2004 Chrysler Pacifica Owners Manual

SECTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 INTRODUCTION TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE .3 1 . .9 2 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL STARTING AND OPERATING 65 3 . 133 4 . 195 5 249 6 . 265 7 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 315 8 . 335 9 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE INDEX 345 10 INTRODUCTION CONTENTS Introduction . 4 How To Use This Manual 4 Warnings And Cautions . 6 Vehicle Identification Number .

User and Operator’s Vehicle Manual Guide. Free Auto PDF Manual Download. Years covered by this manual: 2004.

6 Vehicle Modifications / Alterations . 7 1 4 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION This manual has been prepared with the assistance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and various customer oriented documents. You are urged to read these publications carefully. Following the instructions and recommendations in this manual will help assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle. NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be aware of all safety warnings. When it comes to service, remember that your dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained technicians and genuine Mopar parts, and is interested in your satisfaction. WARNING! Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL Consult the table of contents to determine which section contains the information you desire. The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a complete listing of all subjects. Consult the following table for a description of the symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout this owner’s manual: INTRODUCTION 5 1 6 INTRODUCTION WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS This manual contains WARNINGS against operating procedures which could result in an accident or bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do not read this entire manual you may miss important information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions. VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER The vehicle identification number (VIN) is found on the left front corner of the instrument panel, visible from outside of the vehicle through the windshield. This number also appears on the Automobile Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window on your vehicle. Save this label for a convenient record of your vehicle identification number and optional equipment. NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN plate. INTRODUCTION 7 VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS 1 WARNING! Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and may lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or death. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE CONTENTS A Word About Your Keys . .11 Ignition Key Removal .11 Key-In-Ignition Reminder . .12 Sentry Key . .12 Replacement Keys . .14 Sentry Key Programming .14 General Information . .15 Illuminated Entry System . .15 Door Locks . .16 Manual Door Locks .16 Power Door Locks .17 Child Protection Door Lock .18 Remote Keyless Entry .19 To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate . .20 To Lock The Doors And Liftgate . .21 Using The Panic Alarm . .21 General Information . .23 Transmitter Battery Service .23 2 10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE Vehicle Theft Alarm . .24 Liftgate .26 Power Liftgate — If Equipped .27 Windows .30 Power Windows .30 Occupant Restraints . .31 Lap/Shoulder Belts .32 Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .38 Seat Belt Pretensioners .40 Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlertTM) . .40 Seat Belts And Pregnant Women . .41 Seat Belt Extender . .42 Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint System – Airbag . .43 Side Airbags Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) — If Equipped . .50 Child Restraint . .53 Engine Break-In Recommendations .61 Safety Tips . .62 Exhaust Gas . .62 Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The Vehicle . .62 Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The Vehicle . .63 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11 A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS You can insert the double sided keys into the locks with either side up. be used to order duplicate keys from your dealer. Ask your dealer for these numbers and keep them in a safe place. Ignition Key Removal The shift lever must be in PARK. Turn the key to the LOCK position, then remove the key. 2 The dealer that sold you your new vehicle has the key code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers can 12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE NOTE: The power window switches, radio, power sunroof, and power outlets will remain active for up to 45 seconds after the ignition switch has been turned off. Opening either front door will cancel this feature. CAUTION! An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always remove key from the ignition and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended. Key-In-Ignition Reminder If you open the driver’s door and the key is in the ignition switch, a chime will sound to remind you to remove the key. SENTRY KEY The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unauthorized operation of the vehicle by disabling the engine. The system will shut the engine off after 2 seconds of running if an invalid key is used to start the vehicle. This system utilizes ignition keys which have an electronic chip (transponder) embedded into them. Only keys that have been programmed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate the vehicle. WARNING! Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be injured. Children should be warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the gear selector lever. Don’t leave the keys in the ignition. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13 The Sentry Key Immobilizer System does not need to be armed or activated. Operation of the system is automatic regardless of whether or not the vehicle is locked or unlocked. During normal operation, the Theft Alarm/ Immobilizer Light will come on for three (3) seconds immediately after the ignition switch is turned on for a bulb check. Afterwards, if the bulb remains on, this indicates a problem with the electronics. If the bulb begins to flash after the bulb check, this indicates that an invalid key has been used to start the vehicle. Both of these conditions will result in the engine being shut off after two (2) seconds of running. Keep in mind that a key which has not been programmed is also considered an invalid key even if it is cut to fit the ignition lock cylinder for that vehicle. If the Theft Alarm/Immobilizer Light comes on during normal vehicle operation (vehicle has been running for longer than 10 seconds), a fault has been detected in the electronics and the vehicle should be serviced as soon as possible. NOTE: · The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not compatible with remote starting systems. Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting problems and loss of security protection. · Exxon/Mobil Speed Pass,TM additional Sentry Keys, or any other transponder equipped components on the same keychain will not cause a key-related (transponder) fault unless the additional part is physically held against the ignition key being used when starting the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other RF electronics will not cause interference with this system. All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have been programmed to the vehicle electronics. 2 14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE Replacement Keys NOTE: Only keys that have been programmed to the vehicle electronics can be used to start the vehicle. Once a Sentry Key has been programmed to a vehicle, it can not be programmed to any other vehicle. At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided with a four digit PIN number. This number is required for dealer replacement of keys. Duplication of keys may be performed at an authorized dealer or by using the Customer Key Programming procedure. This procedure consists of programming a blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blank key is one which has never been programmed. NOTE: When having the Sentry Key Immobilizer System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to the dealer. Sentry Key Programming You can program new keys to the system if you have two valid sentry keys by performing the following procedure: 1. Cut the additional Sentry Key Transponder blank(s) to match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code. 2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch and turn the ignition switch ON for at least 3 seconds but no longer than 15 seconds. Turn the ignition switch OFF and remove the first key. 3. Insert the second valid key and turn the ignition switch ON within 15 seconds. After ten seconds a chime will sound and the Theft Alarm Light will begin to flash. Turn the ignition switch OFF and remove the second key. 4. Insert a blank Sentry Key into the ignition switch and turn the ignition switch ON within 60 seconds. After 10 seconds a single chime will sound. The Theft Alarm Light will stop flashing, turn on for 3 seconds; then turn off. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15 The new Sentry Key has been programmed. The Keyless Entry Transmitter will also be programmed during this procedure. Repeat this procedure to program up to a total of 8 keys. If you do not have a programmed sentry key, contact your dealer for details. NOTE: If a programmed key has been lost, see your dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the systems memory. The remaining keys must then reprogrammed. This will prevent the lost key from starting your vehicle. All vehicle keys must be taken to the dealer at the time of service to be reprogrammed. General Information The Sentry Key system complies with FCC rules part 15 and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following conditions: · This device may not cause harmful interference. · This device must accept any interference that may be received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM The courtesy lights will turn on when you use the keyless entry transmitter or open the doors. The lights will fade to off after about 30 seconds or they will immediately fade to off once the ignition switch is turned on. NOTE: · The overhead console, door courtesy, liftgate and reading lights will not operate if the dimmer control is in the “defeat ” position (extreme downward position). 2 16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE DOOR LOCKS Manual Door Locks Lock the doors by pushing up on the lock knob on each door trim panel. WARNING! · For personal security and safety in the event of an accident, lock the vehicle doors as you drive as well as when you park and leave the vehicle. · When leaving the vehicle always remove the key from the ignition lock, and lock your vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause severe personal injuries and death. If the lock knob is up when you shut the door, the door will lock. Therefore, make sure the keys are not inside the vehicle before closing the door. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17 Power Door Locks A power door lock switch is on each front door trim panel. Use this switch to lock or unlock the doors. or closing the door will allow the locks to operate. A chime will sound if the key is in the ignition and a door is open, as a reminder to remove the key. Automatic Door Locks The doors will lock automatically on vehicles with power door locks if: 1. The Auto Lock feature is enabled, 2. the transmission is in gear, 3. all doors are closed 4. the vehicle speed is above 15 mph (24 km/h) and 5. the doors were not previously locked using the power door lock switch or remote keyless entry transmitter. 2 If you press the power door lock switch while the key is in the ignition, and any front door is open, the power locks will not operate. This prevents you from accidentally locking your keys in the vehicle. Removing the key The Automatic Door Locks can be enabled or disabled by performing the procedure in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), Customer Programmable Features section. 18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE Auto Unlock The doors will unlock automatically on vehicles with power door locks if: 1. The Auto Unlock feature is enabled, 2. the transmission was in gear and the vehicle speed returned to 0 mph (0 km/h), 3. the transmission is in NEUTRAL or PARK, 4. the driver door is opened (excluding liftgate), 5. the doors were not previously unlocked and 6. the vehicle speed is 0 mph (0 km/h). The Auto Unlock feature can be enabled or disabled by performing the procedure in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), Customer Programmable Features section. NOTE: Use the Auto Door Locks and Auto Unlock features in accordance with local laws. Child Protection Door Lock To provide a safer environment for small children riding in the rear seats, the rear doors are equipped with a child protection door lock system. WARNING! Avoid trapping anyone in the vehicle in a collision. Remember that the rear doors can only be opened from the outside when the child protection locks are engaged. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19 To activate the system, open the rear door and move the child lock control, located near the door’s rear latch, to the ON position. When the child lock system is engaged the door can be opened only by using the outside door handle even though the inside door lock is in the unlocked position. REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors and liftgate, and activate the panic alarm from distances up to about 23 feet (7 meters) using a hand held radio transmitter. The transmitter need not be pointed at the vehicle to activate the system. 2 20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE NOTE: If the key is in the ignition switch, then all buttons on that transmitter will be disabled. The buttons on the remaining transmitters will work. If the vehicle is shifted out of PARK, all the transmitter buttons are disabled for all keys. To unlock the doors and liftgate: Press and release the UNLOCK button on the transmitter once to unlock the driver’s door, or twice to unlock all doors and liftgate. The illuminated entry system also turns on. NOTE: If desired, the “Remote Unlock Driver’s Door 1st ” feature can be turned on and off by referring to the Customer Programmable Features of the “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ” section or by following these steps. 1. Press the UNLOCK button for 4 to 10 seconds. 2. While the UNLOCK button is pressed, (after 4 seconds) press the LOCK button. Release both buttons. The “Remote Unlock Driver’s Door 1st ” feature can be reactivated by repeating this procedure. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21 To lock the doors and liftgate: Press and release the LOCK button on the transmitter to lock all doors and liftgate. The horn will chirp once to acknowledge the signal. If desired, the “Sound Horn On Lock ” feature can be turned on and off by referring to the Customer Programmable Features of the “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ” section or by following these steps. 1. Press the LOCK button for 4 to 10 seconds. 2. While the LOCK button is pressed (after 4 seconds), press the PANIC button. Release both buttons. The “Sound Horn On Lock ” feature can be reactivated by repeating this procedure. Using The Panic Alarm: To turn the panic alarm feature ON or OFF, press and hold the PANIC button on the transmitter for at least one second and release. When the panic alarm is on, the headlights and park lights will flash, the horn will pulse on and off and the interior lights will turn on. The panic alarm will stay on for 3 minutes unless you turn it off by pressing the PANIC button a second time or turn the ignition switch to the ON position. NOTE: When you turn off the panic alarm by pressing the PANIC button a second time, you may have to be closer to the vehicle due to the radio frequency noises of the system. 2 22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE To Open/Close Power Liftgate — If Equipped Press the LIFTGATE button twice within five seconds to open/close the power liftgate. The liftgate will beep for 2 seconds and then open/close. If the button is pushed while the liftgate is being power closed, the liftgate will reverse to the full open position. If the liftgate is locked and is not equipped with a powered liftgate, pressing the button will result in the liftgate becoming unlocked for 30 seconds allowing you to manually access the liftgate area. The liftgate will re-lock automatically within 10 seconds once the liftgate is closed. To Turn Off “Flash Lights On Lock/Unlock ” NOTE: If desired, the “Flash Lights On Lock/Unlock ” feature can be turned on and off by referring to the Customer Programmable Features of the “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ” section or by following these steps. 1. Press the LOCK button for 4 to 10 seconds. 2. While the LOCK button is pressed, (after 4 seconds) press the UNLOCK button. Release both buttons. The “Flash Lights On Lock/Unlock ” feature can be reactivated by repeating this procedure. The table below explains the Lamp Flash options. Function Lock Unlock 1st Press Unlock All Doors Liftgate Which Turn Signal Lamps All Driver’s Side All All Number of Flashes 1 2 2 2 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23 General Information This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following conditions: · This device may not cause harmful interference. · This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. If your Remote Keyless Entry transmitter fails to operate from a normal distance, check for these two conditions. 1. A weak battery in the transmitter. The expected life of the battery is a minimum of three years. 2. Closeness to a radio transmitter such as a radio station tower, airport transmitter, and some mobile or CB radios. Transmitter Battery Service The recommended replacement battery is one CR2032 battery. NOTE: Do not touch the battery terminals that are on the back housing or the printed circuit board. 1. With the transmitter buttons facing down, use a small screwdriver or similar flat object to pry the two halves of the transmitter apart. Make sure not to damage the rubber gasket during removal. 2 24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 2. Remove and replace the battery. Avoid touching the new battery with your fingers. Skin oils may cause battery deterioration. If you touch a battery, clean it with rubbing alcohol. 3. To reassemble the transmitter case, snap the two halves together. Make sure there is an even “gap ” between the two halves. Test transmitter operation. VEHICLE THEFT ALARM This system monitors the vehicle doors and ignition switch for unauthorized entry or operation. When the alarm is activated, the system provides both audible and visual signals. The horn will pulse, headlights/park lights will flash, the Vehicle Theft Alarm/Immobilizer light, located on the instrument panel below the Electronic Vehicle Information Center buttons will flash, and the vehicle will not start. If the alarm is triggered and no action is taken to disarm it, the system will turn off the horn after three minutes and after 15 minutes of light only operation the system will then rearm itself. To arm the system: Remove the key from the ignition switch and either: 1. Press a power door lock switch while the driver’s or passenger’s door is open. 2. Press the LOCK button on the keyless entry transmitter. After the last door is closed, or if all doors are closed, the system will arm itself in about 16 seconds. During that time, the Vehicle Theft Alarm/Immobilizer light will flash. If it does not illuminate, the system is not arming. If you open a door during this arming period, the system will cancel the arming process. You must repeat one of the previously described arming sequences to rearm the system. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25 To disarm the system: Press the UNLOCK button on the keyless entry transmitter. Also, using a valid sentry key and moving the ignition switch to the ON/START position will disarm the system. If you disarm the system and access the liftgate area, the system must be rearmed, as described previously, when closing the liftgate. If something has triggered the system in your absence, the horn will sound three times when you disarm the system. Check the vehicle for tampering. NOTE: · The driver’s door key cylinder and the liftgate button on the keyless entry transmitter cannot arm or disarm the system. · Once the alarm is set, and the liftgate button on the keyless entry transmitter is pressed, on a non-power liftgate vehicle, you have a 30 second one time access into the liftgate area. If the liftgate is not opened within 30 seconds the liftgate will automatically re-lock within 10 seconds. · The system remains armed during liftgate entry, pressing the liftgate button will not disarm the system, if someone enters the vehicle through the liftgate and opens any door the alarm will sound. · When the system is armed, the doors can not be unlocked from the interior power door lock switches. The Vehicle Theft Alarm system is designed to protect your vehicle, however, you can create conditions where the system will give you a false alarm. If one of the previously described arming sequences has occurred, the system will arm regardless of whether you are in the vehicle or not. If you remain in the vehicle and open a door, the alarm will sound. If this occurs, disarm the system. 2 26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE The alarm system will be activated when the battery is connected if the system was previously armed. The exterior lights will flash, the horn will sound, and the ignition will not start the vehicle. If this occurs, disarm the system. LIFTGATE The liftgate can be unlocked using the remote keyless entry or by activating the power door lock switches located on the front doors. Once unlocked, the liftgate can be opened or closed. To open the liftgate, depress the liftgate release switch located in the exterior handle and pull the liftgate open with one fluid motion. The liftgate will not manually open if the vehicle is in gear or the vehicle speed is above 0 mph (0 km/h). THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27 NOTE: · If a power malfunction to the power liftgate latch should occur, an emergency liftgate latch release can be used to open the liftgate. The emergency liftgate latch release can be accessed through a snap-in cover located on the liftgate trim panel. · If the liftgate is locked and is not equipped with a powered liftgate, pressing the button on the remote keyless entry transmitter will result in the liftgate becoming unlocked for 30 seconds allowing you to manually access the liftgate area. The liftgate will re-lock automatically within 10 seconds once the liftgate is closed. Power Liftgate — If Equipped The power liftgate may be opened manually or by using the button on the remote keyless entry transmitter. Press the button on the remote keyless entry transmitter twice within five seconds, to open the power liftgate. Once the liftgate is fully open, pressing the button twice within five seconds a second time will close the liftgate. 2 28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE The power liftgate may also be opened by pressing the switch located on the overhead console. WARNING! During power operation, personal injury or cargo damage may occur. Ensure the liftgate travel path is clear. Make sure the liftgate is closed and latched before driving away. NOTE: · If anything obstructs the power liftgate while it is closing or opening, the liftgate will automatically reverse to the closed or open position, provided it meets sufficient resistance. A beeping signal will sound two seconds before the liftgate starts to open or close. · There are also pinch sensors attached to the side of the liftgate. Light pressure anywhere along these strips will cause the liftgate to return to the open position. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29 · The power liftgate must be in the full open position for any of the close buttons to operate. If the liftgate is not fully open, press the open button to fully open the liftgate and then press close. · If the liftgate release switch is activated while the power liftgate is closing, the liftgate will reverse to the full open position. · The power liftgate switches will not operate if the vehicle is in gear or the vehicle speed is above 0 mph (0 km/h). · The power liftgate will not operate in temperatures below 22° F ( 30° C) or temperatures above 150° F (65° C). Be sure to remove any build-up of snow or ice from the liftgate before pressing any of the power liftgate switches. · If the power liftgate encounters multiple obstructions within the same cycle, the system will automatically stop and must be opened or closed manually. 2 WARNING! · Driving with the liftgate open can allow poisonous exhaust gases into your vehicle. You and your passengers could be injured by these fumes. Keep the liftgate closed when you are operating the vehicle. · If you are required to drive with the liftgate open, make sure that all windows are closed, and the climate control blower switch is set at high speed. DO NOT use the recirculation mode. 30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE Gas props support the liftgate in the open position. However, because the gas pressure drops with temperature, it may be necessary to assist the props when opening the liftgate in cold weather. WINDOWS Power Windows The window controls on the driver’s door control all the door windows. There are single window controls on each passenger door trim panel which operate the passenger door windows. The window controls will operate only when the ignition switch is in the ON or ACCESSORY position. The window lock switch on the driver’s door allows you to disable the window controls on the passenger doors. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 31 When the lock switch is pressed the window controls on the passenger doors will not illuminate and the passenger windows will be disabled. Auto Down Feature All the power window switches have an auto down feature. Press the window switch to the second detent, release, and the window will go down automatically. To open the window part way, press the window switch to the first detent and release it when you want the window to stop. The power window switches remain active for up to 45 seconds after the ignition switch has been turned off. Opening either front door will cancel this feature. Wind Buffeting Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of pressure on the ears or a helicopter type sound in the ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped) in certain open or partially open positions. This is a normal occurrence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with the rear windows open, open the front and rear windows together to minimize the buffeting. If the buffeting occurs with the sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to minimize the buffeting. OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS Some of the most important safety features in your vehicle are the restraint systems. These include the front and rear seat belts for the driver and all passengers, front airbags for both the driver and front passenger, driver inflatable knee blocker and if equipped, left and right side curtain airbags for the driver and passengers seated next to a window. If you will be carrying children too small for adult-size seat belts, your seat belts or the LATCH feature (refer to the Child Restraint section in this manual), can be used to hold infant and child restraint systems. 2 32 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 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 passengers, or you can be thrown out of the vehicle. Always be sure you and others in your vehicle are buckled up properly. Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver and cause a collision that includes you. This can happen far away from home or on your own street. Research has shown that seat belts save lives, and they can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a collision. Some of the worst injuries happen when people are thrown from the vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility of ejection and the risk of injury caused by striking the inside of the vehicle. Everyone in a motor vehicle should be belted at all times. Lap/Shoulder Belts All the seats in your vehicle are equipped with Lap/ Shoulder Belts. The belt webbing retractor is designed to lock during very sudden stops or collisions. This feature allows the shoulder part of the belt to move freely with you under normal conditions. But in a collision, the belt will lock and reduce the risk of your striking the inside of the vehicle or being thrown out. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 33 WARNING! · It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. · Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts. · Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a seat belt properly. WARNING! · Wearing a seat belt incorrectly is dangerous. Seat belts are designed to go around the large bones of your body. These are the strongest parts of your body and can take the forces of a collision the best. · Wearing your belt in the wrong place could make your injuries in a collision much worse. You might suffer internal injuries, or you could even slide out of part of the belt. Follow these instructions to wear your seat belt safely and to keep your passengers safe, too. · Two people should never be belted into a single seat belt. People belted together can crash into one another in a collision, hurting one another badly. Never use a lap/shoulder belt or lap belt for more than one person, no matter what their size. 2 34 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions 1. Enter the vehicle and close the door. Sit back and adjust the seat. 2. The seat belt latch plate is near the seatback of the front seats and next to your arm in the rear seats. Grasp the latch plate and pull out the belt. Slide the latch plate up the webbing as far as necessary to allow the belt to go around your lap. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 35 3. When the belt is long enough to fit, insert the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a “click “. WARNING! · A belt that is buckled into the wrong buckle will not protect you properly. The lap portion could ride too high on your body, possibly causing internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you. · A belt that is too loose will not protect you as well. In a sudden stop you could move too far forward, increasing the possibility of injury. Wear your seat belt snugly. · A belt that is worn under your arm is very dangerous. Your body could strike the inside surfaces of the vehicle in a collision, increasing head and neck injury. A belt worn under the arm can cause internal injuries. Ribs aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. Wear the belt over your shoulder so that your strongest bones will take the force in a collision. ·A shoulder belt placed behind 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. 2 36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 4. Position the lap belt across your thighs, below your abdomen. To remove slack in the lap belt portion, pull up on the shoulder belt. To loosen the lap belt if it is too tight, tilt the latch plate and pull on the lap belt. A snug belt reduces the risk of sliding under the belt in a collision. 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 your dealer and have it fixed. 5. Position the shoulder belt on your chest so that it is comfortable and not resting on your neck. The retractor will withdraw any slack in the belt. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37 6. To release the belt, push the red button on the buckle. The belt will automatically retract to its stowed position. If necessary, slide the latch plate down the webbing to allow the belt to retract fully. 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 assemblies must be replaced after a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing, etc.). Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage In the front seats, the shoulder belt anchorage can be adjusted upward or downward to help position the belt away from your neck. Press the button to release the anchorage, and then move it up or down to the position that serves you best. 2 38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE As a guide, if you are shorter than average, you will prefer a lower position, and if you are taller than average, you’ll prefer a higher position. When you release the anchorage, try to move it up or down to make sure that it is locked in position. Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure Use the following procedure to untwist a twisted lap/ shoulder belt. 1. Position the latch plate as close as possible to the anchor point. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39 2. At about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) above the latch plate, grasp and twist the belt webbing 180° to create a fold that begins immediately above the latch plate. 2 4. Continue to slide the latch plate up until it clears the folded webbing. 3. Slide the latch plate upward over the folded webbing. The folded webbing must enter the slot at the top of the latch plate. 40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE Seat Belt Pretensioners The seat belts for both front seating positions are equipped with pretensioning devices that are designed to remove slack from the seat belt in the event of a collision. These devices improve the performance of the seat belt by assuring that the belt is tight about the occupant early in a collision. Pretensioners are designed to work for all size occupants. NOTE: These devices are not a substitute for proper seat belt placement by the occupant. The seat belt still must be worn snugly and positioned properly. The pretensioners are triggered by the front airbag control module (see Airbag Section). Like the front airbags, the pretensioners are single use items. After a collision that is severe enough to deploy the airbags and pretensioners, both must be replaced. Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlertTM) If the driver’s seat belt has not been buckled within 60 seconds of starting the vehicle and if the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h), the Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlertTM) will alert the driver to buckle their seat belt. The driver should also instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat belts. Once the warning is triggered, the Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlertTM) will continue to chime and flash the Seat Belt Warning Light for 96 seconds or until the driver’s seat belt is buckled. The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlertTM) will be reactivated if the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled for more than 10 seconds and the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h). THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41 The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlertTM) can be enabled or disabled by your authorized dealer or …