2012 Chevrolet Colorado Owners Manual

system is designed for them. Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have the protection provided by appropriate child restraints. Children who are not restrained properly can strike other people, or can be thrown out of the vehicle.

{ WARNING

Never do this. Never hold an infant or a child while riding in a vehicle. Due to crash forces, an infant or a child will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it during a crash. For example, in a crash at only 40 km/h (25 mph), a 5.5 kg (12 lb) infant will suddenly become a

(Continued)

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Seats and Restraints

{ WARNING

Never do this. Children who are up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat. Secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat. It is also better to secure a forward-facing child restraint in a rear seat. If you must secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go.

Q: What are the different types of

add-on child restraints?

A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by the vehicle owner, are available in four basic types. Selection of a particular restraint should take into consideration not only the child's weight, height, and age but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used.

For most basic types of child restraints, there are many different models available. When purchasing a child restraint, be sure it is designed to be used in a motor vehicle. If it is, the restraint will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. The restraint manufacturer's instructions that come with the restraint state the weight and height limitations for a particular child restraint. In addition, there are many kinds of restraints available for children with special needs.

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{ WARNING

{ WARNING

Child Restraint Systems

Seats and Restraints

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To reduce the risk of neck and head injury during a crash, infants need complete support. This is because an infant's neck is not fully developed and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a crash, an infant in a rear-facing child restraint settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of an infant's body, the back and shoulders. Infants should always be secured in rear-facing child restraints.

A young child's hip bones are still so small that the vehicle's regular safety belt may not remain low on the hip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settle up around the child's abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force on a body area that is unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries during a crash, young children should always be secured in appropriate child restraints.

(A) Rear‐Facing Infant Seat

A rear-facing infant seat (A) provides restraint with the seating surface against the back of the infant. The harness system holds the infant in place and, in a crash, acts to keep the infant positioned in the restraint.

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Seats and Restraints

(B) Forward-Facing Child Seat

(C) Booster Seats

A forward-facing child seat (B) provides restraint for the child's body with the harness.

A booster seat (C) is a child restraint designed to improve the fit of the vehicle's safety belt system. A booster seat can also help a child to see out the window.

Securing an Add-On Child Restraint in the Vehicle { WARNING

A child can be seriously injured or killed in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle. Secure the child restraint properly in the vehicle using the vehicle safety belt or LATCH system, following the instructions that came with that child restraint and the instructions in this manual.

To help reduce the chance of injury, the child restraint must be secured in the vehicle. Child restraint systems must be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap belt portion of a lap-shoulder belt, or by the LATCH system. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑43 for more information.

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Seats and Restraints

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Where to Put the Restraint According to accident statistics, children and infants are safer when properly restrained in a child restraint system or infant restraint system secured in a rear seating position. We recommend that children and child restraints be secured in a rear seat, including: an infant or a child riding in a rear-facing child restraint; a child riding in a forward-facing child seat; an older child riding in a booster seat; and children, who are large enough, using safety belts.

Children can be endangered in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle. When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to the instructions that come with the restraint which may be on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraint instructions are important, so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in the vehicle— even when no child is in it.

In some areas of the United States and Canada, Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) are available to inspect and demonstrate how to correctly use and install child restraints. In the U.S., refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to locate the nearest child safety seat inspection station. For CPST availability in Canada, check with Transport Canada or the Provincial Ministry of Transportation office. Securing the Child Within the Child Restraint

{ WARNING

A child can be seriously injured or killed in a crash if the child is not properly secured in the child restraint. Secure the child properly following the instructions that came with that child restraint.

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Seats and Restraints

Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front. This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.

{ WARNING

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inflates and the passenger seat is in a forward position. The vehicle may have a passenger sensing system which is designed to turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

Even if the passenger sensing system, if equipped, has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag, no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat. See Passenger Sensing System on page 3‑27 for additional information.

{ WARNING

A child in a child restraint in the center front seat can be badly injured or killed by the frontal airbags if they inflate. Never secure a child restraint in the center front seat. It is always better to secure a child restraint in a rear seat.

Do not use child restraints in the center front seat position. If the vehicle does not have rear seats, rear-facing child restraints should not be installed in the vehicle, even if the passenger airbag is off.

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If a child in a forward-facing child restraint must be transported in a vehicle that does not have rear seats, the child restraint should be secured in the right front seat position. See “Securing Child Restraints (Right Front Seat Position)” later in this section, for instructions on how to install a child restraint in the right front seat position. When securing a child restraint in a rear seating position, study the instructions that came with the child restraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle. Child restraints and booster seats vary considerable in size, and some may fit in certain seating positions better than others. Always make sure the child restraint is properly secured.

Depending on where you place the child restraint and the size of the child restraint, you may not be able to access adjacent safety belt assemblies or LATCH anchors for additional passengers or child restraints. Adjacent seating positions should not be used if the child restraint prevents access to or interferes with the routing of the safety belt. Wherever you install a child restraint, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in the vehicle, even when no child is in it.

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Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) The LATCH system holds a child restraint during driving or in a crash. This system is designed to make installation of a child restraint easier. The LATCH system uses anchors in the vehicle and attachments on the child restraint that are made for use with the LATCH system. Make sure that a LATCH-compatible child restraint is properly installed using the anchors, or use the vehicle's safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with that restraint, and also the instructions in this manual. When installing a child restraint with a top tether, you must also use either the lower anchors or the safety belts to properly secure the child restraint. A child restraint must never be installed using only the top tether and anchor.

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Seats and Restraints

In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle, you need a child restraint that has LATCH attachments. The child restraint manufacturer will provide you with instructions on how to use the child restraint and its attachments. The following explains how to attach a child restraint with these attachments in your vehicle. Not all vehicle seating positions or child restraints have lower anchors and attachments or top tether anchors and attachments.

Lower Anchors

Top Tether Anchor

Lower anchors (A) are metal bars built into the vehicle. There are two lower anchors for each LATCH seating position that will accommodate a child restraint with lower attachments (B).

A top tether (A, C) anchors the top of the child restraint to the vehicle. A top tether anchor is built into the vehicle. The top tether attachment (B) on the child restraint connects to the top tether anchor in the vehicle in order to reduce the forward movement and rotation of the child restraint during driving or in a crash.

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Your child restraint may have a single tether (A) or a dual tether (C). Either will have a single attachment (B) to secure the top tether to the anchor. Some child restraints that have a top tether are designed for use with or without the top tether being attached. Others require the top tether always to be attached. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint.

Lower Anchor and Top Tether Anchor Locations

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To assist in locating the lower anchors, place your hand in a palm-up position and reach up between the seat cushion and the seatback.

Crew Cab — Rear Seat

i (Top Tether Anchor): Seating positions with top tether anchors. j (Lower Anchor): Seating positions with two lower anchors. For crew cab models, there are exposed metal lower anchors for each rear outboard seating position, where the seatback meets the back of the seat cushion.

Extended Cab — Rear Seat i (Top Tether Anchor): Seating positions with top tether anchors. j (Lower Anchor): Seating positions with two lower anchors. For extended cab models with rear seats, there are exposed metal lower anchors for each rear seating position, attached to the back wall, near the seat cushion.

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To assist in locating the lower anchors, place your hand in a palm-up position and reach up between the seat cushion and the seatback.

Front Bench Seat — Regular

and Extended Cab without Rear

Seats

i (Top Tether Anchor): Seating positions with top tether anchors.

Front Bucket Seats — Regular and Extended Cab without Rear

Seats

i (Top Tether Anchor): Seating positions with top tether anchors.

Some top tether anchors have covers. To assist in locating the covered top tether anchors, the top tether anchor symbol is on the cover.

Crew Cab

The top tether anchors in a crew cab model are on the back wall behind each rear seating position.

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Be sure to use an anchor on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed.

Regular and Extended Cab

without Rear Seats (Front Bucket

Seats)

For regular and extended cab models without rear seats that have front bucket seats, there is a top tether anchor behind a removable cover on the back wall behind the right front passenger seat. You may have to pull the seatback forward to access the anchor.

Regular and Extended Cab without Rear Seats (Front

Bench Seat)

For regular and extended cab models without rear seats that have a front bench seat, there are top tether anchors behind removable covers on the back wall behind the right front passenger seat and the center front passenger seat. The seatback may have to be pulled forward to access the anchors.

Extended Cab — Rear Seat

The top tether anchors in an extended cab model are on the center of the back wall behind a removable cover for the rear seating positions. Be sure to use an anchor nearest to the seating position where the child restraint will be placed.

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Do not secure a child restraint in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be attached, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top tether must be attached. According to accident statistics, children and infants are safer when properly restrained in a child restraint system or infant restraint system secured in a rear seating position. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 3‑41 for additional information.

Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System

{ WARNING

If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached to anchors, the child restraint will not be able to protect the child correctly. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Install a LATCH-type child restraint properly using the anchors, or use the vehicle safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with the child restraint and the instructions in this manual.

{ WARNING

Do not attach more than one child restraint to a single anchor. Attaching more than one child restraint to a single anchor could cause the anchor or attachment to come loose or even break during a crash. A child or others could be injured. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries during a crash, attach only one child restraint per anchor.

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{ WARNING

Crew Cab — Rear Seat

Children can be seriously injured or strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped around their neck and the safety belt continues to tighten. Buckle any unused safety belts behind the child restraint so children cannot reach them. Pull the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock, if the vehicle has one, after the child restraint has been installed.

Notice: Do not let the LATCH attachments rub against the vehicle’s safety belts. This may damage these parts. If necessary, move buckled safety belts to avoid rubbing the LATCH attachments. Do not fold the empty rear seat with a safety belt buckled. This could damage the safety belt or the seat. Unbuckle and return the safety belt to its stowed position, before folding the seat.

1. Put the child restraint on

2.

the seat. If the child restraint manufacturer's instructions recommend that the top tether be attached, attach the top tether to the top tether anchor (A). Refer to the child restraint instructions and the following steps: 2.1. Pull the seatback forward to

access the top tether anchors (A). See Rear

Seats and Restraints

3-49

Seats (Crew Cab) on page 3‑8 or Rear Seats (Extended Cab) on page 3‑8.

2.2. Route the top tether

according to your child restraint instructions and the following instructions:

If the child restraint has a single tether, route the tether over the seatback.

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Seats and Restraints

2.4. Push rearward on the

3.1. Find the lower anchors for

seatback until it locks into its upright position. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is secured properly.

3. Attach and tighten the lower

attachments to the lower anchors. If the child restraint does not have lower attachments or the desired seating position does not have lower anchors, secure the child restraint with the top tether and the safety belts. Refer to your child restraint manufacturer instructions and the instructions in this manual.

the desired seating position.

3.2. Attach and tighten the lower

attachments on the child restraint to the lower anchors.

4. Tighten the top tether. 5. Before placing a child in the

child restraint, make sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp the child restraint at the LATCH path and attempt to move it side to side and back and forth. There should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement for proper installation.

If the child restraint has a dual tether, route the tether over the seatback.

2.3. Attach the top tether to the anchor (A). Make sure that you secure the top tether to the top tether anchor and not to the seatback latch (B).

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Extended Cab — Rear Seat

1. Attach and tighten the lower

attachments to the lower anchors. If the child restraint does not have lower attachments or the desired seating position does not have lower anchors, secure the child restraint with the top tether and the safety belts. Refer to your child restraint manufacturer instructions and the instructions in this manual.

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If the child restraint manufacturer recommends that the top tether be attached, attach and tighten the top tether to the top tether anchor (C). Refer to the child restraint instructions and the following steps:

1.1. Find the lower anchors (D)

2.

for the desired seating position.

1.2. Put the child restraint on

the seat.

1.3. Attach the lower

attachments on the child restraint to the lower anchors (D) in the vehicle. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

2.1. Pull on the finger access

tab to remove the cover to access the top tether anchors (C).

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2.2. Route the top tether (A)

through the loop (B) at the top of the seatback to attach the top tether to the nearest top tether anchor (C).

3. Tighten the lower anchor

attachments and the top tether. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

4. Before placing a child in the

child restraint, make sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp the child restraint at the LATCH path and attempt to move it side to side and back and forth. There should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement for proper installation.

Right Front Seat — Regular/ Extended Cab without Rear Seats The vehicle has a right front passenger airbag and may also have a passenger sensing system. If the vehicle has a passenger sensing system it is designed to turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag when an infant in a rear-facing infant seat or a small child in a forward-facing child restraint or booster seat is detected. See “Securing Child Restraints (Right Front Seat Position)” later in this section and Passenger Sensing System on page 3‑27 for important safety information and additional information on installing a child restraint in the right front seat position. 1. See “Securing Child Restraints

(Right Front Seat Position)” later in this section for instructions on installing the child restraint using the safety belts.

2.

If the child restraint manufacturer's instructions recommend that the top tether be attached, attach and tighten the top tether to the top tether anchor. Refer to the child restraint instructions and the following steps: 2.1. Pull the seatback forward to

access the top tether anchor. See Seatback Latches on page 3‑6.

2.2. Pull on the finger access

tab to remove the cover to access the top tether anchor.

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2.3. Route the top tether

according to your child restraint instructions and the following instructions:

If the position you are using has an adjustable headrest or head restraint and you are using a single tether, raise the headrest or head restraint and route the tether under the headrest or head restraint and in between the headrest or head restraint posts.

If the position you are using has a fixed headrest or head restraint and you are using a single tether, route the tether over the headrest or head restraint.

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If the position you are using has a fixed or adjustable headrest or head restraint and you are using a dual tether, route the tether around the headrest or head restraint.

3. Attach and tighten the top tether according to your child restraint instructions.

4. Before placing a child in the

child restraint, make sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp the child restraint at the LATCH path and attempt to move it side to side and back and forth. There should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement for proper installation.

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Center Front Seat — Regular/ Extended Cab without Rear Seats For vehicles without rear seats, manufacturers are required to provide top tether anchors for all non-driver seating positions and instructions for using those anchors. Even if a top tether anchor is available, you should not install a child restraint in the center front seat position. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 3‑41 for important safety information and additional information on installing a child restraint in the center front seat position. See “Securing Child Restraints (Center Front Seat Position)” later in this section for instructions on installing the child restraint using the safety belts and top tether anchor.

Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash { WARNING

A crash can damage the LATCH system in the vehicle. A damaged LATCH system may not properly secure the child restraint, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure the LATCH system is working properly after a crash, see your dealer to have the system inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.

If the vehicle has the LATCH system and it was being used during a crash, new LATCH system parts may be needed. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the LATCH system was not being used at the time of the crash.

Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat Position) When securing a child restraint in a rear seating position, study the instructions that came with your child restraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle. If your child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑43 for how to install your child restraint using LATCH. If you secure a child restraint using a safety belt and it uses a top tether, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑43 for top tether anchor locations.

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If you need to install more than one child restraint in the rear seat, be sure to read Where to Put the Restraint on page 3‑41. 1. Put the child restraint on

the seat.

2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle's safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

Do not secure a child restraint in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. If your child restraint does not have the LATCH system, you will be using the safety belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say.

3. Push the latch plate into the

buckle until it clicks. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if necessary.

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Seats and Restraints

7. Tighten the top tether. See

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑43.

8. Before placing a child in the

child restraint, make sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp the child restraint at the safety belt path and attempt to move it side‐to‐side and back‐ and‐forth. When the child restraint is properly installed, there should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement. To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. If the top tether is attached to a top tether anchor, disconnect it.

4. Pull the shoulder belt all the way

5.

out of the retractor to set the lock. When the retractor lock is set, the belt can be tightened but not pulled out of the retractor. If your child restraint has a top tether, attach the top tether to the top tether anchor. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑43.

6. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint, pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt, and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. When installing a forward-facing child restraint, it may be helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is locked. If the retractor is not locked, repeat Steps 4 and 6.

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Securing Child Restraints (Center Front Seat Position) For vehicles without rear seats, manufacturers are required to provide top tether anchors for all non-driver seating positions and instructions for using those anchors. Even if a top tether anchor is available, you should not install a child restraint in the center front seating position.

{ WARNING

A child in a child restraint in the center front seat can be badly injured or killed by the frontal airbags if they inflate. Never secure a child restraint in the center front seat. It is always better to secure a child restraint in a rear seat.

In addition, some larger child restraints, if installed in the center front seating position, may interfere with access to the driver and right front passenger safety belt buckles. See Safety Belts on page 3‑11 for information, including warnings, about the importance of safety belt use.

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If the vehicle does not have rear seats, rear-facing child restraints should not be installed in the vehicle, even if the passenger airbag is off. If a child in a forward-facing child restraint must be transported in a vehicle that does not have rear seats, the child restraint should be secured in the right front seat position. See “Securing Child Restraints (Right Front Seat Position)” later in this section, for instructions on how to install a child restraint in the right front seat position. Do not secure a child seat in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored. In Canada, the law requires that forward‐facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached.

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Seats and Restraints

The lap belt would be used to secure a child restraint in this position, following the instructions that came with the child restraint. 1. Adjust the driver seat to the

desired position. Fold the armrest up, if equipped.

2. Move the passenger seat so that

the seat and seatback are aligned with the driver seat and seatback positions. See Seat Adjustment on page 3‑3 or Power Seat Adjustment on page 3‑3 and Reclining Seatbacks on page 3‑4 for more information.

3. Make the center position lap belt as long as possible by tilting the latch plate and pulling it along the belt.

4. Place the child restraint on

the seat.

5.

If the child restraint manufacturer recommends using a top tether anchor, attach the top tether on the child restraint to the top tether anchor on the vehicle. Route the top tether according to the child restraint instructions and the following instructions:

5.1. Pull on the finger access

tab to remove the cover to access the top tether anchor.

5.2. Route the top tether over

the center seatback or folding armrest, if equipped.

5.3. Attach the top tether to the slots in the back panel as shown. Do not tighten the top tether at this time.

6. Pick up the latch plate on the center position lap safety belt, and run the lap safety belt through the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

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7. Push the latch plate into the

10. Before placing a child in the

buckle until it clicks. Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt can be unbuckled.

8. Tighten the center position lap belt by pulling on the loose end of the belt. It may be helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.

9. Tighten the top tether. Follow the

child restraint manufacturer's instructions.

child restraint, make sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp the child restraint at the safety belt path and attempt to move it side to side and back and forth. When the child restraint is properly installed, there should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement.

To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle safety belt. If the top tether is attached to the top tether anchor, disconnect it and reinstall the top tether anchor cover.

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Securing Child Restraints (Right Front Seat Position) This vehicle has airbags. A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing child restraint. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 3‑41. In addition, the vehicle may have a passenger sensing system which is designed to turn off the right front passenger's frontal airbag under certain conditions. See Passenger Sensing System on page 3‑27 and Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 5‑11 for more information on this, including important safety information.

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A label on the sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.

{ WARNING

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inflates and the passenger seat is in a forward position. The vehicle may have a passenger sensing system which is designed to turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

Even if the passenger sensing system, if equipped, has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag, no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat. See Passenger Sensing System on page 3‑27 for additional information.

If the vehicle does not have a rear seat that will accommodate a rear-facing child restraint, a child restraint should not be installed in your vehicle, even if the airbag is off. If your child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑43 for how and where to install your child restraint using LATCH. If a child restraint is secured using a safety belt and it uses a top tether, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑43 for top tether anchor locations. Do not secure a child seat in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored.

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In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. You will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. 1. Move the seat as far back as it

will go before securing the forward-facing child restraint.

2. Put the child restraint on

the seat.

3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle's safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

4. Push the latch plate into the

5. Pull the shoulder belt all the way

buckle until it clicks. Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary.

6.

out of the retractor to set the lock. When the retractor lock is set, the belt can be tightened but not pulled out of the retractor. If the vehicle does not have a rear seat and the child restraint manufacturer recommends using a top tether anchor, attach the top tether to the top tether anchor. Refer to the instructions that came with the child restraint and to Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑43.

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3-62

Seats and Restraints

If a child restraint has been installed and on indicator is lit, see “If the On Indicator is Lit for a Child Restraint” under Passenger Sensing System on page 3‑27 for more information. To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and let it return to the stowed position.

8. Tighten the top tether. See

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑43.

9. Before placing a child in the

child restraint, make sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp the child restraint at the safety belt path and attempt to move it side to side and back and forth. When the child restraint is properly installed, there should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement.

If the vehicle is equipped with the passenger sensing system, and when the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag, the off indicator on the passenger airbag status indicator should light and stay lit when you start the vehicle. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 5‑11.

7. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint, pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt, and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. When installing a forward-facing child restraint, it may be helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is locked. If the retractor is not locked, repeat Steps 5 and 7.

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Storage

Storage Compartments

Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Rear Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . 4-2

Storage Compartments

Glove Box Lift up on the glove box lever to open it.

Cupholders This vehicle may have two cupholders located on the lower part of the front doors as well as two cupholders located at the front end of the console. Vehicles with bench seats may have cupholders attached to the front of the center seat.

Storage

4-1

For vehicles that are an extended cab or crew cab model, the vehicle also has two rear cupholders. On crew cab models, the cupholders are located at the front end of the rear center seat cushion. The cupholder can be removed for cleaning by pressing the tab below the cupholder and sliding the cupholder forward. On extended cab models, the rear seat cupholders are located on top of the rear center console. Vehicles with ashtrays will use one of the cupholders.

