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2007 GMC Sierra Classic Owner Manual M


Seats and Restraint Systems ....................... 7
Front Seats .............................................. 9
Rear Seats ............................................. 19
Safety Belts ............................................ 22
Child Restraints ...................................... 44
Airbag System ........................................ 91
Restraint System Check ....................... 111
Features and Controls .............................. 113
..................................................... 115
.................................. 120
............................................... 129
....................... 131
..... 134
.................................................. 176


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


OnStar® System ................................... 189
Universal Home Remote System .......... 191
Storage Areas ...................................... 202
Sunroof ................................................ 205
Instrument Panel ....................................... 207
................... 210
................................... 230
.... 244
............ 265
................................... 289
Driving Your Vehicle ................................. 355


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


Your Driving, the Road, and


Your Vehicle


..................................... 356
................................................. 423


Towing


Maintenance Schedule


Maintenance Schedule .............................. 613
.......................... 614
Customer Assistance Information ............. 637


Customer Assistance and


Information


Reporting Safety Defects


........................................ 638
...................... 656
Index .......................................................... 659


Service and Appearance Care .................. 465
Service ................................................. 468
Fuel ...................................................... 470
Checking Things Under the Hood ......... 478
Rear Axle ............................................. 527
Four-Wheel Drive .................................. 528
Front Axle ............................................ 529
Noise Control System ........................... 531
Bulb Replacement ................................ 532
Windshield Wiper Blade


Replacement


..................................... 542
Tires ..................................................... 543
Appearance Care .................................. 589
Vehicle Identification ............................. 598
Electrical System .................................. 599
Capacities and Specifications ................ 609


This manual describes features that may be available in this model, but your vehicle may not be equipped with all of them. For example, more than one entertainment system may be offered or your vehicle may have been ordered without a front passenger or rear seats. Keep this manual in the vehicle, so it will be there if it is ever needed. If the vehicle is sold, leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it.


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, GMC, the GMC Truck Emblem, and the name SIERRA are registered trademarks 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 GMC whenever it appears in this manual.


Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 15856875 A First Printing


©2006 General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.


How to Use This Manual Many people read the owner manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If this is done, 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 quickly locate information about the vehicle is the Index in the back of the manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is in the manual and the page number where it can be found.


Safety Warnings and Symbols There are a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell 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 do not, you or others could be hurt.


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


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 the vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell 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 the 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
(cid:127) Features and Controls in Section 2
(cid:127) (cid:127) Climate Controls in Section 3
(cid:127) Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators in


Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3


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:


Section 1


Seats and Restraint Systems


Front Seats ..................................................... 9
Manual Seats ................................................ 9
Power Seats ............................................... 10
Power Lumbar ............................................. 11
Heated Seats .............................................. 11
Memory Seat and Mirrors ............................ 12
Reclining Seatbacks .................................... 15
Head Restraints .......................................... 18
Seatback Latches ........................................ 18
Rear Seats .................................................... 19
Rear Seat Operation (Extended Cab) .......... 19
Rear Seat Operation (Crew Cab) ................ 20
Safety Belts .................................................. 22
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone ........... 22
Questions and Answers About


Safety Belts ............................................. 26
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ............. 27
Driver Position ............................................. 27
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy .............. 36
Right Front Passenger Position ................... 37
Center Front Passenger Position ................. 37
Rear Seat Passengers ................................ 38
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides ................ 41
Safety Belt Extender ................................... 43


Child Restraints ............................................ 44
Older Children ............................................. 44
Infants and Young Children ......................... 47
Child Restraint Systems .............................. 51
Where to Put the Restraint .......................... 55
Lower Anchors and Tethers for


Children (LATCH) .................................... 58


Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear


Seat Position ........................................... 71


Securing a Child Restraint in the Center


Front Seat Position .................................. 74


Securing a Child Restraint in the Right


Front Seat Position (Crew Cab) (With Passenger Sensing System) ........... 74


Securing a Child Restraint in the


Right Front Seat Position (Regular and Extended Cab) (With Airbag Off Switch) .......................... 78


Securing a Child Restraint in the Right


Front Seat Position (Regular and Extended Cab) (With Passenger Sensing System) ...................................... 85


Section 1


Seats and Restraint Systems


Passenger Sensing System ....................... 103
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle .... 108
Adding Equipment to Your


Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ........................ 109
Restraint System Check ............................. 111
Checking the Restraint Systems ................ 111
Replacing Restraint System Parts


After a Crash ......................................... 112


Airbag System .............................................. 91
Where Are the Airbags? .............................. 93
When Should an Airbag Inflate? .................. 95
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? ................... 97
How Does an Airbag Restrain? ................... 98
What Will You See After an Airbag


Inflates? ................................................... 98
Airbag Off Switch ...................................... 100


Front Seats


Manual Seats


{CAUTION:


You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you do not want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.


If your vehicle has a manual bucket or a split bench seat, you can adjust the seat forward or rearward with the bar located under the front of the seat cushion. Lift the bar to unlock the seat. Slide the seat to where you want it and release the bar. Try to move the seat with your body to be sure the seat is locked in place.


Power Seats


(cid:127) Raise or lower the rear part of the seat


cushion by moving the rear of the horizontal control up or down.


(cid:127) Raise or lower the entire seat by moving the


entire horizontal control up or down.


If your vehicle has power reclining seatbacks, the control is located rear of the power seat control on the outboard side of the seats. See “Power Reclining Seatbacks” under Reclining Seatbacks on page 15.


If the vehicle has power seats, the controls used to operate them are located on the outboard side of the seats. To adjust the seat, do any of the following: (cid:127) Move the seat forward or rearward by sliding


the horizontal control forward or rearward.


(cid:127) Raise or lower the front part of the seat


cushion by moving the front of the horizontal control up or down.


10


Power Lumbar Your vehicle may have this feature.


Heated Seats


The control is located on the outboard side of the seat cushion.


If your vehicle has this feature, the buttons are located on the front doors. The engine must be running for the heated seats to work.


To increase or decrease support, hold the control forward or rearward. Keep in mind that as your seating position changes, as it may during long trips, so should the position of your lumbar support. Adjust the seat as needed.


To heat the entire seat, press the horizontal button with the heated seat and seatback symbol. Press the button to cycle through the temperature settings of high, medium and low and to turn the heated seat off. Indicator lights will come on to designate the level of heat selected: three for high, two for medium, and one for low.


11


To heat only the seatback, press the vertical button with the heated seatback symbol. An indicator light on the seatback button will come on to designate that only the seatback is being heated. Additional presses of the seatback button will cycle through the heat levels for the seatback only. Press the horizontal button again to heat the whole seat. The heated seats will be canceled after the ignition is turned off. If you still want to use the heated seat feature after you restart your vehicle, you will need to press the heated seat button again.


Memory Seat and Mirrors


If your vehicle has this feature, the controls for the memory function are located on the driver’s door.


These buttons are used to program and recall memory settings for the driver’s seat and both the driver’s and passenger’s outside mirrors. The settings for these features can be saved for up to two drivers.


12


To store the memory settings, do the following:


1. If you have an automatic transmission, place


the vehicle in PARK (P). If you have a manual transmission, set the parking brake.


2. Adjust the driver’s seat, including the seatback


recliner and lumbar, and both outside mirrors to your preference.


3. Press and hold the 1 or 2 button of the


memory control for three seconds. A double chime will sound to let you know that the position has been stored.


To repeat the procedure for a second driver, follow the preceding steps, but press the other numbered memory control button.


To recall a memory position, do one of the following: (cid:127)


If you have an automatic transmission, press and release the desired button 1 or 2 while the vehicle is in PARK (P). A single chime will sound and the memory position will be recalled. If the vehicle is not in PARK (P), the memory position will not be recalled. If you have a manual transmission, press and release the desired button 1 or 2 while the parking brake is set. A single chime will sound and the memory position will be recalled. If the parking brake is not set, the memory position will not be recalled.


(cid:127)


To stop recall movement of the memory seat feature at any time, press one of the memory buttons or power seat controls.


13


To use the seat exit position, do one of the following: (cid:127)


If you have an automatic transmission, press and release the exit button on the memory control while the vehicle is in PARK (P). If you have a manual transmission, press and release the exit button on the memory control while the parking brake is set. If this feature is activated in the Driver Information Center (DIC), removing the key from the ignition will move the seat to the exit position.


(cid:127)


(cid:127)


See “Easy Exit Seat” under DIC Vehicle Customization on page 282 for more information on activating this feature in the DIC.


Easy Exit Seat The controls for this memory function are located on the driver’s door. B(Easy Exit Seat): This button is used to program and recall the desired driver’s seat position when exiting or entering the vehicle. The seat position can be saved for up to two drivers. To store the seat exit position, do the following: 1. If you have an automatic transmission,


place the vehicle in PARK (P). If you have a manual transmission, set the parking brake.


2. Press and release the 1 or 2 button. The seat


will move to the stored memory position.


3. Adjust the seat to the desired exit position. 4. Press and hold the exit button of the memory control for three seconds. A double chime will sound to let you know that the position has been stored for the selected button 1 or 2.


To repeat the procedure for a second driver, follow the preceding steps, but press the other numbered memory control button.


14


Reclining Seatbacks Manual Reclining Seatbacks


If your seats have manual reclining seatbacks, the lever used to operate them is located on the outboard side of the seat(s).


{CAUTION:


You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you do not want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.


{CAUTION:


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 push and pull on the seatback to be sure it is locked.


To recline the seatback, do the following: 1. Lift the recline lever. 2. Move the seatback to the desired position, then release the lever to lock the seatback in place.


3. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it


is locked.


15


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


the seatback and the seatback will return to the upright position.


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


is locked.


Power Reclining Seatbacks If your seats have power reclining seatbacks, use the vertical power seat control located on the outboard side of the seat(s).


(cid:127) To recline the seatback, press the control


toward the rear of the vehicle.


(cid:127) To raise the seatback, press the control


toward the front of the vehicle.


16


{CAUTION:


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


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


17


Head Restraints


Adjust the head restraint so that the top of the restraint is at the same height as the occupant’s head. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. Pull the head restraint up to raise it. Push the head restraint down to lower it. The rear seats may have head restraints that can be adjusted up and down.


18


Seatback Latches The front seatbacks fold forward to allow access to the rear of the cab. To fold the seatback forward, lift the lever located on the outboard side of the seat cushion.


{CAUTION:


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 push and pull on the seatback to be sure it is locked.


To return the seatback to the upright position, push the seatback rearward until it latches. After returning the seatback to its upright position, push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.


Rear Seats Rear Seat Operation (Extended Cab) Folding the Rear Seat The rear seat in the extended cab can be folded up to provide more cargo space. To fold the seat up, do the following: Notice: Folding a rear seat with the safety belts still fastened may cause damage to the seat or the safety belts. Always unbuckle the safety belts and return them to their normal stowed position before folding a rear seat.


2. Pull the seat cushion up until it latches with


the seatback.


3. After latching the seat cushion up, pull forward on it to make sure it is locked. The seat can also be folded down for more seating space. To fold the seat down, do the following: 1. Push the seat cushion while pulling the


release strap, located under the seat cushion. Pull the seat cushion down until it latches.


2. After latching the seat cushion, pull up on it to


make sure it is locked.


1. Push down on the


front of the seat cushion while pulling down on the release strap, located under the seat cushion.


19


Rear Seat Operation (Crew Cab) The second row seat is a 60/40 split seat. Either side of the rear seat may be flipped and folded for added cargo space. Make sure that nothing is under or in front of the seat and that the head restraints are completely lowered. To flip and fold the seat, do the following:


1. Pull up on the strap


loop at the rear of the seat cushion. Then, pull the seat cushion up and flip it forward.


Notice: Folding a rear seat with the safety belts still fastened may cause damage to the seat or the safety belts. Always unbuckle the safety belts and return them to their normal stowed position before folding a rear seat.


2. After folding the seat cushion fully forward, pull


the seatback forward until it is flat. If the seatback cannot fold flat because it interferes with the cushion, try moving the front seat forward and/or bringing the front seat more upright. The lever at the base of the seat must be turned rearward to release the seatback.


20


To return the seat to the normal seating position, do the following: 1. Lift the seatback up and push it rearward all


the way.


{CAUTION:


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 push and pull on the seatback to be sure it is locked.


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


is locked into place.


3. Lower the seat cushion until it latches into


position. Pull up on the cushion to make sure it is locked into place.


{CAUTION:


A safety belt that is improperly routed, not properly attached, or twisted will not provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. After raising the rear seatback, always check to be sure that the safety belts are properly routed and attached, and are not twisted.


Make sure that the safety belt buckles on the driver’s side seatback are accessible to the outboard and center occupant and are not under the seat cushions.


21


{CAUTION:


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.


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.


{CAUTION:


Do not let anyone ride where he or she cannot wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you are 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 passengers’ belts are fastened properly too.


22


Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. See Safety Belt Reminder Light on page 247.


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


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


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


23


Put someone on it.


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


24


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


or the instrument panel...


25


Questions and Answers About Safety Belts


Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I am wearing a safety belt?


A: You could be — whether you are wearing a


safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you are 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 airbags, why should I


have to wear safety belts?


A: Airbags 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 airbag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you are in a vehicle that has airbags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That is true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.


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


26


Q: If I am a good driver, and I never drive far


from home, why should I wear safety belts? A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you are


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


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 44 or Infants and Young Children on page 47. Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you will want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We will start with the driver position.


Driver Position 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.


27


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


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


you. Do not let it get twisted. The lap-shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly. 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 43.


28


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.


29


Q: What is 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.


30


Q: What is wrong with this?


{CAUTION:


You can be seriously hurt if your lap belt is too loose. In a crash, you could slide under the lap belt and apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The lap belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs.


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


as much protection this way.


31


Q: What is 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.


32


Q: What is wrong with this?


A: The belt is over an armrest.


{CAUTION:


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


33


Q: What is 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.


34


Q: What is 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.


35


To unlatch the belt, 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.


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


36


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


Right Front Passenger Position To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt properly, see Driver Position on page 27. The right front 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 which may turn off the passenger’s frontal airbag. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and start again.


Center Front Passenger Position Lap Belt If your vehicle has a front bench seat, someone can sit in the center position.


When you sit in the center front seating position, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt.


37


Rear Seat Passengers It is very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Rear passengers who are not safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.


To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug. Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder belt. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 43. 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.


38


Lap-Shoulder Belt All rear seat positions have lap-shoulder belts. Here is how to wear one properly.


Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 43. 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.


1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across


you. Do not let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.


2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it


clicks.


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


shoulder part.


39


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 a crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.


{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.


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


40


Here is how to install a comfort guide to the shoulder belt: 1. Remove the guide from its storage clip on the


interior body.


To unlatch the belt, push the button on the buckle.


Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides Rear shoulder belt comfort guides may provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for some adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide positions the belt away from the neck and head. There is one guide for each outboard passenger position in the rear seat.


2. Place the guide over the belt and insert the


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


41


{CAUTION:


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


3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat. The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top.


42


4. Buckle, position, and release the safety belt


as described in Rear Seat Passengers on page 38. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder.


To remove and store the comfort guide, squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out of the guides. Slide the guide onto the storage clip.


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


43


Q: What is the proper way to wear safety


belts?


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


Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat. 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.


Child Restraints


Older Children


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


44


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: If the child is sitting in a seat next to a


window, move the child toward the center of the vehicle. Also see Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides on page 41. If the child is sitting in the center rear seat passenger position, move the child toward the safety belt buckle. In either case, 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 the belts provide.


45


{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.


{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.


Wherever the child sits, 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.


46


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.


{CAUTION:


Children can be seriously injured or strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped around their neck and the safety belt continues to tighten. Never leave children unattended in a vehicle and never allow children to play with the safety belts.


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.


47


{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.


48


{CAUTION:


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


49


{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.


50


{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.


Child Restraint Systems


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.


51


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.


52


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.


Q: How Should I Use a Child Restraint? 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. To help reduce injuries, an add-on child restraint must be secured in the vehicle. With built-in or add-on child restraints, the child has to be secured within the child restraint. When choosing an add-on 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.


53


Securing an Add-on Child Restraint in the Vehicle


{CAUTION:


A child can be seriously injured or killed in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle. Make sure the child restraint is properly installed in the vehicle using the vehicle’s safety belt or LATCH system, following the instructions that came with that restraint, and also the instructions in this manual.


To help reduce the chance of injury, the child restraint must be secured in the vehicle. Child restraint systems must be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap belt portion of a lap-shoulder belt, or by the LATCH system. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 58 for more information. A child can be endangered in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle.


54


When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to the instructions that come with the restraint which may be on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraint instructions are important, so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle — even when no child is in it. Securing the Child Within the Child Restraint There are several systems for securing the child within the child 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.


{CAUTION:


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


Because there are different systems, it is important to refer to the instructions that come with the restraint. A child can be endangered in a crash if the child is not properly secured in the child restraint.


Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We recommend that child restraints be secured in a rear seat including an infant riding in a rear-facing infant seat, a child riding in a forward-facing child seat and an older child riding in a booster seat. Your vehicle may have a label on your sun visor that says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys. Never put a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger seat unless your vehicle has the passenger sensing system or an airbag off switch and the passenger airbag status indicator or the airbag off light shows off.


55


Never put a rear facing child restraint in the right front passenger seat unless the airbag is off. Here is why:


CAUTION:


(Continued)


{CAUTION:


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


CAUTION:


(Continued)


Even though the passenger sensing system or airbag off switch are designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal airbag under certain conditions, no system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. General Motors recommends 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 need to secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.


56


{CAUTION:


A child in a child restraint in the center front seat can be badly injured or killed by the right front passenger’s airbag if it inflates. Never secure a child restraint in the center front seat. It is always better to secure a child restraint in the rear seat.


Do not use child restraints in the center front seat position. The restraints will not work properly. There is limited space in the rear seating area of an extended cab model. If you want to secure a child restraint in a rear seating position of an extended cab model, especially in the rear center position, be sure to study the instructions that came with your child restraint to see if there is enough room to secure your seat properly.


If your vehicle has the passenger sensing system or the airbag off switch and you need to secure a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger’s seat, the passenger’s frontal airbag must be off. See Passenger Sensing System on page 103, Airbag Off Switch on page 100, Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (Regular and Extended Cab) (With Airbag Off Switch) on page 78 or Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (Regular and Extended Cab) (With Passenger Sensing System) on page 85 for more on this including important safety information. Wherever you install a child restraint, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle — even when no child is in it.


57


Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) The LATCH system holds a child restraint during driving or in a crash. This system is designed to make installation of a child restraint easier. The LATCH system uses anchors in the vehicle and attachments on the child restraint that are made for use with the LATCH system Make sure that a LATCH-compatible child restraint is properly installed using the anchors, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with that restraint, and also the instructions in this manual. When installing a child restraint with a top tether, you must also use either the lower anchors or the safety belts to properly secure the child restraint. A child restraint must never be installed using only the top tether and anchor. In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle, you need a child restraint that has LATCH attachments. The child restraint manufacturer will provide you with instructions on how to use the child restraint and its attachments. The following explains how to attach a child restraint with these attachments in your vehicle.


58


Not all vehicle seating positions or child restraints have lower anchors and attachments or top tether anchors and attachments. Lower Anchors


Lower anchors (A) are metal bars built into the vehicle. There are two lower anchors for each LATCH seating position that will accommodate a child restraint with lower attachments (B).


Top Tether Anchor


A top tether (A, C) anchors the top of the child restraint to the vehicle. A top tether anchor is built into the vehicle. The top tether attachment (B) on the child restraint connects to the top tether anchor in the vehicle in order to reduce the forward movement and rotation of the child restraint during driving or in a crash.


Your child restraint may have a single tether (A) or a dual tether (C). Either will have a single attachment (B) to secure the top tether to the anchor. Some child restraints that have a top tether are designed for use with or without the top tether being attached. Others require the top tether always to be attached. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. In the United States, some child restraints also have a top tether. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint. If the child restraint does not have a top tether, one can be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints. Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not a kit is available.


59


Lower Anchor and Top Tether Anchor Locations


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


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


Regular Cab Front


Seat — Bench


Do not install a child restraint in the center front seat position. See Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front Seat Position on page 74 for more information.


Regular Cab Front


Seat — Bucket


60


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


j (Lower Anchor): Seating positions with two lower anchors.


For crew cab models, the rear passenger side and center seating positions have exposed metal lower anchors located in the crease between the seatback and the seat cushion. For extended cab models, the rear outboard seating positions have exposed metal lower anchors located in the crease between the seatback and the seat cushion.


Extended Cab Rear Seat


Crew Cab Rear Seat


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


j (Lower Anchor): Seating positions with two lower anchors.


For regular and crew cab models, there is an anchor symbol on the trim covers to assist you in locating the top tether anchors.


61


Extended Cab


For extended cab models, the top tether anchors are located near the top of the seatback for each rear seating position. In addition to the top tether anchors, each seating position has a fabric loop at the top of the seatback that you will use to route the top tether through. Be sure to use an anchor located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed.


Regular Cab


For regular cab models with a bench seat, the top tether anchors are located under trim covers on the back panel behind the center and passenger seats. Do not install a child restraint in the center seat position. See Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front Seat Position on page 74 for more information. For regular cab models with bucket seats, the top tether anchor is located under a trim covers on the back panel behind the passenger seat. Remove the trim plug to access the anchor.


62


Do not secure a child restraint in the front passenger’s position if your vehicle has rear seats, if a national or local law requires that the top tether be attached, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top tether must be attached. There is no place to attach the top tether in this position. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 55
for additional information.


63


Crew Cab


For crew cab models, there are covered top tether anchors for each seating position located on the back panel of your vehicle, behind the rear seat. Remove the trim covers to access the anchors.


Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System


{CAUTION:


{CAUTION:


If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached to anchors, 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 anchors, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with that restraint, and also the instructions in this manual.


Each top tether anchor, except the center top tether anchor in an extended cab model, and lower anchors in the vehicle are designed to hold only one child restraint. Attaching more than one child restraint to a single anchor could cause the anchor or attachment to come loose or even break during a crash. A child or others could be injured if this happens. To help prevent injury to people and damage to your vehicle, attach only one child restraint per anchor.


64


{CAUTION:


Children can be seriously injured or strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped around their neck and the safety belt continues to tighten. Secure any unused safety belts behind the child restraint so children cannot reach them. Pull the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock, if your vehicle has one, after the child restraint has been installed. Be sure to follow the instructions of the child restraint manufacturer.


Notice: Contact between the child restraint or the LATCH attachment parts and the vehicle’s safety belt assembly may cause damage to these parts. Make sure when securing unused safety belts behind the child restraint that there is no contact between the child restraint or the LATCH attachment parts and the vehicle’s safety belt assembly.


Folding an empty rear seat with the safety belts secured may cause damage to the safety belt or the seat. When removing the child restraint, always remember to return the safety belts to their normal, stowed position before folding the rear seat. Regular Cab Models


1. If the child restraint manufacturer recommends


that the top tether be attached, attach and tighten the top tether to the top tether anchor, if your vehicle has one. Refer to the child restraint instructions and the following steps:


1.1. Pull the passenger seatback forward


by pulling the recliner handle upward to access the top tether anchor. See Reclining Seatbacks on page 15 for additional information.


1.2. Find the top tether anchor. 1.3. Remove the trim cover to expose the


anchor.


1.4. Route, attach, and tighten the top tether


according to your child restraint instructions and the following instructions:


65


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


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


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


If the position you are using has an adjustable head restraint and you are using a single tether, raise the head restraint and route the tether under the head restraint and in between the head restraint posts.


66


2. See Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (Regular and Extended Cab) (With Airbag Off Switch) on page 78
or Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (Regular and Extended Cab) (With Passenger Sensing System) on page 85 for instructions on installing the child restraint using the safety belts.


3. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


Extended Cab Models 1. Attach and tighten the lower attachments to the lower anchors. If the child restraint does not have lower attachments or the desired seating position does not have lower anchors, secure the child restraint with the top tether and the safety belts. Refer to your child restraint manufacturer instructions and the instructions in this manual.


1.1. Find the lower anchors for the desired


seating position.


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


attachments on the child restraint to the lower anchors.


2. If the child restraint manufacturer recommends


that the top tether be attached, attach and tighten the top tether to the top tether anchor, if your vehicle has one. Refer to the child restraint instructions and the following steps:


2.1. When using a child restraint with a top tether in the rear driver’s side position, raise the head restraint and route the top tether through the fabric loop and under the center shoulder belt. Then, attach the top tether to the metal anchor point at the center rear seating position.


67


2.2. When using a child restraint with a top


tether in the rear passenger position, raise the head restraint and route the top tether through the fabric loop. Then, attach the top tether to the metal anchor point at the center rear seating position.


2.3. When using a child restraint with a top tether in the rear center position, route the top tether through the fabric loop. Then, raise the head restraint on the passenger side and attach the top tether to the metal anchor point located at the rear passenger position.


68


2.4. Tighten the top tether when and as the


child restraint manufacturer’s instructions say.


3. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


Crew Cab Models 1. If the child restraint manufacturer recommends


that the top tether be attached, attach and tighten the top tether to the top tether anchor, if your vehicle has one. Refer to the child restraint instructions and the following steps:


1.1. To access the top tether anchors,


raise the seat cushion by pulling up on the strap loop at the rear of the seat cushion and fold the seat cushion forward. Then fold the seatback forward. See Rear Seat Operation (Extended Cab) on page 19 or Rear Seat Operation (Crew Cab) on page 20 for additional information.


1.2. Place the child restraint in the vehicle, near the seating position that you are using.


1.3. Route the top tether according to your


child restraint instructions and the following instructions:


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


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


69


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


If the position you are using has an adjustable head restraint and you are using a single tether, raise the head restraint and route the tether under the head restraint and in between the head restraint posts.


1.4. Remove the trim cover to expose the


top tether anchor.


1.5. Attach the top tether attachment to the


top tether anchor.


{CAUTION:


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 push and pull on the seatback to be sure it is locked.


1.6. Lift the seatback up and push it


rearward. Then lower the seat cushion until the seatback and the seat cushion lock into position.


70


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


2.1. Find the lower anchors for the desired


seating position.


2.2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 2.3. Attach and tighten the lower


attachments on the child restraint to the lower anchors.


3. Tighten the top tether. 4. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position Extended Cab and Crew Cab There is limited space in the rear seating of an extended cab model. If you want to secure a child restraint in a rear seating position, be sure to study the instructions that came with your child restraint to see if there is enough room to secure your seat properly. If your child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 58. If your child restraint does not have the LATCH system, you will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Put the child restraint on the seat. 2. Pick up the latch plate and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.


71


3. 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.


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


out of the retractor to set the lock.


72


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


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


6. If your child restraint manufacturer


recommends using a top tether, attach and tighten the top tether to the top tether anchor. Refer to the instructions that came with the child restraint and to Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 58.


7. Push and pull the restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


To remove the child restraint, if the top tether is attached to a top tether anchor, disconnect it. 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.


73


Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front Seat Position


{CAUTION:


A child in a child restraint in the center front seat can be badly injured or killed by the right front passenger’s airbag if it inflates. Never secure a child restraint in the center front seat. It is always better to secure a child restraint in the rear seat.


Do not use child restraints in this position.


Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (Crew Cab) (With Passenger Sensing System) Your vehicle has a right front passenger airbag. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger’s seat. Here is why:


{CAUTION:


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


74


A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing child restraint. If you need to secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat position, see Where to Put the Restraint on page 55. If your child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 58. There is no top tether anchor in the right front passenger’s position. Do not secure a child seat in this position if a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top tether must be anchored. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 58 if your child restraint has a top tether.


You will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the restraint in this position. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Because your vehicle has a right front


passenger’s frontal airbag, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a forward-facing child restraint. See Manual Seats on page 9 or Power Seats on page 10.


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.


75


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.


76


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.


If you are using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. You should not be able to pull more of the belt out of the retractor once the lock has been set.


7. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


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.


77


Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (Regular and Extended Cab) (With Airbag Off Switch) Your vehicle has a right front passenger airbag. A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing child restraint. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 55. If your instrument panel has one of the switches pictured in the following illustrations, your vehicle has an airbag off switch that you can use to manually turn off the right front passenger’s airbag.


78


United States


Canada


Your switch may vary slightly. See Airbag Off Switch on page 100 for more on this, including important safety information and illustrations of alternate switch designs.


CAUTION:


(Continued)


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 need to secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front static seat or the right front bench seat, always move the passenger seat as far back as it will go.


{CAUTION:


A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the passenger’s airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. Do not use a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle unless the passenger’s airbag has been turned off. Even though the airbag off switch is designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal airbag, no system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. (Continued)


CAUTION:


79


Never put a rear facing child restraint in the right front passenger’s seat unless the airbag is off. Here is why:


before securing a forward-facing child restraint. See Manual Seats on page 9 or Power Seats on page 10.


{CAUTION:


{CAUTION:


A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. Be sure the airbag is off before using a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat position. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the right front passenger seat as far back as it will go.


A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward facing child restraint. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 55. If you need to secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat position, move the seat as far back as it will go


If the airbag readiness light in the instrument panel cluster ever comes on when you have turned off the airbag, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. The right front passenger’s airbag could inflate even though the switch is off. If this ever happens, have the vehicle serviced promptly. Until you have the vehicle serviced, do not let anyone whom the national government has identified as a member of a passenger airbag risk group sit in the right front passenger’s position (for example, do not secure a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger’s seat). See Airbag Off Switch on page 100.


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If your child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 58. If your vehicle has a rear seat, there is no top tether anchor at the right front seating position. Do not secure a child seat in this position if a national or local law requires that the top tether be

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