Jeep CHEROKEE 2005 Owner Manual
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
5
STARTING AND OPERATING
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
.............................................................3
..............................9
..............................67
...................................159
.................................................227
..............................................295
...............................................307
..................................................361
.........................................383
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
INDEX
....................................................................391
10
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1
䡵 Introduction ........................... 4
▫ Roll Over Warning .....................4
䡵 How To Use This Manual ..................6
䡵 Warnings And Cautions ................... 6
䡵 Vehicle Identification Number ............... 7
䡵 Vehicle Modifications / Alterations ........... 8
4 INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for selecting a Jeep威 Grand Cherokee and
welcome to our worldwide family.
This is a specialized utility vehicle designed for both
on-road and off-road use. It can go places and perform
tasks for which conventional two-wheel drive vehicles
were not intended. However, on-road ride and handling
will have a different feel from what drivers experience
with other vehicles, so take time to become familiar with
your vehicle.
The two-wheel drive utility vehicle was designed for
on-road use only. It is not intended for off-road driving
or use in other severe conditions suited to a four-wheel
drive vehicle.
Before you start to drive this vehicle, read this manual. Be
sure you are familiar with all vehicle controls, particularly those used for braking, steering and transmission
and transfer case shifting. Learn how your vehicle
handles on different road surfaces. Your driving skills
will improve with experience. When driving off-road or
working the vehicle, don’t overload it or expect it to
overcome the laws of nature. Always observe federal,
state, provincial, and local laws wherever you drive.
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this
vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an
accident. Be sure to read “On-Road/Off-Road Driving
Tips” in Section 5 of this manual.
Roll Over Warning
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher roll over rate
than other types of vehicles. This vehicle has a higher
ground clearance, higher center of gravity, and narrower
track 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 be caused to
go out of control. Because of the higher center of gravity
and the narrower track, if this vehicle is out of control it
may roll over when some other vehicles may not.
INTRODUCTION 5
Do not attempt sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers or other
unsafe driving actions that can cause loss of vehicle
control. Failure to operate this vehicle safely may result
in an accident, roll over of the vehicle, and severe or fatal
injury. Drive carefully.
Roll Over Warning Label
Failure to use 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 seat
belts could cut the highway death toll by 10,000 or more
each year, and could reduce disabling injuries by 2
million annually. In a roll over crash an unbelted person
is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing
a seat belt. Always buckle up.
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instructions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
1
6 INTRODUCTION
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Mopar威 parts, and is interested
in your satisfaction.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of the manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This manual contains WARNINGS against operating
procedures which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures
which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do
not read this entire manual you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is found on a
label located on the left front corner of the instrument
panel pad, visible from outside of the vehicle through the
windshield. This number also appears on the Automobile
Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window on
your vehicle. Save this label for a convenient record of
your vehicle identification number and optional equipment.
INTRODUCTION 7
1
Vehicle Identification Number
NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN label.
8 INTRODUCTION
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle
could seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety
and may lead to an accident resulting in serious
injury or death.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
䡵 A Word About Your Keys ..................11
▫ Ignition Key ..........................11
▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................12
䡵 Sentry Key Immobilizer System ..............12
▫ Important Note About Service .............13
▫ Replacement Keys ......................13
▫ Customer Key Programming ..............14
▫ General Information ....................14
䡵 Illuminated Entry ........................15
2
䡵 Doors And Door Locks ....................15
▫ Manual Door Locks .....................15
▫ Power Door Locks .....................17
䡵 Remote Keyless Entry .....................18
▫ To Unlock The Doors ...................18
▫ To Lock The Doors .....................19
▫ To Release The Liftgate Flipper Glass ........19
▫ Using The Panic Alarm ..................19
▫ General Information ....................20
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
▫ Transmitter Battery Service ...............21
䡵 Security Alarm System — If Equipped .........22
▫ To Set The Alarm ......................22
▫ To Disarm The System ...................22
䡵 Liftgate ...............................23
▫ Liftgate Flipper Glass ...................24
䡵 Power Windows ........................25
▫ Auto Down ..........................26
▫ Window Lockout Switch .................26
▫ Wind Buffeting ........................26
䡵 Occupant Restraints ......................27
▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................28
▫ Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions .....29
▫ Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ....32
▫ Automatic Locking Mode — If Equipped .....33
▫ Energy Management Feature ..............33
▫ Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................34
▫ Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Use Reminder
System (BeltAlert) ......................34
▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............35
▫ Seat Belt Extender ......................36
▫ Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint Systems (SRS) ..................37
▫ Child Restraint ........................53
䡵 Engine Break-In Recommendations ...........63
䡵 Safety Tips ............................64
▫ Exhaust Gas ..........................64
▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ..............................65
▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle ..............................65
A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The keys for your new vehicle are enclosed in a plastic
bag with the key code number on it. If you received your
keys without the bag, ask your authorized dealer to give
you the number. The key code can also be obtained by
your authorized dealer from your vehicle invoice.
