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2011 Buick Lucerne Owner Manual M
In Brief . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 1-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 1-4
Vehicle Features ..... . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 1-15
Performance and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 1-22
Seats and Restraint System . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . 2-1
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . 2-12
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 2-33
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 2-55
Restraint System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-70
Features and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . 3-1
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . 3-3
Doors and Locks . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . 3-9
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . 3-14
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . 3-31
Object Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . 3-35
Universal Home Remote System . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 3-42
Storage Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... . . 3-49
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 3-51
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Instrument Panel Overview .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4-3
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . 4-27
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-42
Audio System(s) . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 4-67
Driving Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5-23
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2011 Buick Lucerne Owner Manual M
Service and Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 6-3
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 6-5
Checking Things Under the Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-49
Bulb Replacement . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 6-52
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. 6-57
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-98
Vehicle Identification . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 6-106
Electrical System . .... . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-107
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . 6-116
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . 7-1
Maintenance Schedule . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Customer Assistance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Customer Assistance and Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... . . 8-13
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1
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The names, logos, emblems, slogans, vehicle model
names, and vehicle body designs appearing in this
manual including, but not limited to, GM, the GM logo,
BUICK, the BUICK Emblem, and LUCERNE are
trademarks and/or service marks of General Motors
LLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.
This manual describes features that may or may not
be on your specific vehicle either because they are
options that you did not purchase or due to changes
subsequent to the printing of this owner manual. Please
refer to the purchase documentation relating to your
specific vehicle to confirm each of the features found
on your vehicle. For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name “General Motors of Canada
Limited” for Buick Motor Division wherever it appears
in this manual.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick reference.
Canadian Owners
Propriétaires Canadiens
A French language copy of this manual can be obtained
from your dealer or from:
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide en français
auprès du concessionnaire ou à l'adresse suivante:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
1-800-551-4123
Numéro de poste 6438 de langue française
www.helminc.com
Index
To quickly locate information about the vehicle, use the
index in the back of the manual. It is an alphabetical list
of what is in the manual and the page number where it
can be found.
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 20827774 B Second Printing
©
2010 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
iii
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Safety Warnings and Symbols
Warning messages found on vehicle labels and in this
manual describe hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
Danger indicates a hazard with a high level of risk
which will result in serious injury or death.
Warning or Caution indicates a hazard that could result
in injury or death.
WARNING:
{
These mean there is something that could hurt
you or other people.
Notice: This means there is something that could
result in property or vehicle damage. This would not
be covered by the vehicle's warranty.
A circle with a slash
through it is a safety
symbol which means “Do
Not,” “Do not do this,” or
“Do not let this happen.”
Vehicle Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or information relating
to a specific component, control, message, gauge,
or indicator.
M : This symbol is shown when you need to see your
owner manual for additional instructions or information.
* : This symbol is shown when you need to see a
service manual for additional instructions or information.
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Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the Index.
9 : Airbag Readiness Light
# : Air Conditioning
! : Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g : Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar
®
$ : Brake System Warning Light
" : Charging System
I : Cruise Control
B : Engine Coolant Temperature
O : Exterior Lamps
# : Fog Lamps
. : Fuel Gauge
+ : Fuses
3 : Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j : LATCH System Child Restraints
* : Malfunction Indicator Lamp
: : Oil Pressure
} : Power
/ : Remote Vehicle Start
> : Safety Belt Reminders
7 : Tire Pressure Monitor
F : Traction Control
M : Windshield Washer Fluid
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2 NOTES
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Section 1 In Brief
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Door Locks . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Trunk Release . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 1-5
Windows . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Seat Adjustment . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 1-6
Memory Features . .... . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Heated Seats . .... . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 1-9
Heated and Ventilated Seats . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-9
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Safety Belts . . ....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Sensing System for Passenger Airbag . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Mirror Adjustment . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. 1-12
Interior Lighting . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-13
Exterior Lighting . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 1-13
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-15
Radio(s) . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Satellite Radio . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-16
Portable Audio Devices (Auxiliary Input or
USB Port) . .... . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Bluetooth
®
. . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 1-18
Navigation System . . ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 1-18
Cruise Control . . ... . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 1-19
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 1-20
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Power Outlets . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 1-21
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Performance and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
StabiliTrak
®
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-22
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
®
OnStar
. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
1-1
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Instrument Panel
1-2
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A. Outlet Adjustment on page 4‑25
B. DIC Operation and Displays on page 4‑42
C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 4‑4
Windshield Wipers on page 4‑6
D. Instrument Panel Cluster on page 4‑28
E. Hazard Warning Flashers on page 4‑3
F. Audio System(s) on page 4‑67
G. Exterior Lamps on page 4‑10
H. Trunk Release. See Trunk on page 3‑12
I. Instrument Panel Brightness on page 4‑12
J. Hood Release on page 6‑13
K. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) on page 3‑40
L. Cruise Control on page 4‑7
Heated Steering Wheel on page 4‑4
M. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 4‑37
N. Parking Brake on page 3‑26
O. Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 4‑94
P. Climate Control System on page 4‑16
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
on
page 4‑20
Q. Traction Control System (TCS) on page 5‑6
StabiliTrak
®
System on page 5‑5
R. Front Storage Area on page 3‑49
S. Shift Lever. See Automatic Transmission Operation
on page 3‑24
T. Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 4‑15
U. Glove Box on page 3‑49
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Initial Drive Information
This section provides a brief overview about some of
the important features that may or may not be on your
specific vehicle.
For more detailed information, refer to each of the
features which can be found later in this owner manual.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
The RKE transmitter is used to remotely lock and
unlock the doors from up to 60 m (195 feet) away from
the vehicle.
Press K to unlock the
driver door. Press again
within five seconds to
unlock all remaining
doors.
Q to lock all doors.
Press
Lock and unlock feedback can be personalized.
Press and hold
open the trunk.
Press
L and release to locate the vehicle.
L and hold for more than two seconds to sound
Press
the panic alarm.
L again to cancel the panic alarm.
Press
See Keys
(RKE) System Operation on page 3‑4.
V for approximately one second to
on page 3‑3
and Remote Keyless Entry
Remote Vehicle Start
With this feature the engine can be started from outside
of the vehicle.
Starting the Vehicle
1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press
3. Immediately after completing Step 2, press and
Q.
hold
/ until the turn signal lamps flash.
1-4
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When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn on
and remain on as long as the engine is running. The
doors will be locked and the climate control system may
come on.
The engine will continue to run for 10 minutes. Repeat
the steps for a 10-minute time extension. Remote start
can be extended only once.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start:
.
Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press
and hold
.
Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.
Turn the ignition on and then back off.
See Remote Vehicle Start on page 3‑7.
/ until the parking lamps turn off.
Door Locks
From the outside, unlock the door using either the key
or the RKE transmitter.
From the inside, use the power door lock switches or
manual lock knobs located at the top of the door panel
near the window.
Power Door Locks
On vehicles with power door locks, the switches are
located on the front doors.
" (Unlock): Press to unlock the doors.
Q (Lock): Remove the key from the ignition and press
to lock the doors.
For more information, see:
.
Door Locks on page 3‑9.
.
Power Door Locks on page 3‑9.
.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
on page 3‑4
.
Trunk Release
In addition to the trunk release button on the RKE
transmitter, there is a remote release
located to the left of the steering wheel, next to the
instrument panel brightness control. Press to open the
trunk.
See Trunk on page 3‑12.
V button
1-5
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Windows
On vehicles with power windows, the switches are on
the driver door armrest. Each passenger door has a
switch that controls only that window.
Press the switch to lower the window. Pull the switch up
to raise it.
For more information, see Power Windows
page 3‑15
.
on
Seat Adjustment
Power Seats
To adjust a power seat:
.
Move the seat forward or rearward by sliding the
control forward or rearward.
.
Raise or lower the front or rear part of the seat
cushion by moving the front or rear of the control
up or down.
.
Raise or lower the entire seat by moving the entire
control up or down.
See Power Seats on page 2‑3.
1-6
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Reclining Seatbacks
Lumbar Adjustment
To raise or recline the seatback, tilt the top of the
control forward or rearward.
See Reclining Seatbacks on page 2‑9.
Use the round control on the outboard side of the seat
to adjust the lumbar support.
See Power Lumbar
on page 2‑4
for more information.
1-7
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Memory Features
On vehicles with the memory feature, the controls on
the driver door are used to program and recall memory
settings for the driver seat, outside mirrors, and the
power steering column, if the vehicle has this feature.
1: Saves and recalls for driver 1.
2: Saves and recalls for driver 2.
S : Recalls the easy exit driver seat and power steering
column positions.
Storing Memory Positions
To save into memory:
1. Adjust the driver seat, seatback recliner, lumbar,
both outside mirrors, and the power steering
column, if equipped.
2. Press and hold “1” until two beeps sound.
3. Repeat for a second driver position using “2.”
To recall the memory positions, press and release “1”
or “2.” The vehicle must be in P (Park). A single beep
will sound. The seat, outside mirrors, and power
steering column, if equipped, will move to the positions
previously stored for the identified driver.
See Memory Seat and Mirrors
information.
on page 2‑7
for more
Easy Exit Positions
The easy exit feature can move the driver seat rearward
and the power steering column, if equipped, up and
forward to allow extra room to exit the vehicle.
S : Press to recall the easy exit positions. The vehicle
must be in P (Park).
See Memory Seat and Mirrors
Exit Recall” and “Easy Exit Setup” under DIC Vehicle
Customization
on page 4‑58
on page 2‑7
for more information.
and “Easy
1-8
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Heated Seats
Heated and Ventilated Seats
If available, the buttons are on the front doors. To
operate, the ignition must be on.
J : Press to heat the seat and seatback.
I : Press to heat the seatback.
For more information, see Heated Seats on page 2‑4.
If available, the buttons are on the front doors. To
operate, the ignition must be on.
J : Press to heat the seat and seatback.
I : Press to heat the seatback only.
H : Press to cool the seat and seatback.
For more information see Heated and Ventilated Seats
on page 2‑6
.
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Head Restraint Adjustment
The vehicle's front seats have adjustable head
restraints in the outboard seating positions.
Do not drive until the head restraints for all occupants
are installed and adjusted properly.
To achieve a comfortable seating position, change the
seatback recline angle as little as necessary while
keeping the seat and the head restraint height in the
proper position.
For more information see Head Restraints
page 2‑2
and Power Seats on page 2‑3.
on
Safety Belts
Refer to the following sections for important information
on how to use safety belts properly.
.
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone on page 2‑12.
.
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly on page 2‑17.
.
Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 2‑26.
.
Lap Belt on page 2‑32.
.
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
on page 2‑42
.
1-10
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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 overhead console when the vehicle is started.
United States Canada
See Passenger Sensing System
important information.
on page 2‑64
for
Mirror Adjustment
Exterior Mirrors
Controls for the outside
power mirrors are located
on the driver door
armrest.
1. Press the left or right side of the selector switch
located beneath the control pad to choose the
driver or passenger side mirror.
2. Press one of the four arrows located on the control
pad to move the mirror in the desired direction.
Manually fold the mirrors inward to prevent damage
when going through an automatic car wash. To fold,
push the mirror toward the vehicle. Push the mirror
outward, to return to its original position.
1-11
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Interior Mirror
The vehicle has an automatic dimming inside rearview
mirror. Automatic dimming reduces the glare of lights
from behind the vehicle. The dimming feature comes on
and the indicator light illuminates each time the vehicle
is started.
Press the
dimming feature and compass on or off.
See Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror on page 3‑31.
O button, located on the mirror, to turn the
Steering Wheel Adjustment
The lever is located on
the left side of the
steering column.
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Hold the wheel and pull the lever toward you.
2. Move the steering wheel up or down.
3. Release the lever to lock the wheel in place.
Power Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering
Column
For vehicles with a power
tilt control, it is located on
the left hand side of the
steering column.
To adjust the steering wheel, push the control up, down,
forward or backward.
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
See Tilt Wheel
and Telescopic Steering Column
(If Equipped).
on page 4‑3
or Power Tilt Wheel
on page 4‑4
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Interior Lighting
Courtesy Lamps
When any door is opened, the interior lamps turn on to
enter and exit the vehicle. Turn the instrument panel
brightness control
steering wheel, completely clockwise to manually turn
on these lamps.
Front Reading Lamps
The front reading lamps are located on the headliner.
Press the button near each lamp to turn them on or off.
For more information on interior lighting, see:
.
Courtesy Lamps on page 4‑13.
.
Instrument Panel Brightness on page 4‑12.
.
Delayed Entry Lighting on page 4‑13.
.
Delayed Exit Lighting on page 4‑13.
D located on the left side of the
Exterior Lighting
The exterior lamp
control is located on the
instrument panel to the
left of the steering wheel.
O : Turns off the exterior lamps.
AUTO: Automatic operation of the headlamps and other
exterior lamps.
; : Manual operation of the parking lamps and other
exterior lamps.
5 : Manual operation of the headlamps and other
exterior lamps.
# : Press to turn on the fog lamps.
1-13
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For more information, see:
.
Exterior Lamps on page 4‑10.
.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) on page 4‑11.
.
Fog Lamps on page 4‑12.
.
Wiper Activated Headlamps on page 4‑11.
9 : Turns the wipers off.
J : Press and release this paddle, located at the top
of the turn signal/multifunction lever, to spray washer
fluid on the windshield.
See Windshield Wipers
Washer on page 4‑7.
on page 4‑6
and Windshield
Windshield Wiper/Washer
The windshield wiper lever is located on the left side of
the steering column.
8 : Use for a single wiping cycle.
6 : Delays wiping cycle.
6 : Slow wipes.
1 : Fast wipes.
1-14
Climate Controls
A. Fan Control
B. Temperature Control
C. Air Delivery Mode
Control
See Climate Control System
(If Equipped).
D. Air Recirculation
E. Air Conditioning
F. Rear Window Defogger
on page 4‑16
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This system allows the driver and passenger to control
the temperature settings separately.
Vehicle Features
Radio(s)
A. Driver and Passenger
Temperature Controls
B. Fan Control
C. Display
D. Air Delivery Mode
Control
See Dual Automatic Climate Control System
page 4‑20
(If Equipped).
E. Air Conditioning
F. Outside Air
G. Air Recirculation
H. PASS
I. Rear Window
Defogger
on
Radio with CD (MP3)
O : Press to turn the system on and off. Turn to
increase or decrease the volume.
BAND: Press to choose between FM, AM, or XM™,
if equipped.
f : Select radio stations.
© ¨ : Seek or scan stations.
1-15
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4 (XM™ Satellite Radio Service, MP3, and RDS
Features): Press this button to display additional
text information related to the current FM-RDS or XM
station, or MP3 song. When information is not available,
No Info displays.
For more information about these and other radio
features, see Audio System(s) on page 4‑67.
Storing a Favorite Station
For vehicles with an XM radio, 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 4‑69.
Setting the Clock
To set the time and date for the radio with CD (MP3):
1. Turn the ignition key to ACC/ACCESSORY or
ON/RUN.
2. Press
O to turn the radio on.
3. Press
4. Press the softkey located below any one of the
5. Increase or decrease the time or date by
For detailed instructions on setting the clock for your
specific audio system, see Setting the Clock
page 4‑68
H and the HR, MIN, MM, DD, YYYY (hour,
minute, month, day, and year) displays.
tabs that you want to change.
f clockwise or counterclockwise.
turning
.
on
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)
page 4‑69
.
on
1-16
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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
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 4‑69.
®
, laptop computers, MP3
Steering Wheel Controls
For vehicles with audio
steering wheel controls,
some audio controls
can be adjusted at the
steering wheel.
w / c x : Press to change favorite radio stations,
select tracks on a CD/DVD, or to navigate tracks or
folders on an iPod
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 OnStar
systems, if equipped.
e − e : Increases or decreases volume.
+
c x : Press to reject an incoming call, or to end
a call.
SRCE: Press to switch between the radio, CD, and for
vehicles with, DVD, front auxiliary, and rear auxiliary.
®
or USB device.
®
or Bluetooth
1-17
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¨ : Press to seek the next radio station, the next track
or chapter while sourced to the CD or DVD slot, or to
select tracks and folders on an iPod
For more information, see Audio Steering Wheel
Controls on page 4‑94.
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
®
®
or USB device.
®
on page 4‑86.
Navigation System
If the vehicle has a navigation system, there is a
separate Navigation System Manual that includes
information on the radio, audio players, and navigation
system.
The navigation system provides detailed maps of most
major freeways and roads. After a destination has been
set, the system provides turn-by-turn instructions for
reaching the destination. In addition, the system can
help locate a variety of points of interest (POIs), such as
banks, airports, restaurants, and more.
See the Navigation System Manual for more
information.
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 instrument panel to
the left of the instrument panel cluster.
3 : Press to scroll through the trip and fuel displays.
T : Press to scroll through the vehicle information
displays.
1-18
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U : Press to customize the feature settings on your
vehicle. See DIC Vehicle Customization
for more information.
on page 4‑58
V : Press to reset certain DIC features and to
acknowledge DIC warning messages and clear them
from the display.
For more information, see Driver Information Center
(DIC) on page 4‑42.
Vehicle Customization
Some vehicle features can be programmed by using the
DIC buttons on the instrument panel to the left of the
steering wheel. These features include:
.
Language
.
Door Lock and Unlock Settings
.
Lighting
.
Chime Volume
.
Memory Settings
See DIC Vehicle Customization on page 4‑58.
Cruise Control
The cruise control buttons
are located on the left
side of the steering wheel.
T : Press to turn the cruise control on or off.
+ RES: Press briefly to make the vehicle resume to a
previously set speed, or press and hold to accelerate.
SET– : Press to set the speed and activate cruise
control or make the vehicle decelerate.
[ (Cancel): Press to disengage cruise control without
erasing the set speed from memory.
For more information, see Cruise Control on page 4‑7.
1-19
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Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
For vehicles with LDW, it is intended to help avoid lane
change collisions. It provides a warning if the vehicle is
crossing a lane without using a turn signal. LDW uses a
camera to detect the lane markings. It only operates at
speeds of 56 km (35 mph) or greater.
The warning symbol
cluster, appears green if a lane marking is detected.
It changes to amber, flashes, and sounds three chimes
if the vehicle crosses a detected land marking and the
turn signal is not on.
To turn LDW on and off, press the LDW button, located
by the exterior headlamp control.
See Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
more information.
@, located in the instrument panel
on page 3‑40
for
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
For vehicles with this feature, it may alert you to
vehicles located in your side blind zone. When the
system detects a vehicle in the side blind zone, an
SBZA display will light up in the corresponding outside
side mirror indicating that it may not be safe to change
lanes.
The system is enabled at every vehicle startup. It can
be disabled through the Driver Information Center (DIC).
If the message SIDE BLIND ZONE SYS.
UNAVAILABLE appears on the DIC, the system
has been disabled because the sensor is blocked
and cannot detect vehicles in the blind zone. The
sensors, located behind the rear quarter panels, may
be blocked by mud, dirt, snow, ice, slush, or even
heavy rainstorms. The vehicle does not need service.
See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
more information.
on page 3‑36
for
1-20
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Ultrasonic Parking Assist
For vehicles with this feature, it uses sensors on the
rear bumper to detect objects while parking the vehicle.
It operates at speeds less than 8 km/h (5 mph) while in
R (Reverse).
Keep the sensors on the vehicle's rear bumper clean to
ensure proper operation.
The system can be disabled through the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
See Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)
page 3‑35
for more information.
on
Power Outlets
The accessory power outlets can be used to plug in
electrical equipment, such as a cell phone or MP3
player.
The vehicle may have up to three power outlets
depending on the type of front seat installed. If the
vehicle has front bucket seats with a center console,
there are two outlets inside the center console storage
bin, one accessory power outlet and one USB port
outlet. An extra power outlet can be found under the
climate control system next to the ashtray.
See Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 4‑15.
Universal Remote System
The Universal Home Remote System allows for garage
door openers, security systems, and home automation
devices to be programmed to work with these buttons in
the vehicle.
See Universal Home Remote System
on page 3‑42
.
1-21
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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 i in
front of the shift lever.
appropriate DIC message is displayed. See DIC
Warnings and Messages on page 4‑49.
.
Press and release the button again to turn on
traction control.
For more information, see Traction Control System
(TCS) on page 5‑6.
StabiliTrak®System
The vehicle has a StabiliTrak system that assists with
directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving
conditions. The system turns on automatically every
time the vehicle is started. The system cannot be
turned off.
For more information, see StabiliTrak
page 5‑5
.
F illuminates and the
®
System
on
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS).
The TPMS warming light
alerts you to a significant
loss in pressure of one of
the vehicles tires.
If the warning light comes on, stop as soon as possible
and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the tire loading information label. See
Loading the Vehicle
will remain on until the tire pressure is corrected.
During cooler conditions, the low tire pressure warning
light may appear when the vehicle is first started and
then turn off. This may be an early indicator that the
tire pressures are getting low and the tires need to be
inflated to the proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal monthly tire
maintenance. It is the driver ’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 6‑66.
on page 5‑18
. The warning light
on page 6‑65
and
1-22
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Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
This vehicle may come with a jack and spare tire or a
tire sealant and compressor kit. The kit can be used to
seal small punctures in the tread area of the tire.
See Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
on page 6‑80
complete operating information.
If the vehicle came with a jack and spare tire, see
Changing a Flat Tire on page 6‑88.
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. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC.
2. Press and hold the SET/RESET button on the DIC
for more than five seconds. The oil life will change
to 100%.
See Engine Oil Life System on page 6‑22.
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
Vehicles that have a FlexFuel badge and a yellow
fuel cap can use either unleaded gasoline or ethanol
fuel containing up to 85% ethanol (E85). See Fuel E85
(85% Ethanol)
for
use only the unleaded gasoline described under
on page 6‑7
. For all other vehicles,
Gasoline Octane on page 6‑6.
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.
1-23
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Roadside Assistance Program
U.S.: 1-800-252-1112
TTY Users: 1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
As the owner of a new Buick, you are automatically
enrolled in the Roadside Assistance program.
See Roadside Assistance Program
more information.
on page 8‑7
Roadside Assistance and OnStar
If you have an active OnStar subscription, press
the
Q 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.buickownercenter.com (U.S.)
or www.gm.ca (Canada).
for
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
: This blue button connects you to a specially
Q
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.
X : Push this button for hands‐free, voice‐activated
calling and to give voice commands for Turn‐by‐Turn
Navigation.
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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 push
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 Glove Box Kit.
OnStar service requires wireless communication
networks and the Global Positioning System (GPS)
satellite network. Not all OnStar services are available
everywhere or on all vehicles at all times.
Q to speak with an
OnStar service can’t work unless your vehicle is
in a place where OnStar has an agreement with a
wireless service provider for service in that area, and
the wireless service provider has coverage, network
capacity, reception, and technology compatible with
OnStar service. Service involving location information
about your vehicle can’t work unless GPS signals are
available, unobstructed, and compatible with the OnStar
hardware. The vehicle has to have a working electrical
system and adequate battery power for the OnStar
equipment to operate. OnStar service may not work if
the OnStar equipment isn’t properly installed or you
haven’t maintained it and your vehicle is in good
working order and in compliance with all government
regulations. If you try to add, connect, or modify any
equipment or software in your vehicle, OnStar service
may not work. Other problems OnStar can’t control may
prevent service to you, such as hills, tall buildings,
tunnels, weather, electrical system design and
architecture of your vehicle, damage to important parts
of your vehicle in a crash, or wireless phone network
congestion or jamming.
See Radio Frequency Statement
for information regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) rules and Industry
Canada Standards RSS-210/220/310.
on page 8‑18
1-25
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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
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.
on page 4‑94
for more
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. Push
vehicle diagnostic. If the light appears clear (no light is
appearing), your OnStar subscription has expired and
all services have been deactivated. Push
that the OnStar equipment is active.
Q and request a
Q to confirm
1-26
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Section 2 Seats and Restraint System
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Front Seats . ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 2-3
Power Seats . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 2-3
Power Lumbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 2-4
Heated Seats . .... . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 2-4
Heated and Ventilated Seats . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. 2-6
Memory Seat and Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Reclining Seatbacks . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Center Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Rear Seat Pass-Through Door . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2-12
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Lap-Shoulder Belt . ... . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31
Lap Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 2-32
Safety Belt Extender . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . 2-33
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 2-33
Older Children . .... . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 2-33
Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-36
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2-39
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... . . . 2-41
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 Center Front
Seat Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 2-51
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 2-52
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-57
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-60
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-61
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-62
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates? . . . 2-62
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-64
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . 2-68
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 2-69
Restraint System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-70
Checking the Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-70
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a
Crash . . . . . ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-71
2-1
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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.
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.
2-2
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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
Power Seats
To adjust a power seat:
.
Move the seat forward or rearward by sliding the
control forward or rearward.
.
Raise or lower the front or rear part of the seat
cushion by moving the front or rear of the control
up or down.
.
Raise or lower the entire seat by moving the entire
control up or down.
2-3
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For vehicles with power reclining seatbacks, see “Power
Reclining Seatbacks” under Reclining Seatbacks
page 2‑9
.
on
Power Lumbar
To adjust the power lumbar, if available:
.
On vehicles with two-way lumbar, press the top or
bottom of the control to increase or decrease
lumbar support.
.
On vehicles with four-way lumbar, press the front
or rear of the control to increase or decrease
lumbar support. Press the top or bottom of the
control to raise or lower the location of the support
in the seatback.
Heated Seats
WARNING:
{
If you cannot feel temperature change or pain to
the skin, the seat heater may cause burns even
at low temperatures. To reduce the risk of burns,
people with such a condition should use care
when using the seat heater, especially for long
periods of time. Do not place anything on the seat
that insulates against heat, such as a blanket,
cushion, cover, or similar item. This may cause
the seat heater to overheat. An overheated
seat heater may cause a burn or may damage
the seat.
To operate, the ignition must be on.
2-4
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If available, the buttons
are on the front doors.
Driver Side Buttons Shown
J (Heated Seat Cushion and Seatback): Press to
heat the seat and seatback.
I (Heated Seatback): Press to heat the seatback.
Press the desired button once to turn this feature on at
the highest setting. A light on the button turns on to
show which feature is on.
The column of three lights near the buttons shows the
current temperature setting. With each press of the
button, the seat will change to the next lower setting,
and then to the off setting. The lights indicate three for
the highest setting and one for the lowest.
Remote Start Heated Front Seats
During a remote start, the front heated seats can be
turned on automatically. They are canceled when the
ignition is turned on. Press the button to use the heated
seats after the vehicle is started.
The heated seat indicator lights on the button do not
turn on during a remote start.
The temperature performance of an unoccupied seat
may be reduced. This is normal.
See Remote Vehicle Start
information.
on page 3‑7
for more
2-5
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Heated and Ventilated Seats
WARNING:
{
If you cannot feel temperature change or pain to
the skin, the seat heater may cause burns even at
low temperatures. See the Warning under Heated
Seats on page 2‑4.
H (Ventilated Seat Cushion and Seatback): Press to
cool the seat cushion and seatback.
Press the desired button once to turn this feature on at
the highest setting. A light on the button turns on to
show which feature is on.
The column of three lights near the buttons shows the
current temperature setting. With each press of the
button, the seat will change to the next lower setting,
and then to the off setting. The lights indicate three for
the highest setting and one for the lowest.
To operate, the ignition must be on.
If available, the buttons
are on the front doors.
Driver Side Buttons Shown
J (Heated Seat Cushion and Seatback): Press to
heat the seat cushion and seatback.
I (Heated Seatback): Press to heat the seatback.
2-6
Remote Start Heated Front Seats
During a remote start, the front heated seats can be
turned on automatically. They are canceled when the
ignition is turned on. Press the button to use the heated
seats after the vehicle is started.
The heated seat indicator lights on the button do not
turn on during a remote start.
The temperature performance of an unoccupied seat
may be reduced. This is normal.
See Remote Vehicle Start
information.
on page 3‑7
for more
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Memory Seat and Mirrors
On vehicles with the memory feature, the controls on
the driver door are used to program and recall memory
settings for the driver seat, outside mirrors, and the
power steering column, if the vehicle has this feature.
1: Saves and recalls for driver 1.
2: Saves and recalls for driver 2.
S (Easy Exit Positions): Recalls the easy exit driver
seat and power steering column positions.
Storing Memory Positions
To save into memory:
1. Adjust the driver seat, seatback recliner, lumbar,
both outside mirrors, and the power steering
column, if equipped.
2. Press and hold “1” until two beeps sound.
3. Repeat for a second driver position using “2.”
To recall the memory positions, press and release “1”
or “2.” The vehicle must be in P (Park). A single beep
will sound. The seat, outside mirrors, and power
steering column, if equipped, will move to the positions
previously stored for the identified driver.
Memory Remote Recall
The memory feature can recall the driver seat, outside
mirrors, and power steering column, if equipped, to
stored positions when entering the vehicle.
To activate memory remote recall, unlock the driver
door with the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
The driver seat, outside mirrors, and power steering
column will move to the memory positions associated
with the transmitter used to unlock the vehicle.
The automatic recall feature can be turned on or off
using the vehicle customization menu. See “Memory
Seat Recall” under DIC Vehicle Customization
page 4‑58
for more information.
on
2-7
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To stop recall movement, press one of the memory or
power mirror buttons, power seat controls, or the power
steering column switch.
If something has blocked the driver seat and/or steering
column while recalling a memory position, the recall
may stop. Remove the obstruction; then press and hold
the appropriate manual control for the memory item
that is not recalling for two seconds. Try recalling the
memory position again by pressing the appropriate
memory button. If the memory position is still not
recalling, see your dealer for service.
Easy Exit Positions
The easy exit feature can move the driver seat rearward
and the power steering column, if equipped, up and
forward to allow extra room to exit the vehicle.
S : Press to recall the easy exit positions. The vehicle
must be in P (Park).
If the easy exit feature is programmed on in the vehicle
customization menu, automatic driver seat and power
steering column movement occur when the ignition key
is removed.
A single beep sounds. The driver seat will move back
and the power steering column, if equipped, moves up
and forward.
If something has blocked the driver seat while recalling
the exit position, the recall may stop. Remove the
obstruction; then press and hold the power seat control
rearward for two seconds. Try recalling the exit position
again. If the exit position is still not recalling, see your
dealer for service.
See “Easy Exit Recall” and “Easy Exit Setup” under
DIC Vehicle Customization
information.
on page 4‑58
for more
2-8
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Reclining Seatbacks
WARNING:
{
Sitting in a reclined position when the vehicle is in
motion can be dangerous. Even when buckled up,
the safety belts cannot do their job when reclined
like this.
The shoulder belt cannot do its job because it will
not be against your body. Instead, it will be in front
of you. In a crash, you could go into it, receiving
neck or other injuries.
The lap belt cannot do its job either. In a crash,
the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt
forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones.
This could cause serious internal injuries.
For proper protection when the vehicle is in
motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well
back in the seat and wear the safety belt properly.
Do not have the seatback reclined if your vehicle is
moving.
2-9
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Manual Reclining Seatbacks
WARNING:
{
You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to
adjust a manual driver 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 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.
To recline the seatback:
1. Lift the lever.
2. Move the seatback to the desired position, and
then release the lever to lock the seatback in
place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is
locked.
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To return the seatback to the upright position:
1. Lift the lever fully without applying pressure to
the seatback, and the seatback will return to the
upright position.
2. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is
locked.
Power Reclining Seatbacks
To adjust a power seatback, if equipped:
.
Tilt the top of the control rearward to recline.
.
Tilt the top of the control forward to raise.
Center Seat
The vehicle may have a front center seat. This seat
can be converted to a storage area by lowering the
seatback. See Center Flex Storage Unit on page 3‑49.
2-11
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Rear Seats
Rear Seat Pass-Through Door
The vehicle has a pass‐through door that provides
access to the trunk from the rear seats. See “Rear Seat
Pass‐Through Door” under Trunk on page 3‑12.
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
(Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
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 the 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
for additional information.
on page 4‑29
2-12
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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!
Why Safety Belts Work
When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as
it goes.
Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it is just a seat on
wheels.
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Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider
does not stop.
2-14
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The person keeps going until stopped by something. In
a real vehicle, it could be the windshield...
or the instrument panel...
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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.
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.
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Q: If I am a good driver, and I never drive far from
home, why should I wear safety belts?
A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you are in a
crash — even one that is not your fault — you and
your passenger(s) can be hurt. Being a good driver
does not protect you from things beyond your
control, such as bad drivers.
Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of
home. And the greatest number of serious injuries
and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph
(65 km/h).
Safety belts are for everyone.
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
This section is only for people of adult size.
Be aware that there are special things to know about
safety belts and children. And there are different rules
for smaller children and infants. If a child will be riding in
the vehicle, see Older Children
and Young Children
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.
on page 2‑36
on page 2‑33
. Follow those rules
or Infants
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First, before you or your passenger(s) wear a safety
belt, there is important information you should know.
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.
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Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It will not give as
much protection this way.
WARNING:
{
You can be seriously hurt if the 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.
2-19
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Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The lap belt is too loose. It will not give nearly as
much protection this way.
WARNING:
{
You can be seriously hurt if the 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.
2-20
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Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The belt is buckled in the wrong buckle.
WARNING:
{
You can be seriously injured if the 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 the belt into the buckle nearest you.
2-21
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Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The belt is over an armrest.
WARNING:
{
You can be seriously injured if the 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.
2-22
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Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should
be worn over the shoulder at all times.
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.
2-23
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Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The belt is behind the body.
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.
2-24
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Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The belt is twisted across the body.
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 to fix it.
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Lap-Shoulder Belt
All seating positions in the vehicle have a lap-shoulder
except for the center front passenger position
(if equipped), which has a lap belt. See Lap Belt
page 2‑32
The following instructions explain how to wear a
lap-shoulder belt properly.
1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is adjustable, so you
2. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.
for more information.
can sit up straight. To see how, see “Seats” in the
Index.
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
information.
on page 2‑64
for more
on
3. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.
If the latch plate will not go fully into the buckle,
check if the correct buckle is being used.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.
If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt
Extender
Position the release button on the buckle so that
the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if
necessary.
on page 2‑33
.
2-26
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4. If equipped with a shoulder belt height adjuster,
move it to the height that is right for you. See
“Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster” later in this section
for instructions on use and important safety
information.
5. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the
shoulder belt.
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
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 belt and the vehicle.
2-27
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Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
The vehicle has a shoulder belt height adjuster for the
driver and right front passenger seating positions.
Adjust the height so the shoulder portion of the belt
is on the shoulder and not falling off of it. The belt
should be close to, but not contacting, the neck.
Improper shoulder belt height adjustment could
reduce the effectiveness of the safety belt in a crash.
See How to Wear Safety Belts Properly on page 2‑17.
Press the release
button (A) and move the
height adjuster to the
desired position. The
adjuster can be moved
up by pushing up on the
shoulder belt guide.
After the adjuster is set to the desired position, try to
move it down without pressing the release button to
make sure it has locked into position.
Safety Belt Pretensioners
This vehicle has safety belt pretensioners for 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 or near frontal crash if the threshold conditions
for pretensioner activation are met. And, if your vehicle
has side impact airbags, safety belt pretensioners can
help tighten the safety belts in a side crash.
Pretensioners work only once. If the pretensioners
activate in a crash, they will need to be replaced, and
probably other new parts for the vehicle's safety belt
system. See Replacing Restraint System Parts After a
Crash on page 2‑71.
2-28
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Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides
This vehicle may have rear shoulder belt comfort guides
for each outside passenger position in the rear seat.
If not, they are available through your dealer. The
guides may provide added safety belt comfort for older
children who have outgrown booster seats and for some
adults. When installed the comfort guide positions the
shoulder belt away from the neck and head.
Here is how to install a comfort guide to the safety belt:
1. Remove the guide from its storage pocket on the
rear side of the seatback.
2. Place the guide over the belt, and insert the
two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide.
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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.
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.
2-30
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4. Buckle, position, and release the safety belt as
described previously in this section. Make sure the
shoulder portion of the belt is on the shoulder and
not falling off of it. The belt should be close to, but
not contacting, the neck.
To remove and store the comfort guide, squeeze the
belt edges together so that the safety belt can be
removed from the guide. Slide the guide into its storage
pocket on the side of the seatback.
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant
women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be
seriously injured if they do not wear safety belts.
A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt,
and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible,
below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.
The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the
mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it is more
likely that the fetus will not be hurt in a crash. For
pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making
safety belts effective is wearing them properly.
2-31
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Lap Belt
This part is only for the lap belt. To learn how to wear a
lap-shoulder belt, see Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 2‑26.
The vehicle may have a center seating position. When
you sit in the center front seating position, you have a
lap safety belt, which has no retractor.
To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it
along the belt.
Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap
part of a lap-shoulder belt.
To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until
the belt is snug.
If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender
on page 2‑33
Make sure the release button on the buckle is
positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety
belt quickly if necessary.
If you find that the latch plate will not go fully into the
buckle, see if you are using the correct buckle. Be sure
that the latch plate clicks when inserted into the buckle.
.
2-32
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Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten around you, you
should use it.
But if a safety belt is not long enough, your dealer 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.
Child Restraints
Older Children
Older children who have outgrown booster seats should
wear the vehicle's safety belts.
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.
2-33
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.
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 2‑26
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 length
of 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.
for more information. If the
Also see “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” under
Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 2‑26.
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.
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.
2-34
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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
(Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
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.
2-35
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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:
{
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.
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.
2-36
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.
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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.
(Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
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.
2-37
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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.
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
(Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
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.
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.
2-38
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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.
2-39
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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 safety belt or LATCH
system, following the instructions that came with
that child restraint and the instructions in this
manual.
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.
In some areas, Certified Child Passenger Safety
Technicians (CPSTs) are available to inspect and
demonstrate how to correctly use and install child
restraints. In the U.S., refer to the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to locate
the nearest child safety seat inspection station. For
CPST availability in Canada, check with Transport
Canada or the Provincial Ministry of Transportation
office.
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)
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.
2-40
on page 2‑42
for more information. A child
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.
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Where to Put the Restraint
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.
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
(Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
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
for additional information.
on page 2‑64
2-41
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WARNING:
{
A child in a child restraint in the center front seat
can be badly injured or killed by the frontal
airbags if they inflate. Never secure a child
restraint in the center front seat. It is always better
to secure a child restraint in a rear seat.
Do not use child restraints in the center front seat
position.
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.
Child restraints and booster seats vary considerably in
size, and some may fit in certain seating positions
better than others. Always make sure the child restraint
is properly secured.
Depending on where you place the child restraint and
the size of the child restraint, you may not be able to
access adjacent safety belt assemblies or LATCH
anchors for additional passengers or child restraints.
Adjacent seating positions should not be used if the
child restraint prevents access to or interferes with the
routing of the safety belt.
Wherever a child restraint is installed, 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.
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.
2-42
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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.
Lower Anchors
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).
2-43
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Top Tether Anchor
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.
Some child restraints that have a top tether 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.
