Jeep Compass 2013 User Manual

2013
OWNER’S MANUAL
Compass
With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name Chrysler Group LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the name Chrysler 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 non-drinking 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.
Chrysler Group 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.
Copyright © 2012 Chrysler Group LLC
SECTION PAGE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE .............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ............................103
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ..................................207
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................311
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ..............................................405
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................429
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES .................................................475
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ........................................483
10
INDEX ....................................................................493
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INTRODUCTION

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ........................4
1
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS ..............7
ROLLOVER WARNING ...................4
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL ..............5
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ........7
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS ....8
4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on selecting your new Chrysler Group LLC vehicle. Be assured that it represents precision workmanship, distinctive styling, and high quality - all essentials that are traditional to our vehicles.
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.
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 factory-trained tech­nicians and genuine MOPARparts, and cares about your satisfaction.

ROLLOVER WARNING

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. This vehicle has a higher ground clearance and a higher center of gravity than many passenger cars. It is capable of performing better in a wide variety of off-road applications. Driven in an unsafe manner, all vehicles can go out of control. Because of the higher center of gravity, if this vehicle is out of control it may roll over when some other vehicles may not.
Do not attempt sharp turns, abrupt maneuvers, or other unsafe driving actions that can cause loss of vehicle
control. Failure to operate this vehicle safely may result in a collision, rollover of the vehicle, and severe or fatal injury. Drive carefully.
Rollover Warning Label
Failure to use the driver and passenger seat belts pro­vided is a major cause of severe or fatal injury. In fact, the U.S. government notes that the universal use of existing
INTRODUCTION 5
seat belts could cut the highway death toll by 10,000 or more each year and could reduce disabling injuries by two million annually. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. Always buckle up.

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:
1
6 INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

This Owners Manual contains WARNINGS against op- erating procedures that could result in a collision or bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against proce­dures that could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do not read this entire Owners 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 is stamped into the right front body, on the right front seat crossmember under the carpet and the vehicle registration and title.
INTRODUCTION 7
1
Vehicle Identification Number
8 INTRODUCTION
Right Front Body 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS
A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS ..............12
Ignition Key Removal ...................12
Locking Doors With A Key................14
Key-In-Ignition Reminder.................14
SENTRY KEY.........................15
Replacement Keys .....................16
Customer Key Programming ..............17
General Information ....................18
VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPED . .18
To Arm The System .....................18
2
Rearming The System ...................19
To Disarm The System ...................19
Vehicle Security Alarm Manual Override ......19
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) —
IF EQUIPPED ..........................20
To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate ..........20
Remote Key Unlock, Driver Door/All First
Press...............................20
Illuminated Approach — If Equipped ........21
To Lock The Doors And Liftgate ............22
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Sound Horn With Remote Key Lock .........22
POWER WINDOWS — IF EQUIPPED ........35
Flash Lights With Remote Key Lock/Unlock . . .23
Using The Panic Alarm ..................24
Programming Additional Transmitters ........24
General Information ....................24
Transmitter Battery Replacement ...........25
REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM —
IF EQUIPPED ..........................26
How To Use Remote Start ................26
DOOR LOCKS .........................29
Manual Door Locks .....................29
Power Door Locks......................30
Child-Protection Door Lock System — Rear
Doors...............................33
Power Window Switches .................35
Auto-Down ..........................36
Window Lockout Switch .................37
LIFTGATE ............................37
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS ................39
Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................43
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage . . .48
Second Row Center Lap/Shoulder Belt
Operating Instructions ...................49
Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .....52
Seat Belts In Passenger Seating Positions ......52
Automatic Locking Retractor Mode (ALR) — If
Equipped ............................53
Energy Management Feature ..............54
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
Event Data Recorder (EDR) ...............75
Seat Belt Pretensioners ..................55
Supplemental Active Head Restraints
(AHR) — If Equipped ...................55
Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert) ..........................59
Seat Belt Extender .....................60
Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ...........61
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) —
Air Bags ............................61
Advanced Front Air Bag Features ...........63
Air Bag Deployment Sensors And Controls ....67
Child Restraints .......................76
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS ....96
SAFETY TIPS ..........................96
Transporting Passengers..................96
Exhaust Gas .........................97
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle .............................98
Periodic Safety Checks You Should
Make Outside The Vehicle ...............101
2
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS

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. Ask your authorized dealer for these numbers and keep them in a safe place.
Vehicle Key

Ignition Key Removal

1. Place the shift lever in PARK (if equipped with an automatic transmission).
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ACC (Accessory) position.
3. Push the key and cylinder inward and rotate the key to the LOCK position.
4. Remove the key from the ignition switch lock cylinder.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
NOTE: If you try to remove the key before you place the shift lever in PARK, the key may become trapped tem­porarily in the ignition switch cylinder. If this occurs, place the shift lever in PARK, rotate the key to the right 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 inoperable. The engine can be started and stopped but the key cannot be removed until you obtain service.
WARNING!
2
Ignition Switch Positions
1 — LOCK 3 — ON/RUN 2 — ACC (ACCESSORY) 4 — START
Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK, and re­move the Key Fob from the ignition. When leaving the vehicle, always lock your vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
(Continued)
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING! (Continued)
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 shift lever.
Do not leave the Key Fob in or near the vehicle, and do not leave the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN position. 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.
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.

Locking Doors With A Key

You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the door, turn the key to the right. To unlock the door, turn the key to the left. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.

Key-In-Ignition Reminder

Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition and the ignition position is LOCK or ACC, 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 and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will not function.

SENTRY KEY

The Sentry KeyImmobilizer 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 that have an embedded electronic chip (transponder) to prevent unauthorized vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro­grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two seconds if someone uses an invalid key to try to start the engine.
NOTE: A key that 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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition switch, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on for three seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains on after the bulb check, it indicates that there is a problem with the electronics. In addition, if the Vehicle Security Light begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that someone used an invalid key to try to start the engine. Either of these conditions will result in the engine being shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electron­ics. Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible by an authorized dealer.
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16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CAUTION!
The Sentry KeyImmobilizer system is not compat­ible with some after-market 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.

Replacement Keys

NOTE: Only keys that are programmed to the vehicle electronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle. Once a Sentry Keyis programmed to a vehicle, it cannot be programmed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove the Sentry Keysfrom the vehicle and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unat­tended.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided with a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN). Keep the PIN in a secure location. This number is required for authorized dealer replacement of keys. Du­plication of keys may be performed at an authorized dealer or by following the customer key programming procedure. This procedure consists of programming a blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blank key is one that has never been programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry KeyImmobilizer Sys- tem serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an authorized dealer.

Customer Key Programming

If you have two valid Sentry Keys, you can program new Sentry Keysto the system by performing the following procedure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry KeyTransponder blank(s)
to match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.
2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position for at least three seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds. Then, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the first key.
3. Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position within 15 seconds. After 10 seconds, a chime will sound. In addition, the Vehicle Security Light will begin to flash. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the second key.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
4. Insert a blank Sentry Keyinto the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position within 60 seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound. In addition, the Vehicle Security Light will stop flashing. To indicate that programming is com­plete, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on again for three seconds and then turn off.
The new Sentry Keyis programmed. The Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be pro­grammed during this procedure.
Repeat this procedure to program up to eight keys. If you do not have a programmed Sentry Key, contact your authorized dealer for details.
NOTE: If a programmed key is lost, see your authorized dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the sys­tem’s memory. This will prevent the lost key from starting your vehicle. The remaining keys must then be reprogrammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to an
2
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
authorized dealer at the time of service to be repro­grammed.

General Information

The Sentry Keysystem 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.

VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPED

This Vehicle Security Alarm monitors the doors, liftgate, and ignition switch for unauthorized operation.
When the alarm is activated, the interior switches for door locks are disabled. The Vehicle Security Alarm provides both audio and visual signals, the horn will
sound, the headlights, park lamps and/or turn signals will flash repeatedly for three minutes. If the disturbance is still present (driver’s door, passenger door, other doors, ignition) after three minutes, the parking lights and tail lights will flash for an additional 15 minutes.

To Arm The System

1. Remove the key from the ignition switch and get out of the vehicle.
2. Lock the door using either the power door LOCK switch or the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter and close all doors.
3. The Vehicle Security Light in the instrument cluster will flash rapidly for approximately 16 seconds. This shows that the Vehicle Security Alarm is arming. During this period, if a door is opened, the ignition switch is turned to ON/RUN, or the power door locks are unlocked in any manner, the Vehicle Security
Alarm will automatically disarm. After approximately 16 seconds, the Vehicle Security Light will flash slowly. This shows that the Vehicle Security Alarm is fully armed.

Rearming The System

If something triggers the alarm, and no action is taken to disarm it, the Vehicle Security Alarm will turn off the horn after three minutes, turn off all of the visual signals after 15 minutes, and then the Vehicle Security Alarm will rearm itself.

To Disarm The System

Press UNLOCK on the RKE transmitter, or insert the key into the ignition switch and turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
If something has triggered the Vehicle Security Alarm in your absence, the horn will sound three times and exterior lights blink three times when you unlock the doors. Check the vehicle for tampering. The Vehicle Security Alarm is designed to protect your vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the Vehicle Security Alarm will arm unexpectedly. If you remain in the vehicle and lock the doors with the RKE transmitter, once the Vehicle Security Alarm is armed (after 16 seconds), when you pull the door handle to exit, the alarm will sound. If this occurs, press the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter to disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm.

Vehicle Security Alarm Manual Override

The Vehicle Security Alarm will not arm if you lock the doors using the manual door lock plunger.
2
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) — IF EQUIPPED

This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors and liftgate or activate the Panic Alarm from distances up to approximately 66 ft (20 m) using a hand-held Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. The RKE transmitter does not need to be pointed at the vehicle to activate the system.
Three Button RKE Transmitter
NOTE: The line of transmission must not be blocked
with metal objects.

To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate

Press and release the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter once to unlock the driver’s door, or twice within five seconds to unlock all doors and liftgate. The turn signal lights will flash to acknowledge the unlock signal. The illuminated entry system will also turn on.

Remote Key Unlock, Driver Door/All First Press

This feature lets you program the system to unlock either the driver’s door or all doors on the first press of the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter. To change the current setting, proceed as follows:
For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Personal Settings
(Customer-Programmable Features)” in “Understand­ing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the following steps:
1. Press and hold the LOCK button on a programmed
RKE transmitter for at least 4 seconds, but no longer than 10 seconds. Then, press and hold the UNLOCK button while still holding the LOCK button.
2. Release both buttons at the same time.
3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle by press-
ing the LOCK/UNLOCK buttons on the RKE trans­mitter with the ignition switch in the LOCK position and the key removed.
4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21
NOTE: Pressing the LOCK button on the RKE transmit­ter while you are inside the vehicle will activate the Vehicle Security Alarm. Opening a door with the Vehicle Security Alarm activated will cause the alarm to sound. Press the UNLOCK button to deactivate the Vehicle Security Alarm.

Illuminated Approach — If Equipped

This feature activates the headlights for up to 90 seconds when the doors are unlocked with the RKE transmitter. The time for this feature is programmable on vehicles equipped with the EVIC. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Personal Settings (Customer­Programmable Features)” in “Understanding Your In­strument Panel” for further information.
NOTE: None of the courtesy lights will operate if the dimmer control is in the “defeat” position (extreme downward position), unless the overhead map/reading lights are turned on manually.
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22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To Lock The Doors And Liftgate

Press and release the LOCK button on the RKE transmit­ter to lock all doors and liftgate. The turn signal lights will flash and the horn will chirp to acknowledge the signal.

Sound Horn With Remote Key Lock

This feature will cause the horn to chirp when the doors are locked with the RKE transmitter. This feature can be turned on or turned off. To change the current setting, proceed as follows:
For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, refer to “Elec­tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable Features)” in “Un­derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further infor­mation.
For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the following steps:
1. Press the LOCK button on a programmed RKE trans-
mitter for at least 4 seconds, but no longer than 10 seconds. Then, press the PANIC button while still holding the LOCK button.
2. Release both buttons at the same time.
3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle by press-
ing the LOCK button on the RKE transmitter with the ignition switch in the LOCK position and the key removed.
4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.
NOTE: Pressing the LOCK button on the RKE transmit­ter while you are in the vehicle will activate the Vehicle Security Alarm. Opening a door with the Vehicle Security Alarm activated will cause the alarm to sound. Press the
UNLOCK button to deactivate the Vehicle Security Alarm.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23
than 10 seconds. Then, press and hold the LOCK button while still holding the UNLOCK button.

Flash Lights With Remote Key Lock/Unlock

This feature will cause the turn signal lights to flash when the doors are locked or unlocked with the RKE transmit­ter. This feature can be turned on or turned off. To change the current setting, proceed as follows:
For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, refer to “Elec­tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable Features)” in “Un­derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further infor­mation.
For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the following steps:
1. Press and hold the UNLOCK button on a programmed
RKE transmitter for at least 4 seconds, but no longer
2. Release both buttons at the same time.
3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle by press­ing the LOCK/UNLOCK buttons on the RKE trans­mitter with the ignition switch in the LOCK position and the key removed.
4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to its previous setting.
NOTE: Pressing the LOCK button on the RKE transmit­ter while you are in the vehicle will activate the Vehicle Security Alarm. Opening a door with the Vehicle Security Alarm activated will cause the alarm to sound. Press the UNLOCK button to deactivate the Vehicle Security Alarm.
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24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Using The Panic Alarm

To turn the Panic Alarm feature ON or OFF, press and hold the PANIC button on the RKE transmitter for at least one second and release. When the Panic Alarm is on, the headlights and park lights will flash, the horn will pulse on and off and the interior lights will turn on.
The Panic Alarm will stay on for three minutes unless you turn it off by pressing the PANIC button a second time or if the vehicle speed is 5 mph (8 km/h) or greater.
NOTE: When you turn off the Panic Alarm by pressing the PANIC button a second time, you may have to move closer to the vehicle due to the radio frequency noises of the system.

Programming Additional Transmitters

Refer to Sentry Key“Customer Key Programming.”
If you do not have a programmed RKE transmitter, contact your authorized dealer for details.

General Information

This device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules and with RS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference that may be 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.
If your RKE transmitter fails to operate from a normal distance, check for these two conditions:
1. Weak battery in the RKE transmitter. The expected life of a battery is five years.
2. Closeness to a radio transmitter such as a radio station tower, airport transmitter, military base, and some mobile or CB radios.

Transmitter Battery Replacement

NOTE: Perchlorate Material – special handling may ap­ply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate
The recommended replacement battery is CR2032.
1. If the RKE transmitter is equipped with a screw, remove the screw. With the RKE transmitter buttons facing down, use a flat blade screwdriver to pry the two halves of the RKE transmitter apart. Make sure not to damage the elastomer seal during removal.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25
2
Separating Case Halves
2. Remove and replace the battery. Avoid touching the new battery with your fingers. Skin oils may cause battery deterioration. If you touch a battery, clean it with rubbing alcohol.
3. To reassemble the RKE transmitter case, snap the two halves together.
26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE: If the RKE transmitter is equipped with a screw, reinstall and tighten the screw until snug.

REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED

This system uses the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to start the engine conve­niently from outside the vehicle while still
maintaining security. The system has a range of approximately 300 ft (91 m). Obstructions between the vehicle and RKE transmitter may reduce this range.
NOTE:
The vehicle must be equipped with an automatic
transmission to be equipped with Remote Start.
Obstructions between the vehicle and the Key Fob may
reduce this range.

How To Use Remote Start

All of the following conditions must be met before the engine will remote start:
Shift lever in PARK
Doors closed
Hood closed
Hazard switch off
Brake switch inactive (brake pedal not pressed)
Ignition key removed from ignition switch
Battery at an acceptable charge level
RKE PANIC button not pressed
System not disabled from previous remote start event
Vehicle theft alarm not active
WARNING!
Do not start or run an engine in a closed garage or confined area. Exhaust gas contains Carbon Mon­oxide (CO) which is odorless and colorless. Carbon Monoxide is poisonous and can cause serious in­jury or death when inhaled.
Keep Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitters away from children. Operation of the Remote Start System, windows, door locks or other controls could cause serious injury or death.
Remote Start Abort Message On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — If Equipped
The following messages will display in the EVIC if the vehicle fails to remote start or exits remote start prema­turely:
Remote Start Aborted — Door Ajar
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27
Remote Start Aborted — Hood Ajar
Remote Start Aborted — L/Gate Ajar
Remote Start Aborted — Fuel Low
Remote Start Aborted — System Fault
The EVIC message stays active until the ignition is turned to the ON/RUN position.
To Enter Remote Start
Press and release the REMOTE START button on the RKE transmitter twice within five sec­onds. The vehicle doors will lock, the parking
lights will flash and the horn will chirp twice (if programmed). Then, the engine will start and the vehicle will remain in the Remote Start mode for a 15-minute cycle.
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28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE:
Low Fuel Light turns on
The park lamps will turn on and remain on during
Remote Start mode.
For security, power window and power sunroof op­eration (if equipped) are disabled when the vehicle is in the Remote Start mode.
If your power door locks were unlocked, Remote Start will automatically lock the doors.
The engine can be started two consecutive times (two 15-minute cycles) with the RKE transmitter. However, the ignition switch must be cycled to the ON/RUN position before you can repeat the start sequence for a third cycle.
Remote start will also cancel if any of the following occur:
The engine stalls or RPM exceeds 2500
Any engine warning lamps come on
The hood is opened
The hazard switch is pressed
The transmission is moved out of PARK
The brake pedal is pressed
To Exit Remote Start Mode Without Driving The Vehicle
Press and release the REMOTE START button one time or allow the engine to run for the entire 15-minute cycle.
NOTE: To avoid unintentional shut downs, the system will disable the one time press of the REMOTE START button for two seconds after receiving a valid Remote Start request.
To Exit Remote Start Mode And Drive The Vehicle
Before the end of the 15-minute cycle, press and release the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter to unlock the doors and disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm (if equipped). Then, insert the key into the ignition switch and turn the switch to the ON/RUN position.
NOTE: The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position in order to drive the vehicle.

DOOR LOCKS

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29
2

Manual Door Locks

Use the manual door lock knob to lock the doors from inside the vehicle. If the lock knob is down when the door is closed, the door will lock. Make sure the keys are not inside the vehicle before closing the door.
Manual Door Lock Knob
WARNING!
For personal security and safety in the event of an collision, lock the vehicle doors as you drive as well as when you park and leave the vehicle.
(Continued)
30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING! (Continued)
Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK, and re­move the Key Fob from the ignition. When leaving the vehicle, always lock your vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
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 shift lever.
Do not leave the Key Fob in or near the vehicle, and do not leave the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN position. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves. Always remove the key from the ignition and lock all of the doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.

Power Door Locks

A power door lock switch is located on the driver’s and front passenger’s door panel. Press this switch to lock or unlock the doors and liftgate.
NOTE: To prevent from locking the key in the vehicle, the power door lock switch will not operate when the key is in the ignition and either front door is open. A chime will sound as a reminder to remove the key.
Driver Power Door Lock Switch
1 - Unlock 2 - Lock
Auto Lock Doors — If Equipped
The auto door lock feature default condition is enabled. When enabled, the door locks will lock automatically when the vehicle’s speed exceeds 15 mph (24 km/h). The
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 31
auto door lock feature can be enabled or disabled by your authorized dealer. Please see your authorized dealer for service.
Auto Lock Doors Programming
The Automatic Door Locks feature can be enabled or disabled as follows:
For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — If Equipped/Personal Settings (Customer Programmable Features)” in “Un­derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further infor­mation.
For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the following procedure:
1. Close all doors and place the key in the ignition
switch.
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32 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
2. Within 15 seconds, cycle the ignition switch between LOCK and ON/RUN and then back to LOCK four times ending up in the LOCK position (do not start the engine).
3. Within 30 seconds, press the power door LOCK switch to lock the doors.
4. A single chime will indicate the completion of the programming.
5. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to its previous setting.
NOTE:
If you do not hear the chime it means that the system
did not enter the programming mode and you will need to repeat the procedure.
Use the Automatic Door Lock feature in accordance
with local laws.
Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit
The doors will unlock automatically if:
The Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit feature is en­abled.
The transmission was in gear and the vehicle speed returned to 0 mph (0 km/h).
The transmission is in NEUTRAL or PARK.
The driver’s door is opened.
The doors were not previously unlocked.
Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit Programming
The Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit feature can be enabled or disabled as follows:
For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, refer to “Elec­tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — If
Equipped/Personal Settings (Customer­Programmable Features)” in “Understanding Your In­strument Panel” for further information.
For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the following procedure:
1. Close all doors and place the key in the ignition.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 33
NOTE:
If you do not hear the chime it means that the system did not enter the programming mode and you will need to repeat the procedure.
Use the Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit feature in accordance with local laws.
2
2. Within 15 seconds, cycle the ignition switch between LOCK and ON/RUN and then back to LOCK five times ending up in the ON/RUN position (do not start the engine).
3. Within 30 seconds, press the power door UNLOCK switch to unlock the doors.
4. A single chime will indicate the completion of the programming.
5. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to its previous setting.

Child-Protection Door Lock System — Rear Doors

To provide a safer environment for small children riding in the rear seats, the rear doors are equipped with Child-Protection Door Lock system.
To Engage Or Disengage The Child-Protection Door Lock System
1. Open the rear door.
2. Insert the tip of the ignition key into the lock and rotate to the LOCK or UNLOCK position.
34 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the opposite rear door.
Child-Protection Door Lock Location
Child-Protection Door Lock Function
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: For emergency exit with the system engaged,
move the lock knob up (unlocked position), roll down the window and open the door with the outside door handle.
POWER WINDOWS — IF EQUIPPED Power Window Switches
The window controls on the driver ’s door trim panel control all the door windows. There are single window controls on each passenger door trim panel, which oper­ate the passenger door windows. The window controls will operate when the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN or ACC position.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 35
NOTE:
For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power window switches will remain active for 45 seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position. Open­ing either front door will cancel this feature.
For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, the power
window switches will remain active for up to 10 minutes after the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position. Opening either front door will cancel this feature. The time for this feature is programmable. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable Features)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
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36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
Never leave children in a vehicle with the key in the ignition switch. 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.
Power Window Switch Location

Auto-Down

The driver’s door window switch has an Auto-Down feature. Push the window switch past the first detent, 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.

Window Lockout Switch

The window lockout switch on the driver’s door allows you to disable the window control on the other doors. To disable the window controls on the other doors, press the window LOCKOUT switch. To enable the window con­trols, press the window LOCKOUT switch a second time.
Window Lockout Switch
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37

LIFTGATE

NOTE: The key that is used to start the vehicle is also used to lock or unlock the doors and open the liftgate.
To unlock the liftgate, insert the key into the lock and turn it to the right (manual lock models only). The liftgate can also be unlocked using the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or by activating the power door lock switches located on the front doors. The central locking/ unlocking feature (if equipped) can also be activated from the liftgate key cylinder.
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38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Once unlocked, the liftgate can be opened or closed without using the key. To open the liftgate, squeeze the liftgate release and pull the liftgate open with one fluid motion.
Liftgate Latch Location
NOTE:
In the event of a power malfunction, or the RKE
transmitter is inoperative, insert the key into the liftgate lock cylinder and turn to the right (manual lock models only). Using the liftgate handle, pull the lift­gate open with one fluid motion.
Although the liftgate has no inside release mechanism,
the liftgate trim panel includes an opening with a snap-in cap that provides access to release the latch in the event of an electrical system malfunction.
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.
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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39

OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS

Some of the most important safety features in your vehicle are the restraint systems:
Three-point lap and shoulder belts for the driver and all passengers
Advanced Front Air Bags for driver and front passenger
Supplemental Active Head Restraints (AHR) located on top of the front seats (integrated into the head restraint) — if equipped
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) for the driver and passengers seated next to a window
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB) — if equipped
An energy-absorbing steering column and steering wheel
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40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Knee bolsters for front seat occupants
Front seat belts incorporate pretensioners that may
enhance occupant protection by managing occupant energy during an impact event
All seat belt systems (except the driver’s) include Automatic Locking Retractors (ALRs), which lock the seat belt webbing into position by extending the belt all the way out and then adjusting the belt to the desired length to restrain a child seat or secure a large item in a seat — if equipped
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.
If you will be carrying children too small for adult-sized seat belts, the seat belts or the Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) feature also can be used to hold infant and child restraint systems. For more information on LATCH, see Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH).
NOTE: The Advanced Front Air Bags have a multistage inflator design. This allows the air bag to have different rates of inflation based on several factors, including the severity and type of collision.
Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize the risk of harm from a deploying air bag:
1. Children 12 years old and under should always ride
buckled up in a rear seat.
WARNING!
Infants in rear facing child restraints should never ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger Advanced Front Air Bag. An air bag deployment can cause severe injury or death to infants in that position.
Children that are not big enough to wear the vehicle seat belt properly (see section on Child Restraints) should be secured in the rear seat in child restraints or belt­positioning booster seats. Older children who do not use child restraints or belt-positioning 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.
If a child from 1 to 12 years old (not in a rear facing child seat) 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”)
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41
You should read the instructions provided with your child restraint to make sure that you are using it properly.
2. All occupants should always 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 Advanced Front Air Bags room to inflate.
4. 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 you and the door.
5. If the air bag system in this vehicle needs to be
modified to accommodate a disabled person, contact the Customer Center. Phone numbers are provided under If You Need Assistance.
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42 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR 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 belts even though you have air bags.
Being too close to the steering wheel or instrument panel during Advanced Front Air Bag deployment could cause serious injury, including death. Air Bags need room to inflate. Sit back, comfortably extending your arms to reach the steering wheel or instrument panel.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) and Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB) also need room to inflate. Do not lean against the door or window. Sit upright in the center of the seat.
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 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 seating positions 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. However, in a collision the belt will lock and reduce the risk of you striking the inside of the vehicle or being thrown out.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43
WARNING!
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.
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.
(Continued)
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44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING! (Continued)
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 a collision, 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. The seat belt latch plate is along side the pillar near the back of your seat. Grasp the latch plate and pull out the belt. Slide the latch plate up the webbing as far as necessary to allow the belt to go around your lap.
Pulling Out The Latch Plate
3. When the belt is long enough to fit, insert the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45
WARNING!
A belt 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 prop­erly. In a sudden stop you could move too far forward, increasing the possibility of injury. Wear your seat belt snugly.
2
Inserting Latch Plate Into Buckle
(Continued)
46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING! (Continued)
A 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 belt worn under the arm can cause inter­nal injuries. Ribs aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. Wear the belt over your shoulder so that your strongest bones will take the force in a colli­sion.
A shoulder belt placed behind you will not protect you from injury during a collision. You are more likely to hit your head in a collision if you do not wear your shoulder belt. The lap and shoulder belt are meant to be used together.
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.
Positioning Lap Belt
WARNING!
A lap belt worn too high can increase the risk of
internal injury in a collision. The belt forces won’t be at the strong hip and pelvic bones, but across your abdomen. Always wear the lap belt as low as possible and keep it snug.
A twisted belt may not protect you properly. 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 authorized dealer immedi­ately 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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47
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.
WARNING!
A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collision and leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing, etc.).
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48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage

In the front seat, the shoulder belt can be adjusted upward or downward to position the belt away from your neck. Push the anchorage button to release the anchorage, and move it up or down to the position that fits you best.
NOTE: The adjustable upper shoulder belt anchorage is equipped with an Easy Up feature. This feature allows the shoulder belt anchorage to be adjusted in the upward position without pressing the release button. To verify the shoulder belt anchorage is latched, pull downward on the shoulder belt anchorage until it is locked into position.
Adjustable Anchorage
As a guide, if you are shorter than average you will prefer a lower position, and if you are taller than average you will prefer a higher position. When you release the anchorage, try to move it down to make sure that it is locked in position.
In the rear seat, move toward the center of the seat to position the belt away from your neck.

Second Row Center Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions

The second row center lap/shoulder belt features a three-point seat belt with a mini-latch and buckle, which allows the shoulder belt to detach from the lower anchor when the seat is folded. The mini-buckle and shoulder belt can then be stored out of the way in the right side trim panel for added convenience.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49
2
1. Remove the mini-latch and regular latch from its stowed position in the right rear side trim panel.
Mini-Latch Stowage
2. Grasp the mini-latch plate and pull the belt over the seat.
50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
3. Route the shoulder belt to the inside of the right head restraint.
Routing The Rear Center Shoulder Belt
4. When the belt is long enough to fit, insert the mini­latch plate into the mini-buckle until you hear a “click.”
5. Sit back in the seat. Slide the regular latch plate up the webbing as far as necessary to allow the belt to go around your lap.
6. When the belt is long enough to fit, insert the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”
Connecting Mini-Latch To Buckle
7. 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, pull on the lap belt. A snug belt reduces the risk of sliding under the belt in a collision.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51
8. 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.
9. To release the belt, push the red button on the buckle.
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Rear Center Seat Belt Buckled
Detaching Mini-Latch And Buckle
52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
10. To disengage the mini-latch from the mini-buckle for storage, insert the regular latch plate into the black button on the top of the mini-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. Insert the mini-latch plate into the slot provided in the trim panel.

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. At about 6 to 12 in (15 to 30 cm) above the latch plate,
grasp and twist the belt webbing 180 degrees to create a fold that begins immediately above the latch plate.
3. Slide the latch plate upward over the folded webbing. The folded webbing must enter the slot at the top of the latch plate.
4. Continue to slide the latch plate up until it clears the folded webbing.

Seat Belts In Passenger Seating Positions

The seat belts in the passenger seating positions are equipped with Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) which are used to secure a child restraint system. For additional information, refer to “Installing Child Re­straints Using The Vehicle Seat Belt” under the “Child Restraints” section. The chart below defines the type of feature for each seating position.
Driver Center Passenger
First Row N/A N/A ALR
Second Row ALR ALR ALR
N/A — Not Applicable
ALR — Automatic Locking Retractor
If the passenger seating position is equipped with an ALR and is being used for normal usage:
Only pull the belt webbing out far enough to comfortably wrap around the occupant’s mid-section so as to not activate the ALR. If the ALR is activated, you will hear a ratcheting sound as the belt retracts. Allow the webbing to retract completely in this case and then carefully pull out only the amount of webbing necessary to comfort­ably wrap around the occupant’s mid-section. Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a click.

Automatic Locking Retractor Mode (ALR) — If Equipped

In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre­locked. The belt will still retract to remove any slack in
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53
the shoulder belt. The Automatic Locking Mode is avail­able on all passenger-seating positions with a combina­tion lap/shoulder belt. Use the Automatic Locking Mode anytime a child safety seat is installed in a seating position that has a belt with this feature. Children 12 years old and under should always be properly re­strained in the rear seat.
How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode
1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt.
2. Grasp the shoulder portion and pull downward until the entire belt is extracted.
3. Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This indicates the safety belt is now in the Automatic Locking Mode.
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54 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
How To Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode
Unbuckle the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow it to retract completely to disengage the Automatic Locking Mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode.
WARNING!
The belt and retractor assembly must be replaced if the seat belt assembly Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) feature or any other seat belt function is not working properly when checked according to the procedures in the Service Manual.
Failure to replace the belt and retractor assembly could increase the risk of injury in collisions.

Energy Management Feature

This vehicle has a safety belt system with an Energy Management feature in the front seating positions to help further reduce the risk of injury in the event of a head-on collision.
This safety belt system has a retractor assembly that is designed to release webbing in a controlled manner. This feature is designed to help reduce the belt force acting on the occupant’s chest.

Seat Belt Pretensioners

The seat belts for both front seating positions are equipped with pretensioning devices that are designed to remove slack from the seat belt in the event of a collision. These devices may improve the performance of the seat belt by assuring that the belt is tight about the occupant early in a collision. Pretensioners work for all size occu­pants, including those in child restraints.
NOTE: These devices are not a substitute for proper seat belt placement by the occupant. The seat belt still must be worn snugly and positioned properly.
The pretensioners are triggered by the Occupant Re­straint Controller (ORC). Like the air bags, the preten­sioners are single use items. A deployed pretensioner or a deployed air bag must be replaced immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55

Supplemental Active Head Restraints (AHR) — If Equipped

These head restraints are passive, deployable compo­nents, and vehicles with this equipment cannot be readily identified by any markings, only through visual inspec­tion of the head restraint. The head restraint will be split in two halves, with the front half being soft foam and trim, the back half being decorative plastic.
How The Active Head Restraints (AHR) Work
The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) determines whether the severity, or type of rear impact will require the Active Head Restraints (AHR) to deploy. If a rear impact requires deployment, both the driver and front passenger seat AHRs will be deployed.
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56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
When AHRs deploy during a rear impact, the front half of the head restraint extends forward to minimize the gap between the back of the occupant’s head and the AHR. This system is designed to help prevent or reduce the extent of injuries to the driver and front passenger in certain types of rear impacts.
NOTE: The Active Head Restraints (AHR) may or may not deploy in the event of a front or side impact. However if during a front impact, a secondary rear impact occurs, the AHR may deploy based on the sever­ity and type of the impact.
Active Head Restraint (AHR) Components
1 — Head Restraint Front Half (Soft Foam and Trim) 2 — Seatback 4 — Head Restraint Guide
3 — Head Restraint Back Half (Decorative Plastic Rear Cover)
Tubes
CAUTION!
All occupants, including the driver, should not oper­ate a vehicle or sit in a vehicle’s seat until the head restraints are placed in their proper positions in order to minimize the risk of neck injury in the event of a collision.
NOTE: For more information on properly adjusting and
positioning the head restraint, refer to “Adjusting Active Head Restraints” in “Understanding The Features Of Your Vehicle”.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 57
1. Grasp the deployed AHR from the rear seat.
2
Resetting Active Head Restraints (AHR)
If the Active Head Restraints are triggered in a collision, you must reset the head restraint on the driver’s and front passenger seat. You can recognize when the Active Head Restraint has been triggered by the fact that they have moved forward (as shown in step three of the resetting procedure).
Hand Positioning Points On AHR
2. Position the hands on the top of the deployed AHR at a comfortable position.
58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
3. Pull down then rearward towards the rear of the vehicle then down to engage the locking mechanism.
1 — Downward Movement 2 — Rearward Movement
3 — Final Downward Movement To Engage Locking Mechanism
4. The AHR front soft foam and trim half should lock into the back decorative plastic half.
AHR In Reset Position
NOTE:
If you have difficulties or problems resetting the Active Head Restraints, see an authorized dealer.
For safety reasons, have the Active Head Restraints checked by a qualified specialist at an authorized dealer.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59
Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System (BeltAlert)
BeltAlertis a feature intended to remind the driver and front passenger (if equipped with front passenger BeltAlert) to fasten their seat belts. The feature is active whenever the ignition is on. If the driver or front seat passenger is unbelted, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will turn on and remain on until both front seat belts are fastened.
The BeltAlertwarning sequence begins after the vehicle speed is over 5 mph (8 km/h), by blinking the Seat Belt Reminder Light and sounding an intermittent chime. Once the sequence starts, it will continue for the entire duration or until the respective seatbelts are fastened. After the sequence completes, the Seat Belt Reminder Light remains illuminated until the respective seat belts are fastened. The driver should instruct all other occu­pants to fasten their seat belts. If a front seat belt is
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60 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
unbuckled while traveling at speeds greater than 5 mph (8 km/h), BeltAlertwill provide both audio and visual notification.
The front passenger seat BeltAlertis not active when the front passenger seat is unoccupied. BeltAlertmay be triggered when an animal or heavy object is on the front passenger seat or when the seat is folded flat (if equipped). It is recommended that pets be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts, and cargo is properly stowed.
BeltAlertcan be enabled or disabled by your authorized dealer. Chrysler Group LLC does not recommend deac­tivating BeltAlert.
NOTE: Although BeltAlerthas been deactivated, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will continue to illuminate while the driver’s or front passenger (if equipped with BeltAlert) seat belt remains unfastened.

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 authorized dealer can provide you with a seat belt extender. This extender should be used only if the existing belt is not long enough. When it is not required, remove the ex­tender and store it.
WARNING!
Using a seat belt extender when not needed can increase the risk of injury in a collision. Only use 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.

Seat Belts And Pregnant Women

We recommend that pregnant women use the seat belts throughout their pregnancy. Keeping the mother safe is the best way to keep the baby safe.
Pregnant women should wear the lap part of the belt across the thighs and as snug across the hips as possible. Keep the belt low so that it does not come across the abdomen. That way the strong bones of the hips will take the force if there is a collision.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61
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Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) — Air Bags

This vehicle has Advanced Front Air Bags for both the driver and front passenger as a supplement to the seat belt restraint systems. The driver’s Advanced Front Air Bag is mounted in the center of the steering wheel. The passenger’s Advanced Front Air Bag is mounted in the instrument panel, above the glove compartment. The words SRS AIRBAG are embossed on the air bag covers.
Advanced Front Air Bag And Knee Bolster Locations
1 — Driver And Passenger Advanced Front Air Bags
2 — Knee Bolster
NOTE: The Driver and Passenger Advanced Front Air Bags are certified to new Federal regulations.
62 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The Advanced Front Air Bags have a multistage inflator design. This allows the air bag to have different rates of inflation that are based on the severity and type of collision.
This vehicle may be equipped with driver and/or front passenger seat track position sensors that may adjust the inflation rate of the Advanced Front Air Bags based upon seat position.
This vehicle may be equipped with a driver and/or front passenger seat belt buckle switch that detects whether the driver or front passenger seat belt is fastened. The seat belt buckle switch may adjust the inflation rate of the Advanced Front Air Bags.
This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) to protect the driver, front, and rear passengers sitting next to a window. The SABIC are located above the side windows. The trim covering the side air bags is labeled SRS AIRBAG.
This vehicle may be equipped with Supplemental Seat­Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB) to provide enhanced protection for an occupant during a side impact. The Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags are located in the outboard side of the front seats.
NOTE:
Air Bag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim, but they will open during air bag deployment.
After any collision, the vehicle should be taken to an authorized dealer immediately.
Air Bag System Components
Your vehicle may be equipped with the following air bag system components:
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
Air Bag Warning Light
Steering Wheel and Column
Instrument Panel
Knee Impact Bolster
Driver Advanced Front Air Bag
Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB)
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC)
Front and Side Impact Sensors
Front Seat Belt Pretensioners, Seat Belt Buckle Switch,
and Seat Track Position Sensors

Advanced Front Air Bag Features

The Advanced Front Air Bag system has multistage driver and front passenger air bags. This system provides output appropriate to the severity and type of collision as determined by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC), which may receive information from the front impact sensors.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 63
The first stage inflator is triggered immediately during an impact that requires air bag deployment. This low output is used in less severe collisions. A higher energy output is used for more severe collisions.
WARNING!
No objects should be placed over or near the air bag on the instrument panel, because any such objects could cause harm if the vehicle is in a collision severe enough to cause the air bag to inflate.
(Continued)
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64 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING! (Continued)
Do not put anything on or around the air bag covers or attempt to open them manually. You may damage the air bags and you could be injured because the air bags may no longer be functional. The protective covers for the air bag cushions are designed to open only when the air bags are inflating.
Do not drill, cut or tamper with the knee bolster in any way.
Do not mount any accessories to the knee bolster such as alarm lights, stereos, citizen band radios, etc.
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB) — If Equipped
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB) may provide enhanced protection to help protect an occupant during a side impact. The SAB is marked with an air bag label sewn into the outboard side of the front seats.
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag Label
When the air bag deploys, it opens the seam between the front and side of the seat’s trim cover. Each air bag deploys independently; a left side impact deploys the left air bag only and a right-side impact deploys the right air bag only.
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC)
SABIC air bags may offer side-impact and vehicle roll­over protection to front and rear seat outboard occupants in addition to that provided by the body structure. Each air bag features inflated chambers placed adjacent to the head of each outboard occupant that reduce the potential for side-impact head injuries. The SABIC air bags deploy downward, covering both windows on the impact side.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65
2
Side Curtain Air Bag Label Location
NOTE:
Should a vehicle rollover occur, the pretensioners and/or SAB and SABIC curtains on both sides of the vehicle may deploy.
66 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Air Bag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim, but they will open during air bag deployment.
Being too close to the Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain and/or Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag during deployment could cause you to be severely injured or killed.
The system includes side impact sensors that are cali­brated to deploy the side air bags during impacts that require air bag occupant protection.
WARNING!
Your vehicle is equipped with left and right SABIC, do not stack luggage or other cargo up high enough to block the location of the SABIC. The area where the side curtain air bag is located should remain free from any obstructions.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
Do not use accessory seat covers or place objects between you and the SAB; the performance could be adversely affected and/or objects could be pushed into you, causing serious injury.
If your vehicle is equipped with SABIC air bags, do not have any accessory items installed which will alter the roof, including adding a sunroof to your vehicle. Do not add roof racks that require permanent attachments (bolts or screws) for instal­lation on the vehicle roof. Do not drill into the roof of the vehicle for any reason.
SAB and SABIC air bags are a supplement to the seat belt restraint system. Occupants, including children who are up against or very close to SAB or SABIC air bags can be seriously injured or killed. Occupants, especially chil­dren, should not lean on or sleep against the door, side
windows, or area where the SAB or SABIC air bags inflate, even if they are in an infant or child restraint.
Always sit upright as possible with your back against the seat back, use the seat belts properly, and use the appropriate sized child restraint, infant restraint or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child.
Knee Impact Bolsters
The Knee Impact Bolster helps protect the knees of the front passenger, and position the front occupant for the best interaction with the Advanced Front Air Bag.
Along with seat belts and pretensioners, Advanced Front Air Bags work with the bolsters to provide improved protection for the driver and front passenger. Side air bags also work with seat belts to improve occupant protection.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 67

Air Bag Deployment Sensors And Controls

Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
The ORC is part of a Federally regulated safety system required for this vehicle.
The ORC determines if deployment of the front and/or side air bags in a frontal or side collision is required. Based on the impact sensor’s signals, a central electronic ORC deploys the Advanced Front Air Bags, SABIC air bags, Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags — if equipped, and front seat belt pretensioners, as required, depending on several factors, including the severity and type of impact.
Advanced Front Air Bags are designed to provide addi­tional protection by supplementing the seat belts in certain frontal collisions depending on several factors,
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68 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
including the severity and type of collision. Advanced Front Air Bags are not expected to reduce the risk of injury in rear, side, or rollover collisions.
Seat belts are necessary for your protection in all colli­sions, and also are needed to help keep you in position, away from an inflating air bag.
The Advanced Front Air Bags will not deploy in all frontal collisions, including some that may produce sub­stantial vehicle damage — for example, some pole colli­sions, truck underrides, and angle offset collisions. On the other hand, depending on the type and location of impact, Advanced Front Air Bags may deploy in crashes with little vehicle front-end damage but that produce a severe initial deceleration.
The side air bags will not deploy in all side collisions. Side air bag deployment will depend on the severity and type of collision.
Because air bag sensors measure vehicle deceleration over time, vehicle speed and damage by themselves are not good indicators of whether or not an air bag should have deployed.
The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of the air bag system whenever the ignition switch is in the START or ON/RUN position. If the key is in the OFF position, in the ACC position, or not in the ignition, the air bag system is not on and the air bags will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply system that may deploy the air bags even if the battery loses power or it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.
Also, the ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in the instrument panel for approxi­mately four to eight seconds for a self-check
when the ignition is first turned on. After the self-check, the Air Bag Warning Light will turn off. If the ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it
turns on the Air Bag Warning Light, either momentarily or continuously. A single chime will sound if the light comes on again after initial startup.
It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the instru­ment cluster Air Bag Warning Light if a malfunction is noted that could affect the air bag system. The diagnos­tics also record the nature of the malfunction.
WARNING!
Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your instru­ment panel could mean you won’t have the air bags to protect you in a collision. If the light does not come on as a bulb check when the ignition is first turned on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you drive, have an authorized dealer service the air bag system immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69
Driver And Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag Inflator Units
The Driver and Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag Inflator Units are located in the center of the steering wheel and on the right side of the instrument panel. When the ORC detects a collision requiring the Ad­vanced Front Air Bags, it signals the inflator units.A large quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the Advanced Front Air Bags. Different air bag inflation rates are possible, based on several factors, including the collision type and severity. The steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper right side of the instrument panel separate and fold out of the way as the air bags inflate to their full size. The air bags fully inflate in about 50 to 70 milliseconds. This is about half of the time it takes to blink your eyes. The air bags then quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and front passenger.
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70 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The Advanced Front Air Bag gas is vented through the vent holes in the sides of the air bag. In this way, the air bags do not interfere with your control of the vehicle.
you if you are not seated properly, or if items are positioned in the area where the side air bag inflates. This especially applies to children.
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag (SAB) Inflator Units
The Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB) are designed to activate only in certain side collisions.
The ORC determines if a side collision requires the side air bags to inflate, based on the severity and type of collision.
Based on the severity and type of collision, the side air bag inflator on the crash side of the vehicle may be triggered, releasing a quantity of non-toxic gas. The inflating SAB exits through the seat seam into the space between the occupant and the door. The SAB fully inflate in about 10 milliseconds. The side air bag moves at a very high speed and with such a high force that it could injure
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) Inflator Units
During collisions where the impact is confined to a particular area of the side of the vehicle, the ORC may deploy the SABIC air bags, depending on the severity and type of collision. In these events, the ORC will deploy the SABIC only on the impact side of the vehicle.
A quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the side curtain air bag. The inflating side curtain air bag pushes the outside edge of the headliner out of the way and covers the window. The air bag inflates in about 30 milliseconds (about one-quarter of the time that it takes to blink your eyes) with enough force to injure you if you are not belted and seated properly, or if items are positioned in the area where the side curtain air bag
inflates. This especially applies to children. The side curtain air bag is only about 3-1/2 in (9 cm) thick when it is inflated.
Because air bag sensors estimate deceleration over time, vehicle speed and damage are not good indicators of whether or not an air bag should have deployed.
NOTE: In a rollover the pretensioners and/or SAB and SABIC air bags may deploy on both sides of the vehicle.
Front And Side Impact Sensors
In front and side impacts, impact sensors can aid the ORC in determining appropriate response to impact events.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact causing air bag deployment, if the communication network remains intact, and the power remains intact, depending on the nature of the
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 71
event the ORC will determine whether to have the Enhanced Accident Response System perform the follow­ing functions:
Cut off fuel to the engine.
Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power or
until the ignition key is turned off.
Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as
the battery has power or until the ignition key is removed.
Unlock the doors automatically.
In order to reset the Enhanced Accident Response System functions after an event, the ignition switch must be changed from IGN ON to IGN OFF.
If A Deployment Occurs
The Advanced Front Air Bags are designed to deflate immediately after deployment.
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72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE: Front and/or side air bags will not deploy in all collisions. This does not mean something is wrong with the air bag system.
If you do have a collision, which deploys the air bags, any or all of the following may occur:
The nylon air bag material may sometimes cause abrasions and/or skin reddening to the driver and front passenger as the air bags deploy and unfold. The abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or those you might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium floor. They are not caused by contact with chemicals. They are not permanent and normally heal quickly. However, if you haven’t healed significantly within a few days, or if you have any blistering, see your doctor immediately.
As the air bags deflate, you may see some smoke-like particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the process that generates the non-toxic gas used for air
bag inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the skin, eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation, rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues, see your doctor. If these particles settle on your clothing, follow the garment manufacturer’s in­structions for cleaning.
Do not drive your vehicle after the air bags have de­ployed. If you are involved in another collision, the air bags will not be in place to protect you.
WARNING!
Deployed air bags and seat belt pretensioners cannot protect you in another collision. Have the air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and the front seat belt retrac­tor assemblies replaced by an authorized dealer im­mediately. Also, have the Occupant Restraint Con­troller System serviced as well.
Maintaining Your Air Bag System
WARNING!
Modifications to any part of the air bag system could cause it to fail when you need it. You could be injured if the air bag system is not there to protect you. Do not modify the components or wiring, including adding any kind of badges or stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do not modify the front bumper, vehicle body structure, or add aftermarket side steps or running boards.
It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the air bag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who works on your vehicle that it has an air bag system.
(Continued)
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 73
WARNING! (Continued)
Do not attempt to modify any part of your air bag system. The air bag may inflate accidentally or may not function properly if modifications are made. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for any air bag system service. If your seat, including your trim cover and cushion, needs to be serviced in any way (including removal or loosening/tightening of seat attachment bolts), take the vehicle to your authorized dealer. Only manufacturer approved seat accessories may be used. If it is necessary to modify the air bag system for persons with dis­abilities, contact your authorized dealer.
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74 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Air Bag Warning Light
You will want to have the air bags ready to inflate for your protection in a collision. The Air Bag Warning Light monitors the internal
circuits and interconnecting wiring associated with air bag system electrical components. While the air bag system is designed to be maintenance free, if any of the following occurs, have an authorized dealer service the air bag system immediately.
The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on during
the four to eight seconds when the ignition switch is first turned on.
The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the four to eight second interval.
The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently or remains on while driving.
NOTE:
If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine related gauges are not working, the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. The air bags may not be ready to inflate for your protection. Promptly check the fuse block for blown fuses. Refer to the label located on the inside of the fuse block cover for the proper air bag fuses. See your authorized dealer if the fuse is good.