Ignition Key
Insert the key fully, then turn the switch to one of the four
illustrated positions. The key can be inserted or withdrawn only in the OFF position. The gearshift lever must
be in the P (Park) position.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2
Ignition Key Positions
To remove the ignition key, place the gearshift lever in P
(Park), turn the ignition key to OFF and remove the key.
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If the driver’s door is opened when the key is in the
ignition and not turned to the ON position, a chime will
sound to remind you to remove the key.
CAUTION!
Always remove the key from the ignition, and lock
all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) prevents
unauthorized operation of the vehicle by disabling the
engine. The system will shut the engine down after 2
seconds of running if an invalid key is used to start the
vehicle. This system utilizes ignition keys which have an
electronic chip (transponder) embedded into them. Only
keys that have been programmed to the vehicle can be
used to start and operate the vehicle for longer than the
2 second validation time period.
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System does not need to be
armed or activated. Operation of the system is automatic
regardless of whether or not the vehicle is locked or
unlocked. During normal operation, the SKIS indicator
light will come on for 3 seconds immediately after the
ignition switch is turned on for a bulb check. Afterwards,
if the bulb remains on, this indicates a malfunction in the
electronics. If the bulb begins to flash immediately after
the ignition switch is turned on, this indicates that an
invalid key is being used to start the vehicle. Both of
these conditions will result in the engine being shut
down after 2 seconds of running. Keep in mind that a key
which has not been programmed is also considered an
invalid key even if it is cut to fit the ignition for that
vehicle.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
If the SKIS indicator light comes on during normal
vehicle operation (it has been running for longer than 10
seconds) a fault has been detected in the electronics and
the vehicle should be serviced as soon as possible.
NOTE:
•
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not compatible
with remote starting systems. Use of these systems
may result in vehicle starting problems and loss of
security protection.
•
Mobil Speedpass™, additional Sentry Keys, or any
other transponder equipped components on the same
keychain will not cause a key-related (Transponder)
fault unless the additional part is physically held
against the ignition key being used when starting the
vehicle. Also, cell phones, pagers, or other RF electronics will not cause interference with this system.
All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Important Note About Service
A four digit PIN number is needed to service the Sentry
Key Immobilizer System. This number can be obtained
from your authorized dealer. However, this number can
also be found on your customer invoice that you were
given upon receipt of your vehicle.
Replacement Keys
NOTE: Only keys that have been programmed to the
vehicle electronics can be used to start the vehicle. Once
a Sentry Key has been programmed to a vehicle, it cannot
be programmed to any other vehicle.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four digit PIN number. This number is required
for dealer replacement of keys. Duplication of keys may
be performed at an authorized dealer or by using the
Customer Key Programming procedure. This procedure
2
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
consists of programming a blank key to the vehicle
electronics. A blank key is one which has never been
programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry Key System serviced,
bring all vehicle keys to the dealer.
Customer Key Programming
You can program new keys to the system if you have two
valid keys by doing the following:
1. Cut the additional Sentry Key Transponder blank(s) to
match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.
2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch and
turn the ignition switch ON for at least 3 seconds but no
longer than 15 seconds. Turn the ignition switch OFF and
remove the first key.
