systems. The driver’s Advanced Front Airbag is mounted
in the steering wheel. The passenger’s Advanced Front
Airbag is mounted underneath a cover in the passenger’s
side of the instrument panel. The words SRS/AIRBAG is
embossed on the airbag covers.NOTE:
These airbags are certified to the new Federal
regulations for Advanced Airbags. The passenger’s Ad-
vanced Front Airbag is certified to the Federal regulations
that define Occupant Classification (Refer to “Airbag
Deployment Sensors and Controls”).
The airbags have a multistage inflator design. This allows
the airbag to have different rates of inflation that are
based on collision severity and occupant size.
WARNING!
•No objects should be placed over or near the
airbag on the instrument panel, because any such
objects could cause harm if the vehicle is in a
collision severe enough to cause the airbag to
inflate.
(Continued)
Advanced Front Airbag and Knee Bolster Locations
1 — Driver And Passenger Advanced Front Airbag
2 — Knee Bolster
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43
Light”). 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 startup.
It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the instru-
ment cluster Airbag Warning Light if a malfunction is
noted that could affect the airbag system. The diagnostics
also record the nature of the malfunction.
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 an authorized dealer service the
airbag system immediately.
Driver Airbag/Passenger Airbag Inflator Units
The Driver Airbag Inflator Unit is mounted in the steer-
ing wheel. The Passenger Airbag Inflator Unit is
mounted underneath a cover in the passenger side of the
instrument panel. When the ORC detects a collision
requiring the Advanced Front Airbags, it signals the
inflator units. A large quantity of non-toxic gas is gener-
ated 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 airbags inflate to their full size. The
airbags inflate fully in about 50 to 70 ms. This is about
half of the time it takes to blink your eyes. The airbags
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 mate-
rial. In this way, the airbags do not interfere with your
control of the vehicle.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49
CAUTION!
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) has been
optimized for the original equipment tires and
wheels. The TPMS pressures have been established
for the tire size equipped on your vehicle. Undesir-
able operation or sensor damage may result when
using replacement equipment that is not of the same
size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use aftermarket tire sealants
or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with the
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
WARNING!
Do not exceed 55 mph (88 km/h) if the LOW Tire
indicator is activated. Vehicle handling and braking
may be reduced. You could have an accident and be
severely or fatally injured.
Seat Belt Reminder Light
If the driver does not buckle their seat belt and
vehicle speed exceeds 5 mph (8 km/h), or if the
passenger does not buckle their seat belt within
10 seconds of vehicle speed exceeding 5 mph (8 km/h),
the Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert) will alert the occupant(s) to buckle their seat
belt(s). Once triggered, the BeltAlert will flash the Seat
Belt Reminder Light and chime for up to 96 seconds to
alert the occupant(s) to buckle their seat belt(s). If the
driver unbuckles their seat belt while vehicle speed is
greater than 5 mph (8 km/h), or if the passenger unbuck-
les their seat belt for more than 10 seconds while vehicle
speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h), the BeltAlert will
reactivate.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 115
WARNING! (Continued)
•The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of phys-
ics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that af-
forded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and
tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type as the original equipment and the tires must be
properly inflated to produce accurate signals for the
computer.
WARNING!
Significant over or under-inflation of tires, or mixing
sizes of front or rear tires or wheels on the vehicle can
lead to loss of braking effectiveness.
160 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
•DO NOT use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations
of unapproved tires and wheels may change sus-
pension dimensions and performance characteris-
tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredict-
able handling and stress to steering and suspen-
sion components. You could lose control and have
an accident resulting in serious injury or death.
Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings
approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Tire Storage
Tire storage is addressed in the Michelin Limited Tire
Warranty Booklet.
Specific recommendations on guidelines for long term
tire storage for this vehicle should be requested of the
Michelin Tire Corporation 1-800-433-6838.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 177
CAUTION!
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) has been
optimized for the original equipment tires and
wheels. The TPMS pressures have been established
for the tire size equipped on your vehicle. Undesir-
able operation or sensor damage may result when
using replacement equipment that is not of the same
size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use aftermarket tire sealants
or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with the
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
WARNING!
Do not exceed 55 mph (88 km/h) if the “LOW TIRE”
indicator is activated. Vehicle handling and braking
may be reduced. You could have an accident and be
severely or fatally injured.
TPMS Malfunction Warning
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal-
function exists. When the malfunction indicator is illumi-
nated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low
tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunc-
tion telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
180 STARTING AND OPERATING
•Fill the fuel tank. This will prevent water condensation
inside the tank. If you plan to store your vehicle more
than two months, add an anti-oxidant fuel stabilizer to
the fuel tank.
•Change the oil to remove any corrosive combustion
related acids in the crankcase.
•Check that the radiator coolant level of protection is to
at least -20°F (-29°C).
•Make sure that all tires are inflated to the optimum
pressure.
•Wash and wax the vehicle to protect the finish.
•Store the vehicle in a dry, well-ventilated location.
•Move the wiper blades away from the windshield.
•Block the wheels. Do not apply the parking brake.
•Cut blocks of plywood about the same size of the tires.
Cover each block with indoor/outdoor carpeting and
place them between the tires and concrete. This will
prevent tire flat spotting.
•For long-term storage, remove the tires and put the
vehicle up on blocks. Stack the tires on plywood and
cover with a tarp to prevent flat spotting.
•If the vehicle will be subjected to freezing tempera-
tures, either remove the battery and store it in a dry,
well ventilated area or connect a trickle charger
(1.5 Amp) with automatic shutdown / overcharge
protection to the battery. However, do not leave the
trickle charger hooked up to the battery without being
plugged in to a 110 Volt AC outlet, as this will result in
further drain on the vehicle’s battery. If the vehicle is
not going to be driven in the next three weeks, perform
the battery recharge procedure in the Service Manual.
Then, either disconnect the battery at the negative
248 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE