Fiat 500X (2022 year). Manual in english — page 12

SAFETY

183

Full Brake Control System Message

When the system determines a collision with the

vehicle in front of you is no longer probable, the

warning message will be deactivated

Ú

page 297.

NOTE:



The minimum speed for Full Brake Control

system activation is 3 mph (5 km/h).



The Full Brake Control system alerts may be trig

-

gered on objects other than vehicles such as

guardrails or sign posts based on the course

prediction. This is expected and is a part of

normal Full Brake Control system activation and

functionality.



The Full Brake Control system is intended for

on-road use only. If the vehicle is taken off-road,

the Full Brake Control system should be deacti

-

vated to prevent unnecessary warnings to the

surroundings.

Turning Full Brake Control System On Or

Off

The Full Brake Control system menu setting is

located in the Uconnect Settings

Ú

page 123.

NOTE:

The default status of Full Brake Control system is

“Warning + Active Braking.” This allows the system

to warn you of a possible collision with the vehicle

in front of you and enable the active braking.



Changing the Full Brake Control system status

to “Off” deactivates the system, so no warning

or active braking will be available in case of a

possible collision.



Changing the Full Brake Control system status

to “Only Warning” prevents the system from

providing limited active braking, or additional

brake support if the driver is not braking

adequately in the event of a potential frontal

collision, but maintains the audible and visual

warnings.

Changing the status of the system is possible when

the vehicle is stopped or moving.
NOTE:

The Full Brake Control system state is kept in

memory from one key cycle to the next. It will

remain the same when the vehicle is turned off

and is restarted.

Changing Full Brake Control System

Sensitivity

By changing the settings on the menu of the

Uconnect system, you can change the sensitivity of

the system by choosing one of the following three

options: "Near", "Medium" or "Far"

Ú

page 123.

The default option is "Medium". This setting

provides that the system notify the driver of a

possible accident with the vehicle ahead of it when

the latter is at a standard distance, intermediate

between the other two possible settings.
By setting the sensitivity of the system to "Far", the

system will warn the driver of a possible accident

with the vehicle in front when the latter is at a

greater distance, giving you the chance to act on

the brakes in a more limited and gradual way. This

setting gives the driver the maximum possible time

of reaction to prevent a possible accident.

WARNING!

The Full Brake Control System is not intended to

avoid a collision on its own, nor can the Full

Brake Control System detect every type of

potential collision. The driver has the

responsibility to avoid a collision by controlling

the vehicle via braking and steering. Failure to

follow this warning could lead to serious injury or

death.

6

184

SAFETY

By changing the option to "Near", the system will

warn the driver of a possible accident with the

vehicle ahead of it when the latter is a reduced

distance. This setting offers a reaction time to the

driver lower than the settings "Medium" and "Far",

in the case of a potential accident, which will

provide a more dynamic driving experience.
The setting of the sensitivity of the system is

maintained in memory when the engine is

switched off.

Full Brake Control System Limited Warning

If the instrument cluster display reads “Brake

Control Limited Functionality” or “Brake Control

Limited Functionality Clean Front Windshield”

momentarily, there may be a condition that limits

Full Brake Control system functionality. Although

the vehicle is still drivable under normal

conditions, the active braking may not be fully

available. Once the condition that limited the

system performance is no longer present, the

system will return to its full performance state. If

the problem persists, see an authorized dealer.

Service Full Brake Control System Warning

If the system turns off, and the instrument cluster

display displays “Service Brake Control”.
This indicates there is an internal system fault.

Although the vehicle is still drivable under normal

conditions, have the system checked by an

authorized dealer.

“Brake Control Front Radar Sensor Temporarily

Blocked” Warning
The “Brake Control Front Radar Sensor

Temporarily Blocked” warning will display when

conditions temporarily limit system performance.

This most often occurs at times of poor visibility,

such as in snow or heavy rain. The system may also

become temporarily blinded due to obstructions,

such as mud, dirt or ice. In these cases, the

instrument cluster display will display “Brake

Control Front Radar Sensor Temporarily Blocked”

and the system will deactivate.
The “Brake Control Front Radar Sensor

Temporarily Blocked” message can sometimes be

displayed while driving in highly reflective areas

(i.e. tunnels with reflective tiles, or ice and snow).

The system will recover after the vehicle has left

these areas. Under rare conditions, when the radar

is not tracking any vehicles or objects in its path

this warning may temporarily occur.
If weather conditions are not a factor, the driver

should examine the sensor. It may require cleaning

or removal of an obstruction. The sensor is located

behind the lower grille. In absence of visible

obstructions on the fascia/bumper, it could be

necessary to wipe off the radar directly on the

surface, after having the radar cover removed. It’s

recommended that an authorized dealer performs

this operation.

NOTE:



If the “Brake Control Front Radar Sensor Tempo

-

rarily Blocked” message occurs frequently (e.g.

more than once on every trip) without any snow,

rain, mud, or other obstruction, have the radar

sensor realigned at an authorized dealer.



Installing a snow plow, front-end protector, an

aftermarket grille or modifying the grille is not

recommended. Doing so may block the sensor

and inhibit Full Brake Control system operation.

Precautions While Driving With Full Brake

Control System

In certain driving conditions, such as:



Driving in the vicinity of a curve



Small vehicles and/or not aligned to the lane



Lane changing of other vehicles



Passing of vehicles in an oncoming intersection

The intervention of the system could be

unexpected or delayed. The driver must therefore

always pay particular attention, while maintaining

control of the car to drive in complete safety.

SAFETY

185

Driving In The Vicinity Of A Curve
Entering or exiting a large curve, the system could

detect the presence of a vehicle that is in front of

the car, but that does not preside in the same lane.

In cases such as this, the system might respond.

Driving In The Vicinity Of A Curve

Small Vehicles And/Or Not Aligned To The Lane
The system is not able to detect the presence of

vehicles that are in front of the car but placed

outside the field of action of the radar sensor and

could therefore not react in the presence of small

vehicles such as bicycles or motorcycles.

Small Vehicles And/Or Not Aligned To The Lane

Lane Changing Of Other Vehicles
Vehicles that suddenly change lanes, while

standing in the traffic lane of their car and inside

the field of action of the radar sensor may cause

the intervention of the system.

Lane Changing Of Other Vehicles

Passing Of Vehicles In An Oncoming Intersection
The system could temporarily react to a vehicle

that crossed the range of the radar sensor, in an

oncoming intersection.

Passing Of Vehicles In An Oncoming Intersection

T

IRE

P

RESSURE

M

ONITORING

S

YSTEM

(TPMS)

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will

warn the driver of a low tire pressure based on the

vehicle recommended cold tire pressure.
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 decrease. 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

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186

SAFETY

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. The tire pressure will also increase as the

vehicle is driven, this is normal and there should be

no adjustment for this increased pressure.
See

Ú

page 269 on how to properly inflate the

vehicle's tires.
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 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

information.

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 sufficiently 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 System

Warning Light will turn off only after the tires are

inflated to the vehicle’s recommended cold tire

pressure value

Ú

page 297.

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. Undesir

-

able system operation or sensor damage may

result when using replacement equipment

that is not of the same size, type, and/or style.

Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor

damage. Using aftermarket tire sealants may

cause the Tire Pressure Monitoring System

(TPMS) sensor to become inoperable. After

using an aftermarket tire sealant it is recom

-

mended that you take your vehicle to an

authorized dealership to have your sensor

function checked.



After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure,

always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will

prevent moisture and dirt from entering the

valve stem, which could damage the Tire Pres

-

sure Monitoring System sensor.

SAFETY

187

NOTE:



The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire

care and maintenance, or to provide warning of

a tire failure or condition.



The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure

gauge while adjusting your tire pressure.



Driving on a significantly underinflated tire

causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire

failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel effi

-

ciency and tire tread life, and may affect the

vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.



The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire

maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility

to maintain correct tire pressure using an accu

-

rate tire gauge, even if underinflation 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.

Base System

This is the TPMS Warning Light 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.
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 System sensors.



Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light.

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM LOW

PRESSURE WARNINGS

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light

will illuminate in the instrument cluster, an

acoustic signal will be activated, and the “Check

left or right front/rear tire” text message will

display when one or more of the four active road

tire pressures are low. Should 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 pressure value. The system will

automatically update and the Tire Pressure

Monitoring Warning 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.

