Chrysler Crossfire 2004 User Manual
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
5
STARTING AND OPERATING
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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...........................7
............................47
..................................87
................................................117
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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
INDEX
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CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1
m Introduction
m How To Use This Manual
...........................4
.................4
m Warnings And Cautions
m Vehicle Identification Number
..................6
..............6
4 INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your Crossfire. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer-oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instructions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE:
After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold.
When itcomes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Mopart parts, and is interested
in your satisfaction.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this owner’s manual:
INTRODUCTION 5
1
6 INTRODUCTION
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This manual contains WARNINGS against operating
procedures which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures
which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do
not read this entire manual you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is located beneath the left front corner of the instrument panel, visible
through the windshield. This number also appears on the
Automobile Information Disclosure Label affixed to a
window on your vehicle. Save this label as a convenient
record of your vehicle identification number and optional
equipment.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m A Word About Your Keys
▫ Keys ...............................9
▫ Obtaining Replacement Keys .............. 9
▫ Ignition Key Removal ...................10
▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................10
m Glove Compartment Lock
m Door Locks
▫ Central Locking Switch ..................12
▫ Automatic Central Locking ...............12
▫ General Notes On The Central Locking
System ..............................13
...........................11
.................9
.................10
▫ Emergency Unlocking Feature .............13
▫ Start Lockout .........................13
m Remote Keyless Entry
▫ To Unlock The Doors ...................14
▫ To Lock The Doors .....................14
▫ Panic Alarm ..........................15
▫ To Use The Panic Alarm .................15
▫ General Information ....................15
▫ Transmitter Battery Service ...............16
m Security Alarm System
▫ Tow-Away Alarm ......................17
....................14
...................17
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8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
m Power Windows
m Rear Liftgate Release
m Occupant Restraints
........................18
....................19
.....................20
▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................21
▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............25
▫ Seat Belt Extender ......................25
▫ Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag . .26
▫ Child Restraint ........................36
m Engine Break-In Recommendations
m Safety Tips
............................44
..........43
▫ Exhaust Gas ..........................44
▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ..............................44
▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ....................45
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 9
A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
You can insert the double-sided keys into the locks with
either side up.
The dealer that sold you your new vehicle has the key
code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers can
be used to order duplicate keys only from an authorized
dealer. Ask your dealer for these numbers and keep them
in a safe place.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove the key from the ignition and lock all the
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Keys
Included with your vehicle are two remote controls with
folding keys. The remote control operates all locks on the
vehicle, including the locking fuel filler door.
To release the key from the folded position, press the
button. The key unfolds from the fob.
The transmitter for the remote control is located in the
key fob.
2
Obtaining Replacement Keys
Your vehicle is equipped with a theft deterrent locking
system requiring a special key manufacturing process.
For security reasons, replacement keys can only be obtained from your authorized dealer.
Important!
Removing the key from the steering lock activates the
start lock-out. The engine cannot be started.
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Turning the key in the steering lock to the ON/RUN
position deactivates the start lock-out.
NOTE:
In case the engine cannot be started, and START
and ERROR are shown in the odometer display field, the
system is not operational. Contact an authorized dealer.
Ignition Key Removal
Turn the key to the LOCK position and remove the key.
NOTE:
For vehicles with automatic transmissions, if
you try to remove the key before you place the shift lever
in PARK, the key may become trapped temporarily in the
key cylinder. If this occurs, turn the key clockwise
slightly, then remove the key as described.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition
sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.
GLOVE COMPARTMENT LOCK
The glove compartment can be locked by turning the key
straight up to the vertical or right position, and then
removing the key.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
To unlock the glove compartment, turn the key to the
horizontal or left position, and then remove the key.
DOOR LOCKS
The vehicle doors can be locked when the doors are
closed by either manually pressing the button down at
the top of the door panel, pressing and releasing the
bottom portion of the central locking switch located in
the console, or by pressing and releasing the Lock
transmit button on the key fob. Also, by turning the key
clockwise in the driver’s door, both doors, liftgate and
fuel door will lock.
The doors can be unlocked by pulling on the inside door
handle, pressing and releasing the top portion of the
central locking switch located in the console, or by
pressing and releasing the Unlock transmit button on the
key fob. Both doors can also be unlocked by turning the
key counterclockwise in the driver’s door.
NOTE:
ON/RUN position, the vehicle cannot be locked or
unlocked with the remote control.
When you lock the vehicle, both door lock buttons
should move down. If either one stays up, the respective
door is not properly closed. You should then unlock the
vehicle, open and reclose the door, and lock the vehicle
again.
Each individual door can be locked with the respective
door lock button - the driver’s door can only be locked
when it is closed. If the vehicle has previously been
locked from the outside, only the door being opened
from the inside will unlock, and the alarm will come on.
The other door, the rear liftgate, and fuel filler door will
remain locked.
If the key in the ignition switch is in the
2
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE:
In case of a malfunction in the central locking
system, the doors can be locked and unlocked individually. To lock, turn the key in the driver’s door lock
clockwise, or push down the lock buttons. To unlock,
turn the key in the driver’s door lock counterclockwise,
or pull the inside door handles.
WARNING!
For personal security and safety in the event of an
accident, lock the vehicle doors as you drive and
when you park and leave the vehicle.
Central Locking Switch
The central locking switch is located in the console. The
doors and rear liftgate can only be locked with the central
locking switch if both doors are closed.
If the vehicle was previously locked with the remote
control or key, the doors and rear liftgate cannot be
unlocked with the central locking switch. If the vehicle
was previously locked with the central locking switch,
the complete vehicle is unlocked when a door is opened
from the inside.
NOTE:
The fuel filler door cannot be locked or un-
locked with the central locking switch.
Automatic Central Locking
The central locking switch also operates the automatic
central locking feature. With the automatic central locking feature activated, the doors and rear liftgate are
locked at vehicle speeds of approximately 9 mph (15
km/h) or more; however, the fuel filler door remains
unlocked.
To activate this feature, turn the key to the ON/RUN
position and hold the upper portion of the switch for a
minimum of five seconds. To deactivate, turn the key to
the ON/RUN position and hold the lower portion of the
switch for a minimum of five seconds.
NOTE:
If the doors are unlocked with the central
locking switch after activating the automatic central
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
locking feature and neither door is opened, the doors
remain unlocked even at vehicle speeds of approximately
9 mph (15 km/h) or more.
NOTE:
the ignition and the driver’s door open, the doors will not
lock.
General Notes On the Central Locking System
If the key in the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN
position, the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked with
the remote control.
If the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked at any time
with the remote control, it may be necessary to change
the batteries in the remote.
NOTE:
charging during short periods of inactivity, perform the
following:
1. Make sure that the rear liftgate, hood and doors are
completely closed.
2. Make sure that remote transmitter is operating and
that the battery is good.
If you attempt to lock the doors with the key in
To help prevent the vehicle battery from dis-
3. Make sure that the hood, rear liftgate and door
switches are in adjustment.
Perform the quick system check which follows: Use
the remote transmitter to set the alarm. If the parking
lamps flash three times, the system is operating properly. If not, there is a problem with a switch or the
system. See your authorized dealer for service.
Emergency Unlocking Feature
In the case of an accident, the doors unlock automatically
a short time after a strong deceleration is detected, such
as in a collision (this is intended to aid rescue and exit).
However, the key must still be in the ignition.
Start Lockout
Removing the key from the ignition switch activates the
start lockout. The engine cannot be started. Turning the
key to the ON/RUN position deactivates the start lockout. If the engine cannot be started, and the messages
START and ERROR are shown in the odometer display
field, the system is not operational. Contact an authorized dealer.
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14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
This feature allows you to lock or unlock the vehicle from
remote locations using a hand-held transmitter located in
the key fob. You don’t have to point the transmitter at the
vehicle to activate the system. The vehicle doors, rear
liftgate, and fuel filler door can be locked and unlocked
using the remote control.
To Unlock the Doors:
Press and release the unlock button on the key fob.
NOTE:
If within 40 seconds of unlocking with the key
fob, neither door is opened, the key is not inserted in the
ignition switch, or the central locking switch is not
activated, the vehicle will automatically lock.
Press the Unlock transmit button on the key fob once to
unlock driver’s door, rear liftgate, and fuel filler door.
Press the Unlock transmit button twice to unlock both
doors, rear liftgate, and fuel filler door.
