Download PDF Manual

2-17 Right Front Passenger Position .................... 1-22 Roadside Assistance. Canadian ..................... 8-7 Roadside Assistance. Pontiac ....................... 8-6 Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out ................ 5-39 Roof Console Reading Lamps ..................... 2-44 Rotation. Tires ................................. 6-46


........


safety Belt Extender .......................... 1-67 Safety Belts .................................... 1-8 Adults ...................................... 1 . 13 Care ....................................... 6-55 Center Passenger Position ...................... 1-28 Children .................................... 1-35 Driver Position ............................... 1-14 How to Wear Properly ......................... 1-13 ... 1.17.1.31.1.66. 1.67 Incorrect Usage LapBelt .................................... 1-28 Lap-Shoulder ............................... 1.14. Larger Children .............................. 1-65 Questions and Answers ........................ 1-12 Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions ............ 1-30 Rear Seat Passengers .......................... 1-30 Reminder Light .......................... Replacing Parts After a Crash ................... 1-68 Right Front Passenger Position .................. 1-22 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster ................... 1-15 Smaller Children and Babies .................... 1-35 ... 1-21 Use During Pregnancy WhyTheyWork ............................... 1-9 Safety Chains .................................. 4-36 Safety Defects. Reporting to General Motors ......... 8-11 Safety Defects. Reporting to the Canadian Government ........................ 8-11 Safety Defects. Reporting to the United States Government ....................... Safety Warnings and Symbols ....................... Scheduled Maintenance Services ....................


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


8-10 iii 7-4


1.9. 2.66


9-9


Seatback


Latches ...................................... 1-7 Reclining Front ............................... 1-5 Seats Four- Way Power Lumbar Driver’s ................ 1-4 Heated ...................................... 1-5 Restraint Systems .............................. 1 - 1 Controls ..................................... l-2 Six-Way Power Driver’s ........................ 1-3 TWO-Way Manual Front ......................... 1-2 TWO-Way Manual Lumbar ....................... 1-4 Service ........................................ 6-2 Bulletins, Ordering ............................ 8- 11 Engine Soon Light ............................ 2-69 Manuals, Ordering ............................ 8-1 1 Parts Identification Label ....................... 6-61 Publications, Ordering ......................... 8-11 Work, Doing Your Own ......................... 6-2 Service and Appearance Care ...................... 6-1 Service and Owner Publications ................... 8- 11 Service Publications ............................. 8- 11 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle ........... 1-27 Sheet Metal Damage ............................ 6-58 ShiftLever .................................... 2-21 Shift Lock Release .............................. 2-25 Engine shifting Automatic Transaxle .......................... 2-2 1 Into Park (P) ................................. 2-27 Out of Park .................................. 2-30 Performance ................................. 2-26 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster ..................... 1-16


6-13


Signaling Turns ................. ... 2-34 Skidding ...................................... 4-16 Sound Equipment. Adding ........................ 3-30 Spare Tire. Compact ............................. 5-37 Specifications and Capacities ...................... 6-68 Specifications. Engine ........................... 6-69 Speech Impaired. Customer Assistance ............... 8-5 Speedometer/Odometer .......................... 2-63 SRS ......................................... l-22 Stains. Cleaning ................................ 6-53 Starter Switch Check ............................ 7-16 Starting Your Engine ............................ 2-17 Steering ........................... ........ 4-12 In Emergencies .................... ........ 4-13 Power ...................................... 4-12 Tips ........................................ 4-12 Wheel. Tilt .................................. 2-34 Storage Compartments ........................... 2-54 Storage. Vehicle ................................ 6-37 Storing the Flat Tire and Tools ..................... 5-35 Storing the Spare Tire and Tools ................... 5-36 Stuck: In Sand, Mud. Ice or Snow .................. 5-38 Sunvisors .................................... 2-58 Sunroof ....................................... 2-59 Supercharged Supercharger Oil ............................... 6-21 How to Check and add Oil ...................... 6-21 What Kind of Oil to Use ....................... 6-21 When to Check ............................... 6-21 Supplemental Restraint System .................... 1-22 Symbols. Vehicle .................................. v


9-10


. .


Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-63 Taillamp Bulb Replacement ....................... 6-42 TapePlayerCare ............................... 3-31 Theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27 Theft-Deterrent Feature. CD Player THEFTLOCK” ................................ 3-27 Themostat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-30 .................... Tilt Steering Wheel 2-34 ............................... 3-10 Time. Setting the Tire Chains .................................... 6-51 TireLoading ................................... 4-31 Tire-Loading Information Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3 1 Tires ......................................... 6-44 Alignment and Balance ........................ 6-50 BuyingNew ................................. 6-48 Chains ..................................... 6-51 Changing a Flat .............................. 5-27 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-58 Compact Spare ............................... 5-37 Inflation .................................... 6-45 Inflation Check ............................... 7-14 Inspection and Rotation ........................ 6-46 Loading .................................... 4-31 Pressure .................................... 6-45 Temperature ................................. 6-50 Traction ........................ . . . . . . . . 6-49 Treadwear ................................... 6-49 Uniform Quality Grading ....................... 6-49 Used Replacement Wheels ...................... 6-51 Wear Indicators .............................. 6-47 Wheel Replacement ........................... 6-50 ....................... When It’s Time for New 6-47


When to Check ............................... 6-46 TopStrap ..................................... 1-58 Torque Lock ................................... 2-30 Torque. Wheel Nut .............................. 5-34 Towing a Trailer ................................ 4-33 Towing Your Vehicle ............................. 5-8 Traction Control System .......................... 4-9 Traction Control System Warning Light ............. 2-67 Trailer Brakes ..................................... 4-37 ............................ 4-39 Driving on Grades ................................ 4-37 Driving With Engine Cooling When Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-40 Following Distance ........................... 4-37 Hitches ..................................... 4-36 Maintenance When Towing ..................... 4-40 MakingTurns ................................ 4-38 Parking on Hills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-39 Safety Chains ................................ 4-36 Tongueweight ............................... 4-35 Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires .............. 4-36 Towing ..................................... 4-33 Turnsignals ................................. 4-38 Weight ..................................... 4-35 Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-22 HowtoAdd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-26 ............................... How to Check 6-22 When to Check and Change ..................... 6-22 Transportation Error Courtesy ...................... 8-8 Trip Computer ............................ Trip Odometer .................................


Transaxle Fluid


2.78. 2.79


2-63 9-11


warning Devices ............................... 5-2 Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators ............... 2-64 WarrantyInformation ............................ 8-10 Washer Fluid. Adding ........................... 6-32 ........................ 6-32 Washer Fluid. Windshield Washing Your Vehicle ........................... 6-56 Weatherstrips .................................. 6-56 Wheel Alignment .................................. Nut Torque .................................. Replacement ................................. Wrench ..................................... ............................... Windows. Power Windshield Washer ............................. Fluid .................................. Fluid Level Check ............................ Windshield Wiper .............................. Blade Replacement ........................... .................... Fuses ........... Winter Driving ............................... WiperBladeCheck ............................. Wiring. Headlamp .............................. Wrench. Wheel .................................


6-50 5-34 6-50 5-29 2-33 2-37 2-37. 6-32 7-14 2-36 6-44 6-63 4-27 7-15 6-62 5-29


T r ~ n k ...................................... 2-12 Lock ....................................... 2-12 Release. Remote .......................... 2.9. 2. 12 Trunk Access Panel ............................. 2-57 Trunk Ajar Warning Light ........................ 2-74 Trunk Mounted CD Changer ...................... 3-24 "Y Users ..................................... 8-5 Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator ............. 2-35 Turn Signal On Chime ........................... 2-35 Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever ................... 2-34 Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer ................ 4-38 Two-way Manual Front Seat ....................... 1-2 Underbody Flushing Service ..................... Underbody Maintenance ......................... Underhood Electrical Center ......................


7- 18 6-59 6-65


Vehicle .................... Control ............. Damagewarnings .............................. Dimensions ................................. Identification Number ......................... Loading .................................... Storage ..................................... Symbols ....................................... Ventilation System ............................... ............................ Visor Vanity Mirrors Visors. Sun ....................................


4-6 iv 6-69 6-61 4-31 6-37 3-8 2-58 2-58


9-12


CAPACITIES AND SPECIFICATIONS (6,


:hes (280.7 c


Wheel Nuf Torque


100 1F


Washer !l


moa Herease 8 See Page 6-9 . . .. ..


For a More


Detailed Look at


Vhat’s Under the Hood.


00 P # I d l O As?


:kout assisranc e dead-battery as: e out-of-fuel ass at-tire chana


Transportation -


--


iourtesy


.i~.i..-


.-


~~~


~~~~~


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


, .


" C


~- Ac?lL


One of the first things you'll probably want to do when you get in your neb icle is adjust the seats. Depending on your vehicle, you may either be to do this manually or with power controls.


E c


,, .,. I. !=


iectiol


ki


Sectio


EPLACEMENT BUMS


reamamps Lomposltt


9007


tear Stopflail and Turn Sianal


CAPACITIES ANT) ~WCIFICATIC


Code


rostat Start,


s n


A


'98 owner's manual 7 .


9 ,


.V PONTIiLC


WE ARE DRIVING EXCITEMENT


The 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix 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 Problems on the Road This section tells what to do 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 to get service and owner publications. 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.


if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc.


how to drive under different conditions.


GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, PONTIAC, the PONTIAC Emblem and the name GRAND PRK are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time was printed. We reserve the right to make changes 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. sell the vehicle, please leave this manual owner can use it.


If you in it so the new


it in the


We support voluntary technician certification.


WE SUPPORT


VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION THROUGH


National InatiMe for


AUTOMOTIVE


S E R V I C E


EXCELLENCE


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


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


Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 10285608 B First Edition


@Copyright General Motors Corporation 1997 All Rights Reserved


How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning you to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If 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 about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.


to tell you


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:


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:


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


These symbols have to do with your lamps:


These symbols are on some of your controls:


WINDSHIELD WIPER


CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY


PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING


CAUSTIC


BURNS


AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES


SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BAllERY


TURN SIGNALS


PARKING p$


LAMPS


UNLOCK Fol


FASTEN SEAT BELTS


WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER


BRAKE


,\I/,


op


AIR BAG p\


$0


VENTILATING


FOG LAMPS


ENGINE OIL PRESSURE


These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:


Here are some other symbols you may see:


FUSE


COOLANT TEMP


CHARGING I-1


BAllERY


SYSTEM


HORN


LIGHTER m tcr (0) SPEAKER b e3


FUEL


b NOTES


vi


v Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems


Here you’ll find information about the seats learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.


in your Pontiac and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also


1-2 1-8 1-12


1-13 1-14 1-21 1-22 1-22 1-30


Seats and 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) Rear Seat Passengers


1-33


1-35 1-38 1-52 1-65 1-67 1-68 1-68


Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Children Built-in Child Restraint (Option) 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 how to adjust the seats and explains reclining seatbacks and head restraints. 2-Way Manu4 Drive-Tassenger Seat


I A CAUTION:


You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle 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.


is


1-2


Lift the lever under the front of the seat up, using a twisting motion. This will unlock the seat. Slide the seat to where you want it and release the lever. Try to move the seat with your body to be sure the seat is locked in place.


6-Way Power Driver’s Seat (If Equipped) 1 This switch is designed to control the movements of


your seat cushion. It is located on the left side of the driver’s seat cushion. To move the seat forward or rearward, push the switch forward or rearward. To raise or lower the seat, push the switch up or down. To raise or lower the fiont portion of your seat, push the front of the switch up or down. To raise or lower the rear portion of your seat, push the rear of the switch up


or down.


1-3


2-Way Manual Lumbar (If Equipped)


4-Way Power Lumbar Driver's Seat (If Equipped)


The knob that controls this feature is located on the right side of the driver's seat, about halfway down the seatback. Turn the knob clockwise to increase lumbar support. Turn the knob counterclockwise to decrease lumbar support.


If you have this option, there will be a toggle switch on the left side of the driver's seat cushion, just in front of the reclining seatback lever. To increase or decrease lumbar support, push the switch forward or rearward. To adjust the lumbar support up or down, push the switch up or down.


1-4


Heated Seat (If Equipped)


Reclining Front Seatbacks


If your vehicle has this option, the switch is on the center console, just behind the open storage bin.


Press LO to warm the seat to a lower temperature. Press HI to warm the seat to a higher temperature. To turn this feature off, place the switch in the center position.


Lift the lever to release the seatback, then move the seatback to where you want it. Release the lever to lock the seatback in place. Pull up on the lever without pushing on the seatback, and the seatback will move forward.


1-5


is if you buckle


Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle in motion can be dangerous. Even 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.


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.


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


1-6


Seatback Latches (2-Door Models)


After someone gets into the rear seat area, move the right front seatback to its original position. Then move the seat rearward until it locks. To get out, tilt the seatback fully forward.


A 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.


On two-door models, the right front seat is designed to make it easy to get in and out of the rear seat. Tilt the right seatback fully forward, The whole seat will now slide forward. If the seat will not tilt, lift the seatback latch, located on the back of the seat to tilt the seatback forward. The whole seat will now slide forward.


1-7


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.


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.


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.


1-8


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


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


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!


‘a


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


1-9


Put someone on it.


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


1-10


I


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


or the instrument panel . . .


1-11


Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers @ 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 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.


” -


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.


1-12


home, why should I wear safety belts?


&: 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 kmlh). 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 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.


1-13


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.


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.


1-14


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


h l l 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 to. safety belt quickly if you ever had


5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle


end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt.


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 resb.aining 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.


1-15


Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster (4-Door Models) 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 lever 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 squeezing the release lever 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.


1-16


&: 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.


1-17


@ 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.


1-18


What’s wrong with this?


A 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.


1-19


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.


@ What's wrong with this?


A: The belt is twisted across the body.


1-20


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.


1-21


as If you ever pull locking feature. If this happens, just


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 fiont passenger’s safety belt properly, see “Driver Position” earlier in this section. The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way the driver’s safety belt -- except for one thing. the shoulder portion of the belt out all the way, you will engage the child restraint let the belt go back all the way and start again. 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 fiontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating 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:


’ A CAUTION: you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you


You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if


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 reduced-force air bags -- are are %pplemental restraints” to the safety belts. designed to work with safety belts, but don’t replace them. Air bags 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, reduced-force air bags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forcefid air bags have provided in the past. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly -- whether or not there’s an air bag for that person.


A CAUTION:


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.


/I\ 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, but not for young children and infants.


CAUTION: (Continued)


CAUTION: (Continued)


Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its airbag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. 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.


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


SRS AIR BAG AIRBAG.


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.


1-23


How the Air Bag System Works


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


1-24


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


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.


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 wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is 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 sufficient 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 steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger.


1-25


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 anythmg 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 the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.


1-26


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. 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.


0


Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the sensors are 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.


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 fist 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 Grand Prix 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.


1-27


A CAUTION:


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 i3


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


1-28


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


is positioned


1-29


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 properly.


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.


1-30


2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will all the way and start again. If lock. If it does, let it go back the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt Extendef’ 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 beIt restraining forces.


1-31


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.


A CAUTION:


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


is


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


1-32


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. There is one guide for each outside passenger position in 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:


1. Pull the elastic cord out from between the edge of the seatback and the interior body to remove the 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 of the belt into over the belt, and insert the two edges 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.


1-34


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 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. Smaller Children and Babies


A CAUTION:


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 frontal air bags. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle.


1-35


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 @des. 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.


,& 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.


1-36


at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (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) I


Built-in Child Restraint (Option)


This child restraint is designed for use only by children who weigh between 22 and 60 pounds (10 and 27 kg) and whose height is between 33.5 and 51 inches (850 and 1 295 mm) and who are capable of sitting upright alone. The child should also be at least one year old. It is important to use a rear-facing infant restraint until the child is about a year old. A rear-facing restraint gives the infant’s head, neck and body the support they would need in a crash. See “Child Restraints” later in this section for more information.


