Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
•Modifications 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.
•You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolster.
•It 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.
•The “Airbag Warning Light” does not come on or
flickers during the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition
switch is first turned on.
•The “Airbag Warning Light” remains on or flickers
after the 6 to 8 second interval.
•The “Airbag Warning Light” flickers or comes on and
remains on while driving.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 33
2
•The rearward-facing infant carrier is for babies weigh-
ing up to about 20 lbs (9 kg), and one year old or more.
The infant restraint mustNEVERbe used in the front
seat of a vehicle with a front passenger airbag unless
the airbag is turned off. An airbag deployment could
cause severe injury or death to infants in this position.
The infant carrier is held in the vehicle by the lap belt,
lap/shoulder belt, or the LATCH child restraint an-
chorage system.
•Children under one year of age should continue to ride
in a rear-facing infant seat, even if they weigh more
than 20 lbs (9 kg). A “convertible” child seat, one that
is designed to be used either rearward-facing or
forward-facing, should be used for children who are
too heavy for the infant carrier, but who are too young
to face forward in the vehicle.
•The forward-facing child seat is for children from
about 20–40 lbs (9–18 kg), and more than one year old.The child seat is held in the vehicle by the lap belt,
lap/shoulder belt, or the LATCH child restraint an-
chorage system.
•The belt-positioning booster seat is for children weigh-
ing more than 40 lbs (18 kg), but who are still too small
to fit in the vehicle’s seat belts properly. If the child
cannot sit with knees bent over the seat cushion while
the child’s back is against the seat back, they should
use a belt-positioning booster seat. The child and
booster seat are held in the vehicle by lap/shoulder
belt. (Some booster seats are equipped with a front
shield and are held in the vehicle by the lap portion or
lap belt.)
•For additional information refer to www.seatcheck.org
or call 1-866-SEATCHECK.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 35
2
WARNING!
•Improper installation can lead to failure of an
infant or child restraint. It could come loose in a
collision. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions ex-
actly when installing an infant or child restraint.
•A rearward facing infant restraint should only be
used in a rear seat unless the passenger frontal
airbag is turned off. If the airbag is left on, a
rearward facing infant restraint in the front seat
may be struck by a deploying passenger airbag
which may cause severe or fatal injury to the
infant.
Here are some tips on getting the most out of your child
restraint:
•Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it
has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety
Standards. The manufacturer also recommends that
you make sure that you can install the child restraint in
the vehicle where you will use it before you buy it.
•The restraint must be appropriate for your child’s
weight and height. Check the label on the restraint for
weight and height limits.
•Carefully follow the instructions that come with the
restraint. If you install the restraint improperly, it may
not work when you need it.
•The passenger seat belts are equipped with cinching
latch plates designed to keep the lap portion or lap belt
tight around the child restraint so that it is not
necessary to use a locking clip. Pull up on the shoulder
36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
increased head motion and possible injury to the
child. Use only the anchor positions directly behind
the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether
strap.
Children Too Large for Booster Seats
Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt
comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend
over the front of the seat when their back is against the
seat back should use the lap/shoulder belt in a rear seat.
•Make sure that the child is seated upright in the seat.
•The lap belt portion should be low on the hips and as
snug as possible.
•Check belt fit periodically. A child’s squirming or
slouching can move the belt out of position.
•If the shoulder belt contacts the child’s face or neck,
move the child closer to the center of the vehicle.
Never allow a child to put the shoulder belt under an
arm or behind their back.
Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43
2
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.
•Guard 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.
•Always 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.
•On hardtop models, keep the tailgate window closed
when driving your vehicle. On fabric top models, do
not drive with the rear window curtain up unless theside curtains are also open. This will prevent carbon
monoxide and other poisonous exhaust gases from
entering 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 indicator check when the ignition switch is
first turned on. If the indicator is not lit during starting,
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45
2
13. Oil Pressure Gauge
Indicates engine oil pressure. This gauge does not
indicate oil level, and pressure varies with engine
speed, temperature and oil viscosity. Consistent lower
readings indicate possible malfunction. Seek authorized
service.
14. Coolant Temperature Gauge
Indicates engine coolant temperature. The red
zone to the far right indicates possible overheat-
ing. Seek authorized service immediately if the
gauge operates in the red zone. In U.S. vehicles, tempera-
ture is indicated in degrees fahrenheit; in Canadian
vehicles in degrees centigrade.
15. Airbag Warning Light
This indicator lights and remains lit for 6 to 8
seconds when the ignition is first turned on. If
the light does not come on for 6 to 8 seconds,stays on or comes on while driving, have the airbag
system checked by an authorized dealer.
16. Check Gauges Warning Light
This light monitors the engine coolant tem-
perature, engine oil pressure, and voltage
gauges. If it detects an extreme condition a
chime will sound and the light will come on. If the light
comes on, check the operation of these gauges for a
malfunction condition.
17. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic
System called OBD II that monitors engine, and
automatic transmission control systems. The light
will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON position
before engine start. If the bulb does not come on when
turning the key from OFF to ON, have the condition
checked promptly.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 145
4
Cavity Fuse Description
1 20 Amp Yel-
lowPark Lights, Skim (Sentry
Key)
2 20 Amp Yel-
lowStop Lights
3 20 Amp Yel-
lowSubwoofer System
4 10 Amp Red Door Switch Defeat
5 10 Amp Red Airbag
6 20 Amp Yel-
lowRear Wiper
7 10 Amp Red Back-Up Lights, Rear Win-
dow Defroster Relay, ABS
8 10 Amp Red HEVAC
9 10 Amp Red Airbag
10 10 Amp Red Instrument Cluster
11 10 Amp Red Solenoids, DRLCavity Fuse Description
12 10 Amp Red Power Distribution Relays,
Skim (Sentry Key)
13 10 Amp Red Turn Signals
14 10 Amp Red Radio
15 10 Amp Red HBL (Rear Window De-
froster) Switch
16 10 Amp Red Headlamp Aim (Export
Only)
17 25 Amp
NaturalFront Wiper
18 20 Amp Yel-
lowCigar Lighter
19 20 Amp Yel-
lowSpare
20 20 Amp Yel-
lowSpare
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 287
7
About Your Brakes....................... 198
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............147,200
Add-A-Trunk........................... 72
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 138
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 260
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 262
Air Conditioning........................ 171
Air Conditioning Controls................. 172
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 174
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 263
Air Filter.............................. 260
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 216
Airbag................................ 27
Airbag Deployment....................... 31
Airbag Light.........................33,145
Airbag Maintenance....................... 33
Alignment and Balance................... 220
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 9
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 167Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 295
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 200
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 147
Appearance Care........................ 279
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 50
Automatic Transmission................184,274
Adding Fluid......................... 276
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 274
Fluid Level Check...................... 275
Fluid Type........................... 274
Gear Ranges.......................... 185
Shifting............................. 184
Special Additives...................... 276
Torque Converter...................... 190
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet.................. 69
Auxiliary Power Outlet.................... 69
Battery............................... 261
Emergency Starting..................... 242
332 INDEX