Occupant restraints
Some of the most important safety features in your vehicle are the restraint systems. These include the lap/ shoulder seat belts for the driver and passenger, emer- gency tensioning retractors for the seat belts, and front and side airbags for the driver and passenger. If you will be carrying children too small for adult-size belts, the passenger side seat belt also can be used to hold infant and child restraint systems.
Please pay close attention to the information in this section. It tells you how to use your restraint system properly to keep you and your passengers as safe as possible.
WARNING! In a collision, you and your passengers can suffer much greater injuries if you are not properly buckled up. You can strike the interior of your vehicle or other occupants, or you can be thrown out of the vehicle. Always be sure you and others in your vehicle are buckled up properly.
Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver and cause a collision that includes you. This can happen far away from home or on your street. Research has shown that seat belts save lives. They also can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a collision. Some of the worst injuries happen when people are thrown from the vehicle. Seat belts provide protection from that,
and they reduce the risk of injury caused by striking the inside of the vehicle. Everyone in a motor vehicle needs to be buckled up all the time.
Lap/Shoulder Belts
Each seating position is equipped with a combined lap/shoulder belt system. The belt webbing retractor will lock only during very sudden stops or impacts. This feature allows the shoulder part of the belt to move freely with you under normal conditions. In a collision, the belt locks and reduces the risk of your striking the inside of the vehicle or being thrown out. The seat belts are also equipped with emer- gency tensioning retractors. These tensioning retractors are located in each belt’s inertia reel and become opera- tionally ready with the key in the ignition switch turned
to the ACC or ON/RUN positions. The emergency tensioning retractors are designed to activate during frontal and rear impacts. They remove slack from the belts in such a way that the seat belts fit more snugly against the body, restricting its forward movement as much as possible. In cases of other frontal impacts, roll overs, certain side impacts, rear collisions or other accidents without suffi- cient frontal or rear impact forces, the emergency tension- ing retractors will not be activated. The driver and passenger will then be protected by the fastened seat belts and inertia reel in the usual manner.
WARNING!
• Wearing a seat belt incorrectly is dangerous. Seat belts are designed to go around the large bones of your body. These are the strongest parts of your body and can take the forces of a collision the best. Wearing your belt in the wrong place could make your injuries in a collision much worse. You might suffer internal injuries, or you could even slide out of part of the belt. Follow these instructions to wear your seat belt safely and to keep your pas- sengers safe, too.
• Two people should never be belted into a single seat belt. People belted together can crash into one another in an accident, hurting one another badly. Never use a lap/shoulder belt or a lap belt for more than one person, no matter what their size.
Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions
1. Enter the vehicle and close the door. Unless the key is in the ACC or ON position, seat will not move. Sit back and adjust the seat. 2. The seat belt latch plate is above the back of your seat. Grasp the latch plate and pull out the belt. Slide the latch plate up the webbing as far as necessary to make the belt go around your lap.
3. When the belt is long enough to fit, insert the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”
4. Position the lap belt across your thighs, below your abdomen. To remove slack in the lap belt portion, pull up a little on the shoulder belt, as shown.
5. To loosen the lap belt if it is too tight, tilt the latch plate away from you and pull on the lap belt. Remember that a snug belt reduces the risk of sliding under the belt in a collision. 6. Position the shoulder belt on your chest so that it is comfortable and not resting on your neck. The retractor will withdraw any slack in the belt. 7. To release the belt, push the red button on the buckle. The belt will automatically retract to its stowed position. If necessary, slide the latch plate down the webbing to allow it to retract fully.
WARNING!
• A belt that is buckled into the wrong buckle will not
protect you properly. The lap portion could ride too high on your body, possibly causing internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.
• A belt that is too loose will not protect you as well. In a sudden stop you could move too far forward, increas- ing the possibility of injury. Wear your seat belt snugly.
• A belt that is worn under your arm is very dangerous. Your body could strike the inside surfaces of the vehicle in a collision, increasing head and neck injury. A belt worn under the arm can cause internal injuries. Ribs aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. Wear the belt over your shoulder so that your strongest bones will take the force in a collision.
• A shoulder belt placed behind you will not protect you from injury during a collision. You are more likely to hit your head in a collision if you do not wear your shoulder belt. The lap and shoulder belt are meant to be used together.
WARNING!
• A lap belt worn too high can increase the risk of
internal injury in a collision. The belt forces won’t be at the strong hip and pelvic bones, but across your abdomen. Always wear the lap belt as low as possible and keep it snug.
• A twisted belt can’t do its job as well. In a collision it could even cut into you. Be sure the belt is straight. If you can’t straighten a belt in your vehicle, take it to an authorized dealer and have it fixed.
WARNING! Seat belt systems must always be replaced after an impact severe enough to fire the emergency locking retractors. If there is any question about the condi- tion of your seat belt system, take the vehicle to an authorized dealer for an inspection.
WARNING! A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collision and leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt assem- blies must be replaced after an accident if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing, etc.)
Seat Belts and Pregnant Women
We recommend that pregnant women use the seat belts throughout their pregnancy. Keeping the mother safe is the best way to keep the baby safe. Pregnant women should wear the lap part of the belt across the thighs and as snug across the hips as possible. Keep the belt low so that it does not come across the abdomen. That way the strong bones of the hips will take the force if there is a collision.
Seat Belt Extender
If a seat belt is too short even when fully extended, an authorized dealer can provide you with a seat belt extender. This extender should be used only if the existing belt is not long enough. When it is not required, remove the extender and store it.
WARNING! Using a seat belt extender when not needed can increase the risk of injury in a collision. Only use the extender when the lap belt is not long enough when it is worn low and snug, and in the recommended seating positions. Remove and store the extender when not needed.
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag
This vehicle has airbags for the driver and passenger as a supplement to the seat belt restraint systems. The driver’s airbag is mounted in the steering wheel. The passenger frontal airbag is mounted in the instrument panel, under a cover marked SRS/AIRBAG.
These airbags inflate in higher speed frontal impacts. They work with the instrument panel inflatable knee blockers and the seat belts to provide improved protec- tion for the driver and passenger. The vehicle is also equipped with side airbags, located in the driver and passenger doors. Side airbags also work with seat belts to improve occupant protection.
NOTE: The front driver airbag is certified to the Federal regulations that allow less forceful deployment. The front driver airbag has a multi stage inflator design. This may allow the airbag to have different rates of inflation that are based on collision severity and occupant size. Also, the front passenger airbag is certified to the Federal regulations that define Occupant Classification (Refer to “Occupant Classification System” in this section). Their covers are also labeled SRS/AIRBAG.
WARNING!
• Do not put anything on or around the front airbag
covers or attempt to manually open them. You may damage the airbags and you could be injured because the airbags are not there to protect you. These protective covers are designed to open only when the airbags are inflated.
• Do not place objects between you and the side airbags; the performance could be adversely af- fected and/or objects could be pushed into you, causing serious injury.
• Do not attach cup holders or any other objects on or around the door. The inflating side airbag could drive objects into occupants, causing serious injury.
NOTE: The passenger front airbag may not deploy even when the driver front airbag has deployed if the Occu- pant Classification System (refer to “Occupant Classifi- cation System” in this section) has determined the seat is empty or is occupied by someone that is classified in the “child” category. This could be a child, a teenager, or even a small adult. The side airbags on the crash side of the vehicle is triggered in moderate to severe side colli- sions. However even in collisions where the airbags work, you need the seat belts to keep you in the right position for the airbags to protect you properly. The seat belts are designed to protect you in many types of collisions. The front airbags deploy only in moderate to severe front collisions. In certain types of collisions, both the front and side airbags may be triggered.
Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize the risk of harm from a deploying airbag.
1. Infants in rear-facing child safety seats should NEVER ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger frontal airbag unless the airbag is shut OFF. See “Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch” and “To Shut Off the Passenger Airbag.” The rear-facing seat places them too close to the passenger air bag in the event of a crash. An airbag deployment can cause severe injury or death to infants in this position. Children that are not big enough to properly wear the vehicle seat belt (see section on “Child Restraint”) should be secured in child safety seats or booster seats that are appropriate for the child’s age, height, and weight. Older children who do not use child safety seats or booster seats should ride properly buckled. Never allow children to place the shoulder belt behind them or under the arm.
If a child from 1 to 12 years old must ride in the vehicle, move the seat as far back as possible, shut off the passenger airbag, and use the proper child restraint. See the section on “Child Restraint.” You should read the instructions provided with your child restraint or belt-positioning booster seat to make sure that you are using it properly. 2. All occupants should wear their lap and shoulder belts properly. 3. The driver and passenger seats should be moved back as far as practical to allow the front airbags room to inflate. 4. Do not lean against the door, as the side airbags will inflate forcefully into the space between you and the door. (See the section on “Side Airbags”)
WARNING! After installing a child safety seat or booster seat on the passenger seat, do not adjust the back rest forward. This could cause a higher load being perceived by the OCS system which in turn could lead to the passenger airbag being turned on. Failure to follow this warning could result in serious or fatal injury. It is always recom- mended to turn off the passenger front air bags using the passenger front airbags on/off switch located at the right end of the instrument panel when the passenger is:
• an infant (less than 1 year old),
• a child, age 1 to 12,
• an adult with a medical condition which makes
passenger airbags inflation (deployment) a greater risk for the passenger than the risk of hitting the dashboard (instrument panel) or windshield in a crash.
The on/off switch is accessible by opening the passen- ger door.
WARNING!
• Relying on the airbags alone could lead to more severe injuries in a collision. The airbags work with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In some collisions the airbags won’t deploy at all. Always wear your seat belts even though you have airbags.
• Being too close to the steering wheel or instrument panel during airbag deployment could cause seri- ous injury.
• Airbags need room to inflate. Sit back, comfort- ably extending your arms to reach the steering wheel or instrument panel.
• The side airbags also need room to inflate. Do not lean against the door. Sit upright in the center of the seat.
Airbag System Components
The airbag system consists of the following: • Occupant Restraint Controller • Airbag Warning Light • Driver and passenger frontal airbag/inflator units • Driver and passenger side airbag/inflator units • Driver and Passenger Inflatable Knee Blocker • Driver and Front Passenger Seat Belt Pretensioners • Side impact sensors • Front Passenger Seat Occupant Classification System
(OCS)
How the Front Airbag System Works
• The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) determines if a frontal collision is severe enough to require the airbags to inflate. Based on the level of collision severity, the front control module determines the proper rate of inflation. The front airbag inflators are designed to provide different rates of airbag inflation from direction provided by the ORC. The ORC may modify the rate of inflation based on the occupant size provided by the Occupant Classification Module. The ORC will not detect roll overs. The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of the system when- ever the ignition switch is in the START or RUN positions. If the key is in the OFF position, in the ACC position, or not in the ignition, the airbags are not on and will not inflate. Also, the ORC turns on the AIRBAG warning light (located in the instrument cluster) and Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) indicator light (located in the center console) for 4 seconds for a self-check when the ignition is first turned on. After the self-check, the AIRBAG warning light will turn off. The PAD indica- tor light will function normally (Refer to “Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) Indicator Light” in this section). If the ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns on the AIRBAG warning light either momentarily or continuously.
WARNING! Ignoring the AIRBAG light in your instrument panel could mean you won’t have the airbags to protect you in a collision. If the light does not come on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you drive, have the airbag system checked right away.
WARNING! Do not put anything on or around the airbag covers or attempt to manually open them. You may damage the airbags and you could be injured because the airbags are not there to protect you. These protective covers are designed to open only when the airbags are inflated.
• The Driver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Units are located in the center of the steering wheel and the right side of the instrument panel. When the ORC detects a collision requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate the front airbags. Different airbag inflation rates may be possible based on collision severity and occu- pant size. The steering wheel hub trim cover and the
upper right side of the instrument panel separate and fold out of the way as the bags inflate to their full size. The bags fully inflate in about 50–70 milliseconds. This is about half of the time it takes to blink your eyes. The bags then quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and front passenger. The driver’s front airbag gas is vented through vent holes in the sides of the airbag. The passenger’s front airbag gas is vented through vent holes in the sides of the airbag. In this way the airbags do not interfere with your control of the vehicle.
• The Knee Blocker Airbag helps protect the knees and working with the seat belts, position you for the best interaction with the airbags.
If a Deployment Occurs
WARNING! Deployed airbags can’t protect you in another colli- sion. Have the airbags replaced by an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
The airbag system is designed to deploy when the impact sensors detect a moderate-to-severe frontal collision, to help restrain the driver and passenger, and then to immediately deflate.
NOTE: A frontal collision that is not severe enough to need airbag protection will not activate the system. This does not mean something is wrong with the airbag system. The system may also inflate only one airbag in a reduced severity frontal collision if the seat belt on that side of the vehicle is not fastened. This also does not mean something is wrong with your airbag system. If you do have a collision which deploys the airbags, any or all of the following may occur: • The nylon airbag material may sometimes cause abra-
sions and/or skin reddening to the driver and passen- ger as the airbags deploy and unfold. The abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or those you might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium floor. They are not caused by contact with chemicals. They are not permanent and normally heal quickly. However, if you haven’t healed significantly within a few days, or if you have any blistering, see your doctor immediately.
• As the airbags deflate, you may see some smoke-like particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the process that generates the nontoxic nitrogen gas used for airbag inflation. These airborne particles may irri- tate the skin, eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or
eye irritation, rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues, see your doctor. If these particles settle on your clothing, follow the garment manufacturer’s in- structions for cleaning.
• It is not advisable to drive your vehicle after the airbags have been deployed. If you are involved in another collision, the airbags will not be in place to protect you.
How the Side Impact Airbag System Works
• The side impact airbags are located in the doors above
the armrest. • The ORC determines if a side impact is severe enough
to require the airbag on the side of the vehicle sub- jected to an impact. As with the frontal system, the sensors are connected to the diagnostic unit and the airbag/inflator units.
• When a side impact above a predetermined threshold occurs, the sensors signal the inflator on the impacted side of the vehicle. A large quantity of nontoxic nitrogen gas is generated to inflate the airbag. The door panel opens to allow the airbag to inflate to its full size.
WARNING!
• Do not put anything on or around the airbag
covers or attempt to manually open them. You may damage the airbags and you could be injured because the airbags are not there to protect you. These protective covers are designed to open only when the airbags are inflated.
• Do not attach cup holders or any other objects on or around the door. The inflating side airbag could drive the objects into occupants, causing serious injury.
• The operational readiness of the side airbag system is verified by the airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster when turning the key in the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position. If no fault is detected, the light will go out after approximately four seconds. After the light goes out, the system continues to monitor the components and circuitry of the airbag system and will indicate a malfunction by coming on again. If the light does not come on at all, or if it fails to go out after the four seconds, or if it comes on thereafter, a mal- function in the system has been detected. See your authorized dealer for service.
WARNING!
• The door mounted side airbag deploys with consid-
erable force. Being too close to the door panel during airbag deployment could cause serious injury or death.
• All occupants must be in the appropriate restraint for their size and age, especially children 12 and under.
• To help avoid the potential for serious injury and death should the side airbag be activated, please follow these guidelines:
1. Occupants, especially children, should never lean against the door in the area where the side airbag inflates; 2. Occupants need to sit upright in the center of the seat to give the side airbag room to inflate; 3. Always use the appropriate restraint for the occupant and ensure it is properly used.
How the Occupant Classification System (OCS) System Works
The Occupant Classification System (OCS) will classify an occupant in the front passenger seat into a size category based on sensor readings from within the seat cushion. Occupants should try to remain in a normally seated position. If the occupant’s weight is transferred to another object in the vehicle (i.e. feet on the dashboard), the OCS may not be able to properly approximate occupant size. Furthermore, the occupant size may ap- pear to increase or decrease due to objects hanging on the seat, other passengers pushing on the seat, or objects lodged underneath the seat. If there is a rapid change in temperature or humidity, the OCS may not be able to properly approximate occupant size. If your seat includ- ing your trim cover and cushion needs to be serviced in any way, take the vehicle to your authorized dealer. Only manufacturer approved seat accessories may be used. If there is a fault present in the system, the AIRBAG
warning light will light indicating that you should take the vehicle to an authorized dealer. In the presence of an occupant in the passenger seat, if both the Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) indicator light (located in the center console) and AIRBAG warning light (located in the instrument cluster) are illuminated the airbag will be disabled. The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) will not allow front airbag deployment in the event of a collision for occupants classified into the empty or child size categories. The PAD indicator light will illuminate indicating that the Passenger Airbag is OFF when the OCS has determined that the occupant size category is a child. Also, when the seat is empty or an object that weighs less than a predetermined threshold is placed on the seat, the light will remain OFF. (The PAD indicator light is an amber light located in the center console.) For almost all sizes of properly seated adults, the passenger frontal airbag will be enabled in the event of a collision. For small teenagers and some small adults, depending on
size, the airbag may or may not be enabled in the event of a collision. Both drivers and passengers should always use the PAD indicator light as an indication if the front passenger is properly positioned or not. If the PAD indicator light comes on when an adult is in the passen- ger seat, have the passenger re-position themselves in the seat until the light goes out. Remember, if the PAD indicator light is illuminated the passenger front airbag will not inflate. For most children properly seated on the front seat and most properly installed child restraint systems, the airbag will be disabled and the PAD indica- tor light will be on. However, under certain conditions even with the child restraint system has been installed properly, the PAD indicator light may not be on even though the air bag is disabled. This can occur if the child restraint is lighter than the threshold weight necessary to turn the PAD indicator light on. If this happens to you, you can check to ensure the airbag is disabled by performing the following simple procedure. Place the
ignition key in the RUN position and apply downward pressure to the child restraint on the surface that the child will be sitting on. Slowly count to 10 and watch the PAD indicator light. The PAD indicator light should turn on. When you release the pressure, the PAD indicator light may stay on or may turn off but the airbag is disabled. If at all possible, place children 12 years and younger in a back seat. The following requirements must be strictly adhered to: • Do not modify the front passenger seat assembly or
components in any way. • Do not modify the front seat center console or center
position seat in any way. • Do not use prior or future model year seat covers not
designated for the specific model being repaired. • Always use the correct seat cover specified for the vehicle.
• Do not replace the seat cover with an aftermarket seat cover.
• Do not add a secondary seat cover other than those approved by DaimlerChrysler/Mopart.
• At no time should any supplemental restraint system (SRS) component or SRS related component or fas- tener be modified or replaced with any part except those which are approved by DaimlerChrysler/ Mopart.
How the Occupant Classification Module (OCM) Works
The Occupant Classification Module (OCM) is located beneath the passenger seat. The OCM classifies the occupant into one of three size categories based on the input from the Bladder Assembly and a Belt Tension Sensor. The size categories include empty, child, and adult. The OCM sends the Occupant Classification to the
ORC to determine if a front passenger airbag is allowed. If a fault is present, the AIRBAG warning light is illumi- nated.
How the Passenger Airbag Disabled (PAD) Indicator Light Works
The Passenger Airbag Disabled (PAD) Indicator Light indicates to the driver and passenger when the airbag is turned OFF. In the presence of a properly seated occu- pant, when the PAD indicator light is illuminated, the airbag is OFF. Also, when the Occupant Classification System detects either an empty seat or a weight less than the predetermined threshold, the ORC will not illuminate the PAD indicator light even though the airbag is turned OFF.
How the Belt Tension Sensor (BTS) Works
The Belt Tension Sensor (BTS) is located at the outboard passenger lap belt anchor. The BTS creates a signal based on outboard lap belt tension. This signal is sent to the
OCM to ensure that the resultant bladder pressure in- crease due to applied lap belt tension does not cause a small occupant to be classified as a larger occupant
How the Bladder Mat and Pressure Sensor Works
The Bladder Mat and Pressure Sensor are located beneath the seat cushion foam. The pressure sensor sends a signal to the OCM. The passenger seat assembly contains criti- cal components that affect the passenger airbag deploy- ment. Correctly functioning passenger seat components are critical for the Occupant Classification System (OCS) to properly classify the passenger and calculate the proper airbag deployment. Do not make any modifica- tions to the passenger seat components, assembly, or to the seat cover.
How the Driver/Passenger Inflatable Knee Blockers Works
When the ORC and the impact sensors detect a collision requiring the Driver/Passenger Inflatable Knee Blockers,
it signals the inflator unit. A quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate the Driver/Passenger Inflatable Knee Blockers. The Driver/Passenger Inflatable Knee Blockers inflates rearward towards the driver’s knees to help protect the knees and position you for the best interaction with the front airbag. The Driver/Passenger Inflatable Knee Blockers fully inflates in about 50 milliseconds, this is only about half of the time it takes you to blink your eyes. It then quickly deflates while helping to protect the driver’s knees. The Knee Impact Blockers help protect the knees and position the occupant.
Passenger Front Airbag On/Off Switch
The ON/OFF switch is located at the right end of the instrument panel and is accessible by opening the pas- senger door.
NOTE: When using certain types of child seats, the passenger airbag light will remain off even though the passenger front airbags are disabled. It is always recommended to turn off the passenger front air bags using the passenger front airbags on/off switch located at the right end of the instrument panel when the passenger is: • an infant (less than 1 year old), • a child, age 1 to 12, • an adult with a medical condition which makes pas-
senger airbag inflation (deployment) a greater risk for the passenger than the risk of hitting the dashboard (instrument panel) or windshield in a crash.
The on/off switch is accessible by opening the passenger door.
If the airbag is turned off when there is any other occupant at that position, the supplemental restraint provided by the airbag will not be available. To turn OFF the passenger front airbag, use the on/off switch located on the instrument panel.
NOTE: When the passenger airbag is turned off, the yellow airbag off light will illuminate.
To Shut Off the Passenger Airbag:
• Place the ignition key in the on/off switch, turn the
key clockwise, and remove the key from the switch. This will shut off the passenger front airbag.
• The air bag will remain off until the switch is turned back to the ON position.
• The switch does NOT turn off the side airbag.
To Turn On the Passenger Airbag:
• Place the ignition key in the on/off switch, turn the
key counterclockwise, and remove the key from the switch. This will turn on the passenger airbag. The Passenger Airbag Off light on the console will turn off, or will not be illuminated when the ignition is turned to the ON position.
WARNING! The airbag may malfunction and serious injury could result if key is left in the airbag shut off switch. Always remove the key.
Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
• Unapproved modifications or service procedures to
the front passenger seat assembly, its related compo- nents, or seat cover may inadvertently change the airbag deployment in case of a frontal crash. This could result in death or serious injury to the front seat passenger if the vehicle is involved in an accident. A modified vehicle may not comply with required Fed- eral Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
• You need proper knee impact protection in a collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket equipment on or behind the knee impact blocker.
• You can be injured if you are too close to either airbag cover when the airbags inflate. It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the airbag system yourself. Don’t try to repair the airbag system. Be sure to tell anyone who works on your vehicle that it has airbags.
The following requirements must be strictly adhered to: • Do not modify the front passenger seat assembly or
components in any way. • Do not modify the front seat center console or center
position seat in any way. • Do not use prior or future model year seat covers not
designated for the specific model being repaired. • Always use the correct seat cover specified for the
vehicle. • Do not replace the seat cover with an aftermarket seat
cover. • Do not add a secondary seat cover other than those
approved by DaimlerChrysler/Mopart. • At no time should any supplemental restraint system
(SRS) component or SRS related component or fastener
be modified or replaced with any part except those which are approved by DaimlerChrysler/Mopart.
Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready for your protection in case of a collision. While the airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) is designed to be maintenance free, if any of the
following occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system immediately. • The AIRBAG light does not come on or flickers during
the four seconds when the ignition switch is first turned on.
• The light remains on or flickers after the four second interval.
• The light flickers or comes on and remains on while driving.
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the time, including babies and children. Every state in the United States and all Canadian provinces require that small children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law, and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
WARNING! In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny baby, can become a missile inside the vehicle. The force required to hold even an infant on your lap could become so great that you could not hold the child, no matter how strong you are. The child and others could be badly injured. Any child riding in your vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the child’s size.
Infants and Child Restraints
There are different sizes and types of restraints for children from newborn size to the child almost large enough for an adult safety belt. Always check the child seat Owner’s Manual to ensure you have the right seat for your child. Use the restraint that is correct for your child: • Safety experts recommend that children ride
rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least one year old and weigh at least 20 lbs (9 kg). Two types of child restraints can be used rearward-facing: infant carriers and convertible child seats.
• The infant carrier is only used rearward-facing in the vehicle. It is recommended for children who weigh up to about 20 lbs (9 kg). Convertible child seats can be used either rearward-facing or forward-facing in the vehicle. Convertible child seats often have a higher weight limit in the rearward-facing direction than
infant carriers do, so they can be used rearward-facing by children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) but are less than one year old. Both types of child restraints are held in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt or the Lower Anchors and Tether for Children (LATCH) child restraint anchorage system. (See the LATCH - Child Seat Anchorage System section.)
• Rearward-facing child seats must NEVER be used in the front seat of a vehicle with the front passenger airbag unless the airbag is turned off. An airbag deployment could cause severe injury or death to infants in this position.
WARNING!
• A rearward facing infant restraint must not be
used unless the passenger airbag has been shut off.A rearward facing infant restraint may be struck by a deploying passenger airbag which may cause severe or fatal injury to the infant.
• Improper installation can lead to failure of a child restraint. It could come loose in a collision. The child could be badly injured or killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly when installing a child restraint.
Here are some tips on getting the most out of your child restraint:
• Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it
has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety Standards. We also recommend that you make sure that you can install the child restraint in the vehicle where you will use it before you buy it.
• The restraint must be appropriate for your child’s weight and height. Check the label on the restraint for weight and height limits.
• Carefully follow the instructions that come with the restraint. If you install the restraint improperly, it may not work when you need it.
• Buckle the child into the seat according to the seat manufacturer’s directions.
• When your child restraint is not in use, secure it in the vehicle with the seat belt or remove it from the vehicle.
Do not leave it loose in the vehicle. In a sudden stop or collision, it could strike the occupants and cause serious personal injury.
NOTE: For additional information refer to www.seatcheck.org or call 1–866–SEATCHECK. Older Children and Child Restraints
Children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) and who are older than one year can ride forward-facing in the vehicle. Forward-facing child seats and convertible child seats used in the forward-facing direction are for children who weigh 20 to 40 lbs (9 to 18 kg) and who are older than one year. These child seats are also held in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt or the LATCH child restraint anchorage system. (See LATCH - Child Seat Anchorage System section.) The belt-positioning booster seat is for children weighing more than 40 lbs (18 kg), but who are still too small to fit the vehicle’s seat belts properly. If the child cannot sit
with knees bent over the vehicle’s seat cushion while the child’s back is against the seatback, they should use a belt-positioning booster seat. The child and belt- positioning booster seat are held in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt.
Children Too Large For Booster Seats
Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend over the front of the seat when their back is against the seatback, should use the lap/shoulder belt. • Make sure that the child is upright in the seat. • The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug
as possible. • Check belt fit periodically. A child’s squirming or
slouching can move the belt out of position.
• If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the child closer to the center of the vehicle. Never allow a child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind their back.
LATCH - Child Seat Anchorage System (Lower Anchors and Tether for Children)
Your vehicle’s passenger seat is equipped with the child restraint anchorage system called LATCH. The LATCH system provides for the installation of the child restraint without using the vehicle’s belts, instead securing the child restraint using lower anchorages and upper tether straps from the child restraint to the vehicle structure. LATCH-compatible child restraints are now available.
Installing the LATCH-Compatible Child Restraint System
We urge that you carefully follow the directions of the manufacturer when installing your child restraint. These are general instructions, and not all child restraint sys- tems will be installed exactly as described here. Again, carefully follow the installation instructions that were provided with the child restraint system. The passenger seat lower anchorages are round bars, located at the rear of the seat cushion where it meets the seatback, and are just visible when you lean in to install the child restraint. You will easily feel them if you run your finger along the intersection of the seatback and seat cushion surfaces.
The passenger seat tether anchorage is located on the back of the seat cushion frame. It is visible by moving the passenger seat forward in the vehicle.
Many, but not all LATCH-Compatible child restraint systems will be equipped with separate straps on each side, with each having a hook or connector for attach- ment to the lower anchorage and a means of adjusting the tension in the strap. Forward-facing toddler restraints and some rear-facing infant restraints will also be
equipped with a tether strap, a hook for attachment to the tether strap anchorage and a means of adjusting the tension of the strap. You will first loosen the adjusters on the lower straps and on the tether strap so that you can more easily attach the hooks or connectors to the vehicle anchorages. Next, you can attach the tether strap to the anchor by moving the passenger seat forward. Route the child restraint tether directly over the top of the seat, through the strap near the top of the seatback, and attach the hook to the anchor bar. Recline the seatback and move the passenger seat as far rearward as possible. Next, attach the lower hooks to the passenger seat lower anchor bars by pushing aside the seat cover material. Finally, tighten all three straps as you push the child restraint rearward and downward into the seat, removing slack in the straps according to the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions.
WARNING! After installing a child safety seat or booster seat on the passenger seat, do not adjust the back rest forward. This could cause a higher load being perceived by the OCS system which in turn could lead to the passenger airbag being turned on. Failure to follow this warning could result in serious or fatal injury. It is always recom- mended to turn off the passenger front air bags using the passenger front airbags on/off switch located at the right end of the instrument panel when the passenger is:
• an infant (less than 1 year old),
• a child, age 1 to 12,
• an adult with a medical condition which makes
passenger airbags inflation (deployment) a greater risk for the passenger than the risk of hitting the dashboard (instrument panel) or windshield in a crash.
The on/off switch is accessible by opening the passen- ger door.
WARNING! Improper installation of a child restraint to the LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of an infant or child restraint. The child could be badly injured or killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly when installing an infant or child restraint.
Installing Child Restraints Using the Vehicle Seat Belt
Child restraints can be securely fastened in the passenger seat using the seat belts. For this purpose, the passenger seat belt retractor provides two modes of operation - normal emergency locking and automatic locking. For child restraint installation, the retractor switches to auto- matic locking when the belt is pulled out to the full extent of its travel. As the belt retracts, the retractor locks to prevent the belt from being pulled out again. Pulling the
belt snugly over the child restraint toward the retractor secures the restraint in place. When the belt retracts fully after child restraint removal, normal (emergency locking) retractor action is restored. Any seat belt system will loosen with time, so check the belt occasionally and pull it tight if necessary. If your child restraint is equipped with a tether strap, attach it to the vehicle by first moving the seatback fully forward. Next, route the child restraint tether directly over the top of the seat, through the strap near the top of the seatback, and attach the hook to the anchor bar. Recline the seatback and move the passenger seat as far rearward as possible. Remove slack in the tether strap as you push the child restraint downward and rearward, following the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions.
Child Restraint Tether Anchor - General Information
Child restraints having tether straps and hooks for con- nection to tether anchors have been available for some time. In fact, many child restraint manufacturers will provide add-on tether strap kits for certain of their older products. There is a tether strap anchor behind the passenger seat. To attach the tether strap to the anchor, move the seatback fully forward. Pass the child restraint tether hook over the top of the seat, through the strap near the top of the seatback, and attach it to the anchor bar behind the passenger seat, below the seatback. After securing the tether hook to the bar, recline the seatback fully rearward and move the seat to its most rearward position.
Install the child restraint and return the seatback to an upright position. Remove slack from the tether strap according to the child restraint manufacturer’s directions.
WARNING! An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to increased head motion and possible injury to the child. Use only the anchor position directly behind the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether strap.
Transporting Pets
Deploying airbags could harm your pet. An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in a collision. Pets should be restrained in pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
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