Event Data Recorder (EDR)

This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems per­formed. The EDR is designed to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as:
How various systems in your vehicle were operating;
Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts
were buckled/fastened;
How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
How fast the vehicle was traveling.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 75
These data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur.
NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under normal driving conditions and no per­sonal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) are recorded. However, other parties, such as law en­forcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement, that have the special equip­ment, can read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR.
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76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Child Restraints

Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up at all times, including babies and children. Every state in the United States, and every Canadian province, requires that small children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law, and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
Children 12 years or younger should ride properly buckled up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seats rather than in the front.
There are different sizes and types of restraints for children from newborn size to the child almost large enough for an adult safety belt. Always check the child seat Owner’s Manual to make sure you have the correct seat for your child.
Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety Standards. You should also make sure that you can install it in the vehicle where you will use it.
NOTE: For additional information, refer to www.seatcheck.org or call 1–866–SEATCHECK. Cana­dian residents should refer to Transport Canada’s web­site for additional information: http://www.tc.gc.ca/ eng/roadsafety/safedrivers-childsafety-index-53.htm
WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrained child can become a projectile inside the vehicle. The force required to hold even an infant on your lap could become so great that you could not hold the child, no matter how strong you are. The child and others could be badly injured. Any child riding in your vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the child’s size.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 77
Summary Of Recommendations For Restraining Children In Vehicles
Child Size, Height, Weight or Age Recommended Type of Child Restraint
Infants and Toddlers Children who are two years old or younger
and who have not reached the height or weight limits of their child restraint
Small Children Children who are at least two years old or
who have out-grown the height or weight limit of their rear-facing child restraint
Larger Children Children who have out-grown their
forward-facing child restraint, but are too small to properly fit the vehicle’s seat belt
Children Too Large for Child Restraints
Children 12 years old or younger, who have out-grown the height or weight limit of their booster seat
Either an Infant Carrier or a Convertible Child Restraint, facing rearward in the rear seat of the vehicle
Forward-Facing Child Restraint with a five­point Harness, facing forward in the rear seat of the vehicle
Belt Positioning Booster Seat and the vehicle seat belt, seated in the rear seat of the vehicle
Vehicle Seat Belt, seated in the rear seat of the vehicle
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78 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Infants And Child Restraints
Safety experts recommend that children ride rearward­facing in the vehicle until they are two years old or until they reach either the height or weight limit of their rear facing child safety seat. Two types of child restraints can be used rearward-facing: infant carriers and convertible child seats.
The infant carrier is only used rearward-facing in the vehicle. It is recommended for children from birth until they reach the weight or height limit of the infant carrier. Convertible child seats can be used either rearward­facing or forward-facing in the vehicle. Convertible child seats often have a higher weight limit in the rearward­facing direction than infant carriers do, so they can be used rearward-facing by children who have outgrown
their infant carrier but are still less than at least two years old. Children should remain rearward-facing until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their convertible child seat.
WARNING!
Never place a rear facing infant seat in front of an air bag. A deploying passenger Advanced Front Air Bag can cause death or serious injury to a child 12 years or younger, including a child in a rearward facing infant seat.
Only use a rearward-facing child restraint in a rear seat.
Older Children And Child Restraints
Children who are two years old or who have outgrown their rear-facing convertible child seat can ride forward­facing in the vehicle. Forward-facing child seats and convertible child seats used in the forward-facing direc­tion are for children who are over two years old or who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit of their rear-facing convertible child seat. Children should remain in a forward-facing child seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by the child seat.
All children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for the child seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle’s seat belts fit properly. If the child cannot sit with knees bent over the vehicle’s seat cushion while the child’s back is against the seatback, they should use a belt-positioning booster
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 79
seat. The child and belt-positioning booster seat are held in the vehicle by the seat belt.
WARNING!
Improper installation can lead to failure of an infant or child restraint. It could come loose in a collision. The child could be badly injured or killed. Follow the child restraint manufacturer’s directions exactly when installing an infant or child restraint.
When your child restraint is not in use, secure it in the vehicle with the seat belt or LATCH anchor­ages, or remove it from the vehicle. Do not leave it loose in the vehicle. In a sudden stop or accident, it could strike the occupants or seatbacks and cause serious personal injury.
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80 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Children Too Large For Booster Seats
Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend over the front of the seat when their back is against the seatback, should use the seat belt in a rear seat. Use this simple 5-step test to decide whether the child can use the vehicle’s seat belt alone:
1. Can the child sit all the way back against the back of the vehicle seat?
2. Do the child’s knees bend comfortably over the front of the vehicle seat – while they are still sitting all the way back?
3. Does the shoulder belt cross the child’s shoulder between their neck and arm?
4. Is the lap part of the belt as low as possible, touching the child’s thighs and not their stomach?
5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?
If the answer to any of these questions was “no,” then the child still needs to use a booster seat in this vehicle. If the child is using the lap/shoulder belt, check belt fit peri­odically. A child’s squirming or slouching can move the belt out of position. If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the child closer to the center of the vehicle. Never allow a child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind their back.
Recommendations For Attaching Child Restraints
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 81
Restraint Type Combined
Weight of the
Child + Child
Restraint
Rear-Facing
Child Restraint
Rear-Facing
Child Restraint
Forward-Facing
Child Restraint
Forward-Facing
Child Restraint
Up to 65 lbs
(29.5 kg)
More than
65 lbs (29.5 kg)
Up to 65 lbs
(29.5 kg)
More than
65 lbs (29.5 kg)
Use any attachment method shown with an “X” Below
LATCH –
Lower Anchors
Only
XX
Seat Belt Only LATCH –
Lower Anchors
+ Top Tether
Anchor
X
XX
Seat Belt + Top
Tether Anchor
X
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82 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) Restraint System
Your vehicle is equipped with the child restraint anchor­age system called LATCH, which stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren. The LATCH system has three vehicle anchor points for installing LATCH­equipped child seats. There are two lower anchorages located at the back of the seat cushion where it meets the seatback and one top tether anchorage located behind the seating position. These anchorages are used to install LATCH-equipped child seats without using the vehicle’s seat belts. Some seating positions may have a top tether anchorage but no lower anchorages. In these seating positions, the seat belt must be used with the top tether anchorage to install the child restraint. Please see the following table for more information.
LATCH Positions For Installing Child Restraints In This Vehicle
Lower Anchorage Symbol 2 anchorages per seating
position
Top Tether Anchorage Symbol
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 83
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84 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
What is the weight limit (child’s weight + weight of the child restraint) for using the LATCH anchorage system to attach the child restraint?
Can the LATCH anchorages and the seat
belt be used together to attach a rear-
facing or forward-facing child restraint?
Can a child seat be installed in the center
position using the inner LATCH lower an-
chorages?
65 lbs (29.5 kg) Use the LATCH anchorage system until
the combined weight of the child and the
child restraint is 65 lbs (29.5 kg). Use the
seat belt and tether anchor instead of the
LATCH system once the combined weight
is more than 65 lbs (29.5 kg).
No Do not use the seat belt when you use the
LATCH anchorage system to attach a rear-
facing or forward-facing child restraint.
Yes You can install child restraints with flexible
lower anchors in the center position. The
inner anchorages are 15.5 inches (390 mm)
apart. Do not install child restraints with
rigid lower anchors in the center position.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 85
Can two child restraints be attached using
a common lower LATCH anchorage?
Can the rear-facing child restraint touch
the back of the front passenger seat?
Can the head restraints be removed? No
No Never “share” a LATCH anchorage with
two or more child restraints. If the center position does not have dedicated LATCH
lower anchorages, use the seat belt to in-
stall a child seat in the center position next
to a child seat using the LATCH anchor-
ages in an outboard position.
Yes The child seat may touch the back of the
front passenger seat if the child restraint
manufacturer also allows contact. See your
child restraint owner’s manual for more
information.
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86 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Locating The LATCH Anchorages
The lower anchorages are round bars that are found at the rear of the seat cushion where it meets the seatback. They are just visible when
you lean into the rear seat to install the child restraint. You will easily feel them if you run your finger along the gap between the seatback and seat cushion.
Rear Seat LATCH Anchorages
Locating The LATCH Anchorages
In addition, there are tether strap anchorages behind each rear seating position located on the back of the seat.
LATCH-compatible child restraint systems will be equipped with a rigid bar or a flexible strap on each side. Each will have a hook or connector to attach to the lower anchorage and a way to tighten the connection to the anchorage. Forward-facing child restraints and some rear-facing infant restraints will also be equipped with a tether strap. The tether strap will have a hook at the end to attach to the top tether anchorage and a way to tighten the strap after it is attached to the anchorage.
Center Seat LATCH
Do not install child restraints with rigid lower attach­ments in the center seating position. Only install this type of child restraint in the outboard seating positions. Child
restraints with flexible, webbing mounted lower attach­ments can be installed in any rear seating position.
WARNING!