To Lock The Doors:
Press the Lock button on the key fob once. All turn signal
lights blink three times to indicate that the vehicle is
locked. If the turn signal lights do not blink, a door or
rear liftgate is not closed properly.
The entire vehicle, including the fuel filler door, may be
locked or unlocked by using the key in the driver’s door.
The doors and liftgate can be locked or unlocked by
pressing the central locking switch located in the center
console.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
If the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked by pressing
the transmit button, then it may be necessary to change
the batteries in the remote control.
Panic Alarm
The panic alarm unlocks the driver’s door, turns on the
interior lights, flashes the foglights and sounds the horn
for about three minutes or until the alarm is turned off.
The vehicle can be driven while in the Panic mode.
To Use the Panic Alarm:
Press and hold the Panic button to activate the alarm.
Press and hold the Panic button or unlock the door with
the key to deactivate the alarm. The alarm will also shut
off after three minutes or when vehicle speed reaches 15
mph (24 km/h).
General Information
This transmitter complies with FCC rules part 15. Operation is subject to the following conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
2. This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Transmitter Battery Service
The recommended replacement Lithium battery is Panasonict CR 2025 or equivalent.
To change the batteries:
•
Press release button (2) on the key fob. The key folds
out.
•
Press the battery cover (1) in the direction of the arrow.
•
Remove the old batteries.
•
Insert the new batteries in the direction of the arrow
with the positive symbol facing upwards.
•
Replace the battery cover and press on it until you feel
it engage.
NOTE:
Only replace the batteries in pairs.
The system may have to be resynchronized if the transmitter is without voltage for several minutes. Tosynchronize, aim the transmitter eye at the vehicle and briefly
press either the Lock or the Unlock button twice. Within
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
approximately 30 seconds, insert the key in the ignition
and turn it to the ON/RUN position. The remote control
should once again be operational.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM
The system monitors the doors, rear liftgate, hood, and
ignition for unauthorized operation. The security alarm
system is automatically armed or disarmed with the
remote control or any of your vehicle’s keys by locking or
unlocking the vehicle.
The antitheft alarm is armed within approximately 10
seconds after locking the vehicle. A blinking light in the
tow away alarm switch indicates that the alarm is armed.
Once the alarm system has been armed, the exterior
vehicle lights will flash and an alarm will sound when a
door, the rear liftgate, the hood, or the glove compartment is opened, or if someone attempts to raise the
vehicle for towing. The alarm will flash the exterior
lamps for approximately three minutes and sound an
audible alarm for 30 seconds. The alarm will stay on even
if the activating element is immediately closed.
Tow-Away Alarm
The tow-away alarm switch is located on the console. To
deactivate for towing or jacking up the vehicle, press and
release the upper portion of the switch. Press and release
the lower portion to activate it again.
After the alarm system has been armed, the exterior
vehicle lights will flash and an alarm will sound when
someone attempts to raise the vehicle. The alarm will
flash the exterior lamps for approximately three minutes
and sound an audible alarm for 30 seconds. The alarm
will stay on even if the vehicle is immediately lowered.
To cancel the alarm, insert the key into the ignition switch
or press a transmit button on the key fob.
To prevent triggering the tow-away alarm feature when
parking on a surface subject to movement (such as a
ferry), switch off the tow-away alarm. To do so, turn the
key in the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK or ACC
position, or remove the key from the ignition switch.
Press the tow-away alarm switch and the indicator light
will illuminate briefly. Exit the vehicle, and lock the
vehicle with the key or the remote control.
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18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The tow-away alarm remains switched off until the
vehicle is locked again with the key or the remote control,
at which time it is automatically reactivated.
POWER WINDOWS
The power window switches are located in the console.
To operate, turn the key in the ignition switch to the ACC
or ON/RUN position. Press the switch in to the resistance point to open; release the switch when the window
is in the desired position.
For express opening of windows, press the switch past
the resistance point and release; the window lowers to
the fully open position. To interrupt the procedure,
briefly press the switch again and release.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
When closing the windows, be sure that there is no
danger of anyone being harmed by the closing procedure.
WARNING!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key
from the ignition switch, and lock the vehicle. Do
not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of
vehicle equipment can cause serious personal injury.
REAR LIFTGATE RELEASE
You can open the rear liftgate by using the handle located
on the liftgate just above the rear license plate pocket.
2
WARNING!
Do not allow children to have access to the rear cargo
area by climbing into the rear cargo area from
outside, or through the inside of the vehicle. Always
close the liftgate when your vehicle is unattended.
Once in the cargo area, young children may not be
able to escape, even if they entered through the rear
seat. If trapped in the cargo area, children can die
from suffocation or heat stroke.
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS
Some of the most important safety features in your
vehicle are the restraint systems. These include the lap/
shoulder seat belts for the driver and passenger, emergency tensioning retractors for the seat belts, and front
and side airbags for the driver and passenger. If you will
be carrying children too small for adult-size belts, the
passenger side seat belt also can be used to hold infant
and child restraint systems.
Please pay close attention to the information in this
section. It tells you how to use your restraint system
properly to keep you and your passengers as safe as
possible.
WARNING!
In a collision, you and your passengers can suffer
much greater injuries if you are not properly buckled up. You can strike the interior of your vehicle or
other occupants, or you can be thrown out of the
vehicle. Always be sure you and others in your
vehicle are buckled up properly.
Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even
on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver
and cause a collision that includes you. This can happen
far away from home or on your street.
Research has shown that seat belts save lives. They also
can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a collision. Some
of the worst injuries happen when people are thrown
from the vehicle. Seat belts provide protection from that,
and they reduce the risk of injury caused by striking the
inside of the vehicle. Everyone in a motor vehicle needs
to be buckled up all the time.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21
Lap/Shoulder Belts
Each seating position is equipped with a combined
lap/shoulder belt system.
The belt webbing retractor will lock only during very
sudden stops or impacts. This feature allows the shoulder
part of the belt to move freely with you under normal
conditions. But, in a collision, the belt will lock and
reduce the risk of your striking the inside of the vehicle or
being thrown out. The seat belts are also equipped with
emergency tensioning retractors. These tensioning retractors are located in each belt’s inertia reel and become
operationally ready with the key in the ignition switch
turned to the ACC or ON/RUN positions. The emergency tensioning retractors are designed to activate during frontal and rear impacts. They remove slack from the
belts in such a way that the seat belts fit more snugly
against the body, restricting its forward movement as
much as possible.
In cases of other frontal impacts, rollovers, certain side
impacts, rear collisions or other accidents without sufficient frontal or rear impact forces, the emergency tensioning retractors will not be activated. The driver and
passenger will then be protected by the fastened seat
belts and inertia reel in the usual manner.
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22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
•
Wearing a seat belt incorrectly is dangerous. Seat
belts are designed to go around the large bones of
your body. These are the strongest parts of your
body and can take the forces of a collision the
best. Wearing your belt in the wrong place could
make your injuries in a collision much worse. You
might suffer internal injuries, or you could even
slide out of part of the belt. Follow these instructions to wear your seat belt safely and to keep
your passengers safe, too.
•
Two people should never be belted into a single
seat belt. People belted together can crash into one
another in an accident, hurting one another badly.
Never use a lap/shoulder belt or a lap belt for
more than one person, no matter what their size.
Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions
1. Enter the vehicle and close the door. Sit back and
adjust the seat.
2. The seat belt latch plate is above the back of your seat.
Grasp the latch plate and pull out the belt. Slide the latch
plate up the webbing as far as necessary to make the belt
go around your lap.
3. When the belt is long enough to fit, insert the latch
plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”
4. Position the lap belt across your thighs, below your
abdomen. Toremove slack in the lap belt portion, pull up
a little on the shoulder belt, as shown.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23
2
5. To loosen the lap belt if it is too tight, tilt the latch plate
away from you and pull on the lap belt. Remember that
a snug belt reduces the risk of sliding under the belt in a
collision.
6. Position the shoulder belt on your chest so that it is
comfortable and not resting on your neck. The retractor
will withdraw any slack in the belt.
7. To release the belt, push the red button on the buckle.
The belt will automatically retract to its stowed position.
If necessary, slide the latch plate down the webbing to
allow it to retract fully.
24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
•
A belt that is buckled into the wrong buckle will
not protect you properly. The lap portion could
ride too high on your body, possibly causing
internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the
buckle nearest you.
•
A belt that is too loose will not protect you as well.
