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Shifting Into ................................................ 2-19
Shifting Out of ............................................ 2-20


Brake ........................................................ 2-18
Over Things That Burn ................................. 2-21


Parking


10


Parking on Hills .............................................. 4-50
Passenger Door Ajar ....................................... 3-52
Passenger Position, Safety Belts ....................... 1-20
Passenger’s Seat ............................................. 1-3
Passing ................................................. 4-13, 4-49
Passlock® ...................................................... 2-13
Payload ......................................................... 4-38
Perimeter Lighting ........................................... 3-16
Personalization ............................................... 3-48
Plan Ahead When Possible ................................ 7-8
Playing a CD ......................................... 3-68, 3-78
Playing a Specific Loaded CD .......................... 3-80
Playing the Radio ................................... 3-62, 3-71
Power


Accessory Outlets ........................................ 3-17
Door Locks .................................................. 2-7
Electrical System ......................................... 5-83
Reduced Engine Light .................................. 3-38
Seat ............................................................ 1-2
Steering Fluid ............................................. 5-31
Windows .................................................... 2-10
Power Steering ............................................... 4-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks .................. 2-8
Programming the HomeLink® Transmitter ........... 2-27
Programming the Power Windows ..................... 2-10
Put Vehicle in Park ......................................... 3-52


Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ......... 1-11


Radio Data System (RDS) ....................... 3-65, 3-75
Radio Messages ............................................. 3-68
Radios .......................................................... 3-61
Care of Your CD Player ............................... 3-87
Care of Your CDs ........................................ 3-87
Radio with CD ............................................ 3-62
Radio with Six-Disc CD ................................ 3-71
Setting the Time .......................................... 3-61
Theft-Deterrent ............................................ 3-85
Understanding Reception .............................. 3-87
RDS Messages ...................................... 3-67, 3-77
Rear Axle ...................................................... 5-43
Rear Window Defogger .................................... 3-22
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with


HomeLink® ................................................. 2-23
Rearview Mirrors ............................................. 2-23
Reclining Seatbacks .......................................... 1-4
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ................. 6-13
Recreational Vehicle Towing ............................. 4-32
Reduce Speed ............................................... 3-52
Reduced Engine Power Light ............................ 3-38
Relay Center .................................................. 5-89


Remote Keyless Entry System ............................ 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation ............ 2-4
Removing the Cargo Cover .............................. 2-32
Replacement Bulbs ......................................... 5-48
Replacing Brake System Parts .......................... 5-36
Reporting Safety Defects


Canadian Government .................................. 7-12
General Motors ........................................... 7-12
United States Government ............................ 7-12
Reprogramming a Single HomeLink® Button ....... 2-29
Resetting Defaults ........................................... 2-30
Restraint System Check


Checking Your Restraint Systems ................... 1-55
Replacing Restraint System Parts


After a Crash .......................................... 1-56


Restraint Systems


Checking .................................................... 1-55
Replacing Parts ........................................... 1-56
Rfa X Battery Low .......................................... 3-52
Roadside


Assistance Program ....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out ................... 4-31
Roof Ajar ....................................................... 3-52
Roof Cycle Timeout ......................................... 3-53
Roof Hall Switch Fault ..................................... 3-53
Roof Tonneau ................................................. 2-45
Routing, Engine Drive Belt ............................... 6-16
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked ....... 2-22


11


S


Safety Belt


Safety Belts


Reminder Light ............................................ 3-26


Care of ...................................................... 5-77
Driver Position ............................................ 1-12
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................ 1-12
Passenger Position ...................................... 1-20
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ..... 1-11
Safety Belt Extender .................................... 1-20
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ................. 1-19
Safety Belts Are for Everyone ......................... 1-6
Safety Chains ................................................. 4-47
Safety Warnings and Symbols .............................. iii Scheduled Maintenance ..................................... 6-4
Seatback Latches ............................................. 1-6
Seats


Heated Seats ............................................... 1-3
Memory ..................................................... 2-52
Power Seats ................................................. 1-2
Reclining Seatbacks ...................................... 1-4
Seatback Latches .......................................... 1-6


Securing a Child Restraint


Designed for the LATCH System ................... 1-34
Passenger Seat Position ............................... 1-37


Security Light ................................................. 3-37
Security While You Travel .................................. 7-6
Select ........................................................... 3-48
Service ........................................................... 5-3


Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your


Vehicle ..................................................... 5-4
Doing Your Own Work ................................... 5-3
Engine Soon Light ....................................... 3-32
Publications Ordering Information ................... 7-13
Service Air Bag .............................................. 3-53
Service Brake System ..................................... 3-53
Service Bulletins ............................................. 7-13
Service Manuals ............................................. 7-13
Setting Preset PTYs ................................ 3-66, 3-77
Setting Preset Stations ............................ 3-63, 3-73
Setting the Time ............................................. 3-61
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble) .................. 3-64, 3-73
Sheet Metal Damage ....................................... 5-80
Shifting Into Park (P) ....................................... 2-19
Shifting Out of Park (P) ................................... 2-20
Sidemarker Lamps .......................................... 5-46
Side-Saddle Storage ....................................... 2-41
Skidding ........................................................ 4-15
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips ....................... 4-20
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems ..................... 5-75


12


Specifications, Capacities ................................. 5-92
Speedometer .................................................. 3-25
Starting Your Engine ....................................... 2-15
Steering ........................................................ 4-11
Steering in Emergencies .................................. 4-12
Steering Tips .................................................. 4-11
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio ......................... 3-86
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel ................................. 3-5
Stop Vehicle .................................................. 3-54
Storage


Side-Saddle ................................................ 2-41


Storage Areas


Cargo Net System ....................................... 2-36
Center Console Storage Area ........................ 2-30
Cupholder(s) ............................................... 2-30
Glove Box .................................................. 2-30
Instrument Panel Storage Area ...................... 2-30
Map Pocket ................................................ 2-30
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow ...................... 4-31
Sun Visors ..................................................... 2-11
Switchbanks


Center Console ........................................... 3-17


Tachometer .................................................... 3-25
Tailgate ........................................................... 2-8


Taillamps ....................................................... 5-47
TCS Warning Light .......................................... 3-31
Temperature Knob ........................................... 3-19
Testing the Alarm ............................................ 2-12
Theft-Deterrent, Radio ..................................... 3-85
Theft-Deterrent Systems ................................... 2-11
Content Theft-Deterrent ................................ 2-11
Passlock® ................................................... 2-13
Tilt Wheel ........................................................ 3-5
Tire Inflator Kit Storage .................................... 5-73
Tire Sealant ................................................... 5-68
Tire Sidewall Labeling ...................................... 5-52
Tire Size ....................................................... 5-54
Tire Terminology and Definitions ........................ 5-55
Tires ............................................................. 5-51
Buying New Tires ........................................ 5-60
Chains ....................................................... 5-65
If a Tire Goes Flat ....................................... 5-66
Inflation - Tire Pressure ................................ 5-58
Inspection and Rotation ................................ 5-59
Tire Inflator Kit ............................................ 5-67
Uniform Tire Quality Grading ......................... 5-61
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance ................. 5-63
Wheel Replacement ..................................... 5-63
When It Is Time for New Tires ...................... 5-60


13


Tlat (Tonneau Latch) Hall Switch Fault ............... 3-54
Tonn (Tonneau) Hall Switch Fault ...................... 3-54
Tonn (Tonneau) Latd (Latched) Switch Fault ....... 3-54
Top Strap ...................................................... 1-30
Top Strap Anchor Location ............................... 1-32
Torque Lock ................................................... 2-20
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires .................. 4-43
Towing


Recreational Vehicle ..................................... 4-32
Towing a Trailer .......................................... 4-39
Your Vehicle ............................................... 4-32


Traction


Control System (TCS) .................................... 4-9
Control System Warning Light ....................... 3-31
Traction Active ................................................ 3-54
Trailer


Recommendations ....................................... 4-38
Trailer Brakes ................................................. 4-48
Trailer Wiring Harness ..................................... 4-51
Trans (Transmission) Hot Idle ........................... 3-54
Transmission


Fluid, Automatic ........................................... 5-20


Transmission Operation, Automatic .................... 2-16
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit


Repair Manual ............................................ 7-13
Transportation Options ...................................... 7-8
Trip Information .............................................. 3-46
Trip Odometer ................................................ 3-25
Turn and Lane Change Signals .......................... 3-6
Turn Signal On ............................................... 3-55
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever ........................... 3-5
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer .................. 4-49


Understanding Radio Reception ........................ 3-87
Uniform Tire Quality Grading ............................ 5-61
United States – Customer Assistance .................. 7-5
Unknown Speed ............................................. 3-55
Using Cleaner on Fabric .................................. 5-75
Using HomeLink® ........................................... 2-29
Using Song List Mode ..................................... 3-83


14


V


Vehicle


Control ........................................................ 4-6
Damage Warnings ........................................... iv Loading ...................................................... 4-32
Symbols ......................................................... iv


Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data


Recorders .................................................. 7-10


Vehicle Identification


Number (VIN) ............................................. 5-82
Service Parts Identification Label ................... 5-82


Vehicle Personalization


DIC ........................................................... 3-55
Memory Seat .............................................. 2-52
Vehicle Storage .............................................. 5-37
Ventilation Adjustment ...................................... 3-22
Visors ........................................................... 2-11


Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators ................ 3-23
Warnings


DIC Warnings and Messages ........................ 3-48
Hazard Warning Flashers ............................... 3-3
Other Warning Devices .................................. 3-4
Safety and Symbols ......................................... iii Vehicle Damage .............................................. iv Washing Your Vehicle ...................................... 5-77
Weight of the Trailer ........................................ 4-41
Weight of the Trailer Tongue ............................. 4-42
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use ........................ 5-14
What to Add .................................................. 5-34
What to Do with Used Oil ................................ 5-17
What to Use .................................. 5-24, 5-31, 5-43
Wheels


Alignment and Tire Balance .......................... 5-63
Replacement ............................................... 5-63


15


Windows ......................................................... 2-9
Power ........................................................ 2-10


Windshield Washer


Windshield Wiper


Fluid .......................................................... 5-31


Blade Replacement ...................................... 5-49
Fuses ........................................................ 5-83
Windshield Wipers ............................................ 3-7
Winter Driving ................................................ 4-26
Winter Tires ................................................... 5-52


Your Vehicle and the Environment ....................... 6-2


When to Add Engine Oil .................................. 5-14
When to Change Engine Oil (GM Oil Life


System) ..................................................... 5-16
When to Check .............................................. 5-59
When to Check and Change Lubricant ............... 5-43
When to Check and Change the Automatic


Transmission Fluid ....................................... 5-20
When to Check Power Steering Fluid ................ 5-31
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter ..... 5-19
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on


a Hill ......................................................... 4-51
Why Safety Belts Work ..................................... 1-8


16


2004 Chevrolet SSR Owner Manual M


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


Seats and Restraint Systems ........................... 1-1
............................................... 1-2
.............................................. 1-6
....................................... 1-21
...................................... 1-42
............................ 1-55
Features and Controls ..................................... 2-1
........................................................ 2-2
....................................... 2-6
.................................................. 2-9
............................ 2-11
........... 2-13
.................................................... 2-23
............................. 2-26
......................................... 2-30
....................................... 2-45
............................. 2-52
Instrument Panel ............................................. 3-1
.......................... 3-2
...................................... 3-19
........ 3-23
.................. 3-44
....................................... 3-61


Keys Doors and Locks Windows Theft-Deterrent Systems Starting and Operating Your Vehicle Mirrors HomeLink® Transmitter Storage Areas Convertible Top Vehicle Personalization


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


Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle Towing


Driving Your Vehicle ....................................... 4-1
..... 4-2
................................................... 4-32
Service and Appearance Care .......................... 5-1
Service ..................................................... 5-3
Fuel ......................................................... 5-4
Checking Things Under the Hood ............... 5-10
Rear Axle ............................................... 5-43
Headlamp Aiming ..................................... 5-43
Bulb Replacement .................................... 5-43
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement ......... 5-49
Tires ...................................................... 5-51
Appearance Care ..................................... 5-74
Vehicle Identification ................................. 5-82
Electrical System ...................................... 5-83
Capacities and Specifications ..................... 5-92
Maintenance Schedule ..................................... 6-1
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance and Information .............. 7-1
........... 7-2
........................... 7-12
Index .................................................................1


Customer Assistance and Information Reporting Safety Defects


Maintenance Schedule


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


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


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


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


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


Litho in U.S.A. Part No. C2439 A First Edition


ii


©Copyright General Motors Corporation 11/07/03
All Rights Reserved


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


{CAUTION:


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


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


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


iii


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


Vehicle Symbols The vehicle has components and labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with the text describing the operation or information relating to a specific component, control, message, gage, or indicator. If you need help figuring out a specific name of a component, gage, or indicator, reference the following topics: (cid:127) Seats and Restraint Systems in Section 1


Features and Controls in Section 2
Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3


(cid:127) Climate Controls in Section 3
(cid:127) Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators in Section 3
(cid:127) Audio System(s) in Section 3
(cid:127) Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5
These are some examples of symbols that may be found on the vehicle:


iv


(cid:127) (cid:127) v


✍ NOTES


vi


Section 1


Seats and Restraint Systems


Front Seats ......................................................1-2
Power Seats ..................................................1-2
Heated Seats .................................................1-3
Reclining Seatbacks ........................................1-4
Seatback Latches ...........................................1-6
Safety Belts .....................................................1-6
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone .................1-6
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ......1-11
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly .................1-12
Driver Position ..............................................1-12
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ..................1-19
Passenger Position .......................................1-20
Safety Belt Extender .....................................1-20
Child Restraints .............................................1-21
Older Children ..............................................1-21
Infants and Young Children ............................1-24
Child Restraint Systems .................................1-27
Top Strap ....................................................1-31
Top Strap Anchor Location .............................1-32


Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers


for Children (LATCH System) ......................1-32


Securing a Child Restraint Designed


for the LATCH System ...............................1-34


Securing a Child Restraint in the Passenger


Seat Position ............................................1-37
Air Bag Systems ............................................1-42
Where Are the Air Bags? ...............................1-45
When Should an Air Bag Inflate? ....................1-47
What Makes an Air Bag Inflate? .....................1-48
How Does an Air Bag Restrain? .....................1-48
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates? ...1-49
Air Bag Off Switch ........................................1-51
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle .........1-54
Restraint System Check ..................................1-55
Checking Your Restraint Systems ...................1-55
Replacing Restraint System Parts


After a Crash ............................................1-56


1-1


Front Seats


Power Seats Driver’s Seat


Power seat with memory seat controls shown


The power seat controls are located on the outboard side of the driver’s seat.


1-2


Horizontal Control (cid:127) Move the front of the seat control up or down to


adjust the front portion of the cushion.


(cid:127) Move the rear of the seat control up or down to


adjust the rear portion of the cushion. Lift up or push down on the center of the seat control to move the entire seat up or down.


(cid:127) Slide the seat control forward or rearward to move


the seat forward or rearward.


Vertical Control The vertical control is used to operate the power lumbar. Adjust the seat cushion using the horizontal control. To adjust the seatback, see Reclining Seatbacks on page 1-4. Once the seat is in the desired position, adjust the lumbar. Press the vertical control forward to increase support and rearward to decrease support. If your vehicle has the memory seat feature, you can program seat positions for up to two drivers. See Memory Seat on page 2-52 for more information.


(cid:127) Passenger’s Seat


The power seat controls are located on the outboard side of the passenger’s seat. Horizontal Control To adjust the seat, slide the control forward or rearward to move the seat forward or rearward.


Vertical Control The vertical control is used to operate the power lumbar. Adjust the seat cushion using the horizontal control. To adjust the seatback, see Reclining Seatbacks on page 1-4. Once the seat is in the desired position, adjust the lumbar. Press the vertical control forward to increase support and rearward to decrease support.


Heated Seats


If your vehicle has this feature, the switches are located on the outboard side of the driver’s and passenger’s seats.


1-3


Reclining Seatbacks


This feature will heat the lower cushion and lower back of the driver’s and passenger’s seats. Press LO to turn the heater on low. Press HI to turn the heater on high. Put the switch in the center position to turn the heater off. The ignition must be on for the heated seats to work. Also, the passenger’s safety belt must be buckled for the heated seat feature to work on the passenger’s seat. If you turn the ignition off when the heated seats are on, the heated seats will turn off. They will come on again when you restart the vehicle.


To recline the seatback, lift the lever on the outboard side of the seat cushion. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Pull up on the lever without pushing on the seatback, and the seat will go to an upright position.


1-4


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


{CAUTION:


Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can not do their job when you are reclined like this. The shoulder belt can not 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 can not do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly.


1-5


Seatback Latches The seatbacks fold forward.


{CAUTION:


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


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


Safety Belts Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts.


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


1-6


{CAUTION:


{CAUTION:


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


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


Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. See Safety Belt Reminder Light on page 3-26.


1-7


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


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


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


1-8


Put someone on it.


Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop.


1-9


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


or the instrument panel...


1-10


Questions and Answers About Safety Belts


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


accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?


A: You could be — whether you’re wearing a safety


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


Q: If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to


wear safety belts?


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


most of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts — not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.


1-11


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’s why safety belts make such good sense.


Q: If I’m 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’re in an


accident — even one that isn’t your fault — you and your passenger can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone.


How to Wear Safety Belts Properly This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your vehicle, see Older Children on page 1-21
or Infants and Young Children on page 1-24. Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position.


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


how, see “Seats” in the Index.


1-12


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


Do not let it get twisted.


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


Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-20. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.


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


shoulder belt.


1-13


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


1-14


Q: What’s wrong with this?


{CAUTION:


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


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


as much protection this way.


1-15


Q: What’s wrong with this?


{CAUTION:


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


A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.


1-16


Q: What’s wrong with this?


{CAUTION:


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


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


be worn over the shoulder at all times.


1-17


Q: What’s wrong with this?


{CAUTION:


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


A: The belt is twisted across the body.


1-18


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


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


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


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


Passenger Position To learn how to wear the passenger’s safety belt properly, see Driver Position on page 1-12. The passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt — except for one thing. If you ever pull the shoulder portion of the belt out all the way, you will engage the child restraint locking feature. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and start again.


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


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Child Restraints


Older Children


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


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


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.


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


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{CAUTION:


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


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Q: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt, but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck?


A: Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide.


{CAUTION:


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


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


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


1-24


{CAUTION:


{CAUTION:


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


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


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{CAUTION:


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


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


restraints?


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


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


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Child Restraint Systems


{CAUTION:


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


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


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


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


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


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


When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to the instructions that come with the restraint which may be on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraint instructions are important, so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer. The child restraint must be secured properly in the passenger seat. If you want to secure a rear-facing child restraint in the passenger’s seat, turn off the passenger’s air bag. See Air Bag Off Switch on page 1-51 and Securing a Child Restraint in the Passenger Seat Position on page 1-37 for more on this, including important safety information.


1-30


{CAUTION:


A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Be sure to turn off the air bag before using a rear-facing child restraint in the passenger seat position.


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


Top Strap Some child restraints have a top strap, or “top tether.” It can help restrain the child restraint during a collision. For it to work, a top strap must be properly anchored to the vehicle. Some top strap-equipped child restraints are designed for use with or without the top strap being anchored. Others require the top strap always to be anchored. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint. If yours requires that the top strap be anchored, do not use the restraint unless it is anchored properly.


