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²Also, the ACM turns on the ªAirbag Warning Lightº 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. If the
ACM detects a malfunction, the ªAirbag Warning
Lightº will illuminate for a minimum of 12 seconds
and will remain illuminated as long as the malfunction
exists.
WARNING!
Ignoring the ªAirbag Warning Lightº 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 in the
instrument panel. When the ACM detects a collision
requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator units. A
large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate
the airbags. The airbag covers separate and fold out of
the way as the bags inflate to full size. The bags fully
inflate in about 50 milliseconds. This is about half of
the time it takes to blink your eyes. The airbags then
quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and
front passenger. The driver's front airbag gas is vented
through the airbag material towards the instrument
panel. The passenger's front airbag gas is vented
through vent holes in the sides of the airbag. In this
way the airbags do not interfere with your control of
the vehicle.
²TheKnee Impact Bolstershelp protect the knees and
position the driver and front passenger's for the best
interaction with the front airbag.
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Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch Ð If Equipped
NOTE:
The Passenger Airbag ON/OFF Switch is de-
signed so that the switch position can be changed using
the ignition key. The key inserts into the switch far
enough to fully depress a spring-loaded locking plunger,
and then rotates to the desired position. The key will not
insert fully into the switch, and the spring-loaded locking
plunger prevents the key from remaining in the switch.
The Passenger Airbag ON/OFF Switch is located on the
instrument panel. The switch is to be turned off only if
the passenger is an infant (less than 1 year old) or a child
(age 1 to 12) who must ride in the front seat because there
is no rear seat.
WARNING!
Whenever an airbag is turned off, even a lap/
shoulder belted passenger may hit their head, neck,
or chest on the dashboard (instrument panel) or
windshield in a crash. This may result in serious
injury or death.
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To Shut Off the Passenger Airbag
1. Turn ignition to OFF position.
2. Remove the water-resistant plug.
3. Place the ignition key in the Passenger Airbag ON/
OFF Switch, press inward and turn the key to the right to
the OFF position. This will shut off the passenger airbag.
4. Reinstall the water-resistant plug.
NOTE:When the Passenger Airbag ON/OFF Switch is
in the OFF position, a indicator light will illuminate when
the ignition is ON. If the indicator light does not illumi-
nate for 3 seconds after the ignition is turned ON, or
when the Passenger Airbag ON/OFF Switch is turned
OFF (while ignition is in the ON position), have an
authorized dealer service the system immediately.
To Turn On the Passenger Airbag
1. Turn ignition to OFF position.
2. Remove the water-resistant plug.3. Place the ignition key in the Passenger Airbag ON/
OFF Switch, press inward and turn the key to the left to
the ON position. This will turn on the passenger airbag.
4. Reinstall the water-resistant plug.
NOTE:Do not turn the Passenger Airbag ON/OFF
Switch on or off with the ignition in the ON/RUN or
START positions, as the ACM could cause the ªAirbag
Warning Lampº to illuminate.
If A Deployment Occurs
The airbag system is designed to deploy when the impact
sensors detect a moderate-to-severe frontal collision, to
help restrain the driver and right front passenger, and
then to immediately deflate.
NOTE:A frontal collision that is not severe enough to
need airbag protection will not activate the system. This
does not mean something is wrong with the airbag
system.
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Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
²Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbags are not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or
the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do
not modify the front bumper, vehicle body struc-
ture, or frame.
²You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolster.
²It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has airbags.
Airbag Warning Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to inflate for your
protection in an collision. While the airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free, if any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
immediately.
²The ªAirbag Warning Lightº does not come on or
flickers during the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition
switch is first turned on.
²The ªAirbag Warning Lightº remains on or flickers
after the 6 to 8 second interval.
²The ªAirbag Warning Lightº flickers or comes on and
remains on while driving.
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time-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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29
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Page 41 of 299

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 indicator check when the ignition switch is
first turned on. If the indicator is not lit during starting,
have it serviced. If the light stays on or comes on while
driving, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
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.
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MIRRORS
Inside Day/Night Mirror
The mirror should be adjusted to center on the view
through the rear window. A two-point pivot system
allows for horizontal and vertical adjustment of the
mirror.
Annoying headlight glare can be reduced by moving the
small control under the mirror to the night position
(toward rear of vehicle). The mirror should be adjusted
while set in the day position (toward windshield).
Inside Automatic Dimming Compass/Temperature
Mirror Ð If Equipped
The automatic day/night mirror is equipped with three
buttons: the left switch for the left LED lamp, the right
switch for the right side LED lamp and the center switch
for the compass/temperature function. Pressing the left
and right switches simultaneously for more than 5 sec-
onds will turn the auto dim function on or off. If the
feature is turned off, it will automatically turn back on
with the next ignition cycle. A green light next to the right
button will indicate when the dimming feature is acti-
vated active. The mirror also senses the backup lamp
circuit, and will automatically disable its self-dimming
feature whenever the transmission gear selector is in the
R (Reverse) position.
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When the vehicle is new, the compass should initially be
verified for correct compass variance (refer to Compass
Variation Adjustment) and calibrated manually (refer to
Manual Calibration). This will ensure correct initial cali-
bration and eliminate initial erroneous compass head-
ings.
Manual Calibration
If the compass appears erratic and CAL does not appear,
you must manually put the compass into the calibration
mode. To ensure proper compass calibration, make sure
the compass variance is properly set before manually
calibrating the compass (refer to Compass Variation
Adjustment).
To put the compass into calibration mode: Turn the
ignition to the ON position. Press and hold the center
button for more than 6 seconds until CAL (calibration
mode) appears in the display. To change the display
between VAR (compass variance) and CAL (compass
calibration) modes. Release the button to invoke manual
calibration mode. To recalibrate the compass, drive the
vehicle at less than 5 mph (8 km/h) through up to CAL
should display for a complete 1
1¤2360É turns in an areafree from large metal objects or power lines. When the
compass has been calibrated, the CAL symbol will turn
off and the compass will function normally.
Compass Variation Adjustment
Compass Variance is the difference between magnetic
north and geographic north. In some areas of the country,
the difference between magnetic and geographic north is
great enough to cause the compass to give false readings.
If this occurs, the compass variance must be set according
to the Compass Variance Map.
NOTE:When the mirror is in the VAR mode, the letter
ªZº will be displayed along with the currently selected
zone number.
48 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Page 49 of 299
To set the variance: Turn the ignition ON, and press and
hold the center button for 3 to 6 seconds. The last
variance zone number will be displayed. Each press of
the center button will select a new variance zone. When
the proper zone is selected, wait 5 seconds to resume
normal operation.
Outside Mirrors
To receive maximum benefit, adjust the outside mirror(s)
to center on the adjacent lane of traffic with a slight
overlap of the view obtained on the inside mirror.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 49
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