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It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the
instrument cluster Airbag Warning Light if a malfunc-
tion 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 the airbag system checked
immediately.
•TheDriver and Passenger Airbag Inflator Units are
located in the center of the steering wheel and the right
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 generated to inflate the Advanced Front Airbags. Different airbag inflation rates are possible, based on
the collision type and severity. The steering wheel hub
trim cover and the upper right side of the instrument
panel separate and fold out of the way as the airbags
inflate to their full size. The airbags fully inflate in
about 50 to 70 milliseconds. This is about half of the
time it takes to blink your eyes. The airbags then
quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and
front passenger.
The Advanced 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.•The
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Airbags Infla-
tor Units (If Equipped) are designed to activate only
in certain side collisions.
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The ORC determines if a side collision requires the
side airbags to inflate based on the severity and type of
collision.
Based on the severity and type of collision, the side
airbag inflator on the crash side of the vehicle is trig-
gered, releasing a quantity of non-toxic gas. The inflating
side airbag exits through the seat seam into the space
between the occupant and the door. The side airbags fully
inflate in about 10 milliseconds. The side airbag moves at
a very high speed and with such a high force, that it
could injure you if you are not seated properly, or if items
are positioned in the area where the side airbag inflates.
This especially applies to children.
•The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees of
the driver and the front passenger, and position front
occupants for the best interaction with the Advanced
Front Airbag.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact causing airbag deployment, if
the communication network remains intact, and the
power remains intact, depending on the nature of the
event the ORC will determine whether to have the
Enhanced Accident Response System perform the follow-
ing functions:
•Cut off fuel to the engine.
•Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power or
until the ignition key is turned off.
•Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as
the battery has power or until the ignition key is
removed.
•Unlock the doors automatically.
If a Deployment Occurs
The front airbags are designed to deflate immediately
after deployment.
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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 struc-
ture.
•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.
Airbag Warning Light
You will want to have the airbag system ready to inflate
for your protection in an impact. The airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free. If any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
promptly:
•Does not come on during the four to eight seconds
after the ignition switch is first turned on.
•Remains on after the four to eight second interval.
•Comes on for any period of time while driving.
Event Data Recorder (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder
(EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in
certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air
bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will
assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems per-
formed. The EDR is designed to record data related to
60 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit the foot well of
your vehicle. Use only floor mats that leave the pedal
area unobstructed and that are firmly secured so that
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WARNING! (Continued)
Failure to properly follow floor mat installation or
mounting can cause interference with the brake
pedal and accelerator pedal operation causing loss of
control of the vehicle.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) 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 area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 79
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▫Manual Seat Height Adjustment
— If Equipped ...................... 126
▫ Front Seatback Recline ................. 126
▫ Front Easy Entry Seats — Two Door
Models ........................... 127
▫ Head Restraints ..................... 128
▫ Fold And Tumble Rear Seat — Two Door
Models ........................... 130
▫ Removing The Rear Seat — Two Door
Models ........................... 132
▫ Replacing The Rear Seat — Two Door
Models ........................... 133
▫ 60/40 Split Folding Rear Seat — Four Door
Models ........................... 133
To Open And Close The Hood ............ 135
Lights ............................. 136
▫ Multifunction Lever .................. 136
▫ Headlights And Parking Lights .......... 136
▫ Turn Signals ........................ 137
▫ Lane Change Assist ................... 138
▫ Lights-On Reminder .................. 138
▫ High/Low Beam Switch ............... 138
▫ Flash-To-Pass ....................... 138
▫ Front Fog Lights — If Equipped .......... 138
▫ Instrument Panel Dimmer .............. 139
▫ Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped .... 139
▫ Interior Lights ...................... 140
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MIRRORS
Inside Day/Night Mirror
A two-point pivot system allows for horizontal and
vertical adjustment of the mirror. The mirror should be
adjusted to center on the view through the rear window.
Headlight glare can be reduced by moving the small
control under the mirror to the night position (toward the
rear of the vehicle). The mirror should be adjusted while
set in the day position (toward the windshield).
Adjusting Rearview Mirror
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Outside Mirrors
To receive maximum benefit, adjust the outside mirror(s)
to center on the adjacent lane of traffic with a slight
overlap of the view obtained on the inside mirror.WARNING!
Vehicles and other objects seen in the passenger side
convex mirror will look smaller and farther away
than they really are. Relying too much on your
passenger side mirror could cause you to collide with
another vehicle or other object. Use your inside
mirror when judging the size or distance of a vehicle
seen in the passenger side mirror.
Outside Rearview Mirror
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