GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, BUICK,
and the BUICK Emblem are registered trademarks and
the name RENDEZVOUS is a trademark of General
Motors Corporation.
This manual includes the latest information at the time
it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes
after that time without further notice. For vehicles first
sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors
of Canada Limited” for Buick Motor Division whenever
it appears in this manual.
Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will
be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road.
If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it
so the new owner can use it.
We support voluntary
technician certification.
For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual:
Aux propriétaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous
procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en français chez
votre concessionaire ou au:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
vi
About Driving Your Vehicle
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate
this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or
an accident. See “Your Driving, the Road and Your
Vehicle” in the Index.
How to Use this Manual
Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning
to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you
do this, it will help you learn about the features and
controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find
that pictures and words work together to explain
things quickly.
Safety Warnings and Symbols
You will find a number of safety cautions in this book.
We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you
about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore
the warning.
CAUTION:
These mean there is something that could hurt
you or other people.
In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is.
Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the
hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or
others could be hurt.
vii
You will also find a circle
with a slash through it
in this book. This safety
symbol means “Don’t,”
“Don’t do this” or “Don’t
let this happen.”
Vehicle Damage Warnings
Also, in this book you will find these notices:
NOTICE:
These mean there is something that could damage
your vehicle.
In the notice area, we tell you about something that
can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage
would not be covered by your warranty, and it could
be costly . But the notice will tell you what to do to help
avoid the damage.
When you read other manuals, you might see
CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different
colors or in different words.
You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle.
They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.
Vehicle Symbols
Your vehicle may be equipped with components and
labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols, used on
your vehicle, are shown along with the text describing the
operation or information relating to a specific component,
control, message, gage or indicator.
If you need help figuring out a specific name of a
component, gage or indicator reference the following
topics in the Index:
D
“Engine Compartment Overview”
D
“Instrument Panel”
D
“Comfort Controls”
D
“Audio Systems”
Also see “Warning Lights and Gages” in the Index.
Here are some examples of symbols you may find on
your vehicle:
viii
ix1-1-1
Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems
Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also
learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.
1
-2 Seats and Seat Controls
1
-8 Rear Seats
-21 Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone
1
1
-25 Here Are Questions Many People Ask About
Safety Belts
1
-26 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
1
-26 Driver Position
-35 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
1
1
-36 Right Front Passenger Position
-37 Air Bag Systems
1
-- and the Answers
-45 Center Passenger Position
1
1
-48 Rear Seat Passengers
-52 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for
1
Children and Small Adults
1
-56 Children
1
-59 Restraint Systems for Children
1
-77 Older Children
-79 Safety Belt Extender
1
1
-80 Checking Your Restraint Systems
-80 Replacing Restraint System Parts After
1
a Crash
Seats and Seat Controls
This section tells you about the seats -- how to
adjust them, take them out, put them back in, fold
and unfold them.
Driver’s Four-Way Manual Seat
T o move the seat forward
or rearward, pull up on the
lever, located on the front
left of the seat, to unlock it.
Slide the seat to where you want it and release the lever.
T o make sure that the seat is locked into place, try to
move the seat with your body.
T o raise the seat, pull up
on the lever located on the
front right side of the seat.
T o lower the seat, push the
lever down. Adjust the seat
and release the lever.
CAUTION:
You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to
adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is
moving. The sudden movement could startle and
confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you
don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when
the vehicle is not moving.
1-2
Manual Front Passenger Seats
Six-Way Power Seat (Option)
T o move the seat forward
or rearward, pull up on the
lever, located on the front of
the seat, to unlock it.
Slide the seat to where you want it and release the lever.
T o make sure that the seat is locked into place, try to
move the seat with your body.
The six-way power seat
controls are located on the
outboard side of the driver’s
seat or on the outboard sides
of both the driver’s and
front passenger’s seats.
D
Move the front of the control in the direction of the
arrows to adjust the front portion of the cushion up
or down.
D
Move the rear of the control in the direction of the
arrows to adjust the rear portion of the cushion up
or down.
D
Lift up or push down on both outer arrows at the
same time to move the entire seat up or down.
D
T o move the whole seat forward or rearward, slide
the control in the direction of the center arrows.
1-3
Manual Lumbar
Memory Seat (Option)
The knob that controls
this feature is located
on the outboard sides
of the driver’s and front
passenger’s seats.
Turn the knob toward the front of the vehicle to increase
lumbar support. Turn the knob toward the rear of the
vehicle to decrease lumbar support.
If your vehicle has this
feature, the controls are
located on the driver’s
door panel and are used
to program and recall
the driver’s seat position
and outside rearview
mirror position.
Adjust the driver’s seat and the outside rearview mirrors
to the position you would like for driving. Then press
and hold memory button 1 for more than three seconds.
A double beep will sound when the memory seat and
mirrors are set.
T o set the seat and outside rearview mirrors for a
second driver, follow the previous steps, but press
button 2 instead.
T o recall your memory positions, your vehicle must
be in PARK (P). Push and release the memory button
(1 or 2) corresponding to the desired driving position.
The seat and the outside rearview mirrors will move to
the position previously stored for the identified driver.
You will hear one beep.
1-4
You can also store an exit position for each driver.
The exit position is programmed by moving the seat
to the desired exit position and then holding the exit
symbol button for more than three seconds. The exit
position set will be for the most recently selected driving
position (1 or 2). A double beep will sound when the
memory is set.
T o use exit, your vehicle must be in PARK (P). Push
and release the exit symbol button and the seat will
move to the exit position stored for the most recently
selected driver . You will hear one beep.
T o stop recall movement of the seat at any time,
press one of the three memory buttons or one of the
power seat controls located on the outboard side of
the driver’s seat.
If your vehicle is equipped with a Driver Information
Center (DIC), you can use it to program certain
functions of the memory seats. See “Driver Information
Center (DIC) Vehicle Customization” in the Index.
Heated Front Seats (Option)
The heated seat switches
are located in the center
console switchbank.
This feature will quickly heat the lower cushions and
lower back of the driver’s and front passenger’s seat for
added comfort. The left switch is for the driver’s seat
and the right switch is for the front passenger’s seat.
Press the top of the switch to turn the heater on.
Press the bottom of the switch to turn the heater off.
The heated seat switch will turn off when the ignition
is turned to OFF and will resume operation when the
ignition is turned to ON, unless the switch is manually
turned off.
