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• Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag • Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) for the driver and passengers seated next to a window


• Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB) • Knee bolsters/blockers for front seat occupants • Front seat belts incorporate pretensioners that may enhance occupant protection by managing occupant energy during an impact event


28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE • All seat belt systems (except the driver’s) include Automatic Locking Retractors (ALRs), which lock the seat belt webbing into position by extending the belt all the way out and then adjusting the belt to the desired length to restrain a child seat or secure a large item in a seat — if equipped


Please pay close attention to the information in this section. It tells you how to use your restraint system properly, to keep you and your passengers as safe as possible. If you will be carrying children too small for adult-sized seat belts, the seat belts or the Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) feature also can be used to hold infant and child restraint systems. For more information on LATCH, refer to “LATCH — Child Seat Anchorage System (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren).”


Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize the risk of harm from a deploying air bag: 1. Children 12 years old and under should always ride buckled up in a rear seat.


WARNING!


Infants in rear facing child restraints should never ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger Ad- vanced Front Air Bag. An air bag deployment can cause severe injury or death to infants in that position.


Children that are not big enough to wear the vehicle seat belt properly (see section on Child Restraints) should be secured in the rear seat in child restraints or belt- positioning booster seats. Older children who do not use child restraints or belt-positioning booster seats should


ride properly buckled up in the rear seat. Never allow children to slide the shoulder belt behind them or under their arm. You should read the instructions provided with your child restraint to make sure that you are using it properly. 2. All occupants should always wear their lap and shoulder belts properly. 3. The driver and front passenger seats should be moved back as far as practical to allow the Advanced Front Air Bags room to inflate. 4. Do not lean against the door or window. Your vehicle has Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) or Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB), and when deployment occurs, the SABIC and SAB air bags will inflate forcefully into the space between you and the door.


THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29
5. If the air bag system in this vehicle needs to be modified to accommodate a disabled person, contact the Customer Center. Phone numbers are provided in ⴖIf You Need Consumer Assistance.ⴖ


WARNING!


• Relying on the air bags alone could lead to more severe injuries in a collision. The air bags work with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In some collisions, the air bags won’t deploy at all. Always wear your seat belts even though you have air bags.


(Continued)


30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE


WARNING! (Continued)


• Being too close to the steering wheel or instrument panel during Advanced Front Air Bag deployment could cause serious injury, including death. Air Bags need room to inflate. Sit back, comfortably extending your arms to reach the steering wheel or instrument panel.


• Side air bags also need room to inflate. Do not lean against the door or window. Sit upright in the center of the seat.


WARNING!


In a collision, you and your passengers can suffer much greater injuries if you are not properly buckled up. You can strike the interior of your vehicle or other passengers, or you can be thrown out of the vehicle. Always be sure you and others in your vehicle are buckled up properly.


Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver and cause a collision that includes you. This can happen far away from home or on your own street. Research has shown that seat belts save lives, and they can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a collision. Some of the worst injuries happen when people are thrown from the vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility of


ejection and the risk of injury caused by striking the inside of the vehicle. Everyone in a motor vehicle should be belted at all times. Lap/Shoulder Belts All the seating positions in your vehicle are equipped with combination lap/shoulder belts. The belt webbing retractor is designed to lock during very sudden stops or accidents. This feature allows the shoulder part of the belt to move freely with you under normal conditions. However in a collision, the belt will lock and reduce the risk of you striking the inside of the vehicle or being thrown out.


THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 31


WARNING!


• It is 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 seat belts.


using a seat belt properly.


• Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and • Wearing a seat belt incorrectly is dangerous. Seat belts are designed to go around the large bones of your body. These are the strongest parts of your body and can take the forces of a collision the best. (Continued)


32 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE


WARNING! (Continued)


• Wearing your belt in the wrong place could make your injuries in a collision much worse. You might suffer internal injuries, or you could even slide out of part of the belt. Follow these instructions to wear your seat belt safely and to keep your pas- sengers safe, too.


• Two people should never be belted into a single seat belt. People belted together can crash into one another in a collision, hurting one another badly. Never use a lap/shoulder belt or lap belt for more than one person, no matter what their size.


Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions 1. Enter the vehicle and close the door. Sit back and adjust the seat.


2. The seat belt latch plate is along side the pillar near the back of your seat. Grasp the latch plate and pull out the belt. Slide the latch plate up the webbing as far as necessary to allow the belt to go around your lap.


Pulling Out The Latch Plate


3. When the belt is long enough to fit, insert the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”


WARNING!


THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 33


• A belt that is buckled into the wrong buckle will not protect you properly. The lap portion could ride too high on your body, possibly causing internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.


• A belt that is too loose will not protect you properly. In a sudden stop you could move too far forward, increasing the possibility of injury. Wear your seat belt snugly.


(Continued)


Inserting Latch Plate Into Buckle


4. Position the lap belt across your thighs, below your abdomen. To remove slack in the lap belt portion, pull up on the shoulder belt. To loosen the lap belt if it is too tight, tilt the latch plate and pull on the lap belt. A snug belt reduces the risk of sliding under the belt in a collision.


34 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE


WARNING! (Continued)


• A belt that is worn under your arm is dangerous. Your body could strike the inside surfaces of the vehicle in a collision, increasing head and neck injury. A belt worn under the arm can cause internal injuries. Ribs aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. Wear the belt over your shoulder so that your strongest bones will take the force in a collision.


• A shoulder belt placed behind you will not protect you from injury during a collision. You are more likely to hit your head in a collision if you do not wear your shoulder belt. The lap and shoulder belt are meant to be used together.


Positioning Lap Belt


WARNING!


• A lap belt worn too high can increase the risk of internal injury in a collision. The belt forces won’t be at the strong hip and pelvic bones, but across your abdomen. Always wear the lap belt as low as possible and keep it snug.


• A twisted belt may not protect you properly. In a collision, it could even cut into you. Be sure the belt is straight. If you can’t straighten a belt in your vehicle, take it to your authorized dealer immediately and have it fixed.


5. Position the shoulder belt on your chest so that it is comfortable and not resting on your neck. The retractor will withdraw any slack in the belt.


THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 35
6. To release the belt, push the red button on the buckle. The belt will automatically retract to its stowed position. If necessary, slide the latch plate down the webbing to allow the belt to retract fully.


WARNING!


A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collision and leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing, etc.).


36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure Use the following procedure to untwist a twisted lap/ shoulder belt. 1. Position the latch plate as close as possible to the anchor point. 2. At about 6 to 12 in (15 to 30 cm) above the latch plate, grasp and twist the belt webbing 180 degrees to create a fold that begins immediately above the latch plate. 3. Slide the latch plate upward over the folded webbing. The folded webbing must enter the slot at the top of the latch plate. 4. Continue to slide the latch plate up until it clears the folded webbing. Seat Belts In Passenger Seating Positions The seat belts in the passenger seating positions are equipped with Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) which are used to secure a child restraint system. For


additional information, refer to “Installing Child Re- straints Using The Vehicle Seat Belt” under the “Child Restraints” section. The chart below defines the type of feature for each seating position. Driver N/A ALR


First Row Second Row


Passenger


ALR ALR


• N/A — Not Applicable • ALR — Automatic Locking Retractor If the passenger seating position is equipped with an ALR and is being used for normal usage: Only pull the belt webbing out far enough to comfortably wrap around the occupant’s mid-section so as to not activate the ALR. If the ALR is activated, you will hear a ratcheting sound as the belt retracts. Allow the webbing to retract completely in this case and then carefully pull


out only the amount of webbing necessary to comfort- ably wrap around the occupant’s mid-section. Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a ⬙click.⬙ Automatic Locking Retractor Mode (ALR) — If Equipped In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre- locked. The belt will still retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt. The Automatic Locking Mode is avail- able on all passenger-seating positions with a combina- tion lap/shoulder belt. Use the Automatic Locking Mode anytime a child safety seat is installed in a seating position that has a belt with this feature. Children 12 years old and under should always be properly restrained in the rear seat.


THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37


How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode 1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt. 2. Grasp the shoulder portion and pull downward until the entire belt is extracted. 3. Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This indicates the safety belt is now in the Automatic Locking Mode. How To Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode Unbuckle the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow it to retract completely to disengage the Automatic Locking Mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode.


38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE


WARNING!


• The belt and retractor assembly must be replaced if the seat belt assembly Automatic Locking Re- tractor (ALR) feature or any other seat belt func- tion is not working properly when checked ac- cording to the procedures in the Service Manual. • Failure to replace the belt and retractor assembly


could increase the risk of injury in collisions.


Energy Management Feature This vehicle has a safety belt system with an Energy Management feature in the front seating positions to help further reduce the risk of injury in the event of a head-on collision. This safety belt system has a retractor assembly that is designed to release webbing in a controlled manner. This feature is designed to help reduce the belt force acting on the occupant’s chest.


Seat Belt Pretensioners The seat belts for both front seating positions are equipped with pretensioning devices that are designed to remove slack from the seat belt in the event of a collision. These devices may improve the performance of the seat belt by assuring that the belt is tight about the occupant early in a collision. Pretensioners work for all size occu- pants, including those in child restraints. NOTE: These devices are not a substitute for proper seat belt placement by the occupant. The seat belt still must be worn snugly and positioned properly. The pretensioners are triggered by the Occupant Re- straint Controller (ORC). Like the air bags, the preten- sioners are single use items. A deployed pretensioner or a deployed air bag must be replaced immediately.


Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System (BeltAlert姞) BeltAlert威 is a feature intended to remind the driver and front passenger (if equipped with front passenger BeltAlert威) to fasten their seat belts. The feature is active whenever the ignition is on. If the driver or front seat passenger is unbelted, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will turn on and remain on until both front seat belts are fastened. The BeltAlert威 warning sequence begins after the vehicle speed is over 5 mph (8 km/h), by blinking the Seat Belt Reminder Light and sounding an intermittent chime. Once the sequence starts, it will continue for the entire duration or until the respective seatbelts are fastened. After the sequence completes, the Seat Belt Reminder Light remains illuminated until the respective seat belts are fastened. The driver should instruct all other occu- pants to fasten their seat belts. If a front seat belt is


THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39
unbuckled while traveling at speeds greater than 5 mph (8 km/h), BeltAlert威 will provide both audio and visual notification. The front passenger seat BeltAlert威 is not active when the front passenger seat is unoccupied. BeltAlert威 may be triggered when an animal or heavy object is on the front passenger seat or when the seat (if equipped). It is recommended that pets be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts, and cargo is properly stowed. BeltAlert威 can be enabled or disabled by your authorized dealer. FIAT Group Automobiles does not recommend deactivating BeltAlert威. NOTE: Although BeltAlert威 has been deactivated, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will continue to illuminate while the driver’s or front passenger (if equipped with BeltAlert威) seat belt remains unfastened.


is folded flat


40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE Seat Belt Extender If a seat belt is too short, even when fully extended, and when the adjustable upper shoulder belt anchorage (if equipped) is in its lowest position, your authorized dealer can provide you with a seat belt extender. This extender should be used only if the existing belt is not long enough. When it is not required, remove the ex- tender and store it.


WARNING!


Using a seat belt extender when not needed can increase the risk of injury in a collision. Only use when the seat belt is not long enough when it is worn low and snug, and in the recommended seating positions. Remove and store the extender when not needed.


Seat Belts And Pregnant Women We recommend that pregnant women use the seat belts throughout their pregnancy. Keeping the mother safe is the best way to keep the baby safe. Pregnant women should wear the lap part of the belt across the thighs and as snug across the hips as possible. Keep the belt low so that it does not come across the abdomen. That way the strong bones of the hips will take the force if there is a collision. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) — Air Bags This vehicle has Advanced Front Air Bags for both the driver and front passenger as a supplement to the seat belt restraint systems. The driver’s Advanced Front Air Bag is mounted in the center of the steering wheel. The passenger’s Advanced Front Air Bag is mounted in the instrument panel, above the glove compartment. The words SRS AIRBAG are embossed on the air bag covers.


In addition, the vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag mounted in the instrument panel below the steering column.


Advanced Front Air Bag And Knee Bolster Locations 3 — Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag


1 — Driver And Passenger Ad- vanced Front Air Bags 2 — Knee Bolster


THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41
NOTE: These air bags are certified to the Federal regulations for Advanced Air Bags. The Advanced Front Air Bags are designed to allow the air bags to have different inflation levels based on the severity and type of collision. This vehicle may be equipped with driver and/or front passenger seat track position sensors that may adjust the inflation level of the Advanced Front Air Bags based upon seat position. This vehicle may be equipped with a driver and/or front passenger seat belt buckle switch that detects whether the driver or front passenger seat belt is fastened. The seat belt buckle switch may adjust the inflation level of the Advanced Front Air Bags. This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) to protect the driver, front,


42 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE and rear passengers sitting next to a window. The SABIC are located above the side windows. The trim covering the SABIC is labeled SRS AIRBAG. This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Seat- Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB). The SAB are marked with an air bag label sewn into the outboard side of the front seats. NOTE: • Air Bag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim,


but they will open during air bag deployment.


• After any accident, the vehicle should be taken to an


authorized dealer immediately.


Air Bag System Components Your vehicle may be equipped with the following air bag system components: • Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)


• Air Bag Warning Light • Steering Wheel and Column • Instrument Panel • Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag • Knee Impact Bolster • Driver Advanced Front Air Bag • Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag • Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB) • Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains


(SABIC)


• Front and Side Impact Sensors • Front Seat Belt Pretensioners, Seat Belt Buckle Switch,


and Seat Track Position Sensors


Advanced Front Air Bag Features The Advanced Front Air Bag system provides output appropriate to the severity and type of collision as determined by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC), which may receive information from the front impact sensors.


WARNING!


• No objects should be placed over or near the air bag on the instrument panel, because any such objects could cause harm if the vehicle is in a collision severe enough to cause the air bag to inflate.


(Continued)


THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43


WARNING! (Continued)


• Do not put anything on or around the air bag covers or attempt to open them manually. You may damage the air bags and you could be injured because the air bags may no longer be functional. The protective covers for the air bag cushions are designed to open only when the air bags are inflating.


any way.


• Do not drill, cut or tamper with the knee bolster in • Do not mount any accessories to the knee bolster such as alarm lights, stereos, citizen band radios, etc.


44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB) Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB) provide enhanced protection to help protect an occupant during a side impact. The SAB are marked with an air bag label sewn into the outboard side of the front seats.


Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag (SAB) Label


When the air bag deploys, it opens the seam between the front and side of the seat’s trim cover. Each air bag deploys independently; a left side impact deploys the left air bag only and a right-side impact deploys the right air bag only. Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) may offer side-impact protection to front and rear seat outboard occupants in addition to that provided by the body structure. Each air bag features inflated chambers, placed adjacent to the head of each outboard occupant, that reduce the potential for side-impact head injuries. The SABIC deploy downward, covering both windows on the impact side.


THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45
The system includes side impact sensors that are cali- brated to deploy the Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB) and SABIC during impacts that require air bag occupant protection.


