SAFETY for Your Fiat 500 C 2 Door Second Generation (2016-2020)

SAFETY  
CONTENTS  
ꢀ SAFETY FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102  
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . .102  
▫ Electronic Brake Control System . . . . . . . . . . . .103  
ꢀ AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . .108  
▫ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . . . . .108  
ꢀ OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . .115  
▫ Occupant Restraint Systems Features . . . . . . . . .115  
▫ Important Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115  
▫ Seat Belt Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116  
▫ Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) . . . . . . . .125  
▫ Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140  
▫ Transporting Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155  
ꢀ SAFETY TIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156  
▫ Transporting Passengers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156  
▫ Exhaust Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156  
5
▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The  
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157  
▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make  
Outside The Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159  
102 SAFETY  
SAFETY FEATURES  
WARNING! (Continued)  
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)  
equipment. This interference can cause possible loss  
of anti-lock braking capability. Installation of such  
equipment should be performed by qualified profes-  
sionals.  
• Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish their  
effectiveness and may lead to a collision. Pumping  
makes the stopping distance longer. Just press firmly  
on your brake pedal when you need to slow down or  
stop.  
• The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics  
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase brak-  
ing or steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the  
condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the  
traction afforded.  
• The ABS cannot prevent collisions, including those  
resulting from excessive speed in turns, following  
another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning.  
• The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must  
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner  
that could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of  
others.  
The Four-Wheel ABS is designed to aid the driver in  
maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking condi-  
tions. The system operates with a separate computer to  
modulate hydraulic pressure, to prevent wheel lock-up  
and to help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.  
The system’s pump motor runs during an ABS stop to  
provide regulated hydraulic pressure. The pump motor  
makes a low humming noise during operation, which is  
normal.  
The ABS includes an amber ABS Warning Light. When the  
light is illuminated, the ABS is not functioning. The system  
reverts to standard non-anti-lock brakes. Turning the igni-  
tion OFF and ON again may reset the ABS if the fault  
detected was only momentary.  
WARNING!  
•
The ABS contains sophisticated electronic equipment  
that may be susceptible to interference caused by  
improperly installed or high output radio transmitting  
(Continued)  
SAFETY 103  
When you are in a severe braking condition involving the  
use of the ABS, you will experience some pedal drop as the  
vehicle comes to a stop. This is the result of the system  
reverting to the base brake system.  
results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the benefit of  
the system, you must apply continuous braking pressure  
during the stopping sequence, (do not “pump” the brakes).  
Do not reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is no  
longer desired. Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is  
deactivated.  
Engagement of the ABS may be accompanied by a pulsing  
sensation. You may also hear a clicking noise. These  
occurrences are normal and indicate that the system is  
functioning properly.  
WARNING!  
5
The Brake Assist System (BAS) cannot prevent the  
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor  
can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing road  
conditions. BAS cannot prevent collisions, including  
those resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving  
on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. The capa-  
bilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle must never be  
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner, which  
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of  
others.  
Electronic Brake Control System  
Your vehicle is equipped with a advanced electronic brake  
control system that includes the Brake Assist System (BAS),  
Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and  
Electronic Stability Control (ESC). All systems work to-  
gether to enhance vehicle stability and control in various  
driving conditions and are commonly referred to as ESC.  
Brake Assist System (BAS)  
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking  
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The sys-  
tem detects an emergency braking situation by sensing the  
rate and amount of brake application and then applies  
optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help reduce  
braking distances. The BAS complements the anti-lock  
brake system (ABS). Applying the brakes very quickly  
Traction Control System (TCS)  
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of  
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake pressure  
is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine power is  
reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and stability.  
104 SAFETY  
A feature of the TCS system, Brake Limited Differential  
(BLD), functions similar to a limited slip differential and  
controls the wheel spin across a driven axle. If one wheel  
on a driven axle is spinning faster than the other, the  
system will apply the brake of the spinning wheel. This  
will allow more engine torque to be applied to the wheel  
that is not spinning. This feature remains active even if TCS  
and ESC are in the Partial Off mode. Refer to “Electronic  
Stability Control (ESC)” in this section for further informa-  
tion.  
HSA Activation Criteria  
The following criteria must be met in order for HSA to  
activate:  
• Vehicle must be stopped.  
• Vehicle must be on a 2.5% (manual transmission) or  
7% grade or greater (automatic transmission) hill.  
• Gear selection matches vehicle uphill direction (i.e.,  
vehicle in NEUTRAL (manual transmission), vehicle  
facing uphill is in forward gear; vehicle backing uphill is  
in REVERSE gear).  
Hill Start Assist (HSA)  
The HSA system is designed to assist the driver when  
starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill. HSA will maintain  
the level of brake pressure the driver applied for a short  
period of time after the driver takes his foot off the brake  
pedal. If the driver does not apply the throttle during this  
short period of time, the system will release brake pressure  
and the vehicle will roll down the hill. The system will  
release brake pressure in proportion to the amount of  
throttle applied as the vehicle starts to move in the  
intended direction of travel.  
WARNING!  
There may be situations on minor hills with a loaded  
vehicle, or while pulling a trailer, when the system will  
not activate and slight rolling may occur. This could  
cause a collision with another vehicle or object. Always  
remember the driver is responsible for braking the  
vehicle.  
SAFETY 105  
Disabling/Enabling HSA  
• Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than  
appropriate for the steering wheel position.  
If you wish to turn the HSA system on or off, it can be done  
using the Customer Programmable Features in the  
Uconnect Settings. Refer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multi-  
media” for further information.  
• Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than  
appropriate for the steering wheel position.  
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)  
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system enhances  
directional control and stability of the vehicle under vari-  
ous driving conditions. ESC corrects for oversteering or  
understeering of the vehicle by applying the brake of the  
appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer-  
ing or understeering condition. Engine power may also be  
reduced to help the vehicle maintain the desired path. ESC  
uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle path  
intended by the driver and compares it to the actual path of  
the vehicle. When the actual path does not match the  
intended path, ESC applies the brake of the appropriate  
wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or understeer  
condition.  
5
ESC Off Switch (Automatic Transmission)  
106 SAFETY  
WARNING! (Continued)  
speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or  
hydroplaning. ESC also cannot prevent collisions  
resulting from loss of vehicle control due to inappro-  
priate driver input for the conditions. Only a safe,  
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.  
The capabilities of an ESC equipped vehicle must  
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner  
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety  
of others.  
• Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly main-  
tain your vehicle, may change the handling charac-  
teristics of your vehicle, and may negatively affect  
the performance of the ESC system. Changes to the  
steering system, suspension, braking system, tire  
type and size or wheel size may adversely affect ESC  
performance. Improperly inflated and unevenly  
worn tires may also degrade ESC performance. Any  
vehicle modification or poor vehicle maintenance  
that reduces the effectiveness of the ESC system can  
increase the risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle  
rollover, personal injury and death.  
ESC Off Switch (Manual Transmission)  
NOTE: The ESC Off switch is located left of the steering  
column (Manual Transmission Only).  
WARNING!  
• The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot pre-  
vent the natural laws of physics from acting on the  
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by  
prevailing road conditions. ESC cannot prevent all  
accidents, including those resulting from excessive  
(Continued)  
SAFETY 107  
ESC Operating Modes  
be switched to the Partial Off mode is overcome, turn ESC  
back on by momentarily pushing the switch. This may be  
done while the vehicle is in motion.  
The ESC system has two available operating modes.  
Full On  
WARNING!  
This is the normal operating mode for ESC. Whenever the  
vehicle is started, the ESC system will be in On mode. This  
mode should be used for most driving situations. ESC  
should only be turned to Partial Off for specific reasons as  
noted below.  
When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS functionality of  
ESC (except for the limited slip feature described in  
the TCS section) has been disabled and the “ESC Off  
Indicator Light” will be illuminated. When in “Partial  
Off” mode, the engine power reduction of TCS is  
disabled, and the enhanced vehicle stability offered by  
the ESC system is reduced.  
5
Partial Off  
This mode is entered by momentarily pushing the ESC Off  
switch. This mode is intended to be used if the vehicle is in  
deep snow, sand or gravel conditions and more wheel spin  
than ESC would normally allow is required to gain traction.  
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light And  
ESC OFF Indicator Light  
To turn ESC on again, momentarily pushing the switch again.  
This will restore the normal ESC On mode of operation.  
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light  
in the instrument cluster will come on when the  
NOTE: To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving  
with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or  
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the Partial Off mode  
by pushing the switch. Once the situation requiring ESC to  
ignition switch is turned to the MAR (ACC/ON/  
RUN) position for four seconds. If the ESC  
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light comes on continu-  
ously with the engine running, a malfunction has been  
detected in the ESC system. If this light remains on after  
108 SAFETY  
several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven  
several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph  
(48 km/h), see your authorized dealer as soon as possible  
to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.  
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS  
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)  
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) will warn the  
driver of a low tire pressure based on the vehicle recom-  
mended cold tire pressure.  
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light (located  
in the instrument cluster) starts to flash as soon as the tires  
lose traction and the ESC system becomes active. The ESC  
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light also flashes when  
TCS is active. If the ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator  
Light begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the  
accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to  
adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road  
conditions.  
The tire pressure will vary with temperature by about 1 psi  
(7 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C). This means that when the  
outside temperature decreases, the tire pressure will de-  
crease. Tire pressure should always be set based on cold  
inflation tire pressure. This is defined as the tire pressure  
after the vehicle has not been driven for at least three  
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) after a three hour  
period. The cold tire inflation pressure must not exceed the  
maximum inflation pressure molded into the tire sidewall.  
Refer to “Tires – General Information” in “Servicing And  
Maintenace” for information on how to properly inflate the  
vehicle’s tires. The tire pressure will also increase as the  
vehicle is driven, this is normal and there should be no  
adjustment for this increased pressure.  
NOTE:  
• The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light and  
the ESC OFF Indicator Light come on momentarily each  
time the ignition switch is turned ON.  
• Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESC system will  
be ON even if it was turned off previously.  
The TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire pressure if the  
tire pressure falls below the low pressure warning limit for  
any reason, including low temperature effects, or natural  
pressure loss through the tire.  
The ESC OFF Indicator Light indicates the Elec-  
tronic Stability Control (ESC) is partially off.  
SAFETY 109  
The TPMS will continue to warn the driver of low tire  
pressure as long as the condition exists, and will not turn  
off until the tire pressure is at or above the recommended  
cold tire pressure on the placard. Once the low tire pressure  
warning (Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light)  
illuminates, you must increase the tire pressure to the  
recommended cold tire pressure in order for the Tire  
Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light to turn off. The  
system will automatically update and the Tire Pressure  
Monitoring System Warning Light will turn off once the  
system receives the updated tire pressures. The vehicle  
may need to be driven for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph  
(24 km/h) in order for the TPMS to receive this informa-  
tion.  
System Warning Light will turn off only after the tires are  
inflated to the vehicle’s recommended cold tire pressure  
value.  
CAUTION!  
• The TPMS has been optimized for the original  
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and  
warnings have been established for the tire size  
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system op-  
eration 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. Using aftermarket tire sealants may  
cause the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)  
sensor to become inoperable. After using an after-  
market tire sealant it is recommended that you take  
your vehicle to an authorized dealership to have your  
sensor function checked.  
5
For example, your vehicle may have a recommended cold  
(parked for more than three hours) tire pressure of 30 psi  
(207 kPa). If the ambient temperature is 68°F (20°C) and the  
measured tire pressure is 27 psi (186 kPa), a temperature  
drop to 20°F (-7°C) will decrease the tire pressure to  
approximately 23 psi (159 kPa). This tire pressure is suffi-  
ciently low enough to turn on the Tire Pressure Monitoring  
System Warning Light. Driving the vehicle may cause the  
tire pressure to rise to approximately 27 psi (186 kPa), but  
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light will  
still be on. In this situation, the Tire Pressure Monitoring  
• After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, al-  
ways reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent  
moisture and dirt from entering the valve stem,  
which could damage the Tire Pressure Monitoring  
Sensor.  
110 SAFETY  
NOTE:  
TPM System With Comfort Cluster  
• The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care and  
maintenance, or to provide warning of a tire failure or  
condition.  
This is the TPMS warning indicator located in the  
instrument cluster.  
The TPMS uses wireless technology with wheel rim  
mounted electronic sensors to monitor tire pressure levels.  
Sensors, mounted to each wheel as part of the valve stem,  
transmit tire pressure readings to the Receiver Module.  
• The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge  
while adjusting your tire pressure.  
• Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the  
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-  
inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,  
and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping  
ability.  
NOTE: It is particularly important for you to check the tire  
pressure in all of the tires on your vehicle regularly and to  
maintain the proper pressure.  
The TPMS consists of the following components:  
• Receiver Module  
• Four Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors  
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light  
• Text Message Display  
• The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-  
nance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain  
correct tire pressure using an accurate tire gauge, even if  
under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger  
illumination of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System  
Warning Light.  
• Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire pressure,  
and the TPMS will monitor the actual tire pressure in the  
tire.  
Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure Warnings  
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light will  
illuminate in the instrument cluster, an audible chime will  
be activated, and the “Low inflation pressure left or right  
front/rear tire” text message will display when one or  
more of the four active road tire pressures are low. Should  
SAFETY 111  
this occur, you should stop as soon as possible, check the  
inflation pressure of each tire on your vehicle, and inflate  
each tire to the vehicle’s recommended cold placard pres-  
sure value. The system will automatically update and the  
Tire Pressure Monitoring Light will extinguish once the  
updated tire pressures have been received. The vehicle  
may need to be driven for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph  
(24 km/h) to receive this information.  
• Installing some form of aftermarket window tinting that  
affects radio wave signals.  
• Snow or ice around the wheels or wheel housings.  
• Using tire chains on the vehicle.  
• Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPM sensors.  
NOTE: Your vehicle may be equipped with a compact  
spare wheel and tire assembly.  
• The compact spare tire does not have a tire pressure  
monitoring sensor. Therefore, the TPMS will not monitor  
the tire pressure in the compact spare tire.  
5
TPMS Warnings  
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light will  
flash on and off for 75 seconds and remain on solid when  
a system fault is detected, an audible chime will be  
activated and the “Service Tire Pressure Monitoring Sys-  
tem” text message will display. If the ignition key is cycled,  
this sequence will repeat providing the system fault still  
exists. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light  
will turn off when the fault condition no longer exists. A  
system fault can occur with any of the following scenarios:  
• If you install the compact spare tire in place of a road tire  
that has a pressure below the low-pressure warning  
limit, upon the next ignition key cycle, a chime will  
sound, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning  
Light and the Low inflation pressure left or right front /  
rear tire message will still turn ON due to the low tire.  
•
However, after driving the vehicle for up to 20 minutes  
above 15 mph (24 km/h), the Tire Pressure Monitoring  
System Warning Light will flash on and off for 75 seconds  
and then remain on solid and the “Service Tire Pressure  
Monitoring System” message will be displayed.  
• Jamming due to electronic devices or driving next to  
facilities emitting the same radio frequencies as the TPM  
sensors.  
112 SAFETY  
• This occurs for each subsequent ignition key cycle, a  
chime will sound and the Tire Pressure Monitoring  
System Warning Light will flash on and off for 75 sec-  
onds and then remain on solid and the “Service Tire  
Pressure Monitoring System” message will be dis-  
played.  
The TPMS consists of the following components:  
• Receiver module  
• Four Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors  
• Various Tire Pressure Monitoring System messages,  
which display in the instrument cluster  
• Once you repair or replace the original road tire and  
reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the compact spare  
tire, the TPMS will update automatically and the Tire  
Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light will turn  
OFF, as long as no tire pressure is below the low-  
pressure warning limit in any of the four active road  
tires. The vehicle may need to be driven for up to  
20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h) in order for the  
TPMS to receive this information.  
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light  
Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure Warnings  
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light  
will illuminate in the instrument cluster and a  
chime will sound when tire pressure is low in one or more  
of the four active road tires. In addition, the instrument  
cluster will display a low pressure text message and a  
graphic showing the low tire pressure tire highlighted in a  
different color.  
TPM System With (TFT) Tire Pressure Display Screen  
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless  
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to  
monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each  
wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure  
readings to the receiver module.  
SAFETY 113  
TPMS Warning  
When a system fault is detected, the Tire Pressure Moni-  
toring System Warning Light will flash on and off for  
75 seconds and then remain on solid. The system fault will  
sound a chime and also display a “Service Tire Pressure  
Monitoring System” message in the instrument cluster for  
approximately 5 seconds.  
5
Low Tire Indicator  
Should this occur, you should stop as soon as possible and  
inflate the tires with low pressure to the vehicle’s recom-  
mended cold placard pressure value. Once the system  
receives the updated tire pressures, the system will auto-  
matically update and the Tire Pressure Monitoring System  
Warning Light will turn off. The vehicle may need to be  
driven for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h) in  
order for the TPMS to receive this information.  
Service TPM System Message  
If the ignition switch is cycled, this sequence will repeat,  
providing the system fault still exists. If the system fault no  
longer exists, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning  
Light will no longer flash, and the “Service Tire Pressure  
Monitoring System” message will no longer display.  
114 SAFETY  
A system fault can occur due to any of the following:  
• After driving the vehicle for up to 20 minutes above  
15 mph (24 km/h), the Tire Pressure Monitoring System  
Warning Light will flash on and off for 75 seconds and  
then remain on solid. In addition, the instrument cluster  
will display a “Service TPM System” message.  
1. Signal interference due to electronic devices or driving  
next to facilities emitting the same radio frequencies as  
the TPM sensors.  
2. Installing aftermarket window tinting that contains ma-  
terials that may block radio wave signals.  
• For each subsequent ignition switch cycle, a chime will  
sound, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning  
Light will flash on and off for 75 seconds and then  
remain on solid, and the instrument cluster will display  
a “Service Tire Pressure Monitoring System” message.  
3. Accumulation of snow or ice around the wheels or  
wheel housings.  
4. Using tire chains on the vehicle.  
5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPM sensors.  
NOTE:  
Once you repair or replace the original road tire and  
reinstall it, the TPMS will update automatically. In addi-  
tion, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light  
will turn off as long as no tire pressure is below the  
low-pressure warning limit in any of the four active road  
tires. The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 20 min-  
utes above 15 mph (24 km/h) in order for the TPMS to  
receive this information.  
• The TPMS will not monitor the pressure in a replace-  
ment tire installed without a tire pressure sensor.  
• If you install a replacement tire in place of a road tire  
that has a pressure below the low-pressure warning  
limit, upon the next ignition switch cycle, the Tire  
Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light will remain  
on and a chime will sound. In addition, the graphic in  
the instrument cluster will still display a low pressure  
message and a tire highlighted in a different color.  
SAFETY 115  
General Information  
Some of the safety features described in this section may be  
standard equipment on some models, or may be optional  
equipment on others. If you are not sure, ask an authorized  
dealer.  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules and RSS  
210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the follow-  
ing conditions:  
Important Safety Precautions  
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.  
Please pay close attention to the information in this section.  
It tells you how to use your restraint system properly, to  
keep you and your passengers as safe as possible.  
2. This device must accept any interference received, in-  
cluding interference that may cause undesired opera-  
tion.  
5
Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize the  
risk of harm from a deploying air bag:  
NOTE: Changes or modifications not expressly approved  
by the party responsible for compliance could void the  
user’s authority to operate the equipment.  
1. Children 12 years old and under should always ride  
buckled up in the rear seat of a vehicle with a rear seat.  
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS  
2. If a child from 2 to 12 years old (not in a rear-facing child  
restraint) must ride in the front passenger seat, move the  
seat as far back as possible and use the proper child  
restraint (refer to “Child Restraints” in this section for  
further information).  
Some of the most important safety features in your vehicle  
are the restraint systems:  
Occupant Restraint Systems Features  
• Seat Belt Systems  
• Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Air Bags  
• Child Restraints  
3. Children that are not big enough to wear the vehicle seat  
belt properly (refer to “Child Restraints” in this section  
for further information) should be secured in the rear  
seat of a vehicle with a rear seat in child restraints or  
belt-positioning booster seats. Older children who do  
116 SAFETY  
not use child restraints or belt-positioning booster seats  
should ride properly buckled up in the rear seat of a  
vehicle with a rear seat.  
WARNING!  
• Never place a rear-facing child restraint in front of an  
air bag. A deploying passenger front air bag can  
cause death or serious injury to a child 12 years or  
younger, including a child in a rear-facing child  
restraint.  
4. Never allow children to slide the shoulder belt behind  
them or under their arm.  
5. You should read the instructions provided with your  
child restraint to make sure that you are using it  
properly.  
• Only use a rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat  
of a vehicle with a rear seat.  
6. All occupants should always wear their lap and shoul-  
der belts properly.  
Seat Belt Systems  
Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even on  
short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver and  
could cause a collision that includes you. This can happen  
far away from home or on your own street.  
7. The driver and front passenger seats should be moved  
back as far as practical to allow the front air bags room  
to inflate.  
8. Do not lean against the door or window. If your vehicle  
has side air bags, and deployment occurs, the side air  
bags will inflate forcefully into the space between occu-  
pants and the door and occupants could be injured.  
Research has shown that seat belts save lives, and they can  
reduce the seriousness of injuries in a collision. Some of the  
worst injuries happen when people are thrown from the  
vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility of ejection and the  
risk of injury caused by striking the inside of the vehicle.  
Everyone in a motor vehicle should be belted at all times.  
9. If the air bag system in this vehicle needs to be modified  
to accommodate a disabled person, refer to the “Cus-  
tomer Assistance” section for customer service contact  
information.  
SAFETY 117  
Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System (BeltAlert)  
Driver and Passenger BeltAlert (if equipped)  
(if equipped with outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert)  
(the outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert is not active  
when the outboard front passenger seat is unoccupied). The  
BeltAlert warning sequence starts by blinking the Seat Belt  
Reminder Light and sounding an intermittent chime. Once  
the BeltAlert warning sequence has completed, the Seat Belt  
Reminder Light will remain on until the seat belts are  
buckled. The BeltAlert warning sequence may repeat based  
on vehicle speed until the driver and occupied outboard  
front seat passenger seat belts are buckled. The driver should  
instruct all occupants to buckle their seat belts.  
BeltAlert is a feature intended to remind the driver  
and outboard front seat passenger (if equipped with  
outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert) to buckle their  
seat belts. The Belt Alert feature is active whenever the  
ignition switch is in the START or ON/RUN position.  
5
Initial Indication  
If the driver is unbuckled when the ignition switch is first  
in the START or ON/RUN position, a chime will signal for  
a few seconds. If the driver or outboard front seat passen-  
ger (if equipped with outboard front passenger seat  
BeltAlert) is unbuckled when the ignition switch is first in  
the START or ON/RUN position the Seat Belt Reminder  
Light will turn on and remain on until both outboard front  
seat belts are buckled. The outboard front passenger seat  
BeltAlert is not active when an outboard front passenger  
seat is unoccupied.  
Change of Status  
If the driver or outboard front seat passenger (if equipped  
with outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert) unbuckles  
their seat belt while the vehicle is traveling, the BeltAlert  
warning sequence will begin until the seat belts are buck-  
led again.  
The outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert is not active  
when the outboard front passenger seat is unoccupied.  
BeltAlert may be triggered when an animal or other items  
are placed on the outboard front passenger seat or when  
the seat is folded flat (if equipped). It is recommended that  
BeltAlert Warning Sequence  
The BeltAlert warning sequence is activated when the ve-  
hicle is moving above a specified vehicle speed range and  
the driver or outboard front seat passenger is unbuckled  
118 SAFETY  
pets be restrained in the rear seat (if equipped) in pet  
harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts, and  
cargo is properly stowed.  
WARNING!  
• Relying on the air bags alone could lead to more  
severe injuries in a collision. The air bags work with  
your seat belt to restrain you properly. In some  
collisions, the air bags won’t deploy at all. Always  
wear your seat belt even though you have air bags.  
• In a collision, you and your passengers can suffer  
much greater injuries if you are not properly buckled  
up. You can strike the interior of your vehicle or  
other passengers, or you can be thrown out of the  
vehicle. Always be sure you and others in your  
vehicle are buckled up properly.  
BeltAlert can be activated or deactivated by an authorized  
dealer. FCA US LLC does not recommend deactivating  
BeltAlert.  
NOTE: If BeltAlert has been deactivated and the driver or  
outboard front seat passenger (if equipped with outboard  
front passenger seat BeltAlert) is unbuckled the Seat Belt  
Reminder Light will turn on and remain on until the driver  
and outboard front seat passenger seat belts are buckled.  
Lap/Shoulder Belts  
•
It is dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside  
of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas  
are more likely to be seriously injured or killed.  
All seating positions in your vehicle are equipped with  
lap/shoulder belts.  
• Do not allow people to ride in any area of your  
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts.  
• Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and  
using a seat belt properly. Occupants, including the  
driver, should always wear their seat belts whether  
or not an air bag is also provided at their seating  
position to minimize the risk of severe injury or  
death in the event of a crash.  
The seat belt webbing retractor will lock only during very  
sudden stops or collisions. This feature allows the shoulder  
part of the seat belt to move freely with you under normal  
conditions. However, in a collision the seat belt will lock  
and reduce your risk of striking the inside of the vehicle or  
being thrown out of the vehicle.  
(Continued)  
SAFETY 119  
WARNING! (Continued)  
WARNING! (Continued)  
• Wearing your seat belt incorrectly could make your  
injuries in a collision much worse. You might suffer  
internal injuries, or you could even slide out of the  
seat belt. Follow these instructions to wear your seat  
belt safely and to keep your passengers safe, too.  
• Two people should never be belted into a single seat  
belt. People belted together can crash into one an-  
other in a collision, hurting one another badly. Never  
use a lap/shoulder belt or a lap belt for more than one  
person, no matter what their size.  
• A seat belt that is buckled into the wrong buckle will  
not protect you properly. The lap portion could ride  
too high on your body, possibly causing internal  
injuries. Always buckle your seat belt into the  
buckle nearest you.  
• A seat belt that is too loose will not protect you  
properly. In a sudden stop, you could move too far  
forward, increasing the possibility of injury. Wear  
your seat belt snugly.  
• A seat belt that is worn under your arm is dangerous.  
Your body could strike the inside surfaces of the  
vehicle in a collision, increasing head and neck  
injury. A seat belt worn under the arm can cause  
internal injuries. Ribs aren’t as strong as shoulder  
bones. Wear the seat belt over your shoulder so that  
your strongest bones will take the force in a collision.  
• A shoulder belt placed behind you will not protect  
you from injury during a collision. You are more  
likely to hit your head in a collision if you do not  
wear your shoulder belt. The lap and shoulder belt  
are meant to be used together.  
5
WARNING!  
•
A lap belt worn too high can increase the risk of injury  
in a collision. The seat belt forces won’t be at the strong  
hip and pelvic bones, but across your abdomen. Always  
wear the lap part of your seat belt as low as possible and  
keep it snug.  
• A twisted seat belt may not protect you properly. In  
a collision, it could even cut into you. Be sure the seat  
belt is flat against your body, without twists. If you  
can’t straighten a seat belt in your vehicle, take it to  
an authorized dealer immediately and have it fixed.  
(Continued)  
(Continued)  
120 SAFETY  
WARNING! (Continued)  
• A frayed or torn seat belt could rip apart in a  
collision and leave you with no protection. Inspect  
the seat belt system periodically, checking for cuts,  
frays, or loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced  
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the seat  
belt system. Seat belt assemblies must be replaced  
after a collision.  
Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions  
1. Enter the vehicle and close the door. Sit back and adjust  
the seat.  
Pulling Out The Latch Plate  
3. When the seat belt is long enough to fit, insert the latch  
plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”  
2. The seat belt latch plate is above the back of the front  
seat, and next to your arm in the rear seat (for vehicles  
equipped with a rear seat). Grasp the latch plate and  
pull out the seat belt. Slide the latch plate up the  
webbing as far as necessary to allow the seat belt to go  
around your lap.  
SAFETY 121  
5
Inserting Latch Plate Into Buckle  
Positioning The Lap Belt  
4. Position the lap belt so that it is snug and lies low across  
your hips, below your abdomen. To remove slack in the  
lap belt portion, pull up on the shoulder belt. To loosen  
the lap belt if it is too tight, tilt the latch plate and pull  
on the lap belt. A snug seat belt reduces the risk of  
sliding under the seat belt in a collision.  
5. Position the shoulder belt across the shoulder and chest  
with minimal, if any slack so that it is comfortable and  
not resting on your neck. The retractor will withdraw  
any slack in the shoulder belt.  
6. To release the seat belt, push the red button on the  
buckle. The seat belt will automatically retract to its  
stowed position. If necessary, slide the latch plate down  
the webbing to allow the seat belt to retract fully.  
122 SAFETY  
Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure  
position, an authorized dealer can provide you with a Seat  
Belt Extender. The Seat Belt Extender should be used only  
if the existing seat belt is not long enough. When the Seat  
Belt Extender is not required for a different occupant, it  
must be removed.  
Use the following procedure to untwist a twisted lap/  
shoulder belt.  
1. Position the latch plate as close as possible to the anchor  
point.  
WARNING!  
2. At about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) above the latch  
plate, grasp and twist the seat belt webbing 180 degrees  
to create a fold that begins immediately above the latch  
plate.  
• ONLY use a Seat Belt Extender if it is physically  
required in order to properly fit the original seat belt  
system. DO NOT USE the Seat Belt Extender if,  
when worn, the distance between the front edge of  
the Seat Belt Extender buckle and the center of the  
occupant’s body is LESS than 6 inches.  
3. Slide the latch plate upward over the folded webbing.  
The folded webbing must enter the slot at the top of the  
latch plate.  
• Using a Seat Belt Extender when not needed can  
increase the risk of serious injury or death in a  
collision. Only use the Seat Belt Extender when the  
lap belt is not long enough and only use in the  
recommended seating positions. Remove and store  
the Seat Belt Extender when not needed.  
4. Continue to slide the latch plate up until it clears the  
folded webbing and the seat belt is no longer twisted.  
Seat Belt Extender  
If a seat belt is not long enough to fit properly, even when  
the webbing is fully extended and the adjustable upper  
shoulder belt anchorage (if equipped) is in its lowest  
SAFETY 123  
Seat Belts And Pregnant Women  
Seat Belt Pretensioner  
The front seat belt system is equipped with pretensioning  
devices that are designed to remove slack from the seat belt  
in the event of a collision. These devices may improve the  
performance of the seat belt by removing slack from the  
seat belt early in a collision. Pretensioners work for all size  
occupants, including those in child restraints.  
5
NOTE: These devices are not a substitute for proper seat  
belt placement by the occupant. The seat belt still must be  
worn snugly and positioned properly.  
The pretensioners are triggered by the Occupant Restraint  
Controller (ORC). Like the air bags, the pretensioners are  
single use items. A deployed pretensioner or a deployed air  
bag must be replaced immediately.  
Pregnant Women And Seat Belts  
Seat belts must be worn by all occupants including preg-  
nant women: the risk of injury in the event of an accident  
is reduced for the mother and the unborn child if they are  
wearing a seat belt.  
Energy Management Feature  
The front seat belt system is equipped with an Energy  
Management feature that may help further reduce the risk  
of injury in the event of a collision. The seat belt system has  
a retractor assembly that is designed to release webbing in  
a controlled manner.  
Position the lap belt snug and low below the abdomen and  
across the strong bones of the hips. Place the shoulder belt  
across the chest and away from the neck. Never place the  
shoulder belt behind the back or under the arm.  
124 SAFETY  
Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)  
occupant’s mid-section so as to not activate the ALR. If the  
ALR is activated, you will hear a clicking sound as the seat  
belt retracts. Allow the webbing to retract completely in  
this case and then carefully pull out only the amount of  
webbing necessary to comfortably wrap around the occu-  
pant’s mid-section. Slide the latch plate into the buckle  
until you hear a ꢁclick.ꢁ  
The seat belts in the passenger seating positions are  
equipped with a Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor  
(ALR) which is used to secure a child restraint system. For  
additional information, refer to “Installing Child Restraints  
Using The Vehicle Seat Belt” under the “Child Restraints”  
section of this manual.  
In Automatic Locking Mode, the shoulder belt is automati-  
cally pre-locked. The seat belt will still retract to remove  
any slack in the shoulder belt. Use the Automatic Locking  
Mode anytime a child restraint is installed in a seating  
position that has a seat belt with this feature. Children 12  
years old and under should always be properly restrained  
in the rear seat of a vehicle with a rear seat.  
The figure below illustrates the locking feature for each  
seating position.  
WARNING!  
• Never place a rear-facing child restraint in front of an  
air bag. A deploying passenger front air bag can  
cause death or serious injury to a child 12 years or  
younger, including a child in a rear-facing child  
restraint.  
ALR — Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor  
• Only use a rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat  
If the passenger seating position is equipped with an ALR  
and is being used for normal usage, only pull the seat belt  
webbing out far enough to comfortably wrap around the  
of a vehicle with a rear seat.  
SAFETY 125  
How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode  
WARNING! (Continued)  
1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt.  
•
Do not use the Automatic Locking Mode to restrain  
occupants who are wearing the seat belt or children  
who are using booster seats. The locked mode is only  
used to install rear-facing or forward-facing child  
restraints that have a harness for restraining the child.  
2. Grasp the shoulder portion and pull downward until  
the entire seat belt is extracted.  
3. Allow the seat belt to retract. As the seat belt retracts,  
you will hear a clicking sound. This indicates the seat  
belt is now in the Automatic Locking Mode.  
5
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS)  
Some of the safety features described in this section may be  
standard equipment on some models, or may be optional  
equipment on others. If you are not sure, ask an authorized  
dealer.  
How To Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode  
Unbuckle the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow it  
to retract completely to disengage the Automatic Locking  
Mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emergency) lock-  
ing mode.  
The air bag system must be ready to protect you in a  
collision. The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) moni-  
tors the internal circuits and interconnecting wiring asso-  
ciated with the electrical Air Bag System Components.  
Your vehicle may be equipped with the following Air Bag  
System Components:  
WARNING!  
• The seat belt assembly must be replaced if the  
switchable Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) fea-  
ture or any other seat belt function is not working  
properly when checked according to the procedures  
in the Service Manual.  
Air Bag System Components  
• Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)  
• Air Bag Warning Light  
• Failure to replace the seat belt assembly could in-  
crease the risk of injury in collisions.  
• Steering Wheel and Column  
(Continued)  
126 SAFETY  
• Instrument Panel  
The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in the  
instrument panel for approximately four to eight seconds  
for a self-check when the ignition switch is in the MAR/  
ACC/ON/RUN position. After the self-check, the Air Bag  
Warning Light will turn off. If the ORC detects a malfunc-  
tion in any part of the system, it turns on the Air Bag  
Warning Light, either momentarily or continuously. A  
single chime will sound to alert you if the light comes on  
again after initial startup.  
• Knee Impact Bolsters  
• Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags  
• Seat Belt Buckle Switch  
• Supplemental Side Air Bags  
• Supplemental Knee Air Bags  
• Front and Side Impact Sensors  
• Seat Belt Pretensioners  
The ORC also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the  
instrument panel Air Bag Warning Light if a malfunction is  
detected that could affect the air bag system. The diagnos-  
tics also record the nature of the malfunction. While the air  
bag system is designed to be maintenance free, if any of the  
following occurs, have an authorized dealer service the air  
bag system immediately.  
• Seat Track Position Sensors  
Air Bag Warning Light  
The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic  
parts of the air bag system whenever the ignition  
switch is in the AVV/START or MAR/ACC/  
ON/RUN position. If the ignition switch is in the  
STOP/OFF/LOCK position the air bag system is not on  
and the air bags will not inflate.  
• The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on during the  
four to eight seconds when the ignition switch is first in  
the MAR/ACC/ON/RUN position.  
• The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the four to  
The ORC contains a backup power supply system that may  
deploy the air bag system even if the battery loses power or  
it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.  
eight-second interval.  
• The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently or  
remains on while driving.  
SAFETY 127  
NOTE: If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine  
related gauges are not working, the Occupant Restraint  
Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. In this condition  
the air bags may not be ready to inflate for your protection.  
Have an authorized dealer service the air bag system  
immediately.  
The passenger front air bag is mounted in the instrument  
panel, above the glove compartment. The words “SRS  
AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG” are embossed on the air bag  
covers.  
WARNING!  
5
Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your instrument  
panel could mean you won’t have the air bag system to  
protect you in a collision. If the light does not come on  
as a bulb check when the ignition is first turned on,  
stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as  
you drive, have an authorized dealer service the air bag  
system immediately.  
Front Air Bag/Knee Bolster Locations  
Front Air Bags  
1 — Driver And Passenger Front Air Bags  
2 — Passenger Knee Impact Bolster  
3 — Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag/Driver Knee Impact Bolster  
This vehicle has front air bags and lap/shoulder belts for  
both the driver and front passenger. The front air bags are  
a supplement to the seat belt restraint systems. The driver  
front air bag is mounted in the center of the steering wheel.  
128 SAFETY  
The first stage inflator is triggered immediately during an  
impact that requires air bag deployment. A low energy  
output is used in less severe collisions. A higher energy  
output is used for more severe collisions.  
WARNING!  
• Being too close to the steering wheel or instrument  
panel during front air bag deployment could cause  
serious injury, including death. Air bags need room  
to inflate. Sit back, comfortably extending your arms  
to reach the steering wheel or instrument panel.  
• Never place a rear-facing child restraint in front of an  
air bag. A deploying passenger front air bag can  
cause death or serious injury to a child 12 years or  
younger, including a child in a rear-facing child  
restraint.  
This vehicle may be equipped with a driver and/or front  
passenger seat belt buckle switch that detects whether the  
driver or front passenger seat belt is buckled. The seat belt  
buckle switch may adjust the inflation rate of the Ad-  
vanced Front Air Bags.  
This vehicle may be equipped with driver and/or front  
passenger seat track position sensors that may adjust the  
inflation rate of the Advanced Front Air Bags based upon  
seat position.  
• Only use a rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat  
of a vehicle with a rear seat.  
Driver And Passenger Front Air Bag Features  
WARNING!  
The Advanced Front Air Bag system has multistage driver  
and front passenger air bags. This system provides output  
appropriate to the severity and type of collision as deter-  
mined by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC), which  
may receive information from the front impact sensors (if  
equipped) or other system components.  
•
No objects should be placed over or near the air bag on  
the instrument panel or steering wheel because any  
such objects could cause harm if the vehicle is in a  
collision severe enough to cause the air bag to inflate.  
• Do not put anything on or around the air bag covers  
or attempt to open them manually. You may damage  
the air bags and you could be injured because the air  
(Continued)  
SAFETY 129  
Because air bag sensors measure vehicle deceleration over  
time, vehicle speed and damage by themselves are not  
good indicators of whether or not an air bag should have  
deployed.  
WARNING! (Continued)  
bags may no longer be functional. The protective  
covers for the air bag cushions are designed to open  
only when the air bags are inflating.  
