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Safety Belt


Pull up on the seatback strap while folding the seatback down to allow access to the trunk. For more information, see Rear Seats on page 2-9.


Refer to the following sections for important information on how to use safety belts properly. • Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone on page 2-11. • How to Wear Safety Belts Properly on page 2-16. • Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 2-24. • Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)


on page 2-42.


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Sensing System for Passenger Airbag 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 and roof-rail airbags are not affected by this. The passenger airbag status indicator will be visible on the instrument panel when the vehicle is started.


Mirror Adjustment Exterior Mirrors


Controls for the outside power mirrors are located on the inside of the vehicle near the driver side mirror.


United States


Canada


See Passenger Sensing System on page 2-66 for important information.


Use the selector switch to choose either the left or right outside mirror. Then press the four-way control pad to move the selected mirror in the desired direction. See Outside Power Mirrors on page 3-35.


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Interior Mirror Hold the inside rearview mirror in the center to move it for a clearer view of behind the vehicle. Adjust the mirror to reduce the glare of headlamps from behind by pushing the tab located at the base of the mirror, forward for daytime use. Pull the tab for nighttime use. See Manual Rearview Mirror on page 3-35.


Steering Wheel Adjustment


The lever is located on the left side of the steering wheel column.


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To adjust the steering wheel: 1. Pull the lever down. 2. Move the steering wheel up or down or backward


or forward into a comfortable position.


3. Pull the lever up to lock the steering wheel in place. See Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel on page 4-3.


Interior Lighting Dome Lamp The dome lamps come on when any door is opened. They turn off after all the doors are closed. The dome lamps can also be turned on by turning the instrument panel brightness knob, located on the instrument panel to the left of the steering column, clockwise to the farthest position. In this position, the dome lamps remain on whether a door is opened or closed.


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Exterior Lighting


Reading Lamps For vehicles with a front overhead console and rear reading lamps, they come on automatically when any door is opened. For manual operation while the doors are closed, press the lens to turn the lamp on or off. For more information on interior lighting, see: • Instrument Panel Brightness on page 4-12. • Entry/Exit Lighting on page 4-13. • Parade Dimming on page 4-13.


The lever is located on the left side of the steering wheel. 2 : Turns on the headlamps, parking lamps, and taillamps. ; : Turns on the parking lamps and taillamps only.


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Windshield Wiper/Washer


AUTO: Automatically turns on the Daytime Running Lamps during daytime, and the headlamps, parking lamps, and taillamps at night. P : Turn the band to this position to turn the Automatic Headlamp System on or off. In Canada, this position only works when a vehicle is in the P (Park) position. For more information, see: • Headlamps on page 4-10. • Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) on page 4-11. • Automatic Headlamp System on page 4-12.


The windshield wiper lever is on the right side of the steering column. 9 : Turns the wipers off. & : For intermittent or speed sensitive operation. The amount of delay time varies between wiping cycles due to the delay setting selected or the speed of the vehicle. As vehicle speed is increased or decreased, the wiper interval also increases or decreases.


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x : Move the lever to the & position, then turn the x band up for more frequent wipes or down for less frequent wipes. 6 : Slow wipes. 1 : Fast wipes. 8 : Single wipe, move the lever down, then release it. Several wipes, hold the lever down.


Windshield Washer: Press the button at the end of the lever until the washers begin. See Windshield Wipers on page 4-5 and Windshield Washer on page 4-6.


Climate Controls


The vehicle’s heating, cooling, and ventilation can be automatically controlled with this system.


A. Fan Control B. Air Conditioning C. Air Recirculation D. Hybrid Air


E. Rear Window


Defogger


F. Air Delivery Mode


Conditioning


Control G. Display H. Temperature Control See Automatic Climate Control System on page 4-16.


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Vehicle Features


Radio(s)


Radio with CD (MP3) and USB Port shown


O : Press to turn the system on and off. Turn to increase or decrease the volume. BAND: Press to choose between FM1, AM, or XM™, if equipped.


f : Select radio stations. © ¨: Seek or scan stations.


4 : For vehicles with XM, MP3, WMA, or RDS features, press to display additional text information related to the current FM-RDS or XM station; or CD, MP3, WMA song. Song title information will be displayed on the top line of the display while the artist information will be displayed on the bottom line, if the information is available during XM, CD, MP3, or WMA playback. When information is not available, ″No Info″ displays. For more information about these and other radio features, see Audio System(s) on page 4-51 and Radio(s) on page 4-53. Storing a Favorite Station A maximum of 36 stations can be stored as favorites using the six softkeys located below the radio station frequency tabs and by using the radio FAV button. Press FAV to go through up to six pages of favorites, each having six favorite stations available per page. Each page of favorites can contain any combination of AM, FM, or XM stations. See Radio(s) on page 4-53.


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Setting the Clock 1. Turn the ignition key to ACC/ACCESSORY or


ON/RUN.


2. Press O to turn the radio on. 3. Press H and the HR, MIN, MM, DD, YYYY (hour,


minute, month, day, and year) displays.


4. Press the softkey located below any one of the tabs


that you want to change.


5. Increase or decrease the time or date by turning f


clockwise or counterclockwise.


For detailed instructions on setting the clock for your specific audio system, see Setting the Clock on page 4-52.


Satellite Radio XM is a satellite radio service that is based in the 48 contiguous United States and 10 Canadian provinces. XM satellite radio has a wide variety of programming and commercial-free music, coast-to-coast, and in digital-quality sound.


A fee is required to receive the XM service. For more information, refer to: • www.xmradio.com or call 1-800-929-2100 (U.S.) • www.xmradio.ca or call 1-877-438-9677 (Canada) See “XM Satellite Radio Service” under Radio(s) on page 4-53.


Portable Audio Devices (Auxiliary Input or USB Port) This vehicle may have an auxiliary input jack and a USB port, located on the audio faceplate. External devices such as iPods®, laptop computers, MP3 players, CD changers, USB storage devices, etc. can be connected to the auxiliary input jack using a 3.5 mm (1/8 in) cable or the USB port depending on the audio system. Press the CD/AUX button to play audio from the portable player. See “Using the Auxiliary Input Jack” and “Using the USB Port” under Radio(s) on page 4-53.


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Steering Wheel Controls


If equipped, some audio controls can be adjusted using the controls on the right side of the steering wheel.


Bluetooth® For vehicles with an in-vehicle Bluetooth system, it allows users with a Bluetooth enabled cell phone to make and receive hands-free calls using the vehicle’s audio system and controls. The Bluetooth enabled cell phone must be paired with the in-vehicle Bluetooth system before it can be used in the vehicle. Not all phones will support all functions. For more information visit www.gm.com/bluetooth. For more information, see Bluetooth® on page 4-69.


e + / e −: Increases or decreases volume. w / x: Press to change radio stations, select tracks on a CD, or to select tracks and navigate folders on an iPod® or USB device. b g: Press to silence the vehicle speakers only. Press again to turn the sound on. Press and hold longer than two seconds to interact with the OnStar® or Bluetooth systems.


c : Press to reject an incoming call, or to end a call. For more information, see Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 4-80.


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Driver Information Center (DIC) The DIC display is located at the bottom of the instrument panel cluster. It shows the status of many vehicle systems and enables access to the personalization menu.


The DIC buttons are located on the left side of the steering wheel.


Vehicle Personalization Some vehicle features can be programmed by using the DIC buttons on the left side of the steering wheel. These features include: • Oil Life Reset • Units • RKE Lock and Unlock Feedback • Door Lock and Unlock Settings • Language See DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 4-45.


INFO: Press to scroll through the vehicle information displays.


r : Press to reset some vehicle information displays, select a personalization setting, or acknowledge a warning message. For more information, see Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 4-37.


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Cruise Control


The cruise control buttons are located on the left side of the steering wheel.


Power Outlets Accessory power outlets can be used to connect auxiliary electrical equipment, such as a cellular telephone. There are two accessory power outlets. One accessory power outlet is inside the center storage console and the other is located on the center storage console below the climate controls. To use an outlet, lift the protective cap. The accessory power outlet is operational at all times. See Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 4-15.


J : On/Off. RES+: Press to resume or accelerate speed. SET−: Press to set or decrease speed. For more information, see Cruise Control on page 4-7.


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Fuel Economy Light


This light comes on to indicate the vehicle is achieving fuel economy at or greater than its rated fuel economy.


Driving habits that improve fuel economy increase the time that the fuel economy light is on. See Fuel Economy Light on page 4-37. This light can be enabled or disabled. See DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 4-45.


Hybrid Features


Charge/Assist Gage


The CHARGE/ASSIST gage displays the charge, into and out of the hybrid battery.


When the gage indicates ASSIST, the electric motor assists for maximum acceleration. When the gage indicates CHARGE, the electric motor operates as a generator to perform regenerative braking while decelerating. The gage also indicates CHARGE when the system is recharging the hybrid battery. See Charge/Assist Gage on page 4-36 for more information.


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Automatic Engine Start/Stop Feature Automatic Engine Start/Stop


United States


Canada


The vehicle has an automatic engine start/stop feature. After the engine is started and has reached operating temperature, the AUTO STOP feature may cause the engine to turn off when you apply the brakes and come to a complete stop. When you take your foot off the brake pedal or press the accelerator pedal, the engine will start. The engine will continue to run until the next AUTO STOP.


To restart the engine during the AUTO STOP, release the brake pedal or press the accelerator pedal. The engine starts immediately. The vehicle continues to run until the next stop. The AUTO STOP symbol on the tachometer signifies that the engine is in AUTO STOP mode. See Auto Stop Mode on page 4-36 for more information. A chime will sound when the driver door is opened while in AUTO STOP mode. Remember to shift to P (Park) and turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF before exiting the vehicle. See Starting the Engine (Automatic Engine Start/Stop) on page 3-22. Regenerative Braking Regenerative braking takes some of the energy from the moving vehicle and turns it back into electrical energy. This energy is then stored back into the vehicle’s hybrid battery system, contributing to increased fuel efficiency. The system works whenever you take your foot off the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is moving in a forward gear. This causes the vehicle to slow down more quickly. It may feel like the brake pedal is being pressed, even when it is not.


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Battery This vehicle has a standard 12-volt battery and a 36-volt hybrid battery system. The 36-volt battery is located behind the rear seat, in the trunk. If the vehicle is to be stored for an extended period of time, it should be driven at least every two months or the 36-volt hybrid battery can be permanently damaged. If a new 36-volt hybrid battery system is needed, see your dealer/retailer. For important information about the 36-volt hybrid battery, see Battery on page 6-34.


Service Never try to do your own service on hybrid components. You can be injured and the vehicle can be damaged if you try to do your own service work. Service and repair of these hybrid components should only be performed by a trained service technician with the proper knowledge and tools. See Doing Your Own Service Work on page 6-4


Performance and Maintenance


Traction Control System (TCS) The traction control system limits wheel spin. The system turns on automatically every time the vehicle is started. • To turn off traction control, press and release t on


the vertical surface in front of the center console armrest. F illuminates and the appropriate DIC message displays. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-41.


• Press and release the button again to turn on


traction control.


For more information, see Traction Control System (TCS) on page 5-7.


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Electronic Stability Control (ESC) The vehicle may have an Electronic Stability Control system that assists with directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions. The system turns on automatically every time the vehicle is started. • To turn off both traction control and Electronic


Stability Control, press and hold t , located on the vertical surface in front of the center console armrest, until F illuminates and the appropriate DIC message displays. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-41.


• Press and release the button again to turn on both


systems.


For more information, see Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 5-6.


Tire Pressure Monitor This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).


The Tire Pressure Monitor alerts you when a significant reduction in pressure occurs in one or more of the vehicle’s tires by illuminating the low tire pressure warning light on the instrument cluster.


The warning light will remain on until the tire pressure is corrected. The proper tire pressures for your vehicle are listed on the Tire and Loading Information label located on the driver side center pillar (B pillar). See Loading the Vehicle on page 5-20. You may notice during cooler conditions that the low tire pressure warning light will appear when the vehicle is first started and then turn off as you drive. This may be an early indicator that your tire pressures are getting low and the tires need to be inflated to the proper pressure.


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Note: The Tire Pressure Monitor can alert you about low tire pressure, but it does not replace normal monthly tire maintenance. It is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressures. See Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 6-51 and Tire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 6-52.


Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit This vehicle has a tire sealant and compressor kit which can be used to seal small punctures in the tread area of the tire. See Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit on page 6-66 for complete operating information.


Engine Oil Life System The engine oil life system calculates engine oil life based on vehicle use and displays a DIC message when it is necessary to change the engine oil and filter. The oil life system should be reset to 100% only following an oil change.


Resetting the Oil Life System 1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN with the


engine off.


2. With the CHANGE OIL SOON message displayed,


press either of the DIC buttons to clear the message. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-41.


3. Display OIL LIFE RESET on the DIC. 4. Press and hold the INFO button for at least one


second. An ACKNOWLEDGED message displays for three seconds or until the next button is pressed. This tells you the system has been reset. See DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 4-45.


5. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF. See Engine Oil Life System on page 6-18.


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Driving for Better Fuel Economy Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are some driving tips to get the best fuel economy possible. • Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly. • Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops. • Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time. • When road and weather conditions are appropriate,


use cruise control, if equipped.


• Always follow posted speed limits or drive more


slowly when conditions require.


• Keep vehicle tires properly inflated. • Combine several trips into a single trip. • Replace the vehicle’s tires with the same TPC


Spec number molded into the tire’s sidewall near the size.


• Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.


Roadside Assistance Program U.S.: 1-800-553-6000
TTY Users: 1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
As the owner of a new Saturn, you are automatically enrolled in the Roadside Assistance program. This program provides technically trained advisors who are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, minor repair information or towing arrangements. Roadside Assistance and OnStar If you have a current OnStar subscription, press the OnStar button and the current GPS location will be sent to an OnStar Advisor who will assess your problem, contact Roadside Assistance, and relay exact location to get you the help you need. Online Owner Center The Online Owner Center is a complimentary service that includes online service reminders, vehicle maintenance tips, online owner manual, special privileges and more. Sign up today at: www.gmownercenter.com/saturn (U.S.) or www.gm.ca (Canada).


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OnStar®


OnStar® uses several innovative technologies and live advisors to provide a wide range of safety, security, navigation, diagnostics, and calling services. Automatic Crash Response In a crash, built in sensors can automatically alert an OnStar advisor who is immediately connected to the vehicle to see if you need help. How OnStar Service Works Q : This blue button connects you to a specially trained OnStar advisor to verify your account information and to answer questions.


] : Push this red emergency button to get priority help from specially trained OnStar emergency advisors.


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X : Push this button for hands-free, voice-activated calling and to give voice commands for turn-by-turn navigation. Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostics, Remote Door Unlock, Roadside Assistance, Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Hands-Free Calling are available on most vehicles. Not all OnStar services are available on all vehicles. For more information see the OnStar Owner’s Guide or visit www.onstar.com (U.S.) or www.onstar.ca (Canada), contact OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827) or TTY 1-877-248-2080, or press Q to speak with an OnStar advisor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For a full description of OnStar services and system limitations, see the OnStar Owner’s Guide in the glove box. OnStar service is subject to the OnStar terms and conditions included in the OnStar Subscriber Information. OnStar service cannot work unless the vehicle is in a place where OnStar has an agreement with a wireless service provider for service in that area.


OnStar service also cannot work unless the vehicle is in a place where the wireless service provider OnStar has hired for that area has coverage, network capacity and reception when the service is needed, and technology that is compatible with the OnStar service. Not all services are available everywhere, particularly in remote or enclosed areas, or at all times. The OnStar system can record and transmit vehicle information. This information is automatically sent to an OnStar call center when Q is pressed, ] is pressed, or if the airbags or ACR system deploy. This information usually includes the vehicle’s GPS location and, in the event of a crash, additional information regarding the crash that the vehicle was involved in (e.g. the direction from which the vehicle was hit). When the virtual advisor feature of OnStar hands-free calling is used, the vehicle also sends OnStar the vehicle’s GPS location so they can provide services where it is located. Location information about the vehicle is only available if the GPS satellite signals are unobstructed and available. The vehicle must have a working electrical system, including adequate battery power, for the OnStar equipment to operate. There are other problems OnStar cannot control that may prevent OnStar from providing OnStar service at any particular time or place.


Some examples are damage to important parts of the vehicle in a crash, hills, tall buildings, tunnels, weather or wireless phone network congestion. OnStar Steering Wheel Controls This vehicle may have a Talk/Mute button that can be used to interact with OnStar hands-free calling. See Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 4-80 for more information. On some vehicles, the mute button can be used to dial numbers into voice mail systems, or to dial phone extensions. See the OnStar Owner’s Guide for more information. Your Responsibility Increase the volume of the radio if the OnStar advisor cannot be heard. If the light next to the OnStar buttons is red, the system may not be functioning properly. Press Q and request a vehicle diagnostic. If the light appears clear (no light is appearing), your OnStar subscription has expired and all services have been deactivated. Press Q to confirm that the OnStar equipment is active.


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✍ NOTES


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Section 2


Seats and Restraint System


Head Restraints ...............................................2-2
Front Seats ......................................................2-3
Manual Seats ................................................2-3
Power Seats ..................................................2-4
Power Lumbar ...............................................2-5
Heated Seats .................................................2-5
Reclining Seatbacks ........................................2-6
Power Lift Seat ..............................................2-9
Rear Seats .......................................................2-9
Split Folding Rear Seat ...................................2-9
Safety Belts ...................................................2-11
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone ................2-11
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly .................2-16
Lap-Shoulder Belt .........................................2-24
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ..................2-29
Safety Belt Extender .....................................2-30
Child Restraints .............................................2-30
Older Children ..............................................2-30
Infants and Young Children ............................2-34
Child Restraint Systems .................................2-38
Where to Put the Restraint .............................2-40


Lower Anchors and Tethers for


Children (LATCH) ......................................2-42


Securing a Child Restraint


in a Rear Seat Position ..............................2-49


Securing a Child Restraint in the Right


Front Seat Position ....................................2-52
Airbag System ...............................................2-56
Where Are the Airbags? ................................2-58
When Should an Airbag Inflate? .....................2-61
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? .......................2-63
How Does an Airbag Restrain? .......................2-63
What Will You See After


an Airbag Inflates? ....................................2-64
Passenger Sensing System ............................2-66
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ...........2-71
Adding Equipment to Your


Airbag-Equipped Vehicle .............................2-72
Restraint System Check ..................................2-73
Checking the Restraint Systems ......................2-73
Replacing Restraint System Parts


After a Crash ............................................2-74


2-1


Head Restraints The front seats have adjustable head restraints in the outboard seating positions.


{ WARNING:


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.


2-2


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.


Pull the head restraint up to raise it. To lower the head restraint, press the button, located on the top of the seatback, and push the restraint down. Push down on the head restraint after the button is released to make sure that it is locked in place. The head restraints are not designed to be removed.


Front Seats


Manual Seats


{ WARNING:


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


If the vehicle has a manual seat, it can be moved forward or rearward.


2-3


1. Lift the bar to unlock


the seat.


2. Slide the seat to the desired position and release the bar.


Power Seats


Try to move the seat with your body to be sure the seat is locked in place.


2-4


If the vehicle has power seats, the controls used to operate them are located on the outboard side of the seats. To adjust the seat: • Move the seat forward or rearward by sliding the


control forward or rearward.


• Raise or lower the front part of the seat cushion by


moving the front of the control up or down.


• Raise or lower the rear part of the seat cushion by


moving the rear of the control up or down.


Power Lumbar


Heated Seats


Press the front (A) or rear (B) of the control to increase or decrease lumbar support.


On vehicles with heated front seats, press the top of the switch to turn the features on to the high heat setting. The indicator light (2) will be lit. Press the top of the switch again to go to the low heat setting. The indicator light (1) will be lit. Press the bottom of the switch to turn the feature off. The heated seat feature will turn off when the ignition is turned off.


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Reclining Seatbacks Manual Reclining Seatbacks


{ WARNING:


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.


{ WARNING:


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.


2-6


On seats with manual reclining seatbacks, the lever used to operate them is located on the outboard side of the seat.


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


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


locked.


To return the seatback to an upright position: 1. Lift the lever fully without applying pressure to the seatback and the seatback returns to the upright position.


2. Release the lever to lock the seatback. 3. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is


locked.


Power Reclining Seatbacks


If the seats have power reclining seatbacks, the control used to recline them is located on the outboard side of the seat behind the power seat control. • To recline the seatback, tilt the top of the control


rearward.


• To bring the seatback forward, tilt the top of the


control forward.


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{ WARNING:


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


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


Power Lift Seat


Rear Seats


To adjust a power lift seat, press the top or bottom of the power lift seat switch to raise or lower the seat.


Split Folding Rear Seat With this feature, either side of the seatback can be folded down for more cargo space. Before folding a seatback, make sure the front seat is not reclined. If it is, the rear seatback will not fold down all the way. 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.


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{ WARNING:


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.


{ WARNING:


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.


When the seat is not in use, it should be kept in the upright locked position.


To lower the rear seatback, pull up on the seatback strap while folding the seatback down. This allows access to the trunk. To raise the rear seatback pull the seatback up and make sure it latches. Push and pull on the seatback to be sure it is locked in position. Make sure that the safety belts are properly stowed over the seatback in all three positions.


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Safety Belts


Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone This section of the manual describes how to use safety belts properly. It also describes some things not to do with safety belts.


{ WARNING:


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.


{ WARNING:


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 4-24
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!


2-11


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


Put someone on it.


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


2-12


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...


2-13


or the instrument panel...


2-14


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.


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.


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.


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.


2-15


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 2-30 or Infants and Young Children on page 2-34. 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.


2-16


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, 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.


Q: What is wrong with this?


{ WARNING:


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.


A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It will not give as


much protection this way.


2-17


Q: What is wrong with this?


{ WARNING:


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.


2-18


Q: What is wrong with this?


{ WARNING:


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.


A: The belt is buckled in the wrong buckle.


2-19


{ WARNING:


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.


Q: What is wrong with this?


A: The belt is over an armrest.


2-20


Q: What is wrong with this?


{ WARNING:


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 shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should


be worn over the shoulder at all times.


2-21


{ WARNING:


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.


Q: What is wrong with this?


A: The belt is behind the body.


2-22


Q: What is wrong with this?


{ WARNING:


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.


A: The belt is twisted across the body.


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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.


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


Do not let it get twisted. The lap-shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly. 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, just let the belt go back all the way and start again. Engaging the child restraint locking feature in the right front seating position may affect the passenger sensing system. See Passenger Sensing System on page 2-66 for more information.


2-24


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


Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 2-30. 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. Improper shoulder belt height adjustment could reduce the effectiveness of the safety belt in a crash. See “Shoulder Belt Height Adjustment” later in this section for instruction on use and important safety information.


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


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


To unlatch the belt, push the button on the buckle. The belt should return to its stowed position. Slide the latch plate up the safety belt webbing when the safety belt is not in use. The latch plate should rest on the stitching on the safety belt, near the guide loop on the side wall. 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.


2-25


Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster Your vehicle has a shoulder belt height adjuster for the driver and right front passenger 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 of the shoulder. Improper shoulder belt height adjustment could reduce the effectiveness of the safety belt in a crash.


Squeeze the buttons (A) on the sides of the height adjuster 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 buttons to make sure it has locked into position.


2-26


Safety Belt Pretensioners This vehicle has safety belt pretensioners for the front outboard occupants. Although the safety belt 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 and 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 they activate in a crash, they will need to be replaced, and probably other new parts for the vehicle’s safety belt system. See Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash on page 2-74. Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides This vehicle may have rear shoulder belt comfort guides. If not, they are available through your dealer/retailer. The guides may provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for some adults. When installed and properly adjusted, the comfort guide positions the belt away from the neck and head.


Here is how to install a comfort guide to 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. Place the guide over the belt and insert the two


edges of the belt into the slots of the guide.


2-27


{ WARNING:


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


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


The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top.


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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.


4. Buckle, position, and release the safety belt as described previously in this section. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder.


To remove and store the comfort guide, squeeze the belt edges together so that the safety belt can be removed from the guide. Pull the guide upward to expose its storage clip, and then slide the guide onto the clip. Turn the guide and clip inward and slide them in between the seatback and the interior body, leaving only the loop of the elastic cord exposed.


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.


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Child Restraints


Older Children


Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt is not long enough, your dealer/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.


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


2-30


The manufacturer’s instructions that come with the booster seat state the weight and height limitations for that booster. Use a booster seat with a lap-shoulder belt until the child passes the below fit test: • Sit all the way back on the seat. Do the knees bend


at the seat edge? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat.


• Buckle the lap-shoulder belt. Does the shoulder belt


rest on the shoulder? If yes, continue. If no, try using the rear safety belt comfort guide. See “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” under Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 2-24 for more information. If the shoulder belt still does not rest on the shoulder, then return to the booster seat.


• Does the lap belt fit low and snug on the hips,


touching the thighs? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat.


• Can proper safety belt fit be maintained for the length of the trip? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat.


• If you have the choice, a child should sit in a position with a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide.


Q: What is the proper way to wear safety belts? A: An older child should wear a lap-shoulder belt and


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


Also see “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” under Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 2-24. According to accident statistics, children and infants are safer when properly restrained in a child restraint system or infant restraint system secured in a rear seating position. In a crash, children who are not buckled up can strike other people who are buckled up, or can be thrown out of the vehicle. Older children need to use safety belts properly.


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{ WARNING:


Never do this. Never allow two children to wear the same safety belt. The safety belt can not properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A safety belt must be used by only one person at a time.


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{ WARNING:


Never do this. Never allow a child to wear the safety belt with the shoulder belt behind their back. A child can be seriously injured by not wearing the lap-shoulder belt properly. In a crash, the child would not be restrained by the shoulder belt. The child could move too far forward increasing the chance of head and neck injury. The child 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.


2-33


Infants and Young Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes infants and all other children. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle.


{ WARNING:


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


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. Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have the protection provided by appropriate child restraints. Children who are not restrained properly can strike other people, or can be thrown out of the vehicle.


2-34


{ WARNING:


Never do this. Never hold an infant or a child while riding in a vehicle. Due to crash forces, an infant or a child will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it during a crash. For example, in a crash at only 40 km/h (25 mph), a 5.5 kg (12 lb) infant will suddenly become a 110 kg (240 lb) force on a person’s arms. An infant should be secured in an appropriate restraint.


2-35


{ WARNING:


Never do this. Children who are up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat. Secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat. It is also better to secure a forward-facing child restraint in a rear seat. If you must secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go.


2-36


Q: What are the different types of add-on child


restraints?


A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by the


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


{ WARNING:


A young child’s hip bones are still so small that the vehicle’s regular safety belt may not remain low on the hip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settle up around the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force on a body area that is unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries during a crash, young children should always be secured in appropriate child restraints.


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


{ WARNING:


To reduce the risk of neck and head injury during a crash, infants need complete support. This is because an infant’s neck is not fully developed and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a crash, an infant in a rear-facing child restraint settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of an infant’s body, the back and shoulders. Infants should always be secured in rear-facing child restraints.


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Child Restraint Systems


A rear-facing infant seat (A) provides restraint with the seating surface against the back of the infant.


The harness system holds the infant in place and, in a crash, acts to keep the infant positioned in the restraint.


A forward-facing child seat (B) provides restraint for the child’s body with the harness.


A booster seat (C-D) is a child restraint designed to improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. A booster seat can also help a child to see out the window.


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Securing an Add-On Child Restraint in the Vehicle


{ WARNING:


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


To help reduce the chance of injury, the child restraint must be secured in the vehicle. Child restraint systems must be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap belt portion of a lap-shoulder belt, or by the LATCH system. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 2-42 for more information. A child can be endangered in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle.


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


{ WARNING:


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


2-39


Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We recommend that children and child restraints 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 your 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.


{ WARNING:


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 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.


2-40


When securing a child restraint in a rear seating position, study the instructions that came with your child restraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle. Wherever you install a child restraint, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle — even when no child is in it. If you secure a child restraint in the left or center rear seat using LATCH, review the following illustrations. Depending on where you place the child restraint, you may not be able to access certain safety belt assemblies or LATCH anchors for additional passengers or child restraints. Configurations for Use of Child Restraints


A. Child restraint using LATCH


B. Child restraint or


occupant using safety belt


A. Occupant prohibited B. Child restraint using LATCH


A. Child restraint using LATCH


B. Child restraint or


occupant using safety belt


C. Child restraint using safety belt or LATCH or occupant using safety belt


2-41


A. Child restraint or


occupant using safety belt


A. Child restraint or


occupant using safety belt


B. Child restraint using LATCH


Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) The LATCH system holds a child restraint during driving or in a crash. This system is designed to make installation of a child restraint easier. The LATCH system uses anchors in the vehicle and attachments on the child restraint that are made for use with the LATCH system. Make sure that a LATCH-compatible child restraint is properly installed using the anchors, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with that restraint, and also the instructions in this manual. When installing a child restraint with a top tether, you must also use either the lower anchors or the safety belts to properly secure the child restraint. A child restraint must never be installed using only the top tether and anchor. In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle, you need a child restraint that has LATCH attachments. The child restraint manufacturer will provide you with instructions on how to use the child restraint and its attachments. The following explains how to attach a child restraint with these attachments in your vehicle. Not all vehicle seating positions or child restraints have lower anchors and attachments or top tether anchors and attachments.


2-42


Lower Anchors


Top Tether Anchor


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


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


2-43


Some child restraints with top tethers are designed for use with or without the top tether being attached. Others require the top tether always to be attached. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint. If the child restraint does not have a top tether, one can be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints. Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not a kit is available.


Lower Anchor and Top Tether Anchor Locations


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


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


Rear Seat


2-44


To assist you in locating the lower anchors, each rear anchor position has a label, near the crease between the seatback and the seat cushion, showing where the anchors are located.


The top tether anchors are located behind the rear seat on the filler panel. Do not secure a child restraint in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be attached, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top tether must be attached. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 2-40 for additional information.


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Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System


{ WARNING:


{ WARNING:


If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached to anchors, the child restraint will not be able to protect the child correctly. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Install a LATCH-type child restraint properly using the anchors, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with the child restraint and the instructions in this manual.


Do not attach more than one child restraint to a single anchor. Attaching more than one child restraint to a single anchor could cause the anchor or attachment to come loose or even break during a crash. A child or others could be injured. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries during a crash, attach only one child restraint per anchor.


{ WARNING:


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


2-46


Notice: Do not let the LATCH attachments rub against the vehicle’s safety belts. This may damage these parts. If necessary, move buckled safety belts to avoid rubbing the LATCH attachments. Do not fold the empty rear seat with a safety belt buckled. This could damage the safety belt or the seat. Unbuckle and return the safety belt to its stowed position, before folding the seat. If you need to secure more than one child restraint in the rear seat, see Where to Put the Restraint on page 2-40. Depending on where you place the child restraint, you may not be able to access certain safety belt assemblies or LATCH anchors for additional passengers or child restraints. You cannot secure three child restraints using the LATCH anchors in the rear seat at the same time, but you can install two of them. If you want to do this, install one LATCH child restraint in the passenger-side position, and install the other one either in the driver-side position or in the center position. Refer to the following illustration to learn which anchors to use.


A. Passenger Side Rear Seat Lower Anchors B. Center Rear Seat Lower Anchors C. Driver Side Rear Seat Lower Anchors Make sure to attach the child restraint at the proper anchor location.


2-47


2.3. Route, attach, and tighten the top tether


according to the child restraint instructions and the following instructions:


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


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


This system is designed to make installation of child restraints easier. When using lower anchors, do not use the vehicle’s safety belts. Instead use the vehicle’s anchors and child restraint attachments to secure the restraints. Some restraints also use another vehicle anchor to secure a top tether. 1. Attach and tighten the lower attachments to the


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


1.1. Find the lower anchors for the desired


seating position.


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


the child restraint to the lower anchors.


2. If the child restraint manufacturer recommends that


the top tether be attached, attach and tighten the top tether to the top tether anchor, if equipped. Refer to the child restraint instructions and the following steps:


2.1. Find the top tether anchor. 2.2. If the position you are using has an


adjustable headrest or head restraint, raise it. See Head Restraints on page 2-2.


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If the position you are using has an adjustable headrest or head restraint and you are using a single tether, route the tether under the headrest or head restraint and in between the headrest or head restraint posts. See Head Restraints on page 2-2.


If the position you are using has an adjustable headrest or head restraint and you are using a dual tether route the tether under the headrest or head restraint and in between the headrest or head restraint posts. See Head Restraints on page 2-2.


3. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position When securing a child restraint in a rear seating position, study the instructions that came with the child restraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle. If the child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 2-42 for how and where to install the child restraint using LATCH. If a child restraint is secured in the vehicle using a safety belt and it uses a top tether, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 2-42 for top tether anchor locations. Do not secure a child seat in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. If the child restraint does not have the LATCH system, you will be using the safety belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say.


2-49


If more than one child restraint needs to be installed in the rear seat, be sure to read Where to Put the Restraint on page 2-40. 1. Put the child restraint on the seat. 2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder


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


3. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary.


2-50


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


the retractor to set the lock.


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


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


6. If the child restraint has a top tether, follow the child


restraint manufacturer’s instructions regarding the use of the top tether. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 2-42 for more information.


7. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and let it return to the stowed position. If the top tether is attached to a top tether anchor, disconnect it.


2-51


Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position This vehicle has airbags. A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing child restraint. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 2-40. In addition, the vehicle has a passenger sensing system which is designed to turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag under certain conditions. See Passenger Sensing System on page 2-66 and Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 4-26 for more information, including important safety information. 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.


2-52


{ WARNING:


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 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, no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat, even if the airbag is 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. See Passenger Sensing System on page 2-66 for additional information.


If the child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 2-42 for how and where to install the child restraint using LATCH. If a child restraint is secured using a safety belt and it uses a top tether, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 2-42 for top tether anchor locations. Do not secure a child seat in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached.


You will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. 1. Move the seat as far back as it will go before


securing the forward-facing child restraint. When the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag, the off indicator on the passenger airbag status indicator should light and stay lit when you start the vehicle. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 4-26.


2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder


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


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4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary.


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


the retractor to set the lock.


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If the airbags are off, the off indicator in the passenger airbag status indicator will come on and stay on when the vehicle is started. If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit, see “If the On Indicator is Lit for a Child Restraint ” under Passenger Sensing System on page 2-66 for more information. To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and let it return to the stowed position.


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6. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint,


pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. When installing a forward-facing child restraint, it may be 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.


Airbag System The vehicle has the following airbags: • A frontal airbag for the driver. • A frontal airbag for the right front passenger. • A seat-mounted side impact airbag for the driver. • A seat-mounted side impact airbag for the right front


passenger.


• A roof-rail airbag for the driver and the passenger


seated directly behind the driver.


• 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.


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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:


{ WARNING:


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 2-61. 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.


{ WARNING:


{ WARNING:


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 2-30 or Infants and Young Children on page 2-34.


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Where Are the Airbags?


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


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 4-25
for more information.


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The right front passenger’s 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.


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{ WARNING:


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.


Driver Side shown, Passenger Side similar


The roof-rail airbags for the driver, right front passenger, and second row outboard passengers are in the ceiling above the side windows.


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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.


Thresholds can also vary with specific vehicle design.


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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. The vehicle has seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags. See Airbag System on page 2-56. 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.


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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 2-61 for more information. Airbags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts.


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