2011 Chevrolet Malibu Owners Manual

and seat‐mounted side impact airbag anytime the system senses that a person of adult size is sitting properly in the right front passenger seat. When the passenger sensing system has allowed the airbags to be enabled, the on indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbags are active. For some children who have outgrown child restraints and for very small adults, the passenger sensing system may or may not turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag, depending upon the person’s seating posture and body build. Everyone in the vehicle who has outgrown child restraints should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for that person.

{ WARNING

If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right away. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 5‑13 for more information, including important safety information.

If the On Indicator is Lit for a Child Restraint If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit: 1. Turn the vehicle off. 2. Remove the child restraint from

the vehicle.

3. Remove any additional items

from the seat such as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters, or seat massagers.

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enable the right front passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag: 1. Turn the vehicle off. 2. Remove any additional material from the seat, such as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters, or seat massagers.

3. Place the seatback in the fully

upright position.

4. Have the person sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with legs comfortably extended.

5. Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in this position for two to three minutes after the on indicator is lit.

4. Reinstall the child restraint

5.

following the directions provided by the child restraint manufacturer and refer to Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat) on page 3‑55 or Securing Child Restraints (Front Passenger Seat) on page 3‑57. If, after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, turn the vehicle off. Then slightly recline the vehicle seatback and adjust the seat cushion, if adjustable, to make sure that the vehicle seatback is not pushing the child restraint into the seat cushion. Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped under the vehicle head restraint. If this happens, adjust the head restraint. See Head Restraints on page 3‑2.

6. Restart the vehicle.

If the on indicator is still lit with an infant present in a child restraint, secure the child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle and see your dealer. If the Off Indicator is Lit for an Adult-Size Occupant

If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right front passenger seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be because that person is not sitting properly in the seat. If this happens, use the following steps to allow the system to detect that person and

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Seats and Restraints

Additional Factors Affecting System Operation Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on the seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which helps the passenger sensing system maintain the passenger airbag status. See “Safety Belts” and “Child Restraints” in the Index for additional information about the importance of proper restraint use. A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket or cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect how well the passenger sensing system operates. We recommend that you not use seat covers or other aftermarket equipment except when approved by GM for your specific vehicle. See Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 3‑37 for more information about modifications that can affect how the system operates.

{ WARNING

{ WARNING

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

Stowing of articles under the passenger seat or between the passenger seat cushion and seatback may interfere with the proper operation of the passenger sensing system.

Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Airbags affect how the vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the airbag system in several places around the vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing the vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 13‑15.

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Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Q: Is there anything I might add

to or change about the vehicle that could keep the airbags from working properly? A: Yes. If you add things that

change the vehicle's frame, bumper system, height, front end or side sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from working properly. Changing or moving any parts of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument panel, roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling headliner or pillar garnish trim, front sensors, side impact sensors, or airbag wiring can affect the operation of the airbag system. In addition, the vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the right front passenger position, which includes sensors that are part of the passenger's

seat. The passenger sensing system may not operate properly if the original seat trim is replaced with non-GM covers, upholstery or trim, or with GM covers, upholstery or trim designed for a different vehicle. Any object, such as an aftermarket seat heater or a comfort enhancing pad or device, installed under or on top of the seat fabric, could also interfere with the operation of the passenger sensing system. This could either prevent proper deployment of the passenger airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing system from properly turning off the passenger airbag(s). See Passenger Sensing System on page 3‑32. If you have any questions, call Customer Assistance. The phone numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this

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manual. See Customer Satisfaction Procedure (U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑1
or Customer Satisfaction Procedure (Mexico) on page 13‑3.

Q: Because I have a disability,

I have to get my vehicle modified. How can I find out whether this will affect my airbag system?

A: If you have questions, call Customer Assistance. The phone numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See Customer Satisfaction Procedure (U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑1 or Customer Satisfaction Procedure (Mexico) on page 13‑3.

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If an airbag inflates, you will need to replace airbag system parts. See your dealer for service. If the airbag readiness light stays on after the vehicle is started or comes on when you are driving, the airbag system may not work properly. Have the vehicle serviced right away. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 5‑13 for more information.

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In addition, your dealer and the service manual have information about the location of the airbag sensors, sensing and diagnostic module and airbag wiring.

Airbag System Check The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag readiness light is working. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 5‑13 for more information. Notice: If an airbag covering is damaged, opened, or broken, the airbag may not work properly. Do not open or break the airbag coverings. If there are any opened or broken airbag covers, have the airbag covering and/or airbag module replaced. For the location of the airbag modules, see What Makes an Airbag Inflate? on page 3‑30. See your dealer for service.

Replacing Airbag System Parts After a Crash { WARNING A crash can damage the airbag systems in the vehicle. A damaged airbag system may not work properly and may not protect you and your passenger(s) in a crash, resulting in serious injury or even death. To help make sure the airbag systems are working properly after a crash, have them inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.

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Child Restraints

Older Children

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

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. Can proper safety belt fit be

maintained for the length of the trip? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat.

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 3‑18.

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 fit test below: . 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 3‑18 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.

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WARNING (Continued)

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.

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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.

{ 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.

{ 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

(Continued)

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WARNING (Continued)

110 kg (240 lb) force on a person's arms. An infant should be secured in an appropriate restraint.

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. { 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.

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

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

(Continued)

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Seats and Restraints

{ 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.

Q: What are the different types of

add-on child restraints?

A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by the vehicle 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.

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{ WARNING

{ WARNING

Child Restraint Systems

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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.

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.

(A) Rear‐Facing Infant Seat

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.

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(B) Forward-Facing Child Seat

(C) Booster Seats

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

A booster seat (C) 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.

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 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 System) on page 3‑48 for more information. Children can be

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Administration (NHTSA) website to locate the nearest child safety seat inspection station. For CPST availability in Canada, check with Transport Canada or the Provincial Ministry of Transportation office. 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.

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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.

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. In some areas of the United States and Canada, Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) are available to inspect and demonstrate how to correctly use and install child restraints. In the U.S., refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety

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

{ WARNING

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

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

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 3‑32 for additional information.

When securing a child restraint in a rear seating position, study the instructions that came with your child restraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle.

Child restraints and booster seats vary considerably in size, and some may fit in certain seating positions better than others. Always make sure the child restraint is properly secured. Depending on where you place the child restraint and the size of the child restraint, you may not be able to access adjacent safety belt assemblies or LATCH anchors for additional passengers or child restraints. Adjacent seating positions should not be used if the child restraint prevents access to or interferes with the routing of the safety belt. Wherever you install a child restraint, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle — even when no child is in it.

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If you secure a child restraint in the left or center rear seat using LATCH, review the following illustrations. Depending on where you place the child restraint, you may not be able to access certain safety belt assemblies or LATCH anchors for additional passengers or child restraints. Configurations for Use of Child Restraints

A. Occupant prohibited B. Child restraint using LATCH

A. Child restraint or occupant

using safety belt

A. Child restraint using LATCH B. Child restraint or occupant

using safety belt

A. Child restraint using LATCH B. Child restraint or occupant

using safety belt

C. Child restraint using safety belt

or LATCH or occupant using safety belt

A. Child restraint or occupant

using safety belt

B. Child restraint using LATCH

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

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

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).

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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 with top tethers 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.

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Lower Anchor and Top Tether Anchor Locations

Rear Seat

i (Top Tether Anchor): Seating positions with top tether anchors. j (Lower Anchor): Seating positions with two lower anchors.

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Seats and Restraints

To assist you in locating the lower anchors, each rear anchor position has a label, near the crease between the seatback and the seat cushion.

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

The top tether anchors are located under the covers, behind the rear seat, on the filler panel. Be sure to use an anchor located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed.

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. 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. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 3‑45 for additional information.

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Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System

{ 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 safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with the child restraint and the instructions in this manual.

{ WARNING

Do not attach more than one child restraint to a single anchor. Attaching more than one child

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

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 the vehicle has one, after the child restraint has been installed.

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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. If you need to secure more than one child restraint in the rear seat, see Where to Put the Restraint on page 3‑45. Depending on where you place the child restraint, you may not be able to access certain safety belt assemblies or LATCH anchors for additional passengers or child restraints.

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Seats and Restraints

You cannot secure three child restraints using the LATCH anchors in the rear seat at the same time, but you can install two of them. If you want to do this, install one LATCH child restraint in the passenger-side position, and install the other one either in the driver-side position or in the center position. Refer to the following illustration to learn which anchors to use.

secure the restraints. Some restraints also use another vehicle anchor to secure a top tether. 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.

A. Passenger Side Rear Seat

Lower Anchors

B. Center Rear Seat Lower

Anchors

C. Driver Side Rear Seat Lower

Anchors

Make sure to attach the child restraint at the proper anchor location. This system is designed to make installation of child restraints easier. When using lower anchors, do not use the vehicle's safety belts. Instead use the vehicle's anchors and child restraint attachments to

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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. Open the cover to expose the anchor.

2.2. If the position you are using has an adjustable headrest or head restraint , raise it. See Head Restraints on page 3‑2.

2.3. Route, attach, and tighten the top tether according to the 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.

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.

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3. Before placing a child in the

child restraint, make sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp the child restraint at the LATCH path and attempt to move it side‐to‐side and back‐and‐forth. There should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement for proper installation.

If the position you are using has an adjustable headrest or head restraint and you are using a single tether, route the tether under the headrest or head restraint and in between the headrest or head restraint posts. See Head Restraints on page 3‑2.

If the position you are using has an adjustable headrest or head restraint and you are using a dual tether route the tether under the headrest or head restraint and in between the headrest or head restraint posts. See Head Restraints on page 3‑2.

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Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash { WARNING

A crash can damage the LATCH system in the vehicle. A damaged LATCH system may not properly secure the child restraint, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure the LATCH system is working properly after a crash, see your dealer to have the system inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.

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Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑48 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 the vehicle has the LATCH system and it was being used during a crash, new LATCH system parts may be needed. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the LATCH system was not being used at the time of the crash.

Securing Child Restraints (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 child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑48 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

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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 3‑45. 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.

3. Push the latch plate into the

4. Pull the shoulder belt all the way

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

out of the retractor to set the lock. When the retractor lock is set, the belt can be tightened but not pulled out of the retractor.

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Securing Child Restraints (Front Passenger Seat) 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 3‑45. In addition, the vehicle has a passenger sensing system which is designed to turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag under certain conditions. See Passenger Sensing System on page 3‑32 and Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 5‑13 for more information, including important safety information.

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 System) on page 3‑48 for more information.

7. Before placing a child in the

child restraint, make sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp the child restraint at the safety belt path and attempt to move it side‐to‐side and back‐and‐forth. When the child restraint is properly installed, there should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement. 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.

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. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is locked. If the retractor is not locked, repeat Steps 4 and 5.

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Seats and Restraints

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.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

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 3‑32 for additional information.

If the child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑48 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 System) on page 3‑48 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.

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Seats and Restraints

3-59

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 and seat-mounted side impact airbag, the off indicator on the passenger airbag status indicator should light and stay lit when you start the vehicle. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 5‑13.

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.

4. Push the latch plate into the

5. Pull the shoulder belt all the way

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

out of the retractor to set the lock. When the retractor lock is set, the belt can be tightened but not pulled out of the retractor.

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Seats and Restraints

7. Before placing a child in the

child restraint, make sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp the child restraint at the safety belt path and attempt to move it side‐to‐side and back‐and‐forth. When the child restraint is properly installed, there should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement.

If the airbags are off, the off indicator in the passenger airbag status indicator will come on and stay on when the vehicle is started. If a 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 3‑32 for more information. To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and let it return to the stowed position.

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. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is locked. If the retractor is not locked, repeat Steps 5 and 6.

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Storage

Storage Compartments

Glove Box Pull the handle up to open.

