1998 CHEVROLET PRIZM Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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
0 Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other
in
a crash.
people who are.
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.
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: If the child is sitting in a seat next to a window,
move the child toward
the center of the vehicle. If
the child is sitting in the center rear seat passenger
position, move the child toward the safety belt
buckle. In either case, 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.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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.
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.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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 extender. 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.
Checking Your Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and
anchorages are working properly. If your vehicle has a
built-in child restraint, also periodically make sure
the
harness straps, latch plates, buckle, clip and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt and built-in child restraint system
parts.
If you see anything that might keep a safety belt
or built-in child restraint system from doing its job, have
it repaired.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt
is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
If your vehicle has the built-in child restraint, torn
or
frayed harness straps can rip apart under impact forces
just like torn or frayed safety belts can. They may not
protect a child in a crash.
If a harness strap is torn or
frayed, get a new harness right away.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (See the part on the air
bag system earlier in this section for air bag system
maintenance information.)
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
If you’ve had a crash, do you need new safety belts or
built-in child restraint parts?
After a
very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the safety belts or built-in child restraint harness
straps were stretched, as they would be if
worn during a
more severe crash, then you need new safety belts or
harness straps.
If the frontal air bags inflate, you’ll also need to replace
the driver’s and right front passenger’s safety belt
retractor assembly.
Be sure to do so. Then the new
retractor assembly will be there to help protect you in
a collision.
If safety belts or built-in child restraint harness straps
are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also
may mean you will need to have safety belt, built-in
child restraint or seat parts repaired or replaced. New
parts and repairs may be necessary even if the safety
belt or built-in child restraint wasn’t being used at the
time of the collision.
If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag
system parts. See the part
on the air bag system earlier
in this section.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine b% NOTES
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine ,4@D NOTES
1-64

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine a Section 2 Features and Controls
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.
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2-6
2-9
2-10 2-1
1
2-1 1
2-13 2- 14
2-18
2-20
2-2 1
2-23
2-24 Keys
Door Locks
Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
Trunk
Theft
New Vehicle “Break-In”
Ignition Switch
Starting Your Engine
Automatic Transaxle Operation
Manual Transaxle Operation
Parking Brake
Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic
Transaxle Only) Parking Over Things That Burn
Engine Exhaust 2-24
2-25
2-26
2-26
2-27
2-32
2-34
2-3
5
2-37
2-38
2-3
8
2-39
2-40
2-45 Running
Your Engine While You’re Parked
(Automatic Transaxle)
Windows
Horn
Tilt Column (Option)
Turn Signalhlultifunction Lever
Exterior Lamps
Interior Lamps
Mirrors Storage Compartments
Ashtrays and Lighter
Sun Visors
Sunroof (Option)
Instrument Panel
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Keys
1-
A CAUTION:
I
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.
T, :,. .,. ,* ..'! ,, '
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