Dodge NEON SRT4 Owner 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
............................45
..................................59
.................................................85
.............................................119
..............................................131
................................................167
.......................................183
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
▫ Locking Doors With The Key ..............9
▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................9
m Sentry Key
▫ Replacement Keys ......................10
▫ Customer Key Programming ..............11
▫ General Information ....................11
m Steering Wheel Lock
▫ To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel .......12
▫ To Release The Steering Wheel Lock .........12
m Door Locks
............................9
...........................12
.................9
.....................12
▫ Manual Door Locks .....................12
▫ Power Door Locks .....................13
▫ Automatic Door Locks ...................13
▫ Child-Protection Door Lock System
(Rear Doors) ..........................14
m Internal Emergency Trunk Lid Release
m Remote Trunk Lid Release
m Remote Keyless Entry
▫ To Unlock The Doors ...................16
▫ To Lock The Doors .....................16
▫ Horn Chirp Feature .....................16
................15
....................16
.......15
2
8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
▫ To Unlock The Trunk ....................17
▫ Using The Panic Alarm ..................17
▫ Programming Additional Transmitters ........17
▫ General Information ....................18
▫ Transmitter Battery Service ...............18
m Power Windows
m Occupant Restraints
........................19
.....................19
▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................20
▫ Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ....24
▫ Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .....25
▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............26
▫ Seat Belt Extender ......................27
▫ Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbags ...........27
▫ Child Restraint ........................35
▫ Transporting Pets ......................42
m Engine Break-In Recommendations
m Safety Tips
............................43
..........42
▫ Exhaust Gas ..........................43
▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ..............................43
▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ....................44
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.
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:
ignition, the power door locks will not lock via the
interior door lock switch.
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
With the driver’s door open, and the key in the
2
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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
cause a key-related (tran-
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.
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
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
consists of programming a blank key to the vehicle
electronics. A blank key is one which has never been
programmed.
NOTE:
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to the
dealer.
Customer Key Programming
You can program new keys to the system if you have two
valid sentry keys by doing the following:
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.
When having the Sentry Key Immobilizer
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. Repeat this
process to program up to a total of 8 keys.
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.
2
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
STEERING WHEEL LOCK
Your vehicle is 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:
If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
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.
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:
To avoid accidentally locking your keys in the
vehicle, make sure you have them with you before
closing any door.
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 13
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
A power door lock switch is on each front door panel.
Press this switch to lock or unlock the doors.
Automatic Door Locks
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:
1. Close all doors and place the key in the ignition.
2. Cycle the ignition switch ON/OFF rapidly four times
ending in the Off position.
3. Depress the power door lock switch to LOCK.
4. A single chime will indicate the completion of the
programming.
2
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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.
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,
INTERNAL EMERGENCY TRUNK LID RELEASE
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
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.
REMOTE TRUNK LID RELEASE
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
2
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
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:
A slight delay of up to two seconds can occur
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:
You may turn off this feature and unlock all
doors with one press of the button by following the
procedure shown in the Central Locking/Unlocking
paragraph.
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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
To Unlock the Trunk
Press the TRUNK button on the transmitter twice to
unlock the trunk.
NOTE:
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:
the PANIC button a second time, you may have to be
closer to the vehicle due to the radio frequency noises of
the system.
A slight delay of up to two seconds can occur
When you turn off the panic alarm by pressing
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.
2
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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:
Do not touch the battery terminals that are on
the back housing or the printed circuit board.
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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
POWER WINDOWS
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
20 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 21
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
22 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.
•
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 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 23
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.
2
24 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 25
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
26 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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27
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 and
when the adjustable upper shoulder belt anchorage (if
equipped) is in its lowest position, your 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
when the seat 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.
Driver and Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbags
This vehicle has front airbags for both the driver and
front passenger as a supplement to the seat belt restraint
systems. The driver’s front airbag is mounted in the
center of the steering wheel. The passenger’s front airbag
is mounted in the instrument panel, above the glove
compartment. The words SRS AIRBAG are embossed on
the airbag covers.
NOTE:
regulations that allow less forceful deployment.
The front airbags are certified to the Federal
2
28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
If the vehicle is equipped with side airbags, they are
located inside the driver and front passenger seats, and
their covers are also labeled SRS AIRBAG.
NOTE:
Airbag covers may not be obvious in the
interior trim; but they will open to allow airbag deployment.
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 for the airbag cushions are
designed to open only when the airbags are inflating.
•
If your vehicle is equipped with side airbags, do
not use accessory seat covers or 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.
•
If your vehicle is equipped with side airbags, do
not attach cup holders or any other objects on or
around the door. The inflating side airbag could
drive the objects into occupants, causing serious
injury.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29
Airbags inflate in moderate to high speed impacts. Along
with the seat belts, front airbags work with the instrument panel knee bolsters to provide improved protection
for the driver and front passenger. Side airbags also work
with seat belts to improve occupant protection.
The seat belts are designed to protect you in many types
of collisions. The front airbags deploy in moderate to
severe frontal collisions. If your vehicle is equipped, the
side airbag on the crash side of the vehicle is triggered in
moderate to severe side 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. Children 12 years old and under should always ride
buckled up in a rear seat.
Infants in rear facing child restraints (designed for children up to 20 lbs (9 kg) and less than one year old) should
NEVER ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger front airbag. An airbag deployment could cause
severe injury or death to infants in that position.
Children that are not big enough to properly wear the
vehicle’s seat belt (see section on Child Restraint) should
be secured in the rear seat in child restraints or beltpositioning booster seats.
Older children who do not use child restraints or beltpositioning booster seats should ride properly buckled
up in the rear seat. Never allow children to slide the
shoulder belt behind them or under their arm.
2
30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
If a child from 1 to 12 years old must ride in the front
passenger seat because the vehicle is crowded, move the
seat as far back as possible, and use the proper child
restraint. See the section on Child Restraint.
You should read the instructions provided with your
child restraint to make sure that you are using it properly.
2. All occupants should wear their lap and shoulder
belts properly.
3. The driver and front passenger seats should be
moved back as far as practical to allow the front airbags
room to inflate.
4. If your vehicle has side airbags, do not lean against
the door, airbags will inflate forcefully into the space
between you and the door.
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.
•
If the vehicle has side airbags, they also need
room to inflate. Do not lean against the door. Sit
upright in the center of the seat.
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