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The ORC turns on the Airbag warning light
and Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) indica-
tor light 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 and
the PAD indicator light will function normally (Refer to
ªPassenger Airbag Disable (PAD) Indicator Lightº in
this section). If the ORC detects a malfunction in any
part of the system, it turns on the Airbag warning light
either momentarily or continuously. A single chime will
sound if the light comes on again after initial start up.
WARNING!
Ignoring the Airbag Warning Light in your instrument
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.
²TheDriver Airbag/Inflator Unitis mounted in the
steering wheel. ThePassenger Airbag/Inflator Unitis
mounted underneath a cover in the passenger side of
the instrument panel. When the ORC detects a colli-
sion requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator units.
A large quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate
the airbags. Different airbag inflation rates may be
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 then fold out
of the way, as the bags inflate to their full size. The
bags inflate fully in about 50±70 milliseconds. This is
about half of the time it takes to blink your eyes. The
bags then deflate quickly while helping to restrain the
driver and passenger. The airbag gas is vented toward
the instrument panel through vent holes in the airbag
material. In this way, the airbags do not interfere with
your control of the vehicle.
44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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who is seated properly in the passenger seat. The
driver and passenger should always use the PAD
indicator light as an indication that the passenger is
positioned properly in their seat. If the PAD indicator
light comes on when an adult or teenager is in the
passenger seat, have the passenger reposition their self
in the seat until the light goes out. Remember, if the
PAD indicator light is illuminated the passenger air-
bag will not inflate in the event of a collision.
The passenger airbag will not be enabled for most any
size child who is seated properly in the passenger seat
and for most properly installed child restraint systems.
However, under certain conditions, even with a properly
installed child restraint system, the PAD indicator light
may not be on, even though the airbag is disabled. This
can occur if the child restraint is lighter than the thresh-
old weight necessary to turn the PAD indicator light on.
In any case,DO NOTassume the airbag is turned off if
the PAD indicator light is not illuminated.WARNING!
An infant in rear facing child safety seat, designed
for a child up to one year or approximately 20 pounds
(9 kg), should NEVER ride in the front seat of a
vehicle equipped with a passenger airbag, unless the
airbag is shut OFF. An airbag deployment can cause
severe injury or death to an infant in this position.
²TheFlex Matis located beneath the passenger seat
cushion foam. The Flex Mat sends signals to the OCM
for classifying the occupant in the passenger seat.
Any weight on the seat will be sensed by the Flex Mat.
Therefore, the occupant in the passenger seat needs to
sit in a normal position (with their feet on or near the
floor) in order to be classified properly. If an occu-
pant's weight is transferred to another part of the
vehicle (like the door or instrument panel), the system
46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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Periodic 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 the tread and side wall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check the area under the vehicle after overnight parking
for fuel, water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are present, the cause should be corrected imme-
diately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59
2
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NDaytime Running Lights.................82
NLights-On Reminder....................82
NBattery Saver Feature Ð Exterior Lights......82
NFog Lights...........................82
NTurn Signals..........................82
NHighbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch..........83
NFlash To Pass.........................84
NInterior Lights........................84mWindshield Wipers And Washers.............87
NIntermittent Wiper System................87
NMist Feature..........................88
NWindshield Washers....................88
NAdding Washer Fluid...................89
mTilt Steering Column.....................89
mAdjustable Pedals.......................90
NAdjustable Foot Rest....................92
mConsole Features........................92
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LIGHTS
Exterior & Interior Lighting Control
The Multi-Function Lever on the left side of the
steering column controls the operation of the
headlights, parking lights, turn signal lights, front
fog lights, instrument panel lights, and interior lights.
Headlights & Parking Lights
Turn the end of the Multi-Function Lever to the first
detent for parking light operation. Turn the end of the
lever to the second detent for headlight operation.
Headlight Time Delay
This feature is particularly useful when exiting your
vehicle in an unlit area. It provides the safety of headlight
illumination for about 90 seconds after turning off the
ignition switch.
To activate the delay, turn the ignition switch off while
the headlights are still on. Then, turn off the headlights
within 45 seconds. The delay interval begins when the
headlight switch is turned off.
If you turn the headlights, parking lights, or ignition
switch on again, the system will cancel the delay.
If you turn the headlights off before the ignition, they will
turn off in the normal manner.
Multi-Function Lever
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This feature can be disabled at the dealership, if so
desired.
Daytime Running Lights
The fog lights will come on as Daytime Running Lights,
whenever the ignition switch is on, the headlights are off,
and the parking brake is off. The headlight switch must
be used for normal night time driving.
NOTE:This feature is standard on all Canadian vehicles
and cannot be disabled. For US vehicles, this feature is
shipped disabled and can be enabled or disabled at a
dealership, if so desired.
Lights-On Reminder
If the headlights or parking lights are on and the ignition
switch is turned off, a chime will sound when the driver's
door is opened to alert the driver.
Battery Saver Feature Ð Exterior Lights
To protect the battery, the exterior lights will turn off
automatically 3 minutes after the ignition switch is
turned off. To restore exterior light operation, either turn
the ignition switch on or cycle the headlight switch.
Fog Lights
To activate the front fog lights, turn on the parking
lights or the low beam headlights and pull out on
the end of the Multi-Function Lever.
NOTE:The fog lights will only operate with the head-
lights on low beam. Selecting high beam headlights will
turn off the fog lights.
Turn Signals
Move the Multi-Function Lever upward or downward
and the corresponding turn signal indicator on the in-
strument panel will flash to show proper operation of the
front and rear turn signal lights.
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You can also signal a lane change by moving the lever
partially upward or downward without moving beyond
the detent. The turn signals will continue to operate until
you release the lever.
If either light has a very fast flash rate, check for a
defective outside light bulb. If an indicator fails to lightwhen the lever is moved, it would suggest that the fuse
or indicator is defective or there may be a circuit failure.
Highbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch
Pull the Multi-Function Lever toward you to switch the
headlights to HIGH beam. Pull the lever a second time to
switch the headlights back to LOW beam.
Turn Signal Control
Headlight Beam Control
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Flash to Pass
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
lightly pulling the Multi-Function Lever toward you.
This will cause the headlights to turn on at high beam
and remain on until the lever is released.
Interior Lights
The interior lights will turn on whenever a door is
opened or the liftgate is opened (Coupe models) and the
dimmer switch is not in the defeat position.
The interior lights will turn on, remain on for about 30
seconds, and then fade to off if any of the following
occur:
²A door is opened using the outside door handle and
then closed.
²A door is unlocked using the remote keyless entry
transmitter.
²A door is unlocked using the outside driver's door key
cylinder.
The interior lights will turn on and remain on for about 4
seconds and then fade to off if a door is opened using the
inside door handle.
Courtesy/Reading Lights
Two courtesy/reading lights are located in the bottom of
the rearview mirror. You can turn these lights on and off
from the switches in the bottom of the mirror or from the
dimmer control in the Multi-Function Lever. These lights
are also controlled automatically by the illuminated entry
system.
84 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE