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There is an airbag
readiness light on the
instrument panel cluster,
which shows the
airbag symbol.
The system checks the airbag electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an
electrical problem. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on
page 247for more information.Where Are the Airbags?
The driver’s airbag is in the middle of the steering
wheel.
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The right front passenger’s airbag is in the
instrument panel on the passenger’s side.
{CAUTION:
If something is between an occupant and
an airbag, the bag might not in ate
properly or it might force the object into
that person causing severe injury or even
death. The path of an in ating airbag must
be kept clear. Do not put anything
between an occupant and an airbag, and
do not attach or put anything on the
steering wheel hub or on or near any
other airbag covering.
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Dual Stage Airbags
If your vehicle has frontal airbags with dual stage
deployment, the amount of restraint will adjust
according to crash severity. Your vehicle has
electronic frontal sensors which help the sensing
system distinguish between a moderate and a
more severe frontal impact. For moderate frontal
impacts, these airbags in ate at a level less
than full deployment. For more severe frontal
impacts, full deployment occurs. If the front of your
vehicle goes straight into a wall that does not
move or deform, the threshold level for the
reduced deployment is about 10 to 16 mph
(16 to 25 km/h), and the threshold level for a full
deployment is about 20 to 30 mph (32 to 48 km/h).
The threshold level can vary, however, with
speci c vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat
above or below this range.Vehicle’s with dual stage airbags also have
special sensors which enable the sensing system
to monitor the position of both the driver and
passenger front seats. The seat position sensor
provides information which is used to determine if
the airbags should deploy at a reduced level or
at full deployment.
What Makes an Airbag In ate?
In an impact of sufficient severity, the airbag
sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a
crash. The sensing system triggers a release of gas
from the in ator, which in ates the airbag. The
in ator, airbag, and related hardware are all part of
the airbag modules inside the steering wheel and in
the instrument panel in front of the right front
passenger.
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How Does an Airbag Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal
collisions, even belted occupants can contact the
steering wheel or the instrument panel. The airbag
supplements the protection provided by safety
belts. Airbags distribute the force of the impact
more evenly over the occupant’s upper body,
stopping the occupant more gradually. But airbags
would not help you in many types of collisions,
including rollovers, rear impacts, and many side
impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is
not toward those airbags. Airbags should never be
regarded as anything more than a supplement to
safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe
frontal or near-frontal collisions.
What Will You See After an Airbag
In ates?
After an airbag in ates, it quickly de ates, so
quickly that some people may not even realize the
airbag in ated. Some components of the airbag
module — the steering wheel hub for the driver’s
airbag or the instrument panel for the right
front passenger’s bag — may be hot for a short
time. The parts of the airbag that come into contact
with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch.
There will be some smoke and dust coming
from the vents in the de ated airbags. Airbag
in ation does not prevent the driver from seeing
out of the windshield or being able to steer
the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving
the vehicle.
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Q:What if I added a snow plow? Will it keep
the airbags from working properly?
A:We have designed our airbag systems to work
properly under a wide range of conditions,
including snow plowing with vehicles that have
the optional Snow Plow Prep Package
(RPO VYU). But do not change or defeat the
snow plow’s “tripping mechanism.” If you
do, it can damage your snow plow and your
vehicle, and it may cause an airbag in ation.
Q:Because I have a disability, I have to get
my vehicle modi ed. How can I nd out
whether this will affect my advanced airbag
system?
A:Changing or moving any parts of the front
seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing and
diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument
panel, the inside review mirror, 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 638.
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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 592
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,
the airbag may not work properly. You may
have to replace the airbag module in the
steering wheel or both the airbag module and
the instrument panel for the right front
passenger’s airbag. Do not open or break the
airbag coverings.
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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 all the
way in. If it is, turn the steering wheel left and
right while you turn the key hard. If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.A (LOCK):This position locks your ignition when
the key is removed. The steering locks when
equipped with a manual transmission. It is
a theft-deterrent feature. You will only be able to
remove your key when the ignition is turned
to LOCK.
B (ACCESSORY):This position allows you to use
things like the radio, power windows and the
windshield wipers when the engine is off.
{CAUTION:
On manual transmission vehicles, turning
the key to LOCK will lock the steering
column and result in a loss of ability to
steer the vehicle. This could cause a
collision. If you need to turn the engine
off while the vehicle is moving, turn the
key only to ACCESSORY. Do not press
the key release button while the vehicle is
moving.
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When starting your engine in very cold weather
(below 0°F or−18°C), do this:
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn
the ignition key to START and hold it there up
to 15 seconds. When the engine starts, let
go of the key.
2. If your engine still will not start, or starts but
then stops, it could be ooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all
the way to the oor and holding it there as you
hold the key in START for about three seconds.
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, but this time
keep the pedal down for ve or six seconds.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
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. If you do not, your engine might not
perform properly. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.Engine Coolant Heater
In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the
engine coolant heater can help. You will get easier
starting and better fuel economy during engine
warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should
be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to
starting your vehicle. At temperatures above
32°F (0°C), use of the coolant heater is not
required. Your vehicle may also have an internal
thermostat in the plug end of the cord. This
will prevent operation of the engine coolant
heater when the temperature is at or above
0°F (−18 C°) as noted on the cord.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical
cord. The cord is located on the driver’s
side of the engine compartment, near
the power steering uid reservoir. If you have
a diesel engine, refer to diesel supplement
for location.
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