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both the “PAD Indicator Light” and the “Airbag Warning
Light” are illuminated to show that the passenger airbag
is turned off until the fault is cleared. If an object is
lodged under the seat and interferes with operation of
the weight sensors, a fault will occur which turns on both
the “PAD Indicator Light” and the “Airbag Warning
Light.” Once the lodged object is removed, the fault will
be automatically cleared after a short period of time.
•TheDriver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Unitsare
located in the center of the steering wheel and the right
side of the instrument panel. When the ORC detects a
collision requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator
units. A large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to
inflate the front airbags. Different airbag inflation rates
are possible, based on collision severity and occupant
size. The steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper
right side of the instrument panel separate and fold
out of the way as the bags inflate to their full size. The
bags fully inflate in about 50–70 milliseconds. This isabout half of the time it takes to blink your eyes. The
bags then quickly deflate while helping to restrain the
driver and front passenger.
The driver front airbag gas is vented through the vent
holes in the sides of the airbag. The passenger front
airbag gas is vented through the vent holes in the sides
of the airbag. In this way, the airbags do not interfere
with your control of the vehicle.•TheOccupant Classification Module (OCM)is lo-
cated beneath the front passenger seat. The OCM
classifies the occupant into categories based on the
measurements made by the seat weight sensors. The
OCM communicates with the Occupant Restraint Con-
trol (ORC) Module. The ORC uses the occupant cat-
egory to determine whether the front passenger airbag
should be turned off. It also determines the rate of
airbag inflation during a collision.
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WARNING!
Deployed airbags and seat belt pretensioners cannot
protect you in another collision. Have the airbags,
seat belt pretensioner, and seat belt retractor assem-
bly, replaced by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible. Also, have the Occupant Classification Sys-
tem serviced as well.
Enhanced Accident Response Feature
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 5 seconds after the vehicle has stopped
moving, the interior lights will illuminate to aid visibility.
NOTE:The interior lights can only be deactivated if the
key is removed from the ignition switch or the vehicle is
driven.
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 if the airbag system is 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 or vehicle body structure.
•Do not attempt to modify any part of your advanced airbag system. The airbag
may inflate accidentally or may not function properly if modifications are made.
Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for any advanced airbag system
service. If your seat including your trim cover and cushion needs to be serviced
in any way (including removal or loosening/tightening of seat attachment bolts),
take the vehicle to your authorized dealer. Only manufacturer approved seat
accessories may be used. If it is necessary to modify an advanced airbag system
for persons with disabilities, contact your authorized dealer.
•Do not place or hang any items such as add-on video players on the right front
passenger seat back. The additional weight may cause the Occupant Classifi-
cation System to be unable to correctly classify the right front occupant. This
could allow the passenger frontal airbag to inflate when it is not desired.
•You need proper knee impact protection in a collision. Do not mount or locate
any aftermarket equipment on or behind the knee bolsters.
•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 an airbag system.
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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.
80 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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LIGHTS
Interior Lights
The overhead light comes on when a door is opened. It
may also be turned on by rotating the control for the
dimmer switch on the multi-function control lever fully
upward.
The overhead light will automatically turn off in about 20
minutes if a door is left open or the dimmer control is left
in the dome light position. Turn the ignition switch ON to
restore the overhead light operation.
Cargo Lamp
Courtesy and dome lights are turned on when the front
doors are opened, when the dimmer control (rotating
wheel on the right side of the switch) is rotated to the
upward detent position, or if equipped, when the “Un-
lock” button is pressed on the key fob.Also, the rear cargo lamp may be operated by pressing
the lens to turn it on. Press the lens again, to shut it off.
Cargo Lamp
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NOTE:If the driver’s door is left open, and the head-
lights or parking lights are left on, the “High Beam
Indicator Light” will flash and a chime will sound.
Lights-On Reminder
If the headlights or parking lights are on after the ignition
is turned off, a chime will sound when the driver’s door
is opened.
Headlight Dimmer Switch
Push the multi-function control lever away from you to
switch the headlights to high beam. Pull the lever to-
wards you to switch the headlights back to low beam.
Passing Light
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
lightly pulling the multi-function control lever toward
the steering wheel. This will cause the headlights to turn
on at high beam and remain on until the lever is released.
Front Fog Lights — If Equipped
The front fog light switch is in the multi-function
control lever. To activate the front fog lights, turn
on the parking or low beam headlights and pull
out the end of the lever.
NOTE:The fog lights will only operate with the parking
lights or the headlights on low beam. Selecting high
beam headlights will turn off the fog lights.
Turn Signals
Move the multi-function control lever up or down and
the arrows on each side of the instrument cluster flash to
show proper operation of the front and rear turn signal
lights. You can signal a lane change by moving the lever
partially up or down without moving beyond the detent.
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TILT STEERING COLUMN
To tilt the column, push down on the lever under the
multi-function control lever and move the wheel up or
down, as desired. Pull the lever back upwards to lock the
column firmly in place.WARNING!
Tilting the steering column while the vehicle is
moving is dangerous. Without a stable steering col-
umn, you could lose control of the vehicle and have
an accident. Adjust the column only while the ve-
hicle is stopped. Be sure it is locked before driving.
Tilt Steering Column
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ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, this device takes over the accelerator
operation at speeds greater than 35 mph (56 km/h). The
speed control lever is located on the right side of the
steering wheel.
To Activate
Push the ON/OFF button. The CRUISE indicator in the
instrument cluster will illuminate. To turn the system
OFF, push the ON/OFF button a second time. The
CRUISE indicator will turn off. The system should be
turned OFF when not in use.
WARNING!
Leaving the Electronic Speed Control system on
when not in use is dangerous. You could accidentally
set the system or cause it to go faster than you want.
You could lose control and have an accident. Always
leave the system OFF when you are not using it.
Speed Control Switches
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On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain and/or more
frequent downshifts (auto transmission only) may occur
so it may be preferable to drive without speed control.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system that includes ABS (Anti-Lock Brake
System), TCS (Traction Control System), BAS (Brake
Assist System), ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation), and
ESP (Electronic Stability Program). All five systems work
together to enhance vehicle stability and control in vari-
ous driving conditions, and are commonly referred to as
ESP.
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up andhelp avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in Section 5 of this
manual for more information about ABS.
WARNING!
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. ABS cannot prevent accidents, in-
cluding those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ABS-
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.
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