1998 Pontiac Bonneville Owners Manual

2-35 ....................... 2-21 Power, Retained Accessory Power Seat Lumbar Controls ....................... 1-3 Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts .................... 1-17 Problems on the Road ............................ 5-1 Publications, Service and Owner ................... 8-12

Radiator ................................... 5-22 Radiator Pressure Cap ........................... 6-26 RadioReception ................................ 3-27 Radios ................... 3.10.3.11.3.15.3.18. 3.21 Rain. Driving In ................................ 4-17 Reading Lamps ........................... Rear ........................... Door Security Locks Outside Seat Position .......................... Safety Belt Comfort Guides ..................... 9-8

2-8 1-26 1-29

2.47. 2.48

Seat Passengers .............................. 1-26 Sidemarker Lamp Bulb Replacement ............. 6-35 ......................... 2-52 Storage Compartment Towing ..................................... 5-13 'Ih Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement ............. 6-35 Window Defogger ............................. 3-8 RearviewMirror ................................ 2-48 Electrochromic Daymight ...................... 2-49 Inside Daymight ............................. 2-48 Reclining Front Seatbacks ......................... 1-3 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ............... 7-37 Recovery Tank, Coolant .......................... 5-19 Refrigerants, Air Conditioning .................... 6-65 Remote Keyless Entry ................................ 2-10 Trunk Release ................................ 2-14 Trunk Release Lockout ........................ 2-15 Keyless Entry, Instant Alarm .................... 2-11 Keyless Entry, Personalization Features ........... 2-11 Keyless Entry, Resynchronization ................ 2-11 Keyless Entry, Security Feedback ................ 2-12 Bulbs ...................................... 6-64 Parts ....................................... 6-67 .................................... Wheel ....... 1-49 Replacing Safety Belts Reporting Safety Defects ......................... 8-10 Restraints

...............

Replacement

Checking ,..,............................... l-49 Child ....................................... l-34 Head ........................................ 1-5 Replacing Parts After a Crash ................... 1-49 Systemcheck ................................ 7-32 Retained Accessory Power ........................ 2-21

6-47

.......

..............

Reverse. Automatic Transaxle ..................... Right Front Passenger Position .................... Roadside Assistance .............................. Roadside Assistance. Canadian ..................... Rocking Your Vehicle ........................... Rotation. Tires

2-25 1 . 18 8-6 8-7 5-38 . . 6-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-49 safety Belt Extender .... Safety Belts .................................... 1-5 Adults ...................................... 1-10 Care ....................................... 6-51 Center Passenger Position ...................... 1-24 Children .................................... 1-31 DriverPosition ............................... 1-10 Extender .................................... 1-49 How to Wear Properly ......................... 1-10 Incorrect Usage LapBelt .................................... 1-24 Lap-Shoulder ........................... Larger Children .............................. 1-46 Questions and Answers ......................... 1-9 Rear Comfort Guides .......................... 1-29 Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions ............ 1-26 Rear Seat Passengers .......................... 1-26 Reminder Light .......................... Replacing After a Crash ........................ 1-49 Right Front Passenger Position .................. 1 . 18 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster ................... 1-12 Smaller Children and Babies .................... 1-3 1 Use During Pregnancy ......................... 1 . 17 Warning Light WhyTheyWork ............................... 1-6 SafetyChains .................................. 4-35

...........................

1.13.1.47. 1.48 1.10. 1.26

....................

1.6. 2.63

1.6. 2.63

........................ 8-10 ... Safety Defects. Reporting Safety Warnings and Symbols ....................... m Scheduled Maintenance Services .................... 7-4 Seatback Reclining Front .......................... 1-3 Seats Adjustable Support ............................. 1-3 Lumbar Control ............................... 1-3 ManualFront ................................. 1-2 Power ....................................... 1-2 Restraint Systems .............................. 1-1 Seat Controls ................................. 1-2 Securing a Child Restraint ...................... 1-40 Second Gear. Automatic Transaxle ................. 2-27 SecurityFeedback .............................. 2-12 Security Messages .............................. 2-78 ...................... 2-18 Security System Service ........................................ 6-2 Bulletins. Ordering ............................ 8-13 Manuals. Ordering ............................ 8-13 Parts Identification Label ....................... 6-57 Publications. Ordering ......................... 8-13 Work. Doing Your Own ......................... 6-2 ...................... Service and Appearance Care 6-1 ................... 8-12 Service and Owner Publications Servicehblications ............................. 8-12 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle ........... 1-24 SheetMetalDamage ............................ 6-54 Shift Lever ............................... 2-29. 2-31 Shifting 2-24 2-29 2-32 2-27

Automatic Transaxle .......................... Into PARK (P) ............................... Out of PARK (P) ............................. Performance .................................

.....

9-9

Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster ..................... 1-12 Sidemarker Lamp Bulb Replacement ............... 6-35 Signaling Turns ................................ 2-37 Skidding ...................................... 4-14 Sound Equipment. Adding ........................ 3-28 Spare Tire. Compact ............................. 5-37 Specifications and Capacities ...................... 6-65 Specifications. Engine ........................... 6-66 Speech Impaired. Customer Assistance ............... 8-5 Speedometer ................................... 2-61 SRS ......................................... 1-18 Stains. Cleaning ................................ 6-50 Starter Switch Check ............................ 7-33 Starting Your Engine ....................... 2-21. 2-22 Steam ........................................ 5-15 Steering ...................................... 4-10 In Emergencies ............................... 4- 1 1 Magnasteer TM ................................ 4- 10 Power ...................................... 4-10 Tips ........................................ 4-10 Wheel. Tilt .................................. 2-36 Wheel Touch Controls ......................... 3-26 Storage Compartments ........................... 2-5 1 Storage. Vehicle ................................ 6-32 Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow .................. 5-38 Sun Visors .................................... 2-53 Sunglasses Storage .............................. 2-5 1 Sunroof ....................................... 2-55 Supercharged Engine ............................ 6- 13 Supercharger Oil ............................... 1 - 18 6- 19 Supplemental Restraint System .................... Symbols. Vehicle ..................................

9-10

Tachometer .................................. 2-62 Taillamp Bulb Replacement ....................... 6-37 Tape Player Care ............................... 3-28 Temperature Control. Climate Control System ..... 3.2. 3.3 Theater Dimming ............................... 2-47 Theft ......................................... 2-15 Theft-Deterrent Alarm System .................... 2-16 Theft-Deterrent Feature. CD Player ................ 3-24 THEFTLOCK TM ................................ 3-24 Thermostat .................................... 6-26 Tilt Steering Wheel ............................. 2-36 Time. Setting the ................................ 3-9 Tire Chains .................................... 6-48 Tirehading ................................... 4-29 ................... 4-29 Tire-Loading Information Label Tires ......................................... 6-41 Alignment and Balance ........................ 6-47 Buying New ................................. 6-44 Chains ..................................... 6-48 Changing a Flat .............................. 5-25 Cleaning .................................... 6-54 Compact Spare ............................... 5-37 Inflation .................................... 6-41 Inflationcheck ............................... 7-31 Inspection and Rotation ........................ 6-43 Loading .................................... 4-29 Pressure ..................................... 6-41 Temperature ................................. 6-46 Traction .................................... 6-46 Treadwe ar ................................... 6-46 Uniform Quality Grading ....................... 6-45 Wear Indicators .............................. 6-44 Wheel Replacement ........................... 6-47 When It’s Time for New ....................... 6-44

I

...........

TopStrap ................................... 1-39 TorqueLock ................................... 2-32 Torque, Wheel Nut ......................... 5-33, 6-65 Towing a Trailer ................................ 4-31 Towing Your Vehicle ............................. 5-8 Traction Control System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-66, 4-9 Off Warning Light ........................ 2-66, 4-9 Traction Control Svstem .......................... 4-9 Trailer Brakes ................................... 4-35 ............ 4-37 Driving on Grades Driving with ................................. 4-35 Engine Cooling When Towing ................... 4-38 Hitches ..................................... 4-34 Maintenance When Towing ..................... 4-38 Parking on Hills .............................. 4-37 Safety Chains ................................ 4-35 Tongueweight ............................... 4-33 Total Weight on Tires .......................... 4-34 Towing ..................................... 4-31 Turn Signals ................................. 4-37 Weight ..................................... 4-33 Transaxle Fluid, Automatic ....................... 6-20 Transmitters, Matching to Your Vehicle ............. 2- 12 Transmitters, Remote Keyless Entry ................ 2-10 Transportation, Courtesy .......................... 8-8 Trip Odometer ................................. 2-61 Trunk Ajar Message ................................ 2-78 Lock ....................................... 2-14 ...................... 2-14 Release Lockout, Remote Release, Remote .............................. 2-14 SecurityOverride ............................. 2-14

TTY Users ..................................... 8-5 Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals ............... 2-37 Turn Signal On Chime ........................... 2-37 Turn Signal On Message ......................... 2-79 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever ................... 2-36 Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer ................ 4-37 "light Sentinel ............................... 2-45 Underbody Flushing Service ..................... 7-34 Underbody Maintenance ......................... 6-55 Universal Theft-Deterrent System .................. 2-16

Vehicle

Control ...................................... 4-6 Damage Warnings .............................. iv Dimensions ................................. 6-66 Identification Number ......................... 6-57 Loading .................................... 4-29 Storage ..................................... 6-32 Ventilationsystem ............................... 3-6 ............................ 2-53 Visor Vanity Mirrors Visors, Sun .................................... 2-53 Voltmeter ..................................... 2-64 warning Devices ............................... 5-3 Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators ............... 2-62 Warranty Information ............................ 8-10 Washer Fluid Message ........................... 2-78 Washer muid. Windshield ........................ 6-27 Washing Your Vehicle ........................... 6-52 Weatherstrips .................................. 6-52

9-11

Wheel

Alignment .................................. Nut Torque ............................. Replacement ................................. Wrench ..................................... Windows ..................................... Express-Down ............................... Power ...................................... ............................. Fluid ....................................... Fluid Level Check ............................

6-47 5-33, 6-65 6-47 5-27 2-35 2-35 2-35 2-39 6-27 7-31

Windshield Washer

Windshield Wipers .............................. Bladecleaning ............................... ........................... Blade Replacement Fuses ...................................... Winter Driving ................................. ............................. Wiper Blade Check Wiper Blades, Cleaning .......................... Wiring, Headlamp .............................. Wrecker Towing ................................. Wrench, Wheel .................................

2-38 6-52 6-40 6-58 4-25 7-32 6-52 6-58 5-8 5-27

9-12

I rm rrUFORMATlON ON THE NEXT FEW PAGES IS COMMONLY REFERRED TO TOPICS QUICK1 Y. FOR INFORMATION NOT INCLUDED HERE, Pi

OR THE INDEX IN THE MANUA-

USE THETA"" CONTENTS

gaf e"'

rearing a safety belt correctly is one of the most important things you and your passengers can do. This section contains very important information about safety belt usage, air bags and child restraints.

., . .,! " 3, '< .is'. ' ,,,,

": ,

1 : '

..l

One of the first things you'll probably want to do when you get in your new vehicle is adjust the seats. Depending on your vehicle, vou mav either be

Read through these pages to learn more about how to use the heatina. cooli , defoggin4 and defrosting features in VOL

leh

To set the clock on your cassene ana LU raalo, press ana hold HK untll the correct hour appears. Press and hold MIN until the correct minute appears. To set the clock on the AM-FM radio, press the SET button. Press and hold the SEEK down arrow to set the hour, a arrow to set the correct minute.

up ' 1 ' p u : ' 1 , :- ' 2 2 ' . - > ' 1. y

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I'

1 Bumper-to-Lum

,imited Warranty

Roadside Assistqp lr;r-/9i2374

,7*

provides in an tmergency: rree lockout assistance c Free dead-battery assis Free out-of-fuel assista

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id in this section is a picture ot the overarr lnstrumenf panel pagr Inck The location of the controls you will use are noted here. Refer to the follt

kctio 2 &

q%$

;,

Although- we hope you'll never run into trod pages for help with some ofthe most common problems that may occur,

F on the road, refer to the following

luvv to turn on your hazard warning flashers

* How to jump start your vehicle 0 How your vehicle should be towed What to do if your engine overheats

. . . .. . . 5 4 I Qe

. _" ,

. .

r-

0 How to change a flat tire

' i-

Remote Keyless Entry (RI Theft-Deterrent System I PASS-Key@% Performance Shiftint Lomputer Command ' w e r Remote Control Mirrors m r o o f Head-Up Display Driver Information Cen Steering Wheel Control

ectior 2 & 3

REPLi

Park and Turn Sianal

Back-up and Turn Signal

uadpramps

I

CAPACITIES AND SPEl

WlONS

F ;67

Engine Toque

Thermostat Starlr

1

CAPACITIES AND SPECIFICATIONS (CONTINUEL)

Automatic Transmission (4165EI Crankcase (Engine Oil with Filter Change) tr Fuel Tank

ne Cooling System ;,@

, . .

Wheel Base

length

Treaa

wont

Rear Tread

1es

(153.4 cfl:

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(153.2 CIT

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'98

owner's manual

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B

The 1998 Pontiac Bonneville Owner’s Manual

1-1

2-1

3-1

4-1

5- 1

6-1

7- 1

8- 1

9-1

Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the “SRS” system. Features and Controls This section explains how to start and operate your vehicle. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system. Your Driving and the Road Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions. Problems on the Road This section tells what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc. Service and Appearance Care Here the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good. Maintenance Schedule This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use. Customer Assistance Information This section tells you how to contact Pontiac for assistance and how It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8-10. Index Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

to get service and owner publications.

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, PONTIAC, the PONTIAC Emblem and the name BONNEVILLE 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 in the product after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Pontiac 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.

We support voluntary technician certification.

WE SUPPORT

VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION THROUGH

National InstiMe for

AUTOMOTIVE

S E R V I C E

EXCELLENCE

For Canadian 3wners Who Prefer a French Language Manual: Aux propri6taires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en fraqais chez votre concessionaire ou au:

DGN Marketing Services Ltd. 1577 Meyerside Dr. Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1B9

Litho in U.S.A. Part No, 10296287 B First Edition ii

@Copyright General Motors Corporation 1997

All Rights Reserved

How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they fist 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. Index A good place to look for what you need is the Index in back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of what’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it. 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.

A CAUTION:

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

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

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

iii

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

I 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.

iv

Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.

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

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

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

DOOR LOCK UNLOCK

These symbols have to do with your lamps:

These symbols are on some of your controls:

e3

TURN SIGNALS

WINDSHIELD WIPER

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

- ~ ~ - .

CAUSTIC BAllERY ACID COULD CAUSE BURNS

AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BAllERY

,\I/,

POWER WINDOW

oJ4

AIR BAG p\

DEFOGGER

FOG LAMPS # 0

VENTILATING

FAN (

rc?:

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

Here are some other symbols you may see:

FUSE

I-1 (a)

LIGHTER n HORN )b. SPEAKER b e,

COOLANT TEMP

BAllERY CHARGING SYSTEM

BRAKE

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE

FUEL

& NOTES

vi

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

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

belts properly. You can also

1-2 1-5 1-9

1-10 1-10 1 - 17 1 - 18 1 - 18 1-24

Seats and Seat Controls 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 System (SRS) Center Passenger Position

1-26 1-29

1-31 1-34 1-46 1-49 1-49 1-49

Rear Seat Passengers Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Children Child Restraints Larger Children Safety Belt Extender Checking Your Restraint Systems Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them -- and also about reclining seatbacks and head restraints. Manual Front Seat

A 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.

Pull up on the control bar under the front of the seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it. Then release the bar and try to move the seat with your body, to make sure the seat is locked into place.

1-2

Power Seat (Option)

To adjust the power seats on some models:

Front Control (A): Raise the front of the seat by holding the switch up. Lower the front of the seat by holding the switch down. Center Control (B): Move the seat forward by pressing the control forward, or backward by pressing the control backward. Move the seat higher by holding the control up. Lower the seat by holding the control down. Rear Control (C): Raise the rear of the seat by holding the switch up. Lower the rear of the seat by holding the switch down.

Power Lumbar Controls (Option) d? Reshapes the lower back area of the seat. d Reshapes the middle back area of the seat.

Reshapes the upper back area of the seat.

Adjustable Support Seat (Option)

& Adjusts the position of the seatback side bolsters. 'd Tilts the rear of the seat up or down.

A&

Tilts the front of the seat up or down.

Reclining Front Seatbacks

On some models, you'll find the controls on the center console. Slide the selector switch to L or R to choose the front seat you want to adjust.

d!. Adjusts the seat forward or back. d Adjusts the seat up or down. &' Adjusts the seatback to an upright or reclined position.

To adjust the seatback, lift the lever on the outer side of the seat and move the seatback to where you want it. Release the lever to lock the seatback. PuII up on the lever and the seat will go to an upright position.

1-3

its job because it

if you buckle job when

Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even up, your safety belts can’t do their you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do 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.

1-4

Head Restraints Slide the 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. On some models, the head restraints tilt forward and rearward also. 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.

A 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 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. -

injuries

A 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.

1-5

1

& FASTEN I buckle up. (See “Safety

Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to

BELTS

Belt Reminder Light” in the Index.)

L W

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!

1-6

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 on wheels.

just a seat

Put someone on it.

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

1-7

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

or the instrument panel ...

1-8

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. 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 air safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has bags, you still have to buckle up protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.

to get the most

1-9

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.

home, why should I wear safety belts?

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

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 m a n d 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 (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index)

so you can sit up straight.

1-10

- .

.”. ..

“

-.

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

Don’t let it get twisted.

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

it is secure. If

Pull up on the latch plate to make sure 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.

1-11

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, squeeze the release handle and move the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move the adjuster up just by pushing up on the bottom of the release handle. After you move the adjuster to where you want it, try to move it down without squeezing the release handle 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.

1-12

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A 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.

1-13

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A 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.

What’s wrong with this?

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 ann. It should

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

1-15

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A CAUTION:

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

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

1-16

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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a crash. For

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 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. as The right fiont passenger’s safety belt works the same way -- except for one thing. If you ever pull the driver’s safety belt all the way, you will engage the the lap portion of the belt out child restraint locking feature. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and start again. If your vehicle has a center passenger position, be sure to use the correct buckle when buckling your lap-shoulder belt. If you find that the latch plate will not go fully into the buckle, see if you are using the buckle for the center passenger position. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) This part explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) or air bag system. Your vehicle has “Next Generation” reduced-force frontal air bags -- one air bag for the driver and another air bag for the right front passenger.

Reduced-force frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating frontal air bag. But even these air bags must inflate very quickly if they are to do their job and comply with federal regulations. Here are the most important things to know about the air bag system:

p u 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. Air bags All air bags -- even redud-force air bags -- are are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. designed to work with safety belts, but don’t replace them. Air bags ace designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits something. They aren’t designed to Mate at all in rollover, rear, side or low-speed

CAUTION: (Continued)

should wear a safety belt properly -- whether or not there’s an air bag for that person. &A CAUTION:

frontal crashes. And, for unrestrained occupants, reduced-force air bags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful air bags have provided in the past. Everyone in your vehicle

Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, it could seriously injure you. This is true even with reduced-force frontal air bags. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with reduced-force air bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle.