Never use the same lower anchorage to attach more than one child restraint. If you are installing LATCH­compatible child restraints next to each other, you must use the seat belt for the center position. You can then use either the LATCH anchors or the vehicle’s seat belt for installing child seats in the outboard positions. Please refer to “Installing The LATCH­Compatible Child Restraint System” for typical in­stallation instructions.
Always follow the directions of the child restraint manu­facturer when installing your child restraint. Not all child restraint systems will be installed as described here.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 87
To Install A LATCH-compatible Child Restraint
1. If the selected seating position has a Switchable Auto­matic Locking Retractor (ALR) seat belt, stow the seat belt, following the instructions below. See the section “Installing Child Restraints Using the Vehicle Seat Belt” to check what type of seat belt each seating position has.
2. Loosen the adjusters on the lower straps and on the tether strap of the child seat so that you can more easily attach the hooks or connectors to the vehicle anchorages.
3. Place the child seat between the lower anchorages for that seating position. For some second row seats, you may need to recline the seat and / or raise the head restraint to get a better fit.
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88 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
4. Attach the lower hooks or connectors of the child restraint to the lower anchorages in the selected seat­ing position.
5. If the child restraint has a tether strap, connect it to the top tether anchorage. See the section “Installing Child Restraints Using the Top Tether Anchorage” for direc­tions to attach a tether anchor.
6. Tighten all of the straps as you push the child restraint rearward and downward into the seat. Remove slack in the straps according to the child restraint manufac­turer’s instructions.
7. Test that the child restraint is installed tightly by pulling back and forth on the child seat at the belt path. It should not move more than 1 inch (25.4 mm) in any direction.
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seatbelt
When using the LATCH attaching system to install a child restraint, stow all ALR seat belts that are not being used by other occupants or being used to secure child restraints. An unused belt could injure a child if they play with it and accidentally lock the seatbelt retractor. Before installing a child restraint using the LATCH system, buckle the seat belt behind the child restraint and out of the child’s reach. If the buckled seat belt interferes with the child restraint installation, instead of buckling it behind the child restraint, route the seat belt through the child restraint belt path and then buckle it. Do not lock the seatbelt. Remind all children in the vehicle that the seat belts are not toys and that they should not play with them.
WARNING!
Improper installation of a child restraint to the LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of the re­straint. The child could be badly injured or killed. Follow the child restraint manufacturer’s directions exactly when installing an infant or child restraint.
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat Belt
The seat belts in the passenger seating positions are equipped with either a Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) or a cinching latch plate or both. Both types of seat belts are designed to keep the lap portion of
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 89
the seat belt tight around the child restraint so that it is not necessary to use a locking clip. The ALR retractor can be “switched” into a locked mode by pulling all of the webbing out of the retractor and then letting the webbing retract back into the retractor. If it is locked, the ALR will make a clicking noise while the webbing is pulled back into the retractor. For additional information on ALR, refer to the “Automatic Locking Mode” description un­der “Occupant Restraints.” The cinching latch plate is designed to hold the lap portion of the seatbelt tight when webbing is pulled tight and straight through a child restraint’s belt path. Please see the table below and the following sections for more information about both types of seat belts.
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90 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Lap/Shoulder Belt Systems for Installing Child Restraints in this Vehicle
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 91
What is the weight limit (child’s weight + weight of the child restraint) for using the Tether Anchor with the seat belt to attach a forward facing child restraint?
Can the rear-facing child restraint touch the back of the front passenger seat?
Can the head restraints be removed? No Can the buckle stalk be twisted to tighten
the seat belt against the belt path of the child restraint?
Weight limit of the Child Restraint
Yes Contact between the front passenger seat
Yes In positions with cinching latch plates
Always use the tether anchor when using the seat belt to install a forward facing child restraint, up to the recommended weight limit of the child restraint.
and the child restraint is allowed, if the child restraint manufacturer also allows contact.
(CINCH), the buckle stalk may be twisted up to 3 full turns. Do not twist the buckle stalk in a seating position with an ALR retractor.
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92 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Installing A Child Restraint with a Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)
1. Place the child seat in the center of the seating position. For some second row seats, you may need to recline the seat and/or raise the head restraint to get a better fit.
back into the retractor. As the webbing retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This means the seat belt is now in the Automatic Locking mode.
6. Try to pull the webbing out of the retractor. If it is locked, you should not be able to pull out any web­bing. If the retractor is not locked, repeat step 5.
2. Pull enough of the seat belt webbing from the retractor to pass it through the belt path of the child restraint. Do not twist the belt webbing in the belt path.
3. Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”
4. Pull on the webbing to make the lap portion tight against the child seat.
5. To lock the seat belt, pull down on the shoulder part of the belt until you have pulled all the seat belt webbing out of the retractor. Then, allow the webbing to retract
7. Finally, pull up on any excess webbing to tighten the lap portion around the child restraint while you push the child restraint rearward and downward into the vehicle seat.
8. If the child restraint has a top tether strap and the seating position has a top tether anchorage, connect the tether strap to the anchorage and tighten the tether strap. Refer to “Lower Anchors and Tethers for Chil­dren (LATCH) Restraint System” for directions to attach a tether anchor.
9. Test that the child restraint is installed tightly by pulling back and forth on the child seat at the belt path. It should not move more than 1 inch (25.4 mm) in any direction.
Any seat belt system will loosen with time, so check the belt occasionally, and pull it tight if necessary.
Installing A Child Restraint With A Cinching Latch Plate (CINCH) — If Equipped
1. Place the child seat in the center of the seating position. For some second row seats, you may need to recline the seat and / or raise the head restraint to get a better fit.
2. Next, pull enough of the seat belt webbing from the retractor to pass it through the belt path of the child restraint. Do not twist the belt webbing in the belt path.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 93
3. Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”
4. Finally, pull up on any excess webbing to tighten the lap portion around the child restraint while you push the child restraint rearward and downward into the vehicle seat.
5. If the child restraint has a top tether strap and the seating position has a top tether anchorage, connect the tether strap to the anchorage and tighten the tether strap. Refer to “Lower Anchors and Tethers for Chil­dren (LATCH) Restraint System” for directions to attach a tether anchor.
6. Test that the child restraint is installed tightly by pulling back and forth on the child seat at the belt path. It should not move more than 1 inch (25.4 mm) in any direction.
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94 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Any seat belt system will loosen with time, so check the belt occasionally, and pull it tight if necessary.
Installing Child Restraints Using The Top Tether Anchorage
If the buckle or the cinching latch plate is too close to the belt path opening of the child restraint, you may have trouble tightening the seat belt. If this happens, discon­nect the latch plate from the buckle and twist the short buckle-end belt up to three full turns to shorten it. Insert the latch plate into the buckle with the release button facing out, away from the child restraint. Repeat steps 4 to 6, above, to complete the installation of the child restraint.
If the belt still cannot be tightened after you shorten the buckle, disconnect the latch plate from the buckle, turn the buckle around one half turn, and insert the latch plate into the buckle again. If you still cannot make the child restraint installation tight, try a different seating position.
1. Look behind the seating position where you plan to install the child restraint to find the tether anchorage. You may need to move the seat forward to provide better access to the tether anchorage. If there is no top tether anchorage for that seating position (see the charts above), move the child restraint to another position in the vehicle if one is available.
2. Route the tether strap to provide the most direct path for the strap between the anchor and the child seat, routing it over the center of the head restraint.
3. Attach the tether strap hook of the child restraint to the top tether anchorage as shown in the diagram.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 95
WARNING!
An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to increased head motion and possible injury to the child. Use only the anchorage position directly be­hind the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether strap. If your vehicle is equipped with a split rear seat, make sure the tether strap does not slip into the opening between the seatbacks as you remove slack in the strap.
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Tether Anchorage Locations
4. Remove slack in the tether strap according to the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions.
Transporting Pets
Air Bags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet. An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
96 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS

A long break-in period is not required for the engine and drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri­mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recommended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Ve­hicle”.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may result.
NOTE: A new engine may consume some oil during its
first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be considered a normal part of the break-in and not interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS Transporting Passengers
NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE CARGO AREA.
WARNING!
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 97

Exhaust Gas

Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may cause serious injury or death.
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed.
Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts.
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a seat belt properly.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless. Breathing it can make you unconscious and can eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO), follow these safety tips:
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or out of the area.
If you are required to drive with the trunk/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.
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98 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING! (Continued)
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com­plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken, damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The Vehicle

Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts, frays, and 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 (i.e., bent retractor, torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor condition, replace the belt.
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