1-5
Reclining Front Seatbacks
T o adjust the seatback, pull up on the recliner lever
located on the outboard sides of both the driver’s and
passenger’s seat. It is easier to recline the seat if you
lean forward, taking your weight off the seatback.
1-6
But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle
is moving.
CAUTION:
Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is
in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle
up, your safety belts can’t do their job when
you’re reclined like this.
The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it
won’t be against your body. Instead, it will be
in front of you. In a crash you could go into it,
receiving neck or other injuries.
The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the
belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt
forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones.
This could cause serious internal injuries.
For proper protection when the vehicle is in
motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit
well back in the seat and wear your safety
belt properly.
Head Restraints
Slide the head restraint up or down so that the top of the
restraint is closest to the top of your head. This position
reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash.
On some models, the head restraints tilt forward and
rearward also.
The rear seat head restraints in your vehicle may be
adjustable. They work the same as the front seat head
restraints, except they do not tilt forward or rearward.
1-7
Rear Seats
The rear seats in your vehicle have seat operating
features to adjust, fold, remove and reinstall the seats.
By using the seat operating features, in the correct order,
you can easily remove the seats from your vehicle.
When you put the seats back in the vehicle, be sure to
follow the label on the back of the seat for proper location.
Split Bench Seats (If Equipped)
If your vehicle has the split bench seat, the seatbacks
can be folded forward or reclined individually and the
sections can be flipped forward or removed individually.
Folding or Reclining the Seatbacks
CAUTION:
If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward
in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury
to the person sitting there. Always press rearward
on the seatback to be sure it is locked.
The seatbacks on each section of the split bench seat can
be reclined or folded forward.
1-8
T o recline the seatback on
base
-level split bench seats,
lift up on the recliner lever
located on the outboard
side of the seatback.
Base
-Level
T o recline the seatback on
up
-level split bench seats,
push forward on the
recliner lever located
on the outboard side
of the seatback.
Up
-Level
Use the recliner lever to move the seatback to the
desired position.
It is easier to raise or lower the seatback if you lean
forward and take the weight off the seatback.
The seatbacks on each section also fold forward to put
items behind the seats.
Lift up or push forward on the recliner lever and fold
the seatback forward. The seatback will lock into place
when you push it back to the upright position.
After raising a seatback to an upright position, push and
pull on the seatback to check that it is locked upright.
1-9
Removing the Split Bench Seat
Each section of the split bench seat can be flipped
forward or removed individually.
1. Unlatch the shoulder belt from the lap-belt.
2. Make sure that the seatback is in the
upright position.
3. Lift up or push forward on the seatback recliner lever
to fold the seatback forward.
Base-Level
4. For base
base of the seat on the outboard side to release
the rear latches from the floor pins and flip the
seat forward.
For up
forward on the recliner lever to release the rear
latches from the floor pins and flip the seat forward.
The seat can stay in this position or it can be removed
from the vehicle by following the next steps.
-level split bench seats, pull the lever at the
-level split bench seats, continue pushing
1-10
5. T o release the front latches, squeeze the angled latch
release bar toward the straight crossbar.
6. Remove the seat by rocking it slightly toward the
rear of the vehicle and then pulling it out.
Repeat these steps for the other section of the split
bench seat.
Replacing the Split Bench Sections
CAUTION:
If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward
in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury
to the person sitting there. Always press rearward
on the seatback to be sure it is locked.
CAUTION:
A seat that isn’t locked into place properly
can move around in a collision or sudden stop.
People in the vehicle could be injured. Be sure
to lock the seat into place properly when
installing it.
1-11
CAUTION:
A safety belt that is improperly routed, not
properly attached, or twisted won’t provide
the protection needed in a crash. The person
wearing the belt could be seriously injured.
After installing the seat, always check to be
sure that the safety belts are properly routed
and attached, and are not twisted.
Make sure that the seatback is in the folded forward
position and that the safety belts are on the correct
section of the seat.
Don’t put the sections of the bench seat in so that they
face rearward because they won’t latch that way.
The split bench seat sections have seat position labels,
located on the back of each section, showing where
the section must go.
The seat must be placed in the proper location for
the legs to attach correctly.
1. Squeeze the angled latch release bar toward the
straight crossbar while placing the front hooks of
the bench seat onto the front two floor pins.
1-12
2. Make sure that the
bench seat is angled
so that the front hooks
clear the floor pins.
If the front legs are not
attached correctly,
the rear legs will not
attach to the rear set of
floor pins.
3. Firmly push the rear hooks onto the rear floor pins
by pushing down on the rear of the seat.
4. Try to raise the seat to check that it is locked down.
5. Lift the seatback recliner lever and raise the seatback
until it locks upright.
6. Push and pull on the seatback to check that it is
locked upright.
7. Attach the lap belt.
1-13
Captain’s Chairs (If Equipped)
CAUTION:
If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward
in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury
to the person sitting there. Always press rearward
on the seatback to be sure it is locked.
If your vehicle has the captain’s chairs, the seatbacks
can be reclined or folded forward.
To recline the seatback, lift up on the recliner lever located
on the outboard side of the seatback. Use the recliner lever
to move the seatback to the desired position.
It is easier to raise or lower the seatback if you lean
forward and take the weight off the seatback.
The seatbacks on the second row captain’s chairs also
fold forward.
Lift up on the recliner lever and fold the seatback
forward. The seatback will lock into place when you
push it back to the upright position.
After raising a seatback to an upright position, push and
pull on the seatback to check that it is locked upright.
1-14
Removing the Captain’s Chairs
1. Make sure that the seatback is in the
upright position.
2. Lift the seatback recliner lever to fold the
seatback forward.
3. Pull up on the lever, located at the base on the
outboard side of the seat, to release the rear latches
from the floor pins.
4. The seat can then be lifted off the front floor pins.
5. Remove the seat by rocking it slightly toward the
rear of the vehicle and then pulling it out.
Repeat these steps for the other captain’s chair.
1-15
Replacing the Captain’s Chairs
CAUTION:
CAUTION:
If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward
in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury
to the person sitting there. Always press rearward
on the seatback to be sure it is locked.
CAUTION:
A seat that isn’t locked into place properly
can move around in a collision or sudden stop.
People in the vehicle could be injured. Be sure
to lock the seat into place properly when
installing it.
1-16
A safety belt that is improperly routed, not
properly attached, or twisted won’t provide
the protection needed in a crash. The person
wearing the belt could be seriously injured.
After installing the seat, always check to be
sure that the safety belts are properly routed
and attached, and are not twisted.
Make sure that the seatback is in the folded forward
position and that the safety belts are on the correct side
of the chair.
Don’t put the chairs in so that they face rearward
because they won’t latch that way.
The captain’s chairs have seat position labels, located
on the back of each section, showing where the section
must go.
The seat must be placed in the proper location for the
legs to attach correctly.
1. Hook the front latches over the front floor pins. 2. Push the rear of the seat down to lock the rear
latches onto the rear set of floor pins.
3. Push and pull on the seat to check that it is
properly attached.
1-17
Stowable Seat (Option)
The optional stowable seat is a two passenger bench seat
and comes with the rear convenience center. See “Rear
Convenience Center” in the Index for more information.
The stowable seat can be removed and replaced or,
with the seatback folded, it can lie flush with the
convenience center.
Folding the Seatback
T o fold down the seatback,
pull up on the lever located
on the back of the seat and
push the seatback down
until it is locked into place.
1-18
Push and pull on the seatback to make sure that it is
locked into place.
T o raise the seatback, do one of the following:
D
From the rear of the vehicle, pull up on the lever to
release the seatback, then pull the strap, located on
the right side of the seat, to pull the seatback up.
The seatback has a pocket to stow the strap on the
side of the seatback when not in use, or
D
from the passenger’s side door , pull up on the lever
to release the seatback, then push up on the seatback
to raise the seat.
Push and pull on the seatback to make sure that it is
locked into the upright position.
Removing the Stowable Seat
1. Remove the convenience center, if it is in the
vehicle. See “Rear Convenience Center” in the
Index for more information.
2. Make sure all items are off of the stowable seat.
3. If the seatback is down, put the seatback in
its upright position before removing the seat.
See “Folding the Seatback” listed previously.
4. From in front of the bench seat, remove the two nuts
located on the floor on each side of the bench seat.
5. From behind the bench seat, fold the seatback down.
6. Remove the nuts located on the floor on each side
of the bench side.
7. Remove the seat by rocking it slightly toward the rear
of the vehicle and then pulling it out through the rear
of the vehicle. This should be done in one motion.
8. Put the nuts back onto the screws so the nuts do
not get misplaced.
1-19
Replacing the Stowable Seat
Do not put the stowable seat in so that it faces rearward.
The stowable seat has to go in before the rear
convenience center . See “Rear Convenience Center” in
the Index for more information.
The stowable seat has seat position labels, located on the
back of the seat, showing where the seat must go.
The seat must be placed in the proper location for the
legs to attach correctly.
Make sure that the seatback is folded forward before
beginning this procedure.
1. Remove the nuts from the screws.
2. Place the stowable seat on the floor so that the
brackets are placed over the screws.
3. Reinstall the nuts back onto the screws.
4. Try to raise the seat to make sure that it is
locked down.
5. Raise the seatback to its upright position.
Push and pull on the seatback to make sure that
it is locked into place.
1-20
Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone
This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts
properly. It also tells you some things you should not
do with safety belts.
And it explains the air bag system.
CAUTION:
Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear
a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and
you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries
can be much worse. You can hit things inside the
vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously
injured or killed. In the same crash, you might
not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your
safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts
are fastened properly too.
CAUTION:
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision,
people riding in these areas are more likely
to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow
people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is
not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure
everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a
safety belt properly.
Your vehicle has a light
that comes on as a reminder
to buckle up. See “Safety
Belt Reminder Light” in
the Index.
In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to
wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work.
1-21
You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have
a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one.
A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so
serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive.
But most crashes are in between. In many of them,
people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk
away . Without belts they could have been badly hurt
or killed.
After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles,
the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does
matter ... a lot!
Why Safety Belts Work
When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as
it goes.
T ake the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat
on wheels.
1-22
Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider
doesn’t stop.
1-23
The person keeps going until stopped by something.
In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ...
1-24
or the instrument panel ...
or the safety belts!
With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does.
You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance,
and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why
safety belts make such good sense.
Here Are Questions Many People Ask
About Safety Belts
Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an
Q:
accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?
-- and the Answers
A: You could be -- whether you’re wearing a safety
belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt,
even if you’re upside down. And your chance of
being conscious during and after an accident, so
you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater
if you are belted.
Q: If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have
to wear safety belts?
A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will
be in most of them in the future. But they are
supplemental systems only; so they work with
safety belts
system ever offered for sale has required the use of
safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air
bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most
protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions,
but especially in side and other collisions.
-- not instead of them. Every air bag
1-25
Q: If I’m 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’re in an
accident
and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good
driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your
control, such as bad drivers.
Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km)
of home. And the greatest number of serious
injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than
40 mph (65 km/h).
Safety belts are for everyone.
-- even one that isn’t your fault -- you
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
Adults
This part is only for people of adult size.
Be aware that there are special things to know about
safety belts and children. And there are different rules
for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding
in your vehicle, see the part of this manual called
“Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection.
First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your
vehicle has.
We’ll start with the driver position.
Driver Position
This part describes the driver’s restraint system.
Lap-Shoulder Belt
The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear
it properly.
1. Close and lock the door.
2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up straight.
T o see how, see “Seats” in the Index.
1-26
3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.
Don’t let it get twisted.
The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across
you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back
slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you
more slowly.
4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.
If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt
Extender” at the end of this section.
Make sure the release button on the buckle is
positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the
safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
5. T o make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle
end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt.
1-27
The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on
the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies
force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less
likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it,
the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could
cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt
should go over the shoulder and across the chest.
These parts of the body are best able to take belt
restraining forces.
The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or crash,
or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.
1-28
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt
adjuster to the height that is right for you.
T o move it down, push down on the button and move
the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move
the adjuster up just by pushing up on the shoulder belt
guide. After you move the adjuster to where you want it,
try to move it down without pushing the button down to
make sure it has locked into position.
Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of the
belt is centered on your shoulder. The belt should
be away from your face and neck, but not falling off
your shoulder.
1-29
Q: What’s wrong with this?
A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly
as much protection this way.
CAUTION:
You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder
belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move
forward too much, which could increase injury.
The shoulder belt should fit against your body.
1-30
Q: What’s wrong with this?
A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.
CAUTION:
You can be seriously injured if your belt is
buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash,
the belt would go up over your abdomen. The
belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic
bones. This could cause serious internal
injuries. Always buckle your belt into the
buckle nearest you.
1-31
Q: What’s wrong with this?
A: The belt is over an armrest.
CAUTION:
You can be seriously injured if your belt goes
over an armrest like this. The belt would be much
too high. In a crash, you can slide under the belt.
The belt force would then be applied at the
abdomen, not at the pelvic bones, and that could
cause serious or fatal injuries. Be sure the belt
goes under the armrests.
1-32
Q: What’s wrong with this?
A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should
be worn over the shoulder at all times.
CAUTION:
You can be seriously injured if you wear the
shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your
body would move too far forward, which would
increase the chance of head and neck injury.
Also, the belt would apply too much force to the
ribs, which aren’t as strong as shoulder bones.
You could also severely injure internal organs
like your liver or spleen.
1-33
Q: What’s wrong with this?
A: The belt is twisted across the body.
CAUTION:
You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt.
In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width
of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is
twisted, make it straight so it can work properly,
or ask your dealer to fix it.
1-34
T o unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.
The belt should go back out of the way.
Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the
way . If you slam the door on it, you can damage both
the belt and your vehicle.
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant
women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to
be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts.
A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt,
and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible,
below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.
1-35
The best way to protect the fetus is to protect
the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly,
it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash.
For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to
making safety belts effective is wearing them properly.
Right Front Passenger Position
To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety
belt properly, see “Driver Position” earlier in this section.
The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same
way as the driver’s safety belt
If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch
plate and keep pulling until you can buckle the belt.
-- except for one thing.
1-36
Air Bag Systems
This part explains the frontal and side impact air
bag systems.
Your vehicle has four air bags
for the driver, another frontal air bag for the right front
passenger, a side impact air bag for the driver, and
another side impact air bag for the right front passenger.
Frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk
of injury from the force of an inflating frontal air bag.
But these air bags must inflate very quickly to do their
job and comply with federal regulations.
Here are the most important things to know about the
air bag systems:
-- a frontal air bag
CAUTION:
You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if
you aren’t wearing your safety belt
have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a
crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things
inside the vehicle or being ejected from it.
Air bags are designed to work with safety
belts but don’t replace them.
CAUTION: (Continued)
-- even if you
CAUTION: (Continued)
Frontal air bags for the driver and right front
passenger are designed to work only in moderate
to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle
hits something. They aren’t designed to inflate at
all in rollover, rear or low
or in many side crashes. And, for some
unrestrained occupants, frontal air bags may
provide less protection in frontal crashes than
more forceful air bags have provided in the past.
The side impact air bags for the driver and right
front passenger are designed to inflate only in
moderate to severe crashes where something hits
the side of your vehicle. They aren’t designed to
inflate in frontal, in rollover or in rear crashes.
Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety
belt properly
for that person.
-- whether or not there’s an air bag
-speed frontal crashes,
1-37
CAUTION:
CAUTION:
Both frontal and side impact air bags inflate
with great force, faster than the blink of an eye.
If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, as you
would be if you were leaning forward, it could
seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in
position for air bag inflation before and during a
crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with
frontal air bags. The driver should sit as far back
as possible while still maintaining control of the
vehicle. Front occupants should not lean on or
sleep against the door.
1-38
Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any
air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Air bags plus lap
the best protection for adults, but not for young
children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety
belt system nor its air bag system is designed
for them. Young children and infants need the
protection that a child restraint system can
provide. Always secure children properly in your
vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual
called “Children.”
-shoulder belts offer
There is an air bag
readiness light on the
instrument panel,
which shows the air
bag symbol.
The system checks the air bag electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index
for more information.
How the Air Bag Systems Work
Where are the air bags?
The driver’s frontal air bag is in the middle of the
steering wheel.
1-39
The right front passenger’s frontal air bag is in the
instrument panel on the passenger’s side.
1-40
The driver’s side impact air bag is in the side of the
driver’s seatback closest to the door .
The right front passenger’s side impact air bag is in the
side of the passenger’s seatback closest to the door .
CAUTION:
If something is between an occupant and an air
bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it
might force the object into that person causing
severe injury or even death. The path of an
inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t put
anything between an occupant and an air bag,
and don’t attach or put anything on the steering
wheel hub or on or near any other air bag
covering. Don’t let seat covers block the inflation
path of a side impact air bag.
1-41
When should an air bag inflate?
The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags
are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or
near
-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inflate
only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed
“threshold level.”
In addition, your vehicle has “dual stage” frontal air
bags, which adjust the amount of restraint according
to crash severity. For moderate frontal impacts, these
air bags inflate at a level less than full deployment.
For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs.
If the front of your vehicle goes straight into a wall
that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level for
the reduced deployment is about 12 to 18 mph
(19 to 29 km/h), and the threshold level for a full
deployment is about 18 to 24 mph (29 to 38.5 km/h).
The threshold level can vary, however, with specific
vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or
below this range.
If your vehicle strikes something that will move or
deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be
higher. The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal
air bags are not designed to inflate in rollovers, rear
impacts, or in many side impacts because inflation
would not help the occupant.
The side impact air bags are designed to inflate in
moderate to severe side crashes. A side impact air bag
will inflate if the crash severity is above the system’s
designed “threshold level.” The threshold level can vary
with specific vehicle design. Side impact air bags are not
designed to inflate in frontal or near
rollovers or rear impacts, because inflation would not
help the occupant. A side impact air bag will only
deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck.
In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air
bag should have inflated simply because of the damage
to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were.
For frontal air bags, inflation is determined by the angle
of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down
in frontal and near
bags, inflation is determined by the location and severity
of the impact.
What makes an air bag inflate?
In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing
system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. For both
frontal and side impact air bags, the sensing system
triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates
the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware
are all part of the air bag modules inside the steering
wheel, instrument panel and the side of the front
seatbacks closest to the door.
-frontal impacts. For side impact air
-frontal impacts,
1-42
How does an air bag restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions,
even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel
or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side
collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside
of the vehicle. The air bag supplements the protection
provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of
the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body,
stopping the occupant more gradually. But the frontal
air bags would not help you in many types of collisions,
including rollovers, rear impacts, and many side
impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is
not toward the air bag. Side impact air bags would not
help you in many types of collisions, including frontal
or near frontal collisions, rollovers, and rear impacts,
primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward
those air bags. Air bags should never be regarded as
anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and
then only in moderate to severe frontal or near
collisions for the driver’s and right front passenger’s
frontal air bags, and only in moderate to severe side
collisions for the driver’s and right front passenger’s
side impact air bags.
-frontal
What will you see after an air bag inflates?
After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly
that some people may not even realize the air bag
inflated. Some components of the air bag module -- the
steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, the instrument
panel for the right front passenger’s bag, the side of the
seatback closest to the door for the driver and right front
passenger’s side impact air bags -- will be hot for a short
time. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you
may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be
some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the
deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the
driver from seeing or being able to steer the vehicle,
nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.
CAUTION:
When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the
air. This dust could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of asthma or other
breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so.
If you have breathing problems but can’t get out
of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get
fresh air by opening a window or a door.
1-43
In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from
the right front passenger air bag.
D
Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After an
air bag inflates, you’ll need some new parts for your
air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air bag
system won’t be there to help protect you in another
crash. A new system will include air bag modules
and possibly other parts. The service manual for
your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.
D
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic frontal
sensor, which helps the sensing system distinguish
between a moderate frontal impact and a more severe
frontal impact. Your vehicle is also equipped with a
crash sensing and diagnostic module, which records
information about the frontal air bag system. The
module records information about the readiness of
the system, when the system commands air bag
inflation and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment.
The module also records speed, engine rpm, brake
and throttle data.
D
Let only qualified technicians work on your air
bag systems. Improper service can mean that an
air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer
for service.
NOTICE:
If you damage the covering for the driver’s or
the right front passenger’s air bag, or the air
bag covering on the driver’s and right front
passenger’s seatback, the bag may not work
properly. You may have to replace the air bag
module in the steering wheel, both the air bag
module and the instrument panel for the right
front passenger’s air bag, or both the air bag
module and seatback for the driver’s and right
front passenger’s side impact air bag. Do not
open or break the air bag coverings.
1-44
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the air bag systems in several places
around your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual
have information about servicing your vehicle and the
air bag systems. T o purchase a service manual, see
“Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.
CAUTION:
Center Passenger Position
Lap-Shoulder Belt
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition key is
turned off and the battery is disconnected, an
air bag can still inflate during improper service.
You can be injured if you are close to an air bag
when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors. They
are probably part of the air bag systems. Be sure
to follow proper service procedur es, and make
sure the person performing work for you is
qualified to do so.
The air bag systems do not need regular maintenance.
If your vehicle has a bench seat, someone can sit in the
center position.
When you sit in the center seating position, you have
a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. You also have
a shoulder belt, which has a retractor. In order to have
the protection of the shoulder belt, you must first
connect it to the lap belt.
1-45
Remove the shoulder belt from its stowage location in
the roof and pull it all the way down to the lap belt.
1-46
Insert the metal knob on the shoulder belt into the
keyhole on the lap belt buckle as shown. Be sure to
slide the shoulder belt part into the keyhole until it
locks into place.
T o make the lap belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it
along the belt. T o make the belt shorter, pull its free end
as shown until the belt is snug.
Buckle, position and release the lap
same way as the other lap
long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of
this section.
Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned
so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly
if you ever had to.
-shoulder belts. If the belt isn’t
-shoulder belt the
1-47
Rear Seat Passengers
It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up!
Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear
seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are
wearing safety belts.
Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown
out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others
in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions
1-48
Lap-Shoulder Belt
The positions next to the windows have lap
belts. Here’s how to wear one properly.
1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.
Don’t let it get twisted.
The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across
you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back
slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you
more slowly.
-shoulder
2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.
If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the
latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.
If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt
Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the
release button on the buckle is positioned so you
would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly
if you ever had to.
1-49
3. T o make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle
end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part.
1-50
The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on
the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies
force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less
likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it,
the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could
cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt
should go over the shoulder and across the chest.
These parts of the body are best able to take belt
restraining forces.
The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash,
or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.
Each position next to the windows in the second row has
a shoulder belt height adjuster. Move the shoulder belt
adjuster to the height that is right for you.
T o move it down, push down on the button and move
the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move
the height adjuster up just by pushing up on the shoulder
belt guide. After you move the adjuster to where you
want it, try to move it down without pushing the button
down to make sure it has locked into position.
Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of the
belt is centered on your shoulder. The belt should be
away from your face and neck, but not falling off
your shoulder.
CAUTION:
You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder
belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move
forward too much, which could increase injury.
The shoulder belt should fit against your body.
T o unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.
1-51
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults
Your vehicle may have rear shoulder belt comfort
guides. This feature will provide added safety belt
comfort for older children who have outgrown booster
seats and for small adults. When installed on a shoulder
belt, the comfort guide better positions the belt away
from the neck and head.
There is one guide for each passenger position in the
second row rear seat. T o provide added safety belt
comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints
and for smaller adults, the comfort guides may be
installed on the shoulder belts. Here’s how to install a
comfort guide and use the safety belt:
Second Row Outside Positions
1-52
For second row outside positions do the following:
1. Remove the guide from its storage clip located on
the sidewall next to the outer side of each outside
passenger position.
2. Place the guide over the belt and insert the two edges
of the belt into the slots of the guide.
3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat.
The guide must be on top of the belt.
1-53
4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as
described in “Rear Seat Passenger Positions” earlier
in this section. Make sure that the shoulder belt
crosses the shoulder.
T o remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the
belt edges together so that you can take them out of
the guides. Pull the guide upward to expose its storage
clip, and then slide the guide onto the clip. Turn the
guide and clip inward, leaving only the loop of elastic
cord exposed.
1-54
Second Row Center Position
For second row center position do the following:
1. Remove the elastic cord from under the head
restraint of the second row driver’s side position.
2. Attach the elastic cord to the comfort guide on the
center passenger shoulder belt.
3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat.
The guide must be on top of the belt.
4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as
described in “Center Passenger Position” earlier
in this section. Make sure that the shoulder belt
crosses the shoulder.
T o remove and store the elastic cord, remove it from the
comfort guide. The elastic cord will go back under the
head restraint.
1-55
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.
Infants and Young Children
Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles,
they should have the protection provided by the
appropriate restraint. Young children should not use
the vehicle’s safety belts, unless there is no other choice.
CAUTION:
People should never hold a baby in their arms
while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh
much
-- until a crash. During a crash a baby will
become so heavy it is not possible to hold it.
CAUTION: (Continued)
1-56
CAUTION: (Continued)
For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h),
a 12
-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a
240
-lb. (110 kg) force on a person’s arms. A baby
should be secured in an appropriate restraint.
CAUTION:
Children who are up against, or very close to, any
air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Air bags plus lap
outstanding protection for adults and older
children, but not for young children and infants.
Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air
bag system is designed for them. Young children
and infants need the protection that a child
restraint system can provide.
-shoulder belts offer
1-57
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.
CAUTION:
Newborn infants need complete support,
including support for the head and neck.
This is necessary because a newborn infant’s
neck is weak and its head weighs so much
compared with the rest of its body. In a crash,
an infant in a rear
restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed
across the strongest part of an infant’s body,
the back and shoulders. Infants always should
be secured in appropriate infant restraints.
-facing seat settles into the
1-58
CAUTION:
The body structure of a young child is quite
unlike that of an adult or older child, for whom
the safety belts are designed. 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’s unprotected by any
bony structure. This alone could cause serious or
fatal injuries. Young children always should be
secured in appropriate child restraints.
Restraint Systems for Children
An infant car bed (A), a special bed made for use in a
motor vehicle, is an infant restraint system designed to
restrain or position a child on a continuous flat surface.
Make sure that the infant’s head rests toward the center
of the vehicle.
1-59
A rear-facing infant seat (B) 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.
1-60
A forward-facing child seat (C-E) provides restraint for
the child’s body with the harness and also sometimes
with surfaces such as T
-shaped or shelf-like shields.
Q: How do child restraints work?
A: A child restraint system is any device designed for
use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or position
children. A built
permanent part of the motor vehicle. An add
child restraint system is a portable one, which is
purchased by the vehicle’s owner.
-in child restraint system is a
-on
A booster seat (F-G) is a child restraint designed to
improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system.
Some booster seats have a shoulder belt positioner,
and some high
harness. A booster seat can also help a child to see
out the window.
-back booster seats have a five-point
For many years, add
the adult belt system in the vehicle. T o help reduce
the chance of injury, the child also has to be
secured within the restraint. The vehicle’s belt
system secures the add
vehicle, and the add
system holds the child in place within the restraint.
One system, the three
come down over each of the infant’s shoulders and
buckle together at the crotch. The five
harness system has two shoulder straps, two hip
straps and a crotch strap. A shield may take the
place of hip straps. A T
straps that are attached to a flat pad which rests low
against the child’s body. A shelf
shield has straps that are attached to a wide,
shelf
-like shield that swings up or to the side.
-on child restraints have used
-on child restraint in the
-on child restraint’s harness
-point harness, has straps that
-point
-shaped shield has shoulder
- or armrest-type
1-61
When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child
restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is,
it will have a label saying that it meets federal motor
vehicle safety standards.
Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may
find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a
booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in
your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within
the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury.
When securing an add
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.
-on child restraint, refer to the
Where to Put the Restraint
Accident statistics show that children are safer if they
are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat.
General Motors, therefore, recommends that child
restraints be secured in a rear seat including an infant
riding in a rear
forward
a booster seat. Never put a rear
in the front passenger seat. Here’s why:
-facing infant seat, a child riding in a
-facing child seat and an older child riding in
-facing child restraint
CAUTION:
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the right front
passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the
back of the rear
very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure
a rear
-facing child restraint in a rear seat.
You may secure a forward-facing child restraint
in the right front seat, but before you do, always
move the front passenger seat as far back as it
will go. It’s better to secure the child restraint in
a rear seat.
Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child
restraint properly.
Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move
around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people
in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child
restraint in your vehicle
-facing child restraint would be
-- even when no child is in it.
1-62
Top Strap
Some child restraints have a top strap, or “top tether.”
It can help restrain the child restraint during a collision.
For it to work, a top strap must be properly anchored
to the vehicle. Some top strap
are designed for use with or without the top strap being
anchored. Others require the top strap always to be
anchored. Be sure to read and follow the instructions
for your child restraint. If yours requires that the top
strap be anchored, don’t use the restraint unless it is
anchored properly.
If the child restraint does not have a top strap, one
can be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints.
Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not a
kit is available.
-equipped child restraints
In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child
restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be
anchored. In the United States, some child restraints
also have a top strap. If your child restraint has a top
strap, it should be anchored.
1-63
Anchor the top strap to one of the following anchor
points. Be sure to use an anchor point located on
the same side of the vehicle as the seating position
where the child restraint will be placed. If you have
an adjustable head restraint, raise the head restraint
and route the top strap under it.
Once you have the top strap anchored, you’ll be ready
to secure the child restraint itself. Tighten the top strap
when and as the child restraint manufacturer’s
instructions say.
Your vehicle has top strap anchors already installed for
the rear seating positions. An anchor bar for a top strap
is located at the rear of the seat cushion for each second
row outboard seating position and the anchor bar for
the center position for the bench seat is located on the
floor behind the second row seats. If the vehicle has the
extended rear convenience center, you need to remove
a plastic plug and look under the convenience center to
find the anchor bar for the center position for the bench
seat. If the vehicle has a third row seat and the seatback
is upright, there is an anchor strap located between the
third row seatback and cushion to anchor the child
restraint for the second row center position bench seat.
If the vehicle has a third row seat and the seatback is
folded, there is anchor on the back of the third row
seat for the second row center position bench seat.
There is also a top strap anchor for third row passenger’s
side outside position. Locate the anchor symbol on the
flap of carpet behind the seat. Lift up the carpet to
access the anchor.
Captain’s Chairs
1-64
Second Row Outside Positions Bench Seat Second Row Center Position Bench Seat
without Third Row Seat
1-65
Second Row Center Position Bench Seat
with Third Row Seat
1-66
Second Row Center Position Bench Seat
with Third Row Seat Folded Down
Third Row Passenger’s Side Outside Position
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
Y our vehicle has the LA TCH system. Y ou’ll find anchors (A)
in the second row outside passenger positions.
T o assist you in locating the lower anchors for this
child restraint system, each seating position with the
LATCH system will have a red dot on the seatback
above the latch.
1-67
In order to use the system, you need either a
forward
points (B) at its base and a top tether anchor (C), or a
rear-facing child restraint that has attaching points (B),
as shown here.
-facing child restraint that has attaching
With this system, use the LATCH system instead of the
vehicle’s safety belts to secure a child restraint.
1-68
CAUTION:
If a LATCH-type child restraint isn’t attached to
its anchorage points, the restraint won’t be able
to protect a child sitting there. In a crash, the
child could be seriously injured or killed.
Make sure that a LATCH
is properly installed using the anchorage points,
or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the
restraint. See “Securing a Child Restraint in
a Rear Outside Seat Position” in the Index for
information on how to secure a child restraint
in your vehicle using the vehicle’s safety belts.
-type child restraint
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System
1. Find the anchors for the seating position you want to
use, where the bottom of the seatback meets the back
of the seat cushion.
2. Put the child restraint on the seat.
3. Attach the anchor points on the child restraint to
the anchors in the vehicle. The child restraint
instructions will show you how.
4. If the child restraint is forward
strap to the top strap anchor. See “Top Strap” in the
Index. Tighten the top strap according to the child
restraint instructions.
5. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.
T o remove the child restraint, simply unhook the top
strap from the top tether anchor and then disconnect
the anchor points.
-facing, attach the top
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Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position
If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH
system, see “Lower Anchorages and T op Tethers for
Children (LATCH)” in the Index.
You’ll be using the lap
part about the top strap if the child restraint has one.
Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the
child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint
when and as the instructions say.
1. Put the restraint on the seat.
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.
-shoulder belt. See the earlier
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Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed.
If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face
or neck, put it behind the child restraint.
3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is
positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the
safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
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4. T o tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while
you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using
a forward
helpful to use your knee to push down on the child
restraint as you tighten the belt.
5. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.
T o remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s
safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt
will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult
or larger child passenger.
-facing child restraint, you may find it
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Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position (Bench Seat)
The center rear seating position has a lap-shoulder belt.
T o secure a child restraint in this position, you’ll use
only the lap part of the belt. Disconnect the shoulder
part of the belt and store it before securing a child
restraint. 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.
See the earlier part about the top strap if the child
restraint has one.
1. Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch
plate and pulling it along the belt.
2. Put the restraint on the seat.
3. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the
restraint. The child restraint instructions will show
you how.
4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is
positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the
safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
5. T o tighten the belt, pull its free end while you
push down on the child restraint. If you’re using
a forward
helpful to use your knee to push down on the
child restraint as you tighten the belt.
6. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.
-facing child restraint, you may find it
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T o remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s
safety belt. When you remove the child restraint,
be sure to reconnect the lap and shoulder parts of the
belt so they will be ready to work for an adult or larger
child passenger.
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position
Your vehicle has a front passenger air bag. Never put a
-facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why:
rear
CAUTION:
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the front passenger’s
air bag inflates. This is because the back of the
rear
-facing child restraint would be very close to
the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear
child restraint in a rear seat.
Although a rear seat is a safer place, you can secure a
forward
You’ll be using the lap
part about the top strap if the child restraint has one.
Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the
child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint
when and as the instructions say.
1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger
2. Put the restraint on the seat.
-facing child restraint in the right front seat.
-shoulder belt. See the earlier
air bag, always move the seat as far back as it will
go before securing a forward
See “Seats” in the Index.
-facing child restraint.
-facing
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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.
Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed.
If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or
neck, put it behind the child restraint.
4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is
positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the
safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
1-75
5. T o tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while
you push down on the child restraint. You may find it
helpful to use your knee to push down on the child
restraint as you tighten the belt.
6. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.
T o remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s
safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt
will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult
or larger child passenger.
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Older Children
Older children who have outgrown booster seats should
wear the vehicle’s safety belts.
Q: What is the proper way to wear safety belts?
A: If possible, 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. It should never be worn over the abdomen,
which could cause severe or even fatal internal
injuries in a crash.
Accident statistics show that children are safer if they
are restrained in the rear seat.
In a crash, children who are not buckled up can strike
other people who are buckled up, or can be thrown
out of the vehicle. Older children need to use safety
belts properly.
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CAUTION:
Never do this.
Here two children are wearing the same belt.
The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces.
In a crash, the two children can be crushed
together and seriously injured. A belt must be
used by only one person at a time.
Q: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt,
but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is
very close to the child’s face or neck?
A: If the child is sitting in a seat next to a window,
move the child toward the center of the vehicle.
If the child is sitting in the center rear seat
passenger position, move the child toward the
safety belt buckle. In either case, be sure that the
shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that
in a crash the child’s upper body would have the
restraint that belts provide. If the child is sitting in
a rear seat, see “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides”
in the Index.
1-78
CAUTION:
Never do this.
Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a
lap
-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind
the child. If the child wears the belt in this way,
in a crash the child might slide under the belt.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
The belt’s force would then be applied right on
the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious
or fatal injuries.
The lap portion of the belt should be worn low and snug
on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs. This applies
belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash.
Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you,
you should use it.
But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your
dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go
in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the
extender will be long enough for you. The extender will
be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that
you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it
only for the seat it is made to fit. T o wear it, just attach it
to the regular safety belt.
1-79
Checking Your Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and
anchorages are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from
doing its job, have it repaired.
T orn or frayed safety belts may not protect you
in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces.
If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash
If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts or LATCH
system parts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn
during a more severe crash, then you need new parts.
If the LATCH system was being used during a more
severe crash, you may need new LATCH system parts.
If you ever see a label on the driver’s or right front
passenger’s safety belt that says to replace the belt, be
sure to do so. Then the new belt will be there to help
protect you in a collision. You would see this label on
the belt near the door opening.
If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage
also may mean you will need to have LA TCH system, safety
belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs
may be necessary even if the belt or LA TCH system wasn’t
being used at the time of the collision.
If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag
system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier in
this section.