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
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To assist you in locating
the lower anchors, each
seating position with lower
anchors has two labels,
near the crease between
the seatback and the seat
cushion.
To assist you in locating
the top tether anchors, the
top tether anchor symbol
is located on the cover.
The top tether anchors are located under the covers
on the rear seatback filler panel. Flip open the cover to
access the anchors. Be sure to use an anchor located
on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position
where the child restraint will be placed.
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.
2-45
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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. See Where to Put the Restraint
page 2‑41
for additional information.
on
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System
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 safety belts to secure
the restraint, following the instructions that came
with the child restraint and the instructions in this
manual.
WARNING:
{
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 the vehicle has one, after the child restraint has
been installed.
2-46
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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.
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. Flip open the top tether anchor cover to
expose the anchor.
2. 3. Route, attach, and tighten the top tether
according to your 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.
2-47
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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.
If the position you
are using has a fixed
headrest or head restraint
and you are using a dual
tether, route the tether
around the headrest or
head restraint.
2-48
If the position you
are using has a fixed
headrest or head restraint
and you are using a
single tether, route the
tether over the headrest
or head restraint.
3. Before placing a child in the child restraint, make
sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp
the child restraint at the LATCH path and attempt
to move it side‐to‐side and back‐and‐forth. There
should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement
for proper installation.
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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)
page 2‑42
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
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.
for how and where to install the child
for top tether anchor locations.
on
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 2‑41.
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.
2-49
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4. Pull the shoulder belt all the way out of the
retractor to set the lock. When the retractor lock
is set, the belt can be tightened but not pulled out
of the retractor.
2-50
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.
Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure
the retractor is locked. If the retractor is not locked,
repeat Steps 4 and 5.
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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)
more information.
7. Before placing a child in the child restraint, make
sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp
the child restraint at the safety belt path and
attempt to move it side‐to‐side and back‐and‐forth.
When the child restraint is properly installed, there
should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement.
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.
on page 2‑42
for
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front Seat Position
WARNING:
{
A child in a child restraint in the center front
seat can be badly injured or killed by the frontal
airbags if they inflate. Never secure a child
restraint in the center front seat. It is always
better to secure a child restraint in a rear seat.
Do not use child restraints in the center front seat
position.
2-51
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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 2‑41.
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
Indicator
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.
on page 2‑64
on page 4‑31
and Passenger Airbag Status
for more information, including
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
for additional information.
on page 2‑64
2-52
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If the child restraint has the LATCH system, see
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
page 2‑42
for how and where to install the child
on
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)
page 2‑42
for top tether anchor locations.
on
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 4‑31.
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.
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.
2-53
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5. Pull the shoulder belt all the way out of the
retractor to set the lock. When the retractor lock is
set, the belt can be tightened but not pulled out of
the retractor.
2-54
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.
Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure
the retractor is locked. If the retractor is not locked,
repeat Steps 5 and 6.
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7. Before placing a child in the child restraint, make
sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp
the child restraint at the safety belt path and
attempt to move it side‐to‐side and back‐and‐forth.
When the child restraint is properly installed, there
should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement.
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
page 2‑64
for more information.
on
To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle
safety belt and let it return to the stowed position.
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.
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.
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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 2‑60.
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:
{
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 any airbag, as you would be if you were
sitting on the edge of the seat or leaning forward.
Safety belts help keep you in position before and
during a crash. Always wear a 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.
2-56
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WARNING:
{
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
page 2‑33
page 2‑36
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel cluster, which shows the airbag symbol.
or Infants and Young Children
.
on
on
The system checks the airbag electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. See Airbag Readiness Light
more information.
on page 4‑30
Where Are the Airbags?
The driver frontal airbag is in the middle of the steering
wheel.
for
2-57
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The right front passenger frontal airbag is in the
instrument panel on the passenger side.
2-58
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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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.
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.
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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 your 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.
Frontal airbags are not intended to inflate during vehicle
rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts.
Your vehicle has a seat position sensor which enables
the sensing system to monitor the position of the right
front passenger's seat. The passenger seat position
sensor and passenger safety belt buckle switch provide
information that is used to determine if the airbags
should deploy at a reduced level or at full deployment.
In addition, your vehicle has a dual-stage driver airbag.
Dual-stage airbags adjust the restraint according to
crash severity. Your vehicle has electronic frontal
sensors, which help the sensing system distinguish
between a moderate frontal impact and a more severe
frontal impact. For moderate frontal impacts, dual-stage
airbags inflate at a level less than full deployment. For
more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs.
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Your vehicle also has a dual-depth passenger airbag
that adjusts the restraint according to crash severity,
seat location, and safety belt status using electronic
frontal sensor(s) and other special sensors which
enable the sensing system to monitor the position of the
front passenger seat. The passenger airbag inflates to a
reduced depth when the passenger seat is in a forward
position. For more rearward front seating positions, the
passenger airbag may inflate to an increased depth (a
full deployment), based on safety belt status and the
crash severity measured early in the event. (Always
wear your safety belt, even with frontal airbags.)
Your vehicle has seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags. See Airbag System
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. Both roof-rail airbags will deploy
when either side of the vehicle is struck.
on page 2‑55
.
In any particular crash, no one can say whether an
airbag should have inflated simply because of the
damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair
costs were. For frontal airbags, inflation is determined
by what the vehicle hits, the angle of the impact, and
how quickly the vehicle slows down. For seat-mounted
side impact and roof-rail airbags, deployment is
determined by the location and severity of the side
impact.
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
In a deployment event, the sensing system sends an
electrical signal triggering a release of gas from the
inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the airbag causing the
bag to break out of the cover and deploy. The inflator,
the airbag, and related hardware are all part of the
airbag module.
Frontal airbag modules are located inside the steering
wheel and instrument panel. For vehicles with
seat-mounted side impact airbags, there are airbag
modules in the side of the front seatbacks closest to
the door. For vehicles with roof-rail airbags, there are
airbag modules in the ceiling of the vehicle, near the
side windows that have occupant seating positions.
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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?
page 2‑60
Airbags should never be regarded as anything more
than a supplement to safety belts.
for more information.
on
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?
After the frontal airbags and seat-mounted side impact
airbags inflate, they quickly deflate, so quickly that
some people may not even realize an airbag inflated.
Roof-rail airbags may still be at least partially inflated
for some time after they deploy. Some components of
the airbag module may be hot for several minutes. For
location of the airbag modules, see What Makes an
Airbag Inflate? on page 2‑61.
The parts of the airbag that come into contact with you
may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There may be
some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the
deflated airbags. Airbag inflation does not prevent the
driver from seeing out of the windshield or being able
to steer the vehicle, nor does it prevent people from
leaving the vehicle.