3. Insert the second valid key and turn the ignition
switch ON within 15 seconds. After ten seconds, a chime
will sound and the SKIS indicator light will begin to
flash. Turn the ignition switch OFF and remove the
second key.
4.
Insert a blank Sentry Key into the ignition switch and
turn the ignition switch ON within 60 seconds. After 10
seconds, a single chime will sound. The SKIS indicator
light will stop flashing, turn on for 3 seconds; then turn off.
The new Sentry Key has been programmed. Repeat this
process to program up to a total of 8 keys.
General Information
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System complies with FCC
rules part 15 and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two 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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
ILLUMINATED ENTRY
The interior lights come on when you open any door.
They will remain on for about 30 seconds after all doors
are closed then fade to off.
The lights also will fade to off if you turn on the ignition
after you close all the doors.
DOORS AND DOOR LOCKS
Manual Door Locks
Use the manual door lock plunger to lock the doors from
inside the vehicle. If the plunger is down when the door
is closed, the door will lock. Therefore, make sure the
keys are not inside the vehicle before closing the door.
WARNING!
For personal security, and safety in the event of an
accident, lock the vehicle doors as you drive as well
as when you park and leave the vehicle.
WARNING!
When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the ignition lock, and lock your vehicle. Do not
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of
vehicle equipment may cause severe personal injuries and death.
2
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR 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.
Child Protection Locks
The rear doors of your vehicle are equipped with child
protection locks. If you push up on the lever on the open
edge of the door it cannot be opened from the inside of
the vehicle. Push the lever down to disengage the child
protection locks.
WARNING!
Avoid trapping anyone in the vehicle in a collision.
Remember that the rear doors can only be opened
from the outside when the child protection locks are
engaged.
Child Lock Control
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
Power Door Locks
A door lock switch is on each front door panel. Press this
switch to lock or unlock the doors.
Power Door Lock Switch
If the plunger is down when the door is closed, the door
will lock. Therefore, make sure the keys are not inside the
vehicle before closing the door.
If you press the door lock switch while the keys are in the
ignition switch, and the driver’s door is open, the doors
will not lock.
The rear doors cannot be opened from inside the vehicle
until you pull up the lock plungers.
Automatic Door Locks
If this feature is selected your door locks will lock
automatically if the vehicle speed is above 15 mph (24
km/h) and all doors are closed. It will reset whenever a
door is opened.
This feature is selectable and can be turned on or off.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) —
Customer Programmable Features” in Section 4 of this
manual or see your authorized dealer.
2
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Automatic Unlock on Exit Feature — Only
Available if Auto Lock is Enabled
This feature will unlock all the doors when the driver’s
door is opened if the vehicle is stopped and in P (Park) or
N (Neutral). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) — Customer Programmable Features” in
Section 4 of this manual or see your authorized dealer.
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors,
liftgate, or activate the panic alarm from distances up to
about 23 feet (7 meters) using a hand held radio transmitter. The transmitter need not be pointed at the vehicle
to activate the system.
NOTE: If the key is in the ignition switch, then all
buttons on that transmitter will be disabled. The buttons
on the remaining transmitters will work. If the vehicle is
shifted out of P (Park), all the transmitter buttons are
disabled for all keys.
Four Button Transmitter
To Unlock the Doors
Press and release the “Unlock” button on the transmitter
once to unlock the driver’s door, or twice to unlock all
doors. The turn signal lights will flash twice to acknowledge the unlock signal. The illuminated entry system also
turns on.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
NOTE: If desired, the system can be programmed to
unlock all doors on the first press of the “Unlock” button.
Refer to “Remote Unlock Driver’s Door 1st” in the
Personal Settings section of the “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”, or simply follow these steps:
1. Press the “Unlock” button for 4 to 10 seconds.
2. While the “Unlock” button is pressed, (after 4 seconds)
press the “Lock” button. Release both buttons.
The “Remote Unlock Driver’s Door 1st” feature can be
reactivated by repeating this procedure.
To Lock the Doors
Press and release the “Lock” button on the transmitter to
lock all doors. The turn signal lights will flash once to
acknowledge the lock signal. The horn will chirp once to
acknowledge the signal. If desired, the “Sound Horn On
Lock” feature can be turned on and off by referring to the
Customer Programmable Features of the “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” section or by following
these steps.
1. Press the “Lock” button for 4 to 10 seconds.
2. While the “Lock” button is pressed (after 4 seconds),
press the PANIC button. Release both buttons.
The “Sound Horn On Lock” feature can be reactivated by
repeating this procedure.
To Release the Liftgate Flipper Glass
Press the “Flipper Glass/Trunk Release” button on the
transmitter two times to release the flipper glass.
Using The Panic Alarm
To turn the panic alarm feature ON or OFF, press and
hold the PANIC button on the 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.
2
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The panic alarm will stay on for 3 minutes unless you
turn it off by pressing the PANIC button a second time or
if the vehicle speed is 15 mph (24 km/h) or greater.
NOTE: The interior lights will turn off when the ignition
is switched to the ACC or ON position after the panic
alarm is activated. However, the exterior lights and horn
will remain on.
NOTE: When you turn off the panic alarm by pressing
the PANIC button a second time, you may have to be
closer to the vehicle due to the radio frequency noises of
the system.
To Turn Off “Flash Lights On Lock/Unlock”
NOTE: If desired, the “Flash Lights On Lock/Unlock”
feature can be turned on and off by referring to the
Customer Programmable Features of the “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” section or by following
these steps.
1. Press the LOCK button for 4 to 10 seconds.
2. While the LOCK button is pressed, (after 4 seconds)
press the UNLOCK button. Release both buttons.
The “Flash Lights On Lock/Unlock” feature can be
reactivated by repeating this procedure.
General Information
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and
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 received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
If your Remote Keyless Entry transmitter fails to operate
from a normal distance, check for these two conditions.
1. A weak battery in the transmitter. The expected life of
the battery is a minimum of three years.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21
2. Closeness to a radio transmitter such as a radio station
tower, airport transmitter, and some mobile or CB radios.
Transmitter Battery Service
The recommended replacement battery is one CR2032
battery.
NOTE: Do not touch the battery terminals that are on
the back housing or the printed circuit board.
1. With the transmitter buttons facing down, use a small
screwdriver or similar flat object to pry the two halves of
the transmitter apart. Make sure not to damage the
rubber gasket during removal.
2
Separating Transmitter 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.
22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
3. To reassemble the transmitter case, snap the two
halves together. Make sure there is an even “gap” between the two halves. Test transmitter operation.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
This system monitors the vehicle doors, liftgate, liftgate
flipper glass, and ignition for unauthorized operation.
When the alarm is activated, the system provides both
audible and visual signals. The horn will sound repeatedly for three minutes and the headlights and taillights
will flash for an additional 15 minutes.
To Set the Alarm
The alarm will set when you use the remote keyless entry
transmitter to lock the doors and liftgate or when you use
the power door lock switch while the door is open. After
all the doors are locked and closed, a red light (located in
the instrument cluster) will flash rapidly for about 16
seconds to signal that the system is arming. During this
16 second pre-arm period, opening any door or the
liftgate will cancel the arming. If the system successfully
arms, the red light will flash at a slower rate to indicate
the alarm is set. A manual lock of the doors, either with
the door lock plunger located on the inside of the doors
or with the driver’s door key lock cylinder, will not set
the alarm.
To Disarm the System
To disarm the system, use the remote keyless entry
transmitter or the key to unlock the driver’s door. If
something has triggered the system in your absence, the
horn will sound three times when you unlock the doors.
Check the vehicle for tampering.
The Security Alarm System is designed to protect your
vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the
system will arm unexpectedly. If you remain in the
vehicle and lock the doors with the transmitter, once the
system 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 remote keyless entry
transmitter to disarm the system. The Security Alarm
System will not disarm with a manual unlock, either
through the lock plunger located on the inside of the
door, or through a key in the driver’s door key cylinder.
LIFTGATE
To open the liftgate, pull up (squeeze) on the handle and
lift. Manually unlocking the vehicle doors with the
plunger or a key in the lock cylinder will not unlock the
liftgate.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23
2
Liftgate Release
24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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.
