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Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire ..... 9-63
Removing the Spare Tire
and Tools ........................ 9-62
Replacement Bulbs .............. 9-34
Replacing LATCH SystemParts After a Crash ........... 1-50
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government ..... 12-14
Saturn ........................... 12-14
United StatesGovernment ................ 12-14
Restraint System Check
Replacing Airbag System
Parts After a Crash ........ 1-37
Replacing Safety Belt
System Parts After a Crash .......................... 1-23
Retained Accessory Power ...... 8-3
RoadsideAssistance Program .......... 12-6
Rocking Your Vehicle to
Get it Out ........................ 8-29
Routing, Engine Drive Belt .... 11-15
Running the Vehicle WhileParked ............................ 8-14
i-8
INDEX
Safety Belt Reminders .......... 4-13
Safety Belts .......................... 1-8
Care of ........................... 1-23
Check ............................. 1-22
How to Wear SafetyBelts Properly ............... 1-12
Lap-Shoulder Belt ............. 1-18
Replacing Parts After aCrash .......................... 1-23
Safety Belt Extender ......... 1-22
Safety Belt Use DuringPregnancy .................... 1-22
Scheduled Maintenance ........ 11-3
SeatsHead Restraints ................. 1-5
Heated Seats - Rear ........... 1-6
Height Adjuster .................. 1-2
Lumbar Adjustment ............. 1-3
Rear Seat Operation ........... 1-7
Reclining Seatbacks ............ 1-3Securing Child
Restraints ................ 1-51, 1-53
Service ................................ 9-2
Accessories and
Modifications .................. 9-3
Adding Equipment to the
Outside of the Vehicle ..... 9-4
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements .... 9-3
California Proposition 65
Warning ......................... 9-3
Doing Your Own Work ........ 9-4
Engine Soon Lamp ........... 4-18
Owner Checks ................... 9-4
Publications OrderingInformation ................. 12-15
Vehicle Soon Light ............ 4-23Service, Scheduling
Appointments ................... 12-8
Servicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle .... 1-35
Sheet Metal Damage ............ 9-79
Shifting Into Park ................. 8-11
Shifting Out of Park .............. 8-12
Signals, Turn andLane-Change ..................... 4-8
Spare Tire Compact ......................... 9-68
Installing .......................... 9-63
Removing ........................ 9-62
Storing ............................ 9-66
Specifications, Capacities ...... 10-2
Speedometer ....................... 4-13
StabiliTrak® Indicator Light ..... 4-17
StabiliTrak® System .............. 8-19
Starting the Engine ................ 8-3
Steering .............................. 8-20
Steering Wheel Controls,Audio .............................. 6-23
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel ...... 4-4
Storage AreasCupholders ........................ 3-1
Glove Box ......................... 3-1
Sunglasses StorageCompartment .................. 3-1
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or
Snow .............................. 8-29
Sun Visors .......................... 2-11
Sunroof .............................. 2-12T
Tachometer ......................... 4-13
Taillamps .................... 9-30, 9-32
Theft-Deterrent, Radio ........... 6-23
Theft-Deterrent Systems ......... 2-8
Content Theft-Deterrent ....... 2-9
Immobilizer ........................ 2-8
Immobilizer Operation ......... 2-8
Tilt Wheel ............................. 4-4
TirePressure Light .................. 4-18
Tires .................................. 9-40
Buying New Tires ............. 9-54
Chains ............................ 9-60
Changing a Flat Tire ......... 9-61
Compact Spare Tire .......... 9-68
Different Size ................... 9-56
High-Speed Operation ....... 9-48
If a Tire Goes Flat ............ 9-60
Inflation - Tire Pressure ..... 9-47
Inspection and Rotation ..... 9-52
Installing the Spare Tire ..... 9-63
Pressure MonitorOperation ..................... 9-51
Pressure Monitor
System ........................ 9-49
Removing the Flat Tire ...... 9-63Tires (cont.)
Removing the Spare Tire
and Tools ..................... 9-62
Storing a Flat or Spare
Tire and Tools ............... 9-66
Tire Sidewall Labeling ....... 9-42
Tire Terminology andDefinitions .................... 9-44
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading ....................... 9-57
Wheel Alignment and
Tire Balance ................. 9-58
Wheel Replacement .......... 9-59
When It Is Time forNew Tires .................... 9-54
Winter Tires ..................... 9-41Towing
Recreational Vehicle .......... 9-73
Towing a Trailer ................ 9-73
Your Vehicle ..................... 9-73StabiliTrak® System .......... 8-19
Traction
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic ................ 9-12
Fluid, Manual ................... 9-12Transmission Operation,
Automatic .......................... 8-6
Transmission Operation,
Manual ............................. 8-9
INDEX
i-9
Trip Odometers .................... 4-13
Turn and Lane-ChangeSignals ............................. 4-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction
Lever ................................ 4-4
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading ........................... 9-57
Vehicle
Control ............................ 8-17
Loading ........................... 8-30
Parking Your .................... 8-13
Running While Parked ....... 8-14
Service Soon Light ........... 4-23
Symbols .............................. iiiVehicle Data Recording and
Privacy .......................... 12-16
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) ................... 10-1
Service Parts IdentificationLabel ........................... 10-1
Ventilation Adjustment ............. 7-4
Visors ................................. 2-11i-10
INDEX
Warning Lights, Gages and
Indicators ........................ 4-11
Warnings
DIC Warnings and
Messages .................... 4-36
Hazard Warning Flashers .... 4-4Wheels
Alignment and Tire
Balance ....................... 9-58
Different Size ................... 9-56
Replacement .................... 9-59
Where to Put the Restraint .... 1-44
Windows ............................. 2-10
Power ............................. 2-10Windshield
Washer ............................. 4-9
Washer Fluid .................... 9-20
Wiper BladeReplacement
................ 9-21
Wipers .............................. 4-8Windshield, Rear Washer/
Wiper ............................... 4-9
Winter Driving ...................... 8-27
Winter Driving Mode Light ..... 4-22
Winter Tires ........................ 9-41Your Vehicle and the
Environment ..................... 11-2
2009 Saturn ASTRA M
Seats and Restraints ......... 1-1
Front Seats .................... 1-2
Rear Seats .................... 1-7
Safety Belts ................... 1-8
Airbag System .............. 1-24
Child Restraints ............. 1-38Keys Doors and Locks Theft-Deterrent Systems Windows Mirrors Sunroof
Keys, Doors and Windows ............................ 2-1
............................. 2-2
............ 2-5
... 2-8
...................... 2-10
......................... 2-11
........................ 2-12
Storage .............................. 3-1
......................... 3-1Storage
Instruments and Controls ............................. 4-1
Instrument Panel
Overview
.................... 4-2
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators
............ 4-11
Driver Information
Lighting
Center (DIC)
............. 4-25
OnStar® System ............ 4-38
Lighting ............................. 5-1
......................... 5-1
Infotainment ...................... 6-1
............. 6-1
Climate Controls ............... 7-1
............. 7-1
Driving and Operating ....... 8-1Climate Controls
Audio System(s)
Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle
Driving Your Vehicle Fuel
............... 8-2
...... 8-15
............................ 8-34Vehicle Service and Care ............................ 9-1
Service .......................... 9-2
Owner Checks ................ 9-4
Headlamp Aiming .......... 9-26
Bulb Replacement ......... 9-28
Electrical System ........... 9-34Tires Tire Changing Jump Starting Towing Appearance Care
........................... 9-40
............... 9-60
............... 9-69
........................ 9-73
.......... 9-73
Technical Data ................. 10-1
...... 10-1Vehicle Identification Capacities and Specifications
............ 10-2
Service and Maintenance ..................... 11-1
Service and
Maintenance
.............. 11-1
Customer Information ...... 12-1
..... 12-1Customer Information Reporting Safety
Defects
................... 12-14
Vehicle Data Recording
and Privacy
............. 12-16
Index ................................... i-1ii
Preface
SATURN and the SATURN Emblem are registered trademarks, and the name ASTRA is a trademark of Saturn Corporation. GENERAL MOTORS and GM are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. Saturn reserves the right to make changes after that time without further notice. This manual describes features that may or may not be on your specific vehicle.
Read this manual from beginning to end to learn about the vehicle’s features and controls. Pictures, symbols, and words work together to explain vehicle operation. Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick reference.
Canadian Owners A French language copy of this manual can be obtained from your dealer/retailer or from: Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
1-800-551-4123
helminc.comPropriétaires Canadiens On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide en français auprès de concessionnaire ou à l’adresse suivante: Helm Incorporated P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
1-800-551-4123
helminc.comIndex To quickly locate information about the vehicle use the Index in the back of the manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is in the manual and the page number where it can be found.
Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 25918346 A First Printing
©2008 General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
A notice tells about something that can damage the vehicle. Notice: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty, and it could be costly. The notice tells what to do to help avoid the damage. There are also warning labels on the vehicle which use the same words, CAUTION or Notice.
Preface
iii
Vehicle Symbols The vehicle has components and labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with the text describing the operation or information relating to a specific component, control, message, gage, or indicator. M : This symbol is shown when you need to see your owner manual for additional instructions or information.
* : This symbol is shown when you need to see a service manual for additional instructions or information.
Cautions and Notices
A circle with a slash through it is a safety symbol which means “Do Not,” “Do not do this” or “Do not let this happen.” A box with the word CAUTION is used to tell about things that could hurt you or others if you were to ignore the warning.
{ CAUTION
These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people.
Cautions tell what the hazard is and what to do to avoid or reduce the hazard. Read these cautions.
iv
Preface
Vehicle Symbol Chart Here are some additional symbols that may be found on the vehicle and what they mean. For more information on the symbol, refer to the index.
9 : Airbag Readiness Light # : Air Conditioning ! : Antilock Brake System (ABS) g : Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar® $ : Brake System Warning Light " : Charging System
I : Cruise Control B : Engine Coolant Temperature O : Exterior Lamps # : Fog Lamps . : Fuel Gage
+ : Fuses i : Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j : LATCH System Child Restraints * : Malfunction Indicator Lamp : : Oil Pressure
} : Power / : Remote Vehicle Start > : Safety Belt Reminders
7 : Tire Pressure Monitor
F : Traction Control
M : Windshield Washer Fluid
Seats and Restraints
1-1
Child Restraints Older Children ..................1-38
Infants and Young Children ..........................1-40
Child Restraint Systems ....1-43
Where to Put the Restraint .........................1-44
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) ..........................1-46
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash ...........1-50
Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat) .....................1-51
Securing Child Restraints (Right Front Seat) ...........1-53Seats and Restraints
Front Seats Manual Seats .....................1-2
Seat Height Adjuster ...........1-2
Lumbar Seat Adjustment ....1-3
Reclining Seatbacks ...........1-3
Head Restraints ..................1-5
Heated Seats .....................1-6
Rear Seats Rear Seat Operation ...........1-7
Safety Belts Safety Belts ........................1-8
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ..................1-12
Lap-Shoulder Belt .............1-18
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy .......................1-22
Safety Belt Extender .........1-22
Safety Belt Check .............1-22Care of Safety Belts .........1-23
Replacing Safety Belt System Parts After a Crash ..............................1-23Airbag System Airbag System ..................1-24
Where Are the Airbags? ...1-26
When Should an Airbag Inflate? ............................1-27
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? ............................1-28
How Does an Airbag Restrain? ........................1-28
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates? ..........1-29
Passenger Sensing System ............................1-30
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ............................1-35
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ............................1-36
Airbag System Check .......1-37
Replacing Airbag System Parts After a Crash .........1-371-2
Seats and Restraints
Front Seats Manual Seats
{ CAUTION You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you do not want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.
To move a manual seat forward or rearward:
Seat Height Adjuster
1. Lift the bar to unlock the seat. 2. Slide the seat to the desired position and release the bar.
Try to move the seat with your body to be sure the seat is locked in place.
To raise and lower the manual seat, move the lever up or down repeatedly until the seat is at the desired height.
Lumbar Seat Adjustment
Reclining Seatbacks
{ CAUTION
You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust the seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you do not want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.
On seats with this feature, turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the lumbar support.
Seats and Restraints
1-3
{ CAUTION
Sitting in a reclined position when the vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if when buckled up, the safety belts cannot do their job when reclined like this. The shoulder belt cannot do its job because it will not be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash, you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt cannot do its job either. In a crash, the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear the safety belt properly.
1-4
Seats and Restraints
Seatback Latches (Three Door Model) For easy entry/exit to the rear seats on three door models:
To adjust a manual reclining seatback, turn the knob. Do not lean on the seatback while adjusting it.
1. Lift the lever, and tilt the seatback
forward.
2. Lower the lever and move the entire seat completely forward.
{ CAUTION
If either seatback is not locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always push and pull on the seatbacks to be sure they are locked.
To return the seat to the upright position: 1. Remove any objects in front of or
behind the seat.
2. Move the entire seat rearward. 3. Lift the lever located on the
outboard side of the seat and return the seatback to the upright position.
4. Lower the lever then push and pull on the seatback to be sure it is locked in place.
Head Restraints The vehicle’s front seats have adjustable head restraints. { CAUTION
With head restraints that are not installed and adjusted properly, there is a greater chance that occupants will suffer a neck/spinal injury in a crash. Do not drive until the head restraints for all occupants are installed and adjusted properly.
Seats and Restraints
1-5
Adjust the head restraint so that the top of the restraint is at the same height as the top of the occupant’s head. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash.
To adjust the head restraint, press the button located on the side of the head restraint. Pull up or push down on the restraint to adjust it. Try to move the head restraint after the button is released to make sure that it is locked in place. The vehicle’s front seat head restraints are not designed to be removed.
1-6
Seats and Restraints
Active Head Restraint System
The vehicle has an active head restraint system in the front seating positions. These automatically tilt forward to reduce the risk of neck injury if the vehicle is hit from behind.
Rear Seat Headrests The vehicle has headrests in all seating positions of the rear seats. The headrests in the rear outboard positions adjust like the front seat head restraints.
To adjust the headrest in the rear seat center position, pull up to raise it. To lower the headrest, press the buttons located on the top of the seatback and push the head rest down. The vehicle’s rear seat headrests are not designed to be removed.
Heated Seats On vehicles with heated front seats, the controls for each seat are located on the center of the instrument panel. To operate the heated seats the ignition must be on.
M (Heated Seat): Press this button to turn on the heated seat. The light on the button will come on to indicate that the feature is working. Press the button to cycle through the temperature settings of high, medium, and low and to turn the heat to the seat off. The number of indicator lights above the button will show the level of heat selected: three for high, two for medium, and one for low.
Rear Seats Rear Seat Operation
{ CAUTION
If either seatback is not locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always push and pull on the seatbacks to be sure they are locked.
Seats and Restraints
1-7
The front seat must be moved all the way forward, and not reclined. The headrest must be completely lowered. To lower the seatback:
1. Press the button located on the top of the seatback to release it.
2. Fold the seatback forward.
{ CAUTION
A safety belt that is improperly routed, not properly attached, or twisted will not provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. After raising the rear seatback, always check to be sure that the safety belts are properly routed and attached, and are not twisted.
Folding the Seatback Notice: Folding a rear seat with the safety belts still fastened may cause damage to the seat or the safety belts. Always unbuckle the safety belts and return them to their normal stowed position before folding a rear seat. Before folding the seatback down, the safety belt must be unbuckled and not in the storage clip.
1-8
Seats and Restraints
To return the seat to the sitting position:
3. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.
4. Remove the safety belt from the
storage clip.
The seatback must be locked or you will not be able to pull out and use the rear center safety belt. Always push and pull on the seatback to be sure it is locked.
1. Make sure the safety belt is
through the storage clip.
2. Lift the seatback and push it rearward until it is locked in the sitting position.
Safety Belts This section of the manual describes how to use safety belts properly. It also describes some things not to do with safety belts.
{ CAUTION
Do not let anyone ride where a safety belt cannot be worn properly. In a crash, if you or your passenger(s) are not wearing safety belts, the injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle harder or be ejected from the vehicle. You and your passenger(s) 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 passenger(s) are restrained properly too.
{ 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.
This vehicle has indicators as a reminder to buckle the safety belts. See Safety Belt Reminders on page 4-13 for additional information.
In most states and in all Canadian provinces, the law requires wearing safety belts. Here is why: You never know if you will be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you do not know if it will be a serious one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up, a person would not survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without safety belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 40 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter... a lot!
Seats and Restraints
1-9
Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.
Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it is just a seat on wheels.
1-10
Seats and Restraints
Put someone on it.
Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider does not stop.
The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield...
Seats and Restraints
1-11
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after a crash if I am wearing a safety belt?
A: You could be — whether you are wearing a safety belt or not. But your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted. And you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you are upside down.
or the instrument panel...
or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That is why safety belts make such good sense.
1-12
Seats and Restraints
Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why
should I have to wear safety belts?
A: Airbags are supplemental
systems only; so they work with safety belts — not instead of them. Whether or not an airbag is provided, all occupants still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That is true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.
Q: If I am a good driver, and I never drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts?
A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you are in a crash — even one that is not your fault — you and your passenger(s) can be hurt. Being a good driver does not protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone.
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly This section 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 infants. If a child will be riding in the vehicle, see Older Children on page 1-38 or Infants and Young Children on page 1-40. Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. It is very important for all occupants to buckle up. Statistics show that unbelted people are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Occupants who are not buckled up can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.
First, before you or your passenger(s) wear a safety belt, there is important information you should know.
this applies force to the strong pelvic bones and you would be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force on 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 shoulder belt locks if there is a sudden stop or crash.
Sit up straight and always keep your feet on the floor in front of you. The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash,
Seats and Restraints
1-13
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The shoulder belt is too loose.
It will not give as much protection this way.
{ 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 snugly against your body.
1-14
Seats and Restraints
Q: What is wrong with this?
{ CAUTION
Q: What is wrong with this?
You can be seriously hurt if your lap belt is too loose. In a crash, you could slide under the lap belt and apply force on your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The lap belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs.
A: The lap belt is too loose.
It will not give nearly as much protection this way.
A: The belt is buckled in the wrong
buckle.
{ CAUTION
Q: What is wrong with this?
{ CAUTION
Seats and Restraints
1-15
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 on the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.
You can be seriously injured if your belt goes over an armrest like this. The belt would be much too high. In a crash, you can slide under the belt. The belt force would then be applied on the abdomen, not on the pelvic bones, and that could cause serious or fatal injuries. Be sure the belt goes under the armrests.
A: The belt is over an armrest.
1-16
Seats and Restraints
Q: What is wrong with this?
{ CAUTION
Q: What is 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 are not as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest.
A: The belt is behind the body.
A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times.
{ CAUTION
Q: What is wrong with this?
{ CAUTION
Seats and Restraints
1-17
You can be seriously injured by not wearing the lap-shoulder belt properly. In a crash, you would not be restrained by the shoulder belt. Your body could move too far forward increasing the chance of head and neck injury. You might also slide under the lap belt. The belt force would then be applied right on the abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest.
A: The belt is twisted across
the body.
You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you would not have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer/retailer to fix it.
1-18
Seats and Restraints
Lap-Shoulder Belt All seating positions in the vehicle have a lap-shoulder belt. The following instructions explain how to wear a lap-shoulder belt properly. 1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is adjustable, so you can sit up straight. To see how, see “Seats” in the Index.
The lap-shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly. If the shoulder portion of a passenger belt is pulled out all the way, the child restraint locking feature may be engaged. If this happens, let the belt go back all the way and start again.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-22. Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary.
4. If equipped with a shoulder belt
height adjuster, move it to the height that is right for you. See “Shoulder Belt Height Adjustment” later in this section for instructions on use and important safety information.
5. To make the lap part tight,
pull up on the shoulder belt.
2. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Do not let it get twisted.
3. Push the latch plate into the
buckle until it clicks.
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster The vehicle has a shoulder belt height adjuster for the driver and right front passenger seating position. Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of the belt is centered on the shoulder. The belt should be away from the face and neck, but not falling off the shoulder. Improper shoulder belt height adjustment could reduce the effectiveness of the safety belt in a crash.
Seats and Restraints
1-19
To move it, squeeze the button on the front of the height adjuster to release the locking feature and move the height adjuster to the desired position. After the adjuster is set to the desired position, try to move it down without squeezing the release button to make sure it has locked into position.
To unlatch the belt, push the button on the buckle. The belt should return to its stowed position. When the safety belt is not in use, slide the latch plate up the safety belt webbing. Before a door is closed, be sure the safety belt is out of the way. If a door is slammed against a safety belt, damage can occur to both the safety belt and the vehicle.
1-20
Seats and Restraints
Safety Belt Pretensioners The vehicle has safety belt pretensioners for the front occupants. Although the pretensioners cannot be seen, they are part of the safety belt assembly. They can help tighten the safety belts during the early stages of a moderate to severe frontal or near frontal crash if the threshold conditions for pretensioner activation are met. And, if the vehicle has side impact airbags, safety belt pretensioners can help tighten the safety belts in a side crash. Pretensioners work only once. If the pretensioners activate in a crash, they will need to be replaced, and probably other new parts for the vehicle’s safety belt system. See Replacing Safety Belt System Parts After a Crash on page 1-23.
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides Rear shoulder belt comfort guides may provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for some adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide positions the belt away from the neck and head. There is one guide for each outboard passenger position in the rear seat. Here is how to install a comfort guide to the safety belt: 1. Pull the elastic cord out from the
side of the seatback to remove the guide from its storage pocket.
2. Place the guide over the belt and
insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide.
CAUTION (Continued)
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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To remove and store the comfort guide, squeeze the belt edges together so that the safety belt can be removed from the guide. Push the guide into the pocket on the side of seatback. Properly secure the guide loop before folding the seatback. The comfort guide and vehicle can be damaged while closing a door if it is not properly secured in its storage location.
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. { CAUTION
A safety belt that is not properly worn may not provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. The shoulder
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4. Buckle, position, and release the safety belt as described previously in this section. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder.
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Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they do not wear safety belts.
A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.
The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it is more likely that the fetus will not be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly.
Safety Belt Extender If the safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt is not long enough, your dealer/retailer will order you an extender. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. To help avoid personal injury, do not let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. The extender has been designed for adults. Never use it for securing child seats. To wear it, attach it to the regular safety belt. For more information, see the instruction sheet that comes with the extender.
Safety Belt Check Now and then, check that the safety belt reminder light, safety belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job. See your dealer/retailer to have it repaired. Torn 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. Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working. See Safety Belt Reminders on page 4-13 for more information. Keep safety belts clean and dry. See Care of Safety Belts on page 1-23.
Care of Safety Belts Keep belts clean and dry. { CAUTION
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. It may severely weaken them. In a crash, they might not be able to provide adequate protection. Clean safety belts only with mild soap and lukewarm water.
Replacing Safety Belt System Parts After a Crash
{ CAUTION
A crash can damage the safety belt system in the vehicle. A damaged safety belt system may not properly protect the person using it, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure the safety belt systems are working properly after a crash, have them inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.
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After a minor crash, replacement of safety belts may not be necessary. But the safety belt assemblies that were used during any crash may have been stressed or damaged. See your dealer/retailer to have the safety belt assemblies inspected or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the safety belt system was not being used at the time of the crash. Have the safety belt pretensioners checked if the vehicle has been in a crash, or if the airbag readiness light stays on after you start the vehicle or while you are driving. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 4-14.
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Seats and Restraints
Airbag System Your vehicle has the following airbags: (cid:129) A frontal airbag for the driver. (cid:129) A frontal airbag for the right front
passenger.
(cid:129) A seat-mounted side impact
airbag for the driver.
(cid:129) A seat-mounted side impact
airbag for the right front passenger.
(cid:129) A roof-rail airbag for the driver
and the passenger seated directly behind the driver.
(cid:129) A roof-rail airbag for the right
front passenger and the passenger seated directly behind the right front passenger.
All of the airbags in your vehicle will have the word AIRBAG embossed in the trim or on an attached label near the deployment opening.
For frontal airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear on the middle part of the steering wheel for the driver and on the instrument panel for the right front passenger. With seat-mounted side impact airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear on the side of the seatback closest to the door. With roof-rail airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear along the headliner or trim. Airbags are designed to supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Even though today’s airbags are also designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating bag, all airbags must inflate very quickly to do their job.
Here are the most important things to know about the airbag system:
{ CAUTION
You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you are not wearing your safety belt — even if you have airbags. Airbags are designed to work with safety belts, but do not replace them. Also, airbags are not designed to deploy in every crash. In some crashes safety belts are your only restraint. See When Should an Airbag Inflate? on page 1-27. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Airbags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for that person.
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There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument panel cluster, which shows the airbag symbol. The system checks the airbag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 4-14 for more information.
{ CAUTION
{ CAUTION
Airbags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Do not sit unnecessarily close to the airbag, as you would be if you were sitting on the edge of your seat or leaning forward. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with airbags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle. Occupants should not lean on or sleep against the door or side windows in seating positions with seat-mounted side impact airbags and/or roof-rail airbags.
Children who are up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer protection for adults and older children, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its airbag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see Older Children on page 1-38 or Infants and Young Children on page 1-40.
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Seats and Restraints
Where Are the Airbags?
The driver frontal airbag is in the middle of the steering wheel. The right front passenger frontal airbag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side.
Driver Side shown, Passenger
Side similar
The seat-mounted side impact airbags for the driver and right front passenger are in the side of the seatbacks closest to the door. The roof-rail airbags for the driver, right front passenger, and second row outboard passengers are in the ceiling above the side windows.
{ CAUTION If something is between an occupant and an airbag, the airbag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person causing severe injury or even death. The path of an inflating airbag must be kept clear. Do not put anything between an occupant and an airbag, and do not attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other airbag covering. Do not use seat accessories that block the inflation path of a seat-mounted side impact airbag. Never secure anything to the roof of a vehicle with roof-rail airbags by routing a rope or tie down through any door or window opening. If you do, the path of an inflating roof-rail airbag will be blocked.
When Should an Airbag Inflate? Frontal airbags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes to help reduce the potential for severe injuries mainly to the driver’s or right front passenger’s head and chest. However, they are only designed to inflate if the impact exceeds a predetermined deployment threshold. Deployment thresholds are used to predict how severe a crash is likely to be in time for the airbags to inflate and help restrain the occupants. Whether the frontal airbags will or should deploy is not based on how fast your vehicle is traveling. It depends largely on what you hit, the direction of the impact, and how quickly your vehicle slows down.
Frontal airbags may inflate at different crash speeds. For example:
If the vehicle hits a stationary object, the airbags could inflate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits a moving object. If the vehicle hits an object that deforms, the airbags could inflate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits an object that does not deform. If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole), the airbags could inflate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits a wide object (like a wall). If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle, the airbags could inflate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle goes straight into the object.
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Thresholds can also vary with specific vehicle design. Frontal airbags are not intended to inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts. In addition, the vehicle has dual-stage frontal airbags. Dual-stage airbags adjust the restraint according to crash severity. The vehicle has electronic frontal sensors, which help the sensing system distinguish between a moderate frontal impact and a more severe frontal impact. For moderate frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags inflate at a level less than full deployment. For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs.
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Seats and Restraints
The vehicle has seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags. See Airbag System on page 1-24. Seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags are intended to inflate in moderate to severe side crashes. Seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags will inflate if the crash severity is above the system’s designed threshold level. The threshold level can vary with specific vehicle design. Seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags are not intended to inflate in frontal impacts, near-frontal impacts, rollovers, or rear impacts. A seat-mounted side impact airbag is intended to deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck. A roof-rail airbag is intended to deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an airbag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were.
For frontal airbags, inflation is determined by what the vehicle hits, the angle of the impact, and how quickly the vehicle slows down. For seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags, deployment is determined by the location and severity of the side impact.
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? In a deployment event, the sensing system sends an electrical signal triggering a release of gas from the inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the airbag causing the bag to break out of the cover and deploy. The inflator, the airbag, and related hardware are all part of the airbag module. Frontal airbag modules are located inside the steering wheel and instrument panel. For vehicles with seat-mounted side impact airbags, there are airbag modules in the side of the front seatbacks closest to
the door. For vehicles with roof-rail airbags, there are airbag modules in the ceiling of the vehicle, near the side windows that have occupant seating positions.
How Does an Airbag Restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle. Airbags supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Frontal airbags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. Seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body.
But airbags would not help in many types of collisions, primarily because the occupant’s motion is not toward those airbags. See When Should an Airbag Inflate? on page 1-27 for more information. Airbags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts.
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates? After the frontal airbags and seat-mounted side impact airbags inflate, they quickly deflate, so quickly that some people may not even realize an airbag inflated. Roof-rail airbags may still be at least partially inflated for some time after they deploy. Some components of the airbag module may be hot for several minutes. For location of the airbag modules, see What Makes an Airbag Inflate? on page 1-28.
The parts of the airbag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There may be some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the deflated airbags. Airbag inflation does not prevent the driver from seeing out of the windshield or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it prevent people from leaving the vehicle.
{ CAUTION
When an airbag inflates, there may be dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble.
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CAUTION (Continued)
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 cannot get out of the vehicle after an airbag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or a door. If you experience breathing problems following an airbag deployment, you should seek medical attention.
The vehicle has a feature that may automatically unlock the doors, turn the interior lamps on, and turn the hazard warning flashers on when the airbags inflate. You can lock the doors, turn the interior lamps off, and turn the hazard warning flashers off by using the controls for those features.
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In many crashes severe enough to inflate the airbag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger airbag. (cid:129) Airbags are designed to inflate
only once. After an airbag inflates, you will need some new parts for the airbag system. If you do not get them, the airbag system will not be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include airbag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.
The vehicle has a crash sensing and diagnostic module which records information after a crash. See Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy on page 12-16 and Event Data Recorders on page 12-16. Let only qualified technicians work on the airbag systems. Improper service can mean that an airbag system will not work properly. See your dealer/retailer for service.
Passenger Sensing System The vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the right front passenger position. The passenger airbag status indicator will be visible in the rearview mirror when the vehicle is started.
United States
Canada
The words ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off, will be visible during the system check. When the system check is complete, either the word ON or OFF, or the symbol for on or off, will be visible. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 4-15.
(cid:129) (cid:129) The passenger sensing system will turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag under certain conditions. The driver airbags are not affected by the passenger sensing system. The passenger sensing system works with sensors that are part of the right front passenger’s seat. The sensors are designed to detect the presence of a properly-seated occupant and determine if the right front passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag should be enabled (may inflate) or not. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat in the correct child restraint for their weight and size.
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We recommend that children be secured in a rear seat, including: an infant or a child riding in a rear-facing child restraint; a child riding in a forward-facing child seat; an older child riding in a booster seat; and children, who are large enough, using safety belts. A label on the sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.
{ CAUTION
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. A child in a
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
forward-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inflates and the passenger seat is in a forward position. Even if the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped), no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though the airbag(s) are off. Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat, even if the airbag(s) are off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.
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The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag if:
The right front passenger seat is unoccupied. The system determines that an infant is present in a rear-facing infant seat. The system determines that a small child is present in a child restraint. The system determines that a small child is present in a booster seat.
(cid:129) A right front passenger takes his/her weight off of the seat for a period of time. The right front passenger seat is occupied by a smaller person, such as a child who has outgrown child restraints.
(cid:129) Or, if there is a critical problem
with the airbag system or the passenger sensing system.
When the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag, the off indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbags are off. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 4-15. The passenger sensing system is designed to turn on (may inflate) the right front passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag anytime the system senses that a person of adult size is sitting properly in the right front passenger seat. When the passenger sensing system has allowed the airbags to be enabled, the on indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbags are active. For some children who have outgrown child restraints and for very small adults, the passenger sensing system may or may not turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag
and seat-mounted side impact airbag, depending upon the person’s seating posture and body build. Everyone in the vehicle who has outgrown child restraints should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for that person.
{ CAUTION
If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right away. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 4-14 for more information, including important safety information.
(cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) If the On Indicator is Lit for a Child Restraint If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit: 1. Turn the vehicle off. 2. Remove the child restraint from
the vehicle.
3. Remove any additional items
from the seat such as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters, or seat massagers. 4. Reinstall the child restraint
following the directions provided by the child restraint manufacturer and refer to Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat) on page 1-51 or Securing Child Restraints (Right Front Seat) on page 1-53.
5. If, after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, turn the vehicle off. Then slightly recline the vehicle seatback and adjust the seat cushion, if adjustable, to make sure that the vehicle seatback is not pushing the child restraint into the seat cushion. Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped under the vehicle head restraint. If this happens, adjust the head restraint.
6. Restart the vehicle.
If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in the child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle, and check with your dealer/retailer.
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If the Off Indicator is Lit for an Adult-Size Occupant
If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right front passenger seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be because that person is not sitting properly in the seat.
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If this happens, use the following steps to allow the system to detect that person and enable the right front passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag: 1. Turn the vehicle off. 2. Remove any additional material from the seat, such as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters, or seat massagers.
3. Place the seatback in the fully
upright position.
4. Have the person sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with legs comfortably extended.
5. Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in this position for two to three minutes after the on indicator is lit.
Additional Factors Affecting System Operation Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on the seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which helps the passenger sensing system maintain the passenger airbag status. See “Safety Belts” and “Child Restraints” in the Index for additional information about the importance of proper restraint use. A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket or cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect how well the passenger sensing system operates. We recommend that you not use seat covers or other aftermarket equipment except when approved by GM for your specific vehicle. See Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-36 for more information about modifications that can affect how the system operates.
A wet seat can affect the performance of the passenger sensing system. Here is how:
The passenger sensing system may turn off the passenger airbag when liquid is soaked into the seat. If this happens, the off indicator will be lit, and the airbag readiness light on the instrument panel will also be lit. Liquid pooled on the seat that has not soaked in may make it more likely that the passenger sensing system will enable (turn on) the passenger airbag while a child restraint or child occupant is on the seat. If the passenger airbag is turned on, the on indicator will be lit.
If the passenger seat gets wet, dry the seat immediately. If the airbag readiness light is lit, do not install a child restraint or allow anyone to occupy the seat.
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Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Airbags affect how the vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the airbag system in several places around the vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and the service manual have information about servicing the vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 12-15.
{ CAUTION
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still inflate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an airbag when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors. They are probably part of the airbag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualified to do so.
See Airbag Readiness Light on page 4-14 for important safety
