Acura ZDX 2012 Owner Manual

2012 ZDX

Owner’s Manual

(Unlinked)

This document does not contain hyperlinks and may be formatted for printing instead of web use. This is due to changes in content and specifications of the vehicle that happen throughout the model year. This manual will be replaced with a hyperlinked version at the end of the model year.

P/N 00X31-SZN-

6200

This owner’s manual should be considered a permanent part of the vehicle and should remain with the vehicle when it is sold.

2 Safe Driving P. 21

For Safe Driving P. 22 Seat Belts P. 27 Airbags P. 35

This owner’s manual covers all models of your vehicle. You may find descriptions of equipment and features that are not on your particular model.

Images throughout this owner’s manual (including the front cover) represent features and equipment that are available on some, but not all, models. Your particular model may not have some of these features.

This owner’s manual is for vehicles sold in the United States and Canada.

The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation.

2 Instrument Panel P. 67

Indicators P. 68 Gauges and Multi-Information Display P. 87

2 Controls P. 101

Setting the Clock P. 102 Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 103 Opening and Closing the Panoramic Glass Roof P. 126 Adjusting the Seats P. 143

2 Features P. 167

Audio System P. 168 Audio System Basic Operation P. 171 General Information on the Audio System P. 191 Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® P. 197

2 Driving P. 209

Before Driving P. 210 Towing a Trailer P. 215 Rearview Camera P. 262 Refueling P. 263 Fuel Economy P. 266

2 Maintenance P. 269

Before Performing Maintenance P. 270 Maintenance MinderTM P. 273 Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 298 Climate Control System Maintenance P. 312

2 Handling the Unexpected P. 317

Tools P. 318 If a Tire Goes Flat P. 319 Overheating P. 332 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 334 When You Cannot Unlock the Fuel Fill Door P. 346

2 Information P. 349

Specifications P. 350 Identification Numbers P. 351 Emissions Testing P. 354 Warranty Coverages P. 356

Contents

Child Safety P. 50 Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 64 Safety Labels P. 65

Opening and Closing the Tailgate P. 114 Security System P. 120 Opening and Closing the Windows P. 123 Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel P. 127 Adjusting the Mirrors P. 141 Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items P. 151 Climate Control System P. 163

Audio Error Messages P. 188 Audio Remote Controls P. 190 HomeLink® Universal Transceiver P. 195

When Driving P. 223 Braking P. 253 Parking Your Vehicle P. 261 Accessories and Modifications P. 267

Maintenance Under the Hood P. 277 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 291 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 300 Battery P. 309 Remote Transmitter Care P. 310 Cleaning P. 313

Engine Does Not Start P. 326 Jump Starting P. 329 Shift Lever Does Not Move P. 331 Fuses P. 338 Emergency Towing P. 344 When You Cannot Open or Close the Tailgate P. 347

Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 352 Reporting Safety Defects P. 353 Authorized Manuals P. 358 Client Service Information P. 359

Quick Reference Guide

Safe Driving

Instrument Panel

Controls

Features

Driving

Maintenance

Handling the Unexpected

Information

Index

P. 2

P. 21

P. 67

P. 101

P. 167

P. 209

P. 269

P. 317

P. 349

P. 361

Quick Reference Guide

❙ Indicators (P 68) ❙ Gauges (P 87)

❙ Multi-Information Display (P 88)

❙ Blind Spot Information System (BSI) Alert Indicator

(P 246)

❙ Navigation System

() See Navigation System Manual

❙ Audio System (P 168)

❙ Hazard Warning Button

❙ Climate Control System (P 163)

❙ Rear Window Defogger (P 137)

❙ Front Seat Heater Switches

(P 160)

❙ Ignition Switch

(P 127)

❙ Steering Wheel Adjustments (P 140)

❙ Heated Mirror Button (P 137)

❙ Front Seat Heater and Seat

Ventilation Switches

(P 161)

❙ (Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) System OFF) Button (P 243)

❙ Collision Mitigation Braking System

(CMBSTM) OFF Button* (P 259)

❙ Blind Spot Information System (BSI) OFF Button

(P 247)

❙ Headlight Washer Button

(P 135)

Visual Index

Quick Reference Guide

❙ Headlights/Turn Signals (P 131) ❙ Fog Lights (P 133)

❙ Wipers/Washers (P 134)

❙ Cruise Control Buttons

(P 232)

❙ Paddle Shifter (Shift down) (P 231)

❙ Paddle Shifter (Shift up) (P 231)

❙ Audio Remote Control Buttons (P 190)

❙ Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® System

Voice Control Buttons

(P 197)

❙ SEL/RESET Button (P 88) ❙ / (Information) Button (P 88)

❙ Horn (Press an area around .)

❙ Brightness Control (P 136)

❙ Keyless Access Remote Slot

(P 130)

❙ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Distance

Button

(P 240)

❙ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Buttons

(P 235)

❙ ENGINE START/STOP Button

(P 128)

* Not available on all models

Visual Index

Quick Reference Guide

❙ Driving Position Memory System Buttons (P 139) ❙ Power Tailgate Button (P 117)

❙ Glove Box (P 153)

❙ Parking Brake (P 253) ❙ Hood Release Handle (P 278)

❙ Power Door Lock Master Switch (Unlocking Fuel Fill Door) (P 111)

❙ Interior Fuse Box (P 339) ❙ Door Mirror Controls (P 142)

❙ Power Window Switches (P 123)

❙ Integrated Dynamics System

(IDS) Switch

(P 252)

❙ Panoramic Glass Roof/

Sunshade Switch

(P 126)

❙ Map Lights (Front) (P 152) ❙ Rearview Mirror (P 141)

❙ HomeLink® Button (P 195) ❙ Driver’s Front Airbag (P 38)

❙ Passenger’s Front Airbag

(P 38)

❙ Shift Lever Automatic

Transmission

(P 227)

Quick Reference Guide

❙ Seat Belt to Secure a Child Seat (P 60)

❙ Seat Belt (Installing a Child Seat) (P 58)

❙ Grab Handle

❙ Coat Hook (P 158)

❙ Side Curtain Airbags (P 45)

❙ Front Seat (P 143)

❙ Seat Belts (P 27)

❙ Sunglasses Holder (P 159) ❙ Sun Visors

❙ Vanity Mirrors

❙ USB Adapter Cable (P 169) ❙ Auxiliary Input Jack (P 169)

❙ Rear Seat (P 149) ❙ LATCH to Secure a Child Seat (P 55)

❙ Side Airbags (P 42)

❙ Rear Seat Heater Switches

(P 162)

❙ Accessory Power Sockets (P 157)

* Not available on all models

Visual Index

Quick Reference Guide

❙ Fog Lights (P 133, 292)

❙ How to Refuel (P 264)

❙ Maintenance Under the Hood (P 277) ❙ Windshield Wipers (P 134, 298) ❙ Power Door Mirrors (P 142)

❙ Tires (P 300, 319)

❙ Door Lock/Unlock Control (P 106)

❙ Headlights (P 131, 291) ❙ Front Turn Signal/Parking/Side Marker/Daytime Running

Lights

(P 131, 293)

❙ High-Mount Brake Light (P 297)

❙ Opening/Closing the Tailgate

(P 114)

❙ Tailgate Open Handle (P 115)

❙ Stop/Taillights (P 295) ❙ Rear Turn Signal Lights (P 295) ❙ Rear Side Marker Lights (P 295)

❙ Rearview Camera (P 262)

❙ Rear License Plate Lights (P 297) ❙ Back-Up Lights (P 296)

Quick Reference Guide

Safe Driving (P 21)

Airbags (P 35)

● Your vehicle is fitted with airbags to help protect you and your passengers during a moderate-to-severe collision.

Child Safety (P 50)

● All children 12 and younger should be seated in the rear seat.

● Smaller children should be properly restrained in a forward-facing child seat.

● Infants must be properly restrained in a rear-facing child seat.

Exhaust Gas Hazard (P 64)

● Your vehicle emits dangerous exhaust gases that contain carbon monoxide. Do not run the engine in confined spaces where carbon monoxide gas can accumulate.

Before Driving Checklist (P 26)

● Before driving, check that the front seats, head restraints, steering wheel, and mirrors have been properly adjusted.

Seat Belts (P 27)

● Fasten your seat belt and sit upright well back in the seat.

● Check that your passengers are wearing their seat belts correctly.

Fasten your lap belt as low as possible.

Quick Reference Guide

Instrument Panel (P 67)

System Indicators

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

Low Oil Pressure Indicator

Charging System Indicator

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Indicator

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) System Indicator

VSA® OFF Indicator

Low Tire Pressure/ TPMS Indicator

Electronically Controlled Power Steering System (ECPS) Indicator

Lights Reminders

Lights On Indicator

High Beam Indicator

Fog Light Indicator

Immobilizer System Indicator

Seat Belt Reminder Indicator

System Indicators

Cruise Control Indicator

System Message Indicator

Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator

Supplemental Restraint System Indicator

Side Airbag Off Indicator

Door and Tailgate Open Indicator

Cruise Main Indicator

Tachometer Speedometer

Fuel Gauge

Security System Indicator

Shift Lever Position Indicator

Low Fuel Indicator

Gauges (P 87)/Multi-Information Display (P 88)/ System Indicators

(P 68)

Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Indicators

Temperature Gauge

SH-AWD Indicator

Keyless Access System Indicator

Active Damper System Indicator

Blind Spot Information Indicator

Collision Mitigation Braking System

(CMBS

) Indicator

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Indicator

System Indicators

Multi-Information Display

U.S.

Canada

U.S.

Quick Reference Guide

Controls (P 101)

Left

Right

Turn Signal Control Lever

Light Control Switches

High Beam

Low Beam

Flashing

Wiper/Washer Control Lever

Adjustment Ring

: Long Delay : Short Delay

MIST OFF INT: Low speed with intermittent LO: Low speed wipe HI: High speed wipe

Pull toward you to spray washer fluid.

* Not available on all models

Turn Signals (P 131)

Lights (P 131)

Wipers and Washers

(P 134)

Quick Reference Guide

Steering Wheel (P 140)

Selector Switch

Adjustment Switch

Power Window Lock Button

Window Switch

Indicator

● To adjust, push and hold the adjustment switch to move the steering wheel to the desired position.

Tailgate (P 114)

Power Door Mirrors

● With the ignition switch in ON the selector switch to L or R.

● Push the appropriate edge of the adjustment switch to adjust the mirror.

● Place the selector switch in the L or R position to use the reverse tilt door mirror feature.

(P 142)

, move

Power Windows (P 123)

● With the ignition switch in ON and close the power windows.

● If the power window lock button is in the OFF position, each passenger’s window can be opened and closed with its own switch.

● If the power window lock button is in the ON position (indicator is on), each passenger’s window switch is disabled.

, open

● With all the doors unlocked, press the tailgate release button on the tailgate to open it.

● Press the power tailgate button on the instrument panel or the remote transmitter to open and close the power tailgate.

*1: Models with the keyless access system have an ENGINE START/STOP button instead of an ignition switch.

Quick Reference Guide

Climate Control System (P 163)

Models with navigation system

(Fan Control) Bar

(Rear Window Defogger/ Heated Mirror) Button

(Windshield Defroster) Button

A/C (Air Conditioning) Button

Air flows from dashboard vents and back of the center console.

Air flows from floor and dashboard vents, and back of the center console.

Air flows from floor vents.

Air flows from floor and windshield defroster vents.

(ON/OFF) Button

(Recirculation) Button

Passenger’s Side MODE Control Button

Passenger’s Side Temperature Control Switch

SYNC (Synchronized) Button

Driver’s Side AUTO Button

Driver’s Side Temperature Control Switch

Driver’s Side MODE Control Button

Passenger’s Side AUTO Button

Models without navigation system

Models with navigation system

● Press the driver's or passenger’s AUTO button to activate the climate control system.

● Press the button to turn the system on or off.

● Press the button to defrost the windshield.

The climate control system is voice operable. See the navigation system manual for complete details.

Clock (P 102)

a Press the SETUP button. b Turn the selector knob to select CLOCK

ADJUST, then press the knob.

c Turn the selector knob to select the

clock display setting, hours, or minutes, then press the knob.

d Turn the selector knob to change the

clock display setting, hours, or minutes, then press the knob.

e Select Set with the selector knob, then

press the knob to complete clock adjustment.

The navigation system receives signals from GPS satellites, updating the clock automatically.

Quick Reference Guide

Features (P 167)

Audio Display

SCAN/A.SEL (Auto Select) Bar

AM/FM Button

RETURN Button

Selector Knob

TITLE Button

TUNE Bar

VOL (Volume/

Power) Knob

DISC Button

USB/AUX Button

CD Slot

(CD Eject)

Button

Preset Buttons (1-6)

SETUP Button

SKIP Bar

CATEGORY Bar

LOAD Button

(XM®)

Button

VOL Button

MODE Button

CH Button

Audio system (P 168)

For navigation system operation () See Navigation System Manual

● Audio Remote Controls (P 190)

● VOL (Volume) Button Press / to adjust the volume up/down.

● MODE Button Press and release to change the audio mode: FM1/FM2/AM/XM1/XM2/CD/AUX.

● CH (Channel) Button Radio:Press and release to change the

preset station. Press and hold to select the next or previous strong station.

CD/USB device:

Press and release to skip to the beginning of the next song or return to the beginning of the current song. Press and hold to change a folder.

Quick Reference Guide

Driving (P 209)

Release Button

Shift Lever

Depress the brake pedal and press the release button to move out of

Move the shift lever without pressing the release button.

Press the release button to move the shift lever.

Automatic Transmission (P 227)

● Shift to

P and depress the brake pedal when starting the engine.

● Shifting

Park

Turn off or start the engine. Transmission is locked.

Reverse

Neutral

Transmission is not locked.

Drive

Normal driving. D-paddle shift mode can be used.

S Position

Sequential shift mode can be used.

Paddle Shifters (P 230)

M Indicator

Shift Down Paddle Shifter

Shift Up + Paddle Shifter

● Paddle shifters allow you to shift gears much like a manual transmission (1st through 6th). This is useful for engine braking.

● D-paddle shift mode: The transmission will shift back to automatic mode once the system detects that the vehicle is cruising.

● Sequential shift mode: Holds the selected gear, and the M indicator comes on.

Selected Gear Number

Quick Reference Guide

VSA® OFF Button (P 244)

● The vehicle stability assist (VSA®) system helps stabilize the vehicle during cornering, and helps maintain traction while accelerating on loose or slippery road surfaces.

● VSA® comes on automatically every time you start the engine.

● To turn VSA® on or off, press and hold the button until you hear a beep.

Cruise Control (P 232)

● Cruise control allows you to maintain a set speed without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal.

● To use cruise control, press the CRUISE button, then press the DECEL/SET button once you have received the desired speed (above 25 mph or 40 km/h).

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

● TPMS monitors tire pressure.

● TPMS is turned on automatically every

time you start the engine.

(P 248)

Refueling (P 263)

Fuel recommendation: Premium unleaded gasoline with a pump octane number

91 or higher required

Fuel tank capacity: 21.00 US gal (79.5 L)

a Unlock the driver’s door.

b Press on the edge of the

fuel fill door to make it pop up slightly.

c Turn the fuel fill cap

slowly to remove the cap.

d Place the cap in the

holder on the fuel fill door.

e After refueling, screw

the cap back on until it clicks at least once.

Quick Reference Guide

Maintenance (P 269)

Under the Hood (P 277)

● Check engine oil, engine coolant, and windshield washer fluid. Add when necessary.

● Check brake fluid.

● Check the battery regularly.

a Pull the hood release handle under the corner of the

dashboard.

b Locate the hood latch lever, pull the lever up, and lift up

the hood.

c When finished, close the hood and make sure it is firmly

locked in place.

Lights (P 291)

● Inspect all lights regularly.

Wiper Blades (P 298)

● Replace blades if they leave streaks across the windshield.

Tires (P 300)

● Inspect tires and wheels regularly.

● Check tire pressures regularly.

● Install snow tires for winter

driving.

Quick Reference Guide

Handling the Unexpected (P 317)

Flat Tire (P 319)

● Park in a safe location and replace the flat tire with the compact spare tire located under the cargo area.

Indicators Come On

● Identify the indicator and consult the owner’s manual.

(P 334)

Engine Won’t Start

● If the battery is dead, jump start using a booster battery.

(P 326)

Blown Fuse (P 343)

● Check for a blown fuse if an electrical device does not operate.

Overheating (P 332)

● Park in a safe location. If you do not see steam under the hood, open the hood, and let the engine cool down.

Emergency Towing

● Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.

(P 344)

Quick Reference Guide

What to Do If

* Not available on all models

*1: Models with the keyless access system have an ENGINE START/STOP button instead of an ignition switch.

The ignition switch does not turn from

0 to q

Why?

The ignition switch does not turn from

q to 0

and I cannot remove the key. Why?

Why does the brake pedal pulsate slightly when applying the brakes?

The rear door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle. Why?

●

The steering wheel may be locked.

●

Try to turn the steering wheel left and right while turning the ignition key.

●

Move the steering wheel left and right while pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button

the same time.

The shift lever should be moved to P .

This can occur when the ABS activates, and does not indicate a problem. Apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. Never pump the brake pedal.

Check if the childproof lock is in the LOCK position. If so, open the rear door with the outside door handle. To cancel this function, push the lever to the UNLOCK position.

Quick Reference Guide

Why do the doors lock after I unlocked the doors using a remote transmitter?

If you do not open the doors within 30 seconds, the doors are relocked automatically for security.

Why does the beeper sound when I open the driver’s door?

Why does the beeper sound when I start driving?

Why do I hear a screeching sound when I apply the brake pedal?

Is it possible to use unleaded gasoline with a Pump Octane Number (PON) of 87 or higher on this vehicle?

The beeper sounds when:

●

The key is left in the ignition switch.

●

The exterior lights are left on.

●

The power mode is in ACCESSORY.

The beeper sounds when:

●

Driver and/or front passenger are not wearing their seat belts.

●

The parking brake lever is not fully released.

The brake pads may need to be replaced. Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.

If premium unleaded gasoline with a PON of 91 or higher is not available, you can temporarily use the gasoline with a PON of 87 or higher. This will result in decreased engine performance, and can cause occasional metallic knocking noise in the engine. Unleaded gasoline with a PON of 91 or higher is required. The long-term use of a lower PON gasoline can lead to engine damage.

Quick Reference Guide

California Proposition 65 Warning

WARNING: This product contains or emits

chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

NOTICE

To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement, that have the special equipment, can read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR.

Event Data Recorders

This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR).

The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data related

to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as:

• How various systems in your vehicle were operating;

• Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were

buckled/fastened;

• How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,

• How fast the vehicle was traveling.

These data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur. NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under normal driving conditions and no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) are recorded. However, other parties, such as law enforcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash investigation.

The data belongs to the vehicle owner and may not be accessed by anyone else except as legally required or with the permission of the vehicle owner.

Service Diagnostic Recorders

This vehicle is equipped with service-related devices that record information about powertrain performance. The data can be used to verify emissions law requirements and/or help technicians diagnose and solve service problems. It may also be combined with data from other sources for research purposes, but it remains confidential.

California Perchlorate Contamination Prevention Act

The airbags, seat belt tensioners, and CR type batteries in this vehicle may contain perchlorate materials - special handling may apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate/

As you read this manual, you will find information that is preceded by a symbol. This information is intended to help you avoid damage to your vehicle, other property, or the environment.

Quick Reference Guide

A Few Words About Safety

3DANGER

3WARNING

3CAUTION

Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And operating this vehicle safely is an important responsibility.

To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others.

Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining your vehicle. You must use your own good judgement.

You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms, including:

● Safety Labels - on the vehicle.

● Safety Messages - preceded by a safety alert symbol

one of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. These signal words mean:

You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.

You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.

You CAN be HURT if you don't follow instructions.

● Safety Headings - such as Important Safety Precautions.

● Safety Section - such as Safe Driving.

● Instructions - how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.

This entire book is filled with important safety information - please read it carefully.

3 and

Safe Driving

You can find many safety recommendations throughout this chapter, and throughout this manual.

For Safe Driving

Important Safety Precautions .............22

Important Handling Information......... 24

Your Vehicle’s Safety Features............ 25

Seat Belts

About Your Seat Belts........................ 27

Fastening a Seat Belt.......................... 31

Seat Belt Inspection............................34

Airbags

Airbag System Components............... 35

Types of Airbags ................................ 38

Front Airbags (SRS) ............................ 38

Side Airbags ...................................... 42

Side Curtain Airbags.......................... 45

Airbag System Indicators.................... 46

Airbag Care....................................... 49

Child Safety

Protecting Child Passengers ............... 50

Safety of Infants and Small Children .......52

Safety of Larger Children ................... 62

Exhaust Gas Hazard

Carbon Monoxide Gas....................... 64

Safety Labels

Label Locations.................................. 65

Safe Driving

For Safe Driving

1Important Safety Precautions

Some states, provinces and territories prohibit the use of cell phones other than hands-free devices by the driver while driving.

The following pages explain your vehicle’s safety features and how to use them properly. The safety precautions below are ones that we consider to be among the most important.

Important Safety Precautions

■ Always wear your seat belt

A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags are designed to supplement seat belts, not replace them. So even though your vehicle is equipped with airbags, make sure you and your passengers always wear your seat belts, and wear them properly.

■ Restrain all children

Children age 12 and under should ride properly restrained in a back seat, not the front seat. Infants and small children should be restrained in a child seat. Larger children should use a booster seat and a lap/shoulder seat belt until they can use the belt properly without a booster seat.

■ Be aware of airbag hazards

While airbags can save lives, they can cause serious or fatal injuries to occupants who sit too close to them, or are not properly restrained. Infants, young children, and short adults are at the greatest risk. Be sure to follow all instructions and warnings in this manual.

■ Don’t drink and drive

Alcohol and driving don’t mix. Even one drink can reduce your ability to respond to changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with every additional drink. So don't drink and drive, and don't let your friends drink and drive, either.

uuFor Safe Driving uImportant Safety Precautions

Safe Driving

■ Pay appropriate attention to the task of driving safely

Engaging in cell phone conversation or other activities that keep you from paying close attention to the road, other vehicles, and pedestrians could lead to a crash. Remember, situations can change quickly, and only you can decide when it is safe to divert some attention away from driving.

■ Control your speed

Excessive speed is a major factor in crash injuries and deaths. Generally, the higher the speed, the greater the risk, but serious injuries can also occur at lower speeds. Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the maximum speed posted.

■ Keep your vehicle in safe condition

Having a tire blowout or a mechanical failure can be extremely hazardous. To reduce the possibility of such problems, check your tire pressures and condition frequently, and perform all regularly scheduled maintenance.

uuFor Safe Driving uImportant Handling Information

Safe Driving

1Important Handling Information

Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result in a crash or a roll over.

2 Precautions While Driving P. 226 2 Off-Highway Driving Guidelines P. 220

Important Handling Information

Your vehicle has higher ground clearance than a passenger vehicle designed for use only on pavement. Higher ground clearance has many advantages for off-highway driving. It allows you to travel over bumps, obstacles, and rough terrain. It also provides good visibility so you can anticipate problems earlier.

These advantages come at some cost. Because your vehicle is taller and rides higher off the ground, it has a higher center gravity making it more susceptible to tripping or roll over if you make abrupt turns. Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. As a reminder, make sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts.

Safe Driving

Your Vehicle’s Safety Features

1Your Vehicle’s Safety Features

Your vehicle is equipped with many features that work together to help protect you and your passengers during a crash.

Some features do not require any action on your part. These include a strong steel framework that forms a safety cage around the passenger compartment, front and rear crush zones, a collapsible steering column, and tensioners that tighten the front seat belts in a sufficient crash.

However, you and your passengers cannot take full advantage of these features unless you remain seated in the correct position and always wear your seat belts. In fact, some safety features can contribute to injuries if they are not used properly.

a Safety Cage b Crush Zones c Seats and Seat-Backs d Head Restraints e Collapsible Steering Column f Seat Belts g Front Airbags h Side Airbags i Side Curtain Airbags jDoor Locks k Seat Belt Tensioners/Seat Belt

e-pretensioners

l Occupant Position Detection

System (OPDS) Sensor

abb

hdc

* Not available on all models

uuFor Safe Driving uYour Vehicle’s Safety Features

The following checklist will help you take an active role in protecting yourself and your passengers.

Continued

uuFor Safe Driving uYour Vehicle’s Safety Features

Safe Driving

1Safety Checklist

If the door and tailgate open indicator is on, a door and/or the tailgate is not completely closed. Close all doors and the tailgate tightly until the indicator goes off.

2 Door and Tailgate Open Indicator P. 73

Safety Checklist

■

For the safety of you and your passengers, make a habit of checking these items each time before you drive.

• After everyone has entered the vehicle, be sure all doors and the tailgate are closed and locked. Locking the doors and the tailgate helps prevent an occupant from being ejected and an outsider from unexpectedly opening a door or the tailgate.

2 Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside P. 111

• Adjust your seat to a position suitable for driving. Be sure the front seats are adjusted as far to the rear as possible while allowing the driver to control the vehicle. Sitting too close to a front airbag can result in serious or fatal injury in a crash.

2 Adjusting the Seats P. 143

• Adjust head restraints to the proper position. Head restraints are most effective when the center of the head restraint aligns with the center of your head. Taller persons should adjust their head restraint to the highest position.

2 Adjusting the Head Restraints P. 145

• Always wear your seat belt, and make sure you wear it properly. Confirm that any passengers are properly belted as well.

2 Fastening a Seat Belt P. 31

• Protect children by using seat belts or child seats according to a child’s age, height and weight.

2 Child Safety P. 50

Safe Driving

Seat Belts

1About Your Seat Belts

Seat belts cannot completely protect you in every crash. But in most cases, seat belts can reduce your risk of serious injury.

Most states and all Canadian provinces and territories require you to wear seat belts.

WARNING

Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even though your vehicle has airbags.

Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts and wear them properly.

About Your Seat Belts

Seat belts are the single most effective safety device because they keep you connected to the vehicle so that you can take advantage of many built-in safety features. They also help keep you from being thrown against the inside of the vehicle, against other passengers, or out of the vehicle. When worn properly, seat belts also keep your body properly positioned in a crash so that you can take full advantage of the additional protection provided by the airbags.

In addition, seat belts help protect you in almost every type of crash, including:

- frontal impacts

- side impacts

- rear impacts

- rollovers

■ Lap/shoulder seat belts

All five seating positions are equipped with lap/shoulder seat belts with emergency locking retractors. In normal driving the retractor lets you move freely while keeping some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop the retractor locks to restrain your body. The rear seat belts also have a lockable retractor for use with child seats.

2 Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt P. 58

Continued

uuSeat Belts u About Your Seat Belts

Safe Driving

1About Your Seat Belts

If a rear seat passenger moves around and extends the seat belt, the lockable retractor may activate. If this happens, release the retractor by unfastening the seat belt and allow the belt to retract completely. Then refasten the belt.

1Seat Belt Reminder

The indicator will also come on if a front passenger does not fasten their seat belt within 6 seconds after the ignition switch is turned to ON

. When no one is sitting in the front passenger’s seat, or a child or small adult is riding there, the indicator will not come on. This is because the weight sensors in the seat cannot detect their presence.

■ Proper use of seat belts

Follow these guidelines for proper use:

• All occupants should sit upright, well back in the seat, and remain in that position for the duration of the trip. Slouching and leaning reduces the effectiveness of the belt and can increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.

• Never place the shoulder part of a lap/shoulder seat belt under your arm or behind your back. This could cause very serious injuries in a crash.

• Two people should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be very seriously injured in a crash.

• Do not put any accessories on the seat belts. Devices intended to improve comfort or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt can reduce the protective capability and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.

Seat Belt Reminder

■

*1: Models with the keyless access system have an ENGINE START/STOP button instead of an ignition switch.

Your vehicle monitors front seat belt use. If the ignition switch is turned to ON

before the driver’s seat belt is fastened, a beeper will sound and the indicator will blink. If the driver does not fasten the belt before the beeper stops, the indicator will remain on.

The beeper will also periodically sound and the indicator will blink while driving until the driver’s and front passenger’s seat belts are fastened.

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