Fiat Abarth 2017 Owner's Manual

2017

OWNER’S MANUAL

FIAT

500 ABARTH

AND ABARTH CABRIO

VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA

With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name FCA US LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the name FCA Canada Inc. used in substitution therefore.

DRIVING AND ALCOHOL

Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of accidents.

Your driving ability can be seriously impaired with blood alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you are drinking, don’t drive. Ride with a designated nondrinking driver, call a cab, a friend, or use public transportation.

WARNING!

Driving after drinking can lead to an accident. Your perceptions are less sharp, your reflexes are slower, and your judgment is impaired when you have been drinking. Never drink and then drive.

This manual illustrates and describes the operation of features and equipment that are either standard or optional on this vehicle. This manual may also include a description of features and equipment that are no longer available or were not ordered on this vehicle. Please disregard any features and equipment described in this manual that are not on this vehicle.

FCA US LLC reserves the right to make changes in design and specifications, and/or make additions to or improvements to its products without imposing any obligation upon itself to install them on products previously manufactured.

SECTION PAGE

INTRODUCTION ...............................................................3

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ..................................9

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ..................................69

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL . .....................................109

STARTINGANDOPERATING ....................................................185

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 2 3 4 5

WHATTODOINEMERGENCIES .................................................249

MAINTAININGYOURVEHICLE ..................................................269

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ....................................................315

IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE . . ..........................................321

INDEX .....................................................................327

6 7 8 9 10

INTRODUCTION

CONTENTS

䡵 INTRODUCTION .......................4

䡵 VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER .......6

䡵 HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL .............4

䡵 WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS .............6

䡵 VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS . . .7

4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on selecting your new vehicle. Be assured that it represents precision workmanship, distinctive styling, and high quality.

This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assistance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle. It is supplemented by Warranty Information, and various customer-oriented documents. Please take the time to read these publications carefully. Following the instructions and recommendations in this manual will help assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.

The enclosed Warranty Information lists the services that FCA US LLC offers to its customers:

• The Warranty with terms and conditions for maintaining its validity

• The range of additional services available to FCA US LLC customers

NOTE: After reviewing the owner information, it should be stored in the vehicle for convenient referencing and remain with the vehicle when sold.

When it comes to service, remember that your authorized dealer knows your vehicle best, has factorytrained technicians and genuine MOPAR® parts, and cares about your satisfaction.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section contains the information you desire.

Since the specification of your vehicle depends on the items of equipment ordered, certain descriptions and illustrations may differ from your vehicle’s equipment.

The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s 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

6 INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against operating procedures that could result in a collision, bodily injury and/or death. It also contains CAU- TIONS against procedures that could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do not read this entire Owner’s Manual, you may miss important information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the left front corner of the instrument panel, visible through the windshield. This number also appears engraved on the right front door sill, under the sill scuff plate, on an adhesive label applied to the right door opening on the B-Pillar, on the vehicle registration and title.

Vehicle Identification Number

Stamped VIN Location

NOTE: It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS

WARNING!

Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and may lead to a collision resulting in serious injury or death.

INTRODUCTION 7

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

䡵 A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS ............11

▫ Opening Power Top Remote Function ......16

▫ Mechanical Ignition Key Removal .........11

▫ Locking Doors With A Key...............13

▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder ...............13

䡵 SENTRY KEY .........................13

▫ Replacement Keys ....................14

▫ General Information ...................14

䡵 VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM .............14

▫ To Arm The System....................14

▫ To Disarm The System .................14

䡵 REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY ...............15

▫ To Unlock The Doors, Liftgate, And Charge Port

Door ..............................15

▫ Remote Key Unlock, Driver Door/All Doors 1st

Press..............................16

▫ To Lock The Doors, Liftgate, And Charge Port

Door ..............................17

▫ Programming Additional Key Fobs .........17

▫ Key Fob Battery Replacement ............17

▫ General Information ...................19

䡵 DOOR LOCKS ........................19

▫ Power Door Locks — If Equipped .........20

▫ Auto Door Locks .....................21

䡵 POWER WINDOWS ....................21

▫ Power Window Switches ................21

▫ Auto-Down .........................22

▫ Wind Buffeting ......................22

䡵 LIFTGATE ...........................22

10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

䡵 OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .........23

䡵 SAFETY TIPS .........................64

▫ Occupant Restraint Systems Features .......23

▫ Important Safety Precautions .............23

▫ Seat Belt Systems .....................25

▫ Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS).......34

▫ Child Restraints ......................47

▫ Transporting Pets .....................63

䡵 ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS . . .63

▫ Transporting Passengers.................64

▫ Exhaust Gas .........................64

▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The

Vehicle ............................65

▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make

Outside The Vehicle ...................67

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS

The key fob contains a mechanical integrated key. To use the mechanical key, simply push the mechanical key release button.

Key Fob

1 — Mechanical Key Release Button 2 — Unlock Button 4 — Liftgate Button

3 — Lock Button

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

The vehicle is supplied with a code card containing key code numbers to order duplicate keys, and the authorized 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.

Mechanical Ignition Key Removal

1. Place the gear selector in PARK (if equipped with an automatic transmission).

2. Rotate the key to the OFF/LOCK position.

3. Remove the key from the mechanical ignition switch.

12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Mechanical Ignition Switch Positions

1 — STOP (OFF/LOCK) 2 — MAR (ACC/ON/RUN) 3 — AVV (START)

WARNING!

• Before exiting a vehicle, always shift the automatic transmission into PARK or the manual transmission into FIRST gear or REVERSE, apply the parking brake, turn the vehicle OFF, remove the key fobs from vehicle, and lock all doors. and lock your vehicle.

WARNING! (Continued)

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. Children should be warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the gear selector.

• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. Children should be warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the gear selector.

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in a location accessible to children. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

• Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may cause serious injury or death.

(Continued)

CAUTION!

An unlocked vehicle is an invitation. Always remove the key from the ignition and lock all the doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.

Locking Doors With A Key

You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the door, turn the key to the left. To unlock the door, turn the key to the right.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are programmed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate the vehicle.

NOTE: A key which has not been programmed is also considered an invalid key, even if it is cut to fit the ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.

If the vehicle security light is on after the key is turned to the MAR (ACC/ON/RUN) position, it indicates that there is a problem with the electronics.

Key-In-Ignition Reminder

Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition and the ignition switch position is OFF/LOCK sounds a signal to remove the key.

SENTRY KEY

The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unauthorized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked or unlocked.

The system uses ignition keys which have an embedded electronic chip (transponder) to prevent unauthorized

CAUTION!

• Always remove the Sentry Key from the vehicle and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.

• The Sentry Key Immobilizer system is not compatible with some aftermarket remote starting systems. Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting problems and loss of security protection.

All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have been programmed to the vehicle electronics.

14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 cannot be programmed to any other vehicle. When having the Sentry Key Immobilizer System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an authorized dealer.

The VIN is required for authorized dealer replacement of keys. Duplication of keys may be performed at an authorized dealer.

General Information

The following regulatory statement applies to all radio frequency (RF) devices equipped in this vehicle:

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and

2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

NOTE: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM

The vehicle security alarm monitors the vehicle doors for unauthorized entry and the ignition for unauthorized operation. If something triggers the alarm, the vehicle security alarm will provide the following audible and visible signals: the horn will pulse, the park lamps and/or turn signals will flash, and the vehicle security light in the instrument cluster will flash.

To Arm The System

Push the key fob lock button.

To Disarm The System

Push the key fob unlock button or cycle the ignition to the MAR (ACC/ON/RUN) position.

The vehicle security alarm is designed to protect your vehicle. However, you can create conditions where the vehicle security alarm will give you a false alarm. If one of the previously described arming sequences has occurred, the vehicle security alarm will arm regardless of whether you are in the vehicle or not. If you remain in the vehicle and open a door, the alarm will sound. If this occurs, disarm the vehicle security alarm.

If the vehicle security alarm is armed and the battery becomes disconnected, the vehicle security alarm will remain armed when the battery is reconnected. The exterior lights will flash, and the horn will sound. If this occurs, disarm the vehicle security alarm.

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY

This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors and liftgate from distances up to approximately 66 ft (20 m) using a hand-held key fob. The key fob does not need to be pointed at the vehicle to activate the system.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

Key Fob

NOTE: The line of transmission must not be blocked

with metal objects.

To Unlock The Doors, Liftgate, And Charge Port Door

Push and release the unlock button on the key fob once to unlock the driver’s door or twice, within five seconds, to unlock all doors, liftgate, and charge port door. The turn signal lights will flash to acknowledge the unlock signal. The illuminated entry system will also turn on.

16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Remote Key Unlock, Driver Door/All Doors 1st Press

This feature lets you program the system to unlock either the driver ’s door or all doors on the first push of the unlock button on the key fob. To change the current setting, refer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further information.

Opening Power Top Remote Function

The remote keyless power top function can only be used with the engine off.

NOTE: The remote keyless power top function can be used to open the power top to the spoiler position.

Opening Power Top Remote Function:

OPEN — Push and hold the unlock button down on the key fob for a minimum of three seconds to initiate Power Top Open. The roof will stop opening whenever the unlock button on the key fob is released, or when it reaches the spoiler position.

NOTE: If your power convertible top does not open with the remote, please refer to the ⬙Power Convertible Top Relearn Procedure” in “Understanding The Features Of Your Vehicle” for further information.

WARNING!

Failure to follow these warnings can result in injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your passengers, and others around you:

• Before operating the power top, make sure that no moving parts of the convertible top can injure a person or animal.

Key Fob Unlock/Power Top Open Button Location

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Never place any extremities (hands, feet, etc.) near the convertible top components, the upper windshield area, the shelf area behind the rear seats, or the convertible top stowage area while raising or lowering the convertible top.

• When using the power top button on key fob, if potential danger exists while lowering the top, release the button immediately to interrupt the operation.

To Lock The Doors, Liftgate, And Charge Port Door

Push and release the lock button on the key fob to lock all doors, liftgate, and charge port door. The turn signal lights will flash and the horn will chirp to acknowledge the signal.

Programming Additional Key Fobs

Refer to “Sentry Key” in this section for further information.

If you do not have a programmed key fob, contact your authorized dealer for details.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

Key Fob Battery Replacement

NOTE:

Perchlorate Material – special handling may ap-

ply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.

The recommended replacement battery is CR2032.

1. Push the mechanical key release button and release the mechanical key to access the battery case screw located on the side of the key fob.

Mechanical Key Release Button

18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

2. Rotate the screw located on the side of the key fob using a small screwdriver.

Key Fob Screw Location Battery Case Removed

3. Take out the battery case. Remove and replace the battery observing its polarity.

4. Reinstall the battery case inside the key fob and turn the screw to lock it into place.

General Information

The following regulatory statement applies to all Radio Frequency (RF) devices equipped in this vehicle:

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and

2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

NOTE: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

DOOR LOCKS

The door locks can be manually locked or unlocked from inside the vehicle by using the door handle. If the door handle is pushed a red lock indicator will show on the door handle (indicating locked) when the door is closed, the door will lock.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19

Driver’s Door Lock Handle

WARNING!

• Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may cause serious injury or death.

• For personal security and safety in the event of a collision, lock the vehicle doors as you drive as well as when you park and leave the vehicle.

• Before exiting a vehicle, always shift the automatic transmission into PARK or the manual transmission into FIRST gear or REVERSE, apply

(Continued)

20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)

the parking brake, turn the vehicle OFF, remove the key fobs from vehicle, and lock all doors. and lock your vehicle.

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in a location accessible to children. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

CAUTION!

An unlocked vehicle is an invitation. Always remove the key from the ignition and lock all the doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.

Power Door Locks — If Equipped

A power door lock switch is incorporated into the driver door handle. Push or pull the handle to lock or unlock the doors and liftgate. If the driver’s door handle is pushed, a red lock indicator will show on the driver’s door handle (indicating locked). When the door is closed, the door will lock.

NOTE: To prevent the key from being locked in the vehicle, the doors will automatically unlock if the driver’s door handle is pushed when the key is in the ignition.

Power Door Lock Handle

Auto Door Locks

When enabled, the door locks will lock automatically when the vehicle’s speed exceeds 12 mph (20 km/h).

NOTE: Use the Automatic Door Locks feature in accordance with local laws.

Refer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further information.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21

POWER WINDOWS Power Window Switches

There are single window controls located on the shifter bezel, below the climate controls, which operate the driver and passenger door windows. The window controls will operate when the ignition switch is in the MAR (ACC/ON/RUN) position.

22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

Never leave children unattended in a vehicle, and do not let children play with power windows. Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in a location accessible to children. Occupants, particularly unattended children, can become entrapped by the windows while operating the power window switches. Such entrapment may result in serious injury or death.

Auto-Down

The driver’s door window switch has an Auto-Down feature. Push the window switch for approximately one second, release, and the window will go down automatically. To cancel the Auto-Down movement, operate the switch in either the up or down direction and release the switch.

Wind Buffeting

Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of pressure on the ears or a helicopter-type sound in the ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped) in certain open or partially open positions. This is a normal occurrence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with the sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to minimize the buffeting or open any window.

LIFTGATE

To unlock the liftgate, use the key fob or activate the power door lock switches located on the driver door handle.

Power Window Switches

To open the liftgate, squeeze the liftgate release handle and pull the liftgate open with one fluid motion.

Liftgate Handle

WARNING!

• Driving with the liftgate open can allow poisonous exhaust gases into your vehicle. You and your passengers could be injured by these fumes. Keep the liftgate closed when you are operating the vehicle.

• If you are required to drive with the liftgate open, make sure that all windows are closed, and the climate control blower switch is set at high speed. Do not use the recirculation mode.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23

NOTE: Gas props support the liftgate in the open position. However, because the gas pressure drops with temperature, it may be necessary to assist the props when opening the liftgate in cold weather.

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS

Some of the most important safety features in your vehicle are the restraint systems:

Occupant Restraint Systems Features

• Seat Belt Systems

• Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Air Bags

• Child Restraints

Some of the safety features described in this section may be standard equipment on some models, or may be optional equipment on others. If you are not sure, ask your authorized dealer.

Important Safety Precautions

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.

24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize the risk of harm from a deploying air bag:

6. All occupants should always wear their lap and shoulder belts properly.

1. Children 12 years old and under should always ride buckled up in a vehicle with a rear seat.

2. If a child from 2 to 12 years old (not in a rear-facing child restraint) must ride in the front passenger seat, move the seat as far back as possible and use the proper child restraint (refer to “Child Restraints” in this section for further information).

3. Children that are not big enough to wear the vehicle seat belt properly (refer to “Child Restraints” in this section for further information) should be secured in a vehicle with a rear seat in child restraints or belt-positioning booster seats. Older children who do not use child restraints or belt-positioning booster seats should ride properly buckled up in a vehicle with a rear seat.

4. Never allow children to slide the shoulder belt behind them or under their arm.

5. You should read the instructions provided with your child restraint to make sure that you are using it properly.

7. The driver and front passenger seats should be moved back as far as practical to allow the front air bags room to inflate.

8. Do not lean against the door or window. If your vehicle has side air bags, and deployment occurs, the side air bags will inflate forcefully into the space between occupants and the door and occupants could be injured.

9. If the air bag system in this vehicle needs to be modified to accommodate a disabled person, refer to the “If You Need Consumer Assistance” section for customer service contact information.

WARNING!

• Never place a rear-facing child restraint in front of an air bag. A deploying passenger front air bag can cause death or serious injury to a child 12 years or younger, including a child in a rearfacing child restraint.

• Only use a rear-facing child restraint in a vehicle with a rear seat.

Seat Belt Systems

Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver and could 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 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.

Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System (BeltAlert)

Driver And Passenger BeltAlert (If Equipped)

BeltAlert is a feature intended to remind the driver and outboard front seat passenger (if equipped with outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert) to buckle their seat belts. The Belt Alert feature is active whenever the ignition switch is in the AVV/START or MAR/ON/RUN position.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25

Initial Indication

If the driver is unbuckled when the ignition switch is first in the AVV/START or MAR/ON/RUN position, a chime will signal for a few seconds. If the driver or outboard front seat passenger (if equipped with outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert) is unbuckled when the ignition switch is first in the AVV/START or MAR/ON/RUN position the Seat Belt Reminder Light will turn on and remain on until both outboard front seat belts are buckled. The outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert is not active when an outboard front passenger seat is unoccupied.

BeltAlert Warning Sequence

The BeltAlert warning sequence is activated when the vehicle is moving above a specified vehicle speed range and the driver or outboard front seat passenger is unbuckled (if equipped with outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert) (the outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert is not active when the outboard front passenger seat is unoccupied). The BeltAlert warning sequence starts by blinking the Seat Belt Reminder Light and sounding an intermittent chime. Once the BeltAlert warning sequence has completed, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will remain on until the seat belts are

26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

buckled. The BeltAlert warning sequence may repeat based on vehicle speed until the driver and occupied outboard front seat passenger seat belts are buckled. The driver should instruct all occupants to buckle their seat belts.

Change Of Status

If the driver or outboard front seat passenger (if equipped with outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert) unbuckles their seat belt while the vehicle is traveling, the BeltAlert warning sequence will begin until the seat belts are buckled again.

The outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert is not active when the outboard front passenger seat is unoccupied. BeltAlert may be triggered when an animal or other items are placed on the outboard front passenger seat or when the seat is folded flat (if equipped). It is recommended that pets be restrained in the rear seat (if equipped) in pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts, and cargo is properly stowed.

BeltAlert can be activated or deactivated by your authorized dealer. FCA US LLC does not recommend deactivating BeltAlert.

NOTE: If BeltAlert has been deactivated and the driver or outboard front seat passenger (if equipped with outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert) is unbuckled the Seat Belt Reminder Light will turn on and remain on until the driver and outboard front seat passenger seat belts are buckled.

Lap/Shoulder Belts

All seating positions in your vehicle are equipped with lap/shoulder belts.

The seat belt webbing retractor will lock only during very sudden stops or collisions. This feature allows the shoulder part of the seat belt to move freely with you under normal conditions. However, in a collision the seat belt will lock and reduce your risk of striking the inside of the vehicle or being thrown out of the vehicle.

WARNING!

•

Relying on the air bags alone could lead to more severe injuries in a collision. The air bags work with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In some collisions, the air bags won’t deploy at all. Always wear your seat belt even though you have air bags.

(Continued)

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27

WARNING! (Continued)

• 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.

• It is 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 seat belts.

• Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a seat belt properly. Occupants, including the driver, should always wear their seat belts whether or not an air bag is also provided at their seating position to minimize the risk of severe injury or death in the event of a crash.

• Wearing your seat belt incorrectly could make your injuries in a collision much worse. You might suffer internal injuries, or you could even

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

slide out of the seat 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 a collision, hurting one another badly. Never use a lap/shoulder belt or a lap belt for more than one person, no matter what their size.

WARNING!

• A lap belt worn too high can increase the risk of injury in a collision. The seat belt forces won’t be at the strong hip and pelvic bones, but across your abdomen. Always wear the lap part of your seat belt as low as possible and keep it snug.

• A twisted seat belt may not protect you properly. In a collision, it could even cut into you. Be sure the seat belt is flat against your body, without twists. If you can’t straighten a seat belt in your

(Continued)

28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)

vehicle, take it to your authorized dealer immediately and have it fixed.

• A seat 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 seat belt into the buckle nearest you.

• A seat belt that is too loose will not protect you properly. In a sudden stop, you could move too far forward, increasing the possibility of injury. Wear your seat belt snugly.

• A seat belt that is worn under your arm is dangerous. Your body could strike the inside surfaces of the vehicle in a collision, increasing head and neck injury. A seat belt worn under the arm can cause internal injuries. Ribs aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. Wear the seat belt over your shoulder so that your strongest bones will take the force in a collision.

• A shoulder belt placed behind you will not protect you from injury during a collision. You are more likely to hit your head in a collision if you

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

do not wear your shoulder belt. The lap and shoulder belt are meant to be used together.

• A frayed or torn seat belt could rip apart in a collision and leave you with no protection. Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the seat belt system. Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision.

Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions

1. Enter the vehicle and close the door. Sit back and adjust the seat.

2. The seat belt latch plate is above the back of the front seat, and next to your arm in the rear seat (for vehicles equipped with a rear seat). Grasp the latch plate and pull out the seat belt. Slide the latch plate up the webbing as far as necessary to allow the seat belt to go around your lap.

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