Jeep Wrangler 2004 Owner's Manual
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
5
STARTING AND OPERATING
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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...........................9
............................43
.................................109
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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
INDEX
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10
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1
m Introduction
▫ Roll Over Warning .....................4
m How To Use This Manual
...........................4
.................6
m Warnings And Cautions
m Vehicle Identification Number
m Vehicle Modifications / Alterations
..................7
..............7
..........8
4 INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for selecting a Jeept Wrangler 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 enclosed
vehicles were not intended. It handles and maneuvers
differently from many passenger cars both on-road and
off-road, so take time to become familiar with your
vehicle.
Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the Owner’s
Manual. Be sure you are familiar with all vehicle controls,
particularly those used for braking, steering, 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 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.
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 serious injury
or death. Because of its open-body construction, your
vehicle offers less protection than closed vehicles in the
event of an accident.
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 seal belt. Always buckle up.
INTRODUCTION 5
Although your vehicle may be equipped with a soft top
or optional hard top to give the occupants protection
from the weather, these tops do not offer structural
protection in the event of an accident and do not change
the open-body characteristic of the vehicle. Even though
your vehicle has a sport bar and side bars for some extra
protection, it is a truly open vehicle-there is no structural
integrated top and it has low sides and a folding windshield. Many of these vehicles do not have fully enclosed
hard doors.
Operating this vehicle at excessive speeds or while
intoxicated may result in loss of control, collision with
other vehicles or objects, going off the road, or overturning, any of which may lead to serious injury or death.
Also, failure to use standard seat belts subjects the
driver and passengers to a greater risk of being thrown
out of an open-body vehicle than out of a closed vehicle
in an accident which can result in injury or death.
1
6 INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instructions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE:
After 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 Mopart parts, and is interested
in your satisfaction.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of 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
stamped plate located on the left front corner of the
instrument panel pad, visible from outside of vehicle
through 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.
NOTE:
INTRODUCTION 7
1
It is illegal to remove the VIN plate.
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
m A Word About Your Keys
▫ Ignition Key ..........................11
▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................12
m Sentry Key Immobilizer System —
If Equipped
▫ Important Note About Service .............13
▫ Replacement Keys ......................13
▫ Customer Key Programming ..............13
▫ General Information ....................14
m Steering Wheel Lock — If Equipped
▫ To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel .......14
▫ To Release The Steering Wheel Lock .........14
...........................12
.................11
.........14
m Illuminated Entry — If Equipped
m Doors And Locks
▫ Door Locks ...........................15
m Occupant Restraints
▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................17
▫ Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ....21
▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............21
▫ Seat Belt Extender ......................21
▫ Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint Systems (SRS) — Airbags ..........22
▫ Child Restraint ........................29
m Engine Break-In Recommendations
.......................15
.....................16
...........15
..........39
2
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
m Safety Tips
............................40
▫ Exhaust Gas ..........................40
▫ Safety Checks You Should Make
Inside The Vehicle ......................41
▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle ..............................41
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
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 dealer to give you the
number. The key code can also be obtained by the 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 LOCK position.
To remove the ignition key on models with an automatic
transmission, place the gearshift lever in P (Park), turn
the ignition key to LOCK, and remove the key.
2
To remove the ignition key on models with a manual
transmission, depress and hold the key release button,
turn the ignition key to LOCK, and remove the key.
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition,
sounds a signal 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 — IF
EQUIPPED
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.
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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
•
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
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:
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.
Only keys that have been programmed to the
being used when starting
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four digit PIN number. This number is required
for dealer replacement of keys. Duplication of keys may
be performed at an authorized dealer or by using the
Customer Key Programming procedure. This procedure
consists of programming a blank key to the vehicle
electronics. A blank key is one which has never been
programmed.
NOTE:
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.
When having the Sentry Key System serviced,
2
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering
wheel lock (manual transmission only). This lock prevents steering the vehicle without the ignition key. If the
steering wheel is moved a half turn in either direction
and the key is not in the ignition, the steering wheel will
lock.
To Manually Lock the Steering Wheel
With the engine running, rotate the steering wheel 1/2
revolution from straight ahead position, turn off the
engine and remove the key. Rotate the steering wheel
slightly in both directions until the lock engages.
To Release the Steering Wheel Lock
Insert the key in the ignition and turn the wheel slightly
to the right or left to disengage the lock.
NOTE:
If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to
disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
ILLUMINATED ENTRY — IF EQUIPPED
The interior lights will come on when you open any door.
The lights will remain on after all of the doors are closed,
and then fade to off or they will immediately fade to off
once the ignition switch is turned on.
DOORS AND LOCKS
NOTE:
is used to lock or unlock the doors, tailgate, console
storage, and glove box.
To unlock doors and tailgate insert the key and turn.
Once unlocked, the tailgate can be opened or closed
without using the key.
To open the tailgate, lift the latch release and swing open
the tailgate.
The ignition key that is used to start the vehicle
Door Locks
Doors on both hard-top and soft-top models are
equipped with a rocker-type interior door lock. To lock a
door when leaving your vehicle, press to the “Lock”
position and close the door.
2
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
•
For personal security reasons and safety in an
accident, lock the vehicle doors when you drive as
well as when you park and leave the vehicle.
•
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.
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, and
front airbags for both the driver and front passenger. If
you will be carrying children too small for adult-size
belts, your seat belts can also be used to hold infant and
child restraint systems.
Please pay close attention to the information in this
section. It tells you how to use your restraint system
properly to keep you and your passengers as safe as
possible.
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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even
on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver
and cause a collision that includes you. This can happen
far away from home or on your own street.
Research has shown that seat belts save lives, and that
they can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a collision.
Some of the worst injuries happen when people are
thrown from the vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility
of ejection and the risk of injury caused by striking the
inside of the vehicle. Everyone in a motor vehicle should
be belted at all times to reduce or prevent injuries.
Lap/Shoulder Belts
The outboard front and rear seats of your vehicle are
equipped with lap/shoulder belts.
The belt webbing retractor is designed to lock during
very sudden stops or collisions. This feature allows the
shoulder part of the belt to move freely with you under
normal conditions. But in a collision, the belt will lock
and reduce the risk of your striking the inside of the
vehicle or being thrown out.
WARNING!
•
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 using
a seat belt properly.
2
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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 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 the front
seat, next to your arm in the rear seat. Grasp the latch
plate and pull out the belt. Slide the latch plate up the
webbing as far as necessary to allow the belt to go around
your lap.
3. When the belt is long enough to fit, insert the latch
plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
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 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 the 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.
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.
2
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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 cannot do its job as well. In a
collision it could even cut into you. Be sure the
belt is straight. If you cannot straighten a belt in
your vehicle, take it to your dealer and have it
fixed.
WARNING!
5. Position the shoulder belt on your chest so that it is
comfortable and not resting on your neck. The retractor
will withdraw any slack in the belt.
6. To release the belt, push the red button on the buckle.
The belt will automatically retract to its stowed position.
If necessary, slide the latch plate down the webbing to
allow the belt to retract fully.
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.).
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage
In the front seats, the shoulder belt anchorage can be
adjusted upward or downward to position the belt away
from your neck. Push in on the anchorage near your
outside shoulder and slide it up or down to reach the
position that serves you best.
As a guide, if you are shorter than average, you will
prefer a lower position, and if you are taller than average,
you’ll prefer a higher position. When you release the
anchorage, try to move it up or down to make sure that
it is locked in position.
Seat Belts And Pregnant Women
We recommend that pregnant women use 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.
Seat Belt Extender
If a seat belt is too short, even when fully extended and
when the adjustable upper shoulder belt anchorage (if
equipped) is in its lowest position, your dealer can
provide you with a seat belt extender. This extender
should be used only if the existing belt is not long
enough. When it is not required, remove the extender
and store it.
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22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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 stow the seat belt extender
when not needed.
Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint Systems (SRS) — Airbags
This vehicle has front airbags for both the driver and
front passenger as a supplement to the seat belt restraint
system. The driver’s front airbag is mounted in the center
of the steering wheel. The passenger’s front airbag is
mounted in the instrument panel, above the glove compartment. The words SRS/AIRBAG are embossed on the
airbag covers.
NOTE:
The front airbags are certified to the Federal
regulations that allow less forceful deployment.
NOTE:
Airbag covers may not be obvious in the
interior trim; but they will open to allow airbag deployment.
WARNING!
Do not put anything on or around the front airbag
covers or attempt to manually open them. You may
damage the airbags and you could be injured because the airbags are not there to protect you. These
protective covers for the airbag cushions are designed to open only when the airbags are inflating.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23
Airbags inflate in moderate to high speed impacts. Along
with the seat belts, front airbags work with the instrument panel knee bolsters to provide improved protection
for the driver and front passenger.
The seat belts are designed to protect you in many types
of collisions. The front airbags deploy in moderate to
severe frontal collisions. But even in collisions where the
airbags work, you need the seat belts to keep you in the
right position for the airbags to protect you properly.
Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize the
risk of harm from a deploying airbag.
1. Children 12 years old and under should always ride
buckled up in a rear seat.
Infants in rear-facing child restraints (designed for children up to 20 lbs (9 kg) and at least one year old) should
NEVER ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger front airbag, unless the airbag is turned off. An airbag
deployment can cause severe injury or death to infants in
this position.
Children that are not big enough to properly wear the
vehicle seat belt (Refer to “Child Restraint” in this
section.) should be secured in the rear seat, in a child
restraint or belt-positioning booster seat. 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 must ride in the front
passenger seat because the vehicle is crowded, move the
seat as far back as possible, and use the proper child
restraint. Refer to “Child Restraint” in this section.
You should read the instructions provided with your
child restraint to make sure that you are using it properly.
2. All occupants should use their lap and shoulder belts
properly.
3. The driver and front passenger seats should be moved
back as far as practical to allow the front airbags room to
inflate.
2
24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
•
Relying on the airbags alone could lead to more
severe injuries in a collision. The airbags work
with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In
some collisions the airbags won’t deploy at all.
Always wear your seat belts even though you
have airbags.
•
Being too close to the steering wheel or instrument panel during airbag deployment could cause
serious injury. Airbags need room to inflate. Sit
back, comfortably extending your arms to reach
the steering wheel or instrument panel.
Airbag System Components
The airbag system consists of the following:
•
Airbag Control Module (ACM)
•
Airbag Warning Light
•
Driver Airbag
•
Passenger Airbag
•
Steering Wheel And Column
•
Instrument Panel
•
Crash Sensor
•
Interconnecting Wiring
•
Knee Impact Bolsters
•
Passenger Airbag ON/OFF Switch (If Equipped)
How The Airbag System Works
The Airbag Control Module (ACM) determines if a
•
frontal collision is severe enough to require the airbags
to inflate.
•
The ACM will not detect side, roll over, or rear
impacts.
•
The ACM also monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the system whenever the ignition switch is in
the START or ON position. These include all of the
items listed above except the knee bolster, the instrument panel, and the steering wheel and column. If the
ignition key is in the OFF or ACC position, or not in
the ignition, the airbags are not on and will not inflate.
•
Also, the ACM turns on the “Airbag Warning Light” in
the instrument panel for 6 to 8 seconds when the
ignition is first turned on, then turns the light off. If it
detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns
on the light either momentarily or continuously. If the
ACM detects a malfunction, the “Airbag Warning
Light” will illuminate for a minimum of 12 seconds
and will remain illuminated as long as the malfunction
exists.
WARNING!
Ignoring the “Airbag Warning Light” in your instrument panel could mean you won’t have the airbags
to protect you in a collision. If the light does not
come on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it
comes on as you drive, have the airbag system
checked right away.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25
•
The Driver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Units are
located in the center of the steering wheel and in the
instrument panel. When the ACM detects a collision
requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator units. A
large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate
the airbags. The airbag covers separate and fold out of
the way as the bags inflate to full size. The bags fully
inflate in about 50 milliseconds. This is about half of
the time it takes to blink your eyes. The airbags then
quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and
front passenger. The driver’s front airbag gas is vented
through the airbag material towards the instrument
panel. The passenger’s front airbag gas is vented
through vent holes in the sides of the airbag. In this
way the airbags do not interfere with your control of
the vehicle.
•
The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees and
position the driver and front passenger’s for the best
interaction with the front airbag.
2
26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch — If Equipped
NOTE:
The Passenger Airbag ON/OFF Switch is designed so that the switch position can be changed using
the ignition key. The key inserts into the switch far
enough to fully depress a spring-loaded locking plunger,
and then rotates to the desired position. The key will not
insert fully into the switch, and the spring-loaded locking
plunger prevents the key from remaining in the switch.
The Passenger Airbag ON/OFF Switch is located on the
instrument panel. The switch is to be turned off only if
the passenger is an infant (less than 1 year old) or a child
(age 1 to 12) who must ride in the front seat because there
is no rear seat.
WARNING!
Whenever an airbag is turned off, even a lap/
shoulder belted passenger may hit their head, neck,
or chest on the dashboard (instrument panel) or
windshield in a crash. This may result in serious
injury or death.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27
To Shut Off the Passenger Airbag
1. Turn ignition to OFF position.
2. Remove the water-resistant plug.
3. Place the ignition key in the Passenger Airbag ON/
OFF Switch, press inward and turn the key to the right to
the OFF position. This will shut off the passenger airbag.
4. Reinstall the water-resistant plug.
NOTE:
in the OFF position, a indicator light will illuminate when
the ignition is ON. If the indicator light does not illuminate for 3 seconds after the ignition is turned ON, or
when the Passenger Airbag ON/OFF Switch is turned
OFF (while ignition is in the ON position), have an
authorized dealer service the system immediately.
To Turn On the Passenger Airbag
1. Turn ignition to OFF position.
2. Remove the water-resistant plug.
When the Passenger Airbag ON/OFF Switch is
3. Place the ignition key in the Passenger Airbag ON/
OFF Switch, press inward and turn the key to the left to
the ON position. This will turn on the passenger airbag.
4. Reinstall the water-resistant plug.
NOTE:
Switch on or off with the ignition in the ON/RUN or
START positions, as the ACM could cause the “Airbag
Warning Lamp” to illuminate.
If A Deployment Occurs
The airbag system is designed to deploy when the impact
sensors detect a moderate-to-severe frontal collision, to
help restrain the driver and right front passenger, and
then to immediately deflate.
NOTE:
need airbag protection will not activate the system. This
does not mean something is wrong with the airbag
system.
Do not turn the Passenger Airbag ON/OFF
A frontal collision that is not severe enough to
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28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
If you do have a collision which deploys the airbags, any
or all of the following may occur:
•
The nylon airbag material may sometimes cause abrasions and/or skin reddening to the driver and front
passenger as the airbags 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 airbags deflate you may see some smoke-like
particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the
process that generates the nontoxic gas used for airbag
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.
•
It is not advisable to drive your vehicle after the
airbags have deployed. If you are involved in another
collision, the airbags will not be in place to protect you.
WARNING!
Deployed airbags cannot protect you in another
collision. Have the airbags replaced by an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29
Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
•
Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbags are 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 frame.
•
You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolster.
•
It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has airbags.
Airbag Warning Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to inflate for your
protection in an collision. While the airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free, if any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
immediately.
•
The “Airbag Warning Light” does not come on or
flickers during the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition
switch is first turned on.
•
The “Airbag Warning Light” remains on or flickers
after the 6 to 8 second interval.
•
The “Airbag Warning Light” flickers or comes on and
remains on while driving.
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time-babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
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30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Children 12 years and under 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.
WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny
baby, can become a missile inside the vehicle. The
force required to hold even an infant on your lap can
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.
Infants and Small Children
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 ensure that you have the right
seat for your child. Use the restraint that is correct for
your child.
•
The rearward-facing infant carrier is for babies weighing up to about 20 lbs (9 kg), and one year old or more.
The infant restraint must NEVER be used in the front
seat of a vehicle with a front passenger airbag unless
the airbag is turned off. An airbag deployment could
cause severe injury or death to infants in this position.
The infant carrier is held in the vehicle by the lap belt,
lap/shoulder belt, or the LATCH child restraint anchorage system.
•
Children under one year of age should continue to ride
in a rear-facing infant seat, even if they weigh more
than 20 lbs (9 kg). A “convertible” child seat, one that
is designed to be used either rearward-facing or
forward-facing, should be used for children who are
too heavy for the infant carrier, but who are too young
to face forward in the vehicle.
•
The forward-facing child seat is for children from
about 20–40 lbs (9–18 kg), and more than one year old.
The child seat is held in the vehicle by the lap belt,
lap/shoulder belt, or the LATCH child restraint anchorage system.
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