• Relying on the air bags alone could lead to more  
severe injuries in a collision. The air bags work with  
your seat belt to restrain you properly. In some  
collisions, air bags won’t deploy at all. Always wear  
your seat belts even though you have air bags.  
Seat belts are necessary for your protection in all collisions,  
and also are needed to help keep you in position, away  
from an inflating air bag.  
5
When the ORC detects a collision requiring the front air  
bags, it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of  
non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the front air bags.  
Front Air Bag Operation  
The steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper passen-  
ger side of the instrument panel separate and fold out of  
the way as the air bags inflate to their full size. The front air  
bags fully inflate in less time than it takes to blink your  
eyes. The front air bags then quickly deflate while helping  
to restrain the driver and front passenger.  
Front Air Bags are designed to provide additional protec-  
tion by supplementing the seat belts. Front air bags are not  
expected to reduce the risk of injury in rear, side, or  
rollover collisions. The front air bags will not deploy in all  
frontal collisions, including some that may produce sub-  
stantial vehicle damage — for example, some pole colli-  
sions, truck underrides, and angle offset collisions.  
Knee Impact Bolsters  
The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees of the  
driver and front passenger, and position the front occu-  
pants for improved interaction with the front air bags.  
On the other hand, depending on the type and location of  
impact, front air bags may deploy in crashes with little  
vehicle front-end damage but that produce a severe initial  
deceleration.  
130 SAFETY  
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SABs) are  
located in the outboard side of the front seats. The SABs are  
marked with “SRS AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG” on a label or on  
the seat trim on the outboard side of the seats.  
WARNING!  
• Do not drill, cut, or tamper with the knee impact  
bolsters in any way.  
• Do not mount any accessories to the knee impact  
bolsters such as alarm lights, stereos, citizen band  
radios, etc.  
The SABs may help to reduce the risk of occupant injury  
during certain side impacts, in addition to the injury  
reduction potential provided by the seat belts and body  
structure.  
Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag  
This vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Driver Knee  
Air Bag mounted in the instrument panel below the  
steering column. The Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag  
provides enhanced protection during a frontal impact by  
working together with the seat belts, pretensioners, and  
front air bags.  
Supplemental Side Air Bags  
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SABs)  
This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Seat-Mounted  
Side Air Bags (SABs).  
Front Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag Label  
SAFETY 131  
When the SAB deploys, it opens the seam on the outboard  
side of the seatback’s trim cover. The inflating SAB deploys  
through the seat seam into the space between the occupant  
and the door. The SAB moves at a very high speed and  
with such a high force that it could injure occupants if they  
are not seated properly, or if items are positioned in the  
area where the SAB inflates. Children are at an even greater  
risk of injury from a deploying air bag.  
5
WARNING!  
Do not use accessory seat covers or place objects  
between you and the Side Air Bags; the performance  
could be adversely affected and/or objects could be  
pushed into you, causing serious injury.  
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC)  
Label Location  
SABICs may help reduce the risk of head and other injuries  
to front and rear seat outboard occupants in certain side  
impacts, in addition to the injury reduction potential  
provided by the seat belts and body structure.  
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABICs)  
This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Side Air Bag  
Inflatable Curtains (SABICs).  
The SABIC deploys downward, covering the side win-  
dows. An inflating SABIC pushes the outside edge of the  
headliner out of the way and covers the window. The  
SABICs inflate with enough force to injure occupants if  
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABICs)  
are located above the side windows. The trim covering the  
SABICs is labeled “SRS AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG.”  
132 SAFETY  
they are not belted and seated properly, or if items are  
positioned in the area where the SABICs inflate. Children  
are at an even greater risk of injury from a deploying air  
bag.  
Side Impacts  
The Side Air Bags are designed to activate in certain side  
impacts. The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) deter-  
mines whether the deployment of the Side Air Bags in a  
particular impact event is appropriate, based on the sever-  
ity and type of collision. The side impact sensors aid the  
ORC in determining the appropriate response to impact  
events. The system is calibrated to deploy the Side Air Bags  
on the impact side of the vehicle during impacts that  
require Side Air Bag occupant protection. In side impacts,  
the Side Air Bags deploy independently; a left side impact  
deploys the left Side Air Bags only and a right-side impact  
deploys the right Side Air Bags only. Vehicle damage by  
itself is not a good indicator of whether or not Side Air  
Bags should have deployed.  
The SABICs may help reduce the risk of partial or complete  
ejection of vehicle occupants through side windows in  
certain side impact events.  
WARNING!  
• Do not mount equipment, or stack luggage or other  
cargo up high enough to block the deployment of the  
SABICs. The trim covering above the side windows  
where the SABIC and its deployment path are lo-  
cated should remain free from any obstructions.  
• In order for the SABICs to work as intended, do not  
install any accessory items in your vehicle which  
could alter the roof. Do not add an aftermarket  
sunroof to your vehicle. Do not add roof racks that  
require permanent attachments (bolts or screws) for  
installation on the vehicle roof. Do not drill into the  
roof of the vehicle for any reason.  
The Side Air Bags will not deploy in all side collisions,  
including some collisions at certain angles, or some side  
collisions that do not impact the area of the passenger  
compartment. The Side Air Bags may deploy during angled  
or offset frontal collisions where the front air bags deploy.  
Side Air Bags are a supplement to the seat belt restraint  
system. Side Air Bags deploy in less time than it takes to  
blink your eyes.  
SAFETY 133  
WARNING!  
WARNING! (Continued)  
• Being too close to the Side Air Bags during deploy-  
ment could cause you to be severely injured or  
killed.  
• Relying on the Side Air Bags alone could lead to  
more severe injuries in a collision. The Side Air Bags  
work with your seat belt to restrain you properly.  
In some collisions, Side Air Bags won’t deploy at all.  
Always wear your seat belt even though you have  
Side Air Bags.  
• Occupants, including children, who are up against or  
very close to Side Air Bags can be seriously injured  
or killed. Occupants, including children, should  
never lean on or sleep against the door, side win-  
dows, or area where the side air bags inflate, even if  
they are in an infant or child restraint.  
• Seat belts (and child restraints where appropriate)  
are necessary for your protection in all collisions.  
They also help keep you in position, away from an  
inflating Side Air Bag. To get the best protection  
from the Side Air Bags, occupants must wear their  
seat belts properly and sit upright with their backs  
against the seats. Children must be properly re-  
strained in a child restraint or booster seat that is  
appropriate for the size of the child.  
5
NOTE: Air bag covers may not be obvious in the interior  
trim, but they will open during air bag deployment.  
Rollover Events  
Side Air Bags are designed to activate in certain rollover  
events. The ORC determines whether the deployment of  
the Side Air Bags in a particular rollover event is appro-  
priate, based on the severity and type of collision. Vehicle  
damage by itself is not a good indicator of whether or not  
Side Air Bags should have deployed.  
WARNING!  
• Side Air Bags need room to inflate. Do not lean  
against the door or window. Sit upright in the center  
of the seat.  
The Side Air Bags will not deploy in all rollover events. The  
rollover sensing system determines if a rollover event may  
be in progress and whether deployment is appropriate.  
(Continued)  
134 SAFETY  
In the event the vehicle experiences a rollover or near  
rollover event, and deployment of the Side Air Bags is  
appropriate, the rollover sensing system will also deploy  
the seat belt pretensioners on both sides of the vehicle.  
• Front and Side Impact Sensors  
• Seat Belt Pretensioners  
• Seat Track Position Sensors  
If A Deployment Occurs  
The SABICs may help reduce the risk of partial or complete  
ejection of vehicle occupants through side windows in  
certain rollover or side impact events.  
The front air bags are designed to deflate immediately after  
deployment.  
Air Bag System Components  
NOTE: Front and/or side air bags will not deploy in all  
collisions. This does not mean something is wrong with the  
air bag system.  
NOTE: The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) monitors  
the internal circuits and interconnecting wiring associated  
with electrical Air Bag System Components listed below:  
If you do have a collision which deploys the air bags, any  
or all of the following may occur:  
• Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)  
• Air Bag Warning Light  
• Steering Wheel and Column  
• Instrument Panel  
• Knee Impact Bolsters  
• Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags  
• Seat Belt Buckle Switch  
• Supplemental Side Air Bags  
• Supplemental Knee Air Bags  
• The air bag material may sometimes cause abrasions  
and/or skin reddening to the occupants as the air bags  
deploy and unfold. The abrasions are similar to friction  
rope burns or those you might get sliding along a carpet  
or gymnasium floor. They are not caused by contact with  
chemicals. They are not permanent and normally heal  
quickly. However, if you haven’t healed significantly  
within a few days, or if you have any blistering, see your  
doctor immediately.  
SAFETY 135  
• As the air bags deflate, you may see some smoke-like  
particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the  
process that generates the non-toxic gas used for air bag  
inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the skin,  
eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation,  
rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat  
irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues,  
see your doctor. If these particles settle on your clothing,  
follow the garment manufacturer’s instructions for  
cleaning.  
NOTE:  
• Air bag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim,  
but they will open during air bag deployment.  
• After any collision, the vehicle should be taken to an  
authorized dealer immediately.  
Enhanced Accident Response System  
5
In the event of an impact, 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 following functions:  
Do not drive your vehicle after the air bags have deployed.  
If you are involved in another collision, the air bags will  
not be in place to protect you.  
• Cut off fuel to the engine (If Equipped)  
• Cut off battery power to the electric motor (If Equipped)  
• Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power  
WARNING!  
Deployed air bags and seat belt pretensioners cannot  
protect you in another collision. Have the air bags, seat  
belt pretensioners, and the seat belt retractor assem-  
blies replaced by an authorized dealer immediately.  
Also, have the Occupant Restraint Controller System  
serviced as well.  
•
Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as the  
battery has power or for 15 minutes from the intervention  
of the Enhanced Accident Response System.  
• Unlock the power door locks.  