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4-2

Storage

Rear Storage Extended cab models might have storage compartments under the rear seats.

To access the storage compartments, lift the cushion on the bottom of the rear seats. This exposes the storage boxes under the seat.

To open a storage box, unhook the bottom and lift the latches on each side of the storage box.

Lift the lid from the center area to access the storage box.

Center Console Storage For vehicles with bench seats, there may be a center armrest storage area. Lift up on the upper tab located at the front of the armrest to release the latch to open. For vehicles with bucket seats or uplevel packages, the vehicle may have a two-tiered center armrest storage area. Lift up on the upper or lower tab at the front of the armrest to open the upper or lower storage area.

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Instruments and Controls

5-1

Instruments and Controls

Controls

Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 5-2
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . 5-2
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators

Warning Lights, Gauges, and

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Chime Level Adjustment . . . . . . 5-6
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8

Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Engine Coolant Temperature

Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 5-9
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . 5-10
Passenger Airbag Status

Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Charging System Light . . . . . . 5-12
Malfunction

Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13

Brake System Warning

Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
StabiliTrak® OFF Light . . . . . . . 5-17
Traction Control System

(TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light . . . . 5-17
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 5-18
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . 5-19

Information Displays

Driver Information

Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20

Vehicle Messages

Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Battery Voltage and Charging

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Brake System Messages . . . . 5-23
Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Engine Cooling System

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Engine Oil Messages . . . . . . . . 5-24
Engine Power Messages . . . . 5-25
Fuel System Messages . . . . . . 5-25
Lamp Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Ride Control System

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Service Vehicle Messages . . . 5-26
Tire Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
Transmission Messages . . . . . 5-27

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5-2

Instruments and Controls

Controls

Steering Wheel Adjustment

To adjust: 1. Hold the steering wheel and pull

the lever toward you.

2. Move the steering wheel up

or down.

3. Release the lever to lock the

wheel in place.

Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.

Horn To sound the horn, press the horn symbol on the steering wheel pad.

The steering wheel adjustment lever is located on the left side of the steering wheel.

Windshield Wiper/Washer

The windshield wiper controls are located on the turn signal/lane change lever. They are controlled by turning the band with this z symbol. The windshield wipers work in all ignition positions, except LOCK/ OFF. This includes the Retained Access Power mode. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 9‑31.

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Instruments and Controls

5-3

Move the band to one of the following positions: 8 (Mist): For a single wipe, move the band to 8 and then release it. For several wipes, hold the band on 8 longer. N (Adjustable Interval Wipes): For adjustable interval wipes, turn the band up for more frequent wipes or down for less frequent wipes. 6 (Low Speed): For slow wipes, turn the band to the first solid position past the delay settings. 1 (High Speed): For fast wipes, turn the band to the second solid position past the delay settings. 9 (Off): Use to turn the wipers off. Clear snow and ice from the wiper blades before using them. If frozen to the windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them. Damaged wiper blades should be replaced.

Windshield Washer

{ WARNING

In freezing weather, do not use the washer until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your vision.

Q L (Washer Fluid): Push the paddle on top of the multifunction lever to spray washer fluid on the windshield. The wipers will clear the window and then either stop or return to your preset speed.

Compass

Compass Operation Press Y b or depending on the mirror, press O once to turn the display on or off.

Compass Calibration The compass may need calibration if: . CAL is displayed while driving in

the vehicle.

. After approximately five seconds,

the display does not show a compass heading, N for North, for example, there may be a strong magnetic field interfering with the compass. Interference can be caused by a magnetic antenna mount, magnetic note pad holder, or a similar magnetic item. The compass does not display the correct heading and the compass zone variance is set correctly.

To calibrate, CAL must be displayed in the mirror compass windows. If CAL is not displayed, press and hold Y b / O for several seconds or until CAL is displayed.

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5-4

Instruments and Controls

The compass can be calibrated by driving the vehicle in circles at 8 km/h (5 mph) or less until the display reads a direction. Compass Variance The mirror is set to zone eight. If you do not live in zone eight or drive out of the area, the compass variance needs to be changed to the appropriate zone. To adjust for compass variance: 1. Find the current location and variance zone number on the following zone map.

2. Press and hold Y b / O until Z and/or a zone number displays. 3. Press Y b / O repeatedly until the new zone number displays. After you stop pressing the button, the display shows a compass direction within a few seconds.

Clock

AM-FM Radio Press and hold HR until the correct hour displays. Press and hold MN until the correct minute displays. There is an initial two-second delay before the clock goes into time-set mode. To display the time with the ignition off, press RCL, HR, or MN. Radio with CD (MP3/WMA) Press and hold the HR button until the correct hour displays. Press and hold the MN button until the correct minute displays. The time can be set with the ignition on or off. To synchronize the time with an FM station broadcasting Radio Data System (RDS) information, press and hold the HR and MN buttons at the same time until RDS TIME displays. To accept this time, press and hold the HR and MN buttons, at the same time, for another two seconds. If the time is not available from the station, NO UPDAT (update) displays.

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Instruments and Controls

5-5

Notice: Leaving electrical equipment plugged in for an extended period of time while the vehicle is off will drain the battery. Always unplug electrical equipment when not in use and do not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum 20 ampere rating. Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible with the accessory power outlet and could overload vehicle and adapter fuses. If a problem is experienced, see your dealer. When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the proper installation instructions included with the equipment. See Add-On Electrical Equipment on page 9‑67.

Notice: Hanging heavy equipment from the power outlet can cause damage not covered by the vehicle warranty. The power outlets are designed for accessory power plugs only, such as cell phone charge cords.

Cigarette Lighter To use the lighter, press it in all the way, and let go. When it is ready, it will pop back out by itself. Notice: Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is heating does not let the lighter back away from the heating element when it is hot. Damage from overheating can occur to the lighter or heating element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a cigarette lighter in while it is heating.

RDS time is broadcast once a minute. After tuning to an RDS broadcast station, it could take a few minutes for the time to update.

Power Outlets The accessory power outlets can be used to plug in electrical equipment, such as a cell phone or MP3 player. The vehicle may have an accessory power outlet located below the climate control system and on the rear of the center console. Remove the cover to access and replace when not in use.

{ WARNING

Power is always supplied to the outlets. Do not leave electrical equipment plugged in when the vehicle is not in use because the vehicle could catch fire and cause injury or death.

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5-6

Instruments and Controls

Ashtrays The vehicle may have a removable ashtray and cigarette lighter. The ashtray is located in the center console area. The ashtray can be removed for cleaning. When the ashtray is removed, this area can also be used as a cupholder. Notice: If papers, pins, or other flammable items are put in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other smoking materials could ignite them and possibly damage the vehicle. Never put flammable items in the ashtray.

Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators Warning lights and gauges can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to the warning lights and gauges could prevent injury. Warning lights come on when there could be a problem with a vehicle function. Some warning lights come on briefly when the engine is started to indicate they are working. Gauges can indicate when there could be a problem with a vehicle function. Often gauges and warning lights work together to indicate a problem with the vehicle. When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on while driving, or when one of the gauges shows there may be a problem, check the section that explains what

to do. Follow this manual's advice. Waiting to do repairs can be costly and even dangerous.

Chime Level Adjustment The radio is used to adjust the vehicle's chime level. To change the volume level of the chime, press and hold pushbutton 6 with the ignition on and the radio power off. The volume level will change from the normal level to loud, and LOUD will appear on the radio display. To change back to the default or normal setting, press and hold pushbutton 6 again. The volume level will change from the loud level to normal, and NORMAL will appear on the radio display. Each time the chime volume is changed, three chimes will sound to indicate the new volume selected. Removing the radio and not replacing it with a factory radio or chime module will disable vehicle chimes.

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Instrument Cluster

Instruments and Controls

5-7

English Automatic Transmission 2.9L Shown, Metric, Manual Transmission, 3.7L and 5.3L Similar

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5-8

Instruments and Controls

Speedometer The speedometer shows the vehicle's speed in either kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph).

Odometer The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven, in either miles (used in the United States) or kilometers (used in Canada). The odometer mileage can be checked without the vehicle running by pressing the trip information stem. See “Odometer” under Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 5‑20 for more information. If the cluster is replaced the new one will automatically detect and update the vehicle's accumulated mileage.

Trip Odometer The vehicle has a trip odometer that indicates how far the vehicle has been driven since the trip odometer was last set to zero. See “Trip Odometer” under Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 5‑20 for more information.

Tachometer The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm). Notice: If the engine is operated with the tachometer in the shaded warning area, the vehicle could be damaged, and the damages would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not operate the engine with the tachometer in the shaded warning area.

Fuel Gauge

When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge shows how much fuel the vehicle has remaining in the fuel tank. An arrow on the fuel gauge indicates the side of the vehicle the fuel door is on.

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Here are four things that some owners ask about. None of these indicate a problem with the vehicle's fuel gauge: . At the gas station, the gas pump

shuts off before the gauge reads full. It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the gauge indicated. For example, the gauge may have indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a little more or less than half the tank's capacity to fill the tank. The gauge moves a little while turning a corner or speeding up. The gauge does not go back to empty when the ignition is turned off.

When the fuel in the fuel tank is low, a LOW FUEL message will display on the Driver Information Center (DIC). See Fuel System Messages on page 5‑25 for more information.

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge

Instruments and Controls

5-9

See Engine Overheating on page 10‑23 for more information.

Safety Belt Reminders

Driver Safety Belt Reminder Light When the engine is started, a chime sounds for several seconds to remind a driver to fasten the safety belt, unless the driver safety belt is already buckled.

This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature. If the gauge pointer is near the top of the gauge, the engine is too hot. It means that the engine coolant has overheated. If the vehicle has been operating under normal driving conditions, pull the vehicle off the road, stop the vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.

The safety belt light comes on and stays on for several seconds, then flashes for several more.

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5-10

Instruments and Controls

This chime and light are repeated if the driver remains unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion. If the driver safety belt is already buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on. Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light For vehicles equipped with the passenger safety belt reminder light, several seconds after the engine is started, a chime sounds for several seconds to remind the front passenger to buckle their safety belt. The passenger safety belt light, located on the instrument panel, comes on and stays on for several seconds and then flashes for several more.

This chime and light are repeated if the passenger remains unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion. If the passenger safety belt is buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on. The front passenger safety belt warning light and chime may turn on if an object is put on the seat such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop or other electronic device. To turn off the warning light and/or chime, remove the object from the seat or buckle the safety belt.

Airbag Readiness Light The system checks the airbag's electrical system for possible malfunctions. If the light stays on it indicates there is an electrical problem. The system check includes the airbag sensor(s), passenger sensing system, the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For more information on the airbag system, see Airbag System on page 3‑20.

The airbag readiness light flashes for a few seconds when the engine is started. If the light does not come on then, have it fixed immediately.

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Instruments and Controls

5-11

{ WARNING

If the airbag readiness light stays on after the vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it means the airbag system might not be working properly. The airbags in the vehicle might not inflate in a crash, or they could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid injury, have the vehicle serviced right away.

If there is a problem with the airbag system, an airbag Driver Information Center (DIC) message can also come on. See Vehicle Messages on page 5‑23 for more information.

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator If the vehicle has one of the passenger airbag status indicators pictured in the following illustrations, then the vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the right front passenger position. The passenger airbag status indicator is on the instrument panel. See Passenger Sensing System on page 3‑27 for important safety information. In addition, if the vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the right front passenger position, the label on the vehicle's sun visors refer to “ADVANCED AIRBAGS”.

United States

Canada and Mexico

When the vehicle is started, the passenger airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off, for several seconds as a system check. Then, after several more seconds, the status indicator will light either ON or OFF, or either the on or off symbol to let you know the status of the right front passenger frontal airbag.

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5-12

Instruments and Controls

If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger airbag status indicator, it means that the right front passenger frontal airbag is enabled (may inflate). If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the airbag status indicator, it means that the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag. If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be a problem with the lights or the passenger sensing system. See your dealer for service.

{ WARNING

If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right away. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 5‑10 for more information, including important safety information.

Charging System Light

If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. The light should go out once the engine starts. If it stays on, or comes on while driving, there could be a problem with the charging system. A charging system message in the Driver Information Center (DIC) can also appear. See Battery Voltage and Charging Messages on page 5‑23 for more information. This light could indicate that there are problems with a generator drive belt, or that there is an electrical problem. Have it checked right away. If the vehicle must be driven a short distance with the light on, turn off accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner.

This light comes on briefly when the ignition key is turned to START, but the engine is not running, as a check to show it is working.

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Malfunction Indicator Lamp A computer system called OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors the operation of the vehicle to ensure emissions are at acceptable levels, to produce a cleaner environment. This light comes on when the vehicle is placed in ON/RUN, as a check to show it is working. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. See Ignition Positions on page 9‑26 for more information.

If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on and stays on while the engine is running, this indicates that there is an OBD II problem and service is required.

Instruments and Controls