’ A CAUTION:

Children who are up against, or very close to, an air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. This is true even though your vehicle has reduced-force frontal air bags. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best 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. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Children” and see the caution labels on the sunvisors and the right front passenger’s safety belt.

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BAG 4 AIR 0.

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

How the Air Bag System Works

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.

Where are the air bags? The driver’s air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.

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‘ A 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.

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

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When should an air bag inflate? An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a is wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level about 9 to 15 mph (14 to 24 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 air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. 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. Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal or near-frontal impacts. What makes an air bag inflate? In an impact of suEcient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. 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 1-22

steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger. 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. Air bags supplement 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 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 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. 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, or the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag -- 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 vents in the deflated air bags.

Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from seeing or from being able to steer people from leaving the vehicle.

the vehicle, nor does it stop

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.

A 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 door.

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.

Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After they inflate, 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.

0 Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and

diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system. The module records information are about the readiness of the system, when the sensors activated and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment. Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag system. Improper service can mean that your 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, the bag may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module in the steering wheel or both the air bag module and the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s air bag. Do not open or break the air bag coverings.

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I

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

The air bag system does not need regular maintenance. Center Passenger Position

If your vehicle ever gets into a lot of water -- such as water up to the carpeting or higher -- or if water enters your vehicle and soaks the carpet, the air bag controller can be soaked and ruined. If this ever happens, and then you start your vehicle, the damage could make the air bags inflate, even if there’s no crash. You would have to replace the air bags as well as the sensors and related parts. If your vehicle is ever in a flood, or if it’s exposed to water that soaks the carpet, you can avoid needless repair costs by turning off the vehicle immediately. Don’t let anyone start the vehicle, even to tow it, unless the battery cables are first disconnected. Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag system in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your dealer and the Bonneville Service Manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. To purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.

1-24

Lap Belt If your vehicle has front and rear bench seats, someone can sit in the center positions.

When you sit in a center 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.

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.

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

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

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

Don’t let it get twisted.

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

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- . . .. . . .. .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . .... . . . . .. . . .. .

.. ..

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 would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

so you

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

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The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash.

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’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.

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There is one guide for each outside passenger position the rear seat. 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. Here’s how to install a comfort guide and use the safety belt:

in

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Rear shoulder belt comfort guides will provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for small adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide pulls the belt away from the neck and head.

1. Pull the elastic cord out from between the edge of to remove the

the seatback and the interior body guide from its storage clip.

2. Slide the guide under and past the belt. The elastic cord must be under the belt. Then, place the guide over the belt, and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide.

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.

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Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and 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. Smaller Children and Babies

size of the traveler

I A CAUTION:

- -

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 Erom the guides. Pull the guide upward to expose its storage clip, and then slide the guide onto the clip. Rotate the guide and clip inward and in between the seatback and the interior body, leaving only the loop of elastic cord exposed.

Children who are up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. This is true even though your vehicle has reduced-force fmntal air bags. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best 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. Always secure children properly in your vehicle.

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’ A CAUTION:

Smaller children and babies should always be restrained in a child or infant restraint. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is the right type and size for your child. A very young child’s hip bones are so small that a regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it should. Instead, the belt will likely be over the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force right on the child’s abdomen, which could cause serious or fatal injuries. So, be sure that any child small enough for one is always properly restrained in a child or infant restraint.

Infants need complete support, including support for the head and neck. This is necessary because an 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 restraint settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of the infant’s body, the back and shoulders. A baby should be secured in an appropriate infant restraint. This is so important that many hospitals today won’t release a newborn infant to its parents unless there is an infant restraint available for the baby’s first trip in a motor vehicle.

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at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-1b. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 2404b. (110 kg) force on your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold. Secure the baby in an infant restraint.

Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a

vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a

crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash

CAUTION: (Continued)

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Child Restraints Every time infants and young children ride vehicles, they should have protection provided by appropriate restraints. @ What are the different types of add-on

in

child restraints?

A: Add-on child restraints are available in four basic types. When selecting a child restraint, take into consideration not only the child’s weight and size, but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which be used.

it will

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

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A rear-facing infant restraint (B) positions an infant to face the rear of the vehicle. Rear-facing infant restraints are designed for infants of up to about 20 lbs. (9 kg) and about one year of age. This type of restraint faces the rear so that the infant’s head, neck and body can have the support they need in a crash. Some infant seats come in two parts -- the base stays secured in the vehicle and the seat part is removable.

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A forward-facing child restraint (C-E) positions a child upright to face forward in the vehicle. These forward-facing restraints are designed to help protect children who are from 20 to 40 lbs. (9 to 18 kg) and about 26 to 40 inches (66 to 102 cm) in height, or up to around four years of age. One type, a convertible restraint, is designed to be used either as a rear-facing infant seat or a forward-facing child seat.

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A booster seat (F, G) is designed for children who are about 40 to 60 lbs. (18 to 27 kg) and about four to eight years of age. It’s designed to improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Booster seats with shields use lap-only belts; however, booster seats without shields use lap-shoulder belts. Booster seats can also help a child to see out the window.

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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 in booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. The instructions that come with the infant restraint will show you how to do that. Both the owner’s manual and the child restraint instructions are important, so if either one of these is not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer.

or child

or in a

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 at General Motors therefore recommend that you put your child restraint in the rear seat. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat. Here’s why:

A child in a rearfacing child restraint can be seriously injured if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates, even though your vehicle has reduced-force frontal air bags. This is because the back of the rearfacing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rearfacing child restraint in a rear seat. You may, however, 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 the rear seat.

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I Top Strap

A child in a child restraint in the center front seat can be badly injured by the right front passenger air bag if it inflates, even though your vehicle has reduced-force frontal air bags. Never secure a child restraint in the center front seat. It’s always better to secure a child restraint in the rear seat. You may secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front passenger seat, but before you do, always move the passenger seat as far back as it will go. It’s better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.

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.

If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. If you need to have an anchor installed, you it in for you. If you can ask your Pontiac dealer to put want to install an anchor yourself, your dealer can tell you how to do it. Canadian law requires that child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored.

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If your child restraint has a top strap, your dealer can obtain a kit with anchor hardware and installation instructions specifically designed for this vehicle. The deder can then install the anchor for you. In Canada, this work will be done for you free of charge. Or, you may install the anchor yourself using the instructions provided in the kit. Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position

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.

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. Put the restraint on the seat.

3. 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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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 .

6.

To tighten the belt, pull 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 restraint as you tighten the belt. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure.

to push down on the child

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To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt to work for an adult will move freely again and be ready or larger child passenger. Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position

A child in a child restraint in the center front seat can be badly injured or killed by the right front passenger air bag if it inflates, even though your vehicle has reduced-force frontal air bags. Never secure a child restraint in the center front seat. It’s always better to secure a child restraint in the rear seat. You may secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front passenger 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.

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.

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f

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.

4.

5.

6.

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. 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. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure.

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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. Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position

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

I A CAUTION:

’

A child in a rearfacing child restraint can be seriously injured if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates, even though your vehicle has

CAUTION: (Continued)

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reduced-force frontal air bags. This is because the back of a rearfacing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rearfacing child restraint in the rear 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. 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. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

A

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 lap belt all the way out of the

retractor to set the lock.

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Larger Children

t '

6. To tighten the belt, feed the lap 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.

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. 1-46

Children who have outgrown child restraints 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.

Accident statistics show that children are safer are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the safety belts properly.

if they

Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in a crash. Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other people who are.

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. &.’ 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. 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 the center seat position, the one that has only a lap belt.

If the

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/1\ 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.

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Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The extender will be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt. Checking Your Restraint Systems Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other If you see loose or damaged safety belt system parts. anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Tom or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.)

Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new belts. If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt wasn’t being used at the time of the collision.