In a sudden stop you could move too far forward,
increasing the possibility of injury. Wear your seat
belt snugly.
•
A belt that is worn under your arm is very
dangerous. Your body could strike the inside
surfaces of the vehicle in a collision, increasing
head and neck injury. A belt worn under the arm
can cause internal injuries. Ribs aren’t as strong as
shoulder bones. Wear the belt over your shoulder
so that your strongest bones will take the force in
a collision.
•
A shoulder belt placed behind you will not protect you from injury during a collision. You are
more likely to hit your head in a collision if you
do not wear your shoulder belt. The lap and
shoulder belt are meant to be used together.
WARNING!
•
A lap belt worn too high can increase the risk of
internal injury in a collision. The belt forces won’t
be at the strong hip and pelvic bones, but across
your abdomen. Always wear the lap belt as low as
possible and keep it snug.
•
A twisted belt can’t do its job as well. In a
collision it could even cut into you. Be sure the
belt is straight. If you can’t straighten a belt in
your vehicle, take it to an authorized dealer and
have it fixed.
WARNING!
Seat belt systems must always be replaced after an
impact severe enough to fire the emergency locking
retractors. If there is any question about the condition of your seat belt system, take the vehicle to an
authorized dealer for an inspection.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25
WARNING!
A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collision
and leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt
system periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose
parts. Damaged parts must be replaced immediately.
Do not disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt
assemblies must be replaced after an accident if they
have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.)
Seat Belts and Pregnant Women
We recommend that pregnant women use the seat belts
throughout their pregnancy. Keeping the mother safe is
the best way to keep the baby safe.
Pregnant women should wear the lap part of the belt
across the thighs and as snug across the hips as possible.
Keep the belt low so that it does not come across the
abdomen. That way the strong bones of the hips will take
the force if there is a collision.
Seat Belt Extender
If a seat belt is too short even when fully extended, an
authorized dealer can provide you with a seat belt
extender. This extender should be used only if the
existing belt is not long enough. When it is not required,
remove the extender and store it.
WARNING!
Using a seat belt extender when not needed can
increase the risk of injury in a collision. Only use the
extender when the lap belt is not long enough when
it is worn low and snug, and in the recommended
seating positions. Remove and store the extender
when not needed.
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26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag
This vehicle has airbags for the driver and passenger as a
supplement to the seat belt restraint systems. The driver’s
airbag is mounted in the steering wheel. The passenger
frontal airbag is mounted in the instrument panel, under
a cover marked SRS/AIRBAG.
These airbags inflate in higher speed frontal impacts.
They work with the instrument panel knee bolster and
the seat belts to provide improved protection for the
driver and passenger.
The vehicle is also equipped with side airbags, located in
the driver and passenger doors. Side airbags also work
with seat belts to improve occupant protection.
WARNING!
•
Do not put anything on or around the front airbag
covers or attempt to manually open them. You
may damage the airbags and you could be injured
because the airbags are not there to protect you.
These protective covers are designed to open only
when the airbags are inflated.
•
Do not place objects between you and the side
airbags; the performance could be adversely affected and/or objects could be pushed into you,
causing serious injury.
•
Do not attach cup holders or any other objects on
or around the door. The inflating side airbag
could drive objects into occupants, causing serious injury.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27
The seat belts are designed to protect you in many types
of collisions. The front airbags deploy only in moderate
to severe front collisions. In certain types of collisions,
both the front and side airbags may be triggered. But
even in collisions where the airbags work, you need the
seat belts to keep you in the right position for the airbags
to protect you properly.
Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize
the risk of harm from a deploying airbag.
1. Infants in rear-facing child safety seats should NEVER
ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger frontal
airbag unless the airbag is shut OFF. See “Passenger
Airbag On/Off Switch” and “To Shut Off the Passenger
Airbag.” The rear-facing seat places them too close to the
passenger air bag in the event of a crash. An airbag
deployment can cause severe injury or death to infants in
this position.
Children that are not big enough to properly wear the
vehicle seat belt (see section on “Child Restraint”) should
be secured in child safety seats or booster seats that are
appropriate for the child’s age, height, and weight.
Older children who do not use child safety seats or
booster seats should ride properly buckled. Never allow
children to place the shoulder belt behind them or under
the arm.