WARNING:
{
When an airbag inflates, there may be dust in the
air. This dust could cause breathing problems for
people with a history of asthma or other breathing
trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle
should get out as soon as it is safe to do so.
If you have breathing problems but cannot get out
of the vehicle after an airbag inflates, then get
fresh air by opening a window or a door. If you
experience breathing problems following an airbag
deployment, you should seek medical attention.
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The vehicle has a feature that may automatically
unlock the doors, turn on the interior lamps and hazard
warning flashers, and shut off the fuel system after
the airbags inflate. You can lock the doors, turn off the
interior lamps and hazard warning flashers by using the
controls for those features.
WARNING:
{
A crash severe enough to inflate the airbags may
have also damaged important functions in the
vehicle, such as the fuel system, brake and
steering systems, etc. Even if the vehicle appears
to be drivable after a moderate crash, there may
be concealed damage that could make it difficult
to safely operate the vehicle.
Use caution if you should attempt to restart the
engine after a crash has occurred.
In many crashes severe enough to inflate the airbag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from
the right front passenger airbag.
.
Airbags are designed to inflate only once. After an
airbag inflates, you will need some new parts for
the airbag system. If you do not get them, the
airbag system will not be there to help protect you
in another crash. A new system will include airbag
modules and possibly other parts. The service
manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace
other parts.
.
The vehicle has a crash sensing and diagnostic
module which records information after a crash.
See Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
page 8‑16
page 8‑16
.
Let only qualified technicians work on the airbag
systems. Improper service can mean that an
airbag system will not work properly. See your
dealer for service.
and Event Data Recorders
.
on
on
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Passenger Sensing System
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the
right front passenger position. The passenger airbag
status indicator will be visible on the overhead console
when the vehicle is started.
United States Canada
The words ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off,
are visible during the system check. If you are using
remote start, if equipped, to start the vehicle from a
distance, you may not see the system check. When
the system check is complete, either the word ON or
OFF, or the symbol for on or off, will be visible. See
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 4‑31.
The passenger sensing system turns off the right front
passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact
airbag under certain conditions. The driver airbags and
the roof-rail airbags are not affected by the passenger
sensing system.
The passenger sensing system works with sensors
that are part of the right front passenger seat. The
sensors are designed to detect the presence of a
properly-seated occupant and determine if the right
front passenger frontal airbag and seat‐mounted side
impact airbag should be enabled (may inflate) or not.
According to accident statistics, children are safer when
properly secured in a rear seat in the correct child
restraint for their weight and size.
We recommend that children be secured in a rear seat,
including: an infant or a child riding in a rear-facing child
restraint; a child riding in a forward-facing child seat; an
older child riding in a booster seat; and children, who
are large enough, using safety belts.
A label on the sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing
child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the
rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.
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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 and
seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped),
no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that
an airbag will not deploy under some unusual
circumstance, even though the airbag(s) are off.
Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat,
even if the airbag(s) are off. If you secure a
forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat,
always move the front passenger seat as far back
as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint
in a rear seat.
The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off
the right front passenger airbag and seat‐mounted side
impact airbag if:
.
The right front passenger seat is unoccupied.
.
The system determines that an infant is present in
a rear-facing infant seat.
.
The system determines that a small child is
present in a child restraint.
.
The system determines that a small child is
present in a booster seat.
.
A right front passenger takes his/her weight off of
the seat for a period of time.
.
The right front passenger seat is occupied by a
smaller person, such as a child who has outgrown
child restraints.
.
Or, if there is a critical problem with the airbag
system or the passenger sensing system.
When the passenger sensing system has turned off the
right front passenger frontal airbag and seat‐mounted
side impact airbag, the off indicator will light and stay lit
to remind you that the airbags are off. See Passenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 4‑31.
The passenger sensing system is designed to turn on
(may inflate) the right front passenger frontal airbag and
seat‐mounted side impact airbag anytime the system
senses that a person of adult size is sitting properly in
the right front passenger seat.
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When the passenger sensing system has allowed the
airbags to be enabled, the on indicator will light and
stay lit to remind you that the airbags are active.
For some children who have outgrown child restraints
and for very small adults, the passenger sensing
system may or may not turn off the right front passenger
frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag,
depending upon the person’s seating posture and body
build. Everyone in the vehicle who has outgrown child
restraints should wear a safety belt properly — whether
or not there is an airbag for that person.
WARNING:
{
If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and
stays on, it means that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to
yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right
away. See Airbag Readiness Light
for more information, including important safety
information.
on page 4‑30
If the On Indicator is Lit for a Child
Restraint
If a child restraint has been installed and the on
indicator is lit:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Remove the child restraint from the vehicle.
3. Remove any additional items from the seat such
as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters,
or seat massagers.
4. Reinstall the child restraint following the directions
provided by the child restraint manufacturer and
refer to Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position on page 2‑52.
5. If, after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting
the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, turn the
vehicle off. Then slightly recline the vehicle
seatback and adjust the seat cushion, if adjustable,
to make sure that the vehicle seatback is not
pushing the child restraint into the seat cushion.
Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped
under the vehicle head restraint. If this happens,
adjust the head restraint. See Head Restraints
page 2‑2
.
on
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6. Restart the vehicle.
If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in the
child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle,
and check with your dealer.
If the Off Indicator is Lit for an
Adult-Size Occupant
If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right front
passenger seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be
because that person is not sitting properly in the seat.
If this happens, use the following steps to allow the
system to detect that person and enable the right front
passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact
airbag:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Remove any additional material from the seat,
such as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat
heaters, or seat massagers.
3. Place the seatback in the fully upright position.
4. Have the person sit upright in the seat, centered
on the seat cushion, with legs comfortably
extended.
5. Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in
this position for two to three minutes after the on
indicator is lit.
Additional Factors Affecting System
Operation
Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on the
seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which helps
the passenger sensing system maintain the passenger
airbag status. See “Safety Belts” and “Child Restraints”
in the Index for additional information about the
importance of proper restraint use.
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A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket
or cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat
covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect
how well the passenger sensing system operates.
We recommend that you not use seat covers or other
aftermarket equipment except when approved by
GM for your specific vehicle. See Adding Equipment to
Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
information about modifications that can affect how the
system operates.
WARNING:
{
on page 2‑69
for more
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around the vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual
have information about servicing the vehicle and the
airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering Information
page 8‑14
{
.
WARNING:
on
Stowing of articles under the passenger seat
or between the passenger seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the proper operation
of the passenger sensing system.
2-68
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is turned off
and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still
inflate during improper service. You can be injured
if you are close to an airbag when it inflates. Avoid
yellow connectors. They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.
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