Citroën C5 Corvette 2001, C2 2001 User Manual

2001 Chevrolet Corvette

Owner's Manual

Litho in U.S.A.
Part Number 10424655 A First Edition

© Copyright General Motors Corporation 2000

All Rights Reserved

i

Section

Section

Table of Contents

Seats and Restraint Systems

1

Seats and Seat Controls
Safety Belts

Features and Controls

2

Windows
Keys and Door Locks
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Hatch/Trunk Lid Release
Automatic Transmission
Manual Transmission
Parking Brake
Tilt Wheel
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
Windshield Wipers

Air Bag System
Restraint Systems for Children

Cruise Control
Exterior and Interior Lamps
Mirrors
Storage Compartments
Convenience Net
Accessory Power Outlet
Instrument Panel, Warning Lights and Gages
Driver Information Center
Head-Up Display

ii

Section

Section

Section

Table of Contents (cont'd)

Comfort Controls and Audio Systems

3

Heating and Air Conditioning
Setting the Radio Clock

Your Driving and the Road

4

Defensive Driving
Drunken Driving
Control of a Vehicle
Braking
Steering

Problems on the Road

5

Hazard Warning Flashers
Jump Starting
Towing Your Vehicle

Radio/Cassette Player/CD Player (Option)
Radio Theft-Deterrent Feature

Driving Tips for Various Road Conditions
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Loading Your Vehicle
Towing a Trailer

Engine Overheating
Changing a Flat Tire
If You're Stuck

iii

Section

Section

Table of Contents (cont'd)

Service and Appearance Care

6

Fuel
Checking Fluids and Lubricants
GM Oil Life System™
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Brakes
Bulb Replacement

Maintenance Schedule

7

Scheduled Maintenance
Owner Checks and Services
Periodic Maintenance Inspections

Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Tires and Wheels
Appearance Care
Electrical System/Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Capacities and Specifications
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Maintenance Records

iv

Table of Contents (cont'd)

Customer Assistance Information

Section

Section

8

Customer Satisfaction Procedures
Customer Assistance Offices

Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation

Warranty Information (See Warranty Manual)
Reporting Safety Defects on page 8-10
Service Publications

Index

9

In the Index you will find an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual.

You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

Please refer to the last page of this manual for your

Service Station Guide

v

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem,
CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem, the
name CORVETTE and the CORVETTE Emblem are
registered trademarks 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 Chevrolet 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

Corvette: The American
Dream Machine

In the early ’50s, it was only a designer’s dream. Today
the Corvette stands alone as America’s dream car
testament to its unmistakable charisma and the
excitement it inspires. Unique styling, powerful
performance and an undeniable panache have made
Corvette one of the most celebrated sports cars in
the world.

In 1953, Corvette produced 300 new lightweight
fiberglass roadsters. A handful went to project
engineers, General Motors managers, and a select group
of movie stars and celebrities. With a two
Powerglide automatic transmission, Blue Flame
six-cylinder engine, and gleaming Polo White exterior,
the Corvette began its drive into the heart of America.

Designers freshened up the ’Vette in 1956 by adding a
removable hardtop and the famous Corvette “coves.”
The sculptured body enhanced its sporty look, and a
standard 210
Corvette’s reputation as a production race car.

-horsepower Chevy V8 engine solidified

-speed

-- a

vii

In 1963, Corvette hit the road with an eye-catching new
look

-- the Sting Ray coupe. An instant success, the

-classic Sting Ray featured concealed headlamps

now
and a unique split rear window. The split window would
only be offered in 1963, making this model among the
most prized Corvettes ever built.

Restyled inside and out for 1968, this ’Vette sported a
lean and hungry shape, creating a sense of motion even
when standing still. And for the first time, Corvette
offered removable roof panels.

viii

For its 25th anniversary, the 1978 Corvette paced the 62nd Annual Indianapolis 500 and received a new fastback
roofline with a wide expanse of glass that wrapped around the sides.

ix

In 1984, the fourth generation of America’s favorite
sports car anticipated the future with a sleek look and
advanced technology that provided superior handling
and performance. Windshield angle was the sheerest of
any domestic vehicle, cornering ability the tightest of
any production car. In short, the 1984 redesign enhanced
the Corvette’s reputation as a leader in the world sports
car market.

After 44 years of production, Corvette only got better.
The fifth
a completely restyled body and a new, all

5.7 Liter, 345

-generation Corvette arrived in 1997, featuring

-aluminum,

-horsepower LS1 V8 engine.

The structure of the fifth
stiffest ever developed in 44 years of Corvette
production, resulting in unparalleled ride quality and
outstanding handling. Also unique to the new Corvette
is a rear

Available as a Coupe for 1997, the new Corvette offered
such standard features as extended
Bose
designed for easy removal.

With many design cues inspired by the classic models
of the 1960s, the new fifth-generation Corvette is an
impressive combination of sleek styling and world
sports car performance. For 1998, in addition to the
Coupe, a convertible was reintroduced. The
fifth-generation Corvette rollout was completed in 1999
with the introduction of the hardtop model.

For 2001, all hardtop models become the higher
performance Z06. The Z06 model features the
performance enhanced LS6 engine, specific suspension
components and exterior/interior differentiation.

-mounted transmission.

R

audio system, and a new, latch-operated roof

-generation redesign is the

-mobility tires, a

-class

x

Corvette Assembly Plant

The Corvette Assembly Plant in Bowling Green,
Kentucky is one of the most sophisticated and
computerized automobile assembly facilities in
the world. T o build your 2001 Corvette, over
1,025 employes teamed up with the 58 high
robots that assist in a variety of processes, from welding
to painting.

The Bowling Green facility is Corvette’s third home
since 1953. Since beginning production in June
of 1981, it has become one of Kentucky’s most
popular tourist attractions.

Corvette Assembly Plant tours are available. For
dates and times, call [phone]. Reservations
are required for groups of 10 or more.

The new National Corvette Museum, located near the
assembly plant, opened its doors in September of 1994.
It is also attracting tourists to the area. For more
information, call 1-800-53-VETTE (83883)
or (270) 781

-7973.

-tech

xi

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.

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.”

xii

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.

xiii

Vehicle Symbols

These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle. Also see “Warning Lights and Gages” in the Index.

For example,
these symbols
are used on an
original battery:

CAUTION

POSSIBLE

INJURY

PROTECT

EYES BY

SHIELDING

CAUSTIC
BATTERY

ACID COULD

CAUSE

BURNS

AVOID

SPARKS OR

FLAMES

SPARK OR

FLAME

COULD

EXPLODE

BATTERY

xiv

These symbols
are important for
you and your
passengers
whenever your
vehicle is driven:

CHILD
RESTRAINT
TOP STRAP

ANCHOR

DOOR LOCK

UNLOCK

FASTEN

SEAT

BELTS

POWER

WINDOW

AIR BAG

These symbols
have to do with
your lamps:

MASTER

LIGHTING

SWITCH

TURN

SIGNALS

PARKING

LAMPS

HAZARD
WARNING
FLASHER

DAYTIME

RUNNING

LAMPS

FOG LAMPS

These symbols
are on some of
your controls:

WINDSHIELD

WIPER

WINDSHIELD

WASHER

WINDSHIELD

DEFROSTER

REAR

WINDOW

DEFOGGER

VENTILATING

FAN

These symbols
are used on
warning and
indicator lights:

ENGINE

COOLANT

TEMP

BATTERY

CHARGING

SYSTEM

BRAKE

COOLANT

ENGINE OIL

PRESSURE

ANTI-LOCK

BRAKES

Here are some
other symbols
you may see:

FUSE

LIGHTER

HORN

FUEL

Model Reference

This manual covers these models:

Z06

Coupe

Convertible

xv

Service Station Guide

For

a More

Detailed Look at

What's Under the Hood

See Section 6

Engine Oil Dipstick

See Section 6

Oil Viscosity

Engine Oil

See Section 6

Cooling System

See Section 5

Windshield Washer

Fluid

See Section 6

Hood Release

Battery

See Section 6

See Section 6

Remote Fuel

Release Door

See Section 6

Tire Pressure

See Section 6

Alternate

Fuel Door Release

See Section 6

Fuel

Use unleaded only.

See Section 6

for octane ratings.

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

-6 Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone

-11 Here Are Questions Many People Ask About

1

Safety Belts

-12 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

1
1

-12 Driver Position

1

-18 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

-19 Passenger Position

1

-- and the Answers

-19 Air Bag System

1
1

-24 Air Bag Off Switch

-28 Children

1
1

-31 Restraint Systems for Children

-40 Older Children

1
1

-43 Safety Belt Extender

1

-43 Checking Your Restraint Systems

-44 Replacing Restraint System Parts After

1

a Crash

1-

1-1

Seats and Seat Controls

This part tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them,
and also about reclining seatbacks and seatback latches.

Manual Seats

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.

T o move a manual seat, pull up on the lever located in
front of the seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to where
you want it. Then release the lever and try to move the
seat with your body to make sure the seat is locked
into place.

1-2

Power Seats (Option)

Sport Seat (Option)

The control for the power seats is located on the
outboard side of each seat, near the base.

Different parts of the power seat control move different
parts of the seat. T o move the seat forward or rearward,
move the control in that direction. Move the control up
to raise the seat and down to lower it. By tilting the back
of the control, it will raise or lower the back of the seat.
Tilting the front of the control will raise or lower the
front of the seat.

Your preferred seat position can be stored and recalled if
you have the memory option. See “Memory” in the Index.

If your vehicle is equipped with a sport seat, there are
three other controls that help you change the shape of
the seat in addition to the power seat control. There are
two lumbar supports for the middle (A) and lower (B)
back. There’s also a side bolster control (C) that adjusts
the sides of the seat around you to give you more
lateral support.

For lumbar support, move each control (A and B)
forward to inflate or rearward to deflate.

Move the side bolster control (C) up for more side
support and down for less support.

1-3

Reclining Seatbacks

The lever for the reclining seatback is located on the
outboard side of each seat, near the base.

T o adjust the seatback, lean slightly forward to lift your
weight off the seatback. Pull completely up on the lever
until it stops, and lean back to position the seatback to
where you want it. Release the lever to lock the seatback
into place.

1-4

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.

Seatback Latches

Both seatbacks fold forward to give you access to the
rear area. T o fold a seatback forward, lift this latch,
which is located on top of the backside of the seat, and
pull the seatback forward. The seatback will lock down
in this position. T o unlock, lift up on the latch and push
the seatback rearward. When you return the seatback to
its original position, make sure the seatback is locked
in place.

1-5

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.

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.

1-6

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 passenger’s belt
is 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.

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!

1-7

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.

Put someone on it.

1-8

Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider
doesn’t stop.

The person keeps going until stopped by something.
In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ...

1-9

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.

1-10

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

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
your passenger 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 and

1-11

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.

3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.
Don’t let it get twisted.

The lap
across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt
go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt
across you more slowly.

When the lap portion of the belt is pulled out all the
way , it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way
and start again. See “Lap Belt Cinch Feature” in
the Index.

-shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt

1-12

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.

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.

Lap Belt Cinch Feature

If you do not want the lap belt to move freely, pull the
lap belt out all the way to set the lock. T o permit the lap
belt to move freely again, unbuckle the belt, let it retract
all the way, and buckle up again.

1-13

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.

1-14

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.

1-15

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.

1-16

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.

1-17

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.

1-18

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.

Passenger Position

The passenger’s safety belt works the same way as
the driver’s safety belt. See “Driver Position” earlier in
this section.