If the child restraint does not have a top strap, one can be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints. Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not a kit is available.


{CAUTION:


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


To locate the top strap anchor see “Top Strap Anchor Location” following. Once you have the top strap anchored, you will be ready to secure the child restraint itself. Tighten the top strap when and as the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions say.


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In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. In the United States, some child restraints also have a top strap. If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored.


Top Strap Anchor Location


The anchor point for the top strap is a loop located at the back of the passenger side seat.


Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)


Your vehicle is equipped with the LATCH system. It is located in the passenger seat. This system, designed to make installation of child restraints easier, does not use the vehicle’s safety belts. Instead, it uses vehicle anchors (A, B) and child restraint attachments to secure the restraints. Some restraints also use another vehicle anchor to secure a top tether strap (C).


1-32


In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle, you need a child restraint designed for that system.


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To assist you in locating the anchors for this child restraint system, place your hand in a palm-up position and reach up between the seat cushion and the seatback.


Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System


{CAUTION:


If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached to its anchorage points, the restraint will not be able to protect the child correctly. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Make sure that a LATCH-type child restraint is properly installed using the anchorage points, 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.


Your vehicle has a passenger air bag. There is an air bag off switch in the glove box you can use to turn off the passenger’s air bag. See Air Bag Off Switch on page 1-51 for more on this, including important safety information.


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Unless the passenger’s air bag has been turned off, never put a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle. Here is why:


{CAUTION:


A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Do not use a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle unless the passenger’s air bag has been turned off. Even though the air bag off switch is designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal air bag, no system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an air bag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. We recommend that rear-facing child restraints be transported in vehicles with a rear seat that will accommodate a rear-facing child restraint, whenever possible. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the passenger seat, always move the passenger seat as far back as it will go.


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2. Find the LATCH anchorages in the passenger seat.


See Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-32.


3. Put the child restraint on the seat. 4. Attach and tighten the LATCH attachments on the


child restraint to the LATCH anchorages in the vehicle. The child restraint instructions will show you how.


5. If the child restraint is forward-facing, attach and tighten the top tether to the top tether anchorage. The child restraint instructions will show you how. Also see Top Strap on page 1-30.


6. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


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


{CAUTION:


If the air bag readiness light ever comes on when you have turned off the passenger’s frontal air bag, it means that something may be wrong with the air bag system. The passenger’s frontal air bag could inflate even though the switch is off. If this ever happens, do not let anyone whom the national government has identified as a member of a passenger air bag risk group sit in the passenger’s position (for example, do not secure a rear-facing child restraint in your vehicle) until you have your vehicle serviced. See Air Bag Off Switch on page 1-51.


1. Your vehicle has a passenger’s air bag. See Air


Bag Off Switch on page 1-51. If your child restraint is forward-facing, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing it in this seat. See Power Seats on page 1-2. Never use a rear-facing child restraint in this seat unless the air bag is off.


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If you were using a rear-facing child restraint, turn on the passenger’s air bag when you remove the rear-facing child restraint from the vehicle unless the person who will be sitting there is a member of a passenger air bag risk group. See Air Bag Off Switch on page 1-51.


{CAUTION:


If the passenger’s frontal air bag is turned off for a person who is not in a risk group identified by the national government, that person will not have the extra protection of a frontal air bag. In a crash, the air bag would not be able to inflate and help protect the person sitting there. Do not turn off the passenger’s frontal air bag unless the person sitting there is in a risk group. See Air Bag Off Switch on page 1-51 for more on this, including important safety information.


Securing a Child Restraint in the Passenger Seat Position


Your vehicle has a passenger air bag. There is an air bag off switch in the glove box you can use to turn off the passenger’s air bag. See Air Bag Off Switch on page 1-51 for more on this, including important safety information.


1-37


{CAUTION:


A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Do not use a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle unless the passenger’s air bag has been turned off. Even though the air bag off switch is designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal air bag, no system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an air bag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. We recommend that rear-facing child restraints be transported in vehicles with a rear seat that will accommodate a rear-facing child restraint, whenever possible. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the passenger seat, always move the passenger seat as far back as it will go.


Unless the passenger’s air bag has been turned off, never put a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle. Here is why:


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{CAUTION:


If the air bag readiness light ever comes on when you have turned off the passenger’s frontal air bag, it means that something may be wrong with the air bag system. The passenger’s frontal air bag could inflate even though the switch is off. If this ever happens, do not let anyone whom the national government has identified as a member of a passenger air bag risk group sit in the passenger’s position (for example, do not secure a rear-facing child restraint in your vehicle) until you have your vehicle serviced. See Air Bag Off Switch on page 1-51.


If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-32. See Top Strap on page 1-30 if the child restraint has one.


If your child restraint does not have the LATCH system, you will be using the lap-shoulder belt. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Your vehicle has a passenger’s air bag. If you are using a rear-facing child restraint in this seat, make sure the air bag is turned off. See Air Bag Off Switch on page 1-51. If your child restraint is forward-facing, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing it in this seat. See Power Seats on page 1-2.


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


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


the retractor to set the lock.


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To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. If you were using a rear-facing child restraint, turn on the passenger’s air bag when you remove the rear-facing child restraint from the vehicle unless the person who will be sitting there is a member of a passenger air bag risk group. See Air Bag Off Switch on page 1-51.


{CAUTION:


If the passenger’s frontal air bag is turned off for a person who is not in a risk group identified by the national government, that person will not have the extra protection of a frontal air bag. In a crash, the air bag would not be able to inflate and help protect the person sitting there. Do not turn off the passenger’s frontal air bag unless the person sitting there is in a risk group. See Air Bag Off Switch on page 1-51 for more on this, including important safety information.


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


7. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


Air Bag Systems This part explains the frontal and side impact air bag systems. Your vehicle has four air bags — a frontal air bag for the driver, another frontal air bag for the passenger, a side impact air bag for the driver, and another side impact air bag for the passenger. Frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating frontal air bag. But these air bags must inflate very quickly to do their job and comply with federal regulations.


Here are the most important things to know about the air bag systems:


{CAUTION:


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


CAUTION:


(Continued)


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CAUTION:


(Continued)


{CAUTION:


The side impact air bags for the driver and passenger are designed to inflate only in moderate to severe crashes where something hits the side of your vehicle. They are not designed to inflate in frontal, in rollover or in rear crashes. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there is an air bag for that person.


Both frontal and side impact air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you are too close to an inflating air bag, as you would be if you were leaning forward, it could seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in position for air bag inflation before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with frontal air bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle. Front occupants should not lean on or sleep against the door.


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{CAUTION:


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


There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows the air bag symbol.


The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See Air Bag Readiness Light on page 3-26
for more information.


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Where Are the Air Bags?


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


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


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The driver’s side impact air bag is in the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door.


The passenger’s side impact air bag is in the side of the passenger’s seatback closest to the door.


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{CAUTION:


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


When Should an Air Bag Inflate? The driver’s and passenger’s frontal air bags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” In addition, your vehicle has “dual stage” frontal air bags, which adjust the amount of restraint according to crash severity. For moderate frontal impacts, these air bags inflate at a level less than full deployment. For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs. If the front of your vehicle goes straight into a wall that does not move or deform, the threshold level for the reduced deployment is about 12 to 16 mph (19 to 26 km/h), and the threshold level for a full deployment is about 20 to 25 mph (32 to 40 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The driver’s and passenger’s frontal air bags are not designed to inflate in rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts because inflation would not help the occupant.


1-47


Side impact air bags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe side crashes. A side impact air bag will inflate if the crash severity is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” The threshold level can vary with specific vehicle design. Side impact air bags are not designed to inflate in frontal or near-frontal impacts, rollovers or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. A side impact air bag will only deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air bag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. For frontal air bags, inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal and near-frontal impacts. For side impact air bags, inflation is determined by the location and severity of the impact.


What Makes an Air Bag Inflate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. For both frontal and side impact air bags, the sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, the air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the steering wheel, the instrument panel, and the side of the front seatbacks closest to the door.


1-48


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


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


{CAUTION:


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


1-49


Your vehicle has a feature that will automatically unlock the doors and turn the interior lamps on when the air bags inflate (if battery power is available). You can lock the doors again and turn the interior lamps off by using the door lock and interior lamp controls. In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the passenger air bag. (cid:127) Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After an


air bag inflates, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include air bag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.


(cid:127) Your vehicle is equipped with electronic frontal


sensors, which help the sensing system distinguish between a moderate frontal impact and a more severe frontal impact. Your vehicle is also equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which records information about the frontal air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the system commands air bag inflation and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment. The module also records speed, engine RPM, brake and throttle data. See Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data Recorders on page 7-10 for more information. Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag systems. Improper service can mean that an air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service.


If you damage the covering for the driver’s


Notice: or the passenger’s air bag, the bag may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module in the steering wheel or both the air bag module and the instrument panel for the passenger’s air bag. Do not open or break the air bag coverings.


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(cid:127) Air Bag Off Switch


This switch should only be turned to AIR BAG OFF if the person in the passenger’s position is a member of a passenger risk group identified by the national government as follows: Infant. An infant (less than 1 year old) must ride in the front seat because: (cid:127) my vehicle has no rear seat; (cid:127) my vehicle has a rear seat too small to


accommodate a rear-facing infant seat; or the infant has a medical condition which, according to the infant’s physician, makes it necessary for the infant to ride in the front seat so that the driver can constantly monitor the child’s condition.


Your vehicle has a switch inside the glovebox that you can use to turn off the passenger’s frontal air bag.


1-51


(cid:127) {CAUTION:


If the passenger’s frontal air bag is turned off for a person who is not in a risk group identified by the national government, that person will not have the extra protection of a frontal air bag. In a crash, the frontal air bag would not be able to inflate and help protect the person sitting there. Do not turn off the passenger’s frontal air bag unless the person sitting there is in a risk group.


Child age 1 to 12. A child age 1 to 12 must ride in the front seat because: (cid:127) my vehicle has no rear seat;


although children ages 1 to 12 ride in the rear seat(s) whenever possible, children ages 1 to 12 sometimes must ride in the front because no space is available in the rear seat(s) of my vehicle; or the child has a medical condition which, according to the child’s physician, makes it necessary for the child to ride in the front seat so that the driver can constantly monitor the child’s condition.


Medical Condition. A passenger has a medical condition which, according to his or her physician:


causes the passenger air bag to pose a special risk for the passenger; and


(cid:127) makes the potential harm from the passenger air


bag in a crash greater than the potential harm from turning off the air bag and allowing the passenger, even if belted, to hit the dashboard or windshield in a crash.


1-52


(cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) To turn off the passenger’s frontal air bag, insert your ignition key into the switch, push in, and move the switch to AIR BAG OFF.


The air bag off light, located on the roof panel above the rearview mirror, will come on and stay on to let you know that the passenger’s frontal air bag is off. See Air Bag Off Light on page 3-28.


1-53


To turn the passenger’s frontal air bag on again, insert your ignition key into the switch, push in, and move the switch to the on position.


The passenger’s frontal air bag will remain off until you turn it back on again.


{CAUTION:


If the air bag readiness light ever comes on when you have turned off the passenger’s frontal air bag, it means that something may be wrong with the air bag system. The passenger’s frontal air bag could inflate even though the switch is off. If this ever happens, do not let anyone whom the national government has identified as a member of a passenger air bag risk group sit in the passenger’s position (for example, do not secure a rear-facing child restraint in your vehicle) until you have your vehicle serviced.


1-54


Restraint System Check


Checking Your Restraint Systems Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.)


Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag systems in several places around your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag systems. To purchase a service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-13.


{CAUTION:


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


The air bag systems do not need regular maintenance.


1-55


If the LATCH system was being used during a more severe crash, you may need new LATCH system parts. If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have LATCH system, safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt or LATCH system wasn’t being used at the time of the collision. If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier in this section.


Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash


{CAUTION:


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


If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts or LATCH system parts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new parts.


1-56


Section 2


Features and Controls


Keys ...............................................................2-2
Remote Keyless Entry System .........................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation ...........2-4
Doors and Locks .............................................2-6
Door Locks ....................................................2-6
Power Door Locks ..........................................2-7
Programmable Automatic Door Locks ................2-8
Leaving Your Vehicle ......................................2-8
Tailgate ........................................................2-8
Windows .........................................................2-9
Power Windows ............................................2-10
Sun Visors ...................................................2-11
Theft-Deterrent Systems ..................................2-11
Content Theft-Deterrent .................................2-11
Passlock® ....................................................2-13
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle ................2-13
New Vehicle Break-In ....................................2-13
Ignition Positions ..........................................2-14
Starting Your Engine .....................................2-15
Automatic Transmission Operation ...................2-16
Parking Brake ..............................................2-18
Shifting Into Park (P) .....................................2-19
Shifting Out of Park (P) .................................2-20
Parking Over Things That Burn .......................2-21


Engine Exhaust ............................................2-21
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked ....2-22
Mirrors ...........................................................2-23
Manual Rearview Mirror .................................2-23
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with


HomeLink® ...............................................2-23
Outside Power Heated Mirrors ........................2-24
Outside Convex Mirror ...................................2-25
Outside Automatic Dimming Heated Mirror ........2-25
HomeLink® Transmitter ...................................2-26
Programming the HomeLink® Transmitter .........2-27
Storage Areas ................................................2-30
Glove Box ...................................................2-30
Cupholder(s) ................................................2-30
Instrument Panel Storage Area .......................2-30
Center Console Storage Area .........................2-30
Map Pocket .................................................2-30
Cargo Cover ................................................2-31
Floor Tracks ................................................2-35
Cargo Net System ........................................2-36
Side-Saddle Storage .....................................2-41
Convertible Top ..............................................2-45
Vehicle Personalization ...................................2-52
Memory Seat ...............................................2-52


2-1


Keys


{CAUTION:


Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. The children or others could be badly injured or even killed. Do not leave the keys in a vehicle with children.


2-2


One key is used for the ignition, the doors and all locks except the center console.


Center Console Storage Area Key


A separate key is provided for locking the center console storage area.


If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle,


If you need a new key, contact your dealer for assistance. In an emergency, contact Chevrolet Roadside Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6 for more information. Notice: you may have to damage the vehicle to get in. Be sure you have spare keys. Remote Keyless Entry System Your keyless entry system operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference, and 2. This device must accept any interference received,


including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.


This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference, and 2. This device must accept any interference received,


including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.


2-3


Changes or modifications to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment. At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this: (cid:127) Check the distance. You may be too far from your


vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy or snowy weather.


(cid:127) Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may


be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.


(cid:127) Check to determine if battery replacement is necessary. See “Battery Replacement” under Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-4. If you are still having trouble, see your dealer or a qualified technician for service.


Remote Keyless Entry System Operation You can lock and unlock your doors and cargo area from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle.


W (Unlock): When you press unlock, the driver’s door will unlock automatically, the parking lamps may flash, the horn may sound, and the interior lights will turn on.


2-4


(cid:127) If your vehicle has the memory seat feature and you have previously programmed a seat position, the driver’s seat will move to that position when you press the unlock button. See Memory Seat on page 2-52 for more information. Q (Lock): Press lock to lock all the doors. Press lock again within three seconds and the horn will chirp.


F (Cargo Cover Release): To release the cargo cover, press the button with this symbol on it. The convertible top must be all the way up or down for this feature to work properly. The cargo cover can also be released using the cargo cover release button located in the glovebox. See Cargo Cover on page 2-31
for more information. L(Remote Alarm): When the button with the horn symbol on the remote keyless entry transmitter is pressed, the horn will sound and the headlamps and taillamps will flash for up to 30 seconds. This can be turned off by pressing the horn button again, or by waiting for 30 seconds, or by starting the vehicle. You can program different feedback settings for up to two drivers using the Driver Information Center (DIC). For more information see Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-44.


Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any remaining transmitters with you when you go to your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. Each vehicle can have a maximum of four transmitters matched to it. Battery Replacement Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless entry transmitter should last about two years. You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t work at the normal range in any location. If you have to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, it’s probably time to change the battery. The Driver Information Center (DIC) will display a RFA # BATTERY LOW message when the transmitter battery is low. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-48.


2-5


Notice: When replacing the battery, use care not to touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body transferred to these surfaces may damage the transmitter. To replace the battery in the remote keyless entry transmitter do the following:


Doors and Locks


Door Locks


{CAUTION:


Unlocked doors can be dangerous.


(cid:127) Passengers — especially children — can


easily open the doors and fall out of a moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle will not open it. You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors are not locked. So, wear safety belts properly and lock the doors whenever you drive.


(cid:127) Young children who get into unlocked


vehicles may be unable to get out. A child can be overcome by extreme heat and can suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle whenever you leave it.


(cid:127) Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. Locking your doors can help prevent this from happening.


1. Insert a thin coin in the slot between the covers of the transmitter housing. Gently pry the transmitter apart.


2. Remove and replace the battery with a three-volt


CR2032 or equivalent battery.


3. Align the covers and snap them together. 4. Check the operation of the transmitter.


2-6


There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. From the outside, use your key or the remote keyless entry transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-4 for more information. To lock or unlock the driver’s door from the outside with the key, insert the key and turn it toward the rear (lock) or toward the front (unlock) of the vehicle. From the inside, use the manual or power door locks. To lock or unlock either door from the inside, pull up or push down on the manual lock.


Power Door Locks


Your power door lock switch is located on the console switchbank. See Center Console Switchbank on page 3-17
for more information.


K (Unlock): Press this symbol to unlock the doors from inside your vehicle. Q (Lock): Press this symbol to lock the doors from inside your vehicle.


2-7


Programmable Automatic Door Locks Close the doors and turn on the ignition. If all the doors are closed, every time you move the shift lever out of PARK (P) all of the doors will lock. And, every time you stop and move the shift lever into PARK (P), the doors will unlock. If someone needs to get out while you’re not in PARK (P), have that person use the manual or power lock. When the door is closed again, it will not lock automatically. Just use the manual or power lock to lock the door again. If you need to lock the doors before shifting out of PARK (P), just use the manual or power lock switch to lock the doors. Customizing Your Automatic Door Locks Feature The automatic door locks can be programmed to the preferred settings for up to two drivers. See DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-55 for more information.


Leaving Your Vehicle If you are leaving the vehicle, take your key, open your door and set the lock from inside. Then get out and close the door.


Tailgate To open the tailgate, do the following: 1. Open the cargo cover using the remote keyless


entry transmitter or the cargo cover release button in the glovebox. See Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-4 and Cargo Cover on page 2-31 for more information.


2. Pull up on the handle inside and lower the tailgate. To close the tailgate, do the following: 1. Close the cargo cover before closing the tailgate. 2. Push the tailgate upward to return it to its upright,


latched position. Push and pull on the tailgate to make sure it is secure.


2-8


Windows


{CAUTION:


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


2-9


Power Windows


The driver’s and passenger’s power window switches are located on the center console switchbank.


See Center Console Switchbank on page 3-17 for more information on location. When you open a door, the window will automatically lower about a half inch. When the door is closed, the window will then close. If you wish to re-open the window once it’s closed, press and hold the bottom of the power window switch to lower the window. Press and hold the top of the switch with the up arrow to raise the window. The ignition must be in ACCESSORY or RUN for the window switches to work.


2-10


Express Down Window Both driver’s and passenger’s window switches have the express-down feature. Tap the driver’s or passenger’s power window switch and immediately release. The window will lower completely. To stop the express-down feature from lowering the window

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