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²When the airbag control module detects a collision
requiring theFront Airbags, it signals the inflator
units. A large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to
inflate the front airbags. Different front airbag inflation
rates are possible, these rates are determined by the
airbag control module based on collision severity. The
front airbag covers separate and fold out of the way as
the front airbags inflate to their full size. The front
airbags fully inflate in about 50 milliseconds. This is
only about half of the time it takes you to blink your
eyes. The front airbags then quickly deflate while
helping to restrain the driver and front passenger. The
driver's and passenger's front airbag gas is vented
through the airbag material and small vent openings
towards the instrument panel. In this way the front
airbags do not interfere with your control of the
vehicle.
²TheSupplemental Side Curtain Airbagsare designed
to activate only in certain side collisions. When theairbag control module detects a collision requiring the
side curtain airbags to inflate, it signals the inflators on
the crash side of the vehicle. A quantity of nontoxic gas
is generated to inflate the side curtain airbag. The
inflating side curtain airbag pushes the outside edge of
the headliner out of the way and inflates (in about the
same time it takes to blink your eyes). A properly
belted and seated occupant is less likely to be injured
by the force of the airbag or crash event. Items that are
positioned in the area where the side curtain airbag
inflates can reduce the effectiveness of the airbag and
also increase the likelihood of injuries to the occu-
pants, this especially applies to children. The side
curtain airbag is about 4 inches (10 cm) thick when it
is inflated.
²When the airbag control module detects a collision
requiring theDriver Inflatable Knee Blocker,it
signals the inflator unit. A quantity of nontoxic gas is
generated to inflate the Driver Inflatable Knee Blocker.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49
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mSeats.................................85
N10±Way Driver's Power Seat Ð If Equipped . . .85
N8±Way Driver's Power Seat Ð If Equipped....85
N4±Way Passenger's Power Seat.............85
NAdjustable Head Restraints...............86
NHeated Seats Ð If Equipped..............86
NMemory Seat Ð If Equipped..............88
NSecond Row Manual Seat Recliner..........91
NSecond Row Manual Seat Adjuster..........92
NSecond Row Fold & Tumble Seats...........93
NThird Row Easy Exit....................94
NThird Row Seating Flexibility..............96
NLoad Floor...........................97NPlastic Grocery Bag Retainer..............98
mAdjustable Pedals Ð If Equipped............99
mTo Open And Close The Hood.............100
mLights...............................102
NOverhead Console Map/Reading Lights.....102
NInterior Lights.......................103
NMulti-Function Lever...................103
NHeadlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel
Lights.............................103
NAutomatic Headlights..................105
NDaytime Running Lights (Canada Only).....105
NLights-On Reminder...................105
NHeadlight Time Delay..................105
66 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Page 100 of 361

²The pedalscannotbe adjusted when the vehicle is in R
(Reverse) or when the Speed Control is ON. A message
will be displayed in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) if the pedals are attempted to be ad-
justed when the system is locked out (ªAdjustable
Pedal Disabled Ð Cruise Control Engagedº or ªAd-
justable Pedal Disabled Ð Vehicle In Reverseº).
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with memory seat
feature, your remote keyless entry transmitter or memory
seat buttons on the driver's door panel can be used to
recall the adjustable pedals to saved positions.CAUTION!
Do not place any article under the adjustable pedals
or impede its ability to move as it may cause damage
to the pedal controls. Pedal travel may become
limited if movement is stopped by an obstruction in
the adjustable pedal's path.
TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
To open the hood, two latches must be released. First pull
the hood release lever located under the left side of the
instrument panel.
100 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Page 101 of 361
Next, push to the left the safety catch located under the
front edge of the hood, near the center.Use the hood prop rod to secure the hood in the open
position.
To prevent possible damage, do not slam the hood to
close it. Lower the hood until it is open approximately 15
cm (6 inches) and then drop it. This should secure both
latches. Never drive your vehicle unless the hood is fully
closed, with both latches engaged.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 101
3
Page 102 of 361
WARNING!
If the hood is not fully latched, it could fly up when
the vehicle is moving and block your forward vision.
You could have a collision. Be sure all hood latches
are fully latched before driving.
LIGHTS
Overhead Console Map/Reading Lights
These lights are mounted between the sun visors on the
overhead console. Each light is turned ON by pressing
the lens. Press the lens a second time to turn the light
OFF. The lights also turn on when a door is opened or the
dimmer control is turned fully upward, past the second
detent.NOTE:The lights will remain on until the switch is
pressed a second time, so be sure they have been turned
off before leaving the vehicle.
102 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
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Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, fol-
low the preceding safety tips.
Cooling System
Inspection
WARNING!
²When working near the radiator cooling fan, turn
the ignition key to the OFF position. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at any time
when the ignition key is in the ON position.
²You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don't open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator is hot.
286 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE