Get Safety -> Occupant Restraint Systems Guide for Fiat 500 L 4 Door First Generation (2012-2022)

SAFETY 125

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.

The following regulatory statement applies to all radio

frequency (RF) devices equipped in this vehicle:

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and

with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s).

Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

Important Safety Precautions

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.

(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and

5

(2) This device must accept any interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired operation.

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.

2. A child who is not big enough to wear the vehicle seat

belt properly (Refer to “Child Restraints” in this section

for further information) must be secured in the appro-

priate child restraint or belt-positioning booster seat in a

rear seating position.

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS

Some of the most important safety features in your vehicle

are the restraint systems:

Occupant Restraint Systems Features

• Seat Belt Systems

3. 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).

• Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Air Bags

• Child Restraints

126 SAFETY

4. Never allow children to slide the shoulder belt behind

them or under their arm.

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.

• Never install a rear-facing child restraint in the front

seat of a vehicle. Only use a rear-facing child re-

straint in the rear seat. If the vehicle does not have a

rear seat, do not transport a rear-facing child restraint

in that vehicle.

5. You should read the instructions provided with your

child restraint to make sure that you are using it

properly.

6. All occupants should always wear their lap and shoul-

der belts properly.

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.

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.

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.

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.

SAFETY 127

Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System (BeltAlert)

Driver and Passenger BeltAlert — If Equipped

BeltAlert Warning Sequence

The BeltAlert warning sequence is activated when the

vehicle is moving above a specified vehicle speed range

and the driver or outboard front seat passenger is unbuck-

led (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 AVV/START or MAR/RUN

position.

5

Initial Indication

If the driver is unbuckled when the ignition switch is first

in the AVV/START or MAR/RUN position, a chime will

signal for a few seconds. If the driver or outboard front seat

passenger (if equipped with outboard front passenger seat

BeltAlert) is unbuckled when the ignition switch is first in

the AVV/START or MAR/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.

128 SAFETY

Change of Status

Lap/Shoulder Belts

All seating positions in your vehicle are equipped with

lap/shoulder belts.

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 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.

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

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.

(Continued)

SAFETY 129

WARNING! (Continued)

WARNING!

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 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.

• 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.

5

• 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.

(Continued)

130 SAFETY

Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions

WARNING! (Continued)

1. Enter the vehicle and close the door. Sit back and adjust

the seat.

• 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.

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.

• 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 imme-

diately. Do not disassemble or modify the seat belt

system. Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a

collision.

Pulling Out The Latch Plate

SAFETY 131

3. When the seat belt is long enough to fit, insert the latch

plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”

5

Positioning The Lap Belt

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.

Inserting Latch Plate Into Buckle

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.

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.

132 SAFETY

Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure

Seat Belts And Pregnant Women

Use the following procedure to untwist a twisted lap/

shoulder belt.

1. Position the latch plate as close as possible to the anchor

point.

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.

3. Slide the latch plate upward over the folded webbing.

The folded webbing must enter the slot at the top of the

latch plate.

Pregnant Women And Seat Belts

4. Continue to slide the latch plate up until it clears the

folded webbing and the seat belt is no longer twisted.

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.

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.

SAFETY 133

Seat Belt Pretensioner

Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)

The front outboard 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.

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. The figure below illustrates the

locking feature for each seating position.

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.

Energy Management Feature

The front outboard 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.

ALR — Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor

134 SAFETY

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

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 Љclick.Љ

WARNING! (Continued)

• Never install a rear-facing child restraint in the front

seat of a vehicle. Only use a rear-facing child re-

straint in the rear seat. If the vehicle does not have a

rear seat, do not transport a rear-facing child restraint

in that vehicle.

How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode

1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt.

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.

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.

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.

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.

(Continued)

SAFETY 135

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.

5

• 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.

• Steering Wheel and Column

• Instrument Panel

• Knee Impact Bolsters

• Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags

• Seat Belt Buckle Switch

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.

• Supplemental Side Air Bags

• Supplemental Knee Air Bags

• Front and Side Impact Sensors

• Seat Belt Pretensioners

• Seat Track Position Sensors

136 SAFETY

Air Bag Warning Light

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.

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 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.

• The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the four to

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.

eight-second interval.

• The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently or

remains on while driving.

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.

SAFETY 137

WARNING!

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.

5

Front Air Bags

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.

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.

Front Air Bag/Knee Bolster Locations

1 — Driver And Passenger Front Air Bags

2 — Passenger Knee Impact Bolster

3 — Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag/Driver Knee Impact Bolster

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.

(Continued)

138 SAFETY

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.

WARNING! (Continued)

• 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.

• Never install a rear-facing child restraint in the front

seat of a vehicle. Only use a rear-facing child re-

straint in the rear seat. If the vehicle does not have a

rear seat, do not transport a rear-facing child restraint

in that vehicle.

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.

WARNING!

•

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.

Driver And Passenger Front Air Bag Features

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.

• 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

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.

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.

(Continued)

SAFETY 139

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)

• 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

Front Air Bag Operation

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 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.

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.

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.

140 SAFETY

Knee Impact Bolsters

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Front Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag Label

Supplemental Side Air Bags

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SABs)

This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Seat-Mounted

Side Air Bags (SABs).

SAFETY 141

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.

Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABICs)

are located above the side windows. The trim covering the

SABICs is labeled “SRS AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG.”

142 SAFETY

The SABICs inflate with enough force to injure occupants if

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.

SAFETY 143

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.

WARNING!

• Side Air Bags need room to inflate. Do not lean

against the door or window. Sit upright in the center

of the seat.

WARNING!

• 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.

144 SAFETY

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. 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.

• Supplemental Side Air Bags

• Supplemental Knee Air Bags

• 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

• 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.

• Steering Wheel and Column

• Instrument Panel

• Knee Impact Bolsters

• Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags

• Seat Belt Buckle Switch

SAFETY 145

• 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 Sys-

tem.

• Unlock the power door locks.

146 SAFETY

Your vehicle may also be designed to perform any of these

other functions in response to the Enhanced Accident

Response System:

compartment and on the ground near the engine compart-

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

• Cut off battery power to the:

• Engine

Enhanced Accident Response System Reset

Procedure

• Electric Motor (if equipped)

• Electric power steering

• Brake booster

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 park brake

• Automatic transmission gear selector

• Horn

• Front wiper

• Headlamp washer pump

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.

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

SAFETY 147

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

1. Turn ignition STOP/

OFF/LOCK. (Turn Signal

Switch Must be placed in

Neutral State).

8. Place turn signal in

neutral state.

Right turn light is OFF.

Left turn light BLINKS.

9. Turn left turn signal

switch ON.

Right turn light is ON

SOLID.

5

2. Turn ignition MAR/

ACC/ON/RUN.

Right turn light BLINKS.

Left turn light is OFF.

Left turn light is ON

SOLID.

3. Turn right turn signal

switch ON.

Right turn light is ON

SOLID.

Left turn light BLINKS.

10. Turn left turn signal

switch OFF. (Turn Signal

Switch Must be placed in

Neutral State).

Right turn light is OFF.

Left turn light is OFF.

4. Place turn signal in

neutral state.

Right turn light is OFF.

Left turn light BLINKS.

11. Turn ignition STOP/

OFF/LOCK.

5. Turn left turn signal

switch ON.

Right turn light BLINKS.

Left turn light is ON

SOLID.

12. Turn ignition MAR/

ACC/ON/RUN. (Entire

sequence needs to be

completed within one

minute or sequence will

need to be repeated).

System is now reset and

the engine may be started.

6. Place turn signal in

neutral state.

Right turn light BLINKS.

Left turn light is OFF.

7. Turn right turn signal

switch ON.

Right turn light is ON

SOLID.

Left turn light BLINKS.

148 SAFETY

Customer Will See

WARNING! (Continued)

NOTE: Each step MUST

BE held for at least two

seconds

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

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.

Customer Action

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 success-

ful.

Maintaining Your Air Bag System

WARNING!

• 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

(Continued)

SAFETY 149

Event Data Recorder (EDR)

However, other parties, such as law enforcement, could com-

bine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data

routinely acquired during a crash investigation.

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.

5

Child Restraints

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.

• How various systems in your vehicle were operating;

• Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts

were buckled/fastened;

• How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accel-

erator and/or brake pedal; and,

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.

• 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.

150 SAFETY

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!

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.

NOTE:

• For additional information, refer to http://

www.nhtsa.gov/parents-and-caregivers or call: 1–888–

327–4236

• Canadian residents should refer to Transport Canada’s

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.

website

for

additional

information:

http://

www.tc.gc.ca/eng/motorvehiclesafety/safedrivers-

childsafety-index-53.htm

SAFETY 151

Summary Of Recommendations For Restraining Children In Vehicles

Child Size, Height, Weight Or Age

Recommended Type Of Child Re-

straint

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 Convert-

ible Child Restraint, facing rearward

in a rear seat of the vehicle

5

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 a rear seat of the vehicle

Larger Children

Children who have outgrown their

forward-facing child restraint, but

are too small to properly fit the vehi-

cle’s seat belt

Belt Positioning Booster Seat and the

vehicle seat belt, seated in a rear seat

of the vehicle

Children Too Large for Child Re-

straints

Children 12 years old or younger,

who have outgrown the height or

weight limit of their booster seat

Vehicle Seat Belt, seated in a rear seat

of the vehicle

152 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.

• Never install a rear-facing child restraint in the front

seat of a vehicle. Only use a rear-facing child re-

straint in the rear seat. If the vehicle does not have a

rear seat, do not transport a rear-facing child restraint

in that vehicle.

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 high-

est weight or height allowed by their convertible child seat.

Older Children And Child Restraints

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 convertible 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.

WARNING!

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

•

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.

(Continued)

SAFETY 153

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.

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?

• 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.

3. Does the shoulder belt cross the child’s shoulder be-

tween the 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.

154 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

Up to 65 lbs

(29.5 kg)

X

Rear-Facing

Child Restraint

More than 65 lbs

(29.5 kg)

Forward-Facing

Child Restraint

Up to 65 lbs

(29.5 kg)

X

Forward-Facing

Child Restraint

More than 65 lbs

(29.5 kg)

SAFETY 155

Lower Anchors And Tethers For CHildren (LATCH)

Restraint System

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

Your 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 without

using the vehicle’s seat belts. Some seating positions may have

a top tether anchorage but no lower anchorages. In these

LATCH Positions

Lower Anchorage Symbol (2 Anchorages Per Seating Position)

Top Tether Anchorage Symbol

156 SAFETY

Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Child Restraints With LATCH

What is the weight limit

65 lbs

Use the LATCH anchorage system until the combined weight of

(child’s weight + weight of the

child restraint) for using the

LATCH anchorage system to

attach the child restraint?

(29.5 kg)

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 combined weight is more than 65 lbs (29.5 kg).

Can the LATCH anchorages

and the seat belt be used to-

gether to attach a rear-facing or

forward-facing child restraint?

No

Do not use the seat belt when you use the LATCH anchorage sys-

tem to attach a rear-facing or forward-facing child restraint.

Booster seats may be attached to the LATCH anchorages if al-

lowed by the booster seat manufacturer. See your booster seat

owner’s manual for more information.

Can a child seat be installed in

the center position using the

inner LATCH lower anchor-

ages?

No

Use the seat belt and tether anchor to install a child seat in the

center seating position.

Can two child restraints be at-

tached using a common lower

LATCH anchorage?

Never “share” a LATCH anchorage with two or more child re-

straints. If the center position does not have dedicated LATCH

lower anchorages, use the seat belt to install a child seat in the

center position next to a child seat using the LATCH anchorages

in an outboard position.

Can the rear-facing child re-

straint 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.

SAFETY 157

Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Child Restraints With LATCH

Can the rear head restraints be

removed?

Yes

The rear head restraints can be removed in every seating position

if they interfere with the installation of the child restraint.

Refer to “Head Restraints” in “Getting To Know Your Vehicle” for

further information.

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. 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.

5

LATCH Lower Anchorages

158 SAFETY

Locating The Upper Tether Anchorages

There are tether strap anchorages behind each

rear seating position located on the back of the

seat, near the floor.

Tether Anchorage Routing Position

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.

Upper Tether Anchorages

SAFETY 159

Center Seat LATCH

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.

WARNING!

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 (if adjustable) 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.

• Do not install a child restraint in the center position

using the LATCH system. This position is not ap-

proved for installing child seats using the LATCH

attachments. You must use the seat belt and tether

anchor to install a child seat in the center seating

position.

• Never use the same lower anchorage to attach more

than one child restraint. Please refer to “To Install A

LATCH-Compatible Child Restraint” for typical in-

stallation instructions.

5

3. Attach the lower hooks or connectors of the child

restraint to the lower anchorages in the selected seating

position.

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.

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.

To Install A LATCH-Compatible Child Restraint

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.

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.

160 SAFETY

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.

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.

• 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.

How To Stow An Unused Switchable-ALR (ALR)

Seat Belt:

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.

SAFETY 161

Please see the table below and the following sections for

more information.

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.

Lap/Shoulder Belt Systems For Installing Child

Restraints In This Vehicle

• Follow the child restraint manufacturer’s directions

exactly when installing an infant or child restraint.

5

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.

Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) Locations

Refer to the “Automatic Locking Mode” description in

“Switchable Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR)” under

“Occupant Restraint Systems” for additional information

on ALR.

ALR = Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor

Top Tether Anchorage Symbol

162 SAFETY

Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Child Restraints With Seat Belts

What is the weight limit (child’s

weight + weight of the child re-

straint) 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 for-

ward facing child restraint, up to the

recommended 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 al-

lowed, if the child restraint manufac-

turer also allows contact.

Can the rear head restraints be

removed?

The rear head restraints can be re-

moved in every seating position if

they interfere with the installation of

the child restraint.

Refer to “Head Restraints” in

“Getting To Know Your Vehicle” for

further information.

Can the buckle stalk be twisted to

tighten the seat belt against the belt

path of the child restraint?

No

Do not twist the buckle stalk in a

seating position with an

ALR retractor.

SAFETY 163

Installing A Child Restraint With A Switchable

Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR):

3. Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a

“click.”

Child restraint systems are designed to be secured in

vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap belt portion of a

lap/shoulder belt.

4. Pull on the webbing to make the lap portion tight

against the child seat.

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.

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.

• Follow the child restraint manufacturer’s directions

exactly when installing an infant or child restraint.

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.

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 (if adjustable) 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.

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.

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.

164 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)

“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.

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.

Installing Child Restraints Using The Top Tether

Anchorage:

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

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

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

(Continued)

SAFETY 165

two posts. If not possible, lower the head restraint and

pass the tether strap around the outboard side of the

head restraint.

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.

3. Attach the tether strap hook of the child restraint to the

top tether anchorage as shown in the diagram.

• 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

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 (if equipped) in

pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.

Rear Seat Tether Strap Mounting

4. Remove slack in the tether strap according to the child

restraint manufacturer’s instructions.

166 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:

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.

• 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.

The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into the

vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust

system.

Safety -> Occupant Restraint Systems for Your Fiat 500 L 4 Door First Generation (2012-2022)

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