Storage

4-1

Instrument Panel Storage

Storage Compartments

Instrument Panel Storage . . . . 4-1
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Front Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . 4-3

Additional Storage Features

Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Cupholders Removable cupholders are located in front of the center console. See “Center Console Storage Area” to access them. Press and hold the tab at the rear of the cupholders and lift up and rearward to remove the cupholders. This disengages the two forward tabs. To reinstall, place the two forward tabs into the slots and push down on the rear of the cupholder.

An instrument panel storage area, with a removable liner, is located above the radio. Slide the latch toward the rear of the vehicle to open the storage area.

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Storage

Front Storage

For vehicles with rear seat cupholders, access them by pulling down on the door at the back of the center console.

Storage is available in front of the shift lever. Open it by pushing on the bottom of the door.

A driver side storage compratment is located near the steering column on the bottom of the instrument panel. Pull the cover down to open. Pull out to remove for cleaning.

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Storage

4-3

Additional Storage Features

Convenience Net Use the rear convenience net, to store small. The net should not be used to store heavy loads.

Center Console Storage The center console storage has a tray and a main storage area. Pull up on the driver side latch to access the tray. Pull up on the passenger side latch to access the main storage. It is equipped with a removable divider and a storage pocket may be at the rear of the center console. The armrest on top of the center console can be adjusted to a rearward, middle, and forward position. Pull or push the front of the armrest to adjust to the desired position. An additional storage area is in front of the main storage. Push down and then forward on the rear of the cover to access. It has a storage tray and removable cupholders.

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4-4

Storage

2 NOTES

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Instruments and Controls

5-1

Instruments and Controls

Controls

Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 5-2
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 5-2
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . 5-3
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7

Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators

Warning Lights, Gauges, and

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10

Engine Coolant Temperature

Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . 5-12
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . 5-13
Passenger Airbag Status

Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Charging System Light . . . . . . 5-15
Malfunction

Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15

Brake System Warning

Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19

Electronic Stability Control

(ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/ Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19

Engine Coolant Temperature

Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 5-21
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . 5-22

Information Displays

Driver Information

Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22

Vehicle Messages

Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Brake System Messages . . . . 5-26
Cruise Control Messages . . . . 5-26
Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Engine Oil Messages . . . . . . . . 5-26
Engine Power Messages . . . . 5-26
Fuel System Messages . . . . . . 5-27
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . 5-27
Lamp Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
Ride Control System

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
Airbag System Messages . . . . 5-29
Service Vehicle Messages . . . 5-29
Tire Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Vehicle Reminder

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-30
Washer Fluid Messages . . . . . 5-30

Vehicle Personalization

Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . 5-30

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5-2

Instruments and Controls

Controls

Steering Wheel Adjustment

3. Pull or push the steering wheel

closer or away from you.

4. Pull the lever up to lock the

steering wheel in place.

Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.

Steering Wheel Controls

The lever is located on the left side of the steering wheel column. To adjust the steering wheel: 1. Pull the lever down. 2. Move the steering wheel up

or down.

Vehicles with audio steering wheel controls could differ depending on the vehicle's options. Some audio controls can be adjusted at the steering wheel.

e + / e − (Volume): Press to increase or to decrease the radio volume. w / x c (Next / Previous): Press to change radio stations, select tracks on a CD, or to select tracks and navigate folders on an iPod® or USB device. To change radio stations: . Press and release w or x c

to go to the next or previous radio station stored as a preset. . Press and hold w or x c to go to the next or previous radio station in the selected band with a strong signal.

To select tracks on a CD: Press and release w or x c to go to the next or previous track.

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Instruments and Controls

5-3

To select tracks on an iPod or USB device: 1. Press and hold w or x c

while listening to a song until the contents of the current folder display on the radio display.

2. Press and release w or x c to scroll up or down the list, then press and hold w to play the highlighted track.

To navigate folders on an iPod or USB device: 1. Press and hold w or x c

while listening to a song until the contents of the current folder display on the radio display. 2. Press and hold x c to go

back to the previous folder list.

3. Press and release w or x c

to scroll up or down the list.

To select a folder, press and hold w when the folder is highlighted. To go back further in the folder list, press and hold x c.

x c (End): Press to reject an incoming call, or end a current call. b g (Mute / Voice Recognition): Press to silence the vehicle speakers only. Press again to turn the sound on. For vehicles with Bluetooth® or OnStar® systems press and hold b g for longer than two seconds to interact with those systems. See Bluetooth on page 7‑25 and the OnStar Owner's Guide for more information.

Horn Press near the horn symbols or press on the steering wheel pad to sound the horn.

Windshield Wiper/Washer

The windshield wiper lever is on the right side of the steering wheel. Move the lever to control the windshield wipers. 9 (Off): Turns the windshield wipers off. & (Intermittent; Speed Sensitive Wipers): For intermittent or speed sensitive operation. While in this position, turn the x band up or down to vary frequency.

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5-4

Instruments and Controls

The amount of delay time varies between wiping cycles due to the delay setting selected or the speed of the vehicle. As vehicle speed is increased or decreased, the wiper interval also increases or decreases. 6 (Low Speed): Slow wipes. 1 (High Speed): Fast wipes. 8 (Mist): Single wipe, move the lever down, then release it. Several wipes, hold the lever down. Clear ice and snow from the wiper blades before using them. If frozen to the windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them. Damaged wiper blades should be replaced. Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper motor. A circuit breaker stops the motor until it cools. If the motor gets stuck, turn the wipers off, clear away the snow or ice, and then turn the wipers back on.

As an added safety feature, if the wipers are on for more than 15 seconds, the vehicle's headlamps turn on automatically. They turn off 15 seconds after the wipers are turned off.

Windshield Washer Press the button at the end of the windshield wiper lever until the washers begin.

{ WARNING

In freezing weather, do not use the washer until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your vision.

When the button is released, the washers stop, but the wipers continue to wipe about three times or resume the previous speed.

Compass

Compass Operation Press O on the rearview mirror to turn the compass display on or off. When the ignition and the compass feature are on, the compass displays the current compass direction after a few seconds. Compass Calibration If after a few seconds the display does not show a compass direction, (N for North for example), there may be a strong magnetic field interfering with the compass. Interference can be caused by a magnetic antenna mount, note pad holder, or similar object. If the letter C appears in the compass window, the compass may need to be reset or calibrated. The mirror can be calibrated by driving the vehicle very slowly, in circles, until the display reads a direction.

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Instruments and Controls

5-5

Compass Variance The mirror is set in zone eight. It is necessary to adjust the compass to compensate for compass variance if the vehicle is driven outside zone eight. Under certain circumstances, such as a long distance, cross-country trip, it is necessary to adjust the compass variance. To adjust for compass variance: 1. Find your current location and variance zone number on the zone map that follows.

Clock

Without Date Display

AM/FM Base Radio with a Single CD Player To set the time: 1. Turn the ignition key to ACC/

ACCESSORY or ON/RUN. Press the O knob to turn the radio on.

2. Press the H button until the hour

begins flashing on the display. Press the H button a second time and the minute begins flashing on the display.

3. While either the hour or the

minute numbers are flashing, turn the f knob to increase or decrease the time.

2. Press and hold O until a zone

number displays.

3. Once the zone number displays,

press O repeatedly until the correct zone number is reached. If C appears in the compass window, the compass may need calibration. See “Compass Calibration” listed previously.

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5-6

Instruments and Controls

4. Press the H button again until the clock display stops flashing to set the currently displayed time; otherwise, the flashing stops after five seconds and the current time displayed is automatically set.

To change the time default setting from 12 hour to 24 hour, press the H button until 12H or 24H is displayed. Once 12H or 24H is displayed, turn the f knob to the desired option to select the setting. Press the H button again to apply the setting, or let the screen time out. With Date Display

Radio with CD (MP3) and USB Port, and Radio with Single CD (MP3) Player To set the time and date: 1. Turn the ignition key to ACC/

ACCESSORY or ON/RUN. Press the O knob to turn the radio on.

2. Press the H button and the HR,

MIN, MM, DD, YYYY (hour, minute, month, day, and year) displays.

3. Press the softkey located below

any one of the tabs that you want to change.

