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Safety belts help keep the passenger in position
on the seat during vehicle maneuvers and
braking, which helps the passenger sensing
system maintain the passenger airbag status.
See “Safety Belts” and “Child Restraints” in
the Index for additional information about the
importance of proper restraint use.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light in the
instrument panel cluster ever comes on
and stays on, it means that something
may be wrong with the airbag system.
If this ever happens, have the vehicle
serviced promptly, because an adult-size
person sitting in the right front
passenger’s seat may not have the
protection of the airbag(s). SeeAirbag
Readiness Light on page 202for more
on this, including important safety
information.
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A thick layer of additional material, such as a
blanket or cushion, or aftermarket equipment such
as seat covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers
can affect how well the passenger sensing
system operates. You may want to consider not
using seat covers or other aftermarket equipment.
SeeAdding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 89for more information about
modi cations that can affect how the system
operates.
The passenger sensing system may suppress the
airbag deployment when liquid soaks into the
seat. If this happens, the off indicator in the
passenger airbag status indicator and the airbag
readiness light on the instrument panel will be
lit. The system should resume normal operation
after the seat is allowed to dry. If the system
operates incorrectly after the seat has dried,
have your dealer/retailer check the system.
{CAUTION:
Stowing of articles under the passenger’s
seat or between the passenger’s seat
cushion and seatback may interfere with
the proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.
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Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to the front
or sides of the vehicle that could keep the
airbags from working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change your
vehicle’s frame, bumper system, height,
front end or side sheet metal, they may keep
the airbag system from working properly.
Also, the airbag system may not work properly
if you relocate any of the airbag sensors.
If you have any questions about this,
you should contact Customer Assistance
before you modify your vehicle. The phone
numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.
SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure
on page 476.
Q:Because I have a disability, I have to get
my vehicle modi ed. How can I nd out
whether this will affect my airbag system?
A:Changing or moving any parts of the
front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing
and diagnostic module, steering wheel,
instrument panel, ceiling headliner, ceiling
and pillar garnish trim, roof-mounted airbag
modules, or airbag wiring can affect the
operation of the airbag system. If you have
questions, call Customer Assistance. The
phone numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.
SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure
on page 476.
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Restraint System Check
Checking the 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.
Look for any other loose or damaged safety
belt system parts. If you see anything that might
keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have
it repaired. SeeCare of Safety Belts on page 439
for more information.
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.
Also look for any opened or broken airbag
covers, and have them repaired or replaced. The
airbag system does not need regular maintenance.Notice:If you damage the covering for the
driver’s or the right front passenger’s airbag,
or the airbag covering on the driver’s and
right front passenger’s seatback (if equipped),
or the side impact airbag covering on the
garnish trim and ceiling near the side windows
(if equipped), the airbag may not work
properly. You may have to replace the airbag
module in the steering wheel, both the
airbag module and the instrument panel for
the right front passenger’s airbag, the airbag
module and seatback for the driver’s and
right front passenger’s seat-mounted side
impact airbags (if equipped), or the side
impact airbag module, garnish trim and ceiling
covering for the roof-mounted side impact
airbags (if equipped). Do not open or break
the airbag coverings.
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Lockout Protection
This feature prevents the driver’s door from being
locked using the power door locks, if the key is
left in the ignition and a door is open.
Pressing the power door lock switch will lock all
the doors and then unlock the driver’s door.
Pressing and holding the power door lock switch
for more than three seconds will override this
feature.
If you remove the key from the ignition, or if you
use the manual door lock or the remote keyless
entry transmitter, you could still lock your key
inside your vehicle. Always remember to take
your key with you.
Trunk (Sedan)
To unlock the trunk from the outside, use the
key or the remote keyless entry transmitter.
When closing the trunk, close from the center
to ensure it fully latches.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the
trunk lid open because carbon monoxide
(CO) gas can come into your vehicle.
You cannot see or smell CO. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death. If you
must drive with the trunk lid open or if
electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass through the seal
between the body and the trunk lid:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or
cooling system to its highest speed
and select the control setting that will
force outside air into your vehicle.
See Climate Control System.
If you have air outlets on or under
the instrument panel, open them all
the way.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 136.
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Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some
cities. Although your vehicle has a number of
theft-deterrent features, we know that nothing we
put on it can make it impossible to steal.
Content Theft-Deterrent
Your vehicle may have
a content theft-deterrent
alarm system.
Arming the System
With the ignition off, you can arm the system by
doing any one of the following:
Press the remote keyless entry transmitter
lock button.
Press the power door lock switch while the
driver’s door is open.The system will arm either:
Thirty seconds after all the doors and the
liftgate (MAXX) are closed.
Sixty seconds with any door open.
If you press the lock button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter a second time while all the
doors and liftgate are closed, the system will
arm immediately. The system will still arm
in sixty seconds if a door or liftgate is open.
When the opened door or liftgate is closed,
it will also become armed.
The security light, located on the instrument
panel cluster, will turn on to indicate that arming
has been initiated. Once the system is armed, the
security light will ash once every three seconds.
If the security light is ashing twice per second,
this means that a door or the liftgate is open.
If you do not want to arm the system, you may
lock the car with the lock knob on the doors.
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Ignition Positions
With the key in the
ignition switch, you can
turn it to four different
positions.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break
the key. Use the correct key and turn the key
only with your hand. Make sure the key is in all
the way. If none of this works, then your vehicle
needs service.
9(OFF):This is the only position from which
you can remove the key. It also locks the ignition
and transaxle. A warning chime sounds if the
driver’s door is opened while the ignition is off and
the key is left in the ignition.ACC (ACCESSORY):This position lets you use
things like the radio and windshield wipers
while the engine is not running.
Use this position if your vehicle must be pushed or
towed, but never try to push-start your vehicle.
SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing on page 330.
R(ON):This position unlocks the ignition.
It is also the position to where the key returns after
you release the switch and the engine starts.
The switch will stay in this position while the
engine is running. But even while the engine is not
running, you can use ON to operate the electrical
accessories, and to display some instrument
panel warning lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key
in the ACC or ON position with the engine off.
You might not be able to start your vehicle if the
battery is allowed to drain for an extended
period of time.
/(START):This position starts the engine.
When the engine starts, release the key.
The ignition switch will return to the ON position
for normal driving.
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2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F
or−18°C), it could be ooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator pedal all
the way to the oor and holding it there as you
hold the key in START for up to a maximum of
15 seconds. Wait at least 15 seconds between
each try, to allow the cranking motor to cool
down. When the engine starts, let go of the
key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts brie y
but then stops again, do the same thing. This
clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
Do not race the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine and transaxle
gently until the oil warms up and lubricates
all moving parts.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with
the electronics in your vehicle. If you add
electrical parts or accessories, you could
change the way the engine operates. Before
adding electrical equipment, check with
your dealer/retailer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly. Any resulting
damage would not be covered by your
vehicle’s warranty.Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
If your vehicle has this feature, you can change
the position of the throttle and brake pedals.
This feature is designed for shorter drivers, since
the pedals cannot move farther away from the
standard position, but can move rearward
for better pedal reach.
The ignition must be off or the vehicle in PARK (P)
for this feature to work. The feature will not work
if your foot is pushing on the throttle or brake
pedal. Remove your foot from the pedals
and press the switch again.
The switch used to
adjust the pedals
is located on the
left side of the
instrument panel.
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