Page 39 of 344

WARNING!
²Relying on the airbags alone could lead to more
severe injuries in a collision. The airbags work
with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In
some collisions the airbags won't deploy at all.
Always wear your seat belts even though you
have airbags.
²Being too close to the steering wheel or instru-
ment panel during airbag deployment could cause
serious injury. Airbags need room to inflate. Sit
back, comfortably extending your arms to reach
the steering wheel or instrument panel.
²If the vehicle has window bags, they also need
room to inflate. Do not lean against the door or
window. Sit upright in the center of the seat.
Airbag System Components
The airbag system consists of the following:
²Airbag Control Module (ACM)
²Airbag Warning Light
²Driver Airbag
²Passenger Airbag
²Window Bags above Side Windows (If Equipped)
²Side Impact Sensors (If Equipped)
²Steering Wheel and Column
²Instrument Panel
²Crash Sensor
²Interconnecting Wiring
²Knee Impact Bolsters
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39
2
Page 40 of 344

How The Airbag System Works
²
TheAirbag Control Module (ACM)determines if a
frontal collision is severe enough to require the airbags
to inflate. Based on the level of collision severity, the
front control module determines the proper rate of
inflation. The front airbag inflators are designed to
provide different rates of airbag inflation.
²The ACM, along with the remote side impact sensors
detects side impact.
²The ACM will not detect roll over, or rear impacts.
²The ACM monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the system whenever the ignition switch is in
the START or ON positions. These include all of the
items listed above except the steering wheel and
column and the knee bolsters. If the key is in the OFF
position, in the ACC position, or not in the ignition,
the airbags are not on and will not inflate.Also, the ACM turns on the AIRBAG warning light in
the instrument panel for 6 to 8 seconds when the
ignition is first turned on, then turns the light off. If it
detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns
on the light either momentarily or continuously.
WARNING!
Ignoring the AIRBAG warning light in your instru-
ment panel could mean you won't have the airbags
to protect you in a collision. If the light does not
come on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it
comes on as you drive, have the airbag system
checked right away.
²TheDriver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Unitsare
located in the center of the steering wheel and the right
side of the instrument panel. When the ACM detects a
collision requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator
40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 44 of 344

Airbag Warning Light
You will want to have the airbag system ready to inflate
for your protection in an impact. The airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free. If any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
promptly:
²Does not come on during the 6 to 8 seconds after the
ignition switch is first turned on.
²Remains on after the 6 to 8 second interval.
²Comes on for any period of time while driving.
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time Ð babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.Children 12 years and under should ride properly buck-
led up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats rather than in the front.
WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny
baby, can become a missile inside the vehicle. The
force required to hold even an infant on your lap can
become so great that you could not hold the child, no
matter how strong you are. The child and others
could be badly injured. Any child riding in your
vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the child's
size.
Infants and Small Children
There are different sizes and types of restraints for
children from newborn size to the child almost large
44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 52 of 344

garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for a extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with engine running for more
than a short period, adjust the ventilation system to
force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
²Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
²Always run the climate control in panel or floor mode
when driving with any windows open, even if only
slightly, to help keep fresh air circulating inside ve-
hicle. Otherwise poisonous gases could be drawn into
the vehicle.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned on. If the bulb is not lit during starting, have it
replaced. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 53 of 344
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should feel the air
directed against the windshield.
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of all exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes
are detected, the cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53
2
Page 55 of 344
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mMirrors...............................59
NInside Day/Night Mirror.................59
NInside Automatic Dimming Mirror Ð If
Equipped............................60
NExterior Mirrors Folding Feature...........61
NOutside Mirrors.......................61
NHeated Remote Control Mirrors Ð If
Equipped............................61
NPower Remote Control Outside Mirrors......61
NLighted Vanity Mirrors Ð If Equipped.......62mSeats.................................63
NFront Manual Seat Adjustment.............63
NFront Seat Adjustment Ð Recline...........63
NHead Restraints.......................64
NPower Seat Adjuster Ð If Equipped.........65
NMemory System Ð If Equipped............68
NHeated Seats Ð If Equipped..............71
N60/40 Split Rear Seat....................71
mTo Open And Close The Hood..............74
3
Page 56 of 344

mLights................................75
NInterior Lighting.......................75
NFront Map/Reading Lights...............75
NMulti-Function Control Lever..............76
NBattery Saver FeatureÐExterior/Interior
Lights..............................76
NHeadlights And Parking Lights............77
NAutomatic Headlight System Ð If Equipped . . .77
NInstrument Panel And Interior Lights........78
NDaytime Running Lights Ð Canada Only.....78
NLights-On Reminder....................78
NFog Lights Ð If Equipped................79
NTurn Signals..........................79NHeadlight Dimmer Switch................79
NPassing Light.........................79
NHeadlight Time Delay...................80
mWindshield Wipers And Washers.............80
NMist................................81
NSpeed Sensitive Intermittent Wiper System....81
NRain Sensitive Wiper System Ð If Equipped . . .82
mTilt Steering Column.....................84
mAdjustable Pedals Ð If Equipped............84
mElectronic Speed Control...................86
NTo Activate...........................86
NTo Set At a Desired Speed................86
NTo Deactivate.........................86
56 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Page 57 of 344

NTo Resume Speed......................87
NTo Vary The Speed Setting................87
NTo Accelerate For Passing................87
NDriving Up Or Down Hills...............88
mOverhead Console.......................89
NDome/Reading Lights...................89
NElectronic Vehicle Information Center........90
NTire Pressure Monitor System Ð If Equipped . . .92
NGeneral Information....................95
NCustomer Programmable Features..........95
NCompass/Temperature/Trip Computer......101
NTrip Computer.......................103
mGarage Door Opener Ð If Equipped.........106NWhen Your Vehicle Is New..............107
NProgramming Homelink................108
NGate Operator/Canadian Programming.....111
NUsing Homelink......................111
mPower Sunroof Ð If Equipped.............112
NExpress Open Mode...................112
NManual Open Mode...................112
NClosing Operation.....................113
NVent Operation.......................113
NIgnition Off Operation..................113
NSunshade Operation...................114
NMaintenance.........................114
mPower Outlet..........................115
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 57
3