WARNING!


• Your vehicle is equipped with left and right SABIC, do not stack luggage or other cargo up high enough to block the location of the SABIC. The area where the side curtain air bag is located should remain free from any obstructions.


• Do not use accessory seat covers or place objects between you and the SAB; the performance could be adversely affected and/or objects could be pushed into you, causing serious injury.


(Continued)


Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC)


Label Location


NOTE: Air Bag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim, but they will open during air bag deploy- ment.


46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE


WARNING! (Continued)


• Your vehicle is equipped with SABIC air bags, do not have any accessory items installed which will alter the roof, including adding a sunroof to your vehicle. Do not add roof racks that require perma- nent attachments (bolts or screws) for installation on the vehicle roof. Do not drill into the roof of the vehicle for any reason.


Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag The Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag provides enhanced protection and works together with the Driver Advanced Front Air Bag during a frontal impact. Knee Impact Bolster The Knee Impact Bolster helps protect the knees of the passenger side front passenger by positioning the pas- senger for the best interaction with the Advanced Front Air Bags.


Along with seat belts and pretensioners, Advanced Front Air Bags work with the Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag and the passenger side knee bolster to provide improved protection for the driver and front passenger. Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB) and Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) also work with seat belts to improve occupant protection. Air Bag Deployment Sensors And Controls Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) The ORC is part of a Federally regulated safety system required for this vehicle. The ORC determines if deployment of the front and/or side air bags in a frontal or side collision is required. Based on the impact sensor’s signals, a central electronic ORC deploys the Advanced Front Air Bags, Supplemen- tal Driver Side Knee Air Bag, Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC), Supplemental Seat-Mounted


Side Air Bags (SAB), and front seat belt pretensioners, as required, depending on the severity and type of impact. Advanced Front Air Bags and Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag are designed to provide additional protec- tion by supplementing the seat belts in certain frontal collisions depending on the severity and type of collision. Advanced Front Air Bags are not expected to reduce the risk of injury in rear or side collisions. The Advanced Front Air Bags and Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag will not deploy in all frontal collisions, including some that may produce substantial vehicle damage — for example, some pole collisions, truck underrides, and angle offset collisions. On the other hand, depending on the type and location of impact, Advanced Front Air Bags may deploy in crashes with little vehicle front-end damage but that produce a severe initial deceleration.


THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47
The side air bags will not deploy in all side collisions. Side air bag deployment will depend on the severity and type of collision. Because air bag sensors measure vehicle deceleration over time, vehicle speed and damage by themselves are not good indicators of whether or not an air bag should have deployed. Seat belts are necessary for your protection in all acci- dents, and also are needed to help keep you in position, away from an inflating air bag. The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of the air bag system whenever the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN or START position. If the key is in the OFF/ LOCK position, or not in the ignition, the air bag system is not on and the air bags will not inflate.


48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE The ORC contains a backup power supply system that may deploy the air bags even if the battery loses power or it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.


Also, the ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in the instrument panel for approxi- mately four to eight seconds for a self-check when the ignition is first turned on. After the self-check, the Air Bag Warning Light will turn off. If the ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns on the Air Bag Warning Light, either momentarily or continuously. A single chime will sound if the light comes on again after initial startup. It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the instru- ment cluster Air Bag Warning Light if a malfunction is noted that could affect the air bag system. The diagnos- tics also record the nature of the malfunction.


WARNING!


Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your instru- ment panel could mean you won’t have the air bags to protect you in a collision. If the light does not come on as a bulb check when the ignition is first turned on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you drive, have an authorized dealer service the air bag system immediately.


Driver And Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag Inflator Units The Driver and Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag Inflator Units are located in the center of the steering wheel and on the right side of the instrument panel. When the ORC detects a collision requiring the Ad- vanced Front Air Bags, it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the Advanced Front Air Bags. Different air bag inflation rates


are possible, based on the collision type and severity. The steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper right side of the instrument panel separate and fold out of the way as the air bags inflate to their full size. The air bags fully inflate in about 50 to 70 milliseconds. This is about half of the time it takes to blink your eyes. The air bags then quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and front passenger. The Advanced Front Air Bag gas is vented through the vent holes in the sides of the air bag. In this way, the air bags do not interfere with your control of the vehicle. Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag Inflator Unit The Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag unit is located in the instrument panel trim beneath the steering column. When the ORC detects a collision requiring the air bag, it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the Supplemental


THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49
Driver Side Knee Air Bag. The trim cover separates and folds out of the way allowing the air bag to inflate to the full size. The air bag fully inflates in about 15 to 20
milliseconds. The Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag gas is vented through small vent holes in the side of the air bag. Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag (SAB) Inflator Units The Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB) are designed to activate only in certain side collisions. The ORC determines if a side collision requires the side air bags to inflate, based on the severity and type of collision. Based on the severity and type of collision, the side air bag inflator on the crash side of the vehicle may be triggered, releasing a quantity of non-toxic gas. The inflating SAB exits through the seat seam into the space between the occupant and the door. The SAB fully inflate


50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE in about 10 milliseconds. The side air bag moves at a very high speed and with such a high force that it could injure you if you are not seated properly, or if items are positioned in the area where the side air bag inflates. This especially applies to children. Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) Inflator Units During collisions where the impact is confined to a particular area of the side of the vehicle, the ORC may deploy the Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC), depending on the severity and type of collision. In these events, the ORC will deploy the SABIC only on the impact side of the vehicle. A quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the side curtain air bag. The inflating side curtain air bag pushes the outside edge of the headliner out of the way and covers the window. The air bag inflates in about 30
milliseconds (about one-quarter of the time that it takes


to blink your eyes) with enough force to injure you if you are not belted and seated properly, or if items are positioned in the area where the side curtain air bag inflates. This especially applies to children. The side curtain air bag is about 3-1/2 in (9 cm) thick when it is inflated. Because air bag sensors estimate deceleration over time, vehicle speed and damage are not good indicators of whether or not an air bag should have deployed. Front And Side Impact Sensors In front and side impacts, impact sensors can aid the ORC in determining appropriate response to impact events. Enhanced Accident Response System In the event of an impact causing air bag deployment, if the communication network remains intact, and the power remains intact, depending on the nature of the


event, the ORC will determine whether to have the Enhanced Accident Response System perform the follow- ing functions: • Cut off fuel to the engine. • Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power or • Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as the battery has power or until the ignition key is removed.


until the ignition key is turned off.


• Unlock the doors automatically.


Customer Action 1. Turn ignition OFF. (Turn Signal Switch Must be placed in Neutral State). 2. Turn ignition ON. 3. Turn Right Turn Signal Switch ON.


THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51
After the event occurs, when the system is active, the message ⬙Fuel Cutoff See Handbook⬙ is displayed. Carefully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine compartment and on the ground near the engine com- partment and fuel tank before resetting the system and starting the engine. System Reset Procedure After an impact causing air bag deployment, the left and right turn signal lights, located in the instrument panel cluster, will both be blinking, until the ignition is turned off. In order to move your vehicle to the side of the road you must follow the system reset procedure. Customer Will See


Left Turn Light is OFF. Right Turn Light BLINKS. Right Turn Light is ON SOLID. Left Turn Light BLINKS.


52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE


Customer Action 4. Turn Left Turn Signal Switch ON.


5. Turn Right Turn Signal Switch ON.


6. Turn Left Turn Signal Switch ON.


7. Turn Left Turn Signal Switch OFF. (Turn Signal Switch Must be placed in Neutral State). 8. Turn ignition OFF. 9. Turn Hazard Flashers OFF (Manually). If a reset procedure step is not completed within 45 sec- onds, then the turn signal lights will turn off and the reset procedure must be performed again in order to be successful.


Customer Will See Left Turn Light is ON SOLID. Right Turn Light BLINKS. Right Turn Light is ON SOLID. Left Turn Light BLINKS. Left Turn Light is ON SOLID. Right Turn Light is ON SOLID. Left Turn Light is OFF. Right Turn Light is OFF.


System is now reset and the engine may be started.


If A Deployment Occurs The Advanced Front Air Bags are designed to deflate immediately after deployment. NOTE: Front and/or side air bags will not deploy in all collisions. This does not mean something is wrong with the air bag system.


If you do have a collision which deploys the air bags, any or all of the following may occur: • The nylon air bag material may sometimes cause abrasions and/or skin reddening to the driver and front passenger as the air bags deploy and unfold. The abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or those you might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium floor. They are not caused by contact with chemicals. They are not permanent and normally heal quickly. However, if you haven’t healed significantly within a few days, or if you have any blistering, see your doctor immediately.


• As the air bags deflate, you may see some smoke-like particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the process that generates the non-toxic gas used for air bag inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the skin, eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation, rinse the area with cool water. For nose or


THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53
throat irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues, see your doctor. If these particles settle on your clothing, follow the garment manufacturer’s in- structions for cleaning.


Do not drive your vehicle after the air bags have de- ployed. If you are involved in another collision, the air bags will not be in place to protect you.


WARNING!


Deployed air bags and seat belt pretensioners cannot protect you in another collision. Have the air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and the front seat belt retrac- tor assemblies replaced by an authorized dealer im- mediately. Also, have the Occupant Restraint Con- troller (ORC) system serviced as well.


54 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE Maintaining Your Air Bag System


WARNING!


• Modifications to any part of the air bag system could cause it to fail when you need it. You could be injured if the air bag system is not there to protect you. Do not modify the components or wiring, including adding any kind of badges or stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do not modify the front bumper, vehicle body structure, or add aftermarket side steps or running boards. • It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the air bag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who works on your vehicle that it has an air bag system. (Continued)


WARNING! (Continued)


• Do not attempt to modify any part of your air bag system. The air bag may inflate accidentally or may not function properly if modifications are made. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for any air bag system service. If your seat, includ- ing your trim cover and cushion, needs to be serviced in any way (including removal or loosening/tightening of seat attachment bolts), take the vehicle to your authorized dealer. Only manufacturer approved seat accessories may be used. If it is necessary to modify the air bag system for persons with disabilities, contact your autho- rized dealer.


Air Bag Warning Light


You will want to have the air bags ready to inflate for your protection in a collision. The Air Bag Warning Light monitors the internal circuits and interconnecting wiring associated with air bag system electrical components. While the air bag system is designed to be maintenance free, if any of the following occurs, have an authorized dealer service the air bag system immediately. • The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on during the four to eight seconds when the ignition switch is first turned to the ON/RUN position.


• The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the four to


eight-second interval.


THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55
• The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently or


remains on while driving.


If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine NOTE: related gauges are not working, the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. The air bags may not be ready to inflate for your protection. Promptly check the Body Control Module (BCM) fuse block inside the vehicle for blown fuses. Refer to the label located on the inside of the fuse block cover for the proper air bag fuses. See your authorized dealer if the fuse is good.


56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE Event Data Recorder (EDR) This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems per- formed. The EDR is designed to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as: • How various systems in your vehicle were operating; • Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts


were buckled/fastened;


• How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the


accelerator and/or brake pedal; and, • How fast the vehicle was traveling.


These data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur. NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under normal driving conditions and no per- sonal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) are recorded. However, other parties, such as law en- forcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash investigation. To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement, that have the special equip- ment, can read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR.


Child Restraints Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up at all times, including babies and children. Every state in the United States, and all Canadian provinces, require that small children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law, and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it. Children 12 years or younger should ride properly buckled up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seats rather than in the front. There are different sizes and types of restraints for children from newborn size to the child almost large enough for an adult safety belt. Always check the child seat Owner’s Manual to ensure you have the correct seat for your child. Use the restraint that is correct for your child.


THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 57


WARNING!


In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny baby, can become a projectile inside the vehicle. The force required to hold even an infant on your lap could become so great that you could not hold the child, no matter how strong you are. The child and others could be badly injured. Any child riding in your vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the child’s size.


Infants And Child Restraints Safety experts recommend that children ride rearward- facing in the vehicle until they are two years old or until they reach either the height or weight limit of their rear facing child safety seat. Two types of child restraints can be used rearward-facing: infant carriers and convertible child seats.


58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE The infant carrier is only used rearward-facing in the vehicle. It is recommended for children from birth until they reach the weight or height limit of the infant carrier. Convertible child seats can be used either rearward- facing or forward-facing in the vehicle. Convertible child seats often have a higher weight limit in the rearward- facing direction than infant carriers do, so they can be used rearward-facing by children who have outgrown their infant carrier but are still less than at least two years old. Children should remain rearward-facing until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their convertible child seat. Both types of child restraints are held in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt or the LATCH child restraint anchor system. Refer to “Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH)”.


WARNING!


Rearward-facing child seats must never be used in the front seat of a vehicle with the front passenger air bag. An air bag deployment could cause severe injury or death to infants in this position.


Older Children And Child Restraints Children who are two years old or who have outgrown their rear-facing convertible child seat can ride forward- facing in the vehicle. Forward-facing child seats and convertible child seats used in the forward-facing direc- tion are for children who are over two years old or who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit of their rear-facing convertible child seat. Children should remain in a forward-facing child seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by the child seat. These child seats are also held


in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt or the LATCH child restraint anchorage system. Refer to “Lower An- chors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH)”. All children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for the child seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle’s seat belts fit properly. If the child cannot sit with knees bent over the vehicle’s seat cushion while the child’s back is against the seatback, they should use a belt-positioning booster seat. The child and belt-positioning booster seat are held in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt.


THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59


WARNING!


• Improper installation can lead to failure of an infant or child restraint. It could come loose in a collision. The child could be badly injured or killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions ex- actly when installing an infant or child restraint. • A rearward-facing child restraint should only be used in a rear seat. A rearward-facing child re- straint in the front seat may be struck by a deploy- ing passenger air bag which may cause severe or fatal injury to the infant.


60 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE Children Too Large For Booster Seats Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend over the front of the seat when their back is against the seatback, should use the lap/shoulder belt in a rear seat. • Make sure that the child is upright in the seat. • The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug


as possible.


• Check belt fit periodically. A child’s squirming or


slouching can move the belt out of position.


• If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the child closer to the center of the vehicle. Never allow a child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind their back.


Here are some tips on getting the most out of your child restraint:


• Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety Standards. FIAT Group Automobiles also recommends that you make sure that you can install the child restraint in the vehicle where you will use it, before you buy it.


• The restraint must be appropriate for your child’s weight and height. Check the label on the restraint for weight and height limits.


• Carefully follow the instructions that come with the restraint. If you install the restraint improperly, it may not work when you need it. additional


to NOTE: www.seatcheck.org or call 1–866–SEATCHECK. Cana- dian residents should refer to Transport Canada’s web- site for additional information: http://www.tc.gc.ca/ roadsafety/safedrivers/childsafety/index.htm


information,


refer


For


LATCH — Child Seat Anchorage System (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren) Your vehicle is equipped with the child restraint anchor- age system called LATCH, which stands for Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren. The LATCH system provides for the installation of the child restraint without using the vehicle’s seat belts, instead securing the child restraint using lower anchorages and upper tether straps from the child restraint to the vehicle structure. LATCH-compatible child restraint systems are now avail- able. However, because the lower anchorages are to be introduced over a period of years, child restraint systems having attachments for those anchorages will continue to have features for installation using the vehicle’s seat belts. Child restraints having tether straps and hooks for


THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61
connection to the top tether anchorages have been avail- able for some time. For some older child restraints, many child restraint manufacturers offer add-on tether strap kits or retrofit kits. You are urged to take advantage of all the available attachments provided with your child re- straint in any vehicle. Child seats with fixed lower attachments must be in- stalled in the outboard positions only. If you are installing LATCH-compatible child restraints in adjacent rear seat- ing positions, you can use the LATCH anchors or the vehicle’s seat belt for the outboard position. If your child restraints are not LATCH-compatible, you can only in- stall the child restraints using the vehicle’s seat belts. Please refer to “Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat Belt” for typical installation instructions.


62 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE


WARNING!


You should never install LATCH-compatible child seats so that two seats share a common anchorage. If installing seats in adjacent seating positions, or if your child restraints are not LATCH-compatible, in- stall the restraints using the vehicle’s seat belts.


Rear Seat LATCH Anchorages


Installing The LATCH – Compatible Child Restraint System We urge you to carefully follow the directions of the manufacturer when installing your child restraint. Not all child restraint systems will be installed as described here. Again, carefully follow the installation instructions that are provided with the child restraint system.


The lower anchorages are round bars which are part of the seat and body structure. They are located at the rear of the seat cushion where it meets the seatback and just visible when you lean into the rear seat to install the child restraint. You will easily feel them if you run your finger along the intersection of the surfaces. The lower strap hooks are passed over the top of each bar, pushing aside the seat cover material. In addition, there are tether strap anchorages behind each rear seating position, located in the rear surface of the seatback. The lower strap hooks are passed over the top of each bar, pushing aside the seat cover material.


Many, but not all, restraint systems will be equipped with separate straps on each side, with each having a hook or connector for attachment to the lower anchorage and a


THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 63
means of adjusting the tension in the strap. Forward- facing toddler restraints and some rear-facing infant restraints will also be equipped with a tether strap, a hook for attachment to the tether strap anchorage and a means of adjusting the tension of the strap. You will first loosen the child seat adjusters on the lower straps and on the tether strap so that you can more easily attach the hook or connectors to the vehicle anchorages. Next, attach the lower hooks or connectors over the top of the seat cover material. Then attach the tether strap to the anchorage directly behind the seat where you are placing the child restraint, being careful to route the tether strap to provide the most direct path between the anchor and the child restraint, preferably between the head restraint posts underneath the head restraint. Fi- nally, tighten all three straps as you push the child restraint rearward and downward into the seat, remov- ing slack in the straps according to the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions.


64 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE NOTE: • Ensure that the tether strap does not slip into the opening between the seatbacks as you remove the slack in the strap.


• When using the LATCH attaching system to install a child restraint, please ensure that all seat belts not being used for occupant restraints are stowed and out of reach of children. It is recommended that before installing the child restraint, buckle the seat belt so the seat belt is tucked behind the child restraint. This should stow the seat belt out of the reach of an inquisitive child. Remind all children in the vehicle that the seat belts are not toys and that they should not play with them. In addition, never leave unattended children in the vehicle.


WARNING!


Improper installation of a child restraint to the LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of an infant or child restraint. The child could be badly injured or killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly when installing an infant or child restraint.


Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat Belt The seat belts in the passenger seating positions are equipped with an Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) to secure a Child Restraint System (CRS). These types of seat belts are designed to keep the lap portion of the seat belt tight around the child restraint so that it is not necessary to use a locking clip. The ALR will make a ratcheting noise if you extract the entire belt from the retractor and then allow the belt to retract into the


retractor. For additional information on ALR, refer to “Automatic Locking Mode” description under “Occu- pant Restraints.” The chart below defines the seating positions with an Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) or a cinching latch plate.


First Row Second Row


Driver


CRS Lock


N/A ALR


Passenger CRS Lock


ALR ALR


Installing a Child Restraint with an ALR: 1. To install a child restraint with ALR, first, pull enough of the seat belt webbing from the retractor to route it through the belt path of the child restraint. Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.” Next, extract all the seat belt webbing out of the retractor and then allow the belt to retract into the retractor. As the belt retracts, you will hear a ratcheting sound. This indicates the safety belt is now in the Automatic Locking mode.


THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65
2. Finally, pull on any excess webbing to tighten the lap portion around the child restraint. Any seat belt system will loosen with time, so check the belt occasionally, and pull it tight if necessary. • In the rear seat, you may have trouble tightening the lap/shoulder belt on the child restraint because the buckle or latch plate is too close to the belt path opening on the restraint. Disconnect the latch plate from the buckle and twist the short buckle-end belt several times to shorten it. Insert the latch plate into the buckle with the release button facing out.


• If the belt still can’t be tightened, or if pulling and pushing on the restraint loosens the belt, disconnect the latch plate from the buckle, turn the buckle around, and insert the latch plate into the buckle again. If you still can’t make the child restraint secure, try a different seating position.


66 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE To attach a child restraint tether strap: • Route the tether strap under the head restraint to provide the most direct path for the strap between the anchor and the child seat.


• Attach the tether strap hook of the child restraint to the tether anchor. Remove slack in the tether strap accord- ing to the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions. NOTE: Ensure that the tether strap does not slip into the opening between the seatbacks as you remove slack in the strap.


WARNING!


An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to increased head motion and possible injury to the child. Use only the anchor position directly behind the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether strap.


Tether Straps Routed To Tether Anchors


• If necessary, move the seat forward to provide better


access to the tether anchor.


Transporting Pets Air Bags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet. An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly injured, or could injure a passenger during panic braking or in a collision. Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts. ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS A long break-in period is not required for the engine and drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle. Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable. While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri- mental and should be avoided.


THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 67
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recommended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Ve- hicle”.


CAUTION!


Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may result.


NOTE: A new engine may consume some oil during its first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be considered a normal part of the break-in and not interpreted as an indication of difficulty.


68 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE SAFETY TIPS Transporting Passengers NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE CARGO AREA.


WARNING!


• Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may cause serious injury or death.


• 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 seri- ously injured or killed.


• Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts.


WARNING! (Continued)


• Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and


using a seat belt properly.


Exhaust Gas


WARNING!


Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless. Breathing it can make you unconscious and can eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO), follow these safety tips: • Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or out of the area.


(Continued)


WARNING! (Continued)


• If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate open, make sure that all windows are closed and the climate control BLOWER switch is set at high speed. DO NOT use the recirculation mode.


• If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.


The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust system. Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com- plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,


THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required. Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The Vehicle Seat Belts Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts, frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system. Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor condition, replace the belt.


70 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE Air Bag Warning Light The light should come on and remain on for four to eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes on while driving, have the system checked by an autho- rized dealer. Defroster Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place the blower control on high speed. You should be able to feel the air directed against the windshield. See your authorized dealer is inoperable. Floor Mat Safety Information Always use floor mats designed to fit the footwell of your vehicle. Use only floor mats that leave the pedal area unobstructed and that are firmly secured so that they


for service if your defroster


cannot slip out of position and interfere with the pedals or impair safe operation of your vehicle in other ways.


WARNING!


attached to the floor mat fasteners.


Pedals that cannot move freely can cause loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of serious per- sonal injury. • Always make sure that floor mats are properly • Never place or install floor mats or other floor coverings in the vehicle that cannot be properly secured to prevent them from moving and inter- fering with the pedals or the ability to control the vehicle.