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Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
-2 Windows
2
2
-4 Keys
-6 Door Locks
2
2
-9 Remote Keyless Entry System (Option)
-14 Vehicle Customization
2
2
-21 Liftgate
2
-22 Theft
-23 Content Theft-Deterrent (Option)
2
2
-25 PASS-Key III
-28 New Vehicle “Break-In”
2
2
-28 Ignition Positions
2
-30 Starting Your Engine
-31 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
2
-32 Automatic Transaxle Operation
-37 Parking Brake
2
2
-38 Shifting Into PARK (P)
-40 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
2
2
-41 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-41 Engine Exhaust
2-
2
-42 Running Your Engine While You’re Parked
2
-43 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
-50 Exterior Lamps
2
2
-52 Interior Lamps
-59 Storage Compartments
2
2
-70 Accessory Inflator System (Option)
2
-71 Accessory Power Outlets
-72 OnStar System (Option)
2
2
-77 HomeLink Transmitter (Option)
-80 The Instrument Panel -- Your
2
Information System
2
-85 Warning Lights, Gages, Messages
and Indicators
2-95 Message Center
-105 Driver Information Center (DIC)
2
(If Equipped)
2-122 Head-Up Display (Option)
2
-125 Rear Parking Assist (Option)
2-1
Windows
CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the windows
closed is dangerous. A child can be overcome by
the extreme heat and can suffer permanent
injuries or even death from heat stroke. Never
leave a child alone in a vehicle, especially with the
windows closed in warm or hot weather.
2-2
Power Windows
The driver’s power window switch has two down
positions. Push the rear of the switch to the first position
to lower the window normally.
Press the rear of any passenger window switch and that
window will open. Press the front of any switch to close
the window.
Switches on the driver’s door armrest control each of the
windows when the ignition is in ON, ACCESSORY, or
when retained accessory power is active. See “Retained
Accessory Power (RAP)” in the Index for more
information. In addition, each passenger’s door has a
window switch.
Express
The driver’s window switch also has an express
feature. This switch is labeled AUTO. To activate the
express-down feature, push the rear of the driver’s
window switch to the second position, then release it.
The window will lower completely.
T o stop the window while it is lowering, press the front
of the switch. T o raise the window, press and hold the
front of the switch.
Passenger Window Lock Feature
The driver’s window controls also include a lock
switch. Press the right side of the WDO LOCK switch to
stop rear passengers from lowering their window. The
driver can still control all of the windows with the lock
on. Press the other side of the WDO LOCK switch for
normal window operation.
-Down Feature
-down
-out
2-3
Keys
CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or
others could be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power windows or other
controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t
leave the keys in a vehicle with children.
2-4
The key can be used for the
ignition as well as all the
door locks, the floor console
and the glovebox.
If you need a new key, contact your dealer, who can
obtain the correct key code. For more information see
“Roadside Assistance” in the Index.
R
-Key
Your vehicle has the PASS
system. The key has a transponder in the key head that
matches a decoder in the vehicle’s steering column. If a
replacement key or any additional key is needed, you
must purchase this key from your dealer. The key will
have PK3 stamped on it. Keep the bar code tag that
came with the original keys. Give this tag to your dealer
if you need a new key made.
III vehicle theft
Any new PASS
before it will start your vehicle. See “PASS
in the Index for more information on programming your
new key.
-Key III key must be programmed
-Key
R
III”
NOTICE:
Your vehicle has a number of new features that
can help prevent theft. But you can have a lot of
trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock
your key inside. You may even have to damage
your vehicle to get in. So be sure you have an
extra key.
2-5
Door Locks
CAUTION:
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
D
Passengers -- especially children -- can
easily open the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the
handle won’t open it. You increase the
chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in
a crash if the doors aren’t locked. So, wear
safety belts properly and lock the doors
whenever you drive.
D
Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out. A child
can be overcome by extreme heat and can
suffer permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle
whenever you leave it.
D
Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down or stop
your vehicle. Locking your doors can help
prevent this from happening.
There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.
From the outside, use your key or press UNLOCK
on the optional remote keyless entry transmitter.
See “Remote Keyless Entry” in the Index for
more information.
T o unlock either front door from the outside with
the key, insert the key and turn it toward the front
of the vehicle.
T o lock either front door from the outside with the key,
insert the key and turn it toward the rear of the vehicle.
T o lock any door from the
inside, push the manual
locking lever forward.
T o unlock any door from the inside, pull back on the
manual locking lever.
2-6
Power Door Locks
The power door lock switch
is located on the driver’s
and front passenger’s doors
next to the door handle.
Press the front of the switch to lock all doors, or press
the back of the switch to unlock all doors.
The rear doors do not have power door lock switches.
Instead, each rear door has a manual lever that works
only that door’s lock.
If your vehicle has the optional content theft
system, the power door lock switch may cause the
system to arm. See “Content Theft
in the Index for more information.
-Deterrent System”
-deterrent
Delayed Locking
With the delayed locking feature, the doors will not
lock immediately when locking the doors using the
power door lock switch or when LOCK on the optional
remote keyless entry transmitter is pressed while any
door is open. Instead, three chimes will be heard to
indicate that the delayed locking feature is in operation.
Five seconds, after all doors are closed, the doors will
then lock automatically.
If the ignition is in ON or ACCESSORY, this feature
will not lock the doors.
T o program the delayed locking feature, see “Vehicle
Customization” in the Index. If your vehicle is equipped
with the Driver Information Center (DIC), see “Driver
Information Center” in the Index.
2-7
Automatic Door Lock/Unlock
All of the doors will automatically lock when all
doors are closed, the engine is running and the shift
lever is shifted out of PARK (P). All of the doors will
automatically unlock when the shift lever is shifted
into PARK (P).
With the automatic door lock feature, you can still
lock or unlock the doors at any time, either manually,
with the power door lock switches or by pressing
LOCK on the optional remote keyless entry transmitter.
See “Remote Keyless Entry” in the Index for
more information.
T o program the automatic door lock feature, see
“Vehicle Customization” in the Index. If your vehicle
is equipped with the Driver Information Center (DIC),
see “Driver Information Center” in the Index.
Rear Door Child Security Locks
Your vehicle is equipped with rear door security locks
that help prevent passengers from opening the rear doors
on your vehicle from the inside. T o use one of these
locks do the following:
1. Open one of the rear doors.
2. On the inside of the rear
door will be a lock. Push
the lever up to engage
the safety lock.
3. Close the door.
4. Repeat Steps 1 through 3 for the other rear door lock.
The rear doors on your vehicle cannot be opened from
inside the vehicle when this feature is in use. If you
want to open the rear door when the security lock is on,
unlock the door from the inside and then open the door
from the outside.
2-8
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