If a child from 1 to 12 years old must ride in the vehicle,
move the seat as far back as possible, shut off the
passenger airbag, and use the proper child restraint. See
the section on “Child Restraint.”
You should read the instructions provided with your
child restraint or belt-positioning booster seat to make
sure that you are using it properly.
2. All occupants should wear their lap and shoulder belts
properly.
3. The driver and passenger seats should be moved back
as far as practical to allow the front airbags room to
inflate.
4. Do not lean against the door, as the side airbags will
inflate forcefully into the space between you and the
door. (See the section on “Side Airbags.”)
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28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
•
Relying on the airbags alone could lead to more
severe injuries in a collision. The airbags work
with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In
some collisions the airbags won’t deploy at all.
Always wear your seat belts even though you
have airbags.
•
Being too close to the steering wheel or instrument panel during airbag deployment could cause
serious injury.
•
Airbags need room to inflate. Sit back, comfortably extending your arms to reach the steering
wheel or instrument panel.
•
The side airbags also need room to inflate. Do not
lean against the door. Sit upright in the center of
the seat.
Airbag System Components
The airbag system consists of the following:
•
Airbag control module and internal crash sensor
•
AIRBAG readiness light
•
Driver and passenger frontal airbag/inflator units
•
Driver and passenger side airbag/inflator units
•
Passenger airbag On/Off switch and indicator light
•
Unique steering wheel and column
•
Unique instrument panel
•
Interconnecting wiring
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Knee impact bolster
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Side impact sensors
How the Front Airbag System Works
A crash sensor in the occupant compartment deter-
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mines if a frontal impact is severe enough to require
the airbag. The sensor will not detect side, roll over, or
rear impacts. The sensor is connected to the diagnostic
unit and to the airbag/inflator unit.
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The Occupant Restraint Controller monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of the system whenever the
ignition switch is in the STARTor ON/RUN positions.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29
These include all of the items listed above except the
knee bolster, the instrument panel, and the steering
wheel and column.
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The Occupant Restraint Controller also turns on the
AIRBAG light in the instrument panel for four seconds
when the ignition is first turned on, then turns the
light off. If it detects a malfunction in any part of the
system, it turns on the light either momentarily or
continuously depending on the condition that is
present at the time.
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The airbag/inflator units are in the center of the
steering wheel and in the instrument panel. The words
SRS/AIRBAG are embossed on the airbag covers.
WARNING!
Ignoring the AIRBAG light in your instrument panel
could mean you won’t have the airbags to protect
you in a collision. If the light does not come on, stays
on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you
drive, have the airbag system checked right away.
WARNING!
Do not put anything on or around the airbag covers
or attempt to manually open them. You may damage
the airbags and you could be injured because the
airbags are not there to protect you. These protective
covers are designed to open only when the airbags
are inflated.
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When the crash sensor detects an impact requiring the
airbags, it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of
nontoxic nitrogen gas is generated to inflate the airbags. The airbag covers separate and fold out of the
way as the airbags inflate to their full size. The airbags
then quickly deflate while helping to restrain the
driver and passenger. The airbag gas is vented
through the airbag material towards the instrument
panel. In this way the airbags do not interfere with
your control of the vehicle.
2
30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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The knee impact bolster helps protect the knees and
working with the seat belts, position you for the best
interaction with the airbags.
The airbag system is designed to deploy when the impact
sensors detect a moderate-to-severe frontal collision, to
help restrain the driver and passenger, and then to
immediately deflate.
If a Deployment Occurs
WARNING!
Deployed airbags can’t protect you in another collision. Have the airbags replaced by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
NOTE:
A frontal collision that is not severe enough to
need airbag protection will not activate the system. This
does not mean something is wrong with the airbag
system.
If you do have a collision which deploys the airbags, any
or all of the following may occur:
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The nylon airbag material may sometimes cause abrasions and/or skin reddening to the driver and passenger as the airbags deploy and unfold. The abrasions
are similar to friction rope burns or those you might
get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium floor. They
are not caused by contact with chemicals. They are not
permanent and normally heal quickly. However, if you
haven’t healed significantly within a few days, or if
you have any blistering, see your doctor immediately.
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As the airbags deflate, you may see some smoke-like
particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the
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