Liftgate Flipper Glass
The liftgate flipper glass is also unlocked when the
liftgate is unlocked. To open the flipper glass, push up on
the window switch located on the liftgate.
Liftgate Glass Release
WARNING!
To avoid injury stand back when opening. Glass will
automatically rise.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25
Once the liftgate flipper glass has been opened, connection to the rear window wiper is interrupted, preventing
activation of the rear wiper blade while the flipper glass
is open.
NOTE: If a power malfunction to the power liftgate
latch should occur, an emergency liftgate latch release
can be used to open the liftgate. The emergency liftgate
latch release can be accessed through a snap-in cover
located on the liftgate trim panel.
WARNING!
Driving with the flipper glass open can allow poisonous exhaust gases into your vehicle. You and your
passengers could be injured by these fumes. Keep
the flipper glass closed when you are operating the
vehicle.
POWER WINDOWS
The power window controls are located on the driver’s
door trim panel. There is a single switch on the front
passenger door/rear doors which operates the front
passenger/rear passenger door windows.
Power Window Switches
2
26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The power window switches remain active for up to 10
minutes after the ignition switch has been turned off.
Opening a vehicle front door will cancel this feature.
Auto Down
The driver’s window switch has an “Auto Down” feature. Press 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 button. To enable the window controls,
press the window lockout button again.
Power Window Lock
Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped) in certain
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27
open or partially open positions. This is a normal occurrence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with
the sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to minimize
the buffeting.
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS
Some of the most important safety features in your
vehicle are the restraint systems. These include the front
and rear seat belts for the driver and all passengers, front
airbags for both the driver and right front passenger, and,
if equipped, window bags for the driver and passengers
seated next to a window. If you will be carrying children
too small for adult-size belts, your seat belts also can be
used to hold infant and child restraint systems.
NOTE: The front airbags have a multi stage inflator
design. This allows the airbag to have different rates of
inflation that are based on collision severity.
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.
WARNING!
In a collision, you and your passengers can suffer
injuries, including fatalities, 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 which includes you. This can
happen far away from home or on your own street.
2
28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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 to reduce or prevent injuries.
Lap/Shoulder Belts
All seating positions in your vehicle have combination
lap/shoulder belts. The belt webbing retractor is designed to lock during very sudden stops or collisions.
This feature allows the shoulder part of the belt to move
freely with you under normal conditions. But in a collision, the belt will lock and reduce the risk of you striking
the inside of the vehicle or being thrown out.
WARNING!
•
Wearing a seat belt incorrectly is dangerous. Seat
belts are designed to go around the large bones of
your body. These are the strongest parts of your
body and can take the forces of a collision the
best. Wearing your belt in the wrong place could
make your injuries in a collision much worse. You
might suffer internal injuries, or you could even
slide out of part of the belt. Follow these instructions to wear your seat belt safely and to keep
your passengers safe, too.
•
Two people should never be belted into a single
seat belt. People belted together can crash into one
another in an accident, hurting one another badly.
Never use a lap/shoulder belt or a 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 above 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 make the belt
go around your lap.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29
2
Latch Plate
30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
3. When the belt is long enough to fit, insert the latch
plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”
Latch Plate To Buckle
WARNING!
A belt that is buckled into the wrong buckle will not
protect you properly. The lap portion could ride too
high on your body, possibly causing internal injuries.
Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.
A belt that is too loose will not protect you as well. In a
sudden stop you could move too far forward, increasing
the possibility of injury. Wear your seat belt snugly.
A belt that is worn under your arm is very dangerous.
Your body could strike the inside surfaces of the vehicle
in a collision, increasing head and neck injury. A belt
worn under the arm can cause internal injuries. Ribs
aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. Wear the belt over
your shoulder so that your strongest bones will take the
force in a collision.
A shoulder belt placed behind will not protect you from
injury during a collision. You are more likely to hit your
head in a collision if you do not wear your shoulder
belt. The lap and shoulder belt are meant to be used
together.
Loading...