CHECK 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 System” text message will

display. If the ignition 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:



Jamming due to electronic devices or driving

next to facilities emitting the same radio

frequencies as the TPMS sensors.



Installing some form of aftermarket window

tinting that affects radio wave signals.



Snow or ice around the wheels or wheel hous

-

ings.



Using tire chains on the vehicle.



Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPMS

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 System sensor. Therefore,

the TPMS will not monitor the tire pressure in

the compact spare tire.

6

188

SAFETY



If you install the compact spare tire in place of a

road tire that has a pressure below the low-pres

-

sure warning limit, upon the next ignition cycle,

a chime will sound and the Tire Pressure Moni

-

toring System Warning Light 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.



This occurs for each subsequent ignition cycle,

a chime will sound and the Tire Pressure Moni

-

toring System Warning Light will flash on and off

for 75 seconds and then remain on solid.



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 auto

-

matically 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.

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS

Some of the most important safety features in your

vehicle are the restraint systems:

O

CCUPANT

R

ESTRAINT

S

YSTEMS



Seat Belt Systems



Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Air Bags



Child Restraints

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.

I

MPORTANT

S

AFETY

P

RECAUTIONS

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.
Here are some simple steps you can take to

minimize the risk of harm from a deploying air bag:
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 must be secured in

the appropriate child restraint or

belt-positioning booster seat in a rear seating

position

Ú

page 204.

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

Ú

page 204.

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.

6. All occupants should always wear their lap and

shoulder 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 occupants and the

door and occupants could be injured.

9. If the air bag system in this vehicle needs to be

modified to accommodate a disabled person,

see

Ú

page 294 for customer service contact

information.

SAFETY

189

S

EAT

B

ELT

S

YSTEMS

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.
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.

Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System

(BeltAlert)

Driver And Passenger BeltAlert — If Equipped

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.
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 passenger (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.
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 unbuckled (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.
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 buckled 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 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.
BeltAlert can be activated or deactivated by an

authorized dealer. FCA US LLC does not

recommend deactivating BeltAlert.

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 restraint in the rear seat. If the vehicle

does not have a rear seat, do not transport a

rear-facing child restraint in that vehicle.

6

190

SAFETY

(Continued)

(Continued)

(Continued)

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

All seating positions in your vehicle are equipped

with lap/shoulder belts.
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.

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 inte

-

rior 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.



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 seri

-

ously 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.

WARNING!



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 another 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.

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.

WARNING!

SAFETY

191

(Continued)

Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions

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

and adjust the seat.

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).

Grab 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.

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.”

Inserting Latch Plate Into Buckle



A twisted seat belt may not protect you prop

-

erly. 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.



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 inju

-

ries. 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.

WARNING!



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.



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 immedi

-

ately. Do not disassemble or modify the seat

belt system. If your vehicle is involved in a

collision, or if you have questions regarding

seat belt or retractor conditions, take your

vehicle to an authorized FCA dealer or autho

-

rized FCA Certified Collision Care Program

facility for inspection.

WARNING!

6

192

SAFETY

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.

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.

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.

Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure

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, grab 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.

4. Continue to slide the latch plate up until it

clears the folded webbing and the seat belt is

no longer twisted.

Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage

In the driver and outboard front passenger seats,

the top of the shoulder belt can be adjusted

upward or downward to position the seat belt away

from your neck. Push or squeeze the anchorage

button to release the anchorage, and move it up or

down to the position that serves you best.

Adjustable Anchorage Up

As a guide, if you are shorter than average, you will

prefer the shoulder belt anchorage in a lower

position, and if you are taller than average, you will

prefer the shoulder belt anchorage in a higher

position. After you release the anchorage button,

try to move it up or down to make sure that it is

locked in position.
NOTE:

The adjustable upper shoulder belt anchorage is

equipped with an Easy Up feature. This feature

allows the shoulder belt anchorage to be adjusted

in the upward position without pushing or

squeezing the release button. To verify the

shoulder belt anchorage is latched, pull downward

on the shoulder belt anchorage until it is locked

into position.

SAFETY

193

Seat Belts And Pregnant Women

Seat Belts And Pregnant Women

Seat belts must be worn by all occupants including

pregnant 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.

Seat Belt Pretensioner

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.
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.

WARNING!



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.



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.



Misadjustment of the seat belt could reduce

the effectiveness of the safety belt in a crash.



Always make all seat belt height adjustments

when the vehicle is stationary.

6

194

SAFETY

Switchable Automatic Locking Retractors

(ALR)

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

Ú

page 211.

The figure below illustrates the locking feature for

each seating position.

Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) Locations

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 occupant’s

mid-section. Slide the latch plate into the buckle

until you hear a "click."
In Automatic Locking Mode, the shoulder belt is

automatically 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.

How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode
1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder

belt.

2. Grab 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) locking mode.

ALR — Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor

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 restraint in the rear seat. If the vehicle

does not have a rear seat, do not transport a

rear-facing child restraint in that vehicle.

WARNING!



The seat belt assembly must be replaced if the

switchable Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)

feature or any other seat belt function is not

working properly when checked according to

the procedures in the Service Manual.



Failure to replace the seat belt assembly

could increase the risk of injury in collisions.



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.

SAFETY

195

S

UPPLEMENTAL

R

ESTRAINT

S

YSTEMS

(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.
The air bag system must be ready to protect you in

a collision. The Occupant Restraint Controller

(ORC) monitors the internal circuits and

interconnecting wiring associated with the

electrical Air Bag System Components. Your

vehicle may be equipped with the following Air Bag

System Components:

Air Bag System Components



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



Front and Side Impact Sensors



Seat Belt Pretensioners



Seat Track Position Sensors

Air Bag Warning Light

The Occupant Restraint Controller (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 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 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 malfunction 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.
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 diagnostics 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 Air Bag Warning Light does not come on

during the four to eight seconds when the igni

-

tion switch is first in the MAR/ACC/ON/RUN

position.



The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the

four to eight-second interval.



The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermit

-

tently 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.

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.

6

196

SAFETY

(Continued)

Redundant Air Bag Warning Light

If a fault with the Air Bag Warning Light is

detected, which could affect the

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS),

the Redundant Air Bag Warning Light will

illuminate on the instrument panel. The

Redundant Air Bag Warning Light will stay on until

the fault is cleared. In addition, a single chime will

sound to alert you that the Redundant Air Bag

Warning Light has come on and a fault has been

detected. If the Redundant Air Bag Warning Light

comes on intermittently or remains on while driving

have an authorized dealer service the vehicle

immediately

Ú

page 69.

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 Impact Bolster Locations

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 determined by the Occupant

Restraint Controller (ORC), which may receive

information from the front impact sensors (if

equipped) or other system components.
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.

1 — Driver And Passenger Front Air Bags
2 — Driver Knee Impact Bolster/Supplemental

Driver Knee Air Bag
3 — Passenger Knee Impact Bolster

WARNING!



Being too close to the steering wheel or instru

-

ment panel during front air bag deployment

could cause serious injury, including death. Air

bags need room to inflate. Sit back, comfort

-

ably 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.



Never install a rear-facing child restraint in the

front seat of a vehicle. Only use a rear-facing

child restraint in the rear seat. If the vehicle

does not have a rear seat, do not transport a

rear-facing child restraint in that vehicle.

WARNING!

SAFETY

197

(Continued)

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 Advanced 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.

Front Air Bag Operation

Front Air Bags are designed to provide additional

protection 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 substantial

vehicle damage — for example, some pole

collisions, truck underrides, and angle offset

collisions.
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.
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.

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.
When the Occupants Restraint Controller (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.
The steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper

passenger 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.

Knee Impact Bolsters

The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees

of the driver and front passenger, and position the

front occupants for improved interaction with the

front air bags.

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.



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.



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.

WARNING!

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.

6

198

SAFETY

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).
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SABs)

are located in the outboard side of the front seats.

The SABs are marked with a “SRS AIRBAG” or

“AIRBAG” on a label or on the seat trim on the

outboard side of the seats.
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.

Front Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag

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.

Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains

(SABICs)
This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Side

Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABICs).
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains

(SABICs) are located above the side windows. The

trim covering the SABICs is labeled “SRS AIRBAG”

or “AIRBAG.”

Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC)

Label Location

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.