(Continued)


THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 71


WARNING! (Continued)


WARNING! (Continued)


• Never put floor mats or other floor coverings on top of already installed floor mats. Additional floor mats and other coverings will reduce the size of the pedal area and interfere with the pedals.


• Check mounting of mats on a regular basis. Al- ways properly reinstall and secure floor mats that have been removed for cleaning.


• Always make sure that objects cannot fall into the driver footwell while the vehicle is moving. Ob- jects can become trapped under the brake pedal and accelerator pedal causing a loss of vehicle control.


installed, if not equipped from the factory.


• If required, mounting posts must be properly (Continued)


Failure to properly follow floor mat installation or mounting can cause interference with the brake pedal and accelerator pedal operation causing loss of control of the vehicle. Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The Vehicle Tires Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges. Check the wheel bolts for tightness. Check the tires (including spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.


72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE Lights Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument panel. Door Latches Check for positive closing, latching, and locking. Fluid Leaks Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel, engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and corrected immediately.


UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE


CONTENTS


䡵 Power Convertible Top — If Equipped . . . . . . . 76
▫ Lowering The Power Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
▫ Raising The Power Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
▫ Power Convertible Top Relearn Proceure . . . . . 78
▫ Wind Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
䡵 Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
▫ Inside Day/Night Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
▫ Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped . . . 81
▫ Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82


▫ Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
▫ Heated Mirrors — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
▫ Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83


䡵 BLUE&ME™ Hands-Free Communication — If


Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
▫ Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
▫ The Hands-Free Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
▫ Front Seats Forward/Rearward Adjustment . . . 92


䡵 Seats


74 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE


▫ Recline Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
▫ Seat Height Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
▫ Ez Entry Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
▫ Memory Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
▫ Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
䡵 To Open And Close The Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
䡵 Lights ▫ Multifunction Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
▫ Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
▫ High Beams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
▫ Flash-To-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
▫ Parking Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101


▫ Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped . . . . 101
▫ Turn Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
▫ Lane Change Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
▫ Follow Me Home/Headlight Delay . . . . . . . 102
▫ Interior Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
▫ Front Fog Lights — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . 104
. . . . . . . . . . 105
▫ Front Windshield Wiper Operation . . . . . . . . 105
▫ Rear Windshield Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
䡵 Tilt Steering Column — If Equipped . . . . . . . . 108
䡵 Electronic Speed Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
▫ To Activate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
▫ To Set A Desired Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110


䡵 Windshield Wipers And Washers


▫ To Deactivate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
▫ To Resume Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
▫ To Accelerate For Passing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
䡵 Rear Park Assist — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . 112
▫ Rear Park Assist Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
▫ Rear Park Assist Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
▫ Failure Indications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
▫ Cleaning The Rear Park Assist System . . . . . 115
. . . . . 115
▫ Park Assist System Usage Precautions 䡵 Power Sunroof — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
▫ To Open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
▫ To Close . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119


UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 75
▫ Pinch Protect Override . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
▫ Wind Buffeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
▫ Emergency Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
▫ Sun Shade — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
䡵 Electrical Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
䡵 Cigar Lighter — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
䡵 Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
䡵 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
▫ Glove Box Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
▫ Passenger Seat Storage — If Equipped . . . . . 125
䡵 Cargo Area Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
䡵 Rear Window Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
▫ Rear Window Defroster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127


76 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE POWER CONVERTIBLE TOP — IF EQUIPPED On vehicles equipped with a power convertible top, the power convertible top switch is located on the overhead console. The switch contains two buttons. The passenger side button, which is used to open the power top, and the driver side button, which is used to close the power top.


Power Convertible Top Switch


NOTE: • The power top buttons will operate when the ignition


switch is turned to the ACC/ON/RUN position.


• The power top can be remotely operated with the key fob. Refer to ⬙Opening Power Top Remote Function⬙ in ⬙Things To Know Before Starting⬙ for more information.


Lowering The Power Top Auto Open Push the top open button approximately one second for the three-quarter open/spoiler position. Push the top open button for approximately one second a second time to fully open the convertible top. Manual Open For manual open, push and hold the open button until desired roof position or until spoiler position. NOTE: Vertical movement only operates in auto open/ close mode.


Raising The Power Top Auto close From the convertible top fully open position, push the top close button for approximately one second for the three-quarter open/spoiler position. Push the top close button for approximately one second a second time for the one-quarter open position. Push and hold close button to fully close convertible top. Manual Close For manual close, push and hold the close button until desired position until one-quarter open position. Push and hold again for full close position. NOTE: Rail lubrication is recommended every 2000
cycles, or if scratching noises due to dust are present. Refer to “Fluids, Lubes, and Genuine Part” in “Maintain- ing Your Vehicle” for information.


UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 77


CAUTION!


Failure to follow these cautions may cause interior water damage, stains or mildew on the top material: • Avoid high-pressure car washes, as they can dam- age the top material. Also, increased water pres- sure may force water past the weather strips.


• Remove any standing water from the top and dry the surface before opening it. Operating the top, opening a door or lowering a window while the top is wet may allow water to drip into the vehicles interior.


• Use care when washing the vehicle, water pressure directed at the weather strip seals may cause water to leak into the vehicles interior.


78 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE


WARNING!


The convertible top does not provide the structural protection that a reinforced metal roof does and the fabric top cannot be expected to prevent the ejection of the occupants in a collision. Therefore, it is impor- tant that all occupants wear their seat belts at all times. Death or serious injuries could occur if you are ejected from the vehicle during a collision. Power Convertible Top Relearn Procedure If your power convertible top does not operate in the Auto Opening/Closing mode (automatically opening/ closing to the one-quarter open and three-quarter open comfort stops), or if the remote keyless power top function is inoperable, or if the trunk lid does not open - the following relearn procedure may be necessary. 1. Confirm that the door/trunk lid are closed.


2. Begin with the top in the fully closed position (using manual mode). 3. Hold the OPEN button to move the top to the fully open position. 4. CONTINUE to hold the OPEN button for an addi- tional three seconds. 5. Release the OPEN button. 6. Hold the CLOSED button to move the top to the fully closed position. 7. CONTINUE to hold the CLOSED button until the top begins to cycle fully open, then release the CLOSED button. At the end of step 7 the top will automatically cycle to the fully open position, and then close to the 1/4 open position.


This will confirm that the relearn procedure was success- ful. Auto Open/Close will now be functional. Trunk lid operation will be functional. Remote Keyless Power Top Function will be functional. NOTE: DO NOT interrupt this activity. If the power convertible top does not relearn repeat the procedure a second time.


UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 79


Wind Stop The Wind Stop installs in the backseat area of the vehicle. The Wind Stop will not interfere with power top opera- tion. Therefore, it can remain installed when the top is up.


80 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE MIRRORS Inside Day/Night Mirror The mirror can be adjusted up, down, left, and right for various drivers. The mirror should be adjusted to center on the view through the rear window. Headlight glare from vehicles behind you can be reduced by moving the small control under the mirror to the night position (toward the rear of the vehicle). The mirror should be adjusted while set in the day position (toward the windshield).


Adjusting Rearview Mirror


Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped This mirror automatically adjusts for headlight glare from vehicles behind you. You can turn the feature on or off by pressing the button at the base of the mirror. A light to the left of the button will illuminate to indicate when the dimming feature is activated. The sensor to the right of the button does not illuminate. NOTE: This feature is disabled when the vehicle is moving in reverse.


UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 81


Automatic Dimming Mirror


CAUTION!


To avoid damage to the mirror during cleaning, never spray any cleaning solution directly onto the mirror. Apply the solution onto a clean cloth and wipe the mirror clean.


82 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE Power Mirrors The power mirror controls are located on the driver’s door trim panel.


Power Mirror Switches


The power mirror controls consist of a mirror select switch and a four-way mirror control switch. To adjust a


mirror, press the mirror select switch to either the L (left) or R (right) to select the mirror you need to adjust. Using the mirror control switch, press on any of the four arrows for the direction that you want the mirror to move.


WARNING!


Vehicles and other objects seen in the passenger side convex mirror will look smaller and farther away than they really are. Relying too much on your passenger side mirror could cause you to collide with another vehicle or other object. Use your inside mirror when judging the size or distance of a vehicle seen in the passenger side convex mirror.


Spotter Mirror — If Equipped Some models are equipped with a driver’s side spotter mirror. The spotter mirror allows for a greater range of visibility on the driver’s side of the vehicle.


Spotter Mirror


UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 83


Folding Mirrors The exterior mirrors are hinged to allow the mirror to pivot forward or rearward to help avoid damage. The mirror has three detent positions: full forward, normal and full rearward. Heated Mirrors — If Equipped


These mirrors are heated to melt frost or ice. This feature is activated whenever you turn on the rear window defroster. Refer to “Rear Window Features” in “Understanding The Features Of Your Vehicle” for fur- ther information. Sun Visors The driver and passenger sun visors are located on the headliner, near the front windshield. The sun visor can be rotated downward or up against the door glass. Both sun visors are equipped with courtesy mirrors.


84 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE


Sun Visor (Passenger Side Shown)


BLUE&ME™ HANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION — IF EQUIPPED Overview Windows Mobile™-based FIAT BLUE&ME™ is a per- sonal telematic system enabling you to use communica- tion and entertainment applications expressly designed for use in the car. The BLUE&ME™ system installed on your car is equipped with a hands-free kit, message reader and media player, and it is preset for future installation of additional services. The BLUE&ME™ system, fully integrated with voice commands, buttons on the steering wheel and multifunc- tion display messages, gives you the possibility of inter- acting with your Bluetooth威 wireless technology mobile phone (even if you keep it in your pocket or bag) without having to take your eyes off the road or remove your hands from the steering wheel. To use voice commands


you are not required to train the voice recognition system to recognize your voice. This implies that the system is nearly equally performing with different persons, i.e.: the voice recognition system is of the “speaker independent” type. With this system you can also play your favorite music stored on USB device and select tracks and playback modes with both voice commands or buttons on the steering wheel. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules subject to the following two conditions: • This device may not cause harmful interference. • This device must accept all


interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.


UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 85


The Hands-Free Kit The basic characteristic of this hands-free kit is voice recognition with Bluetooth威 wireless technology. With this system you can make and receive calls safely and securely by using either voice commands or buttons on the steering wheel. This can be done under any driving condition without ever having to take your eyes off the road or remove your hands from the steering wheel, as required by current laws. Bluetooth威 wireless technology enables wireless connec- tion between your mobile phone and the hands-free kit installed on your car. To use the hands-free kit, you need a Bluetooth威 wireless technology enabled mobile phone. This hands-free kit gives you the possibility of interacting vocally with your mobile phone while driving, even if your mobile device does not feature this capability. You can also interact with


86 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE your mobile phone manually and visually using the steering wheel controls and the instrument panel multi- function display.


1 — Mute/ESC 4 — Voice Recognition (VR)


2 — Phone/Main 3 — Phone Hang Up


For further details on the mobile phones supported by BLUE&ME™, refer to section BLUE&ME™ SUPPORTED MOBILE PHONES. To get started with BLUE&ME™ hands-free kit with voice recognition, you have to simply pair your Bluetooth威 wireless technology enabled mobile phone with the system. Pairing is an operation that has to be made only once. NOTE: • During


the mobile phone pairing procedure, BLUE&ME™ attempts to detect a phone equipped with Bluetooth威 wireless technology within range and then establishes the connection using a Personal Iden- tification Number (PIN).


• Once your phone is paired, you have the option to transfer your mobile phone contacts to the hands-free kit, to make a phone call either by using the contacts


list or directly pronouncing the phone number, to answer a call and also to answer another incoming phone call.


• To interact with BLUE&ME™ you can use either the buttons on the steering wheel or voice commands. With voice recognition, you can perform system func- tions by speaking voice commands, also identified as “keywords”. When the system recognizes a keyword, it will respond with the appropriate action. Voice recognition is an easy and convenient way to use BLUE&ME™.


All the system functions are available within the BLUE&ME™ Main Menu. When the car is not moving, you can scroll through the complete menu by using either the buttons on the steering wheel or the voice commands. When you are travelling, you can interact with BLUE&ME™ by using the buttons on the steering wheel or voice commands relevant only to phone functions


UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 87
(LAST CALLS and PHONEBOOK ) and the media player. To activate settings when travelling you can only use voice commands. The hands-free kit enables the following operations: • Contact Calling By Voice — you can call a contact in your mobile phone phonebook using your voice. You can also call a contact in your phonebook by scanning through the entries on the multifunction display. (To use this option you have to transfer your mobile phone contacts to the hands-free kit phonebook).


• Digit Dialing By Voice — you can dial a phone number by pressing the VR button on the steering wheel and speaking the digits to be dialed.


• To Call The SMS Text Sender — call directly the last SMS text sender or the sender of a message received and stored in the BLUE&ME™ inbox.


88 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE • To Answer A Call — you can answer an incoming call by pressing the MAIN/Phone button on the steering wheel.


• Conference Call — you can call another contact while you are engaged in a phone conversation (with Bluetooth威 phones supporting this option).


• Call Waiting — while engaged in a phone conversa- tion, you can receive notification of another incoming phone call, answer the other incoming phone call, and switch between two ongoing phone conversations. (Call waiting is only supported by a subset of compat- ible mobile phones).


• Refusing Incoming Call Or Ending A Call — you can refuse an incoming call or end a current call by pressing the Phone Hang-up button on the steering wheel.


and


create


pairing


After you place your mobile phone in the car environ- ment relationship with BLUE&ME™, you can make phone calls by speaking keywords or pressing buttons on the steering wheel. When using the hands-free phone, the audio output of a phone conversation is heard through your car sound speakers. Message Reader The BLUE&ME™ message reader enables automatic reading, through the car sound system, of the SMS texts you receive on your Bluetooth威 wireless technology mobile phone that are received when the phone is paired and connected to BLUE&ME™ system. It does not pro- vide access to messages that were received before you entered the car and connected with the BLUE&ME™ system. The message reader will also interpret any ab- breviation and emoticon contained in the SMS text.


NOTE: Not all mobile phones support the SMS text message reader function or automatic phonebook trans- fer via Bluetooth威. Consult www.fiatusa.com for further information on the list of compatible mobile phones. Message reader functions are managed by the control buttons on the steering wheel or by the BLUE&ME™ voice commands. The BLUE&ME™ message reader enables the following operations: • To display on the instrument panel multifunction display a visual notification signal indicating that you have received a new SMS text on your Bluetooth威 wireless technology mobile phone, with sender’s number/name; BLUE&ME™ will also ask whether to read you the message that has been received.


• To manage the list of SMS texts received on your


BLUE&ME™ paired mobile phone.


UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 89
• To read the messages received and stored. Messages


can be read multiple times.


• To call the SMS text sender using the buttons on the


steering wheel or voice commands.


• To delete individual messages or the entire inbox using the buttons on the steering wheel or voice commands.


The BLUE&ME™ system can also recognize and read abbreviations, if any (e.g. “ILUVU” will be read like “I love you”) and interpret the most usual emoticons (e.g. :-) will be read like “Smile”), that are currently used to write SMS texts. Media Player With the BLUE&ME™ media player you can play, via the car sound system, the digital audio files stored on a USB device by simply connecting it to the USB port located in the glove box of the car.


90 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE In this way, while you are driving you can play your favorite personal music collections. • iPod威 Player — see dedicated paragraph under Media


Player Functions. The media player enables the following operations: • Digital Audio Playback — you can play all your digital audio files (.mp3,.wma,.wav,.aac) or play a customized playlist (.m3u or. wpl format).


• Audio File Selection By Category — you can play all audio files of a certain category, e.g.: album, artist or genre.


• Playback Options — while playing tracks you can select the following options: Play, Stop, Next track, Previous track, Shuffle and Loop track.


NOTE: • The media player does not support audio files com- pressed with other formats and DRM (Digital Right Management) protected audio files. Non-supported audio files that may be present on the USB device will be ignored.


• To use the media player, you have to simply connect (directly or by an extension lead) your USB device to the car USB port. Turning the ignition key to ON, BLUE&ME™ will start building your media library. At the end of this operation you can surf the whole library and scroll its categories as required using the buttons on the steering wheel or voice commands. BLUE&ME™ will then play your selection via the car sound system.


WARNING!


WARNING! (Continued)


UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 91


• Operating certain parts of this system while driv- ing can distract your attention away from the road, and possibly cause an accident or other serious consequences; for this reason certain functions shall be disabled by the BLUE&ME™ system until driving conditions are secure and, if required, only when the car is stopped.


• Read and Follow Instructions: before using your system, read and follow all instructions and safety information provided in this “User’s Guide”. Not following precautions found in this User’s Guide can lead to an accident or other serious conse- quences.


(Continued)


• Keep the User’s Guide in the car: when kept in the car, the User’s Guide will be a ready reference for you and other users unfamiliar with the system. Please make certain that before using the system for the first time, all persons have access to the User’s Guide and read its instructions and safety information carefully.


SEATS Seats are a part of the Occupant Restraint System of the vehicle.


92 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE


WARNING!


• It is 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 seat belts. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. • Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and


using a seat belt properly.


Front Seats Forward/Rearward Adjustment The adjusting bar is located at the front of the seats, near the floor.


Adjusting Bar


While sitting in the seat, lift up on the bar and move the seat forward or rearward. Release the bar once the desired position is reached. Then, using body pressure, move forward and rearward on the seat to be sure that the seat adjusters have latched.


WARNING!


• Adjusting a seat while driving may be dangerous. Moving a seat while driving could result in loss of control which could cause a collision and serious injury or death.


• Seats should be adjusted before fastening the seat belts and while the vehicle is parked. Serious injury or death could result from a poorly adjusted seat belt.


Recline Adjustment The recline adjustment lever is located on the inboard side of the seat. To recline the seatback, lift up the recline lever, lean back until the desired position has been reached, and release the lever.


UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 93


Recline Lever WARNING!


Do not ride with the seatback reclined so that the shoulder belt is no longer resting against your chest. In a collision you could slide under the seat belt, which could result in serious injury or death.


94 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE Seat Height Adjustment The driver’s seat height can be raised or lowered by using a lever, located on the outboard side of the seat. Pump the lever upward to raise the seat height, or pump the lever downward to lower the seat height.


EZ Entry Feature The driver and front passenger seats have an EZ entry feature for rear seat passengers. Pull forward on the release lever, located on the outboard side of the seatback, dump the seatback forward, then slide the seat forward to allow access in and out of the rear seat.


Height Adjuster


EZ Entry Lever


Lift the seatback upright and push the seat rearward to its locked position once the rear passengers are seated. Memory Feature The driver seat also has a memory feature, which can operate in two ways: Memory Function Option 1) — Full Seat Back And Track Fore/Aft Position Memory: After using the EZ entry function, the seatback angle and the Track fore/aft adjuster can both re-lock into the position they were most recently adjusted to. This is accomplished if the seat is moved fully rearward to its last fore/aft position on the tracks before the seat back is returned upright. Memory Function Option 2) — Seat Back Only Memory: After using the EZ entry function, the seat back may first be returned upright prior to going back to the last fore/aft (memory) position on the tracks. This results in


UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 95
the seat back memory being set only – The track will then be locked forward of its last set fore/aft memory posi- tion. To then reset the fore/aft track memory feature (to reestablish memory function option 1), the seat has to be returned fully rearward to its last fore/aft memory track position as described in Memory function option 1). Heated Seats — If Equipped On some models, the front driver and passenger seats may be equipped with heaters in both the seat cushions and seatbacks. The controls for the front heated seats are located on the center instrument panel area.


Press the switch once to turn on the heated seats. Press the switch a second time to shut the heating elements off.


NOTE: Once a heat setting is selected, heat will be felt within two to five minutes.


96 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE


WARNING!


impact. Head restraints should be adjusted so that the top of the head restraint is located above the top of your ear.


• Persons who are unable to feel pain to the skin because of advanced age, chronic illness, diabetes, spinal cord injury, medication, alcohol use, ex- haustion or other physical condition must exercise care when using the seat heater. It may cause burns even at low temperatures, especially if used for long periods of time.


• Do not place anything on the seat that insulates against heat, such as a blanket or cushion. This may cause the seat heater to overheat. Sitting in a seat that has been overheated could cause serious burns due to the increased surface temperature of the seat.


Head Restraints Head restraints are designed to reduce the risk of injury by restricting head movement in the event of a rear


WARNING!


The head restraints for all occupants must be prop- erly adjusted before operating the vehicle or occupy- ing a seat. Head restraints should never be adjusted while the vehicle is in motion. Driving a vehicle with the head restraints improperly adjusted or removed could cause serious injury or death in the event of an accident.


Reactive Head Restraints — Front Seats The front driver and passenger seats are equipped with Reactive Head Restraints. In the event of a rear impact the Reactive Head Restraints will automatically extend forward minimizing the gap between the back of the occupant’s head and the Reactive Head Restraint.


To raise the head restraint, pull upward on the head restraint. To lower the head restraint, press the push button, located at the base of the head restraint, and push downward on the head restraint.


Push Button


The Reactive Head Restraints will automatically return to their normal position following a rear impact. If the


UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 97
Reactive Head Restraints do not return to their normal position, see your authorized dealer immediately. NOTE: The head restraints should only be removed by qualified technicians, for service purposes only. If either of the head restraints require removal, see your autho- rized dealer.


WARNING!


Do not place items over the top of the Reactive Head Restraint, such as coats, seat covers or portable DVD players. These items may interfere with the operation of the Reactive Head Restraint in the event of a collision and could result in serious injury or death.


Rear Head Restraints To raise the head restraint, pull upward on the head restraint. To lower the head restraint, press the push button, located at the base of the head restraint, and push


98 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE downward on the head restraint. Refer to “Occupant Restraints” in “Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for information on tether routing.


TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD To open the hood, two latches must be released. 1. Pull the bottom of the RED hood release lever, located on the left kick panel, rearward.


Rear Head Restraint


Hood Release Lever


2. Rotate the safety catch under the front edge of the hood, near the center, and raise the hood.


Safety Latch Location


Lift the hood prop rod that clips to the right side (left side when standing in front of the hood) of the engine compartment. Place the hood prop rod in the hole of hood hinge to secure the hood in the open position.


UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 99
In hot climates, the prop rod may be hot. Pick up the prop rod at the foam on the end of the prop rod.


WARNING!


Be sure the hood is fully latched before driving your vehicle. If the hood is not fully latched, it could open

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