2010 pontiac vibe owner manual m · 2009. 11. 5. · this manual includes the latest information at...

Keys, Doors andWindows ............................ 1-1

Keys and Locks .............. 1-2Doors ............................ 1-6Vehicle Security .............. 1-7Exterior Mirrors ............. 1-10Interior Mirrors .............. 1-11Windows ...................... 1-11Roof ............................ 1-13

Seats and Restraints ......... 2-1Head Restraints .............. 2-2Front Seats .................... 2-3Rear Seats .................... 2-7Safety Belts ................... 2-8Airbag System .............. 2-23Child Restraints ............. 2-37

Storage .............................. 3-1Storage Compartments .... 3-1Additional Storage

Features ..................... 3-2Roof Rack System .......... 3-5

Instruments andControls ............................. 4-1

Instrument PanelOverview .................... 4-2

Controls ......................... 4-4Warning Lights, Gages,

and Indicators ............. 4-8Vehicle Personalization ... 4-21OnStar System ............. 4-23

Lighting ............................. 5-1Exterior Lighting .............. 5-1Interior Lighting ............... 5-4Lighting Features ............ 5-5

Infotainment System ......... 6-1Introduction .................... 6-1Radio ............................ 6-4Audio Players ................. 6-9

Climate Controls ............... 7-1Climate Control Systems ... 7-1Air Vents ....................... 7-4Maintenance ................... 7-4

Driving and Operating ....... 8-1Driving Information .......... 8-2Starting and Operating ... 8-16Engine Exhaust ............. 8-23Automatic

Transmission ............. 8-24Manual Transmission ..... 8-29Drive Systems .............. 8-31Brakes ......................... 8-32Ride Control Systems .... 8-33Cruise Control ............... 8-36Fuel ............................ 8-38Towing ........................ 8-43Conversions and

Add-Ons ................... 8-50

Vehicle Care ...................... 9-1General Information ......... 9-2Vehicle Checks ............... 9-4Headlamp Aiming .......... 9-32Bulb Replacement ......... 9-33Electrical System ........... 9-37

2010 Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual M

Wheels and Tires .......... 9-43Jump Starting ............... 9-69Towing ........................ 9-73Appearance Care .......... 9-75

Service andMaintenance ..................... 10-1

General Information ....... 10-1Scheduled

Maintenance .............. 10-3Recommended Fluids,

Lubricants, andParts ...................... 10-15

Maintenance Records ... 10-18

Technical Data ................. 11-1Vehicle Identification ...... 11-1Vehicle Data ................. 11-2

Customer Information ...... 12-1Customer Information ..... 12-1Reporting Safety

Defects ................... 12-13Vehicle Data Recording

and Privacy ............. 12-14

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

Introduction

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GMEmblem, PONTIAC, the PONTIACEmblem and the name VIBEare registered trademarks ofGeneral Motors Corporation.

This manual includes the latestinformation at the time it wasprinted. GM reserves the rightto make changes after thattime without further notice.

For vehicles first sold in Canada,substitute the name “General Motorsof Canada Limited” for PontiacDivision wherever it appears inthis manual.

This manual describes featuresthat may or may not be onyour specific vehicle.

Read this manual from beginning toend to learn about the vehicle’sfeatures and controls. Pictures,symbols, and words work togetherto explain vehicle operation.

Keep this manual in the vehicle forquick reference.

Canadian VehicleOwnersCanadian Owners(Propriétaires Canadiens)A French language copy ofthis manual can be obtained fromyour dealer/retailer or from:

On peut obtenir un exemplaire dece guide en français auprès duconcessionnaire ou à l’adressesuivante:

Helm, IncorporatedP.O. Box 07130Detroit, MI 48207

1-800-551-4123

Numéro de poste 6438 de languefrançaisewww.helminc.com

Litho in U.S.A.Part No. 20784572 A First Printing ©2008 General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Introduction iii

Using this ManualTo quickly locate information aboutthe vehicle use the Index in the backof the manual. It is an alphabeticallist of what is in the manual and thepage number where it can be found.

Danger, Warnings, andCautions

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

A box with the word CAUTION isused to tell about things that couldhurt you or others if you were toignore the warning.

{ CAUTIONThese mean there is somethingthat could hurt you or otherpeople.

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

A notice tells about something thatcan damage the vehicle.

Notice: These mean there issomething that could damageyour vehicle.

Many times, this damage wouldnot be covered by the vehicle’swarranty, and it could be costly.The notice tells what to do to helpavoid the damage.

There are also warning labels onthe vehicle which use the samewords, CAUTION or Notice.

SymbolsThe vehicle has components andlabels that use symbols insteadof text. Symbols are shown alongwith the text describing the operationor information relating to a specificcomponent, control, message,gage, or indicator.

M : This symbol is shown whenyou need to see your owner manualfor additional instructions orinformation.

* : This symbol is shown whenyou need to see a service manualfor additional instructions orinformation.

iv Introduction

Vehicle Symbol Chart

Here are some additional symbolsthat may be found on the vehicleand what they mean. For moreinformation on the symbol, referto the index.

9 : Airbag Readiness Light

# : Air Conditioning

! : Antilock Brake System (ABS)

g : Audio Steering WheelControls 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-BeamChanger

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

Introduction v

✍ NOTES

vi Introduction

Keys, Doors andWindows

Keys and LocksKeys ...................................1-2Remote Keyless Entry

(RKE) System .....................1-3Remote Keyless Entry

(RKE) System Operation .......1-3Door Locks ..........................1-5Power Door Locks .................1-6Safety Locks ........................1-6

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

Vehicle SecurityVehicle Security ....................1-7Anti-Theft Alarm System .........1-7Immobilizer ...........................1-9Immobilizer Operation ............1-9

Exterior MirrorsPower Mirrors .....................1-10Folding Mirrors ....................1-10

Interior MirrorsManual Rearview Mirror ........1-11

WindowsWindows ............................1-11Power Windows ..................1-12Sun Visors .........................1-12

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

Keys, Doors and Windows 1-1

Keys and Locks

Keys

{ CAUTIONLeaving children in a vehicle withthe ignition key is dangerous formany reasons, children or otherscould be badly injured or evenkilled. They could operate thepower windows or other controlsor even make the vehicle move.The windows will function with thekeys in the ignition and childrencould be seriously injured or killedif caught in the path of a closingwindow. Do not leave the keys ina vehicle with children.

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

The key number is on the tagattached to the key ring. Keep thistag and give it to your dealer/retailerif a new key needs to be made.

If the vehicle has an Immobilizertheft deterrent system, the key hasa transponder in the key thatmatches a decoder in the vehicle.See Immobilizer Operation onpage 1-9 for additional information.

Do not do any of the following tokeys with a transponder:

• Cover the key.• Hit the key hard against other

objects.

• Expose it to high temperaturesfor a long time.

• Put the key in water.• Use the key with electromagnetic

materials.

Any new Immobilizer key must beprogrammed before it will startthe vehicle. See your dealer/retailer.

In an emergency, contact RoadsideAssistance. See RoadsideAssistance Program on page 12-6for more information.

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

1-2 Keys, Doors and Windows

Remote Keyless Entry(RKE) SystemSee Radio Frequency Statement(US, Can) on page 12-16 forinformation regarding Part 15 ofthe Federal CommunicationsCommission (FCC) Rules andRSS-210/211 of Industry andScience Canada.

Remote Keyless Entry(RKE) System OperationThe Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)transmitter functions work upto 30 feet (9 m) away from thevehicle.

Q (Lock): Press to lock all thedoors and liftgate.

The hazard warning flashers flashonce to confirm that the doorshave locked.

W (Unlock): Press once to unlockthe driver door. If W is pressedagain within three seconds, allremaining doors unlock. The hazardwarning flashers flash twice toconfirm that the door has unlocked.

HOLD p (Panic): Press to activatethe alarm. The lights flash andthe horn sounds. The alarm turnsoff when the ignition is turnedto ON/RUN or HOLD p is pressedagain. The ignition must be inLOCK/OFF or ACC/ACCESSORYfor the alarm to work.

Programming Transmitters tothe VehicleOnly RKE transmitters programmedto this vehicle will work. If atransmitter is lost or stolen, areplacement can be purchased andprogrammed through your dealer/retailer. When the replacementtransmitter is programmed to thisvehicle, all remaining transmittersmust also be reprogrammed. Anylost or stolen transmitters will nolonger work once the new transmitteris programmed. Each vehicle canhave up to four transmittersprogrammed to it.


Battery ReplacementThe battery in the transmitter isweak and should be changed if itdoes not work at the normal range inany location.

Notice: When replacing thebattery, do not touch any of thecircuitry on the transmitter. Staticfrom your body could damagethe transmitter.

To replace the battery, usea flat, thin non-metal object ortape-wrapped metal object.

1. Separate the transmitter.

2. Remove the module.

3. Open the module cover.

4. Remove the old battery.

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

6. Snap the module back togetherand replace it in the transmitter.

7. Snap the front and back of thetransmitter together.


Door Locks

{ CAUTIONUnlocked doors can bedangerous.

• Passengers, especiallychildren, can easily openthe doors and fall out of amoving vehicle. When a dooris locked, the handle will notopen it. The chance of beingthrown out of the vehicle ina crash is increased if thedoors are not locked. So, allpassengers should wearsafety belts properly and thedoors should be lockedwhenever the vehicle isdriven.

(Continued)

CAUTION (Continued)

• Young children who get intounlocked vehicles may beunable to get out. A child canbe overcome by extreme heatand can suffer permanentinjuries or even death fromheat stroke. Always lock thevehicle whenever leaving it.

• Outsiders can easily enterthrough an unlocked doorwhen you slow down or stopyour vehicle. Locking yourdoors can help prevent thisfrom happening.

To lock and unlock your vehiclefrom the outside, use your key or theRemote Keyless Entry transmitter,if equipped. See Remote KeylessEntry (RKE) System Operationon page 1-3 for more information.

Open the driver door, on vehicleswith power door locks, by turning thekey in the lock toward the rear ofthe vehicle.

Turn the key back toward the centerand toward the rear again, withinthree seconds, to unlock all of thedoors. Use the key in the passengerdoor to also unlock all of the doors.

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

To manually lock or unlock the doorfrom the inside, move the leveron the door forward or rearward.The driver and front passenger dooropen from the inside while locked.

With manual locks, the key mustbe used to lock and unlock theliftgate.


Power Door LocksOn vehicles with this feature, thepower door lock switch is located onthe armrest of the driver and frontpassenger door.

Q : Press to lock all the doors.

K : Press to unlock all the doors.

Safety LocksRear door security locks preventpassengers from opening therear doors from the inside.

Open the rear doors to access thesecurity locks.

To set these locks, slide the leverdown on each door and close it.The doors can only be opened fromoutside with the door unlocked.To return the doors to normaloperation, slide the lever up.

Doors

Liftgate

{ CAUTIONExhaust gases can enter thevehicle if it is driven with theliftgate, trunk/hatch open, or withany objects that pass through theseal between the body and thetrunk/hatch or liftgate. Engineexhaust contains CarbonMonoxide (CO) which cannot beseen or smelled. It can causeunconsciousness and even death.

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

• Close all of the windows.• Fully open the air outlets on or

under the instrument panel.

(Continued)


CAUTION (Continued)

• Adjust the Climate Controlsystem to a setting thatbrings in only outside airand set the fan speed to thehighest setting. See ClimateControl System in the Index.

• If the vehicle is equipped witha power liftgate, disable thepower liftgate function.

For more information aboutcarbon monoxide, see EngineExhaust on page 8-23.

Unlock and open the liftgate byinserting the key, turning itcounterclockwise and raise itby hand.

Close the liftgate by using thehandle to pull it down.

Lock the liftgate by inserting thekey and turning it clockwise to thefirst position.

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

Vehicle SecurityVehicle theft is big business,especially in some cities. Thisvehicle has theft-deterrent features,however, they do not make itimpossible to steal.

Anti-Theft Alarm SystemThis vehicle may have atheft-deterrent system that activatesan alarm if attempts are made todamage or break into the vehicle.The alarm sounds and the lightsflash.


The security light is in the center ofthe instrument panel.

Arming the SystemTo arm the system:

1. Close all the doors and theliftgate.

2. Lock the doors and liftgate withthe key or Remote KeylessEntry (RKE) transmitter.The security light comes onsolid.

The system is armed after30 seconds and the securitylight will flash.

Unlocking the vehicle from theinside activates the system.

To avoid setting off the alarm makesure all passengers are out ofthe vehicle and the windows areclosed before arming the system.

Disarming the SystemTo disarm the alarm do one of thefollowing:

• Unlock the doors with the key.• Unlock the doors and liftgate with

the RKE transmitter.

• Start the engine.

Testing the AlarmTo test the alarm:

1. Open all the windows.

2. Set the system by closing andlocking the doors and liftgatewith the RKE transmitter.Wait until the security light isflashing.

3. Unlock the driver door fromthe inside. The system shouldactivate the alarm.

4. Stop the alarm as described inthe disarming procedure.

5. Repeat this operation for theother doors. Check that thesystem is activated whenthe battery terminal isdisconnected and thenreconnected.

If the system does not workproperly, have it checked by yourdealer/retailer.


How the System Alarm isActivatedThe system activates the alarm if:

• A locked door or the liftgateis unlocked or opened without theRKE transmitter.

• A locked door is unlocked oropened without the key.

• The liftgate is unlocked oropened with the key.

• The battery is reconnected.• The side windows are tapped or

broken.

Do not leave the key or device thatdisarms or deactivates the theftdeterrent system in the vehicle.

ImmobilizerSee Radio Frequency Statement(US, Can) on page 12-16 forinformation regarding Part 15 ofthe Federal CommunicationsCommission (FCC) Rules andRSS-210/211 of Industry andScience Canada.

Immobilizer OperationThis vehicle has a passivetheft-deterrent system.

You do not have to manually arm ordisarm the system.

The system is automatically armedwhen the key is removed fromthe ignition.

The security light is in the center ofthe instrument panel. It comeson if there is a problem with armingor disarming the theft-deterrentsystem.

The security light flashes when thesystem is armed.

Only the correct key starts thevehicle.

If the engine does not start, therecould be a problem with thetheft-deterrent system. Turn theignition off and try again.

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

If the engine still does not start withthe other key, the vehicle needsservice. If the vehicle does start, thefirst key may be faulty. See yourdealer/retailer who can service thetheft-deterrent system and havea new key made.


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

• The security light stays on.• The security light does not start

flashing when the key isremoved from the ignition.

• The security light flashesinconsistently.

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

In an emergency, contactRoadside Assistance Program.See Roadside Assistance Programon page 12-6.

Do not leave the key or device thatdisarms or deactivates the theftdeterrent system in the vehicle.

Exterior Mirrors

Power Mirrors

The controls are located tothe left of the steering wheelon the instrument panel. Thevehicle must be in ON/RUN orACC/ACCESSORY to adjust themirrors.

1. Adjust either mirror by pushingthe selector switch to theL (left) or R (right).

2. Use the arrows on the controlpad to adjust the direction ofthe mirror.

3. Move the selector switch back tothe center. This locks the mirrorsin place.

Folding MirrorsManually fold the mirrors inward toprevent damage when going throughan automatic car wash. To fold, pushthe mirror toward the vehicle. Pushthe mirror outward, to return to itsoriginal position.


Interior Mirrors

Manual Rearview MirrorAdjust the inside rearview mirrorto see clearly behind the vehicle.Hold the mirror in the center tomove it up, down, and side toside. The day/night lever lets youadjust the mirror to avoid glare fromheadlamps behind your vehicle.Move the lever to the right fornighttime use and back to thecenter for daytime use.

Vehicles with OnStar have threeadditional control buttons located atthe bottom of the mirror. See yourdealer/retailer for more informationon the system and how to subscribeto OnStar. See OnStar® System onpage 4-23 for more information onthe services OnStar provides.

Windows

{ CAUTIONLeaving children, helpless adults,or pets in a vehicle with thewindows closed is dangerous.They can be overcome bythe extreme heat and sufferpermanent injuries or even deathfrom heat stroke. Never leave achild, a helpless adult, or a petalone in a vehicle, especially withthe windows closed in warm orhot weather.

Manual WindowsTurn the crank on the door to openand close a manual window.


Power Windows

{ CAUTIONLeaving children in a vehicle withthe keys is dangerous for manyreasons, children or others couldbe badly injured or even killed.They could operate the powerwindows or other controls or evenmake the vehicle move. Thewindows will function and theycould be seriously injured or killedif caught in the path of a closingwindow. Do not leave keys in avehicle with children.

When there are children in therear seat use the window lockoutbutton to prevent unintentionaloperation of the windows.

On vehicles with this feature, thepower windows only work when theignition is turned to ON/RUN orin Retained Accessory Power(RAP). See Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) on page 8-18.

Switches on the driver door controlthe driver and passenger windows.Each passenger door has aswitch to control that window.

Press or pull the front of a switch tolower or raise a window.

AUTO (Express-Down): Press allthe way down and release to lowerthe driver window automatically. Pullup at any time to stop the windowfrom lowering.

o (Lock-Out): Press the lock-outbutton, located on the driver door,to disable the passenger powerwindows and again to enable them.

Only the driver window can beoperated when the lock-out featureis used.

Sun VisorsPull the visor toward you or move itto the side to help reduce glare.

To use the mirror, slide the attachedcover.


Roof

SunroofOn vehicles with a sunroof, thecontrols are on the overheadconsole. The ignition must be inON/RUN or Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) for the sunroofto work.

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

DOWN: Press to lower the sunroof.

SLIDE: Press to open the sunroof. Itexpress opens and stops before thefully open position. Press again tofully open. Press the switch at anytime to stop the sunroof from moving.If the sunshade is closed it openswith the sunroof.

CLOSE: Press to express closethe sunroof. Press again tostop movement at any time.

The sunshade must be closedby hand.

Anti-Pinch FeatureIf there is an obstruction whenthe sunroof is closing, it stops andpartly opens again. Remove theobstruction and press the buttonagain to close the sunroof.


✍ NOTES


Seats andRestraints

Head RestraintsHead Restraints ....................2-2Active Head Restraints ...........2-3

Front SeatsSeat Position ........................2-3Seat Adjustment ....................2-4Reclining Seatbacks ..............2-4Folding Seatback ..................2-6

Rear SeatsRear Seats ...........................2-7

Safety BeltsSafety Belts ..........................2-8How to Wear Safety Belts

Properly ............................2-12Lap-Shoulder Belt ................2-18Safety Belt Use During

Pregnancy ........................2-20Safety Belt Extender ............2-21

Safety System Check ...........2-21Safety Belt Care ..................2-22Replacing Safety Belt

System Parts Aftera Crash ............................2-22

Airbag SystemAirbag System ....................2-23Where Are the Airbags? .......2-24When Should an Airbag

Inflate? .............................2-26What Makes an Airbag

Inflate? .............................2-27How Does an Airbag

Restrain? ..........................2-28What Will You See After

an Airbag Inflates? .............2-28Passenger Sensing

System .............................2-29Servicing the

Airbag-Equipped Vehicle .....2-34Adding Equipment to the

Airbag-Equipped Vehicle .....2-35Airbag System Check ...........2-36Replacing Airbag System

Parts After a Crash ............2-36

Child RestraintsOlder Children .....................2-37Infants and Young

Children ............................2-38Child Restraint Systems ........2-41Where to Put the

Restraint ...........................2-43Lower Anchors and Tethers

for Children (LATCHSystem) ............................2-45

Replacing LATCH SystemParts After a Crash ............2-51

Securing Child Restraints(Rear Seat Position) ...........2-51

Securing Child Restraints(Right Front Seat Position) ....2-53

Seats and Restraints 2-1

Head RestraintsThe front seats have adjustablehead restraints. The rear seats haveadjustable headrests in all seatingpositions.

{ CAUTIONWith head restraints that are notinstalled and adjusted properly,there is a greater chance thatoccupants will suffer a neck/spinalinjury in a crash. Do not driveuntil the head restraints for alloccupants are installed andadjusted properly.

Adjust the head restraint so that thetop of the restraint is at the sameheight as the top of the occupant’shead. This position reduces thechance of a neck injury in a crash.

Pull the head restraint up toraise it.

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

Push down on the head restraintafter the button is released to makesure that it is locked in place.

2-2 Seats and Restraints

The head restraints are notdesigned to be removed.

Always raise the rear center headrest at least one position when thereis a passenger seated there.

Active Head RestraintsActive Head Restraint SystemThe vehicle has an active headrestraint system in the front seatingpositions. These automatically tiltforward to reduce the risk of neckinjury if the vehicle is hit from behind.

Front Seats

Seat Position

{ CAUTIONYou can lose control of thevehicle if you try to adjust amanual driver’s seat while thevehicle is moving. The suddenmovement could startle andconfuse you, or make you pusha pedal when you do not want to.Adjust the driver’s seat only whenthe vehicle is not moving.

To move a manual seat forward orrearward:

1. Lift the bar to unlock the seat.

2. Slide the seat to the desiredposition and release the bar.

Try to move the seat to be sure it islocked in place.


Seat Adjustment

The driver seat height adjuster islocated on the outboard side of theseat. To raise or lower the seat,pull up or push down on the leverrepeatedly until the seat is at thedesired height.

Reclining Seatbacks

{ CAUTIONYou can lose control of thevehicle if you try to adjust amanual driver’s seat while thevehicle is moving. The suddenmovement could startle andconfuse you, or make you pusha pedal when you do not want to.Adjust the driver’s seat onlywhen the vehicle is not moving.

{ CAUTIONIf either seatback is not locked, itcould move forward in a suddenstop or crash. That could causeinjury to the person sitting there.Always push and pull on theseatbacks to be sure they arelocked.


{ CAUTIONSitting in a reclined position whenthe vehicle is in motion can bedangerous. Even when buckledup, the safety belts cannot dotheir job when reclined like this.

The shoulder belt cannot do itsjob because it will not be againstyour body. Instead, it will be infront of you. In a crash, you couldgo into it, receiving neck or otherinjuries.

(Continued)

CAUTION (Continued)

The lap belt cannot do its jobeither. In a crash, the belt couldgo up over your abdomen. Thebelt forces would be there, notat your pelvic bones. This couldcause serious internal injuries.

For proper protection when thevehicle is in motion, have theseatback upright. Then sit wellback in the seat and wear thesafety belt properly.

On vehicles with manual recliningseatbacks the lever used to operatethem is located on the outboardside of the seat.

To recline the seatback:

1. Lift the recline lever.

2. Move the seatback to the desiredposition, then release the lever tolock the seatback in place.

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

To return the seatback to an uprightposition:

1. Lift the lever fully, withoutapplying pressure to theseatback, and the seatback willreturn to the upright position.

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


Folding Seatback

{ CAUTIONIf you fold the seatback forward tocarry longer objects, such as skis,be sure any such cargo is not nearan airbag. In a crash, an inflatingairbag might force that objecttoward a person. This couldcause severe injury or even death.Secure objects away from the areain which an airbag would inflate.For more information, see WhereAre the Airbags? on page 2-24.

{ CAUTIONThings you put on this seatbackcan strike and injure people in asudden stop or turn, or in a crash.Remove or secure all itemsbefore driving.

On vehicles with this feature, theseatback folds down to allow formore cargo space. When the areais not being used for more cargospace or as a temporary table, putthe seatback in the locked, uprightposition. Only adjust the seat whenthe vehicle is not moving.

To fold the seatback down:

1. Move the seat rearward.

2. Lower the head restraint to thelowest position and make surethe seatback is at the mostupright position and locked.

3. Pull up on one of the leverslocated on either side of the backof the passenger seatback.

4. Fold the seatback down.


To raise the seatback:

1. Pull up on one of the leverslocated on either side of the backof the passenger’s seatback.

2. Pull the seatback up and push itback to lock it into place. Makesure the safety belt is not twistedor caught in the seatback.

3. Push and pull the top of theseatback to be sure it islocked into position.

4. Use the reclining front seatbacklever to adjust the seatback to acomfortable position.

Rear SeatsYou can fold either side of theseatback down. The rear right sideseatback can also be used as atemporary table while the vehicleis stopped.

{ CAUTIONA rear seatback folded forward,or any other object contacting orpressing the front seatback mayaffect the proper functioning ofthe passenger sensing system.See Passenger Sensing Systemon page 2-29.

To fold either seatback down:

1. Move the front seat forwardand the seatback to the uprightposition.

2. Move the headrests all theway down.

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

Notice: Folding a rear seat withthe safety belts still fastened maycause damage to the seat or thesafety belts. Always unbuckle thesafety belts and return them totheir normal stowed positionbefore folding a rear seat.

4. Fold the seatback down.


To raise the seatback:

1. Pull the seatback up andpush it back to lock it into place.The safety belts should not betwisted or caught in the seatback.

{ CAUTIONA safety belt that is improperlyrouted, not properly attached,or twisted will not provide theprotection needed in a crash.The person wearing the belt couldbe seriously injured. After raisingthe rear seatback, always checkto be sure that the safety belts areproperly routed and attached, andare not twisted.

2. Push and pull the top of theseatback to check that it is lockedinto position.

{ CAUTIONIf either seatback is not locked, itcould move forward in a suddenstop or crash. That could causeinjury to the person sitting there.Always push and pull on theseatbacks to be sure they arelocked.

Safety BeltsThis section of the manual describeshow to use safety belts properly.It also describes some things notto do with safety belts.

{ CAUTIONDo not let anyone ride wherea safety belt cannot be wornproperly. In a crash, if you or yourpassenger(s) are not wearingsafety belts, the injuries can bemuch worse. You can hit thingsinside the vehicle harder or beejected from the vehicle. You andyour passenger(s) can be seriouslyinjured or killed. In the same crash,you might not be, if you arebuckled up. Always fasten yoursafety belt, and check that yourpassenger(s) are restrainedproperly too.


{ CAUTIONIt is extremely dangerous to ridein a cargo area, inside or outsideof a vehicle. In a collision, peopleriding in these areas are morelikely to be seriously injured orkilled. Do not allow people to ridein any area of your vehicle thatis not equipped with seats andsafety belts. Be sure everyone inyour vehicle is in a seat and usinga safety belt properly.

This vehicle has indicators as areminder to buckle the safety belts.See Safety Belt Reminders onpage 4-11 for additional information.

In most states and in all Canadianprovinces, the law requires wearingsafety belts. Here is why:

You never know if you will be in acrash. If you do have a crash, you donot know if it will be a serious one.

A few crashes are mild, and somecrashes can be so serious that evenbuckled up, a person would notsurvive. But most crashes are inbetween. In many of them, peoplewho buckle up can survive andsometimes walk away. Withoutsafety belts they could have beenbadly hurt or killed.

After more than 40 years of safetybelts in vehicles, the facts are clear.In most crashes buckling up doesmatter... a lot!

Why Safety Belts WorkWhen you ride in or on anything,you go as fast as it goes.

Take the simplest vehicle. Supposeit is just a seat on wheels.


Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop thevehicle. The rider does not stop.

The person keeps going untilstopped by something. In a realvehicle, it could be the windshield...


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

With safety belts, you slow down asthe vehicle does. You get more timeto stop. You stop over more distance,and your strongest bones take theforces. That is why safety belts makesuch good sense.

Questions and Answers AboutSafety Belts

Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicleafter a crash if I am wearing asafety belt?

A: You could be — whether you arewearing a safety belt or not. Butyour chance of being consciousduring and after an accident, soyou can unbuckle and get out, ismuch greater if you are belted.And you can unbuckle a safetybelt, even if you are upside down.

Q: If my vehicle has airbags, whyshould I have to wear safetybelts?

A: Airbags are supplementalsystems only; so they work withsafety belts — not instead ofthem. Whether or not an airbagis provided, all occupants stillhave to buckle up to get the mostprotection. That is true not onlyin frontal collisions, but especiallyin side and other collisions.


Q: If I am a good driver, and Inever drive far from home,why should I wear safetybelts?

A: You may be an excellent driver,but if you are in a crash — evenone that is not your fault — youand your passenger(s) can behurt. Being a good driver does notprotect you from things beyondyour control, such as bad drivers.

Most accidents occur within25 miles (40 km) of home.And the greatest number ofserious injuries and deathsoccur at speeds of lessthan 40 mph (65 km/h).

Safety belts are for everyone.

How to Wear Safety BeltsProperlyThis section is only for people ofadult size.

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

It is very important for all occupantsto buckle up. Statistics show thatunbelted people are hurt more oftenin crashes than those who arewearing safety belts.

Occupants who are not buckled upcan be thrown out of the vehiclein a crash. And they can strikeothers in the vehicle who arewearing safety belts.

First, before you or yourpassenger(s) wear a safety belt,there is important informationyou should know.

Sit up straight and always keepyour feet on the floor in front of you.The lap part of the belt should beworn low and snug on the hips,just touching the thighs. In a crash,this applies force to the strong pelvicbones and you would be less likelyto slide under the lap belt.


If you slid under it, the belt wouldapply force on your abdomen.This could cause serious or evenfatal injuries. The shoulder beltshould go over the shoulder andacross the chest. These parts ofthe body are best able to take beltrestraining forces.

The shoulder belt locks if there is asudden stop or crash.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is too loose.It will not give as muchprotection this way.

{ CAUTIONYou can be seriously hurt if yourshoulder belt is too loose. In acrash, you would move forwardtoo much, which could increaseinjury. The shoulder belt should fitsnugly against your body.



A: The lap belt is too loose. It willnot give nearly as muchprotection this way.

{ CAUTIONYou can be seriously hurt if yourlap belt is too loose. In a crash,you could slide under the lap beltand apply force on your abdomen.This could cause serious or evenfatal injuries. The lap belt shouldbe worn low and snug on thehips, just touching the thighs.


A: The belt is buckled in the wrongbuckle.


{ CAUTIONYou can be seriously injured ifyour belt is buckled in the wrongplace like this. In a crash, the beltwould go up over your abdomen.The belt forces would be there, noton the pelvic bones. This couldcause serious internal injuries.Always buckle your belt into thebuckle nearest you.


A: The belt is over an armrest.

{ CAUTIONYou can be seriously injured ifyour belt goes over an armrestlike this. The belt would be muchtoo high. In a crash, you can slideunder the belt. The belt forcewould then be applied on theabdomen, not on the pelvicbones, and that could causeserious or fatal injuries. Be surethe belt goes under the armrests.



A: The shoulder belt is worn underthe arm. It should be worn overthe shoulder at all times.

{ CAUTIONYou can be seriously injured if youwear the shoulder belt under yourarm. In a crash, your body wouldmove too far forward, which wouldincrease the chance of head andneck injury. Also, the belt wouldapply too much force to the ribs,which are not as strong asshoulder bones. You could alsoseverely injure internal organs likeyour liver or spleen. The shoulderbelt should go over the shoulderand across the chest.


A: The belt is behind the body.


{ CAUTIONYou can be seriously injured bynot wearing the lap-shoulder beltproperly. In a crash, you would notbe restrained by the shoulder belt.Your body could move too farforward increasing the chance ofhead and neck injury. You mightalso slide under the lap belt.The belt force would then beapplied right on the abdomen.That could cause serious or fatalinjuries. The shoulder belt shouldgo over the shoulder and acrossthe chest.


A: The belt is twisted acrossthe body.

{ CAUTIONYou can be seriously injured by atwisted belt. In a crash, you wouldnot have the full width of the beltto spread impact forces. If a beltis twisted, make it straight so itcan work properly, or ask yourdealer/retailer to fix it.


Lap-Shoulder BeltAll seating positions in the vehiclehave a lap-shoulder belt.

The following instructions explainhow to wear a lap-shoulder beltproperly.

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

2. Pick up the latch plate and pullthe belt across you. Do not letit get twisted.

The lap-shoulder belt may lock ifyou pull the belt across you veryquickly. If this happens, let thebelt go back slightly to unlock it.Then pull the belt across youmore slowly.If the shoulder portion of apassenger belt is pulled outall the way, the child restraintlocking feature may be engaged.If this happens, let the belt goback all the way and start again.

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

If the latch plate will not go fullyinto the buckle, check if thecorrect buckle is being used.

The buckle for the center rearpassenger position (A) hasthe word CENTER on it.Pull up on the latch plate tomake sure it is secure. If the beltis not long enough, see SafetyBelt Extender on page 2-21.Position the release button onthe buckle so that the safety beltcould be quickly unbuckled ifnecessary.


4. If equipped with a shoulder beltheight adjuster, move it to theheight that is right for you.See “Shoulder Belt HeightAdjustment” later in this sectionfor instructions on use andimportant safety information.

5. To make the lap part tight, pullup on the shoulder belt.It may be necessary to pullstitching on the safety beltthrough the latch plate to fullytighten the lap belt on smalleroccupants.

To unlatch the belt, push the buttonon the buckle. The belt shouldreturn to its stowed position.

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

Shoulder Belt Height AdjusterThe vehicle has a shoulder beltheight adjuster for the driver andright front passenger seatingpositions.

Adjust the height so that theshoulder portion of the belt iscentered on the shoulder.The belt should be away fromthe face and neck, but not fallingoff of the shoulder. Impropershoulder belt height adjustmentcould reduce the effectiveness ofthe safety belt in a crash.


Push down on the release buttonand move the height adjuster to thedesired position. The adjuster can bemoved up by pushing on the front ofthe height adjuster.

After the adjuster is set to thedesired position, try to move it downwithout pushing the button to makesure it has locked into position.

Safety Belt PretensionersThis vehicle has safety beltpretensioners for the front outboardoccupants. Although the safety belt

pretensioners cannot be seen, theyare part of the safety belt assembly.They can help tighten the safety beltsduring the early stages of a moderateto severe frontal and near frontalcrash if the threshold conditionsfor pretensioner activation are met.And, if the vehicle has side impactairbags, safety belt pretensionerscan help tighten the safety belts ina side crash.

If the passenger sensing systemdetects that there is not a passengerin the right front passenger position,the safety belt pretensioner forthat position will not activate.See Passenger Sensing Systemon page 2-29.

Pretensioners work only once. If thepretensioners activate in a crash,they will need to be replaced, andprobably other new parts for yoursafety belt system. See ReplacingSafety Belt System Parts After aCrash on page 2-22.

Safety Belt Use DuringPregnancySafety belts work for everyone,including pregnant women. Like alloccupants, they are more likely to beseriously injured if they do not wearsafety belts.

A pregnant woman should wear alap-shoulder belt, and the lap portionshould be worn as low as possible,below the rounding, throughoutthe pregnancy.


The best way to protect the fetus isto protect the mother. When a safetybelt is worn properly, it is more likelythat the fetus will not be hurt in acrash. For pregnant women, as foranyone, the key to making safetybelts effective is wearing themproperly.

Safety Belt ExtenderIf the vehicle’s safety belt will fastenaround you, you should use it.

But if a safety belt is not longenough, your dealer/retailer willorder you an extender. When you goin to order it, take the heaviest coatyou will wear, so the extender will belong enough for you. To help avoidpersonal injury, do not let someoneelse use it, and use it only for theseat it is made to fit. The extenderhas been designed for adults.Never use it for securing child seats.To wear it, just attach it to the regularsafety belt. For more information, seethe instruction sheet that comes withthe extender.

When a safety belt extender isinstalled in the right front passengersafety belt, make sure the passengerairbag status indicator displaysON. See Passenger Airbag StatusIndicator on page 4-13. If theindicator shows OFF, disconnectthe extender’s latch from the bucklethen reconnect the safety belt.The passenger airbag statusindicator light should be ONand then the safety belt extendercan be reconnected. If the safetybelt extender is used while thepassenger airbag status indicatorlight is OFF, the right front passengerfrontal and seat-mounted side impactairbags (if equipped) may notactivate correctly.

Always disconnect the extenderfrom the safety belt after youuse it so that the airbag will workproperly the next time someoneuses that seat.

Safety System CheckNow and then, check that the safetybelt reminder light, safety belts,buckles, latch plates, retractors andanchorages are working properly.Look for any other loose or damagedsafety belt system parts that mightkeep a safety belt system from doingits job. See your dealer/retailer tohave it repaired. Torn or frayedsafety belts may not protect you ina crash. They can rip apart underimpact forces. If a belt is torn orfrayed, get a new one right away.

Make sure the safety belt reminderlight is working. See Safety BeltReminders on page 4-11 for moreinformation.

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


Safety Belt CareKeep belts clean and dry.

{ CAUTIONDo not bleach or dye safety belts.It may severely weaken them.In a crash, they might not be ableto provide adequate protection.Clean safety belts only with mildsoap and lukewarm water.

Replacing Safety BeltSystem Parts Aftera Crash

{ CAUTIONA crash can damage thesafety belt system in the vehicle.A damaged safety belt systemmay not properly protect theperson using it, resulting in seriousinjury or even death in a crash.To help make sure the safety beltsystems are working properly aftera crash, have them inspected andany necessary replacements madeas soon as possible.

After a minor crash, replacement ofsafety belts may not be necessary.But the safety belt assembliesthat were used during any crashmay have been stressed ordamaged. See your dealer/retailerto have the safety belt assembliesinspected or replaced.

New parts and repairs may benecessary even if the safety beltsystem was not being used atthe time of the crash.

Have the safety belt pretensionerschecked if the vehicle has been ina crash, or if the airbag readinesslight stays on after you startthe vehicle or while you are driving.See Airbag Readiness Light onpage 4-12.


Airbag SystemThis vehicle has the followingairbags:

• A frontal airbag for the driver.• A frontal airbag for the right front

passenger.

The vehicle may have the followingairbags:

• A seat-mounted side impactairbag for the driver.

• A seat-mounted side impactairbag for the right frontpassenger.

• A roof-rail airbag for the driverand the passenger seateddirectly behind the driver.

• A roof-rail airbag for theright front passenger and thepassenger seated directly behindthe right front passenger.

All of the airbags in the vehicle willhave the word AIRBAG embossed inthe trim or on an attached label nearthe deployment opening.

For frontal airbags, the wordAIRBAG will appear on the middlepart of the steering wheel for thedriver and on the instrument panelfor the right front passenger.

With seat-mounted side impactairbags, the word AIRBAGwill appear on the side of theseatback closest to the door.

With roof-rail airbags, the wordAIRBAG will appear along theheadliner or trim.

Airbags are designed to supplementthe protection provided by safetybelts. Even though today’s airbagsare also designed to help reduce therisk of injury from the force of aninflating bag, all airbags must inflatevery quickly to do their job.

Here are the most important thingsto know about the airbag system:

{ CAUTIONYou can be severely injured orkilled in a crash if you are notwearing your safety belt — even ifyou have airbags. Airbags aredesigned to work with safety belts,but do not replace them. Also,airbags are not designed to deployin every crash. In some crashessafety belts are your only restraint.See When Should an AirbagInflate? on page 2-26.

Wearing your safety belt during acrash helps reduce your chance ofhitting things inside the vehicle orbeing ejected from it. Airbags are“supplemental restraints” to thesafety belts. Everyone in yourvehicle should wear a safety beltproperly — whether or not thereis an airbag for that person.


{ CAUTIONAirbags inflate with great force,faster than the blink of an eye.Anyone who is up against, or veryclose to, any airbag when it inflatescan be seriously injured or killed.Do not sit unnecessarily close tothe airbag, as you would be if youwere sitting on the edge of yourseat or leaning forward. Safetybelts help keep you in positionbefore and during a crash. Alwayswear your safety belt, even withairbags. The driver should sit asfar back as possible while stillmaintaining control of the vehicle.

Occupants should not lean on orsleep against the door or sidewindows in seating positions withseat-mounted side impact airbagsand/or roof-rail airbags.

{ CAUTIONChildren who are up against, orvery close to, any airbag when itinflates can be seriously injured orkilled. Airbags plus lap-shoulderbelts offer protection for adults andolder children, but not for youngchildren and infants. Neither thevehicle’s safety belt system norits airbag system is designed forthem. Young children and infantsneed the protection that a childrestraint system can provide.Always secure children properlyin your vehicle. To read how, seeOlder Children on page 2-37 orInfants and Young Children onpage 2-38.

There is an airbag readinesslight on the instrument panel cluster,which shows the airbag symbol.The system checks the airbagelectrical system for malfunctions.The light tells you if there is anelectrical problem. See AirbagReadiness Light on page 4-12 formore information.

Where Are the Airbags?

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


The right front passenger frontalairbag is in the instrument panel onthe passenger’s side.

If the vehicle has seat-mounted sideimpact airbags for the driver and rightfront passenger, they are in the sideof the seatbacks closest to the door.

If the vehicle has roof-rail airbags forthe driver, right front passenger, andsecond row outboard passengers,they are in the ceiling above the sidewindows.

{ CAUTIONIf something is between anoccupant and an airbag, the airbagmight not inflate properly or it mightforce the object into that personcausing severe injury or evendeath. The path of an inflatingairbag must be kept clear. Do notput anything between an occupantand an airbag, and do not attach orput anything on the steering wheelhub or on or near any other airbagcovering.

(Continued)

CAUTION (Continued)

Do not use seat accessoriesthat block the inflation path of aseat-mounted side impact airbag.

Never secure anything to the roofof a vehicle with roof-rail airbagsby routing a rope or tie downthrough any door or windowopening. If you do, the path ofan inflating roof-rail airbag willbe blocked.

Driver Side shown,Passenger Side similar


When Should an AirbagInflate?Frontal airbags are designed toinflate in moderate to severe frontalor near-frontal crashes to helpreduce the potential for severeinjuries mainly to the driver or rightfront passenger head and chest.However, they are only designedto inflate if the impact exceeds apredetermined deploymentthreshold. Deployment thresholdsare used to predict how severe acrash is likely to be in time for theairbags to inflate and help restrainthe occupants.

Whether the frontal airbags willor should deploy is not based onhow fast the vehicle is traveling.It depends largely on what youhit, the direction of the impact,and how quickly your vehicleslows down.

Frontal airbags may inflate atdifferent crash speeds. For example:

• If the vehicle hits a stationaryobject, the airbags could inflateat a different crash speed than ifthe vehicle hits a moving object.

• If the vehicle hits an object thatdeforms, the airbags could inflateat a different crash speed than ifthe vehicle hits an object thatdoes not deform.

• If the vehicle hits a narrow object(like a pole), the airbags couldinflate at a different crash speedthan if the vehicle hits a wideobject (like a wall).

• If the vehicle goes into an objectat an angle, the airbags couldinflate at a different crash speedthan if the vehicle goes straightinto the object.

Thresholds can also vary withspecific vehicle design.

Frontal airbags are not intended toinflate during vehicle rollovers, rearimpacts, or in many side impacts.Frontal airbags for the driver andright front passenger may alsodeploy if a serious impact occurs tothe underside of the vehicle such ashitting a curb, falling into a deep hole,or landing hard.

In addition, the vehicle hasdual-stage frontal airbags.Dual-stage airbags adjust therestraint according to crash severity.The vehicle has electronic frontalsensors, which help the sensingsystem distinguish between amoderate frontal impact and a moresevere frontal impact. For moderatefrontal impacts, dual-stage airbagsinflate at a level less than fulldeployment. For more severe frontalimpacts, full deployment occurs.


The vehicle has seat-mountedside impact and roof-rail airbags.See Airbag System on page 2-23.Seat-mounted side impact androof-rail airbags are intended toinflate in moderate to severe sidecrashes. Seat-mounted side impactand roof-rail airbags will inflate if thecrash severity is above the system’sdesigned threshold level. The vehiclehas sensors which detect sideimpacts. These sensors signal theappropriate side impact airbag toinflate. The threshold level can varywith specific vehicle design.

Seat-mounted side impact androof-rail airbags are not intended toinflate in frontal impacts, near-frontalimpacts, rollovers, or rear impacts.A seat-mounted side impact airbag

is intended to deploy on the side ofthe vehicle that is struck. A roof-railairbag is intended to deploy on theside of the vehicle that is struck. It ispossible that, in a crash involving therear side of your vehicle, that only theroof-mounted airbag will deploy.

In any particular crash, no onecan say whether an airbag shouldhave inflated simply because ofthe damage to a vehicle or becauseof what the repair costs were.For frontal airbags, inflation isdetermined by what the vehiclehits, the angle of the impact, andhow quickly the vehicle slows down.For seat-mounted side impact androof-rail airbags, deployment isdetermined by the location andseverity of the side impact.

What Makes an AirbagInflate?In a deployment event, the sensingsystem sends an electrical signaltriggering a release of gas from theinflator. Gas from the inflator fills theairbag causing the bag to break outof the cover and deploy. The inflator,the airbag, and related hardware areall part of the airbag module.

Frontal airbag modules are locatedinside the steering wheel andinstrument panel. For vehicles withseat-mounted side impact airbags,there are airbag modules in the sideof the front seatbacks closest to thedoor. For vehicles with roof-railairbags, there are airbag modules inthe ceiling of the vehicle, near theside windows that have occupantseating positions.


How Does an AirbagRestrain?In moderate to severe frontal ornear frontal collisions, even beltedoccupants can contact the steeringwheel or the instrument panel.In moderate to severe side collisions,even belted occupants can contactthe inside of the vehicle.Airbags supplement the protectionprovided by safety belts. Frontalairbags distribute the force of theimpact more evenly over theoccupant’s upper body, stoppingthe occupant more gradually.Seat-mounted side impact androof-rail airbags distribute the forceof the impact more evenly over theoccupant’s upper body.But airbags would not help in manytypes of collisions, primarily becausethe occupant’s motion is not towardthose airbags. See When Should anAirbag Inflate? on page 2-26 formore information.Airbags should never be regardedas anything more than a supplementto safety belts.

What Will You See Afteran Airbag Inflates?After the frontal airbags andseat-mounted side impact airbagsinflate, they quickly deflate, soquickly that some people may noteven realize an airbag inflated.Roof-rail airbags may still be at leastpartially inflated for some time afterthey deploy. Some components ofthe airbag module may be hot forseveral minutes. For location of theairbag modules, see What Makesan Airbag Inflate? on page 2-27.

The parts of the airbag that comeinto contact with you may be warm,but not too hot to touch. There maybe some smoke and dust comingfrom the vents in the deflatedairbags. Airbag inflation does notprevent the driver from seeing outof the windshield or being able tosteer the vehicle, nor does it preventpeople from leaving the vehicle.

{ CAUTIONWhen an airbag inflates, theremay be dust in the air. This dustcould cause breathing problemsfor people with a history of asthmaor other breathing trouble.To avoid this, everyone in thevehicle should get out as soonas it is safe to do so. If you havebreathing problems but cannot getout of the vehicle after an airbaginflates, then get fresh air byopening a window or a door. If youexperience breathing problemsfollowing an airbag deployment,you should seek medical attention.

The vehicle has a feature that mayautomatically unlock the doors, turnthe interior lamps on, and turn thehazard warning flashers on whenthe airbags inflate. You can lockthe doors, turn the interior lamps off,and turn the hazard warning flashersoff by using the controls for thosefeatures.


In many crashes severe enough toinflate the airbag, windshields arebroken by vehicle deformation.Additional windshield breakagemay also occur from the right frontpassenger airbag.• Airbags are designed to inflate

only once. After an airbag inflates,you will need some new parts forthe airbag system. If you do notget them, the airbag system willnot be there to help protect youin another crash. A new systemwill include airbag modules andpossibly other parts. The servicemanual for your vehicle coversthe need to replace other parts.

• The vehicle has a crash sensingand diagnostic module whichrecords information after a crash.See Vehicle Data Recording andPrivacy on page 12-14 and EventData Recorders on page 12-14.

• Let only qualified technicians workon the airbag systems. Improperservice can mean that an airbagsystem will not work properly.See your dealer/retailer forservice.

Passenger SensingSystemThe vehicle has a passengersensing system for the right frontpassenger position. The passengerairbag status indicator will be visiblein the instrument panel when thevehicle is started.

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

OFF will be visible depending onwhether the seat is occupied and/orthe weight of the occupant. If theseat is unoccupied, the light will notbe visible after the system check.See Passenger Airbag StatusIndicator on page 4-13.

The passenger sensing system willturn off the right front passengerfrontal airbag and seat-mountedside impact airbag under certainconditions. The driver airbags andthe roof-rail airbags are not affectedby the passenger sensing system.

The passenger sensing system willalso turn off the right front passengerfrontal airbag, seat-mounted sideimpact airbag (if equipped), andsafety belt pretensioner if it detectsthat there is no occupant in thatposition.

The passenger sensing systemworks with sensors that are partof the right front passenger seat.


The sensors are designed to detectthe presence of a properly-seatedoccupant and determine if the rightfront passenger frontal airbag andseat-mounted side impact airbag(if equipped) should be enabled(may inflate) or not.

According to accident statistics,children and infants are saferwhen properly restrained in a childrestraint system or infant restraintsystem secured in a rear seatingposition.

We recommend that children besecured in a rear seat, including:an infant or a child riding in arear-facing child restraint; a childriding in a forward-facing child seat;an older child riding in a boosterseat; and children, who arelarge enough, using safety belts.

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

{ CAUTIONA child in a rear-facing childrestraint can be seriously injured orkilled if the right front passengerairbag inflates. This is becausethe back of the rear-facing childrestraint would be very close tothe inflating airbag. A child in aforward-facing child restraint canbe seriously injured or killed ifthe right front passenger airbaginflates and the passenger seatis in a forward position.

(Continued)

CAUTION (Continued)

Even if the passenger sensingsystem has turned off the rightfront passenger frontal airbagand seat-mounted side impactairbag (if equipped), no systemis fail-safe. No one can guaranteethat an airbag will not deployunder some unusualcircumstance, even thoughthe airbag(s) are off.

Secure rear-facing child restraintsin a rear seat, even if the airbag(s)are off. If you secure aforward-facing child restraint in theright front seat, always move thefront passenger seat as far back asit will go. It is better to secure thechild restraint in a rear seat.


The passenger sensing system isdesigned to turn off the right frontpassenger frontal airbag andseat-mounted side impact airbag(if equipped) if:

• The right front passenger seat isunoccupied.

• The system determines that aninfant is present in a rear-facinginfant seat.

• The system determines that asmall child is present in a childrestraint.

• The system determines thata small child is present in abooster seat.

• A right front passenger takeshis/her weight off of the seat for aperiod of time.

• The right front passenger seat isoccupied by a smaller person,such as a child who has outgrownchild restraints.

• Or, if there is a critical problemwith the airbag system or thepassenger sensing system.

When the passenger sensingsystem has turned off the rightfront passenger frontal airbag andseat-mounted side impact airbag(if equipped), the off indicator willlight and stay lit to remind you thatthe airbags are off. See PassengerAirbag Status Indicator onpage 4-13.

The passenger sensing system isdesigned to turn on (may inflate) theright front passenger frontal airbagand seat-mounted side impact airbag(if equipped) anytime the systemsenses that a person of adult sizeis sitting properly in the right frontpassenger seat.

When the passenger sensingsystem has allowed the airbagsand pretensioner to be enabled,the on indicator will light and staylit to remind you that the airbagsand pretensioner are active.

For some children who haveoutgrown child restraints and forvery small adults, the passengersensing system may or may notturn off the right front passengerfrontal airbag and seat-mountedside impact airbag (if equipped),depending upon the person’s seatingposture and body build. Everyone inthe vehicle who has outgrown childrestraints should wear a safety beltproperly — whether or not there is anairbag for that person.


If the airbag readiness light and theOFF light in the passenger airbagstatus indicator come on together,it may mean there is a malfunctionin the passenger sensing system.Secure the child in the child restraintin a rear seat position in the vehicleand check with your dealer/retailer.

{ CAUTIONIf the airbag readiness light evercomes on and stays on, it meansthat something may be wrong withthe airbag system. To help avoidinjury to yourself or others, havethe vehicle serviced right away.See Airbag Readiness Light onpage 4-12 for more information,including important safetyinformation.

If the On Indicator is Lit for aChild RestraintIf a child restraint has been installedand the on indicator is lit:

1. Turn the vehicle off.

2. Remove the child restraint fromthe vehicle.

3. Remove any additional itemsfrom the seat such as blankets,cushions, seat covers, seatheaters, or seat massagers.

4. Reinstall the child restraint withthe ignition key in the ACC orLOCK position while following thedirections provided by the childrestraint manufacturer and referto Securing Child Restraints(Rear Seat Position) onpage 2-51 or Securing ChildRestraints (Right Front SeatPosition) on page 2-53.

5. If, after reinstalling the childrestraint and restarting thevehicle, the on indicator is still lit,turn the vehicle off. Then slightlyrecline the vehicle seatbackand adjust the seat cushion, ifadjustable, to make sure that thevehicle seatback is not pushingthe child restraint into the seatcushion.

6. Also make sure the child restraintis not trapped under the vehiclehead restraint. If this happens,adjust the head restraint.See Head Restraints onpage 2-2.

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


If the Off Indicator is Lit for anAdult-Size Occupant

If a person of adult-size is sitting inthe right front passenger seat, butthe off indicator is lit, it could bebecause that person is not sittingproperly in the seat. If this happens,use the following steps to allow the

system to detect that person andenable the right front passengerfrontal airbag and seat-mountedside impact airbag (if equipped):

1. Turn the vehicle off.

2. Remove any additional materialfrom the seat, such as blankets,cushions, seat covers, seatheaters, or seat massagers.

3. Place the seatback in the fullyupright position.

4. Have the person sit upright inthe seat, centered on the seatcushion, with legs comfortablyextended.

5. Restart the vehicle and have theperson remain in this position fortwo to three minutes after theon indicator is lit.

Additional Factors AffectingSystem OperationSafety belts help keep thepassenger in position on theseat during vehicle maneuversand braking, which helps thepassenger sensing system maintainthe passenger airbag status.See “Safety Belts” and “ChildRestraints” in the Index for additionalinformation about the importanceof proper restraint use.A thick layer of additional material,such as a blanket or cushion, oraftermarket equipment such asseat covers, seat heaters, seatbackpacks, and seat massagerscan affect how well the passengersensing system operates. Werecommend that you not useseat covers or other aftermarketequipment except when approvedby GM for your specific vehicle.See Adding Equipment to theAirbag-Equipped Vehicle onpage 2-35 for more informationabout modifications that can affecthow the system operates.


The passenger sensing system maysuppress the airbag deploymentwhen liquid soaks into the seat.If this happens, the off indicatorin the passenger airbag statusindicator and the airbag readinesslight will be lit. Have yourdealer/retailer check the system.

An object, person or child in therear seat contacting or pressingthe right front passenger seatback,or objects stowed under the rightfront passenger seat, may affect theproper functioning of the passengersensing system.

When a safety belt extender isused in the right front passengerseat, make sure the passengerairbag status indicator showsON. If the indicator shows OFF,disconnect the extender’s latch from

the buckle then reconnect the safetybelt. The passenger airbag statusindicator light should be ON andthen the safety belt extender canbe reconnected. If the safety beltextender is used while the passengerairbag status indicator light is OFF,the right front passenger frontal andseat-mounted side impact airbags (ifequipped) may not activate correctly.

{ CAUTIONStowing of articles under thepassenger seat or between thepassenger seat cushion andseatback may interfere with theproper operation of the passengersensing system.

Servicing theAirbag-Equipped VehicleAirbags affect how the vehicleshould be serviced. There areparts of the airbag system inseveral places around the vehicle.Your dealer/retailer and the servicemanual have information aboutservicing the vehicle and the airbagsystem. To purchase a servicemanual, see Service PublicationsOrdering Information on page 12-12.

{ CAUTIONFor up to 10 seconds after theignition is turned off and thebattery is disconnected, an airbagcan still inflate during improperservice. You can be injured if youare close to an airbag when itinflates. Avoid yellow connectors.They are probably part of theairbag system. Be sure to followproper service procedures, andmake sure the person performingwork for you is qualified to do so.


Adding Equipment to theAirbag-EquippedVehicleQ: Is there anything I might add

to or change about the vehiclethat could keep the airbagsfrom working properly?

A: Yes. If you add things thatchange the vehicle’s frame,bumper system, height, front endor side sheet metal, they maykeep the airbag system fromworking properly. Changing ormoving any parts of the frontseats, safety belts, the airbagsensing and diagnostic module,steering wheel, instrument panel,roof-rail airbag modules, ceilingheadliner or pillar garnish trim,front sensors, side impactsensors, or airbag wiring canaffect the operation of the airbagsystem.In addition, the vehicle has apassenger sensing system forthe right front passenger position,

which includes sensors thatare part of the passenger seat.The passenger sensing systemmay not operate properly if theoriginal seat trim is replacedwith non-GM covers, upholsteryor trim, or with GM covers,upholstery or trim designed for adifferent vehicle. Any object, suchas an aftermarket seat heater or acomfort enhancing pad or device,installed under or on top of theseat fabric, could also interferewith the operation of thepassenger sensing system.This could either prevent properdeployment of the passengerairbag(s) or prevent thepassenger sensing system fromproperly turning off the passengerairbag(s). See PassengerSensing System on page 2-29.

If you have questions, callCustomer Assistance. The phonenumbers and addresses for

Customer Assistance are inStep Two of the CustomerSatisfaction Procedure inthis manual. See CustomerSatisfaction Procedure onpage 12-1.

Q: Because I have a disability,I have to get my vehiclemodified. How can I find outwhether this will affect myairbag system?

A: If you have questions, callCustomer Assistance. The phonenumbers and addresses forCustomer Assistance are inStep Two of the CustomerSatisfaction Procedure inthis manual. See CustomerSatisfaction Procedure onpage 12-1.

In addition, your dealer/retailer andthe service manual have informationabout the location of the airbagsensors, sensing and diagnosticmodule and airbag wiring.


Airbag System CheckThe airbag system does not needregularly scheduled maintenanceor replacement. Make sure theairbag readiness light is working.See Airbag Readiness Lighton page 4-12 for more information.

Notice: If an airbag coveringis damaged, opened, or broken,the airbag may not work properly.Do not open or break the airbagcoverings. If there are any openedor broken airbag covers, havethe airbag covering and/or airbagmodule replaced. For thelocation of the airbag modules,see What Makes an AirbagInflate? on page 2-27. See yourdealer/retailer for service.

Replacing Airbag SystemParts After a Crash

{ CAUTIONA crash can damage theairbag systems in your vehicle.A damaged airbag system may notwork properly and may not protectyou and your passenger(s) in acrash, resulting in serious injury oreven death. To help make sureyour airbag systems are workingproperly after a crash, have theminspected and any necessaryreplacements made as soon aspossible.

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

If the airbag readiness light stays onafter the vehicle is started or comeson when you are driving, the airbagsystem may not work properly. Havethe vehicle serviced right away. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 4-12for more information.


Child Restraints

Older Children

Older children who have outgrownbooster seats should wear thevehicle’s safety belts.

The manufacturer’s instructions thatcome with the booster seat, statethe weight and height limitations for

that booster. Use a booster seatwith a lap-shoulder belt untilthe child passes the below fit test:

• Sit all the way back on theseat. Do the knees bend at theseat edge? If yes, continue.If no, return to the booster seat.

• Buckle the lap-shoulder belt.Does the shoulder belt rest on theshoulder? If yes, continue. If no,then return to the booster seat.

• Does the lap belt fit low and snugon the hips, touching the thighs? Ifyes, continue. If no, return to thebooster seat.

• Can proper safety belt fit bemaintained for the length of thetrip? If yes, continue. If no, returnto the booster seat.

Q: What is the proper way towear safety belts?

A: An older child should wear alap-shoulder belt and get theadditional restraint a shoulder beltcan provide. The shoulder beltshould not cross the face or neck.The lap belt should fit snuglybelow the hips, just touching thetop of the thighs. This applies beltforce to the child’s pelvic bones ina crash. It should never be wornover the abdomen, which couldcause severe or even fatalinternal injuries in a crash.

According to accident statistics,children and infants are safer whenproperly restrained in a child restraintsystem or infant restraint systemsecured in a rear seating position.

In a crash, children who are notbuckled up can strike other peoplewho are buckled up, or can bethrown out of the vehicle. Olderchildren need to use safetybelts properly.


{ CAUTIONNever do this.

Never allow two children to wearthe same safety belt. The safetybelt can not properly spread theimpact forces. In a crash, the twochildren can be crushed togetherand seriously injured. A safetybelt must be used by only oneperson at a time.


Never allow a child to wear thesafety belt with the shoulder beltbehind their back. A child can beseriously injured by not wearingthe lap-shoulder belt properly.In a crash, the child would not berestrained by the shoulder belt.The child could move too farforward increasing the chance ofhead and neck injury. The childmight also slide under the lapbelt. The belt force would thenbe applied right on the abdomen.That could cause serious or fatalinjuries. The shoulder belt shouldgo over the shoulder and acrossthe chest.

