Pontiac Vibe 2010 User Manual

2010 Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual M

Keys, Doors and
Windows

Keys and Locks
Doors
Vehicle Security
Exterior Mirrors
Interior Mirrors
Windows
Roof

............................ 1-1

.............. 1-2

............................ 1-6

.............. 1-7

............. 1-10

.............. 1-11

...................... 1-11

............................ 1-13

Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints
Front Seats
Rear Seats
Safety Belts
Airbag System
Child Restraints

Storage

Storage Compartments
Additional Storage

Roof Rack System

.............................. 3-1

Features

.............. 2-2

.................... 2-3

.................... 2-7

................... 2-8

.............. 2-23

............. 2-37

..................... 3-2

......... 2-1

.... 3-1

.......... 3-5

Instruments and
Controls

Instrument Panel
Controls

Warning Lights, Gages,
Vehicle Personalization

OnStar System

Lighting

Exterior Lighting
Interior Lighting
Lighting Features

............................. 4-1

Overview

and Indicators

.................... 4-2

......................... 4-4

............. 4-23

............................. 5-1

.............. 5-1

............... 5-4

Infotainment System

Introduction
Radio
Audio Players

Climate Controls

Climate Control Systems
Air Vents
Maintenance

.................... 6-1

............................ 6-4

................. 6-9

............... 7-1

....................... 7-4

................... 7-4

............. 4-8

... 4-21

............ 5-5

......... 6-1

... 7-1

Driving and Operating

Driving Information
Starting and Operating
Engine Exhaust
Automatic

Transmission
Manual Transmission
Drive Systems
Brakes
Ride Control Systems
Cruise Control
Fuel
Towing
Conversions and

Add-Ons

......................... 8-32

............................ 8-38

........................ 8-43

Vehicle Care

General Information
Vehicle Checks
Headlamp Aiming
Bulb Replacement
Electrical System

............. 8-23

............. 8-24

.............. 8-31

............... 8-36

................... 8-50

...................... 9-1

............... 9-4

.......... 9-32

......... 9-33

........... 9-37

....... 8-1

.......... 8-2

... 8-16

..... 8-29

.... 8-33

......... 9-2

Wheels and Tires
Jump Starting
Towing
Appearance Care

........................ 9-73

Service and
Maintenance

General Information
Scheduled

Maintenance

Recommended Fluids,

Lubricants, and
Parts

Maintenance Records

..................... 10-1

...................... 10-15

.......... 9-43

............... 9-69

.......... 9-75

....... 10-1

.............. 10-3

... 10-18

Technical Data

Vehicle Identification
Vehicle Data

................. 11-1

................. 11-2

Customer Information

Customer Information
Reporting Safety

Defects

Vehicle Data Recording

and Privacy

................................... i-1

Index

................... 12-13

............. 12-14

...... 11-1

...... 12-1

..... 12-1

Introduction iii

Introduction

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM
Emblem, PONTIAC, the PONTIAC
Emblem and the name VIBE
are registered trademarks of
General Motors Corporation.

This manual includes the latest
information at the time it was
printed. GM reserves the right
to make changes after that
time without further notice.

Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 20784572 A First Printing

For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name “General Motors
of Canada Limited” for Pontiac
Division wherever it appears in
this manual.

This manual describes features
that may or may not be on
your specific vehicle.

Read this manual from beginning to
end to learn about the vehicle’s
features and controls. Pictures,
symbols, and words work together
to explain vehicle operation.

Keep this manual in the vehicle for
quick reference.

©

2008 General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Canadian Vehicle
Owners

Canadian Owners
(Propriétaires Canadiens)

A French language copy of
this manual can be obtained from
your dealer/retailer or from:

On peut obtenir un exemplaire de
ce guide en français auprès du
concessionnaire ou à l’adresse
suivante:

Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207

1-800-551-4123
Numéro de poste 6438 de langue

française
www.helminc.com

iv Introduction

Using this Manual

To quickly locate information about
the vehicle use the Index in the back
of the manual. It is an alphabetical
list of what is in the manual and the
page number where it can be found.

Danger, Warnings, and
Cautions

A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means “Do Not,”
“Do not do this” or “Do not let this
happen.”

A box with the word CAUTION is
used to tell about things that could
hurt you or others if you were to
ignore the warning.

{ CAUTION

These mean there is something
that could hurt you or other
people.

Cautions tell what the hazard is and
what to do to avoid or reduce the
hazard. Read these cautions.

A notice tells about something that
can damage the vehicle.

Notice: These mean there is
something that could damage
your vehicle.

Many times, this damage would
not be covered by the vehicle’s
warranty, and it could be costly.
The notice tells what to do to help
avoid the damage.

There are also warning labels on
the vehicle which use the same
words, CAUTION or Notice.

Symbols

The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead
of text. Symbols are shown along
with the text describing the operation
or information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gage, or indicator.

M : This symbol is shown when

you need to see your owner manual
for additional instructions or
information.

* : This symbol is shown when

you need to see a service manual
for additional instructions or
information.

Introduction v

Vehicle Symbol Chart

Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer
to the index.

9 : Airbag Readiness Light
# : Air Conditioning
! : Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g : Audio Steering Wheel

Controls or OnStar

®

$ : Brake System Warning Light
" : Charging System

I : Cruise Control

B : Engine Coolant Temperature

O : Exterior Lamps

# : Fog Lamps

. : Fuel Gage

+ : Fuses

i : Headlamp High/Low-Beam

Changer

j : LATCH System Child Restraints

* : Malfunction Indicator Lamp
: : Oil Pressure

} : Power

/ : Remote Vehicle Start

> : Safety Belt Reminders

7 : Tire Pressure Monitor
F : Traction Control
M : Windshield Washer Fluid

vi Introduction

✍ NOTES

Keys, Doors and Windows 1-1

Keys, Doors and Windows

Keys and Locks

Doors

...................................1-2

Keys
Remote Keyless Entry

(RKE) System

Remote Keyless Entry

(RKE) System Operation
Door Locks
Power Door Locks
Safety Locks

Liftgate

................................1-6

.....................1-3

..........................1-5

.................1-6

........................1-6

.......1-3

Vehicle Security

Vehicle Security
Anti-Theft Alarm System
Immobilizer
Immobilizer Operation

....................1-7

...........................1-9

Exterior Mirrors

Power Mirrors
Folding Mirrors

.....................1-10

....................1-10

Interior Mirrors

Manual Rearview Mirror

Windows

Windows
Power Windows
Sun Visors

............................1-11

..................1-12

.........................1-12

Roof

Sunroof

..............................1-13

.........1-7

............1-9

........1-11

1-2 Keys, Doors and Windows

Keys and Locks

Keys

{ CAUTION

Leaving children in a vehicle with
the ignition key is dangerous for
many reasons, children or others
could be badly injured or even
killed. They could operate the
power windows or other controls
or even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function with the
keys in the ignition and children
could be seriously injured or killed
if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave the keys in
a vehicle with children.

The key is used for the ignition,
doors, and all other locks.

The key number is on the tag
attached to the key ring. Keep this
tag and give it to your dealer/retailer
if a new key needs to be made.

If the vehicle has an Immobilizer
theft deterrent system, the key has
a transponder in the key that
matches a decoder in the vehicle.
See Immobilizer Operation on
page 1-9 for additional information.

Do not do any of the following to
keys with a transponder:

• Cover the key.

• Hit the key hard against other

objects.

• Expose it to high temperatures

for a long time.

• Put the key in water.

• Use the key with electromagnetic

materials.

Any new Immobilizer key must be
programmed before it will start
the vehicle. See your dealer/retailer.

In an emergency, contact Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside

Assistance Program on page 12-6

for more information.

Notice: If you ever lock your
keys in the vehicle, you may have
to damage the vehicle to get in.
Be sure you have spare keys.

Keys, Doors and Windows 1-3

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System

See Radio Frequency Statement
(US, Can) on page 12-16 for

information regarding Part 15 of
the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and
RSS-210/211 of Industry and
Science Canada.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation

The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter functions work up
to 30 feet (9 m) away from the
vehicle.

Q (Lock): Press to lock all the

doors and liftgate.
The hazard warning flashers flash

once to confirm that the doors
have locked.

W (Unlock): Press once to unlock

the driver door. If
again within three seconds, all
remaining doors unlock. The hazard
warning flashers flash twice to
confirm that the door has unlocked.

W is pressed

HOLD

p (Panic): Press to activate

the alarm. The lights flash and
the horn sounds. The alarm turns
off when the ignition is turned

to ON/RUN or HOLD
again. The ignition must be in
LOCK/OFF or ACC/ACCESSORY
for the alarm to work.

p is pressed

Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle

Only RKE transmitters programmed
to this vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer/
retailer. When the replacement
transmitter is programmed to this
vehicle, all remaining transmitters
must also be reprogrammed. Any
lost or stolen transmitters will no
longer work once the new transmitter
is programmed. Each vehicle can
have up to four transmitters
programmed to it.

1-4 Keys, Doors and Windows

Battery Replacement

The battery in the transmitter is
weak and should be changed if it
does not work at the normal range in
any location.

Notice: When replacing the
battery, do not touch any of the
circuitry on the transmitter. Static
from your body could damage
the transmitter.

To replace the battery, use
a flat, thin non-metal object or
tape-wrapped metal object.

1. Separate the transmitter.

3. Open the module cover.

4. Remove the old battery.

5. Insert the new battery,
positive (+) side facing up.
Replace with a CR2025 or
equivalent battery.

6. Snap the module back together
and replace it in the transmitter.

7. Snap the front and back of the
transmitter together.

2. Remove the module.

Keys, Doors and Windows 1-5

Door Locks

{ CAUTION

Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.

• Passengers, especially

children, can easily open
the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. When a door
is locked, the handle will not
open it. The chance of being
thrown out of the vehicle in
a crash is increased if the
doors are not locked. So, all
passengers should wear
safety belts properly and the
doors should be locked
whenever the vehicle is
driven.

(Continued)

CAUTION (Continued)

• Young children who get into

unlocked vehicles may be
unable to get out. A child can
be overcome by extreme heat
and can suffer permanent
injuries or even death from
heat stroke. Always lock the
vehicle whenever leaving it.

• Outsiders can easily enter

through an unlocked door
when you slow down or stop
your vehicle. Locking your
doors can help prevent this
from happening.

To lock and unlock your vehicle
from the outside, use your key or the
Remote Keyless Entry transmitter,
if equipped. See Remote Keyless

Entry (RKE) System Operation
on page 1-3 for more information.

Open the driver door, on vehicles
with power door locks, by turning the
key in the lock toward the rear of
the vehicle.

Turn the key back toward the center
and toward the rear again, within
three seconds, to unlock all of the
doors. Use the key in the passenger
door to also unlock all of the doors.

Lock a door by turning the key
toward the front of the vehicle.
If you have power door locks,
all the doors will lock.

To manually lock or unlock the door
from the inside, move the lever
on the door forward or rearward.
The driver and front passenger door
open from the inside while locked.

With manual locks, the key must
be used to lock and unlock the
liftgate.

1-6 Keys, Doors and Windows

Power Door Locks

On vehicles with this feature, the
power door lock switch is located on
the armrest of the driver and front
passenger door.

Q : Press to lock all the doors.
K : Press to unlock all the doors.

Safety Locks

Rear door security locks prevent
passengers from opening the
rear doors from the inside.

Open the rear doors to access the
security locks.

To set these locks, slide the lever
down on each door and close it.
The doors can only be opened from
outside with the door unlocked.
To return the doors to normal
operation, slide the lever up.

Doors

Liftgate

{ CAUTION

Exhaust gases can enter the
vehicle if it is driven with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch open, or with
any objects that pass through the
seal between the body and the
trunk/hatch or liftgate. Engine
exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.

If the vehicle must be driven with
the liftgate, or trunk/hatch open:

• Close all of the windows.

• Fully open the air outlets on or

under the instrument panel.

(Continued)

Keys, Doors and Windows 1-7

CAUTION (Continued)

• Adjust the Climate Control

system to a setting that
brings in only outside air
and set the fan speed to the
highest setting. See Climate
Control System in the Index.

• If the vehicle is equipped with

a power liftgate, disable the
power liftgate function.

For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 8-23.

Unlock and open the liftgate by
inserting the key, turning it
counterclockwise and raise it
by hand.

Close the liftgate by using the
handle to pull it down.

Lock the liftgate by inserting the
key and turning it clockwise to the
first position.

See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

System Operation on page 1-3

for more information.

Vehicle Security

Vehicle theft is big business,
especially in some cities. This
vehicle has theft-deterrent features,
however, they do not make it
impossible to steal.

Anti-Theft Alarm System

This vehicle may have a
theft-deterrent system that activates
an alarm if attempts are made to
damage or break into the vehicle.
The alarm sounds and the lights
flash.

1-8 Keys, Doors and Windows

The security light is in the center of
the instrument panel.

Arming the System

To arm the system:

1. Close all the doors and the
liftgate.

2. Lock the doors and liftgate with
the key or Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter.

The security light comes on
solid.

The system is armed after
30 seconds and the security
light will flash.

Unlocking the vehicle from the
inside activates the system.

To avoid setting off the alarm make
sure all passengers are out of
the vehicle and the windows are
closed before arming the system.

Disarming the System

To disarm the alarm do one of the
following:

• Unlock the doors with the key.

• Unlock the doors and liftgate with

the RKE transmitter.

• Start the engine.

Testing the Alarm

To test the alarm:

1. Open all the windows.

2. Set the system by closing and
locking the doors and liftgate
with the RKE transmitter.
Wait until the security light is
flashing.

3. Unlock the driver door from
the inside. The system should
activate the alarm.

4. Stop the alarm as described in
the disarming procedure.

5. Repeat this operation for the
other doors. Check that the
system is activated when
the battery terminal is
disconnected and then
reconnected.

If the system does not work
properly, have it checked by your
dealer/retailer.

Keys, Doors and Windows 1-9

How the System Alarm is
Activated

The system activates the alarm if:

• A locked door or the liftgate

is unlocked or opened without the
RKE transmitter.

• A locked door is unlocked or

opened without the key.

• The liftgate is unlocked or

opened with the key.

• The battery is reconnected.

• The side windows are tapped or

broken.

Do not leave the key or device that
disarms or deactivates the theft
deterrent system in the vehicle.

Immobilizer

See Radio Frequency Statement
(US, Can) on page 12-16 for

information regarding Part 15 of
the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and
RSS-210/211 of Industry and
Science Canada.

Immobilizer Operation

This vehicle has a passive
theft-deterrent system.

You do not have to manually arm or
disarm the system.

The system is automatically armed
when the key is removed from
the ignition.

The security light is in the center of
the instrument panel. It comes
on if there is a problem with arming
or disarming the theft-deterrent
system.

The security light flashes when the
system is armed.

Only the correct key starts the
vehicle.

If the engine does not start, there
could be a problem with the
theft-deterrent system. Turn the
ignition off and try again.

If the engine still does not start, and
the key appears to be undamaged,
try another ignition key. Check
the fuse. See Fuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 9-38.

If the engine still does not start with
the other key, the vehicle needs
service. If the vehicle does start, the
first key may be faulty. See your
dealer/retailer who can service the
theft-deterrent system and have
a new key made.

1-10 Keys, Doors and Windows

If any of the following conditions
occur, contact your dealer/retailer.

• The security light stays on.

• The security light does not start

flashing when the key is
removed from the ignition.

• The security light flashes

inconsistently.

See your dealer/retailer to have a
new key with a transponder made.

In an emergency, contact
Roadside Assistance Program.
See Roadside Assistance Program
on page 12-6.

Do not leave the key or device that
disarms or deactivates the theft
deterrent system in the vehicle.

Exterior Mirrors

Power Mirrors

The controls are located to
the left of the steering wheel
on the instrument panel. The
vehicle must be in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY to adjust the
mirrors.

1. Adjust either mirror by pushing
the selector switch to the
L (left) or R (right).

2. Use the arrows on the control
pad to adjust the direction of
the mirror.

3. Move the selector switch back to
the center. This locks the mirrors
in place.

Folding Mirrors

Manually fold the mirrors inward to
prevent damage when going through
an automatic car wash. To fold, push
the mirror toward the vehicle. Push
the mirror outward, to return to its
original position.

Keys, Doors and Windows 1-11

Interior Mirrors

Manual Rearview Mirror

Adjust the inside rearview mirror
to see clearly behind the vehicle.
Hold the mirror in the center to
move it up, down, and side to
side. The day/night lever lets you
adjust the mirror to avoid glare from
headlamps behind your vehicle.
Move the lever to the right for
nighttime use and back to the
center for daytime use.

Vehicles with OnStar have three
additional control buttons located at
the bottom of the mirror. See your
dealer/retailer for more information
on the system and how to subscribe
to OnStar. See OnStar
page 4-23 for more information on
the services OnStar provides.

®

System on

Windows

{ CAUTION

Leaving children, helpless adults,
or pets in a vehicle with the
windows closed is dangerous.
They can be overcome by
the extreme heat and suffer
permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Never leave a
child, a helpless adult, or a pet
alone in a vehicle, especially with
the windows closed in warm or
hot weather.

Manual Windows

Turn the crank on the door to open
and close a manual window.

1-12 Keys, Doors and Windows

Power Windows

{ CAUTION

Leaving children in a vehicle with
the keys is dangerous for many
reasons, children or others could
be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power
windows or other controls or even
make the vehicle move. The
windows will function and they
could be seriously injured or killed
if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave keys in a
vehicle with children.

When there are children in the
rear seat use the window lockout
button to prevent unintentional
operation of the windows.

On vehicles with this feature, the
power windows only work when the
ignition is turned to ON/RUN or
in Retained Accessory Power
(RAP). See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) on page 8-18.

Switches on the driver door control
the driver and passenger windows.
Each passenger door has a
switch to control that window.

Press or pull the front of a switch to
lower or raise a window.

AUTO (Express-Down): Press all
the way down and release to lower
the driver window automatically. Pull
up at any time to stop the window
from lowering.

o (Lock-Out): Press the lock-out

button, located on the driver door,
to disable the passenger power
windows and again to enable them.

Only the driver window can be
operated when the lock-out feature
is used.

Sun Visors

Pull the visor toward you or move it
to the side to help reduce glare.

To use the mirror, slide the attached
cover.

Keys, Doors and Windows 1-13

Roof

Sunroof

On vehicles with a sunroof, the
controls are on the overhead
console. The ignition must be in
ON/RUN or Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) for the sunroof
to work.

TILT: Slide the sunshade back.
Press to tilt the sunroof. Press again
to stop movement at any time.

DOWN: Press to lower the sunroof.

SLIDE: Press to open the sunroof. It

express opens and stops before the
fully open position. Press again to
fully open. Press the switch at any
time to stop the sunroof from moving.
If the sunshade is closed it opens
with the sunroof.

CLOSE: Press to express close
the sunroof. Press again to
stop movement at any time.

The sunshade must be closed
by hand.

Anti-Pinch Feature

If there is an obstruction when
the sunroof is closing, it stops and
partly opens again. Remove the
obstruction and press the button
again to close the sunroof.

1-14 Keys, Doors and Windows

✍ NOTES

Seats and Restraints 2-1

Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints

Head Restraints
Active Head Restraints

Front Seats

Seat Position
Seat Adjustment
Reclining Seatbacks
Folding Seatback

Rear Seats

Rear Seats

Safety Belts

Safety Belts
How to Wear Safety Belts

Properly
Lap-Shoulder Belt
Safety Belt Use During

Pregnancy
Safety Belt Extender

....................2-2

........................2-3

....................2-4

..............2-4

..................2-6

...........................2-7

..........................2-8

............................2-12

................2-18

........................2-20

............2-21

...........2-3

Safety System Check
Safety Belt Care
Replacing Safety Belt

System Parts After
a Crash

..................2-22

............................2-22

Airbag System

Airbag System
Where Are the Airbags?
When Should an Airbag

Inflate?

What Makes an Airbag

Inflate?

How Does an Airbag

Restrain?

What Will You See After

an Airbag Inflates?

Passenger Sensing

System

Servicing the

Airbag-Equipped Vehicle

Adding Equipment to the

Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Airbag System Check
Replacing Airbag System

Parts After a Crash

....................2-23

.............................2-26

.............................2-27

..........................2-28

.............................2-29

...........2-21

.......2-24

.............2-28

.....2-34

.....2-35

...........2-36

............2-36

Child Restraints

Older Children
Infants and Young

Children
Child Restraint Systems
Where to Put the

Restraint
Lower Anchors and Tethers

for Children (LATCH

System)
Replacing LATCH System

Parts After a Crash
Securing Child Restraints

(Rear Seat Position)
Securing Child Restraints

(Right Front Seat Position)

.....................2-37

............................2-38

...........................2-43

............................2-45

............2-51

...........2-51

........2-41

....2-53

2-2 Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints

The front seats have adjustable
head restraints. The rear seats have
adjustable headrests in all seating
positions.

{ CAUTION

With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly,
there is a greater chance that
occupants will suffer a neck/spinal
injury in a crash. Do not drive
until the head restraints for all
occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.

Adjust the head restraint so that the
top of the restraint is at the same
height as the top of the occupant’s
head. This position reduces the
chance of a neck injury in a crash.

Pull the head restraint up to
raise it.

To lower the head restraint,
press the button, located on the
top of the seatback, and push the
restraint down.

Push down on the head restraint
after the button is released to make
sure that it is locked in place.

Seats and Restraints 2-3

The head restraints are not
designed to be removed.

Always raise the rear center head
rest at least one position when there
is a passenger seated there.

Active Head Restraints

Active Head Restraint System

The vehicle has an active head
restraint system in the front seating
positions. These automatically tilt
forward to reduce the risk of neck
injury if the vehicle is hit from behind.

Front Seats

Seat Position

{ CAUTION

You can lose control of the
vehicle if you try to adjust a
manual driver’s seat while the
vehicle is moving. The sudden
movement could startle and
confuse you, or make you push
a pedal when you do not want to.
Adjust the driver’s seat only when
the vehicle is not moving.

To move a manual seat forward or
rearward:

1. Lift the bar to unlock the seat.

2. Slide the seat to the desired
position and release the bar.

Try to move the seat to be sure it is
locked in place.

2-4 Seats and Restraints

Seat Adjustment

The driver seat height adjuster is
located on the outboard side of the
seat. To raise or lower the seat,
pull up or push down on the lever
repeatedly until the seat is at the
desired height.

Reclining Seatbacks

{ CAUTION

You can lose control of the
vehicle if you try to adjust a
manual driver’s seat while the
vehicle is moving. The sudden
movement could startle and
confuse you, or make you push
a pedal when you do not want to.
Adjust the driver’s seat only
when the vehicle is not moving.

{ CAUTION

If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.

Seats and Restraints 2-5

{ CAUTION

Sitting in a reclined position when
the vehicle is in motion can be
dangerous. Even when buckled
up, the safety belts cannot do
their job when reclined like this.

The shoulder belt cannot do its
job because it will not be against
your body. Instead, it will be in
front of you. In a crash, you could
go into it, receiving neck or other
injuries.

(Continued)

CAUTION (Continued)

The lap belt cannot do its job
either. In a crash, the belt could
go up over your abdomen. The
belt forces would be there, not
at your pelvic bones. This could
cause serious internal injuries.

For proper protection when the
vehicle is in motion, have the
seatback upright. Then sit well
back in the seat and wear the
safety belt properly.

On vehicles with manual reclining
seatbacks the lever used to operate
them is located on the outboard
side of the seat.

To recline the seatback:

1. Lift the recline lever.

2. Move the seatback to the desired
position, then release the lever to
lock the seatback in place.

3. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.

To return the seatback to an upright
position:

1. Lift the lever fully, without
applying pressure to the
seatback, and the seatback will
return to the upright position.

2. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.

2-6 Seats and Restraints

Folding Seatback

{ CAUTION

If you fold the seatback forward to
carry longer objects, such as skis,
be sure any such cargo is not near
an airbag. In a crash, an inflating
airbag might force that object
toward a person. This could
cause severe injury or even death.
Secure objects away from the area
in which an airbag would inflate.
For more information, see Where
Are the Airbags? on page 2-24.

{ CAUTION

Things you put on this seatback
can strike and injure people in a
sudden stop or turn, or in a crash.
Remove or secure all items
before driving.

On vehicles with this feature, the
seatback folds down to allow for
more cargo space. When the area
is not being used for more cargo
space or as a temporary table, put
the seatback in the locked, upright
position. Only adjust the seat when
the vehicle is not moving.

To fold the seatback down:

1. Move the seat rearward.

2. Lower the head restraint to the
lowest position and make sure
the seatback is at the most
upright position and locked.

3. Pull up on one of the levers
located on either side of the back
of the passenger seatback.

4. Fold the seatback down.

Seats and Restraints 2-7

To raise the seatback:

1. Pull up on one of the levers
located on either side of the back
of the passenger’s seatback.

2. Pull the seatback up and push it
back to lock it into place. Make
sure the safety belt is not twisted
or caught in the seatback.

3. Push and pull the top of the
seatback to be sure it is
locked into position.

4. Use the reclining front seatback
lever to adjust the seatback to a
comfortable position.

Rear Seats

You can fold either side of the
seatback down. The rear right side
seatback can also be used as a
temporary table while the vehicle
is stopped.

{ CAUTION

A rear seatback folded forward,
or any other object contacting or
pressing the front seatback may
affect the proper functioning of
the passenger sensing system.
See Passenger Sensing System
on page 2-29.

To fold either seatback down:

1. Move the front seat forward
and the seatback to the upright
position.

2. Move the headrests all the
way down.

3. Pull up on the lock release knob,
located on the top outboard side
of the seatback.

Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.

4. Fold the seatback down.

2-8 Seats and Restraints

To raise the seatback:

1. Pull the seatback up and
push it back to lock it into place.
The safety belts should not be
twisted or caught in the seatback.

{ CAUTION

A safety belt that is improperly
routed, not properly attached,
or twisted will not provide the
protection needed in a crash.
The person wearing the belt could
be seriously injured. After raising
the rear seatback, always check
to be sure that the safety belts are
properly routed and attached, and
are not twisted.

2. Push and pull the top of the
seatback to check that it is locked
into position.

{ CAUTION

If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.

Safety Belts

This section of the manual describes
how to use safety belts properly.
It also describes some things not
to do with safety belts.

{ CAUTION

Do not let anyone ride where
a safety belt cannot be worn
properly. In a crash, if you or your
passenger(s) are not wearing
safety belts, the injuries can be
much worse. You can hit things
inside the vehicle harder or be
ejected from the vehicle. You and
your passenger(s) can be seriously
injured or killed. In the same crash,
you might not be, if you are
buckled up. Always fasten your
safety belt, and check that your
passenger(s) are restrained
properly too.

Seats and Restraints 2-9

{ CAUTION

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
safety belts. Be sure everyone in
your vehicle is in a seat and using
a safety belt properly.

This vehicle has indicators as a
reminder to buckle the safety belts.
See Safety Belt Reminders on
page 4-11 for additional information.

In most states and in all Canadian
provinces, the law requires wearing
safety belts. Here is why:

You never know if you will be in a
crash. If you do have a crash, you do
not know if it will be a serious one.

A few crashes are mild, and some
crashes can be so serious that even
buckled up, a person would not
survive. But most crashes are in
between. In many of them, people
who buckle up can survive and
sometimes walk away. Without
safety belts they could have been
badly hurt or killed.

After more than 40 years of safety
belts in vehicles, the facts are clear.
In most crashes buckling up does
matter... a lot!

Why Safety Belts Work

When you ride in or on anything,
you go as fast as it goes.

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose
it is just a seat on wheels.

2-10 Seats and Restraints

Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the

vehicle. The rider does not stop.

The person keeps going until
stopped by something. In a real
vehicle, it could be the windshield...

or the instrument panel... or the safety belts!

With safety belts, you slow down as
the vehicle does. You get more time
to stop. You stop over more distance,
and your strongest bones take the
forces. That is why safety belts make
such good sense.

Seats and Restraints 2-11

Questions and Answers About
Safety Belts

Will I be trapped in the vehicle

Q:

after a crash if I am wearing a
safety belt?

A: You could be — whether you are

wearing a safety belt or not. But
your chance of being conscious
during and after an accident, so
you can unbuckle and get out, is
much greater if you are belted.
And you can unbuckle a safety
belt, even if you are upside down.

Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why

should I have to wear safety
belts?

A: Airbags are supplemental

systems only; so they work with
safety belts — not instead of
them. Whether or not an airbag
is provided, all occupants still
have to buckle up to get the most
protection. That is true not only
in frontal collisions, but especially
in side and other collisions.

2-12 Seats and Restraints

Q: If I am a good driver, and I

never drive far from home,
why should I wear safety
belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver,

but if you are in a crash — even
one that is not your fault — you
and your passenger(s) can be
hurt. Being a good driver does not
protect you from things beyond
your control, such as bad drivers.

Most accidents occur within
25 miles (40 km) of home.
And the greatest number of
serious injuries and deaths
occur at speeds of less
than 40 mph (65 km/h).

Safety belts are for everyone.

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

This section is only for people of
adult size.

Be aware that there are special
things to know about safety belts
and children. And there are different
rules for smaller children and infants.
If a child will be riding in the vehicle,
see Older Children on page 2-37
or Infants and Young Children on
page 2-38. Follow those rules for
everyone’s protection.

It is very important for all occupants
to buckle up. Statistics show that
unbelted people are hurt more often
in crashes than those who are
wearing safety belts.

Occupants who are not buckled up
can be thrown out of the vehicle
in a crash. And they can strike
others in the vehicle who are
wearing safety belts.

First, before you or your
passenger(s) wear a safety belt,
there is important information
you should know.

Sit up straight and always keep
your feet on the floor in front of you.
The lap part of the belt should be
worn low and snug on the hips,
just touching the thighs. In a crash,
this applies force to the strong pelvic
bones and you would be less likely
to slide under the lap belt.

Seats and Restraints 2-13

If you slid under it, the belt would
apply force on your abdomen.
This could cause serious or even
fatal injuries. The shoulder belt
should go over the shoulder and
across the chest. These parts of
the body are best able to take belt
restraining forces.

The shoulder belt locks if there is a
sudden stop or crash.

Q: What is wrong with this?

{ CAUTION

You can be seriously hurt if your
shoulder belt is too loose. In a
crash, you would move forward
too much, which could increase
injury. The shoulder belt should fit
snugly against your body.

A: The shoulder belt is too loose.

It will not give as much
protection this way.

2-14 Seats and Restraints

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The lap belt is too loose. It will

not give nearly as much
protection this way.

{ CAUTION

Q: What is wrong with this?

You can be seriously hurt if your
lap belt is too loose. In a crash,
you could slide under the lap belt
and apply force on your abdomen.
This could cause serious or even
fatal injuries. The lap belt should
be worn low and snug on the
hips, just touching the thighs.

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong

buckle.

Seats and Restraints 2-15

{ CAUTION

You can be seriously injured if
your belt is buckled in the wrong
place like this. In a crash, the belt
would go up over your abdomen.
The belt forces would be there, not
on the pelvic bones. This could
cause serious internal injuries.
Always buckle your belt into the
buckle nearest you.

Q: What is wrong with this?

{ CAUTION

You can be seriously injured if
your belt goes over an armrest
like this. The belt would be much
too high. In a crash, you can slide
under the belt. The belt force
would then be applied on the
abdomen, not on the pelvic
bones, and that could cause
serious or fatal injuries. Be sure
the belt goes under the armrests.

A: The belt is over an armrest.

2-16 Seats and Restraints

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is worn under

the arm. It should be worn over
the shoulder at all times.

{ CAUTION

You can be seriously injured if you
wear the shoulder belt under your
arm. In a crash, your body would
move too far forward, which would
increase the chance of head and
neck injury. Also, the belt would
apply too much force to the ribs,
which are not as strong as
shoulder bones. You could also
severely injure internal organs like
your liver or spleen. The shoulder
belt should go over the shoulder
and across the chest.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is behind the body.

Seats and Restraints 2-17

{ CAUTION

You can be seriously injured by
not wearing the lap-shoulder belt
properly. In a crash, you would not
be restrained by the shoulder belt.
Your body could move too far
forward increasing the chance of
head and neck injury. You might
also slide under the lap belt.
The belt force would then be
applied right on the abdomen.
That could cause serious or fatal
injuries. The shoulder belt should
go over the shoulder and across
the chest.

Q: What is wrong with this?

{ CAUTION

You can be seriously injured by a
twisted belt. In a crash, you would
not have the full width of the belt
to spread impact forces. If a belt
is twisted, make it straight so it
can work properly, or ask your
dealer/retailer to fix it.

A: The belt is twisted across

the body.

2-18 Seats and Restraints

Lap-Shoulder Belt

All seating positions in the vehicle
have a lap-shoulder belt.

The following instructions explain
how to wear a lap-shoulder belt
properly.

1. Adjust the seat so you can sit up
straight. To see how, see “Seats”
in the Index.

2. Pick up the latch plate and pull
the belt across you. Do not let
it get twisted.

The lap-shoulder belt may lock if
you pull the belt across you very
quickly. If this happens, let the
belt go back slightly to unlock it.
Then pull the belt across you
more slowly.

If the shoulder portion of a
passenger belt is pulled out
all the way, the child restraint
locking feature may be engaged.
If this happens, let the belt go
back all the way and start again.

3. Push the latch plate into the
buckle until it clicks.

If the latch plate will not go fully
into the buckle, check if the
correct buckle is being used.

The buckle for the center rear
passenger position (A) has
the word CENTER on it.

Pull up on the latch plate to
make sure it is secure. If the belt
is not long enough, see Safety
Belt Extender on page 2-21.

Position the release button on
the buckle so that the safety belt
could be quickly unbuckled if
necessary.

Seats and Restraints 2-19

4. If equipped with a shoulder belt
height adjuster, move it to the
height that is right for you.
See “Shoulder Belt Height
Adjustment” later in this section
for instructions on use and
important safety information.

5. To make the lap part tight, pull
up on the shoulder belt.

It may be necessary to pull
stitching on the safety belt
through the latch plate to fully
tighten the lap belt on smaller
occupants.

To unlatch the belt, push the button
on the buckle. The belt should
return to its stowed position.

Before a door is closed, be sure the
safety belt is out of the way. If a door
is slammed against a safety belt,
damage can occur to both the safety
belt and the vehicle.

Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster

The vehicle has a shoulder belt
height adjuster for the driver and
right front passenger seating
positions.

Adjust the height so that the
shoulder portion of the belt is
centered on the shoulder.
The belt should be away from
the face and neck, but not falling
off of the shoulder. Improper
shoulder belt height adjustment
could reduce the effectiveness of
the safety belt in a crash.

2-20 Seats and Restraints

Push down on the release button
and move the height adjuster to the
desired position. The adjuster can be
moved up by pushing on the front of
the height adjuster.

After the adjuster is set to the
desired position, try to move it down
without pushing the button to make
sure it has locked into position.

Safety Belt Pretensioners

This vehicle has safety belt
pretensioners for the front outboard
occupants. Although the safety belt

pretensioners cannot be seen, they
are part of the safety belt assembly.
They can help tighten the safety belts
during the early stages of a moderate
to severe frontal and near frontal
crash if the threshold conditions
for pretensioner activation are met.
And, if the vehicle has side impact
airbags, safety belt pretensioners
can help tighten the safety belts in
a side crash.

If the passenger sensing system
detects that there is not a passenger
in the right front passenger position,
the safety belt pretensioner for
that position will not activate.
See Passenger Sensing System
on page 2-29.

Pretensioners work only once. If the
pretensioners activate in a crash,
they will need to be replaced, and
probably other new parts for your
safety belt system. See Replacing

Safety Belt System Parts After a
Crash on page 2-22.

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

Safety belts work for everyone,
including pregnant women. Like all
occupants, they are more likely to be
seriously injured if they do not wear
safety belts.

A pregnant woman should wear a
lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion
should be worn as low as possible,
below the rounding, throughout
the pregnancy.

Seats and Restraints 2-21

The best way to protect the fetus is
to protect the mother. When a safety
belt is worn properly, it is more likely
that the fetus will not be hurt in a
crash. For pregnant women, as for
anyone, the key to making safety
belts effective is wearing them
properly.

Safety Belt Extender

If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten
around you, you should use it.

But if a safety belt is not long
enough, your dealer/retailer will
order you an extender. When you go
in to order it, take the heaviest coat
you will wear, so the extender will be
long enough for you. To help avoid
personal injury, do not let someone
else use it, and use it only for the
seat it is made to fit. The extender
has been designed for adults.
Never use it for securing child seats.
To wear it, just attach it to the regular
safety belt. For more information, see
the instruction sheet that comes with
the extender.

When a safety belt extender is
installed in the right front passenger
safety belt, make sure the passenger
airbag status indicator displays
ON. See Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator on page 4-13.Ifthe
indicator shows OFF, disconnect
the extender’s latch from the buckle
then reconnect the safety belt.
The passenger airbag status
indicator light should be ON
and then the safety belt extender
can be reconnected. If the safety
belt extender is used while the
passenger airbag status indicator
light is OFF, the right front passenger
frontal and seat-mounted side impact
airbags (if equipped) may not
activate correctly.

Always disconnect the extender
from the safety belt after you
use it so that the airbag will work
properly the next time someone
uses that seat.

Safety System Check

Now and then, check that the safety
belt reminder light, safety belts,
buckles, latch plates, retractors and
anchorages are working properly.
Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt system parts that might
keep a safety belt system from doing
its job. See your dealer/retailer to
have it repaired. Torn or frayed
safety belts may not protect you in
a crash. They can rip apart under
impact forces. If a belt is torn or
frayed, get a new one right away.

Make sure the safety belt reminder
light is working. See Safety Belt
Reminders on page 4-11 for more
information.

Keep safety belts clean and dry.
See Safety Belt Care on page 2-22.

2-22 Seats and Restraints

Safety Belt Care

Keep belts clean and dry.

{ CAUTION

Do not bleach or dye safety belts.
It may severely weaken them.
In a crash, they might not be able
to provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.

Replacing Safety Belt System Parts After a Crash

{ CAUTION

A crash can damage the
safety belt system in the vehicle.
A damaged safety belt system
may not properly protect the
person using it, resulting in serious
injury or even death in a crash.
To help make sure the safety belt
systems are working properly after
a crash, have them inspected and
any necessary replacements made
as soon as possible.

After a minor crash, replacement of
safety belts may not be necessary.
But the safety belt assemblies
that were used during any crash
may have been stressed or
damaged. See your dealer/retailer
to have the safety belt assemblies
inspected or replaced.

New parts and repairs may be
necessary even if the safety belt
system was not being used at
the time of the crash.

Have the safety belt pretensioners
checked if the vehicle has been in
a crash, or if the airbag readiness
light stays on after you start
the vehicle or while you are driving.
See Airbag Readiness Light on
page 4-12.

Seats and Restraints 2-23

Airbag System

This vehicle has the following
airbags:

• A frontal airbag for the driver.

• A frontal airbag for the right front

passenger.

The vehicle may have the following
airbags:

• A seat-mounted side impact

airbag for the driver.

• A seat-mounted side impact

airbag for the right front
passenger.

• A roof-rail airbag for the driver

and the passenger seated
directly behind the driver.

• A roof-rail airbag for the

right front passenger and the
passenger seated directly behind
the right front passenger.

All of the airbags in the vehicle will
have the word AIRBAG embossed in
the trim or on an attached label near
the deployment opening.

For frontal airbags, the word
AIRBAG will appear on the middle
part of the steering wheel for the
driver and on the instrument panel
for the right front passenger.

With seat-mounted side impact
airbags, the word AIRBAG
will appear on the side of the
seatback closest to the door.

With roof-rail airbags, the word
AIRBAG will appear along the
headliner or trim.

Airbags are designed to supplement
the protection provided by safety
belts. Even though today’s airbags
are also designed to help reduce the
risk of injury from the force of an
inflating bag, all airbags must inflate
very quickly to do their job.

Here are the most important things
to know about the airbag system:

{ CAUTION

You can be severely injured or
killed in a crash if you are not
wearing your safety belt — even if
you have airbags. Airbags are
designed to work with safety belts,
but do not replace them. Also,
airbags are not designed to deploy
in every crash. In some crashes
safety belts are your only restraint.
See When Should an Airbag
Inflate? on page 2-26.

Wearing your safety belt during a
crash helps reduce your chance of
hitting things inside the vehicle or
being ejected from it. Airbags are
“supplemental restraints” to the
safety belts. Everyone in your
vehicle should wear a safety belt
properly — whether or not there
is an airbag for that person.

2-24 Seats and Restraints

{ CAUTION

Airbags inflate with great force,
faster than the blink of an eye.
Anyone who is up against, or very
close to, any airbag when it inflates
can be seriously injured or killed.
Do not sit unnecessarily close to
the airbag, as you would be if you
were sitting on the edge of your
seat or leaning forward. Safety
belts help keep you in position
before and during a crash. Always
wear your safety belt, even with
airbags. The driver should sit as
far back as possible while still
maintaining control of the vehicle.

Occupants should not lean on or
sleep against the door or side
windows in seating positions with
seat-mounted side impact airbags
and/or roof-rail airbags.

{ CAUTION

Children who are up against, or
very close to, any airbag when it
inflates can be seriously injured or
killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulder
belts offer protection for adults and
older children, but not for young
children and infants. Neither the
vehicle’s safety belt system nor
its airbag system is designed for
them. Young children and infants
need the protection that a child
restraint system can provide.
Always secure children properly
in your vehicle. To read how, see

Older Children on page 2-37 or
Infants and Young Children on
page 2-38.

There is an airbag readiness
light on the instrument panel cluster,
which shows the airbag symbol.
The system checks the airbag
electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an
electrical problem. See Airbag
Readiness Light on page 4-12 for
more information.

Where Are the Airbags?

The driver frontal airbag is in the
middle of the steering wheel.

Seats and Restraints 2-25

The right front passenger frontal
airbag is in the instrument panel on
the passenger’s side.

Driver Side shown,

Passenger Side similar

If the vehicle has seat-mounted side
impact airbags for the driver and right
front passenger, they are in the side
of the seatbacks closest to the door.

If the vehicle has roof-rail airbags for
the driver, right front passenger, and
second row outboard passengers,
they are in the ceiling above the side
windows.

{ CAUTION

If something is between an
occupant and an airbag, the airbag
might not inflate properly or it might
force the object into that person
causing severe injury or even
death. The path of an inflating
airbag must be kept clear. Do not
put anything between an occupant
and an airbag, and do not attach or
put anything on the steering wheel
hub or on or near any other airbag
covering.

(Continued)

CAUTION (Continued)

Do not use seat accessories
that block the inflation path of a
seat-mounted side impact airbag.

Never secure anything to the roof
of a vehicle with roof-rail airbags
by routing a rope or tie down
through any door or window
opening. If you do, the path of
an inflating roof-rail airbag will
be blocked.

2-26 Seats and Restraints

When Should an Airbag
Inflate?

Frontal airbags are designed to
inflate in moderate to severe frontal
or near-frontal crashes to help
reduce the potential for severe
injuries mainly to the driver or right
front passenger head and chest.
However, they are only designed
to inflate if the impact exceeds a
predetermined deployment
threshold. Deployment thresholds
are used to predict how severe a
crash is likely to be in time for the
airbags to inflate and help restrain
the occupants.

Whether the frontal airbags will
or should deploy is not based on
how fast the vehicle is traveling.
It depends largely on what you
hit, the direction of the impact,
and how quickly your vehicle
slows down.

Frontal airbags may inflate at
different crash speeds. For example:

• If the vehicle hits a stationary

object, the airbags could inflate
at a different crash speed than if
the vehicle hits a moving object.

• If the vehicle hits an object that

deforms, the airbags could inflate
at a different crash speed than if
the vehicle hits an object that
does not deform.

• If the vehicle hits a narrow object

(like a pole), the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits a wide
object (like a wall).

• If the vehicle goes into an object

at an angle, the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle goes straight
into the object.

Thresholds can also vary with
specific vehicle design.

Frontal airbags are not intended to
inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear
impacts, or in many side impacts.
Frontal airbags for the driver and
right front passenger may also
deploy if a serious impact occurs to
the underside of the vehicle such as
hitting a curb, falling into a deep hole,
or landing hard.

In addition, the vehicle has
dual-stage frontal airbags.
Dual-stage airbags adjust the
restraint according to crash severity.
The vehicle has electronic frontal
sensors, which help the sensing
system distinguish between a
moderate frontal impact and a more
severe frontal impact. For moderate
frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags
inflate at a level less than full
deployment. For more severe frontal
impacts, full deployment occurs.

Seats and Restraints 2-27

The vehicle has seat-mounted
side impact and roof-rail airbags.
See Airbag System on page 2-23.
Seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags are intended to
inflate in moderate to severe side
crashes. Seat-mounted side impact
and roof-rail airbags will inflate if the
crash severity is above the system’s
designed threshold level. The vehicle
has sensors which detect side
impacts. These sensors signal the
appropriate side impact airbag to
inflate. The threshold level can vary
with specific vehicle design.

Seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags are not intended to
inflate in frontal impacts, near-frontal
impacts, rollovers, or rear impacts.
A seat-mounted side impact airbag

is intended to deploy on the side of
the vehicle that is struck. A roof-rail
airbag is intended to deploy on the
side of the vehicle that is struck. It is
possible that, in a crash involving the
rear side of your vehicle, that only the
roof-mounted airbag will deploy.

In any particular crash, no one
can say whether an airbag should
have inflated simply because of
the damage to a vehicle or because
of what the repair costs were.
For frontal airbags, inflation is
determined by what the vehicle
hits, the angle of the impact, and
how quickly the vehicle slows down.
For seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags, deployment is
determined by the location and
severity of the side impact.

What Makes an Airbag
Inflate?

In a deployment event, the sensing
system sends an electrical signal
triggering a release of gas from the
inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the
airbag causing the bag to break out
of the cover and deploy. The inflator,
the airbag, and related hardware are
all part of the airbag module.

Frontal airbag modules are located
inside the steering wheel and
instrument panel. For vehicles with
seat-mounted side impact airbags,
there are airbag modules in the side
of the front seatbacks closest to the
door. For vehicles with roof-rail
airbags, there are airbag modules in
the ceiling of the vehicle, near the
side windows that have occupant
seating positions.

2-28 Seats and Restraints

How Does an Airbag Restrain?

In moderate to severe frontal or
near frontal collisions, even belted
occupants can contact the steering
wheel or the instrument panel.
In moderate to severe side collisions,
even belted occupants can contact
the inside of the vehicle.

Airbags supplement the protection
provided by safety belts. Frontal
airbags distribute the force of the
impact more evenly over the
occupant’s upper body, stopping
the occupant more gradually.
Seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags distribute the force
of the impact more evenly over the
occupant’s upper body.

But airbags would not help in many
types of collisions, primarily because
the occupant’s motion is not toward
those airbags. See When Should an
Airbag Inflate? on page 2-26 for
more information.

Airbags should never be regarded
as anything more than a supplement
to safety belts.

What Will You See After
an Airbag Inflates?

After the frontal airbags and
seat-mounted side impact airbags
inflate, they quickly deflate, so
quickly that some people may not
even realize an airbag inflated.
Roof-rail airbags may still be at least
partially inflated for some time after
they deploy. Some components of
the airbag module may be hot for
several minutes. For location of the
airbag modules, see What Makes
an Airbag Inflate? on page 2-27.

The parts of the airbag that come
into contact with you may be warm,
but not too hot to touch. There may
be some smoke and dust coming
from the vents in the deflated
airbags. Airbag inflation does not
prevent the driver from seeing out
of the windshield or being able to
steer the vehicle, nor does it prevent
people from leaving the vehicle.

{ CAUTION

When an airbag inflates, there
may be dust in the air. This dust
could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of asthma
or other breathing trouble.
To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon
as it is safe to do so. If you have
breathing problems but cannot get
out of the vehicle after an airbag
inflates, then get fresh air by
opening a window or a door. If you
experience breathing problems
following an airbag deployment,
you should seek medical attention.

The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors, turn
the interior lamps on, and turn the
hazard warning flashers on when
the airbags inflate. You can lock
the doors, turn the interior lamps off,
and turn the hazard warning flashers
off by using the controls for those
features.

Seats and Restraints 2-29

In many crashes severe enough to
inflate the airbag, windshields are
broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage
may also occur from the right front
passenger airbag.

• Airbags are designed to inflate

only once. After an airbag inflates,
you will need some new parts for
the airbag system. If you do not
get them, the airbag system will
not be there to help protect you
in another crash. A new system
will include airbag modules and
possibly other parts. The service
manual for your vehicle covers
the need to replace other parts.

• The vehicle has a crash sensing

and diagnostic module which
records information after a crash.
See Vehicle Data Recording and

Privacy on page 12-14 and Event
Data Recorders on page 12-14.

• Let only qualified technicians work

on the airbag systems. Improper
service can mean that an airbag
system will not work properly.
See your dealer/retailer for
service.

Passenger Sensing System

The vehicle has a passenger
sensing system for the right front
passenger position. The passenger
airbag status indicator will be visible
in the instrument panel when the
vehicle is started.

The words ON and OFF will be
visible during the system check.
When the system check is complete,
either the word ON or the word

OFF will be visible depending on
whether the seat is occupied and/or
the weight of the occupant. If the
seat is unoccupied, the light will not
be visible after the system check.
See Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator on page 4-13.

The passenger sensing system will
turn off the right front passenger
frontal airbag and seat-mounted
side impact airbag under certain
conditions. The driver airbags and
the roof-rail airbags are not affected
by the passenger sensing system.

The passenger sensing system will
also turn off the right front passenger
frontal airbag, seat-mounted side
impact airbag (if equipped), and
safety belt pretensioner if it detects
that there is no occupant in that
position.

The passenger sensing system
works with sensors that are part
of the right front passenger seat.

2-30 Seats and Restraints

The sensors are designed to detect
the presence of a properly-seated
occupant and determine if the right
front passenger frontal airbag and
seat-mounted side impact airbag
(if equipped) should be enabled
(may inflate) or not.

According to accident statistics,
children and infants are safer
when properly restrained in a child
restraint system or infant restraint
system secured in a rear seating
position.

We recommend that children be
secured in a rear seat, including:
an infant or a child riding in a
rear-facing child restraint; a child
riding in a forward-facing child seat;
an older child riding in a booster
seat; and children, who are
large enough, using safety belts.

A label on the sun visor says,
“Never put a rear-facing child seat
in the front.” This is because the risk
to the rear-facing child is so great,
if the airbag deploys.

{ CAUTION

A child in a rear-facing child
restraint can be seriously injured or
killed if the right front passenger
airbag inflates. This is because
the back of the rear-facing child
restraint would be very close to
the inflating airbag. A child in a
forward-facing child restraint can
be seriously injured or killed if
the right front passenger airbag
inflates and the passenger seat
is in a forward position.

(Continued)

CAUTION (Continued)

Even if the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right
front passenger frontal airbag
and seat-mounted side impact
airbag (if equipped), no system
is fail-safe. No one can guarantee
that an airbag will not deploy
under some unusual
circumstance, even though
the airbag(s) are off.

Secure rear-facing child restraints
in a rear seat, even if the airbag(s)
are off. If you secure a
forward-facing child restraint in the
right front seat, always move the
front passenger seat as far back as
it will go. It is better to secure the
child restraint in a rear seat.

Seats and Restraints 2-31

The passenger sensing system is
designed to turn off the right front
passenger frontal airbag and
seat-mounted side impact airbag
(if equipped) if:

• The right front passenger seat is

unoccupied.

• The system determines that an

infant is present in a rear-facing
infant seat.

• The system determines that a

small child is present in a child
restraint.

• The system determines that

a small child is present in a
booster seat.

• A right front passenger takes

his/her weight off of the seat for a
period of time.

• The right front passenger seat is

occupied by a smaller person,
such as a child who has outgrown
child restraints.

• Or, if there is a critical problem

with the airbag system or the
passenger sensing system.

When the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right
front passenger frontal airbag and
seat-mounted side impact airbag
(if equipped), the off indicator will
light and stay lit to remind you that
the airbags are off. See Passenger

Airbag Status Indicator on
page 4-13.

The passenger sensing system is
designed to turn on (may inflate) the
right front passenger frontal airbag
and seat-mounted side impact airbag
(if equipped) anytime the system
senses that a person of adult size
is sitting properly in the right front
passenger seat.

When the passenger sensing
system has allowed the airbags
and pretensioner to be enabled,
the on indicator will light and stay
lit to remind you that the airbags
and pretensioner are active.

For some children who have
outgrown child restraints and for
very small adults, the passenger
sensing system may or may not
turn off the right front passenger
frontal airbag and seat-mounted
side impact airbag (if equipped),
depending upon the person’s seating
posture and body build. Everyone in
the vehicle who has outgrown child
restraints should wear a safety belt
properly — whether or not there is an
airbag for that person.

2-32 Seats and Restraints

If the airbag readiness light and the
OFF light in the passenger airbag
status indicator come on together,
it may mean there is a malfunction
in the passenger sensing system.
Secure the child in the child restraint
in a rear seat position in the vehicle
and check with your dealer/retailer.

{ CAUTION

If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong with
the airbag system. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have
the vehicle serviced right away.
See Airbag Readiness Light on
page 4-12 for more information,
including important safety
information.

If the On Indicator is Lit for a
Child Restraint

If a child restraint has been installed
and the on indicator is lit:

1. Turn the vehicle off.

2. Remove the child restraint from
the vehicle.

3. Remove any additional items
from the seat such as blankets,
cushions, seat covers, seat
heaters, or seat massagers.

4. Reinstall the child restraint with
the ignition key in the ACC or
LOCK position while following the
directions provided by the child
restraint manufacturer and refer
to Securing Child Restraints

(Rear Seat Position) on
page 2-51 or Securing Child
Restraints (Right Front Seat
Position) on page 2-53.

5. If, after reinstalling the child
restraint and restarting the
vehicle, the on indicator is still lit,
turn the vehicle off. Then slightly
recline the vehicle seatback
and adjust the seat cushion, if
adjustable, to make sure that the
vehicle seatback is not pushing
the child restraint into the seat
cushion.

6. Also make sure the child restraint
is not trapped under the vehicle
head restraint. If this happens,
adjust the head restraint.
See Head Restraints on
page 2-2.

If the on indicator is still lit, secure
the child in the child restraint in
a rear seat position in the vehicle,
and check with your dealer/retailer.

Seats and Restraints 2-33

If the Off Indicator is Lit for an
Adult-Size Occupant

If a person of adult-size is sitting in
the right front passenger seat, but
the off indicator is lit, it could be
because that person is not sitting
properly in the seat. If this happens,
use the following steps to allow the

system to detect that person and
enable the right front passenger
frontal airbag and seat-mounted
side impact airbag (if equipped):

1. Turn the vehicle off.

2. Remove any additional material
from the seat, such as blankets,
cushions, seat covers, seat
heaters, or seat massagers.

3. Place the seatback in the fully
upright position.

4. Have the person sit upright in
the seat, centered on the seat
cushion, with legs comfortably
extended.

5. Restart the vehicle and have the
person remain in this position for
two to three minutes after the
on indicator is lit.

Additional Factors Affecting
System Operation

Safety belts help keep the
passenger in position on the
seat during vehicle maneuvers
and braking, which helps the
passenger sensing system maintain
the passenger airbag status.
See “Safety Belts” and “Child
Restraints” in the Index for additional
information about the importance
of proper restraint use.

A thick layer of additional material,
such as a blanket or cushion, or
aftermarket equipment such as
seat covers, seat heaters, seat
backpacks, and seat massagers
can affect how well the passenger
sensing system operates. We
recommend that you not use
seat covers or other aftermarket
equipment except when approved
by GM for your specific vehicle.
See Adding Equipment to the

Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 2-35 for more information

about modifications that can affect
how the system operates.

2-34 Seats and Restraints

The passenger sensing system may
suppress the airbag deployment
when liquid soaks into the seat.
If this happens, the off indicator
in the passenger airbag status
indicator and the airbag readiness
light will be lit. Have your
dealer/retailer check the system.

An object, person or child in the
rear seat contacting or pressing
the right front passenger seatback,
or objects stowed under the right
front passenger seat, may affect the
proper functioning of the passenger
sensing system.

When a safety belt extender is
used in the right front passenger
seat, make sure the passenger
airbag status indicator shows
ON. If the indicator shows OFF,
disconnect the extender’s latch from

the buckle then reconnect the safety
belt. The passenger airbag status
indicator light should be ON and
then the safety belt extender can
be reconnected. If the safety belt
extender is used while the passenger
airbag status indicator light is OFF,
the right front passenger frontal and
seat-mounted side impact airbags (if
equipped) may not activate correctly.

{ CAUTION

Stowing of articles under the
passenger seat or between the
passenger seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.

Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle

Airbags affect how the vehicle
should be serviced. There are
parts of the airbag system in
several places around the vehicle.
Your dealer/retailer and the service
manual have information about
servicing the vehicle and the airbag
system. To purchase a service
manual, see Service Publications
Ordering Information on page 12-12.

{ CAUTION

For up to 10 seconds after the
ignition is turned off and the
battery is disconnected, an airbag
can still inflate during improper
service. You can be injured if you
are close to an airbag when it
inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow
proper service procedures, and
make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.

Seats and Restraints 2-35

Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle

Q: Is there anything I might add

to or change about the vehicle
that could keep the airbags
from working properly?

A: Yes. If you add things that

change the vehicle’s frame,
bumper system, height, front end
or side sheet metal, they may
keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or
moving any parts of the front
seats, safety belts, the airbag
sensing and diagnostic module,
steering wheel, instrument panel,
roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling
headliner or pillar garnish trim,
front sensors, side impact
sensors, or airbag wiring can
affect the operation of the airbag
system.

In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system for
the right front passenger position,

which includes sensors that
are part of the passenger seat.
The passenger sensing system
may not operate properly if the
original seat trim is replaced
with non-GM covers, upholstery
or trim, or with GM covers,
upholstery or trim designed for a
different vehicle. Any object, such
as an aftermarket seat heater or a
comfort enhancing pad or device,
installed under or on top of the
seat fabric, could also interfere
with the operation of the
passenger sensing system.
This could either prevent proper
deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the
passenger sensing system from
properly turning off the passenger
airbag(s). See Passenger
Sensing System on page 2-29.

If you have questions, call
Customer Assistance. The phone
numbers and addresses for

Customer Assistance are in
Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in
this manual. See Customer

Satisfaction Procedure on
page 12-1.

Q: Because I have a disability,

I have to get my vehicle
modified. How can I find out
whether this will affect my
airbag system?

A: If you have questions, call

Customer Assistance. The phone
numbers and addresses for
Customer Assistance are in
Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in
this manual. See Customer

Satisfaction Procedure on
page 12-1.

In addition, your dealer/retailer and
the service manual have information
about the location of the airbag
sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module and airbag wiring.

2-36 Seats and Restraints

Airbag System Check

The airbag system does not need
regularly scheduled maintenance
or replacement. Make sure the
airbag readiness light is working.
See Airbag Readiness Light
on page 4-12 for more information.

Notice: If an airbag covering
is damaged, opened, or broken,
the airbag may not work properly.
Do not open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any opened
or broken airbag covers, have
the airbag covering and/or airbag
module replaced. For the
location of the airbag modules,
see What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? on page 2-27. See your
dealer/retailer for service.

Replacing Airbag System Parts After a Crash

{ CAUTION

A crash can damage the
airbag systems in your vehicle.
A damaged airbag system may not
work properly and may not protect
you and your passenger(s) in a
crash, resulting in serious injury or
even death. To help make sure
your airbag systems are working
properly after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as
possible.

If an airbag inflates, you will need
to replace airbag system parts.
See your dealer/retailer for service.

If the airbag readiness light stays on
after the vehicle is started or comes
on when you are driving, the airbag
system may not work properly. Have
the vehicle serviced right away. See

Airbag Readiness Light on page 4-12

for more information.

Seats and Restraints 2-37

Child Restraints

Older Children

Older children who have outgrown
booster seats should wear the
vehicle’s safety belts.

The manufacturer’s instructions that
come with the booster seat, state
the weight and height limitations for

that booster. Use a booster seat
with a lap-shoulder belt until
the child passes the below fit test:

• Sit all the way back on the

seat. Do the knees bend at the
seat edge? If yes, continue.
If no, return to the booster seat.

• Buckle the lap-shoulder belt.

Does the shoulder belt rest on the
shoulder? If yes, continue. If no,
then return to the booster seat.

• Does the lap belt fit low and snug

on the hips, touching the thighs? If
yes, continue. If no, return to the
booster seat.

• Can proper safety belt fit be

maintained for the length of the
trip? If yes, continue. If no, return
to the booster seat.

Q: What is the proper way to

wear safety belts?

A: An older child should wear a

lap-shoulder belt and get the
additional restraint a shoulder belt
can provide. The shoulder belt
should not cross the face or neck.
The lap belt should fit snugly
below the hips, just touching the
top of the thighs. This applies belt
force to the child’s pelvic bones in
a crash. It should never be worn
over the abdomen, which could
cause severe or even fatal
internal injuries in a crash.

According to accident statistics,
children and infants are safer when
properly restrained in a child restraint
system or infant restraint system
secured in a rear seating position.

In a crash, children who are not
buckled up can strike other people
who are buckled up, or can be
thrown out of the vehicle. Older
children need to use safety
belts properly.

2-38 Seats and Restraints

{ CAUTION

Never do this.
Never allow two children to wear

the same safety belt. The safety
belt can not properly spread the
impact forces. In a crash, the two
children can be crushed together
and seriously injured. A safety
belt must be used by only one
person at a time.

{ CAUTION

Never do this.
Never allow a child to wear the

safety belt with the shoulder belt
behind their back. A child can be
seriously injured by not wearing
the lap-shoulder belt properly.
In a crash, the child would not be
restrained by the shoulder belt.
The child could move too far
forward increasing the chance of
head and neck injury. The child
might also slide under the lap
belt. The belt force would then
be applied right on the abdomen.
That could cause serious or fatal
injuries. The shoulder belt should
go over the shoulder and across
the chest.

Infants and Young Children

Everyone in a vehicle needs
protection! This includes infants
and all other children. Neither the
distance traveled nor the age and
size of the traveler changes the
need, for everyone, to use safety
restraints. In fact, the law in every
state in the United States and in
every Canadian province says
children up to some age must be
restrained while in a vehicle.

Seats and Restraints 2-39

{ CAUTION

Children can be seriously injured
or strangled if a shoulder belt is
wrapped around their neck and
the safety belt continues to tighten.
Never leave children unattended in
a vehicle and never allow children
to play with the safety belts.

Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts
offer protection for adults and older
children, but not for young children
and infants. Neither the vehicle’s
safety belt system nor its airbag
system is designed for them. Every
time infants and young children ride
in vehicles, they should have the
protection provided by appropriate
child restraints.

Children who are not restrained
properly can strike other people, or
can be thrown out of the vehicle.

{ CAUTION

Never do this.
Never hold an infant or a child

while riding in a vehicle. Due to
crash forces, an infant or a child
will become so heavy it is not
possible to hold it during a crash.
For example, in a crash at only
40 km/h (25 mph), a 5.5 kg (12 lb)
infant will suddenly become a
110 kg (240 lb) force on a person’s
arms. An infant should be secured
in an appropriate restraint.

2-40 Seats and Restraints

{ CAUTION

Never do this.
Children who are up against, or

very close to, any airbag when it
inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Never put a rear-facing
child restraint in the right front
seat. Secure a rear-facing child
restraint in a rear seat. It is also
better to secure a forward-facing
child restraint in a rear seat. If you
must secure a forward-facing child
restraint in the right front seat,
always move the front passenger
seat as far back as it will go.

Q: What are the different types of

add-on child restraints?

A: Add-on child restraints, which

are purchased by the vehicle’s
owner, are available in four basic
types. Selection of a particular
restraint should take into
consideration not only the child’s
weight, height, and age but also
whether or not the restraint will be
compatible with the motor vehicle
in which it will be used.

For most basic types of child
restraints, there are many
different models available.
When purchasing a child
restraint, be sure it is designed
to be used in a motor vehicle. If it
is, the restraint will have a label
saying that it meets federal motor
vehicle safety standards.

The restraint manufacturer’s
instructions that come with the
restraint state the weight and
height limitations for a particular
child restraint. In addition, there
are many kinds of restraints
available for children with special
needs.

Seats and Restraints 2-41

{ CAUTION

To reduce the risk of neck and
head injury during a crash, infants
need complete support. This is
because an infant’s neck is not
fully developed and its head
weighs so much compared with
the rest of its body. In a crash,
an infant in a rear-facing child
restraint settles into the restraint,
so the crash forces can be
distributed across the strongest
part of an infant’s body, the back
and shoulders. Infants should
always be secured in rear-facing
child restraints.

{ CAUTION

A young child’s hip bones are still
so small that the vehicle’s regular
safety belt may not remain low
on the hip bones, as it should.
Instead, it may settle up around the
child’s abdomen. In a crash, the
belt would apply force on a body
area that is unprotected by any
bony structure. This alone could
cause serious or fatal injuries.
To reduce the risk of serious or
fatal injuries during a crash, young
children should always be secured
in appropriate child restraints.

Child Restraint Systems

(A) Rear-Facing Infant Seat

A rear-facing infant seat (A) provides
restraint with the seating surface
against the back of the infant.

The harness system holds the infant
in place and, in a crash, acts to keep
the infant positioned in the restraint.

2-42 Seats and Restraints

(B) Forward-Facing Child Seat

A forward-facing child seat (B)
provides restraint for the child’s body
with the harness.

(C) Booster Seats

A booster seat (C) is a child
restraint designed to improve the fit
of the vehicle’s safety belt system.
A booster seat can also help a child
to see out the window.

Securing an Add-On Child
Restraint in the Vehicle

{ CAUTION

A child can be seriously injured or
killed in a crash if the child restraint
is not properly secured in the
vehicle. Secure the child restraint
properly in the vehicle using the
vehicle’s safety belt or LATCH
system, following the instructions
that came with that child restraint
and the instructions in this manual.

To help reduce the chance of injury,
the child restraint must be secured in
the vehicle. Child restraint systems
must be secured in vehicle seats by
lap belts or the lap belt portion of a
lap-shoulder belt, or by the LATCH
system. See Child Restraint Systems
on page 2-41 for more information.

Seats and Restraints 2-43

Children can be endangered in a
crash if the child restraint is not
properly secured in the vehicle.

When securing an add-on child
restraint, refer to the instructions that
come with the restraint which may be
on the restraint itself or in a booklet,
or both, and to this manual. The child
restraint instructions are important,
so if they are not available, obtain
a replacement copy from the
manufacturer.

Keep in mind that an unsecured
child restraint can move around in a
collision or sudden stop and injure
people in the vehicle. Be sure to
properly secure any child restraint
in the vehicle — even when no child
is in it.

Securing the Child Within the
Child Restraint

{ CAUTION

A child can be seriously injured
or killed in a crash if the child is
not properly secured in the child
restraint. Secure the child properly
following the instructions that
came with that child restraint.

Where to Put the Restraint

According to accident statistics,
children and infants are safer when
properly restrained in a child restraint
system or infant restraint system
secured in a rear seating position.

We recommend that children and
child restraints be secured in a rear
seat, including: an infant or a child
riding in a rear-facing child restraint;
a child riding in a forward-facing child
seat; an older child riding in a booster
seat; and children, who are large
enough, using safety belts.

2-44 Seats and Restraints

A label on the sun visor says,
“Never put a rear-facing child
restraint in the front.” This is
because the risk to the rear-facing
child is so great, if the airbag
deploys.

{ CAUTION

A child in a rear-facing child
restraint can be seriously injured or
killed if the right front passenger
airbag inflates. This is because
the back of the rear-facing child
restraint would be very close to
the inflating airbag. A child in a
forward-facing child restraint can
be seriously injured or killed if
the right front passenger airbag
inflates and the passenger seat
is in a forward position.

(Continued)

CAUTION (Continued)

Even if the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right
front passenger frontal airbag, no
system is fail-safe. No one can
guarantee that an airbag will not
deploy under some unusual
circumstance, even though it
is turned off.

Secure rear-facing child restraints
in a rear seat, even if the airbag is
off. If you secure a forward-facing
child restraint in the right front seat,
always move the front passenger
seat as far back as it will go. It is
better to secure the child restraint
in a rear seat.

See Passenger Sensing System
on page 2-29 for additional
information.

When securing a child restraint in
a rear seating position, study the
instructions that came with the child
restraint to make sure it is compatible
with this vehicle.

Wherever a child restraint is
installed, be sure to secure the
child restraint properly.

Keep in mind that an unsecured
child restraint can move around
in a collision or sudden stop
and injure people in the vehicle.
Be sure to properly secure any
child restraint in the vehicle — even
when no child is in it.

Seats and Restraints 2-45

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System)

The LATCH system holds a child
restraint during driving or in a crash.
This system is designed to make
installation of a child restraint easier.
The LATCH system uses anchors
in the vehicle and attachments
on the child restraint that are made
for use with the LATCH system.

Make sure that a LATCH-compatible
child restraint is properly installed
using the anchors, or use the
vehicle’s safety belts to secure the
restraint, following the instructions
that came with that restraint, and
also the instructions in this manual.
When installing a child restraint with

a top tether, you must also use either
the lower anchors or the safety belts
to properly secure the child restraint.
A child restraint must never be
installed using only the top tether
and anchor.

In order to use the LATCH system in
the vehicle, you need a child restraint
that has LATCH attachments. The
child restraint manufacturer provides
instructions on how to use the child
restraint and its attachments. The
following explains how to attach a
child restraint with these attachments
in the vehicle.

Not all vehicle seating positions or
child restraints have lower anchors
and attachments or top tether
anchors and attachments.

Lower Anchors

Lower anchors (A) are metal
bars built into the vehicle.
There are two lower anchors
for each LATCH seating position
that will accommodate a child
restraint with lower attachments (B).

2-46 Seats and Restraints

Top Tether Anchor

A top tether (A, C) anchors the top
of the child restraint to the vehicle.
A top tether anchor is built into
the vehicle. The top tether
attachment (B) on the child restraint
connects to the top tether anchor in
the vehicle in order to reduce the
forward movement and rotation of
the child restraint during driving or
in a crash.

The child restraint may have
a single tether (A) or a dual
tether (C). Either will have a
single attachment (B) to secure
the top tether to the anchor.

Some child restraints with top
tethers are designed for use with or
without the top tether being attached.
Others require the top tether always
to be attached. In Canada, the law
requires that forward-facing child
restraints have a top tether, and that
the tether be attached. Be sure to
read and follow the instructions for
the child restraint.

Lower Anchor and Top Tether
Anchor Locations

Rear Seat

i (Top Tether Anchor): Seating

positions with top tether anchors.

j (Lower Anchor): Seating

positions with two lower anchors.

To assist you in locating the lower
anchors, each seating position
with lower anchors has two labels,
near the crease between the
seatback and the seat cushion.

To assist you in locating the top
tether anchors, the top tether anchor
symbol is located on the cover.

The top tether anchors are located
on the floor of the rear cargo area.
Open the cover to access the
anchors. If the vehicle has a cargo
mat, you may need to fold it back
to access the top tether anchors.
Be sure to use an anchor located on
the same side of the vehicle as the
seating position where the child
restraint will be placed.

Seats and Restraints 2-47

Do not secure a child restraint
in a position without a top tether
anchor if a national or local
law requires that the top tether
be attached, or if the instructions
that come with the child restraint
say that the top tether must
be attached.

According to accident statistics,
children and infants are safer when
properly restrained in a child restraint
system or infant restraint system
secured in a rear seating position.
See Where to Put the Restraint on
page 2-43 for additional information.

2-48 Seats and Restraints

Securing a Child Restraint
Designed for the LATCH
System

{ CAUTION

If a LATCH-type child restraint is
not attached to anchors, the child
restraint will not be able to protect
the child correctly. In a crash, the
child could be seriously injured or
killed. Install a LATCH-type child
restraint properly using the
anchors, or use the vehicle’s
safety belts to secure the restraint,
following the instructions that came
with the child restraint and the
instructions in this manual.

{ CAUTION

Do not attach more than one
child restraint to a single anchor.
Attaching more than one child
restraint to a single anchor could
cause the anchor or attachment to
come loose or even break during
a crash. A child or others could
be injured. To reduce the risk of
serious or fatal injuries during a
crash, attach only one child
restraint per anchor.

{ CAUTION

Children can be seriously injured
or strangled if a shoulder belt is
wrapped around their neck and
the safety belt continues to
tighten. Buckle any unused safety
belts behind the child restraint so
children cannot reach them. Pull
the shoulder belt all the way out
of the retractor to set the lock, if
your vehicle has one, after the
child restraint has been installed.

Notice: Do not let the LATCH
attachments rub against the
vehicle’s safety belts. This may
damage these parts. If necessary,
move buckled safety belts to
avoid rubbing the LATCH
attachments.

Seats and Restraints 2-49

Do not fold the empty rear
seat with a safety belt buckled.
This could damage the safety belt
or the seat. Unbuckle and return
the safety belt to its stowed
position, before folding the seat.

1. Attach and tighten the lower
attachments to the lower anchors.
If the child restraint does not have
lower attachments or the desired
seating position does not have
lower anchors, secure the child
restraint with the top tether and
the safety belts. Refer to the
child restraint manufacturer
instructions and the instructions
in this manual.

1.1. Find the lower anchors for

the desired seating position.

1.2. Put the child restraint on

the seat.

1.3. Attach and tighten the lower

attachments on the child
restraint to the lower
anchors.

2. If the child restraint manufacturer
recommends that the top tether
be attached, attach and tighten
the top tether to the top tether
anchor, if equipped. Refer to the
child restraint instructions and the
following steps:

2.1. Find the top tether anchor.

2.2. If the vehicle has a cargo

mat, you may need to fold
it back to access the
top tether anchors.

2.3. Open the top tether anchor

cover to expose the anchor.

2.4. Route, attach, and tighten
the top tether according
to the child restraint
instructions and the
following instructions:

If the position you are using
does not have a headrest or
head restraint and you are
using a single tether, route
the tether over the seatback.

2-50 Seats and Restraints

If the position you are using
does not have a headrest or
head restraint and you are
using a dual tether, route the
tether over the seatback.

If the position you are using
has an adjustable headrest
or head restraint and you are
using a dual tether, route the
tether around the headrest or
head restraint.

If the position you are using
has an adjustable headrest
or head restraint and you
are using a single tether,
raise the headrest or head
restraint and route the tether
under the headrest or head
restraint and in between the
headrest or head restraint
posts.

3. Push and pull the child restraint
in different directions to be sure
it is secure.

Seats and Restraints 2-51

Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash

{ CAUTION

A crash can damage the LATCH
system in the vehicle. A damaged
LATCH system may not properly
secure the child restraint, resulting
in serious injury or even death in
a crash. To help make sure the
LATCH system is working properly
after a crash, see your dealer/
retailer to have the system
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon
as possible.

If the vehicle has the LATCH system
and it was being used during a crash,
new LATCH system parts may be
needed.

New parts and repairs may be
necessary even if the LATCH
system was not being used at
the time of the crash.

Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat Position)

When securing a child restraint
in a rear seating position, study the
instructions that came with the child
restraint to make sure it is compatible
with this vehicle.

If the child restraint has the LATCH
system, see Lower Anchors and

Tethers for Children (LATCH

System) on page 2-45 for how to

install the child restraint using
LATCH. If a child restraint is secured
in a seating position using a safety
belt and it uses a top tether, see

Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) on
page 2-45 for top tether anchor

locations.
Do not secure a child restraint in a

position without a top tether anchor if
a national or local law requires that
the top tether be anchored, or if the
instructions that come with the child
restraint say that the top strap must
be anchored.

In Canada, the law requires that
forward-facing child restraints have
a top tether, and that the tether
be attached.

2-52 Seats and Restraints

If the child restraint does not have
the LATCH system, you will be using
the safety belt to secure the child
restraint in this position. Be sure to
follow the instructions that came
with the child restraint. Secure the
child in the child restraint when
and as the instructions say.

If more than one child restraint
needs to be installed in the
rear seat, be sure to read Where
to Put the Restraint on page 2-43.

1. Put the child restraint on the seat.

2. Pick up the latch plate, and run
the lap and shoulder portions of
the vehicle’s safety belt through
or around the restraint. The child
restraint instructions will show
you how.

3. Push the latch plate into the
buckle until it clicks.

If the latch plate will not go fully
into the buckle, check if the
correct buckle is being used.

Position the release button
on the buckle so that the safety
belt could be quickly unbuckled
if necessary.

4. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt
all the way out of the retractor to
set the lock.

Seats and Restraints 2-53

5. To tighten the belt, push down
on the child restraint, pull the
shoulder portion of the belt to
tighten the lap portion of the belt,
and feed the shoulder belt back
into the retractor. When installing
a forward-facing child restraint, it
may be helpful to use your knee
to push down on the child
restraint as you tighten the belt.

6. If the child restraint has a top
tether, follow the child restraint
manufacturer’s instructions
regarding the use of the top
tether. See Lower Anchors and

Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) on page 2-45 for more

information.

7. Push and pull the child restraint
in different directions to be sure
it is secure.

To remove the child restraint,
unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and
let it return to the stowed position.
If the top tether is attached to a top
tether anchor, disconnect it.

Securing Child Restraints (Right Front Seat Position)

This vehicle has airbags. A rear
seat is a safer place to secure
a forward-facing child restraint.
See Where to Put the Restraint
on page 2-43.

In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system which is
designed to turn off the right front
passenger frontal and seat-mounted
side impact airbag under certain
conditions. See Passenger Sensing

System on page 2-29 and Passenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 4-13

for more information, including
important safety information.

2-54 Seats and Restraints

A label on the sun visor says,
“Never put a rear-facing child seat
in the front.” This is because the risk
to the rear-facing child is so great,
if the airbag deploys.

{ CAUTION

A child in a rear-facing child
restraint can be seriously injured or
killed if the right front passenger
airbag inflates. This is because
the back of the rear-facing child
restraint would be very close to
the inflating airbag. A child in a
forward-facing child restraint can
be seriously injured or killed if
the right front passenger airbag
inflates and the passenger seat
is in a forward position.

(Continued)

CAUTION (Continued)

Even if the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right
front passenger frontal airbag, no
system is fail-safe. No one can
guarantee that an airbag will not
deploy under some unusual
circumstance, even though it
is turned off.

Secure rear-facing child restraints
in a rear seat, even if the airbag is
off. If you secure a forward-facing
child restraint in the right front seat,
always move the front passenger
seat as far back as it will go. It is
better to secure the child restraint
in a rear seat.

See Passenger Sensing System
on page 2-29 for additional
information.

If the child restraint has the LATCH
system, see Lower Anchors and

Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) on page 2-45 for how and

where to install the child restraint
using LATCH. If a child restraint is
secured in the seating position using
a safety belt and it uses a top tether,
see Lower Anchors and Tethers

for Children (LATCH System) on
page 2-45 for top tether anchor

locations.
Do not secure a child seat in a

position without a top tether anchor
if a national or local law requires
that the top tether be anchored,
or if the instructions that come
with the child restraint say that
the top strap must be anchored.

In Canada, the law requires
that forward-facing child restraints
have a top tether, and that the tether
be attached.

You will be using the lap-shoulder
belt to secure the child restraint in
this position. Follow the instructions
that came with the child restraint.

1. Move the seat as far back as
it will go before securing the
forward-facing child restraint.

When the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right
front passenger frontal and
seat-mounted side impact airbag,
the off indicator on the passenger
airbag status indicator should
light and stay lit when you start
the vehicle. See Passenger

Airbag Status Indicator on
page 4-13.

2. Put the child restraint on
the seat.

3. Pick up the latch plate, and run
the lap and shoulder portions of
the vehicle’s safety belt through
or around the restraint. The child
restraint instructions will show
you how.

4. Push the latch plate into the
buckle until it clicks.

Position the release button on
the buckle so that the safety belt
could be quickly unbuckled if
necessary.

Seats and Restraints 2-55

5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt
all the way out of the retractor to
set the lock.

2-56 Seats and Restraints

6. To tighten the belt, push down
on the child restraint, pull the
shoulder portion of the belt to
tighten the lap portion of the belt
and feed the shoulder belt back
into the retractor. When installing
a forward-facing child restraint,
it may be helpful to use your
knee to push down on the child
restraint as you tighten the belt.

7. Push and pull the child restraint
in different directions to be sure
it is secure.

If the airbags are off, the off
indicator in the passenger airbag
status indicator will come on
and stay on when the vehicle
is started.

If a child restraint has been
installed and the on indicator is lit,
see “If the On Indicator is Lit for a
Child Restraint” under Passenger
Sensing System on page 2-29 for
more information.

To remove the child restraint,
unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and
let it return to the stowed position.

Storage 3-1

Storage

Storage Compartments

Glove Box
Cupholders
Front Storage
Overhead Console
Center Console Storage

Additional Storage Features

Cargo Cover
Load Rails and Hooks
Cargo Tie Downs
Cargo Management System

Roof Rack System

Roof Rack

............................3-1

...........................3-1

.......................3-2

.................3-2

.........3-2

.........................3-2

...........3-4

..................3-4

....3-4

............................3-5

Storage
Compartments

Glove Box

Lift up on the glove box lever to
open it.

Cupholders

There are cupholders located in
the console area between the front
seats.

There are also cupholders that fold
out from the back of the center
console.

There are also molded bottle holders
located in the front and rear doors.

The cupholder size can be adjusted
by changing the location of the
provided insert.

3-2 Storage

Front Storage

The driver storage compartment
is located near the left side of the
steering column on the bottom of the
instrument panel. Pull up on the lever
to open the cover.

Overhead Console

If your vehicle has an overhead
console, push on the cover to open.

Center Console Storage

To access the center console
storage area, pull up on the lock
release lever to raise the upper cover
and access the tray storage. Pull up
on the lower release lever to raise
the tray and access more storage.

Additional Storage Features

Cargo Cover

For vehicles equipped with a
cargo cover.

Using the cargo cover:

1. Remove the cargo cover from its
storage location.

2. Unfold the cargo cover.

3. Attach the hooks to the indented
slots on the sides of the rear
cargo area.

4. Attach the center hook to the
center head restraint.

{ CAUTION

An improperly stored cargo cover
could be thrown about the vehicle
during a collision or sudden
maneuver. Someone could be
injured. If the cover is removed,
always store it in the proper
storage location. When it is
replaced, always be sure that
it is securely reattached.

Folding the Cargo Cover:

1. Hold the cargo cover with both
hands.

2. Bend one side of the cover
toward the body.

3. Twist the other side in the
opposite direction.

Storage 3-3

5. Make sure the cover’s three
circles are side by side.

6. Return the cover to its
storage bag.

4. Make a small circle, and then
fold the cover inward.

3-4 Storage

Load Rails and Hooks

There are hooks for hanging items
in the cabin, luggage compartment,
and in the cargo management
system, if the vehicle has one.

On the front passenger side, press
the hook to open and use it. There is
a weight limit of 44 lb (20 kg).

The luggage compartment hooks
should only be used to hang
items under 7 lb (3 kg).

For vehicles with a cargo
management system, open the deck
lid to hang items under 5 lb (2.3 kg).

Cargo Tie Downs

The cargo tie down straps and
hooks are intended to be used to
secure a flat tire or other items.
The tie down hooks are located in
the rear cargo area. The straps are
under the rear floor panel.

To use, hook the end of the straps
to the hooks in a criss-cross pattern.
Pull on the straps at the buckle to
tighten as needed.

Cargo Management System

A cargo management system, for
vehicles that have it, can be used for
organizing and separating items
in the rear of the vehicle.

To use:

1. Open the cover.

2. Unfold the side panels out and
lock them into place to hold up
the cover.

3. Hook the nets into the cover
slots to use as dividers.

There are also hooks on the inside
cover to hold items.

Additional storage is available on
both sides of the cargo management
system. Turn the knobs to the
UNLOCK position, and remove
the deck boards to access the
storage area.

Storage 3-5

Roof Rack System

Roof Rack

{ CAUTION

If something is carried on top of
the vehicle that is longer or wider
than the roof rack — like paneling,
plywood, or a mattress — the wind
can catch it while the vehicle is
being driven. The item being
carried could be violently torn off,
and this could cause a collision,
and damage the vehicle. Never
carry something longer or wider
than the roof rack on top of the
vehicle unless using a GM
Certified accessory carrier.

Notice: Loading cargo on the
roof rack that weighs more than
75 kg (165 lbs) or hangs over
the rear or sides of the vehicle
may damage the vehicle.
Load cargo so that it rests evenly
between the crossrails, making
sure to fasten cargo securely.

To prevent damage or loss of cargo
when driving, check to make sure
cross rails and cargo are securely
fastened. Loading cargo on the roof
rack will make the vehicle’s center of
gravity higher. Avoid high speeds,
sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden
braking or abrupt maneuvers,
otherwise it may result in loss of
control. If driving for a long distance,
on rough roads, or at high speeds,
occasionally stop the vehicle to make
sure the cargo remains in its place.

Do not exceed the maximum vehicle
capacity when loading the vehicle.
For more information on vehicle
capacity and loading, see Vehicle
Load Limits on page 8-12.

3-6 Storage

✍ NOTES

Instruments and Controls 4-1

Instruments and Controls

Instrument Panel Overview

Instrument Panel Overview

Controls

Steering Wheel Adjustment
Steering Wheel Controls

....................................4-5

Horn
Windshield Wiper/Washer
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
Power Outlets (Accessory

Power Outlets)

Power Outlets (115 Volt

Alternating Current)
Cigarette Lighter
Ashtrays

.....................4-6

...................4-8

..............................4-8

.....4-2

.....4-4

.........4-4

.......4-5

..............4-7

....4-6

Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators

Warning Lights, Gages, and

Indicators
Instrument Cluster
Speedometer
Odometer
Trip Odometer
Tachometer
Fuel Gage
Engine Coolant

Temperature Gage
Safety Belt Reminders
Airbag Readiness Light
Passenger Airbag Status

Indicator
Charging System Light
Malfunction

Indicator Lamp
Brake System Warning

Light
Antilock Brake System

(ABS) Warning Light
Service All-Wheel Drive

Light

...........................4-8

.................4-9

......................4-10

...........................4-10

.....................4-10

........................4-10

..........................4-10

.............4-11

..........4-11

.........4-12

...........................4-13

.........4-14

..................4-14

................................4-17

...........4-17

................................4-18

Speed Sensitive Power

Steering (SSPS) Warning

................................4-18

Light
StabiliTrak
Traction Control System

(TCS) Warning Light
Tire Pressure Light
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Low Fuel Warning Light
Security Light
High-Beam on Light
Fog Lamp Light
Lamps on Reminder
Taillamp Indicator Light
Low Washer Fluid Warning

Light
Cruise Control Light
Door Ajar Light

®

Indicator Light

...........4-19

..............4-19

......................4-20

.............4-20

...................4-20

.............4-20

.........4-21

................................4-21

.............4-21

....................4-21

Vehicle Personalization

Vehicle Personalization

.........4-21

OnStar System

OnStar®System

..................4-23

....4-18

.....4-19

........4-20

4-2 Instruments and Controls

Instrument Panel Overview

Instruments and Controls 4-3

The main components of the
instrument panel are the following:

A. Power Mirrors on page 1-10.
B. Air Vents on page 7-4.
C. Turn and Lane-Change Signals

on page 5-3.
D. Instrument Cluster on page 4-9.
E. Windshield Wiper/Washer on

page 4-5.

F. Passenger Airbag Status

Indicator on page 4-13.
Passenger Sensing System
on page 2-29. Security Light
on page 4-20.

G. Hazard Warning Flashers on

page 5-3.

H. AM-FM Radio on page 6-4.
I. Traction Control System (TCS) on

page 8-33.

J. Anti-Theft Alarm System on

page 1-7.

K. Front Storage on page 3-2.
L. Hood on page 9-5.
M. Steering Wheel Controls on

page 4-4.

N. Steering Wheel Adjustment on

page 4-4.
O. Horn on page 4-5.
P. Cruise Control on page 8-36

(If Equipped).
Q. Ignition Positions on page 8-16.
R. Tire Pressure Reset Button

(Out of View). See Tire Pressure
Monitor Operation on page 9-52.

S. Power Outlet 115 Volt

Alternating On/Off Button.

See Power Outlets (Accessory

Power Outlets) on page 4-6 or

Power Outlets (115 Volt

Alternating Current) on page 4-7.

T. Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped)

or Accessory Power Outlet.

Cigarette Lighter on page 4-8 or
Power Outlets (Accessory Power
Outlets) on page 4-6 or Power
Outlets (115 Volt Alternating
Current) on page 4-7.

U. Shift Lever. Automatic

Transmission (Four Speed
Automatic) on page 8-24 or
Automatic Transmission (Five
Speed Automatic) on page 8-27
or Manual Transmission on
page 8-29.

V. Power Outlets (Accessory Power

Outlets) on page 4-6 or Power
Outlets (115 Volt Alternating
Current) on page 4-7.

W. Climate

page 7-1.

X. Load Rails and Hooks on

page 3-4.

Y. Glove Box on page 3-1.

Control Systems on

4-4 Instruments and Controls

Controls

Steering Wheel Adjustment

A tilt and telescope wheel lets the
steering wheel position be adjusted.

The adjustment lever is located on
the left side of the steering column.

Pull the lever down to move the
steering wheel up or down and in
or out. Pull the lever up to lock the
steering wheel in place.

Do not adjust the tilt and telescope
lever while driving.

Steering Wheel Controls

For vehicles with audio steering
wheel controls some audio controls
can be adjusted at the steering
wheel. They include the following:

−

q + (Volume): Press to decrease

or increase the volume.

ª«(Next/Previous): Press to

select the next or previous radio
station, CD track, or MP3 folder.

• Press ª or « to go to the next

or previous preset station.

• Press and hold ª or « until a

beep is heard to go to the next
or previous radio station. Only
stations with a strong signal will
be selected.

• Press ª or « to go to the next

or previous CD track.

• Press and hold ª or « until a

beep is heard to continuously go
to the next or previous track.

MODE: Press to turn the audio
system on or to select between AM,
FM, XM™ (if equipped), CD, or AUX.

Press and hold to turn the audio
system off.

Instruments and Controls 4-5

Horn

Press near or on the horn symbols
on the steering wheel pad to sound
the horn.

Windshield Wiper/Washer

The windshield wiper/washer lever
is located on the right side of the
steering column.

Move the lever to one of the
following positions:

z (Mist): Move the lever to mist,

for a single wiping cycle and then
release. The wipers stop after
one wipe.

( (Off): Turns the wipers off.
& (Intermittent): Move the lever

to choose a delayed wiping cycle.
For vehicles with the variable

intermittent feature, the time
between wipes can be adjusted.

Turn the
or shorter delay interval.

& band for a longer

q (Low): Slow wipes.

l (High): Fast wipes.

Clear snow and ice from the wiper
blades before using them. If the
blades are frozen to the windshield,
loosen or thaw them. If they become

damaged, get new blades or
blade inserts. See Wiper Blade
Replacement on page 9-30.

Heavy snow or ice can overload
the wipers. A circuit breaker stops
them until the motor cools.

Windshield Washer

Pull the lever toward you to spray
washer fluid on the windshield.
The spray continues until the lever
is released. The wipers will run a
few times. See Washer Fluid on
page 9-24 for information on filling
the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

{ CAUTION

In freezing weather, do not use
your washer until the windshield
is warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the
windshield, blocking your vision.

4-6 Instruments and Controls

Rear Window Wiper/Washer

Z

Rear Wiper: Turn the end of
the lever to low or high, to turn
on the rear window wiper.

y (Low): Slow wipes.
x (High): Fast wipes.

= (Rear Washer): Turn the end of

the lever up or down as far as it will
go, to spray washer fluid on the rear
window. The knob automatically
returns from these positions after
it is released.

The windshield washer reservoir is
used for the windshield and the rear
window. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir if either washer is not
working. See Washer Fluid on
page 9-24.

{ CAUTION

In freezing weather, do not use
your washer until the windshield
is warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the
windshield, blocking your vision.

Power Outlets (Accessory Power Outlets)

Accessory power outlets can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cellular phone.

The vehicle has an accessory
power outlet on the center floor
console below the shift lever.

To use the outlet, the ignition
must be in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY. Pull down the
small cover to access the outlet.

Notice: Leaving electrical
equipment on for extended
periods will drain the battery.

Always turn off electrical
equipment when not in use and
do not plug in equipment that
exceeds the maximum amperage
rating.

This circuit is protected by a fuse
and has a maximum current level.
Do not use equipment exceeding
the maximum amperage rating.

Certain power accessory plugs
may not be compatible to the power
accessory outlet and could result
in a blown vehicle or adapter fuse.
See your dealer/retailer for additional
information on the power accessory
plugs.

Notice: Adding any electrical
equipment to the vehicle can
damage it or keep other
components from working as
they should. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not use equipment
exceeding maximum amperage
rating of 20 amperes. Check
with your dealer/retailer before
adding electrical equipment.

Instruments and Controls 4-7

When adding electrical equipment,
be sure to follow the proper
installation instructions included
with the equipment.

Notice: Improper use of the
power outlet can cause damage
not covered by the warranty.
Do not hang any type of accessory
or accessory bracket from the
plug because the power outlets
are designed for accessory power
plugs only.

Power Outlets (115 Volt Alternating Current)

Electrical equipment with a
maximum limit of 115 VAC can
be plugged into this power outlet.
If the equipment used requires
more than the limit, a protection

circuit will cut the power supply.
The power automatically restarts
when equipment that operates
within the limit is plugged in.

The power outlet is located below
the shift lever.

Before using the outlet, turn on the
ignition and press the button located
on the instrument panel below the
climate control system. An indicator
light in the button comes on. After
using the outlet, press the button
again to turn it off.

The power outlet is not designed for
the following electrical equipment
and they may not work properly:

• Equipment with high initial peak

wattage: cathode-ray tube type
televisions, compressor-driven
refrigerators, or electric power
tools.

• Other equipment requiring an

extremely stable power supply:
microcomputer-controlled electric
blankets, touch sensor lamps, etc.

4-8 Instruments and Controls

Cigarette Lighter

For vehicles with a lighter, push
the lighter down and it will pop up
when it is ready to be used. The
ignition switch must be in the
ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN
position to use the lighter.

Notice: Holding a cigarette
lighter in while it is heating does
not let the lighter back away from
the heating element when it is hot.
Damage from overheating can
occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown.
Do not hold a cigarette lighter in
while it is heating.

It is not recommended to use the
cigarette lighter to plug in auxiliary
electrical equipment. Use the
accessory power outlet for phones

and other electrical equipment. See

Power Outlets (Accessory Power
Outlets) on page 4-6 or Power
Outlets (115 Volt Alternating
Current) on page 4-7.

Ashtrays

For vehicles with a removable
ashtray, it is located in the front
cupholder in the center console
storage area.

Notice: If papers, pins, or other
flammable items are put in the
ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite
them and possibly damage the
vehicle. Never put flammable
items in the ashtray.

Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators

Warning lights come on when there
could be a problem with a vehicle
function. Some warning lights come
on briefly when the engine is started
to indicate they are working.

Gages can indicate when there
could be a problem with a vehicle
function. Often gages and warning
lights work together to indicate
a problem with the vehicle.

When one of the warning lights
comes on and stays on while driving,
or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the
section that explains what to do.
Follow this manual’s advice. Waiting
to do repairs can be costly and even
dangerous.

Instruments and Controls 4-9

Instrument Cluster

This feature is designed to show at a glance how the vehicle is running. It shows vehicle speed, how much fuel is
left in the fuel tank and many other things needed to drive safely and economically.

United States Base Cluster shown, Canada similar

4-10 Instruments and Controls

Speedometer

The speedometer shows the
vehicle’s speed in both kilometers
per hour (km/h) and miles per
hour (mph).

Odometer

The odometer shows how far
the vehicle has been driven,
in either kilometers or miles.

This vehicle has a tamper-resistant
odometer. If the vehicle needs a new
odometer installed, the new one is
set to the mileage total of the old
odometer. If this is not possible, it is
set at zero and a label is put on the
driver’s door to show the old mileage
reading when the new odometer was
installed. If the mileage is unknown,
the label should then indicate
“previous mileage unknown”.

Trip Odometer

The trip odometer shows how far the
vehicle has been driven since the trip
odometer was last set to zero.

The button located above the
odometer allows switching between
the odometer and the trip odometer.

To set the trip odometer to zero,
press and hold the button.

Temperature Display

The outside air temperature is
displayed on the center of the
instrument panel, within the trip
odometer. The display shows the
outside air temperature in Fahrenheit
with a range from −40°F to 122°F
(−40°C to 50°C).

Tachometer

The tachometer displays the
engine speed in revolutions per
minute (rpm).

Fuel Gage

United States Canada

The fuel gage shows about
how much fuel is in the fuel tank.
An arrow on the fuel gage indicates

Instruments and Controls 4-11

that the fuel filler door is on the driver
side of the vehicle. The fuel gage
works only when the ignition switch is
turned to ON/RUN. When the gage
first indicates E or empty, there is still
about 2 gallons ( 7.6 L) of fuel left,
but more needs to be added right
away. When the vehicle is low on fuel
the low fuel warning light, located
below the empty mark, comes on.

Five things that do not indicate a
problem with the fuel gage:

• At the gas station, the fuel pump

shuts off before the gage reads
F or full.

• It takes a little more or less fuel

to fill up than the gage indicated.
For example, the gage may have
indicated the tank was half full,
but it actually took more or less
than half the tank’s capacity to
fill it.

• It takes the gage several minutes

to read F or full after filling the
vehicle with fuel.

• The gage moves a little when you

turn, stop or speed up.

• The gage does not go back to E

or empty when you turn off the
ignition.

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage

United States

This gage shows the engine coolant
temperature. If the gage pointer
moves into the red area, the engine
is too hot. Pull off the road, stop the
vehicle, and turn off the engine as
soon as possible. See Engine
Overheating on page 9-23.

Canada

Safety Belt Reminders

When the engine is started, a chime
will sound for several seconds to
remind people to fasten their safety
belts, unless the driver safety belt is
already buckled.

The safety belt light will also flash
until the driver belt is buckled. If the
driver belt is already buckled, neither
the chime nor the light comes on.

This light is located on the center
of the instrument panel, next
to the audio system.

When the key is turned to ON/RUN
or START, this light comes on
as a reminder for the right front
passenger to fasten their safety belt.

4-12 Instruments and Controls

This light flashes until the right front
passenger safety belt is buckled.
The passenger safety belt reminder
light will not come on if the right front
passenger belt is already buckled or
if a sensor does not detect the weight
of a passenger in that seat.

If something is placed on the right
front passenger seat, the sensors
in the seat may detect that object
and cause the right front passenger
safety belt reminder light to come on.
If this happens, remove the object.

Airbag Readiness Light

This light shows if there is an
electrical problem. The system
check includes the airbag sensor,
the pretensioners, the airbag
modules, the wiring and the crash
sensing and diagnostic module.
For more information on the airbag
system, see Airbag System on
page 2-23.

The airbag readiness light comes
on and stays on for several seconds
when the vehicle is started. Then the
light goes out.

If it stays on after the vehicle has
been started or comes on when while
driving, the airbag system may not
work properly. Have the vehicle
serviced right away.

{ CAUTION

If the airbag readiness light stays
on after the vehicle is started or
comes on while driving, it means
the airbag system might not be
working properly. The airbags in
the vehicle might not inflate in a
crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid
injury, have the vehicle serviced
right away.

Instruments and Controls 4-13

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator

The vehicle has the passenger
sensing system. See Passenger

Sensing System on page 2-29

for important safety information.
The instrument panel has a

passenger airbag status indicator.

When the vehicle is started,
the passenger airbag status
indicator will light ON and OFF for
several seconds as a system check.

Then, after several more seconds,
the status indicator will light either
ON or OFF if there is weight on the
seat, to let you know the status of
the right front passenger frontal and
seat-mounted side impact airbags
(if equipped). If the seat is
unoccupied, the light will not be
visible after the system check.

If the word ON is lit on the
passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the right front passenger
frontal and seat-mounted side impact
airbags (if equipped) are enabled
(may inflate).

If the word OFF is lit on the
passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right front
passenger’s frontal airbag and
seat-mounted side impact airbag
(if equipped). See Passenger
Sensing System on page 2-29 for
more on this, including important
safety information.

If, after several seconds, all status
indicator lights remain on, there
may be a problem with the lights
or the passenger sensing system.
See your dealer/retailer for service.

{ CAUTION

If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong with
the airbag system. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have
the vehicle serviced right away.
See Airbag Readiness Light on
page 4-12 for more information,
including important safety
information.

4-14 Instruments and Controls

Charging System Light

The charging system light comes on
briefly when the ignition is turned on,
but the engine is not running, as a
check to show the light is working.
It should go out when the engine is
started.

If the light stays on, or comes
on while driving, there may be a
problem with the electrical charging
system. Have it checked by your
dealer/retailer. Driving while this
light is on could drain the battery.

If a short distance must be driven
with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

Check Engine Light

A computer system called OBD II
(On-Board Diagnostics-Second
Generation) monitors operation
of the fuel, ignition, and emission
control systems. It makes sure that
emissions are at acceptable levels
for the life of the vehicle, helping to
produce a cleaner environment.

United States Canada

This light comes on when the
ignition is on, but the engine is not
running, as a check to show it is
working. If it does not, have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer/
retailer.

If the check engine light comes
on and stays on, when the engine
is running, this indicates that there is
an OBD II problem and service is
required.

Malfunctions often are indicated by
the system before any problem is
apparent. Heeding the light can
prevent more serious damage to
the vehicle. This system assists
the service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.

Notice: If the vehicle is
continually driven with this
light on, after a while, the
emission controls might not
work as well, the vehicle’s fuel
economy might not be as good,
and the engine might not run as
smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.

Instruments and Controls 4-15

Notice: Modifications made
to the engine, transmission,
exhaust, intake, or fuel system
of the vehicle or the replacement
of the original tires with other
than those of the same Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) can
affect the vehicle’s emission
controls and can cause this light
to come on. Modifications to these
systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by the vehicle
warranty. This could also result
in a failure to pass a required
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
test. See Accessories and
Modifications on page 9-3.

This light comes on during a
malfunction in one of two ways:

Light Flashing: A misfire condition
has been detected. A misfire
increases vehicle emissions and
could damage the emission control
system on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.

The following can prevent more
serious damage to the vehicle:

• Reduce vehicle speed.

• Avoid hard accelerations.

• Avoid steep uphill grades.

• If towing a trailer, reduce the

amount of cargo being hauled
as soon as it is possible.

If the light continues to flash, when
it is safe to do so, stop the vehicle.
Find a safe place to park the vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least
10 seconds, and restart the engine.
If the light is still flashing, follow the
previous steps and see your dealer/
retailer for service as soon as
possible.

Light On Steady: An emission
control system malfunction has been
detected on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.

An emission system malfunction
might be corrected by doing
the following:

• Make sure the fuel cap is fully

installed. See Filling the Tank on
page 8-41. The diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel cap
has been left off or improperly
installed. A loose or missing fuel
cap allows fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. A few driving
trips with the cap properly
installed should turn the light off.

• If the vehicle has been driven

through a deep puddle of water,
the vehicle’s electrical system
might be wet. The condition is
usually corrected when the
electrical system dries out.
A few driving trips should turn
the light off.

4-16 Instruments and Controls

• Make sure to fuel the vehicle

with quality fuel. Poor fuel quality
causes the engine not to run as
efficiently as designed and may
cause: stalling after start-up,
stalling when the vehicle is
changed into gear, misfiring,
hesitation on acceleration, or
stumbling on acceleration.
These conditions might go away
once the engine is warmed up.

If one or more of these conditions
occurs, change the fuel brand
used. It will require at least one
full tank of the proper fuel to turn
the light off.

See Fuel on page 8-38.

If none of the above have made the
light turn off, your dealer/retailer can
check the vehicle. The dealer/retailer
has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to fix any mechanical
or electrical problems that might
have developed.

Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs

Some state/provincial and local
governments have or might begin
programs to inspect the emission
control equipment on the vehicle.
Failure to pass this inspection could
prevent getting a vehicle registration.

Here are some things to know to
help the vehicle pass an inspection:

• The vehicle will not pass this

inspection if the check engine
light is on with the engine
running, or if the key is in the
ON/RUN and the light is not on.

• The vehicle will not pass this

inspection if the OBD II (on-board
diagnostic) system determines
that critical emission control

systems have not been
completely diagnosed by the
system. The vehicle would
be considered not ready for
inspection. This can happen
if the battery has recently been
replaced or if the battery has run
down. The diagnostic system is
designed to evaluate critical
emission control systems during
normal driving. This can take
several days of routine driving.
If this has been done and the
vehicle still does not pass the
inspection for lack of OBD II
system readiness, your dealer/
retailer can prepare the vehicle
for inspection.

Instruments and Controls 4-17

Brake System Warning Light

The vehicle’s hydraulic brake
system is divided into two parts.
If one part is not working, the other
part can still work and stop the
vehicle. For good braking both
parts need to be working well.

If the warning light comes on,
there is a brake problem. Have the
brake system inspected right away.

United States

If the vehicle has anti-lock brakes,
this light should come on when the
key is turned to START. If it does not
come on, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn if there is a problem.

Canada

When the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light also comes
on when the parking brake is
set. The light will stay on if the
parking brake does not fully release.
If it stays on after the parking
brake is fully released, it means
there is a brake problem.

{ CAUTION

The brake system might not be
working properly if the brake
system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light
on can lead to a crash. If the light
is still on after the vehicle has been
pulled off the road and carefully
stopped, have the vehicle towed
for service.

See Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light later in this section
and Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light on page 4-17.

Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light

United States Canada

The ABS warning light comes on
briefly when the ignition key is turned
to ON/RUN. This is normal. If the
light does not come on then, have it
fixed so it will be ready to warn you if
there is a problem.

If the light stays on, turn the ignition
to LOCK/OFF. If the light comes
on while driving, stop as soon as
possible and turn the ignition off.
Then start the engine again to
reset the system. If the light still
stays on, or comes on again while
driving, the vehicle needs service.
If the regular brake system warning
light is not on, there are still
brakes, but no antilock brakes.

4-18 Instruments and Controls

If the regular brake system warning
light is also on, there are no antilock
brakes and there is a problem with
the regular brakes. See Brake
System Warning Light on page 4-17.

Service All-Wheel Drive Light

This light will come on briefly when
the ignition is turned on, and the
engine is not running, as a check
to show you it is working.

It should go out when the engine is
started. It should go out when the
engine is started. If it stays on, or
comes on while you are driving, you
may have a problem with the system.
Have it checked by your dealer/
retailer.

The four-wheel-drive indicator will
light up when the All-Wheel drive is
active.

Speed Sensitive Power Steering (SSPS) Warning Light

Vehicles with this feature, have a
warning light that comes on briefly
when the ignition is turned to
ON/RUN as a check to show it
is working.

If the warning light does not come
on, have it fixed so it will be able to
warn if there is a problem.

If the warning light stays on, or
comes on while driving, the Speed
Sensitive Power Steering may not be
working. See your dealer/retailer for
service.

StabiliTrak®Indicator Light

This light warns that there is a
problem with the Traction Control
System (TCS) or the Vehicle
Stability Control (VSC) system.

The light comes on when the ignition
is turned to ON/RUN.

If the light comes on while driving,
the system is not working.

The TCS light comes on when the
VSC system warning light comes on,
even if the TRAC OFF button is not
pressed.

See StabiliTrak System on
page 8-35 for more information on
Vehicle Stability Control System.