Page 82 of 568

As a guide, if you are shorter than average, you will
prefer a lower position, and if you are taller than average,
you’ll prefer a higher position. When you release the
anchorage, try to move it up or down to make sure that
it is locked in position.
Automatic Locking Restraint (ALR) Mode – If
Equipped
In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre-
locked. The belt will still retract to remove any slack in
the shoulder belt. The automatic locking mode is avail-
able on all passenger seating positions with a combina-
tion lap/shoulder belt.
When To Use The Automatic Locking Mode
Anytime a child safety seat is installed in a passenger
seating position. Children 12 years old and under should
be properly restrained in the rear seat whenever possible.
How To Use The Automatic Locking Mode
1. Buckle the combination lap/shoulder belt.
2. Grasp the shoulder portion and pull downward until
the entire belt is extracted.
3. Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will
hear a clicking sound. This indicates the safety belt is
now in the automatic locking mode.
How To Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode
Disconnect the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow
it to retract completely to disengage the automatic lock-
ing mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emergency)
locking mode.
82 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 95 of 568

Window Airbags Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS)—If Equipped
The window airbag control module determines if a side
collision is severe enough to require the side airbags to
inflate. The window airbag control module will not
detect roll over, front or rear collisions.
The airbag control module monitors the readiness of the
electronic parts of the system whenever the ignition
switch is in theSTARTorRUNpositions. These
include all of the items listed above. The airbag control
module also turns on the AIRBAG light in the instrument
panel for 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition is first turned
on as a diagnostic or system check, 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.
The side (window) impact SRS Airbags are designed to
activate only in certain side collisions. When the airbag
control module detects a collision requiring the windowbags to inflate, it signals the inflators on the crash side of
the vehicle. A quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to
inflate the window bag. The inflating window bag
pushes the side pillar molding out of the way and covers
the window. The airbag inflates in about 30 milliseconds
(about one-quarter of the time it takes to blink your eyes)
with enough force to injure you if you are not belted and
seated properly, or if items are positioned in the area
where the window bag inflates. This especially applies to
children. The window bag is only about 3
1 2inches (8.9
cm) thick when it is inflated.
Enhanced Accident Response System
If the airbags deploy after an impact and the electrical
system remains functional, vehicles equipped with
power door locks will unlock automatically. In addition,
approximately 10 seconds after the vehicle has stopped
moving, the interior lights will light until the ignition
switch is turned off.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 95
2
Page 102 of 568

Here are some tips for 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. We also recommend 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 Automatic
Locking Retractors (ALR), which are designed to keep
the lap portion tight around the child restraint so that
it is not necessary to use a locking clip.Pull the belt from the retractor until there is enough to
allow you to pass through the child restraint and slide
the latch plate into the buckle. Then pull on the belt
until it is all removed from the retractor. Allow the belt
to return to the retractor, pulling on the excess web-
bing to tighten the lap portion about the child re-
straint. Refer to theAutomatic Locking Retractors
(ALR) Modeearlier in this section.
•In the rear seat, you may have trouble tightening the
lap/shoulder belt on the child restraint because the
buckle or latch plate is too close to the belt path
opening on the restraint. Disconnect the latch plate
from the buckle and twist the short buckle-end belt
several times to shorten it. Insert the latch plate into
the buckle with the release button facing out.
102 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 161 of 568
WARNING!
Be certain that the seatback is securely locked into
position. If the seatback in not securely locked into
position the seat will not provide the proper stability
for child seats and/or passengers. An improperly
latched seat could cause serious injury.
Heated Seats — If Equipped
The heated seat switches are located in the instrument
panel under the climate controls.
Each heated seat switch has two settings (HI and LOW).
Press the switch once to obtain High heat level, then
press the switch again to obtain Low heat level. Pressing
the switch a third time will turn the heated seats OFF. If
you do not purposefully turn the switch OFF, the seat
heating level will automatically change to the next lower
Heated Seat Switches
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 161
3
Page 302 of 568

STARTING PROCEDURES – GAS ENGINES
The starter should not be operated for more than 15-
second intervals. Waiting a few seconds between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.
WARNING!
Be sure to turn off the engine if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by inad-
vertently moving the gear selection lever or by
pressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause exces-
sive heat in the exhaust system, resulting in over-
heating and vehicle fire which may cause serious or
fatal injuries.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Manual Transmission
Apply the parking brake, place the gearshift control lever
in NEUTRAL and depress the clutch pedal to the floor
before starting the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with
a clutch interlocking ignition system. It will not start
unless the clutch is fully depressed.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the selector lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
302 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 339 of 568

Be sure the parking brake is firmly set when parked and
the gear shift lever is in the PARK position. When
parking on a hill you should apply the parking brake
before placing the gear shift lever in PARK, otherwise the
load on the transmission locking mechanism may make it
difficult to move the selector out of PARK.
WARNING!
•Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage
or injury. Also be certain to leave an automatic
transmission in Park, a manual transmission in
Reverse or First gear. Failure to do so may allow
the vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury.
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for
a number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys
in the ignition. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before
driving, failure to do so can lead to brake problems
due to excessive heating of the rear brakes.
Parking Brake Release
STARTING AND OPERATING 339
5
Page 552 of 568

Cellular Phone.......................... 126
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 506
Center Lap Belts.......................43,83
Center Seat Storage Compartment.........203,204
Certification Label....................... 389
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 359
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . 231
Child Restraint...................60,61,99,100
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.......64,68,103,107
Child Seat......................61,67,100,106
Cigar Lighter........................... 198
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 489
Climate Control......................... 283
Clock.....................236,240,248,262,275
Clutch............................... 477
Clutch Linkage Maintenance................ 477
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 282
Compact Spare Tire...................... 370Compass...........................183,184
Compass Calibration..................... 184
Compass Variance....................... 185
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 180
Console, Overhead....................... 179
Contract, Service........................ 544
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 471
Cooling System......................... 469
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 471
Coolant Capacity...................... 512
Coolant Level......................469,472
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 472
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 470
Inspection........................... 472
Points to Remember.................... 473
Pressure Cap......................... 471
Radiator Cap......................... 471
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......470,512,514
Temperature Gauge..................... 229
552 INDEX
Page 557 of 568

Infant Restraint...................60,61,99,100
Inflation Pressure Tires.................... 375
Inside Rearview Mirror................... 121
Instrument Cluster....................226,227
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 225
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 491
Integrated Power Module (Fuses)............ 492
Interior Appearance Care.................. 490
Interior Lights.......................... 165
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)........... 171
Introduction............................. 4
Jack Location........................... 421
Jack Operation.......................426,427
Jacking Instructions...................... 426
Jump Starting.......................... 438
Key, Replacement........................ 16
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer)................... 15Keyless Entry System...................... 20
Keys................................. 12
Knee Bolster............................ 47
Lane Change and Turn Signals.............. 169
Lap Belts............................43,83
Lap/Shoulder Belts.....................34,73
LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren)....64,103
Life of Tires............................ 373
Lights.............................164,220
Airbag..........................57,96,228
Anti-Lock Warning..................232,342
Brake Warning........................ 232
Bulb Replacement...................498,499
Cap Top Clearance..................... 507
Cargo .............................. 168
Center Mounted Stop................... 506
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator)........ 231
INDEX 557
10