Infants and YoungChildrenEveryone in a vehicle needsprotection! This includes infantsand all other children. Neither thedistance traveled nor the age andsize of the traveler changes theneed, for everyone, to use safetyrestraints. In fact, the law in everystate in the United States and inevery Canadian province sayschildren up to some age must berestrained while in a vehicle.


{ CAUTIONChildren can be seriously injuredor strangled if a shoulder belt iswrapped around their neck andthe safety belt continues to tighten.Never leave children unattended ina vehicle and never allow childrento play with the safety belts.

Airbags plus lap-shoulder beltsoffer protection for adults and olderchildren, but not for young childrenand infants. Neither the vehicle’ssafety belt system nor its airbagsystem is designed for them. Everytime infants and young children ridein vehicles, they should have theprotection provided by appropriatechild restraints.

Children who are not restrainedproperly can strike other people, orcan be thrown out of the vehicle.


Never hold an infant or a childwhile riding in a vehicle. Due tocrash forces, an infant or a childwill become so heavy it is notpossible to hold it during a crash.For example, in a crash at only40 km/h (25 mph), a 5.5 kg (12 lb)infant will suddenly become a110 kg (240 lb) force on a person’sarms. An infant should be securedin an appropriate restraint.



Children who are up against, orvery close to, any airbag when itinflates can be seriously injuredor killed. Never put a rear-facingchild restraint in the right frontseat. Secure a rear-facing childrestraint in a rear seat. It is alsobetter to secure a forward-facingchild restraint in a rear seat. If youmust secure a forward-facing childrestraint in the right front seat,always move the front passengerseat as far back as it will go.

Q: What are the different types ofadd-on child restraints?

A: Add-on child restraints, whichare purchased by the vehicle’sowner, are available in four basictypes. Selection of a particularrestraint should take intoconsideration not only the child’sweight, height, and age but alsowhether or not the restraint will becompatible with the motor vehiclein which it will be used.

For most basic types of childrestraints, there are manydifferent models available.When purchasing a childrestraint, be sure it is designedto be used in a motor vehicle. If itis, the restraint will have a labelsaying that it meets federal motorvehicle safety standards.

The restraint manufacturer’sinstructions that come with therestraint state the weight andheight limitations for a particularchild restraint. In addition, thereare many kinds of restraintsavailable for children with specialneeds.


{ CAUTIONTo reduce the risk of neck andhead injury during a crash, infantsneed complete support. This isbecause an infant’s neck is notfully developed and its headweighs so much compared withthe rest of its body. In a crash,an infant in a rear-facing childrestraint settles into the restraint,so the crash forces can bedistributed across the strongestpart of an infant’s body, the backand shoulders. Infants shouldalways be secured in rear-facingchild restraints.

{ CAUTIONA young child’s hip bones are stillso small that the vehicle’s regularsafety belt may not remain lowon the hip bones, as it should.Instead, it may settle up around thechild’s abdomen. In a crash, thebelt would apply force on a bodyarea that is unprotected by anybony structure. This alone couldcause serious or fatal injuries.To reduce the risk of serious orfatal injuries during a crash, youngchildren should always be securedin appropriate child restraints.

Child Restraint Systems

A rear-facing infant seat (A) providesrestraint with the seating surfaceagainst the back of the infant.

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

(A) Rear-Facing Infant Seat


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

A booster seat (C) is a childrestraint designed to improve the fitof the vehicle’s safety belt system.A booster seat can also help a childto see out the window.

Securing an Add-On ChildRestraint in the Vehicle

{ CAUTIONA child can be seriously injured orkilled in a crash if the child restraintis not properly secured in thevehicle. Secure the child restraintproperly in the vehicle using thevehicle’s safety belt or LATCHsystem, following the instructionsthat came with that child restraintand the instructions in this manual.

To help reduce the chance of injury,the child restraint must be secured inthe vehicle. Child restraint systemsmust be secured in vehicle seats bylap belts or the lap belt portion of alap-shoulder belt, or by the LATCHsystem. See Child Restraint Systemson page 2-41 for more information.

(B) Forward-Facing Child Seat (C) Booster Seats


Children can be endangered in acrash if the child restraint is notproperly secured in the vehicle.

When securing an add-on childrestraint, refer to the instructions thatcome with the restraint which may beon the restraint itself or in a booklet,or both, and to this manual. The childrestraint instructions are important,so if they are not available, obtaina replacement copy from themanufacturer.

Keep in mind that an unsecuredchild restraint can move around in acollision or sudden stop and injurepeople in the vehicle. Be sure toproperly secure any child restraintin the vehicle — even when no childis in it.

Securing the Child Within theChild Restraint

{ CAUTIONA child can be seriously injuredor killed in a crash if the child isnot properly secured in the childrestraint. Secure the child properlyfollowing the instructions thatcame with that child restraint.

Where to Put theRestraintAccording to accident statistics,children and infants are safer whenproperly restrained in a child restraintsystem or infant restraint systemsecured in a rear seating position.

We recommend that children andchild restraints be secured in a rearseat, including: an infant or a childriding in a rear-facing child restraint;a child riding in a forward-facing childseat; an older child riding in a boosterseat; and children, who are largeenough, using safety belts.


A label on the sun visor says,“Never put a rear-facing childrestraint in the front.” This isbecause the risk to the rear-facingchild is so great, if the airbagdeploys.

{ CAUTIONA child in a rear-facing childrestraint can be seriously injured orkilled if the right front passengerairbag inflates. This is becausethe back of the rear-facing childrestraint would be very close tothe inflating airbag. A child in aforward-facing child restraint canbe seriously injured or killed ifthe right front passenger airbaginflates and the passenger seatis in a forward position.

(Continued)

CAUTION (Continued)

Even if the passenger sensingsystem has turned off the rightfront passenger frontal airbag, nosystem is fail-safe. No one canguarantee that an airbag will notdeploy under some unusualcircumstance, even though itis turned off.

Secure rear-facing child restraintsin a rear seat, even if the airbag isoff. If you secure a forward-facingchild restraint in the right front seat,always move the front passengerseat as far back as it will go. It isbetter to secure the child restraintin a rear seat.

See Passenger Sensing Systemon page 2-29 for additionalinformation.

When securing a child restraint ina rear seating position, study theinstructions that came with the childrestraint to make sure it is compatiblewith this vehicle.

Wherever a child restraint isinstalled, be sure to secure thechild restraint properly.

Keep in mind that an unsecuredchild restraint can move aroundin a collision or sudden stopand injure people in the vehicle.Be sure to properly secure anychild restraint in the vehicle — evenwhen no child is in it.


Lower Anchors andTethers for Children(LATCH System)The LATCH system holds a childrestraint during driving or in a crash.This system is designed to makeinstallation of a child restraint easier.The LATCH system uses anchorsin the vehicle and attachmentson the child restraint that are madefor use with the LATCH system.

Make sure that a LATCH-compatiblechild restraint is properly installedusing the anchors, or use thevehicle’s safety belts to secure therestraint, following the instructionsthat came with that restraint, andalso the instructions in this manual.When installing a child restraint with

a top tether, you must also use eitherthe lower anchors or the safety beltsto properly secure the child restraint.A child restraint must never beinstalled using only the top tetherand anchor.

In order to use the LATCH system inthe vehicle, you need a child restraintthat has LATCH attachments. Thechild restraint manufacturer providesinstructions on how to use the childrestraint and its attachments. Thefollowing explains how to attach achild restraint with these attachmentsin the vehicle.

Not all vehicle seating positions orchild restraints have lower anchorsand attachments or top tetheranchors and attachments.

Lower Anchors

Lower anchors (A) are metalbars built into the vehicle.There are two lower anchorsfor each LATCH seating positionthat will accommodate a childrestraint with lower attachments (B).


Top Tether Anchor

A top tether (A, C) anchors the topof the child restraint to the vehicle.A top tether anchor is built intothe vehicle. The top tetherattachment (B) on the child restraintconnects to the top tether anchor inthe vehicle in order to reduce theforward movement and rotation ofthe child restraint during driving orin a crash.

The child restraint may havea single tether (A) or a dualtether (C). Either will have asingle attachment (B) to securethe top tether to the anchor.

Some child restraints with toptethers are designed for use with orwithout the top tether being attached.Others require the top tether alwaysto be attached. In Canada, the lawrequires that forward-facing childrestraints have a top tether, and thatthe tether be attached. Be sure toread and follow the instructions forthe child restraint.

Lower Anchor and Top TetherAnchor Locations

i (Top Tether Anchor): Seatingpositions with top tether anchors.

j (Lower Anchor): Seatingpositions with two lower anchors.

Rear Seat


To assist you in locating the loweranchors, each seating positionwith lower anchors has two labels,near the crease between theseatback and the seat cushion.

To assist you in locating the toptether anchors, the top tether an

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