136 SAFETY  
Your vehicle may also be designed to perform any of these  
other functions in response to the Enhanced Accident  
Response System:  
ment and fuel tank before resetting the system and starting  
the engine. If there are no fuel leaks or damage to the  
vehicle electrical devices (e.g. headlights) after an accident,  
reset the system by following the procedure described  
below. If you have any doubt, contact an authorized dealer.  
• Turn off the Fuel Filter Heater, Turn off the HVAC  
Blower Motor, Close the HVAC Circulation Door  
Enhanced Accident Response System Reset Procedure  
• Cut off battery power to the:  
• Engine  
After the event occurs, when the system is active, a  
message regarding fuel cutoff is displayed. Turn the igni-  
tion switch from ignition AVV/START or MAR/ACC/  
ON/RUN to ignition STOP/OFF/LOCK. Carefully check  
the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine compartment and on  
the ground near the engine compartment and fuel tank  
before resetting the system and starting the engine.  
• Electric Motor (if equipped)  
• Electric power steering  
• Brake booster  
• Electric park brake  
• Automatic transmission gear selector  
• Horn  
Depending on the nature of the event the left and right turn  
signal lights, located in the instrument panel, may both be  
blinking and will continue to blink. In order to move your  
vehicle to the side of the road, you must follow the system  
reset procedure.  
• Front wiper  
• Headlamp washer pump  
NOTE: After an accident, remember to cycle the ignition  
to the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position and remove the key  
from the ignition switch to avoid draining the battery.  
Carefully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine  
compartment and on the ground near the engine compart-  
SAFETY 137  
Customer Will See  
Customer Will See  
NOTE: Each step MUST  
BE held for at least two  
seconds  
NOTE: Each step MUST  
BE held for at least two  
seconds  
Customer Action  
Customer Action  
1. Turn ignition STOP/  
OFF/LOCK. (Turn Signal  
Switch Must be placed in  
Neutral State).  
2. Turn ignition MAR/  
ACC/ON/RUN.  
7. Turn right turn signal  
switch ON.  
Right turn light is ON  
SOLID.  
Left turn light BLINKS.  
Right turn light is OFF.  
Left turn light BLINKS.  
Right turn light is ON  
SOLID.  
5
8. Place turn signal in  
neutral state.  
9. Turn left turn signal  
switch ON.  
Right turn light BLINKS.  
Left turn light is OFF.  
Right turn light is ON  
SOLID.  
3. Turn right turn signal  
switch ON.  
Left turn light is ON  
SOLID.  
Left turn light BLINKS.  
4. Place turn signal in  
neutral state.  
5. Turn left turn signal  
switch ON.  
Right turn light is OFF.  
Left turn light BLINKS.  
Right turn light BLINKS.  
Left turn light is ON  
SOLID.  
10. Turn left turn signal  
switch OFF. (Turn Signal  
Switch Must be placed in  
Neutral State).  
11. Turn ignition STOP/  
OFF/LOCK.  
Right turn light is OFF.  
Left turn light is OFF.  
6. Place turn signal in  
neutral state.  
Right turn light BLINKS.  
Left turn light is OFF.  
138 SAFETY  
Maintaining Your Air Bag System  
WARNING!  
Customer Will See  
NOTE: Each step MUST  
BE held for at least two  
seconds  
System is now reset and  
the engine may be started.  
Customer Action  
• Modifications to any part of the air bag system could  
cause it to fail when you need it. You could be  
injured if the air bag system is not there to protect  
you. Do not modify the components or wiring, in-  
cluding adding any kind of badges or stickers to the  
steering wheel hub trim cover or the upper passenger  
side of the instrument panel. Do not modify the front  
bumper, vehicle body structure, or add aftermarket  
side steps or running boards.  
• It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the air bag  
system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who works on  
your vehicle that it has an air bag system.  
• Do not attempt to modify any part of your air bag  
system. The air bag may inflate accidentally or may  
not function properly if modifications are made.  
Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for any air  
bag system service. If your seat, including your trim  
12. Turn ignition MAR/  
ACC/ON/RUN. (Entire  
sequence needs to be  
completed within one  
minute or sequence will  
need to be repeated).  
Turn hazard flashers OFF  
(Manually).  
If a reset procedure step is not completed within 60 seconds,  
then the turn signal lights will blink and the reset procedure  
must be performed again in order to be successful.  
(Continued)  
SAFETY 139  
• How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accel-  
WARNING! (Continued)  
erator and/or brake pedal; and,  
cover and cushion, needs to be serviced in any way  
(including removal or loosening/tightening of seat  
attachment bolts), take the vehicle to an authorized  
dealer. Only manufacturer approved seat accessories  
may be used. If it is necessary to modify the air bag  
system for persons with disabilities, contact an au-  
thorized dealer.  
• How fast the vehicle was traveling.  
These data can help provide a better understanding of the  
circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur.  
NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a  
non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are recorded by  
the EDR under normal driving conditions and no personal  
data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) are  
recorded. However, other parties, such as law enforcement,  
could combine the EDR data with the type of personally  
identifying data routinely acquired during a crash investi-  
gation.  
5
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 performed. The  
EDR is designed to record data related to vehicle dynamics  
and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30  
seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to  
record such data as:  
To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is  
required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In  
addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as  
law enforcement, that have the special equipment, can read  
the information if they have access to the vehicle or the  
EDR.  
• How various systems in your vehicle were operating;  
• Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts  
were buckled/fastened;  
140 SAFETY  
Child Restraints  
There are different sizes and types of restraints for children  
from newborn size to the child almost large enough for an  
adult safety belt. Always check the child seat Owner’s  
Manual to make sure you have the correct seat for your  
child. Carefully read and follow all the instructions and  
warnings in the child restraint Owner’s Manual and on all  
the labels attached to the child restraint.  
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up at all  
times, including babies and children. Every state in the  
United States, and every Canadian province, requires that  
small children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the  
law, and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.  
Children 12 years or younger should ride properly buckled  
up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash statistics,  
children are safer when properly restrained in the rear  
seats rather than in the front.  
Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it has a  
label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety Stan-  
dards. You should also make sure that you can install it in  
the vehicle where you will use it.  
WARNING!  
NOTE:  
• For additional information, refer to  
w.nhtsa.gov/parents-and-caregivers or  
call: 1–888–327–4236  
In a collision, an unrestrained child can become a  
projectile inside the vehicle. The force required to hold  
even an infant on your lap could become so great that  
you could not hold the child, no matter how strong you  
are. The child and others could be badly injured or  
killed. Any child riding in your vehicle should be in a  
proper restraint for the child’s size.  
• Canadian residents should refer to Transport  
Canada’s website for additional information:  
w.tc.gc.ca/eng/motorvehiclesafety/  
safedrivers-childsafety-index-53.htm  
SAFETY 141  
Summary Of Recommendations For Restraining Children In Vehicles  
Child Size, Height, Weight Or Age  
Recommended Type Of  
Child Restraint  
Infants and Toddlers  
Children who are two years old or younger  
and who have not reached the height or  
weight limits of their child restraint  
Either an Infant Carrier or a Convertible  
Child Restraint, facing rearward in the rear  
seat of the vehicle  
Small Children  
Children who are at least two years old or  
who have outgrown the height or weight  
limit of their rear-facing child restraint  
Forward-Facing Child Restraint with a five-  
point Harness, facing forward in the rear  
seat of the vehicle  
5
Larger Children  
Children who have outgrown their forward- Belt Positioning Booster Seat and the vehicle  
facing child restraint, but are too small to  
properly fit the vehicle’s seat belt  
seat belt, seated in the rear seat of the  
vehicle  
Children Too Large for Children 12 years old or younger, who have  
Vehicle Seat Belt, seated in the rear seat of  
the vehicle  
Child Restraints  
outgrown the height or weight limit of their  
booster seat  
142 SAFETY  
Infant And Child Restraints  
WARNING! (Continued)  
Safety experts recommend that children ride rear-facing in  
the vehicle until they are two years old or until they reach  
either the height or weight limit of their rear-facing child  
restraint. Two types of child restraints can be used rear-  
facing: infant carriers and convertible child seats.  
younger, including a child in a rear-facing child  
restraint.  
• Only use a rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat  
of a vehicle with a rear seat.  
Older Children And Child Restraints  
The infant carrier is only used rear-facing in the vehicle. It  
is recommended for children from birth until they reach  
the weight or height limit of the infant carrier. Convertible  
child seats can be used either rear-facing or forward-facing  
in the vehicle. Convertible child seats often have a higher  
weight limit in the rear-facing direction than infant carriers  
do, so they can be used rear-facing by children who have  
outgrown their infant carrier but are still less than at least  
two years old. Children should remain rear-facing until  
they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their  
convertible child seat.  
Children who are two years old or who have outgrown  
their rear-facing convertible child seat can ride forward-  
facing in the vehicle. Forward-facing child seats and con-  
vertible child seats used in the forward-facing direction are  
for children who are over two years old or who have  
outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit of their  
rear-facing convertible child seat. Children should remain  
in a forward-facing child seat with a harness for as long as  
possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by the  
child seat.  
All children whose weight or height is above the forward-  
facing limit for the child seat should use a belt-positioning  
booster seat until the vehicle’s seat belts fit properly. If the  
child cannot sit with knees bent over the vehicle’s seat  
cushion while the child’s back is against the seatback, they  
WARNING!  
• Never place a rear-facing child restraint in front of an  
air bag. A deploying passenger front air bag can  
cause death or serious injury to a child 12 years or  
(Continued)  
SAFETY 143  
should use a belt-positioning booster seat. The child and  
belt-positioning booster seat are held in the vehicle by the  
seat belt.  
Children Too Large For Booster Seats  
Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt  
comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend over  
the front of the seat when their back is against the seatback,  
should use the seat belt in a rear seat. Use this simple 5-step  
test to decide whether the child can use the vehicle’s seat  
belt alone:  
WARNING!  
• Improper installation can lead to failure of an infant  
or child restraint. It could come loose in a collision.  
The child could be badly injured or killed. Follow  
the child restraint manufacturer’s directions exactly  
when installing an infant or child restraint.  
• After a child restraint is installed in the vehicle, do  
not move the vehicle seat forward or rearward be-  
cause it can loosen the child restraint attachments.  
Remove the child restraint before adjusting the ve-  
hicle seat position. When the vehicle seat has been  
adjusted, reinstall the child restraint.  
• When your child restraint is not in use, secure it in  
the vehicle with the seat belt or LATCH anchorages,  
or remove it from the vehicle. Do not leave it loose in  
the vehicle. In a sudden stop or accident, it could  
strike the occupants or seatbacks and cause serious  
personal injury.  
5
1. Can the child sit all the way back against the back of the  
vehicle seat?  
2. Do the child’s knees bend comfortably over the front of  
the vehicle seat – while the child is still sitting all the  
way back?  
3. Does the shoulder belt cross the child’s shoulder be-  
tween their neck and arm?  
4. Is the lap part of the belt as low as possible, touching the  
child’s thighs and not the stomach?  
5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?  
If the answer to any of these questions was “no,” then the  
child still needs to use a booster seat in this vehicle. If the  
child is using the lap/shoulder belt, check seat belt fit  
periodically and make sure the seat belt buckle is latched.  
144 SAFETY  
A child’s squirming or slouching can move the belt out of  
position. If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck,  
move the child closer to the center of the vehicle, or use a  
booster seat to position the seat belt on the child correctly.  
WARNING!  
Never allow a child to put the shoulder belt under an  
arm or behind their back. In a crash, the shoulder belt  
will not protect a child properly, which may result in  
serious injury or death. A child must always wear both  
the lap and shoulder portions of the seat belt correctly.  
Recommendations For Attaching Child Restraints  
Restraint Type  
Combined  
Weight of the  
Child + Child  
Restraint  
Use Any Attachment Method Shown With An “X” Below  
LATCH – Lower  
Anchors Only  
Seat Belt Only  
LATCH – Lower  
Anchors + Top  
Tether Anchor  
Seat Belt + Top  
Tether Anchor  
Rear-Facing  
Child Restraint  
Rear-Facing  
Child Restraint  
Up to 65 lbs  
(29.5 kg)  
More than 65 lbs  
(29.5 kg)  
X
X
X
Forward-Facing  
Child Restraint  
Forward-Facing  
Child Restraint  
Up to 65 lbs  
(29.5 kg)  
More than 65 lbs  
(29.5 kg)  
X
X
X
SAFETY 145  
Lower Anchors And Tethers For CHildren (LATCH)  
Restraint System  
In these seating positions, the seat belt must be used with the  
top tether anchorage to install the child restraint. Please see  
the following table for more information.  
LATCH Positions For Installing Child Restraints In  
This Vehicle  
5
LATCH Label  
Y
our vehicle is equipped with the child restraint anchorage  
system called LATCH, which stands for Lower Anchors and  
Tethers for CHildren. The LATCH system has three vehicle  
anchor points for installing LATCH-equipped child seats.  
There are two lower anchorages located at the back of the  
seat cushion where it meets the seatback and one top tether  
anchorage located behind the seating position. These anchor-  
ages are used to install LATCH-equipped child seats with-  
out using the vehicle’s seat belts. Some seating positions  
may have a top tether anchorage but no lower anchorages.  
LATCH Positions  
Lower Anchorage Symbol (2 Anchorages Per Seating Position)  
Top Tether Anchorage Symbol  
146 SAFETY  
Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Child Restraints With LATCH  
What is the weight limit (child’s weight +  
weight of the child restraint) for using the  
LATCH anchorage system to attach the  
child restraint?  
65 lbs (29.5 kg)  
Use the LATCH anchorage system until the  
combined weight of the child and the child  
restraint is 65 lbs (29.5 kg). Use the seat  
belt and tether anchor instead of the  
LATCH anchorage system once the com-  
bined weight is more than 65 lbs (29.5 kg).  
Can the LATCH anchorages and the seat  
belt be used together to attach a rear-facing  
or forward-facing child restraint?  
No  
Do not use the seat belt when you use the  
LATCH anchorage system to attach a rear-  
facing or forward-facing child restraint.  
Booster seats may be attached to the  
LATCH anchorages if allowed by the  
booster seat manufacturer. See your booster  
seat owner’s manual for more information.  
Can two child restraints be attached using  
a common lower LATCH anchorage?  
No  
Never “share” a LATCH anchorage with  
two or more child restraints. If the center  
position does not have dedicated LATCH  
lower anchorages, use the seat belt to in-  
stall a child seat in the center position next  
to a child seat using the LATCH anchor-  
ages in an outboard position.  
SAFETY 147  
Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Child Restraints With LATCH  
Can the rear-facing child restraint touch the  
back of the front passenger seat?  
Yes  
The child seat may touch the back of the  
front passenger seat if the child restraint  
manufacturer also allows contact. See your  
child restraint owner’s manual for more  
information.  
Can the head restraints be removed?  
Yes  
Head restraints are removable in all seating  
positions.  
5
Locating The LATCH Anchorages  
The lower anchorages are round bars that are  
found at the rear of the seat cushion where it  
meets the seatback, below the anchorage sym-  
bols on the seatback. They are just visible when  
you lean into the rear seat to install the child restraint. You  
will easily feel them if you run your finger along the gap  
between the seatback and seat cushion.  
LATCH Lower Anchorages  
148 SAFETY  
Locating The Upper Tether Anchorages  
LATCH-compatible child restraint systems will be  
equipped with a rigid bar or a flexible strap on each side.  
Each will have a hook or connector to attach to the lower  
anchorage and a way to tighten the connection to the  
anchorage. Forward-facing child restraints and some rear-  
facing child restraints will also be equipped with a tether  
strap. The tether strap will have a hook at the end to attach  
to the top tether anchorage and a way to tighten the strap  
after it is attached to the anchorage.  
There are tether strap anchorages behind each  
rear seating position located on the back of the  
seat.  
Center Seat LATCH  
WARNING!  
This vehicle does not have a center seating position.  
Do not use the center lower LATCH anchorages to  
install a child seat in the center of the back seat.  
Rear Seat Tether Strap Mounting  
Always follow the directions of the child restraint manu-  
facturer when installing your child restraint. Not all child  
restraint systems will be installed as described here.  
SAFETY 149  
To Install A LATCH-Compatible Child Restraint  
3. Attach the lower hooks or connectors of the child  
restraint to the lower anchorages in the selected seating  
position.  
If the selected seating position has a Switchable Automatic  
Locking Retractor (ALR) seat belt, stow the seat belt,  
following the instructions below. See the section “Installing  
Child Restraints Using the Vehicle Seat Belt” to check what  
type of seat belt each seating position has.  
4. If the child restraint has a tether strap, connect it to the  
top tether anchorage. See the section “Installing Child  
Restraints Using the Top Tether Anchorage” for direc-  
tions to attach a tether anchor.  
1. Loosen the adjusters on the lower straps and on the tether  
strap of the child seat so that you can more easily attach  
the hooks or connectors to the vehicle anchorages.  
5
5. Tighten all of the straps as you push the child restraint  
rearward and downward into the seat. Remove slack in  
the straps according to the child restraint manufactur-  
er’s instructions.  
2. Place the child seat between the lower anchorages for  
that seating position. For some second row seats, you  
may need to recline the seat and / or raise the head  
restraint to get a better fit. If the rear seat can be moved  
forward and rearward in the vehicle, you may wish to  
move it to its rear-most position to make room for the  
child seat. You may also move the front seat forward to  
allow more room for the child seat.  
6. Test that the child restraint is installed tightly by pulling  
back and forth on the child seat at the belt path. It  
should not move more than 1 inch (25.4 mm) in any  
direction.  
150 SAFETY  
How To Stow An Unused Switchable-ALR (ALR)  
Seat Belt:  
WARNING! (Continued)  
• Child restraint anchorages are designed to withstand  
only those loads imposed by correctly-fitted child  
restraints. Under no circumstances are they to be  
used for adult seat belts, harnesses, or for attaching  
other items or equipment to the vehicle.  
When using the LATCH attaching system to install a child  
restraint, stow all ALR seat belts that are not being used by  
other occupants or being used to secure child restraints. An  
unused belt could injure a child if they play with it and  
accidentally lock the seat belt retractor. Before installing a  
child restraint using the LATCH system, buckle the seat  
belt behind the child restraint and out of the child’s reach.  
If the buckled seat belt interferes with the child restraint  
installation, instead of buckling it behind the child re-  
straint, route the seat belt through the child restraint belt  
path and then buckle it. Do not lock the seat belt. Remind  
all children in the vehicle that the seat belts are not toys and  
that they should not play with them.  
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat  
Belt  
Child restraint systems are designed to be secured in vehicle  
seats by lap belts or the lap belt portion of a lap/shoulder  
belt.  
WARNING!  
• Improper installation or failure to properly secure a  
child restraint can lead to failure of the restraint. The  
child could be badly injured or killed.  
WARNING!  
• Improper installation of a child restraint to the  
LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of the re-  
straint. The child could be badly injured or killed.  
Follow the child restraint manufacturer’s directions  
exactly when installing an infant or child restraint.  
• Follow the child restraint manufacturer’s directions  
exactly when installing an infant or child restraint.  
(Continued)  
SAFETY 151  
The seat belts in the passenger seating positions are  
equipped with a Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor  
(ALR) that is designed to keep the lap portion of the seat  
belt tight around the child restraint so that it is not  
necessary to use a locking clip. The ALR retractor can be  
“switched” into a locked mode by pulling all of the  
webbing out of the retractor and then letting the webbing  
retract back into the retractor. If it is locked, the ALR will  
make a clicking noise while the webbing is pulled back into  
the retractor.  
Lap/Shoulder Belt Systems For Installing Child  
Restraints In This Vehicle  
5
Refer to the “Automatic Locking Mode” description in  
“Switchable Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR)” under  
“Occupant Restraint Systems” for additional information  
on ALR.  
Please see the table below and the following sections for  
more information.  
Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) Locations  
• ALR = Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor  
•
Top Tether Anchorage Symbol  
152 SAFETY  
Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Child Restraints With Seat Belts  
What is the weight limit (child’s weight  
+ weight of the child restraint) for  
using the Tether Anchor with the  
seat belt to attach a forward facing  
child restraint?  
Weight limit of the  
Child Restraint  
Always use the tether anchor when  
using the seat belt to install a forward  
facing child restraint, up to the recom-  
mended weight limit of the child  
restraint.  
Can the rear-facing child restraint  
touch the back of the front passenger  
seat?  
Yes  
Contact between the front passenger  
seat and the child restraint is allowed,  
if the child restraint manufacturer also  
allows contact.  
Can the head restraints be removed?  
Yes  
No  
Yes, all may be removed.  
Can the buckle stalk be twisted to  
tighten the seat belt against the belt  
path of the child restraint?  
Do not twist the buckle stalk in a  
seating position with an  
ALR retractor.  
SAFETY 153  
Installing A Child Restraint With A Switchable  
Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR):  
2. Pull enough of the seat belt webbing from the retractor  
to pass it through the belt path of the child restraint.  
Do not twist the belt webbing in the belt path.  
Child restraint systems are designed to be secured in vehicle  
seats by lap belts or the lap belt portion of a lap/shoulder  
belt.  
3. Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a  
“click.”  
4. Pull on the webbing to make the lap portion tight  
against the child seat.  
WARNING!  
5
• Improper installation or failure to properly secure a  
child restraint can lead to failure of the restraint. The  
child could be badly injured or killed.  
5. To lock the seat belt, pull down on the shoulder part of  
the belt until you have pulled all the seat belt webbing  
out of the retractor. Then, allow the webbing to retract  
back into the retractor. As the webbing retracts, you will  
hear a clicking sound. This means the seat belt is now in  
the Automatic Locking mode.  
• Follow the child restraint manufacturer’s directions  
exactly when installing an infant or child restraint.  
1. Place the child seat in the center of the seating position.  
For some second row seats, you may need to recline the  
seat and/or raise the head restraint to get a better fit. If  
the rear seat can be moved forward and rearward in the  
vehicle, you may wish to move it to its rear-most  
position to make room for the child seat. You may also  
move the front seat forward to allow more room for the  
child seat.  
6. Try to pull the webbing out of the retractor. If it is  
locked, you should not be able to pull out any webbing.  
If the retractor is not locked, repeat step 5.  
7. Finally, pull up on any excess webbing to tighten the lap  
portion around the child restraint while you push the  
child restraint rearward and downward into the vehicle  
seat.  
154 SAFETY  
8. If the child restraint has a top tether strap and the  
seating position has a top tether anchorage, connect the  
tether strap to the anchorage and tighten the tether  
strap. See the section “Installing Child Restraints Using  
the Top Tether Anchorage” for directions to attach a  
tether anchor.  
WARNING! (Continued)  
strap of a rear-facing car seat to the tether anchorage  
that is approved for that seating position, located  
behind the top of the vehicle seat. See the section  
“Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)  
Restraint System” for the location of approved tether  
anchorages in your vehicle.  
9. Test that the child restraint is installed tightly by pulling  
back and forth on the child seat at the belt path. It  
should not move more than 1 inch (25.4 mm) in any  
direction.  
Any seat belt system will loosen with time, so check the  
belt occasionally, and pull it tight if necessary.  
Installing Child Restraints Using The Top Tether  
Anchorage  
1. Look behind the seating position where you plan to  
install the child restraint to find the tether anchorage.  
You may need to move the seat forward to provide  
better access to the tether anchorage. If there is no top  
tether anchorage for that seating position, move the  
child restraint to another position in the vehicle if one is  
available.  
WARNING!  
Do not attach a tether strap for a rear-facing car seat to  
any location in front of the car seat, including the seat  
frame or a tether anchorage. Only attach the tether  
(Continued)  
SAFETY 155  
2. Route the tether strap to provide the most direct path for  
the strap between the anchor and the child seat. If your  
vehicle is equipped with adjustable rear head restraints,  
raise the head restraint, and where possible, route the  
tether strap under the head restraint and between the  
two posts. If not possible, lower the head restraint and  
pass the tether strap around the outboard side of the  
head restraint.  
4. Remove slack in the tether strap according to the child  
restraint manufacturer’s instructions.  
WARNING!  
• An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to  
increased head motion and possible injury to the  
child. Use only the anchorage position directly be-  
hind the child seat to secure a child restraint top  
tether strap.  
• If your vehicle is equipped with a split rear seat,  
make sure the tether strap does not slip into the  
opening between the seatbacks as you remove slack  
in the strap.  
5
3. Attach the tether strap hook of the child restraint to the  
top tether anchorage as shown in the diagram.  
Transporting Pets  
Air Bags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.  
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly  
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in a  
collision.  
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses or  
pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.  
Rear Seat Tether Strap Mounting  
156 SAFETY  
SAFETY TIPS  
Exhaust Gas  
Transporting Passengers  
WARNING!  
NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE CARGO  
AREA.  
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon  
monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless.  
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can even-  
tually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO), follow  
these safety tips:  
• Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in  
confined areas any longer than needed to move your  
vehicle in or out of the area.  
• If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate/  
rear doors open, make sure that all windows are  
closed and the climate control BLOWER switch is set  
at high speed. DO NOT use the recirculation mode.  
• If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the  
engine running, adjust your heating or cooling con-  
trols to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the  
blower at high speed.  
WARNING!  
• Do not leave children or animals inside parked  
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may  
cause serious injury or death.  
• It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,  
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people  
riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously  
injured or killed.  
• Do not allow people to ride in any area of your  
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts.  
• Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and  
using a seat belt properly.  
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into the  
vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust  
system.  
SAFETY 157  
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust  
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the  
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is  
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the complete  
exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-  
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or  
loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep into  
the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the ex-  
haust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubrication  
or oil change. Replace as required.  
Air Bag Warning Light  
The Air Bag warning light  
will turn on for four to  
eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch  
is first turned to ON/RUN. If the light is either not on  
during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving,  
have the system inspected at an authorized dealer as  
soon as possible. After the bulb check, this light will  
illuminate with a single chime when a fault with the Air  
Bag System has been detected. It will stay on until the  
fault is removed. If the light comes on intermittently or  
remains on while driving, have an authorized dealer  
service the vehicle immediately.  
5
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The Vehicle  
Seat Belts  
Refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in “Safety” for  
further information.  
Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for cuts,  
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced  
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.  
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 an autho-  
rized dealer for service if your defroster is inoperable.  
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 web-  
bing, etc.). If there is any question regarding seat belt or  
retractor condition, replace the seat belt.  
158 SAFETY  
Floor Mat Safety Information  
WARNING! (Continued)  
Always use floor mats designed to fit your vehicle. Only  
use a floor mat that does not interfere with the operation of  
the accelerator, brake or clutch pedals. Only use a floor mat  
that is securely attached using the floor mat fasteners so it  
cannot slip out of position and interfere with the accelera-  
tor, brake or clutch pedals or impair safe operation of your  
vehicle in other ways.  
• ALWAYS REMOVE THE EXISTING FLOOR MAT  
FROM THE VEHICLE  
before installing any other  
floor mat. NEVER install or stack an additional floor  
mat on top of an existing floor mat.  
• ONLY install floor mats designed to fit your vehicle.  
NEVER install a floor mat that cannot be properly  
attached and secured to your vehicle. If a floor mat  
needs to be replaced, only use a FCA approved floor  
mat for the specific make, model, and year of your  
vehicle.  
• ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat on the driver’s  
side floor area. To check for interference, with the  
vehicle properly parked with the engine off, fully  
depress the accelerator, the brake, and the clutch  
pedal (if present) to check for interference. If your  
floor mat interferes with the operation of any pedal,  
or is not secure to the floor, remove the floor mat  
from the vehicle and place the floor mat in your  
trunk.  
WARNING!  
An improperly attached, damaged, folded, or stacked  
floor mat, or damaged floor mat fasteners may cause  
your floor mat to interfere with the accelerator, brake,  
or clutch pedals and cause a loss of vehicle control. To  
prevent SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:  
• ALWAYS securely attach  
your floor mat using the  
floor mat fasteners. DO NOT install your floor mat  
upside down or turn your floor mat over. Lightly pull  
to confirm mat is secured using the floor mat fasten-  
ers on a regular basis.  
• ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat on the  
passenger’s side floor area.  
(Continued)  
(Continued)  
SAFETY 159  
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside  
The Vehicle  
WARNING! (Continued)  
• ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or slide into  
the driver’s side floor area when the vehicle is  
moving. Objects can become trapped under accelera-  
tor, brake, or clutch pedals and could cause a loss of  
vehicle control.  
• NEVER place any objects under the floor mat (e.g.,  
towels, keys, etc.). These objects could change the  
position of the floor mat and may cause interference  
with the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals.  
• If the vehicle carpet has been removed and re-  
installed, always properly attach carpet to the floor  
and check the floor mat fasteners are secure to the  
vehicle carpet. Fully depress each pedal to check for  
interference with the accelerator, brake, or clutch  
pedals then re-install the floor mats.  
Tires  
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear  
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects  
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts  
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.  
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires (includ-  
ing spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.  
5
Lights  
Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and  
exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn  
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument  
panel.  
Door Latches  
• It is recommended to only use mild soap and water  
to clean your floor mats. After cleaning, always check  
your floor mat has been properly installed and is  
secured to your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners  
by lightly pulling mat.  
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.  
Fluid Leaks  
Check area under the vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,  
coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes  
are detected or if fuel, or brake fluid leaks are suspected.  
The cause should be located and corrected immediately.  

Related Topics

SAFETY FEATURES
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
SAFETY TIPS

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