2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette Owners Manual

Every 2001

Silhouette under warranty is backed

with the following

services:

Courtesy

Transportation

Trip Routing

1-800-442-OLDS 1-800-442-OLDS

(For vehicles purchased in Canada, (For vehicles purchased in Canada,

call 1-800-268-6800) call 1-800-268-6800)

that provides in an emergency:

Free lockout assistance Free dead-battery assistance Free out-of-fuel assistance Free flat-tire change Emergency towing

2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette

Owner's Manual

Litho in U.S.A. Part Number 10423827 A First Edition

© Copyright General Motors Corporation 2000
All Rights Reserved

Table of Contents

Section 1

Seats and Seat Controls Safety Belts

Seats and Restraint Systems

Air Bag Systems Restraint Systems for Children

Windows Keys and Door Locks Remote Keyless Entry (Option) Automatic Transaxle Parking Brake Tilt Wheel Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever Windshield Wipers Cruise Control Exterior and Interior Lamps

Features and Controls

Mirrors Storage Compartments Convenience Net (Option) Accessory Power Outlets OnStar® System (If Equipped) HomeLink® Transmitter (Option) Instrument Panel, Warning Lights and Gages Driver Information Center (DIC) (Option) Rear Parking Assist (Option)

Section 2

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Table of Contents (cont'd)

Section 3

Section 4

Comfort Controls and Audio Systems

Heating and Air Conditioning Setting the Radio Clock Radio/Cassette Player/CD Player

Radio Theft-Deterrent Feature Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)

Defensive Driving Drunken Driving Control of a Vehicle Braking Steering

Your Driving and the Road

Driving Tips for Various Road Conditions Recreational Vehicle Towing Loading Your Vehicle Towing a Trailer

Section 5

Hazard Warning Flashers Jump Starting Towing Your Vehicle

Problems on the Road

Engine Overheating Changing a Flat Tire If You're Stuck

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Table of Contents (cont'd)

Service and Appearance Care

Section 6

Fuel Checking Fluids and Lubricants GM Oil Life System™ Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Passenger Compartment Air Filter Brakes Bulb Replacement

Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Tires and Wheels Appearance Care Electrical System/Fuses and Circuit Breakers Capacities and Specifications Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

Section 7

Scheduled Maintenance Owners Checks and Services Periodic Maintenance Inspections

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended Fluids and Lubricants Maintenance Records

iv

Table of Contents (cont'd)

Section 8

Customer Satisfaction Procedures Customer Assistance Offices Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation

Customer Assistance Information Warranty Information Reporting Safety Defects on page 8-10
Service Publications

Section 9

In the Index you will find an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual.

You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

Index

Please refer to the last page of this manual for your Service Station Guide

We support voluntary technician certification.

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual: Aux propriétaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en français chez votre concessionaire ou au:

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

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, OLDSMOBILE, the OLDSMOBILE Rocket Emblem and the name SILHOUETTE 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 Oldsmobile Division whenever it appears in this manual. Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it.

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How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly.

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

CAUTION:

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

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

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

vii

Vehicle Damage Warnings Also in this book you will find these notices:

NOTICE:

These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.

In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

viii

Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle. Also see “Warning Lights and Gages” in the Index.

For example, these symbols are used on an original battery:

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

CAUSTIC BATTERY ACID COULD CAUSE BURNS

AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BATTERY

These symbols are important for you and your passengers whenever your vehicle is driven:

CHILD RESTRAINT TOP STRAP ANCHOR

DOOR LOCK UNLOCK

FASTEN SEAT BELTS

POWER WINDOW

AIR BAG

These symbols have to do with your lamps:

These symbols are on some of your controls:

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

Here are some other symbols you may see:

MASTER LIGHTING SWITCH

TURN SIGNALS

PARKING LAMPS

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER

DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS

WINDSHIELD WIPER

WINDSHIELD WASHER

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER

FOG LAMPS

VENTILATING FAN

ENGINE COOLANT TEMP

BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM

BRAKE

COOLANT

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE

ANTI-LOCK BRAKES

FUSE

LIGHTER

HORN

FUEL

ix

Service Station Guide

Battery

See Section 6

Windshield Washer

Fluid

See Section 6

Tire Pressure See Section 6

Spare Tire Pressure

See Section 5

For a More

Detailed Look at

What's Under the Hood

See Section 6

Engine Oil Dipstick

See Section 6

Oil Viscosity Engine Oil See Section 6

Secondary Hood Release See Section 6

Cooling System See Section 5

Hood Release See Section 6

Fuel

Use unleaded only.

See Section 6

for octane ratings.

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.

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1-7
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Seats and Seat Controls Rear Seats Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Driver Position Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Right Front Passenger Position Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Safety Belt Pretensioners

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Rear Seat Passengers Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Center Passenger Position (Bench Seat) Children Restraint Systems for Children Older Children Safety Belt Extender Checking Your Restraint Systems Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

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1-1

Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them, take them out, put them back in, fold and unfold them. Driver’s 4-Way Manual Seat

Use the lever located on the front left side of the seat to adjust the seat forward or rearward. Pull up the lever to unlock the seat. Slide the seat to where you want it and release the lever.

To make sure the seat is locked into place, try to move the seat back and forth with your body.

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To raise the seat, pull up on the lever located on the front right side of the seat. To lower the seat, push the lever down. Adjust the seat and release the lever.

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 don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.

Manual Front Passenger Seats

8-Way Power Seat (Option)

To move the seat, pull up the lever located on the front of the seat to unlock it.

The eight-way power seat controls are located on the outboard sides of both the driver’s and the front passenger’s seats.

Slide the seat to where you want it and release the lever. To make sure the seat is locked into place, try to move the seat back and forth with your body.

D Move the front of the control in the direction of the arrows to adjust the front portion of the cushion up or down.

D Move the rear of the control in the direction of the arrows to adjust the rear portion of the cushion up or down.

D Lift up or push down on both outer arrows at the

same time to move the entire seat up or down.

D To move the whole seat forward or rearward, slide

the control in the direction of the center arrows.

D To raise and recline the seatback, push or pull the

top of the control in the direction of the arrows.

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Memory Seat (Option)

If your vehicle has this feature, the controls are located to the left of the steering column and are used to program and recall the driver’s seat settings.

Adjust the driver’s seat to the position you would like for driving. Then press and hold memory button “1” for more than three seconds. A double beep will sound when the memory is set. To set the seat for a second driver, follow the previous steps, but press button “2” instead.

To recall your memory positions, your vehicle must be in PARK (P). Push and release the memory button (1 or 2) corresponding to the desired driving position. The seat will move to the position previously stored for the identified driver. You will hear one beep. You can also store an exit position for each driver. The exit position is programmed by moving the seat to the desired exit position and then holding the EXIT button for more than three seconds. The exit position set will be for the most recently selected driving position (1 or 2). A double beep will sound when the memory is set. To use EXIT, your vehicle must be in PARK (P). Push and release the EXIT button and the seat will move to the exit position stored for the most recently selected driver. You will hear one beep. To stop recall movement of the seat at any time, press one of the three memory buttons or one of the power seat controls located on the outboard side of the driver’s seat.

1-4

Heated Front Seats (Option)

The heated seat switch is located in the instrument panel switchbank. This feature will quickly heat the lower cushions and lower back of the driver’s and front passenger’s seats for added comfort.

Reclining Front Seatbacks All front seats recline.

The left switch is for the driver’s seat and the right switch is for the front passenger’s seat. Press the bottom of the switch to turn the heater on. The indicator light on the switch will glow. Press the top of the switch to turn the heater off. The heated seat switch will turn off when the ignition is turned to OFF and resume operation when the ignition is turned to RUN, unless the switch is manually turned off.

To adjust the seatback, pull up on the lever located on the outboard sides of both the driver’s and the front passenger’s seat. It is easier to recline the seat if you lean forward, taking your weight off the seatback.

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CAUTION:

Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it won’t be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t 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.

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

1-6

Head Restraints

Rear Seats Seat Controls The rear seats in your vehicle have levers and straps used to adjust, remove and reinstall the seats. By using the levers and straps, in the correct order, you can easily remove the seats from your vehicle.

Head restraints are fixed on some models and adjustable on others. Slide an adjustable head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash.

Floor Seat Pin Diagram

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When you put the seats back in the vehicle, be sure to follow the label on the back of the seat for proper location. Follow the previous diagram when the text in this manual tells you what sets of floor cups to use for each seat. Flip and Fold Feature The rear seats in your vehicle, except the captain’s chairs, can be folded forward. Use this feature for exiting and entering third row seats. 1. If the seats have the adjustable head restraints,

push them fully down.

2. Fold the seatback flat on the seat by either pulling on the nylon strap on the rear of the seat or lifting up on the lever located on the front of the seatback. If the seat adjusts forward, slide it all the way back.

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3. Release the rear set of hooks from the floor pins by

pulling the nylon strap located at the base of the seat; hang on to the straps as the seat folds forward.

To return the seat(s) to the normal position, do the following: 1. Push the seat back and firmly push the rear hooks

onto the rear floor pins by pushing down on the rear of the seat.

2. Try to raise the seat to check that it is locked down. 3. Lift the seatback recliner lever or pull the nylon strap on the back of the seat and raise the seatback until it locks upright.

4. Push and pull on the seatback to check that it

is locked.

Split Bench Seats If you have the third row split bench seat, the seatbacks can be folded down individually and the sections can be removed individually.

Folding or Reclining the Seatbacks The seatbacks on each section of the split bench seat can be either folded down or reclined. The following explains how to use either the nylon strap or the lever to fold or recline the seatbacks.

To fold down the seatback, lift up on this lever located on the front of the seatback.

To fold down the seatback, pull this nylon strap on the rear of the seat, while pulling the seatback down until it locks into place.

Use the lever to raise or lower the seatback to the desired position. When raising a seatback to an upright position, push and pull on the seatback to check that it is locked upright.

To raise a seatback, pull the nylon strap while raising the seatback until it locks upright.

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Adjusting the Split Bench Seats There are two adjustment levers on each section of the split bench seats to adjust the seat forward or rearward.

There other lever is located on the rear of the seat.

Lift up either lever and slide the seat forward or rearward. Release the lever. Push and pull on the seat to make sure it is locked into place.

One is located below the center, in the front of each section of the split bench.

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4. Slide the seat all the way back by lifting one of the

adjustment levers and sliding the seat fully rearward.

Removing the Split Bench Seat Make sure the seatback is in the upright position. 1. For the second row split bench, with the seatback in the upright position, unhook the side attachment for the safety belt. This mini-buckle is located on the right side of the seat.

2. Push the red center

of the buckle up with a small pointed object -- like a key or a pen -- to remove the seat belt, if needed.

3. Lift the seatback recliner lever or pull the nylon strap

on the back of the seat to fold the seatback forward.

5. From behind the bench seat, pull the nylon strap at the center of the base of the seat to release the rear latches from the floor pins. Do not let go of the strap until the seat is folded all the way forward.

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Replacing the Split Bench Sections Make sure the seatback is in the upright position and the safety belts are on the correct section of the seat. Don’t put the sections of the bench seat in so they face rearward because they won’t latch that way. If you want more storage room behind the seat, adjust each section by sliding it forward. The split benches have seat position labels, located on the back of each seat, showing where the seat must go. Follow that diagram. D The left section of the 50/50 split bench uses

the G and H sets of floor cups.

D The right section of the 50/50 split bench uses

the I and J sets of floor cups.

See “Rear Seats” in the beginning of this section for more details. The seat must be placed in the proper location for the legs to attach correctly.

6. To unlatch the front latches, squeeze the angled latch

release bar toward the straight crossbar.

7. Remove the seat by rocking it slightly forward, then toward the rear of the vehicle and then pulling it out.

Repeat these steps for the other section of the split bench seat.

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Make sure the seat is in the full rear position before beginning this procedure.

2. Make sure the bench seat is angled so that the front hooks clear the floor pins.

If the front legs are not attached correctly, the rear legs will not attach to the rear set of floor pins.

1. Squeeze the angled bar toward the solid crossbar

while placing the front hooks of the bench seat onto the front two floor pins.

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4. Try to raise the seat to check that it is locked down.

CAUTION:

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

5. Lift the seatback recliner lever or pull the nylon strap on the back of the seat and raise the seatback until it locks upright.

6. Push and pull on the seatback to check that it is locked.

If the front latches are not attaching correctly, check that the seat is in the full rear position.

3. Firmly push the rear hooks onto the rear floor pins

by pushing down on the rear of the seat.

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CAUTION:

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

CAUTION:

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

Captain’s Chairs The captain’s chairs seatbacks can be folded forward or reclined and the seats can be removed.

To recline the seatback, lift up on the recliner lever located on the outboard side of the seat. Use the recliner lever to move the seatback to the desired position.

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It is easier to raise or lower the seatback if you lean forward, taking the weight off the seatback. The armrests can be lowered or raised for entering or exiting the vehicle. The seatbacks on the second row captain’s chairs also fold forward to put items behind the left and right seats. Lift up on the recliner lever and fold the seatback forward. The seatback will lock into place when you push it back to the upright position.

Adjusting the Captain’s Chairs (Second Row) The second row captain’s chairs can be adjusted forward or rearward. There are two adjustment levers on each seat to adjust the seat forward or rearward. One is located below the center, in front of the seat. The other is located across the rear of the seat. Lift up either lever to slide the seat forward or rearward. Release the lever. Push and pull on the seat to make sure it is locked into place.

CAUTION:

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

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Removing the Captain’s Chairs

1. Pull the nylon strap behind the chair to release the

rear hooks from the floor pins.

2. The seat can then be lifted off the front floor pins

and removed from the vehicle.

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Replacing the Captain’s Chairs The left chair second row goes in the A and C sets of floor pins. The right chair second row goes in the D and F sets of floor pins. The left chair third row goes in the G and H sets of floor pins. The right chair third row goes in the I and J sets of floor pins. See “Rear Seats” in the beginning of this section for more details. The seat must be placed in the proper location for the legs to attach correctly.

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1. Hook the front latches over the front floor pins.

2. Push the rear of the seat down to lock the rear

latches onto the rear set of floor pins.

3. Push and pull on the seat to be sure it is

properly attached.

CAUTION:

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

CAUTION:

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

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Stowable Seat The optional stowable seat is a full bench seat and comes with the convenience center. See “Convenience Center” in the Index for more information. The stowable seat can be removed and replaced, or with the seatback folded, it can lie flush with the convenience center.

Folding the Seatback

To fold down the seatback, pull up on the lever on the back of the seat and push the seatback down until it is locked into place. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure that it is locked into place.

To raise the seatback, do one of the following: D From the rear of the vehicle, pull up on the lever to release the seatback, then pull the strap, located on the right side of the seat, to pull the seat back up. The seatback has a velcro patch to stow the strap on the rear of the seat when not in use, or

D from the passenger’s side sliding door, pull up on

the lever to release the seatback, then push up on the seatback to raise the seat.

Push and pull on the seatback to make sure that it is locked into the upright position.

CAUTION:

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

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Removing the Stowable Seat 1. Remove the convenience center, if it is in the

vehicle. See “Convenience Center” in the Index for more information.

2. Make sure all items are off of the stowable seat. 3. If the seatback is down, put the seatback in its upright

position before removing the seat. See “Folding the Seatback” previously.

4. From behind the bench seat, push up the release

handles at the base of the seat to release the latches from the floor pins.

5. While holding onto the crossbar at the bottom

of the seat, remove the seat by rocking it slightly toward the rear of the vehicle and then pulling it out. This should be done in one motion.

NOTICE:

Do not use the release handles to pull the seat out. The handles could break during removal. This will not be covered by your warranty. Use the crossbar at the bottom of the seat when pulling the seat out.

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Replacing the Stowable Seat Do not put the stowable seat in facing rearward because it will not latch that way. The stowable seat has to go in before the convenience center. See “Convenience Center” in the Index for more information. The stowable seat has seat position labels, located on the back of the seat, showing where the seat must go. Follow the floor pin diagram. Use the front floor pins of the front floor cups and the rear floor cups in the third row. Use the G, H, I, and J sets of floor cups. See “Rear Seats” in the beginning of this section for more information. The seat must be placed in the proper location for the legs to attach correctly.

Make sure the seat is in its upright position before beginning this procedure. 1. Place the front hooks of the seat onto the front floor pins in the third row. To do this, the seat will need to be angled so the front hooks clear the floor pins. If the front legs are not attached correctly, the rear legs will not attach to the rear set of floor pins.

2. Firmly push the rear hooks into the rear floor pins

by pushing down on the rear of the seat.

3. Try to raise the seat to make sure that it is

locked down.

4. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure that

it is locked into place.

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CAUTION:

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

CAUTION:

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

Safety Belts: They’re 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. And it explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), or air bag system.

CAUTION:

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

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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.

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

Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. See “Safety Belt Reminder Light” in the Index.

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

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

Put someone on it.

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

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

1-26

or the instrument panel ...

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

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Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from

home, why should I wear safety belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an

accident -- even one that isn’t your fault -- you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers.

Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone.

Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an

accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

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

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

to wear safety belts?

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

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How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults 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 the part of this manual called “Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position. Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s 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.

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

Don’t 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.

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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 isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. 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.

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’d 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’s a sudden stop or crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt.

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Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt adjuster to the height that is right for you.

To move it down, push down on the button and move the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move the adjuster up just by pushing up on the shoulder belt guide. After you move the adjuster to where you want it, try to move it down without pushing the button down to make sure it has locked into position. Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of the belt is centered on your shoulder. The belt should be away from your face and neck, but not falling off your shoulder.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

CAUTION:

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

A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly

as much protection this way.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

CAUTION:

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

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

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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.

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is over an armrest.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren’t 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.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t 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.

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

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

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

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

Right Front Passenger Position To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt properly, see “Driver Position” earlier in this section. The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt -- except for two things.

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If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle the belt. On some vehicles, if you pull the shoulder portion of the belt out all the way, you will engage the child restraint locking feature. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and start again.

Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) This part explains the frontal and side impact Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) or air bag systems. Your vehicle has four air bags -- a frontal air bag for the driver, another frontal air bag for the right front passenger, a side impact air bag for the driver, and another side impact air bag for the right front passenger. Frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating frontal air bag. But these air bags must inflate very quickly to do their job and comply with federal regulations. Here are the most important things to know about the air bag systems:

CAUTION:

You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it.

CAUTION: (Continued)

CAUTION: (Continued)

Air bags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. All air bags are designed to work with safety belts but don’t replace them. Frontal air bags for the driver and right front passenger are designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits something. They aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear, side or low-speed frontal crashes. And, for unrestrained occupants, frontal air bags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful air bags have provided in the past. The side impact air bags for the driver and right front passenger are designed to inflate only in moderate to severe crashes where something hits the side of your vehicle. They aren’t designed to inflate in frontal, in rollover or in rear crashes. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly -- whether or not there’s an air bag for that person.

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CAUTION:

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

CAUTION:

CAUTION: (Continued)

the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Children.”

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

Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer

CAUTION: (Continued)

The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index for more information.

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How the Air Bag Systems Work

Where are the air bags?

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

The right front passenger’s frontal air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. The driver’s side impact air bag is in the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door.

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CAUTION:

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

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

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When should an air bag inflate? The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about 12 to 19 mph (19 to 31 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags are not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts, or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. The side impact air bags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe side crashes. A side impact air bag will inflate if the crash severity is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” The threshold level can vary with specific vehicle design.

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

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

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

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

CAUTION:

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

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In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger air bag. D Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After an air bag inflates, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include air bag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.

D Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and

diagnostic module, which records information about the frontal air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the system commands air bag inflation and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment. The module also records speed, engine rpm, brake and throttle data. D Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag

systems. Improper service can mean that an air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service.

NOTICE:

If you damage the covering for the driver’s or the right front passenger’s air bag, or the air bag covering on the driver’s and right front passenger’s seatback, the bag may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module in the steering wheel, both the air bag module and the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s air bag, or both the air bag module and seatback for the driver’s and right front passenger’s side impact air bag. Do not open or break the air bag coverings.

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Safety Belt Pretensioners Your vehicle has safety belt pretensioners. You’ll find them on the buckle end of the safety belts for the driver and right front passenger. They help the safety belts reduce a person’s forward movement in a moderate to severe crash in which the front of the vehicle hits something. Pretensioners work only once. If they activate in a crash, you’ll need to get new ones, and probably other new parts for your safety belt system. See “Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash” in the Index.

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

CAUTION:

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

The air bag systems do not need regular maintenance.

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Lap-Shoulder Belt The positions next to the windows have lap-shoulder belts. Here’s how to wear one properly.

Rear Seat Passengers It’s 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 aren’t 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. Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions

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

Don’t 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.

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

Second Row Outside Passenger Positions

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Third Row Outside Passenger Positions

If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. 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.

3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part.

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’d 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’s a sudden stop or a crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

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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.

Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Your vehicle may have rear shoulder belt comfort guides. This feature will provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for small adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide better positions the belt away from the neck and head. If your vehicle has bucket seats in the second row, there is one guide for each outside passenger position. If your vehicle has a bench seat in the second row, there is one guide for the left-hand outside passenger position. To provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for smaller adults, the comfort guides may be installed on the shoulder belts.

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

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Here’s how to install a comfort guide and use the safety belt:

1. Remove the guide from its storage clip on the side of

the seatback.

2. Place the guide over the belt and insert the two edges

of the belt into the slots of the guide.

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3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat.

The guide must be on top of the belt.

4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as

described in “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions” earlier in this section. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder.

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

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Center Passenger Position (Bench Seat)

Lap Belt If your vehicle has a third row rear bench seat, someone can sit in the center position.

When you sit in the center position of the bench seat, 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.

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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. Infants and Young Children Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have the protection provided by the appropriate restraint. Young children should not use the vehicle’s safety belts, unless there is no other choice.

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 isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. 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.

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CAUTION: (Continued)

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.

CAUTION:

People should never hold a baby in their arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it.

CAUTION: (Continued)

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CAUTION:

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

Q: What are the different types of add-on

child restraints?

A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased

by the vehicle’s owner, are available in four basic types. Selection of a particular restraint should take into consideration not only the child’s weight, height and age but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used.

For most basic types of child restraints, there are many different models available. When purchasing a child restraint, be sure it is designed to be used in a motor vehicle. If it is, the restraint will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. The restraint manufacturer’s instructions that come with the restraint state the weight and height limitations for a particular child restraint. In addition, there are many kinds of restraints available for children with special needs.

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CAUTION:

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.

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 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’s unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries. Young children always should be secured in appropriate child restraints.

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Restraint Systems for Children

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.

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

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A 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.

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.

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

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When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to the instructions that come with the restraint which may be on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraint instructions are important, so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer. Q: When securing an aftermarket child seat in a

bucket seat, I am unable to get the seat fastened in snugly enough. What should I do?

A: With some child seats, it may be difficult to tighten

the vehicle belts so that there is less side-to-side or front-to-back movement of the child seat. A replacement buckle, which makes it easier to secure your child seat, is available from your dealer at no charge to you.

Wherever you install it, 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. Top Strap Some child restraints have a top strap, or “top tether.” It can help restrain the child restraint during a collision. For it to work, a top strap must be properly anchored to the vehicle. If the child restraint does not have a top strap, one can be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints. Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not a kit is available.

Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. General Motors, therefore, recommends 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. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat. Here’s why:

CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat. You may secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, but before you do, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It’s better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.

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The anchor bar for the stowable bench seat is located on the passenger’s side of the crossbar. Use the center seating position to use the anchor bar properly. If the convenience center is in the vehicle, you must lift the tray sill to use the anchor.

In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. In the United States, some child restraints also have a top strap. If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. An anchor bar for a top strap is located at the rear of the seat cushion for each second and third row outboard seating position.

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Second Row

Third Row (50/50)

Third Row (Stowable Seat)

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Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) Your vehicle has the LATCH system. You’ll find anchors (A) in both second row captain’s chairs.

Don’t use a child restraint with a top strap in the right front passenger’s position because there’s no place to anchor the top strap. Anchor the top strap to one of these anchor points. Be sure to use an anchor point located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed. If you have an adjustable head restraint, raise the head restraint and route the top strap under it. Once you have the top strap anchored, you’ll be ready to secure the child restraint itself. Tighten the top strap when and as the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions say.

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In order to use the system, you need either a forward-facing child restraint that has attaching points (B) at its base and a top tether anchor (C), or a rear-facing child restraint that has attaching points (B), as shown here.

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CAUTION:

If a LATCH-type child restraint isn’t attached to its anchorage points, the restraint won’t be able to protect a child sitting there. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Make sure that a LATCH-type child restraint is properly installed using the anchorage points, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint. See “Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position” in the Index for information on how to secure a child restraint in your vehicle using the vehicle’s safety belts.

With this system, use the LATCH system instead of the vehicle’s safety belts to secure a child restraint.

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Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System 1. Find the anchors for the seating position you want to use, where the bottom of the seatback meets the back of the seat cushion.

2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 3. If the child restraint is forward-facing, attach the

anchor points on the child restraint to the anchors in the vehicle. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

4. Attach the top strap to the top strap anchor.

See “Top Strap” in the Index. Tighten the top strap according to the child restraint instructions.

5. Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure it is secure.

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

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position

You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. 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.

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1. Put the 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.

Third Row Outside Passenger Positions

Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

Second Row Outside Passenger Positions

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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. Some vehicles have a child restraint locking feature

on the shoulder belt retractor. You can tell if your vehicle has this feature by pulling the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor. Then, let the belt go back a few inches, and try to pull the belt out again. If you can’t pull the belt out because it has locked, it means the retractor has the child restraint locking feature. If the belt doesn’t lock and you can pull the belt out of the retractor again, it means your vehicle doesn’t have the child restraint locking feature on the shoulder belt retractor.

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To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re 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.

D If your vehicle doesn’t have the child restraint locking feature on the shoulder belt retractor, tighten the belt by pulling up on the shoulder belt while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re 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.

5. 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.

D If your vehicle has the child restraint locking feature on the shoulder belt retractor, pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock.

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Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Seat Position (Third Row Bench Seat)

You’ll be using the lap belt. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one.

1. Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch

plate and pulling it along the belt.

2. Put the restraint on the seat. 3. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

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5. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you

push down on the child restraint. If you’re 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. 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. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.

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.

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Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position

CAUTION:

Your vehicle has a front passenger air bag. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why:

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

Although a rear seat is a safer place, you can secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat. You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. 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

air bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a forward-facing child restraint. See “Seats” in the Index.

2. Put the restraint on the seat.

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3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder

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

4. 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.

Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

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5. Some vehicles have a child restraint locking feature

on the shoulder belt retractor. You can tell if your vehicle has this feature by pulling the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor. Then, let the belt go back a few inches, and try to pull the belt out again. If you can’t pull the belt out because it has locked, it means the retractor has the child restraint locking feature. If the belt doesn’t lock and you can pull the belt out of the retractor again, it means your vehicle doesn’t have the child restraint locking feature on the shoulder belt retractor.

D If your vehicle has the child restraint locking feature on the shoulder belt retractor, pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. You may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.

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Older Children

D If your vehicle doesn’t have the child restraint locking feature on the shoulder belt retractor, tighten the belt by pulling up on the shoulder belt while you push down on the child restraint. You may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.

6. 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.

Older children who have outgrown booster seats should wear the vehicle’s safety belts. If you have the choice, a child should sit next to a window so the child can wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide.

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

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

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.

CAUTION:

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

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

A: Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but

be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide. If the child is sitting in a rear seat outside position, see “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” in the Index. If the child is so small that the shoulder belt is still very close to the child’s face or neck, you might want to place the child in a seat that has a lap belt, if your vehicle has one.

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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.