If your vehicle has this option, there’s a built-in child restraint in the center rear seat position. This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.


1-38


@ Which slots should I use for my child? A: With the child seated on the child restraint cushion, just above the top


use the pair of slots that is at or of the child’s shoulders.


With this built-in child restraint, you can adjust the height of the harness. Depending on the seated height of the child, you can route it through the upper pair of slots (A), the middle pair of slots (B) or the lower pair of slots (C).


For the child shown here, the harness should go through the middle pair of slots (B).


1-39


Adjusting the Harness Height


1. Lower the child restraint cushion.


@ What if the top of my child’s shoulders is above


the highest pair of slots?


A: A child whose shoulders are above the highest slots shouldn’t use this child restraint. Instead, the child should sit on the vehicle’s seat cushion and use the vehicle’s safety belts.


A CAUTION:


MAKE SURE THE TOP OF THE CHILD’S SHOULDERS Is BELOW THE SLOTS THAT THE HARNESS GOES THROUGH. A CHILD WHOSE SHOULDERS ARE ABOVE THOSE SLOTS COULD BE INJURED DURING A SUDDEN STOP OR CRASH. IF’ THE TOP OF THE CHILD’S SHOULDERS IS ABOVE THE SLOTS, DON’T USE THIS CHILD RESTRAINT. INSTEAD, THE CHILD SHOULD SIT ON THE VEHICLE’S REGULAR SEAT AND USE THE REGULAR SAFETY BELTS.


1-40


2. If the left and right halves of the shoulder harness


clip are fastened together, separate them.


3. If the lap-shoulder harness is buckled, unlatch it by


pushing the button on the buckle.


1-41


4. Pull down the seatback part of the pad (D).


5. Select one side of the harness. Add some slack to the


shoulder part by pulling up on the lap part. You'll keep most of this slack until you finish Step 9.


1-42


6. Feed a small amount of harness slack back into


the slot.


7. Twist the harness slightly to remove it from the slot.


8. Move the harness up or down to the correct slot. The correct slot is the one that will be at or just above the top of the child’s shoulder.


1-43


10. Pull on the harness. Make sure it is properly routed


and isn’t twisted or flipped over.


11. Repeat Steps 5 through 10 for the other side o€ the


harness. Be sure both sides are adjusted to the same height.


12. Move the pad back against the child restraint


seatback. Make sure the harness goes through the slots in the pad that match the height adjustment slots being used.


13 Press the upper edge of the pad against the


fastener strip.


9. Twist the harness slightly to route it through the


correct slot.


1-44


Securing a Child in the Built-in Child Restraint


Now that the harness is adjusted to the correct height for your child, you’re ready to use the child restraint’s harness (E) to secure your child. Don’t use the vehicle’s safety belts.


Using the vehicle’s regular safety belts on a child seated on the child restraint cushion can cause serious injury to the child in a sudden stop or crash. If a child is the proper size for the built-in child restraint, secure the child using the child restraint’s harness. But children who are too large for the built-in child restraint should sit on the vehicle’s regular seat and use the regular safety belts.


WARNING! FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS ON THE USE OF THIS CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM CAN RESULT IN YOUR CHILD STRIKING THE VEHICLE’S INTERIOR DURING A SUDDEN STOP OR CRASH. SNUGLY ADJUST THE BELTS PROVIDED WITH THIS CHILD RESTRAINT AROUND YOUR CHILD.


1-45


1. If the left and right halves of the shoulder harness


clip are fastened together, separate them.


2. If the lap-shoulder harness is buckled, unlatch it by


pushing the button on the buckle.


3. Place the child on the child restraint cushion.


1-46


5. Push the latch plate (F) into the buckle until it clicks. Be sure the buckle is free of any foreign objects that may prevent you from securing the latch plates. If you can’t secure a latch plate, see your dealer for service before using the child restraint.


6. In a single motion, pull the other side of the harness all the way out. Keeping the harness pulled all the way out, place it over the child’s shoulder.


4. Select only one side of the harness. Pull the lap part of the harness out, and place the harness over child’s shoulder. If both sides of the harness are pulled out, the lap parts will lock. If the lap parts lock, let both sides of the harness go back all the way so each side will move freely again. Then repeat this step, pulling only one side of the harness out.


the


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


Pull on both latch plates to make sure they are secure. A green indicator will show in each latch plate window (G). If the harness locks before the latch plate reaches the buckle, let the harness go all the way back so it will move freely again. Then repeat Steps 6 and 7. Be sure to keep the harness pulled all the way out until you buckle it. Once both sides of the lap-shoulder harness are pulled out of the retractor and buckled, the harness will lock.


1-48


8. Now fasten the left and right halves of the shoulder harness clip together. The indicator window (H) on the clip will show green when the two halves are fastened together. The purpose of this clip is to help keep the harness positioned on the child’s shoulders.


An unfastened shoulder harness clip won’t help keep the harness in place on the child’s shoulders. If the harness isn’t on the child’s shoulders, it won’t be able to restrain the child’s upper body in a sudden stop or crash. The child could be seriously injured. Make sure the harness clip is properly fastened.


9. On both sides of the harness, pull up on the lap part a


little to be sure it’s locked. If the harness isn’t locked, or if it becomes too tight, unfasten the harness clip. Then unlatch the harness by pushing the button on the buckle, and let both sides of the harness go all the way back so they will move freely again. Then, repeat Steps 4 through 8. If the harness still doesn’t lock, don’t use the child restraint. See your dealer to have the built-in child restraint serviced.


1-49


10. Adjust the position of the harness on the child’s shoulders by moving the clip up or down along the harness. On each side of the harness, the shoulder part should be centered on the child’s shoulder. The harness should be away from the child’s face and neck, but not falling off the child’s shoulders.


1. Unfasten the shoulder harness clip.


1-50


Storing the Built-in Child Restraint Always properly store the built-in child restraint before using the vehicle’s lap belt in the center rear seat position. 1. Buckle the harness and fasten the harness clip.


2. Fold the child restraint cushion and leg rest up


into the seatback.


3. Press the child restraint cushion firmly into


the seatback.


1-51


2. Unlatch the harness by pushing the button on


the buckle.


3. Move one side of the harness off the child’s


shoulder, and let the harness go all the way back. 4. Move the other side of the harness off the child’s


shoulder, and let it go all the way back.


5. Remove the child fiom the child restraint cushion.


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


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 it will be used.


4. Then press the leg rest firmly into the seatback, and secure it by pressing the upper comers against the fastener strips on the seatback.


Just like the other restraint systems in your vehicle, your built-in child restraint needs to be periodically checked and may need to have parts replaced after a crash. See “Checking Your Restraint Systems” and “Replacing Seat and Restraint System Parts After a Crash” in the Index.


1-52


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.


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.


1-53


1-54


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.


or in a


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 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. The instructions that come with the infant or child 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. 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 booster seat (F, G) is designed for children who are about 40 to 60 lbs. (1 8 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.


1-56


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 reduced-force frontal air bags. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rearfacing 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.


A CAUTION:


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.


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


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 for you. In Canada, dealer can then install the anchor 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


If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. If you need to have an anchor installed, you can ask your Pontiac dealer to put it in for you. If you 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.


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.


1-58


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. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.


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


the retractor to set the lock.


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.


1-59


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


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.


5. 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 forwk-d-facing child restmint, 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.


1-60


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.


See the earlier part about restraint has one.


the top strap if the child


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.


1-61


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. 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:


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. 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.


1-62


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


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.


1-63


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


the retractor to set the lock.


1-64


6. 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. 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.


Larger Children


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 if they are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the safety belts properly. 0 Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out


in a crash.


0 Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other


people who are.


1-65


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


1-66


A CAUTION: I


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. Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it.


1-67


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. If your vehicle has a built-in child restraint, also periodically make sure the harness straps, latch plates, buckle, clip, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt and built-in child restraint system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt or built-in child restraint system from doing its job, have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. torn or frayed, get a new one right away. If your vehicle has the built-in child restraint, torn or frayed harness straps can rip apart under impact forces just like tom or frayed safety belts can. They may not


If a belt is


Loading...
x