Dodge Neon 2004 Owner's 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
............................49
..................................71
................................................111
.............................................151
..............................................163
................................................203
.......................................219
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
INDEX
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10
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1
m Introduction
m How To Use This Manual
m Warnings And Cautions
...........................4
.................4
..................6
m Vehicle Identification Number
m Vehicle Modifications / Alterations
..............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 new vehicle. 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 youread the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your 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. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear 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
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on a laser
etched plate, located on the left front corner of the
instrument panel, visible through the windshield. This
number also appears on the vehicle registration or title.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle
could seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety
and may lead to an accident resulting in serious
injury or death.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m A Word About Your Keys
▫ Ignition Key Removal ...................9
▫ Locking Doors With The Key ..............10
▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................10
m Sentry Key
▫ Replacement Keys ......................12
▫ Sentry Key Programming .................12
▫ General Information ....................13
m Steering Wheel Lock — If Equipped
▫ To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel .......13
▫ To Release The Steering Wheel Lock .........13
............................11
.................9
.........13
▫ Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System . .14
m Door Locks
▫ Manual Door Locks .....................14
▫ Power Door Locks — If Equipped ..........15
▫ Central Locking/Unlocking — If Equipped ....15
▫ Automatic Door Locks — If Equipped .......16
▫ Child-Protection Door Lock System
(Rear Doors) ..........................16
m Remote Keyless Entry — If Equipped
▫ To Unlock The Doors ...................17
▫ To Lock The Doors .....................18
▫ Horn Chirp Feature .....................18
...........................14
........17
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8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
▫ To Unlock The Trunk ....................18
▫ Using The Panic Alarm ..................18
▫ Programming Additional Transmitters ........19
▫ General Information ....................19
▫ Transmitter Battery Service ...............19
m Vehicle Theft Alarm — If Equipped
..........20
▫ To Set The Alarm ......................20
▫ To Disarm The System ...................21
▫ Security System Manual Override ...........21
m Remote Trunk Lid Release — If Equipped
m Internal Emergency Trunk Lid Release
m Power Windows — If Equipped
m Occupant Restraints
.....................23
............23
.....21
.......22
▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................24
▫ Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ....28
▫ Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .....29
▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............30
▫ Seat Belt Extender ......................31
▫ Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbags ...........31
▫ Child Restraint ........................39
▫ Transporting Pets ......................46
m Engine Break-In Recommendations
m Safety Tips
............................47
..........46
▫ Exhaust Gas ..........................47
▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ..........................47
▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ....................48
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 9
A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
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 from your dealer. Ask
your dealer for these numbers and keep them in a safe
place.
The double sided keys
may be inserted into the
locks with either side up.
Ignition Key Removal
Manual Transaxle
Depress and hold the release button located between the
ignition switch and the instrument panel. Turn the ignition key to LOCK and remove the key.
Automatic Transaxle
Place the shift lever in PARK and make sure that the shift
knob push button has returned to the out position. Turn
the key to the OFF position, turn to the lock position, and
remove the key.
NOTE:
the lever in PARK, the key may become trapped temporarily in the key cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the key
clockwise slightly, then remove the key as described. If a
malfunction occurs, the system will trap the key in the
ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety feature is
If you try to remove the key before you place
2
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
inoperable. The engine can be started and stopped but
the key cannot be removed until you obtain service.
WARNING!
Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could
be injured. Children should be warned not to touch
the parking brake, brake pedal or the gear selector
lever. Don’t leave the keys in the ignition. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Locking Doors With The Key
You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key rearward. To unlock the door, turn the
key forward. See Section 7, Body Mechanism Lubrication
of this manual for external lock lubrication.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition
switch, sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.
NOTE:
With the driver’s door open, and the key in the
ignition, the power door locks will not lock via the
interior door lock switch.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unauthorized operation of the vehicle by disabling the engine.
The system will shut the engine off after 2 seconds of
running if an invalid key is used to start the vehicle. This
system utilizes ignition keys which have an electronic
chip (transponder) embedded into them. Only keys that
have been programmed to the vehicle can be used to start
and operate the vehicle.
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System does not need to be
armed or activated. Operation of the system is automatic
regardless of whether or not the vehicle is locked or
unlocked. During normal operation, the Theft Alarm/
Immobilizer Light will come on for three (3) seconds
immediately after the ignition switch is turned on for a
bulb check. Afterwards, if the bulb remains on, this
indicates a problem with the electronics.
If the bulb begins to flash after the bulb check, this
indicates that an invalid key has been used to start the
vehicle. Both of these conditions will result in the engine
being shut off after two (2) seconds of running.
Keep in mind that a key which has not been programmed
is also considered an invalid key even if it is cut to fit the
ignition lock cylinder for that vehicle.
If the Theft Alarm/Immobilizer Light comes on during
normal vehicle operation (vehicle has been running for
longer than 10 seconds), a fault has been detected in the
electronics and the vehicle should be serviced as soon as
possible.
NOTE:
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not compatible
•
with remote starting systems. Use of these systems
may result in vehicle starting problems and loss of
security protection.
•
Exxon/Mobil Speed Pass,™ additional Sentry Keys, or
any other transponder equipped components on the
same keychain will not
sponder) fault unless the additional part is physi-
cally held against the ignition key being used
when starting the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or
other RF electronics will not cause interference with
this system.
cause a key-related (tran-
2
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE:
Only keys that have been programmed to the
vehicle electronics can be used to start the vehicle. Once
a Sentry Key has been programmed to a vehicle, it can
not be programmed to any other vehicle.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four digit PIN number. This number is required
for dealer replacement of keys. Duplication of keys may
be performed at an authorized dealer or by using the
Customer Key Programming procedure. This procedure
consists of programming a blank key to the vehicle
electronics. A blank key is one which has never been
programmed.
NOTE:
When having the Sentry Key Immobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to the
dealer.
Sentry Key Programming
You can program new keys to the system if you have two
valid sentry keys by performing the following procedure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry Key Transponder blank(s) to
match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.
2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch and
turn the ignition switch ON for at least 3 seconds but no
longer than 15 seconds. Turn the ignition switch OFF and
remove the first key.
3. Insert the second valid key and turn the ignition
switch ON within 15 seconds. After ten seconds a chime
will sound and the Theft Alarm Light will begin to flash.
Turn the ignition switch OFF and remove the second key.
4. Insert a blank Sentry Key into the ignition switch and
turn the ignition switch ON within 60 seconds. After 10
seconds a single chime will sound. The Theft Alarm Light
will stop flashing, turn on for 3 seconds; then turn off.
The new Sentry Key has been programmed.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
Repeat this procedure to program up to a total of 8 keys.
If you do not have a programmed sentry key, contact
your dealer for details.
General Information
The Sentry Key system complies with FCC rules part 15
and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:
•
This device may not cause harmful interference.
•
This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering
wheel lock. This lock prevents steering the vehicle without the ignition key. If the steering wheel is rotated no
more than 1/2 turn in either direction and the key is not
in the ignition switch, the steering wheel will lock.
To manually lock the steering wheel:
With the engine running, rotate the steering wheel 1/2
turn, turn off the engine and remove the key. Turn the
steering wheel slightly in either direction until the lock
engages.
To release the steering wheel lock:
Insert the key in the ignition switch and start the engine.
If the key is difficult to turn, rotate the wheel slightly to
the right or left to disengage the lock.
NOTE:
the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to
disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.
If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
2
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK and the shift knob push-button
is fully released. It also prevents shifting out of PARK
unless the key is in the ON/RUN or START positions and
you have depressed the brake pedal.
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.
DOOR LOCKS
Manual Door Locks
All doors are equipped with a rocker-type interior door
lock. To lock a door when leaving your vehicle, press the
rocker switch to the LOCK position and close the door.
NOTE:
vehicle, make sure you have them with you before
closing any door.
To avoid accidentally locking your keys in the
WARNING!
For personal security, and safety in the event of an
accident, lock the vehicle doors as you drive as well
as when you park and leave the vehicle.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
WARNING!
When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the ignition lock, and lock your vehicle. Do not
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of
vehicle equipment may cause severe personal injuries and death.
Power Door Locks — If Equipped
A power door lock switch is on each front door panel.
Press this switch to lock or unlock the doors.
Central Locking/Unlocking — If Equipped
All vehicle doors are locked with the first turn of the key
to the LOCK position. The double activation feature
requires you to turn the key in the cylinder lock two
times within five seconds to UNLOCK all vehicle doors
at once.
You may disable this feature and unlock all the doors
with one turn of the key by performing the following
procedure:
NOTE:
seconds.
1. Close all doors and place the key in the ignition
switch.
2. Cycle the ignition switch ON/OFF four times ending
in the OFF position.
3. Press the interior door lock switch to the UNLOCK
position.
Steps 2 and 3 must be completed within 10
2
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
4. A single chime will sound to signify that you have
successfully disabled the double activation feature. You
can turn the feature back on by repeating the above
mentioned procedure.
You can turn the feature back on by repeating the above
mentioned procedure.
Automatic Door Locks — If Equipped
The doors will lock automatically if:
1. all doors are closed,
2. vehicle speed is above 15 mph (24 km/h),
3. the accelerator pedal is depressed.
The Automatic Door Locks can be enabled or disabled by
performing the following procedure:
NOTE:
Steps 2 and 3 must be completed within 10
seconds.
1. Close all doors and place the key in the ignition
switch.
2. Cycle the ignition switch ON/OFF four times ending
in the OFF position.
3. Press the interior door lock switch to the LOCK
position.
4. A single chime will sound to signify that you have
successfully completed the programming.
You can turn the feature back on by repeating the above
mentioned procedure.
Child-Protection Door Lock System (Rear Doors)
To provide a safer environment for children riding in the
rear seat, the rear doors of your vehicle have the childprotection door lock system.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
To use the system, open each rear door and slide the
control UP to engage the locks and DOWN to disengage
the child-protection locks. When the system on a door is
engaged, that door can only be opened by using the
outside door handle even if the inside door lock is in the
unlocked position.
WARNING!
Avoid trapping anyone in a vehicle in a collision.
Remember that the rear doors can only be opened
from the outside when the child protection locks are
engaged.
NOTE:
move the door lock rocker switch to the UNLOCK
position, roll down the window and open the door with
the outside door handle.
For emergency exit with the system engaged,
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY — IF EQUIPPED
This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors and
trunk or activate the panic alarm from distances up to
about 23 feet (7 meters) using a hand held transmitter.
NOTE:
before the doors or trunk will unlock.
To Unlock the Doors
Press and release the UNLOCK button once to unlock the
driver’s door. Press the button twice within 5 seconds to
unlock all doors. The interior lights also come on and
remain on for about 30 seconds when you unlock the
doors.
NOTE:
doors with one press of the button by following the
procedure shown in the Central Locking/Unlocking
paragraph.
A slight delay of up to two seconds can occur
You may turn off this feature and unlock all
2
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
To Lock the Doors
Press and release the LOCK button to lock all doors. The
park/lamps will flash and the horn will chirp to acknowledge the signal.
Horn Chirp Feature
The horn chirp that signals that the doors have been
locked can be toggled on or off by using the following
procedure:
1. Insert the ignition key and turn the switch to the
ON/RUN position.
2. Press and hold the UNLOCK button on the transmitter
for 4 to 10 seconds.
3. Continue to hold the UNLOCK button and press the
LOCK button.
4. Release both buttons.
A chime will sound to signify that the feature has been
successfully completed.
To Unlock the Trunk
Press the TRUNK button on the transmitter twice to
unlock the trunk.
NOTE:
A slight delay of up to two seconds can occur
before the trunk unlatches.
Using The Panic Alarm
To turn on the panic alarm feature, press and release the
PANIC button. When the panic alarm is on the headlights
and park/lamps will flash, the horn will pulse on and off
and the interior lights will turn on.
The panic alarm will stay on for 3 minutes unless you
press the PANIC button a second time, or until vehicle
speed reaches 15 mph (24 km/h).
NOTE:
When you turn off the panic alarm by pressing
the PANIC button a second time, you may have to be
closer to the vehicle due to the radio frequency noises of
the system.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
Programming Additional Transmitters
Up to four transmitters can be programmed to your
vehicle. Your new vehicle was shipped with two transmitters. See your dealer for additional transmitters.
Additional transmitters can be programmed to the system by using the following procedure:
1. Insert the key into the ignition and turn the switch to
the RUN position.
2. Press and hold the UNLOCK button on the transmitter
for between four and ten seconds.
3. Continue to hold the UNLOCK button and press the
PANIC button. A chime will sound to indicate that the
transmitter programming mode has been entered.
4. Press a button on all transmitters to be programmed to
the system, including any previously programmed transmitters. A chime will sound when each transmitter has
been programmed.
5. Turn the ignition switch off to exit the transmitter
programming mode.
General Information
This device complies with FCC rules part 15. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference and (2) This device
must accept any interference that may be received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
If your transmitter fails to operate from a normal distance, check for these two conditions.
1. Weak batteries in transmitter. The expected life of
batteries is from one to two years.
2. Closeness to a radio transmitter such as a radio station
tower, airport transmitter, and some mobile or CB radios.
Transmitter Battery Service
The recommended replacement battery is 2016 or its
equivalent.
NOTE:
the back housing or the printed circuit board.
Do not touch the battery terminals that are on
2
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
1. With the transmitter buttons facing down, use a thin
coin or similar object to pry the two halves of the
transmitter apart. Make sure not to damage the rubber
gasket during removal.
2. Remove and replace the batteries. Avoid touching the
new batteries with your fingers. Skin oils may cause
battery deterioration. If you touch a battery, clean it with
rubbing alcohol.
3. To reassemble the transmitter case, snap two halves
together. Make sure there is an even gap between the two
halves. Test transmitter operation.
VEHICLE THEFT ALARM — IF EQUIPPED
The system monitors the doors, trunk key cylinder, and
ignition for unauthorized operation.
If something triggers the alarm, the system will signal for
about 18 minutes. For the first 3 minutes the horn will
sound and the headlights, park/turn signal lights, tail
lights and the indicator light in the cluster will flash.
Then the exterior lights will flash for another 15 minutes.
If the monitored system which triggered the alarm is
deactivated, the alarm will continue to sound until 3
minutes of alarm time is reached. If the monitored system
which triggered the alarm is deactivated after the alarm
has been on for 3 minutes, the alarm will shut off
immediately.
To set the alarm:
1. Remove the keys from the ignition switch and get out
of the vehicle.
2. Lock the door using either the door key, power door
lock switch, or the Keyless Entry Transmitter and close all
doors.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21
3. The indicator light in the instrument cluster will flash
rapidly for 16 seconds. This shows that the system is
arming. During this period, if a door is opened, the
ignition switch is turned on, or the power door locks are
unlocked in any manner, the system will automatically
disarm. If the light comes on but does not flash, the
system is arming but there is a problem in the trunk
circuit. After 16 seconds the indicator light will flash
slowly. This shows that the system is fully armed.
Vehicles equipped with the Sentry Key Immobilizer
System can be safely started with a valid key. A valid key
is one that is programmed to that particular vehicle. A
valid key will disarm the system, an invalid key will
trigger the alarm.
To disarm the system:
Unlock a front door using either the key or the Keyless
Entry Transmitter.
Starting the vehicle with a valid Sentry key will disarm
the system.
Tamper Alert
If the horn sounds 3 times when you unlock a front door
using either a key or the Keyless Entry Transmitter, the
alarm has been activated. Check the vehicle for tampering.
Security System Manual Override
The system will not arm if you lock the doors using the
manual lock control.
REMOTE TRUNK LID RELEASE — IF EQUIPPED
You can open the trunk from inside the vehicle by
pressing a switch located inside the glove compartment.
NOTE:
with the ignition switch in all positions. The remote trunk
release will not operate above 5 mph.
The remote trunk release feature will operate
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22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
INTERNAL EMERGENCY TRUNK LID RELEASE
WARNING!
Do not allow children to have access to the trunk,
either by climbing into the trunk from outside, or
through the inside of the vehicle. Always close the
trunk lid when your vehicle is unattended. Once in
the trunk, young children may not be able to escape,
even if they entered through the rear seat. If trapped
in the trunk, children can die from suffocation or
heat stroke.
As a security measure, a Trunk Internal Emergency
Release lever is built into the trunk latching mechanism.
In the event of an individual being locked inside the
trunk, the trunk can be simply opened by pulling on the
glow-in-the-dark lever attached to the trunk latching
mechanism. See picture below.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23
POWER WINDOWS — IF EQUIPPED
The window switches on the driver’s door panel control
both front windows. The switch on the passenger’s door
panel controls the passenger’s window.
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS
Some of the most important safety features in your
vehicle are the restraint systems. These include the front
and rear seat belts for the driver and all passengers, front
airbags for both the driver and front passenger and side
airbags for both the driver and front passenger. If you
will be carrying children too small for adult-size belts,
your seat belts 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.
2
24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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 passengers, 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 own street.
Research has shown that seat belts save lives, and that
they can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a collision.
Some of the worst injuries happen when people are
thrown from the vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility
of ejection and the risk of injury caused by striking the
inside of the vehicle. Everyone in a motor vehicle should
be belted at all times.
Lap/Shoulder Belts
All the seats in your vehicle are equipped with Lap/
Shoulder Belts.
The belt webbing retractor is designed to lock during
very sudden stops or collisions. 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 your risk of striking the inside of the vehicle
or being thrown out.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25
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 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
26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
2. The seat belt latch plate is above the back of the front
seat, next to your arm in the rear seat. Grasp the latch
plate and pull out the belt. Slide the latch plate up the
webbing as far as necessary to allow the belt to 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.”
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.
• Abelt 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.
• Ashoulder belt placed behind 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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27
4. Position the lap belt across your thighs, below your
abdomen. To remove slack in the lap belt portion, pull up
on the shoulder belt. To loosen the lap belt if it is too tight,
tilt the latch plate and pull on the lap belt. A snug belt
reduces the risk of sliding under the belt in a collision.
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.
• Atwisted 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 your dealer and have it fixed.
5. 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.
6. 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 the belt to retract fully.
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28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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. Front seat
belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision.
Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.).
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage
In the driver and front passenger seats, the shoulder belt
can be adjusted upward or downward to position the belt
away from your neck. Push up or down on the anchorage
button to release the anchorage, and then move it up or
down to the position that serves you best.
As a guide, if you are shorter than average, you will
prefer a lower position, and if you are taller than average,
you’ll prefer a higher position. When you release the
anchorage, try to move it up or down to make sure that
it is locked in position.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29
Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure
Use the following procedure to untwist a twisted lap/
shoulder belt.
1. Position the latch plate as close as possible to the
anchor point.
2
30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
2. At about 6 to 12 inches above the latch plate, grasp and
twist the belt webbing 180° to create a fold that begins
immediately above the latch plate.
4. Continue to slide the latch plate up until it clears the
folded webbing.
3. Slide the latch plate upward over the folded webbing.
The folded webbing must enter the slot at the top of the
latch plate.
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.
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