Air Bag System

This part explains the air bag system.
Your vehicle has air bags

and another air bag for the passenger.
Frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of

injury from the force of an inflating 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 system:

-- one air bag for the driver

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 “supplemental restraints” to the safety
belts. All air bags are designed to work with
safety belts, but don’t replace them. Air bags 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, side or low
crashes. And, for unrestrained occupants, air
bags may provide less protection in frontal
crashes than more forceful air bags have
provided in the past. Everyone in your vehicle
should wear a safety belt properly
not there’s an air bag for that person.

-speed frontal

-- even if you

-- whether or

1-19

CAUTION:

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 before and during
a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with
air bags. The driver should sit as far back as
possible while still maintaining control of
the vehicle.

CAUTION:

CAUTION: (Continued)

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.”

There is an air bag readiness
light on the instrument
panel, which shows the
air bag symbol.

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.

-shoulder belts offer

CAUTION: (Continued)

1-20

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 System Works

Where are the air bags?

The driver’s air bag is in the middle of the
steering wheel.

The passenger’s air bag is in the instrument panel on the
passenger’s side.

1-21

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. 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.

When should an air bag inflate?

An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe
frontal or near
only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed
“threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a
wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is
about 9 to 15 mph (14 to 24 km/h). The threshold level
can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that
it can be somewhat above or below this range.

-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate

If your vehicle strikes something that will move or
deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be
higher. The air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers,
side impacts or rear impacts, because inflation would
not help the occupant.

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.
Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and
how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal or
near

-frontal impacts.

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. 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 and in the instrument panel in front of
the passenger.

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How does an air bag restrain?

In moderate to severe frontal or near
even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or
the instrument panel. Air bags supplement 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 air bags
would not help you in many types of collisions,
including rollovers, rear impacts and side 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

-frontal collisions.

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
steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, or the
instrument panel for the passenger’s bag -- 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 vents
in the deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent
the driver from seeing or from being able to steer the
vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.

-frontal collisions,

-- the

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 door.

In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the
passenger air bag.

D

Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After they
inflate, 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.

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D

Your vehicle is equipped with a diagnostic module,
which records information about the 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
system. Improper service can mean that your air
bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer
for service.

NOTICE:

If you damage the covering for the driver’s or the
passenger’s air bag, the bag may not work
properly. You may have to replace the air bag
module in the steering wheel or both the air bag
module and the instrument panel for the
passenger’s air bag. Do not open or break the air
bag coverings.

Air Bag Off Switch

Your vehicle has a switch in the glove box that you can
use to turn off the passenger’s air bag.

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This switch should only be turned to AIR BAG OFF if
the person in the passenger’s position is a member of a
passenger risk group identified by the national
government as follows:

Infant. An infant (less than 1 year old) must ride in the
front seat because:

D

my vehicle has no rear seat;

D

my vehicle has a rear seat too small to accommodate
a rear

-facing infant seat; or

D

the infant has a medical condition which, according
to the infant’s physician, makes it necessary for the
infant to ride in the front seat so that the driver can
constantly monitor the child’s condition.

Child age 1 to 12. A child age 1 to 12 must ride in the
front seat because:

D

my vehicle has no rear seat;

D

although children ages 1 to 12 ride in the rear
seat(s) whenever possible, children ages 1 to 12
sometimes must ride in the front because no space is
available in the rear seat(s) of my vehicle; or

D

the child has a medical condition which, according
to the child’s physician, makes it necessary for the
child to ride in the front seat so that the driver can
constantly monitor the child’s condition.

Medical Condition. A passenger has a medical
condition which, according to his or her physician:

D

causes the passenger air bag to pose a special risk
for the passenger; and

D

makes the potential harm from the passenger air bag
in a crash greater than the potential harm from
turning off the air bag and allowing the passenger,
even if belted, to hit the dashboard or windshield in
a crash.

CAUTION:

If the passenger’s air bag is turned off for a
person who isn’t in a risk group identified by the
national government, that person won’t have the
extra protection of an air bag. In a crash, the air
bag wouldn’t be able to inflate and help protect
the person sitting there. Don’t turn off the
passenger’s air bag unless the person sitting there
is in a risk group.

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T o turn off the passenger’s air bag, insert your ignition
key into the switch, push in, and move the switch to
AIR BAG OFF.

The AIR BAG OFF light on the center console switch
panel will come on to let you know that the passenger’s
air bag is off. The passenger’s air bag will remain off
until you turn it back on again, and the AIR BAG OFF
light will stay on to remind you that the air bag is off.

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T o turn the passenger’s air bag on again, insert your
ignition key into the switch, push in, and move the
switch to the ON position.

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle

Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the air bag system in several places
around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to
inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your
dealer and the service manual have information about
servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. T o
purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.

CAUTION:

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 wires, wires wrapped
with yellow tape or yellow connectors. They are
probably part of the air bag system. Be sure to
follow proper service procedures, and make sure
the person performing work for you is qualified
to do so.

The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.

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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.

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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. 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

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.

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CAUTION:

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

-facing seat settles into the restraint, so the

crash forces can be distributed across the
strongest part of an infant’s body, the back and
shoulders. Infants always should be secured in
appropriate infant restraints.

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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 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.

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.

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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.

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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

-back booster seats have a five-point harness. A

booster seat can also help a child to see out the window.

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.

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.

-in child restraint system is a

-on

-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

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-on child restraint, refer to the
instructions that come with the restraint which may be
on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this
manual. The child restraint instructions are important, so
if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy from
the manufacturer.

The child restraint must be secured properly in the
passenger seat. If you want to secure a rear
restraint in the passenger’s seat, turn off the passenger’s
air bag. See “Air Bag Off Switch” and “Securing a
Child Restraint in the Passenger Seat Position” in
the Index for more on this, including important
safety information.

-facing child

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CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the 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. Be sure to turn off the air
bag before using a rear
the passenger seat position.

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 in

-- even when no child is in it.

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.

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.

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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.

If your vehicle is a Z06, an anchor bracket for a top
strap is located behind the passenger’s seat in the cargo
area. Anchor the top strap to the bracket.

If your vehicle is a convertible or has a removable roof,
don’t use a child restraint with a top strap in your
vehicle because the strap cannot be anchored properly.
You shouldn’t use this type of child restraint without
anchoring the top strap.

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.

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Securing a Child Restraint in the Passenger
Seat Position

Your vehicle has a passenger air bag. There’s an air bag
off switch in the glove box you can use to turn off the
passenger’s air bag when you want to secure a

-facing child restraint at the passenger’s position.

rear
See “Air Bag Off Switch” in the Index for more on this,
including important safety information.

Unless the passenger’s air bag has been turned
off, never put a rear
Here’s why:

-facing child restraint in this vehicle.

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CAUTION:

CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the 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. Do not use a rear
child restraint in this vehicle unless the
passenger’s air bag has been turned off.

If a forward-facing child restraint is suitable for
your child, always move the passenger seat as far
back as it will go.

-facing

If the air bag readiness light ever comes on when
you have turned off the air bag, it means that
something may be wrong with the air bag system.
The passenger’s air bag could inflate even though
the switch is off. If this ever happens, don’t let
anyone whom the national government has
identified as a member of a passenger air bag
risk group sit in the passenger’s position (for
example, don’t secure a rear
restraint in your vehicle) until you have your
vehicle serviced. See “Air Bag Off Switch” in
the Index.

-facing child

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You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier 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. Your vehicle has a passenger’s air bag. If you are
using a rear
sure the air bag is turned off. See “Air Bag Off
Switch” in the Index. If your child restraint is
forward
it will go before securing it in this seat. See “Seats”
in the Index.

2. Put the restraint on the seat.

3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder
portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or
around the restraint. The child restraint instructions
will show you how.

If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or
neck, put it behind the child restraint.

-facing child restraint in this seat, make

-facing, always move the seat as far back as

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.

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