Page 60 of 520

•For vehicles so equipped, The ORC also determines if
a side impact is severe enough to deploy the supple-
mental side curtain airbag and/or supplemental front-
seat-mounted side airbag as required for each type of
impact.
•The ORC also monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the system whenever the ignition switch is in
the START or ON positions. These include all of the
items listed above except the knee bolster, the instru-
ment panel, and the steering wheel and column. If the
key is in the LOCK position, in the ACC position, or
not in the ignition, the airbags are not on and they will
not inflate.
•The ORC also turns on the Airbag Warning
Light in the instrument panel for 6 to 8
seconds as a self-check when the ignition is
first turned on. After the self-check, the
Airbag Warning Light will turn off. If the ORC detects
a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns on theAirbag Warning Light either momentarily or continu-
ously. A single chime will sound if the light comes on
again after initial start up.
WARNING!
Ignoring the AIRBAG Warning Light in your instru-
ment panel could mean you won’t have the airbags to
protect you in a collision. If the light does not come
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes
on as you drive, have the airbag system checked right
away.
•TheDriver and Front Passenger Airbag/Inflator
Unitsare located in the center of the steering wheel
and the passenger 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
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59
2
Page 405 of 520

correct tightness of each lug nut is 100 ft/lb. (135 N. m).
If in doubt about the correct tightness, have them
checked with a torque wrench by your dealer or at a
service station.
7. For vehicles equipped with center caps, install the
center cap by hand. Do not use a hammer or excessive
force to install the center cap.
8. Stow the jack, tools, and spare tire. Make sure the base
of the jack faces the rear of the vehicle before tightening
down the fastener.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES
WARNING!
•Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the hood is
raised. It can start anytime the ignition switch is on. You can be hurt
by the fan.
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started. Vehicles
equipped with an automatic transmission cannot be started this
way. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle. If
the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from another vehicle. This type of start can be
dangerous if done improperly, so follow this procedure carefully.
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow battery fluid
to contact eyes, skin, or clothing. Don’t lean over battery when
attaching clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other. If acid
splashes in eyes or on skin, flush contaminated area immediately
with large quantities of water.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explo-
sive. Keep flame or spark away from the vent holes.
•Do not use a booster battery or any other booster source with an
output that exceeds 12 volts.
•The battery in this vehicle has a vent hose that should not be
disconnected and should only be replaced with a battery of the
same type (vented).
404 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 430 of 520
WARNING!
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can burn
or even blind you. Don’t allow battery fluid to contact
your eyes, skin, or clothing. Don’t lean over a battery
when attaching clamps. If acid splashes in eyes or on
skin, flush the area immediately with large amounts
of water.
•Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep flame
or sparks away from the battery. Don’t use a booster
battery or any other booster source with an output
greater than 12 volts. Don’t allow cable clamps to
touch each other.
•Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.
•The battery in this vehicle has a vent hose that should
not be disconnected and should only be replaced with
a battery of the same type (vented).
Battery Location
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 429
7
Page 441 of 520

•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine, which contains
aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component, which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.
440 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE