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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 130for 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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In any particular crash, no one can say whether
an airbag should have in ated simply because
of the damage to a vehicle or because of what
the repair costs were. In ation is determined
by what the vehicle hits, the angle of the impact,
and how quickly the vehicle slows down.
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.
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 airbag — 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 may 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 prevent people from
leaving the vehicle.
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Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to the front
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 theCustomer
Satisfaction Procedure on page 354.
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,
the instrument panel, 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 354.
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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 318
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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One key works all
of the lock cylinders
on the vehicle.
Your vehicle has an Immobilizer Vehicle
Theft-Deterrent System. The key has a
transponder in the key head that matches a
decoder in the vehicle’s steering column.If a replacement key or any additional key is
needed, you must purchase it from your retailer.
The key will have
1stamped on it. Keep the
bar code tag that came with the original keys.
Give this tag to your retailer if you need a
new key made.
Notice:If you ever lock your keys in your
vehicle, you may have to damage the vehicle
to get in. Be sure you have spare keys.
In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 359.
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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.
9(LOCK):This position locks your steering
column. It is a theft-deterrent feature. You will only
be able to remove your key when the ignition is
turned to LOCK.
If you have an automatic transmission, the ignition
switch cannot be turned to LOCK unless the
shift lever is in PARK (P).
If you have a manual transmission, the ignition
switch can be turned to LOCK in any shift
lever position.
{CAUTION:
If you have a manual transmission
removing the key from the ignition switch
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 to ACC.
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ACC (ACCESSORY):This position operates
some of your electrical accessories. It unlocks the
steering wheel and ignition.
R(RUN):This is the position the switch returns
to after you start your engine and release the
switch. The switch stays in RUN when the engine
is running. But even when the engine is not
running, you can use RUN to operate your
electrical accessories and to display some warning
and indicator lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key
in the ACC or RUN position with the engine
off. You may 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 RUN for normal
driving.
A warning tone will sound if you open the driver’s
door while in LOCK or ACC, when the key has
not been removed from the ignition.
Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside,
as it is an easy target for joy riders or thieves.
If you leave the key in the ignition and park your
vehicle, a chime will sound, when you open
the driver’s door. Always remember to remove
your key from the ignition and take it with you.
This will lock your ignition and transaxle.
Also, always remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key
in the ignition while your vehicle is parked. You may
not be able to start your vehicle after it has been
parked for an extended period of time.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Your vehicle has a Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) feature which will allow the radio
and power windows to continue to work up
to 10 minutes after the ignition is turned off.
Your vehicle’s radio will work when the ignition
key is in RUN or ACC. Once the key is turned off,
the radio and power windows will continue to
work for up to 10 minutes or until any door
is opened.
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