4. To increase the time or date do

one of the following:

Press the softkey located below the selected tab. Press the ¨ SEEK, or \ FWD button. Turn the f knob clockwise. 5. To decrease the time or date do

one of the following:

Press the © SEEK or s REV button. Turn the f knob counterclockwise.

The date does not automatically display. To see the date press H while the radio is on. The date with display times out after a few seconds and goes back to the normal radio and time display. To change the time default setting from 12 hour to 24 hour or to change the date default setting from month/day/year to day/month/year: 1. Press the H button and then the

softkey located below the forward arrow label. Once the time 12H and 24H, and the date MM/DD/YYYY (month, day, and year) and DD/MM/YYYY (day, month, and year) displays.

2. Press the softkey located below

the desired option.

3. Press the H button again to

apply the selected default, or let the screen time out.

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Instruments and Controls

5-7

Power Outlets Accessory power outlets can be used to plug in electrical equipment, such as a cell phone or MP3 player. There are two accessory power outlets. One accessory power outlet is located inside the storage bin below the climate controls and the other outlet is on the rear of the center storage console. Remove the cover to access and replace when not in use. The accessory power outlet is operational at all times.

{ WARNING

Power is always supplied to the outlets. Do not leave electrical equipment plugged in when the vehicle is not in use because the vehicle could catch fire and cause injury or death.

Notice: Leaving electrical equipment plugged in for an extended period of time while the vehicle is off will drain the battery. Always unplug electrical equipment when not in use and do not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum 20 ampere rating. Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible with the accessory power outlet and could overload vehicle or adapter fuses. If a problem is experienced, see your dealer. When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the proper installation instructions included with the equipment. See Add-On Electrical Equipment on page 9‑47. Notice: Hanging heavy equipment from the power outlet can cause damage not covered by the vehicle warranty. The power outlets are designed for accessory power plugs only, such as cell phone charge cords.

Power Outlet 115 Volt Alternating Current The vehicle may have a power outlet that can be used to plug in electrical equipment that uses a maximum limit of 150 watts.

The power outlet is located on the rear of the center console. An indicator light on the outlet comes on when in use. The ignition must be in ON/RUN and equipment requiring less than 150 watts is plugged into the outlet, and no system fault is detected.

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5-8

Instruments and Controls

Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators Warning lights and gauges can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to the warning lights and gauges could prevent injury. Warning lights come on when there could be a problem with a vehicle function. Some warning lights come on briefly when the engine is started to indicate they are working.

Gauges can indicate when there could be a problem with a vehicle function. Often gauges and warning lights work together to indicate a problem with the vehicle. When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on while driving, or when one of the gauges shows there may be a problem, check the section that explains what to do. Follow this manual's advice. Waiting to do repairs can be costly and even dangerous.

If you try to connect equipment using more than 150 watts or a system fault is detected, a protection circuit shuts off the power supply and the indicator light turns off. To reset the circuit, unplug the item and plug it back in or turn the Remote Accessory Power (RAP) off and then back on. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 9‑20. The power restarts when equipment that operates within the limit is plugged into the outlet and a system fault is not detected. The power outlet is not designed for and may not work properly if the following are plugged in: . Equipment with high initial peak

wattage such as: compressor-driven refrigerators and electric power tools.

. Other equipment requiring an extremely stable power supply such as: microcomputer-controlled electric blankets, touch sensor lamps, etc.

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Instrument Cluster

Instruments and Controls

5-9

English shown, Metric similar

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5-10

Instruments and Controls

Speedometer The speedometer shows the vehicle's speed in either kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph).

Odometer The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven, in either kilometers or miles. This vehicle has a tamper‐resistant odometer. The digital odometer will read 999,999 if it is turned back. If the vehicle needs a new odometer installed, it must be set to the mileage total of the old odometer. If that is not possible, then it must be set at zero and a label must be put on the driver door to show the old mileage reading when the new odometer was installed.

Trip Odometer The trip odometer can show how far the vehicle has been driven since the trip odometer was last reset. The trip odometer is accessed and reset through the Driver Information Center (DIC). See Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 5‑22 for more information.