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6. To tighten the
belt, feed the lap belt back into the
retractor while you push down on the child
restraint.
7. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to b\
e sure it is
To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let
it
go back all the way.
secure.
The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or
larger child passenger.
Larger Children
Children who have outgrown child restraints should wear the vehicle’s
safety belts.
If you have the choice, a child should sit next to a window so the child can
wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint
a shoulder belt can
provide.
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Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the
rear seat. But they need
to use the safety belts properly.
Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in a crash.
Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other people who are.
~ A CAUTION:
Never do this.
Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can’t
properly spread the impact forces.
In a crash, the two children
can be crushed together and seriously injured.
A belt must be
used by only one person at a time.
Q: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt, but the child is so
small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck?
A: Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but be sure that the
shoulder belt still is
on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the
child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide. If the
child is
so small that the shoulder belt is still very close to the child’s
face
or neck, you might want to place the child in a seat that has a lap
belt, if your vehicle has one.
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A CAUTION:
Never do this.
Here
a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but
the shoulder part is behind the child.
If the child wears the belt
in this
way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The
belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen.
That could cause serious
or fatal injuries.
Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt should be worn low and
snug
on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to
the child’s pelvic bones
in a crash.
Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it.
But
if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an
extende.r. It’s free. When you go
in to order it, take the heaviest coat you
will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The extender will be
just for you, and just for the seat
in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let
someone else use
it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it,
just attach it to the regular safety belt.
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Checking Your Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure all your belts. buckles. latch plates, retractors,
anchorages and reminder systems are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged restraint system parts. If
you see anything that might keep
a restraint system from doing its job. have
it repaired.
Torn or frayed belts may not protect you
in a crash. They can rip apart under
impact forces.
If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Replacing Seat and Restraint System Parts
After
a Crash
lf you've had a crash. do you need new belts'?
After
a very minor collision. nothing may be necessary. But if the belts were
stretched, as they would be
if worn during a more severe crash, then you
need new belts.
If you ever see a label on the right front passenger's safety belt in an
Extended Cab model that says to replace the belt. be sure
to do so. Then the
new belt
will be there to help protect you in an accident. You would see this
label on the belt near
the door opening.
If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean
you
will need to have safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New
parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt wasn't being used at the
time
of the collision.
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Before replacing any safety belt, see your dealer for the correct part number.
You’ll need the model year and model number for your vehicle. The model
year is
on your title and registration. And you can find the model number on
the CertificatiodTire label of your vehicle. See “Certification/Tire Label“ in
the Index.
The model number
on the replacement belt may be listed on the safety belt
you want
to replace. Pull the lap belt all the way out to see this label. If
there is no model number listed on the safety belt, see your dealer to make
sure you get the correct part number
for the replacement belt.
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Notes
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Features and Controls
Section
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your
vehicle, and information on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained
are the instrument panel and
the warning systems that tell you if everything
is working properly - and what to do if you have a problem.
Keys
t
A CAUTION:
Leaving young children in a vehicle with the ignition key is
dangerous for many reasons.
A child or others could be badly
injured
or even killed.
They could operate power windows or other controls
or even
make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with
young children.
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Your vehicle has one
double-sided key
for
the ignition and all
door locks.
If you ever lose your keys, your dealer will be able to assist you with
obtaining new ones.
I NOTICE:
Your vehicle has a number of new features that can help prevent
theft. But you can have a lot of trouble getting into your v\
ehicle
if
you ever lock your key inside. You may even have to damage
your vehicle to get in.
So be sure you have an extra key.
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