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash. It should never be worn over the abdomen, which could cause severe or even fatal internal injuries in a crash. Also see “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” under Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 2-23. According to accident statistics, children and infants are safer when properly restrained in a child restraint system or infant restraint system secured in a rear seating position. 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.


2-31


{ WARNING:


Never do this. Never allow a child to wear the safety belt with the shoulder belt behind their back. A child can be seriously injured by not wearing the lap-shoulder belt properly. In a crash, the child would not be restrained by the shoulder belt. The child could move too far forward increasing the chance of head and neck injury. The child 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.


2-32


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.


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. Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have the protection provided by appropriate child restraints. Children who are not restrained properly can strike other people, or can be thrown out of the vehicle.


{ WARNING:


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.


2-33


{ WARNING:


Never do this. Never hold an infant or a child while riding in a vehicle. Due to crash forces, an infant or a child will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it during a crash. For example, in a crash at only 40 km/h (25 mph), a 5.5 kg (12 lb) infant will suddenly become a 110 kg (240 lb) force on a person’s arms. An infant should be secured in an appropriate restraint.


2-34


{ WARNING:


Never do this. Children who are up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat. Secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat. It is also better to secure a forward-facing child restraint in a rear seat. If you must secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go.


2-35


{ WARNING:


To reduce the risk of neck and head injury during a crash, infants need complete support. This is because an infant’s neck is not fully developed and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a crash, an infant in a rear-facing child restraint 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 should always be secured in rear-facing child 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.


2-36


{ WARNING:


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. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries during a crash, young children should always be secured in appropriate child restraints.


Child Restraint Systems


A rear-facing infant seat (A) 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.


2-37


A forward-facing child seat (B) provides restraint for the child’s body with the harness.


A booster seat (C-D) is a child restraint designed to improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. A booster seat can also help a child to see out the window.


2-38


Securing an Add-On Child Restraint in the Vehicle


{ WARNING:


A child can be seriously injured or killed in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle. Secure the child restraint properly in the vehicle using the vehicle’s safety belt or LATCH system, following the instructions that came with that child restraint and 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. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 2-42 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 the vehicle — even when no child is in it. Securing the Child Within the Child Restraint


{ WARNING:


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


2-39


Where to Put the Restraint According to accident statistics, children and infants are safer when properly restrained in a child restraint system or infant restraint system secured in a rear seating position. We recommend that children and child restraints be secured in a rear seat, including: an infant or a child riding in a rear-facing child restraint; a child riding in a forward-facing child seat; an older child riding in a booster seat; and children, who are large enough, using safety belts. If a child restraint is secured in the right front passenger seat, there may be a switch on the instrument panel to manually turn off the right front passenger airbag. See Airbag Off Switch on page 2-70 and Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (With Passenger Sensing System) on page 2-52 or Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (With Airbag On-Off Switch) on page 2-56 for more information, including important safety information.


A label on the sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.


{ WARNING:


A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inflates and the passenger seat is in a forward position.


WARNING:


(Continued)


2-40


WARNING:


(Continued)


Even if the passenger sensing system or airbag switch has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag, no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.


When securing a child restraint in a rear seating position, study the instructions that came with the child restraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle. If the vehicle does not have a rear seat that will accommodate a rear-facing child restraint, a rear-facing child restraint should not be installed in the vehicle, even if the airbag is off. Wherever a child restraint is installed, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in the vehicle — even when no child is in it.


2-41


Lower Anchors


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).


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 strap 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.


2-42


Top Tether Anchor


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.


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. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint. 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.


Second, Third and


Fourth Row with Three


Passenger Seat


See the information following for installing a child restraint with a top tether in the second, third and fourth row center positions.


2-43


Do not install three child restraints in the same row at the same time and never install two top tethers using the same top tether anchor.


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


Front Passenger


Position


The second, third and fourth row with three passenger seats have exposed metal lower anchors located in the crease between the seatback and the seat cushion.


Second, Third and Fourth Row with Three Passenger


Seat — Passenger Van


There are two top tether anchors in the second, third and fourth rows. To install a child restraint in the rear driver side seating positions, use anchor point (A). To install a child restraint in the rear passenger side seating positions, use anchor point (B). To install a child restraint in the rear center seating positions, use anchor point (B). Never install two top tethers using the same top tether anchor.


2-44


Front Passenger Position


There is a top tether anchor for the front passenger position with a front passenger seat. The anchor is located at the rear of the seat cushion on the right front passenger’s seat.


Do not secure a child restraint in a position without a top tether anchor 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. 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 2-40 for additional information.


2-45


Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System


{ WARNING:


{ WARNING:


If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached to anchors, the child restraint will not be able to protect the child correctly. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Install a LATCH-type child restraint properly using the anchors, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with the child restraint and the instructions in this manual.


Do not attach more than one child restraint to a single anchor. 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. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries during a crash, attach only one child restraint per anchor.


{ WARNING:


Children can be seriously injured or strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped around their neck and the safety belt continues to tighten. Buckle 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.


2-46


Notice: Do not let the LATCH attachments rub against the vehicle’s safety belts. This may damage these parts. If necessary, move buckled safety belts to avoid rubbing the LATCH attachments. Do not fold the empty rear seat with a safety belt buckled. This could damage the safety belt or the seat. Unbuckle and return the safety belt to its stowed position, before folding the seat.


1. Attach and tighten the lower attachments to the


lower anchors. If the child restraint does not have lower attachments or the desired seating position does not have lower anchors, secure the child restraint with the top tether and the safety belts. Refer to your child restraint manufacturer instructions and the instructions in this manual.


1.1. Find the lower anchors for the desired


seating position.


1.2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 1.3. Attach and tighten the lower attachments on


the child restraint to the lower anchors.


2. If the child restraint manufacturer recommends that


the top tether be attached, attach and tighten the top tether to the top tether anchor, if equipped. Refer to the child restraint instructions and the following steps:


2.1. Find the top tether anchor. 2.2. For the second, third and fourth row with three


passenger seats only, in the rear driver side seating positions, use anchor point (A). For the rear passenger side seating positions, use anchor point (B). For the center seating positions, use anchor point (B). Never install two top tethers using the same top tether anchor.


2.3. Route and tighten the top tether according to


your child restraint instructions and the following instructions:


If the position you are using does not have a headrest or head restraint and you are using a single tether, route the tether over the seatback.


2-47


If the position you are using does not have a headrest or head restraint and you are using a dual tether, route the tether over the seatback.


If the position you are using has an integrated headrest or head restraint and you are using a dual tether, route the tether around the headrest or head restraint.


If the position you are using has an integrated headrest or head restraint and you are using a single tether, route the tether over the headrest or head restraint.


3. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


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Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position When securing a child restraint in a rear seating position, study the instructions that came with the child restraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle. If the child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 2-42 for how and where to install the child restraint using LATCH. If a child restraint is secured in the vehicle using a safety belt and it uses a top tether, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 2-42 for top tether anchor locations. Do not secure a child seat in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored.


In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. If the child restraint does not have the LATCH system, you will be using the safety belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. If more than one child restraint needs to be installed in the rear seat, be sure to read Where to Put the Restraint on page 2-40. 1. Put the child restraint on the seat. 2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder


portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.


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3. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary.


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


the retractor to set the lock.


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5. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint,


pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. When installing a forward-facing child restraint, it may be helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.


6. If the child restraint has a top tether, follow the child


restraint manufacturer’s instructions regarding the use of the top tether. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 2-42 for more information.


7. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and let it return to the stowed position. If the top tether is attached to a top tether anchor, disconnect it.


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Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (With Passenger Sensing System) This vehicle has airbags. A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing child restraint. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 2-40. In addition, the vehicle has a passenger sensing system which is designed to turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions. See Passenger Sensing System on page 2-73 and Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 4-25 for more information, including important safety information. A label on the sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.


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{ WARNING:


A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inflates and the passenger seat is in a forward position. Even if the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag, no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat. See Passenger Sensing System on page 2-73 for additional information.


If the vehicle does not have a rear seat that will accommodate a rear-facing child restraint, a rear-facing child restraint should not be installed in the vehicle, even if the airbag is off. If the child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 2-42 for how and where to install the child restraint using LATCH. If a child restraint is secured using a safety belt and it uses a top tether, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 2-42 for top tether anchor locations. Do not secure a child seat in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored.


In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. You will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. 1. Move the seat as far back as it will go before


securing the forward-facing child restraint. When the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag, the off indicator on the passenger airbag status indicator should light and stay lit when the vehicle is started. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 4-25.


2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder


portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.


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4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary.


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


the retractor to set the lock.


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6. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint,


pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. When installing a forward-facing child restraint, it may be helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.


7. If the vehicle does not have a rear seat and the


child restraint has a top tether, follow the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions regarding the use of the top tether. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 2-42 for more information.


8. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


If the airbag is off, the off indicator in the passenger airbag status indicator will come on and stay on when the vehicle is started. If the child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit, see “If the On Indicator is Lit for a Child Restraint” under Passenger Sensing System on page 2-73 for more information. To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and let it return to the stowed position. If the top tether is attached to a top tether anchor, disconnect it.


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Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (With Airbag On-Off Switch) The vehicle has airbags. A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing child restraint. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 2-40. There is a switch on the instrument panel that you can use to turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag. See Airbag Off Switch on page 2-70 for more information, including important safety information. A label on the sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.


{ WARNING:


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


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{ WARNING:


If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong

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