RAM ProMaster (2023 year). Manual in english — page 11

SAFETY

169

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 pressure gauge, even if underinflation

has not reached the level to trigger illumination

of the TPMS Warning Light.



Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire

pressure, and the TPMS will monitor the actual

tire pressure in the tire

Ú

page 280.

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 audible

chime will be activated, and the “Check tire

pressure” 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 System 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.

CAUTION!



The TPMS has been optimized for the original

equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and

warning have been established for the tire size

equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable 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 recommended 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 TPMS

sensor.

6

170

SAFETY

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 “Tire Pressure

Monitoring Unavailable” message will display.

If the ignition key is cycled, this sequence will

repeat providing the system fault still exists.

The TPMS 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

housings



Using tire chains on the vehicle



Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPMS

sensors

NOTE:

Your vehicle is equipped with a regular size spare

wheel.
1. The spare tire does not have a TPMS sensor.

Therefore, the TPMS will not monitor the

pressure in the spare tire.

2. If a spare tire not equipped with the Tire

Pressure Monitoring System sensor is used,

the TPMS Warning Light will turn on, flashing

for 75 seconds and then remaining solid for

each subsequent ignition key cycle.

3. Once you repair or replace the original road tire

and reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the

spare tire, the TPMS will update automatically

and the Tire Pressure Monitoring System

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.

NOTE:

For correct Tire Pressure Monitoring System

behavior, please wait for about 20 minutes in

key-off during each tire substitution.

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS

Some of the most important safety features in your

vehicle are the restraint systems:

O

CCUPANT

R

ESTRAINT

S

YSTEMS

F

EATURES



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 185.

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 185.

4. Never allow children to slide the shoulder belt

behind them or under their arm.

SAFETY

171

(Continued)

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 275 for customer service contact

information.

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 BeltAlert feature is active

whenever the ignition switch is in the AVV (START)

or MAR (ACC/ON/RUN) position.
Initial Indication
If the driver is unbuckled when the ignition switch

is first in the AVV (START) or MAR (ACC/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 AVV (START) or MAR (ACC/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.

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!

6

172

SAFETY

(Continued)

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.

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

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.

SAFETY

173

(Continued)

(Continued)



Wearing your seat belt incorrectly could make

your injuries in a collision much worse. You

might suffer internal injuries, or you could

even slide out of the seat belt. Follow these

instructions to wear your seat belt safely and

to keep your passengers safe, too.



Two people should never be belted into a

single seat belt. People belted together can

crash into one 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!



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 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.

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 colli

-

sion 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

174

SAFETY

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

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.

SAFETY

175

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

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.

Adjustable Anchorage

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.

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

176

SAFETY

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 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 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.

Switchable Automatic Locking

Retractor (ALR)

The seat belt in the passenger seating position is

equipped with a Switchable Automatic Locking

Retractor (ALR) which is used to secure a child restraint

system

Ú

page 188. The figure below illustrates the

locking feature for each seating position.

Front Bucket Seat: Switchable Automatic Locking

Retractor (ALR) Location

Front Bench Seat: Switchable Automatic Locking

Retractor (ALR) Locations

SAFETY

177

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.

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.

6

178

SAFETY

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



Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags



Seat Belt Buckle Switch



Supplemental Side Air Bags



Front and Side Impact Sensors



Seat Belt Pretensioners

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.

SAFETY

179

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 Locations

Driver And Passenger Front Air Bag

Features

The driver and passenger front air bag system

is designed to inflate based on 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.

1 — Driver Front Air Bag
2 — Passenger Front Air Bag

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,

comfortably extending your arms to reach the

steering wheel or instrument panel.



Never place a rear-facing child restraint in

front of an air bag. A deploying passenger

front air bag can cause death or serious injury

to a child 12 years or younger, including a

child in a rear-facing child restraint.



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!



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.

6

180

SAFETY

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 Occupant 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.

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 “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 Label

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.

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.

SAFETY

181

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

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.

The SABIC deploys downward, covering the side

windows. An inflating SABIC pushes the outside

edge of the headliner out of the way and covers the

window. The SABICs inflate with enough force to

injure occupants if 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.
The SABICs may help reduce the risk of partial or

complete ejection of vehicle occupants through

side windows in certain side impact events.

Side Impacts
The Side Air Bags are designed to activate in

certain side impacts. The Occupant Restraint

Controller (ORC) determines whether the

deployment of the Side Air Bags in a particular

impact event is appropriate, based on the severity

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 Side Air Bags will not deploy in all side

collisions, including some collisions at certain

angles, or some side collisions that do not impact

the area of the passenger compartment. The Side

Air Bags may deploy during angled or offset frontal

collisions where the front air bags deploy.
Side Air Bags are a supplement to the seat belt

restraint system. Side Air Bags deploy in less time

than it takes to blink your eyes.

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 located 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 after

-

market sunroof to your vehicle. Do not add

roof racks that require permanent attach

-

ments (bolts or screws) for installation on the

vehicle roof. Do not drill into the roof of the

vehicle for any reason.

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182

SAFETY

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 and seat belt pretensioners are

designed to activate in certain rollover events.

The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)

determines whether deployment in a particular

rollover event is appropriate, based on the severity

and type of collision. Vehicle damage by itself is not

a good indicator of whether or not Side Air Bags

and seat belt pretensioners should have deployed.
The Side Air Bags and seat belt pretensioners

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 is

appropriate, the rollover sensing system will deploy

the side air bags and seat belt pretensioners on

both sides of the vehicle.
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.

WARNING!



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 windows, or area

where the side air bags inflate, even if they are

in an infant or child restraint.



Seat belts (and child restraints where appro

-

priate) 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, occu

-

pants must wear their seat belts properly and

sit upright with their backs against the seats.

Children must be properly restrained in a child

restraint or booster seat that is appropriate for

the size of the child.

WARNING!



Side Air Bags need room to inflate. Do not lean

against the door or window. Sit upright in the

center of the seat.



Being too close to the Side Air Bags during

deployment 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.

SAFETY

183

Air Bag System Components

NOTE:

The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) monitors

the internal circuits and interconnecting wiring

associated with electrical Air Bag System Compo

-

nents listed below:



Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)



Air Bag Warning Light



Steering Wheel and Column



Instrument Panel



Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags



Seat Belt Buckle Switch



Supplemental Side Air Bags



Front and Side Impact Sensors



Seat Belt Pretensioners

If A Deployment Occurs

The front air bags are designed to deflate

immediately after deployment.

NOTE:

Front and/or side air bags will not deploy in all colli

-

sions. This does not mean something is wrong with

the air bag system.

If you do have a collision which deploys the air

bags, any or all of the following may occur:



The air bag material may sometimes cause abra

-

sions 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.



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.

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.

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.

Fuel Cut Off Switch

Your vehicle is equipped with a Fuel Cut Off switch.

In the event of an accident, if the communication

network remains intact, and the power remains

intact, depending on the nature of the event, the

Fuel Cut Off Switch may perform the following

functions:



Cut off fuel to the engine and turn off the

engine.



Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has

power or until the hazard light button is pressed.

The hazard lights can be deactivated by

pressing the hazard light button.

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 assemblies replaced by an authorized

dealer immediately. Also, have the Occupant

Restraint Controller System serviced as well.

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184

SAFETY



Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as

long as the battery has power.



Unlock the power door locks.

NOTE:

After an accident, remember to cycle the ignition

to the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position and remove the

key from the ignition switch to avoid draining the

battery. Carefully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in

the engine compartment and on the ground near

the engine compartment 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 Fuel Cut Off Switch by following

the procedure described below. If you have any

doubt, contact an authorized dealer.

Fuel Cut Off Switch Reset Procedure

In order to reset the Fuel Cut Off Switch after an

event push the “A” Button located underneath the

front passenger side instrument panel.

Fuel Cut Off Switch

Maintaining Your Air Bag System

WARNING!

If, after an accident, you smell fuel or see leaks

from the fuel system, do not reset the Fuel Cut

Off Switch to avoid the risk of fire. Before

resetting the Fuel Cut Off Switch, carefully check

for fuel leaks or damage to the vehicle electrical

devices (e.g. headlights).

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 compo

-

nents or wiring, including adding any kind of

badges or stickers to the steering wheel hub

trim cover or the upper passenger side of the

instrument panel. Do not modify the front

fascia/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 accesso

-

ries may be used. If it is necessary to modify the air

bag system for persons with disabilities, contact an

authorized dealer.