2012 Chevrolet Malibu Owners Manual

RKE transmitter. The system will then re-arm itself.

. Press the unlock button on the RKE transmitter. This will also disarm the system. Insert the key in the ignition and turn it on. This will also disarm the system.

How to Detect a Tamper Condition If three chirps are heard when the unlock or lock button is pressed on the RKE transmitter, it means that the system alarm was previously triggered.

Immobilizer See Radio Frequency Statement on page 13‑20 for information regarding Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and Industry Canada Standards RSS-GEN/210/220/310.

Immobilizer Operation This vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent system. The system does not have to be manually armed or disarmed. The vehicle is automatically immobilized when the key is removed from the ignition. The system is automatically disarmed when the vehicle is started with the correct key. The key uses a transponder that matches an immobilizer control unit in the vehicle and automatically disarms

the system. Only the correct key starts the vehicle. The vehicle may not start if the key is damaged.

The security light, located in the instrument panel cluster, comes on if there is a problem with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system. When trying to start the vehicle, the security light comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on. If the engine does not start and the security light stays on there is a problem with the system. Turn the ignition off and try again.

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Keys, Doors, and Windows

2-13

3. After the engine has started, turn

4.

the key to LOCK/OFF, and remove the key. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to ON/RUN within five seconds of the original key being turned to LOCK/OFF in Step 3. The security light will turn off once the key has been programmed. It may not be apparent that the security light went on due to how quickly the key is programmed.

5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if

additional keys are to be programmed.

Do not leave the key or device that disarms or deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.

Exterior Mirrors

Convex Mirrors

{ WARNING

A convex mirror can make things, like other vehicles, look farther away than they really are. If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could hit a vehicle on the right. Check the inside mirror or glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.

The passenger side mirror is convex shaped. A convex mirror's surface is curved so more can be seen from the driver seat.

If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to be undamaged or the light continues to stay on, try another ignition key. If the engine does not start with the other key, the vehicle needs service. If the vehicle does start, the first key may be damaged. See your dealer who can service the theft-deterrent system and have a new key made. It is possible for the theft-deterrent system decoder to learn the transponder value of a new or replacement key. Up to 10 keys can be programmed for the vehicle. The following procedure is for programming additional keys only. To program the new key: 1. Verify that the new key has

a 1 stamped on it.

2.

Insert the already programmed key in the ignition and start the engine. If the engine will not start, see your dealer for service.

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Keys, Doors, and Windows

Power Mirrors

Controls for the outside power mirrors are located on the driver door. To adjust the mirrors: 1. Move the selector switch located

below the four-way control pad to the left or right to choose either the driver side or passenger side mirror.

2. Press one of the four arrows located on the control pad to move the mirror in the desired direction.

3. Adjust each outside mirror so

that a little of the vehicle and the area behind it can be seen. Keep the selector switch in the center position when not adjusting either outside mirror. Manually fold the mirrors inward to prevent damage when going through an automatic car wash. To fold, push the mirror toward the vehicle. Push the mirror outward to return it to its original position.

Heated Mirrors For vehicles with heated mirrors: 1 (Rear Defogger): Press to heat the mirrors. See “Rear Window Defogger” under Automatic Climate Control System on page 8‑5 for more information.

Interior Mirrors

Manual Rearview Mirror Hold the inside rearview mirror in the center to move it for a clearer view of behind your vehicle. Adjust the mirror to avoid glare from the headlamps behind. Push the tab forward for daytime use and pull it for nighttime use. Vehicles with OnStar® have three control buttons located at the bottom of the mirror. See your dealer for more information on the system and how to subscribe to OnStar. See OnStar Overview on page 14‑1.

Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror The vehicle may have an automatic dimming inside rearview mirror with a compass display and OnStar® controls. See your dealer for more

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Keys, Doors, and Windows

2-15

Windows

{ WARNING

Leaving children, helpless adults, or pets in a vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous. They can be overcome by the extreme heat and suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Never leave a child, a helpless adult, or a pet alone in a vehicle, especially with the windows closed in warm or hot weather.

information on the system and how to subscribe to OnStar®. See OnStar Overview on page 14‑1. Press O to turn the compass display on or off. See Compass on page 5‑4 for more information. Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation Vehicles with an automatic dimming rearview mirror will automatically reduce the glare from the headlamps of the vehicle behind. This feature comes on each time the vehicle is started. To turn the automatic dimming feature off or on, press and hold O for approximately six seconds or until the indicator light turns off or on. Cleaning the Mirror Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the mirror. Use a soft towel dampened with water.

The vehicle aerodynamics are designed to improve fuel economy performance. This may result in a pulsing sound when a window is partially open. To reduce the sound, open another window or the sunroof (if equipped).

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Keys, Doors, and Windows

Power Windows

Press the front of the switch to open the window. Pull the switch up to close it. Express-Down Window The driver window has an express-down feature. This switch is labeled AUTO. Press the front all the way down and release, to automatically lower.

To stop the window while it is lowering, pull the front of the switch momentarily. To raise the window, pull and hold the front of the switch. Express-Up Window On windows with this feature, pull the switch up to the second position and release the switch to activate the express-up feature. To stop the window as it is going up, pull up or press down briefly on the switch again. Programming the Power Windows If the battery on the vehicle has been recharged or disconnected, or is not working, the driver power window will need to be re-programmed for the express-up feature to work. Replace or recharge the vehicle battery before reprogramming.

To program the driver window: 1. With the ignition in ACC/

ACCESSORY or ON/RUN, or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active, close all doors.

2. Press and hold the power

window switch until the window is fully open.

3. Pull the power window switch up

until the window is fully closed. 4. Continue holding the switch up for approximately two seconds after the window is completely closed.

The window is now reprogrammed. Express Window Anti-Pinch Feature If any object is in the path of the window when the express‐up is active, the window stops at the obstruction and auto‐reverses to a preset factory position. Weather

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conditions such as severe icing may also cause the window to auto‐reverse. The window returns to normal operation once the obstruction or condition is removed. Express Window Anti‐Pinch Override

{ WARNING

If express override is activated, the window will not reverse automatically. You or others could be injured and the window could be damaged. Before you use express override, make sure that all people and obstructions are clear of the window path.

In an emergency, the anti‐pinch feature can be overridden in a supervised mode. Hold the window switch all the way up to the second position. The window rises for as long as the switch is held. Once the switch is released, the express mode is re‐activated.

Keys, Doors, and Windows

2-17

In this mode, the window can still close on an object in its path. Use care when using the override mode. Window Lockout

Press o on the left side to deactivate the lockout switch. The red line on the switch is visible when deactivated.

Sun Visors

Pull the sun visor down to block glare. Detach the sun visor from the center mount to pivot to the side window, or to extend along the rod, if available.

The rear window lockout switch is on the driver door. This feature prevents the rear passenger windows from operating, except from the driver position. Press o on the right side to activate the lockout switch. The red line on the switch is not visible when activated.

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Keys, Doors, and Windows

Roof

Sunroof

The sunroof only operates when the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/ ACCESSORY, or if Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 9‑18. Press and release the back of the switch to open the sunroof to the vent position. From the vent position, press and release the back

of the switch to express-open the sunroof. To stop the sunroof from express-opening, press the switch again. If the sunshade is closed, it will open automatically when the sunroof opens past the vented position. A deflector will automatically raise when the sunroof is opened. The deflector will retract when the sunroof is closed. To close the sunroof, press the front of the switch and hold it until the sunroof is closed. The sunroof will stop if the switch is released. Close the sunshade by hand. The sunroof glass panel cannot be opened or closed if the vehicle has an electrical failure. Notice: Forcing the sunshade forward of the sliding glass panel may cause damage and the sunroof may not operate properly. Always close the glass panel before closing the sunshade.

Dirt and debris may collect on the sunroof seal or in the track. This could cause an issue with sunroof operation or noise. It could also plug the water drainage system. Periodically open the sunroof and remove any obstacles or loose debris. Wipe the sunroof seal and roof sealing area using a clean cloth, mild soap, and water. Do not remove grease from the sunroof.

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Seats and Restraints

3-1

Child Restraints

Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30
Infants and Young

Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . 3-34
Where to Put the Restraint . . . 3-36
Lower Anchors and Tethers

for Children (LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38

Replacing LATCH System

Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-45

Securing Child Restraints

(Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-45

Securing Child Restraints

(Front Passenger Seat) . . . . 3-47

Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints

Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Front Seats

Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . 3-4
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Rear Seats

Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Safety Belts

Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
How to Wear Safety Belts

Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Safety Belt Use During

Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Safety Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . 3-16

Safety System Check . . . . . . . . 3-16
Safety Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Replacing Safety Belt System

Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-16

Airbag System

Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . 3-19
When Should an Airbag

Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21

What Makes an Airbag

Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22

How Does an Airbag

Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22

What Will You See after an

Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22

Passenger Sensing

System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24

Servicing the Airbag-Equipped

Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28

Adding Equipment to the

Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . 3-28
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . 3-29
Replacing Airbag System

Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-29

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3-2

Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints The vehicle's front and rear seats have adjustable head restraints in the outboard seating positions.

{ WARNING

With head restraints that are not installed and adjusted properly, there is a greater chance that occupants will suffer a neck/ spinal injury in a crash. Do not drive until the head restraints for all occupants are installed and adjusted properly.

Adjust the head restraint so that the top of the restraint is at the same height as the top of the occupant's head. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. The height of the head restraint can be adjusted. Pull the head restraint up to raise it. Try to move the head restraint to make sure that it is locked in place.

To lower the head restraint, press the button located on top of the seatback, and push the head restraint down. Try to move the head restraint after the button is released to make sure that it is locked in place. The vehicle's front and rear seat outboard head restraints are not designed to be removed.

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Front Seats

Seat Adjustment

Seat Position

{ WARNING You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you do not want to. Adjust the driver seat only when the vehicle is not moving.

Seats and Restraints

3-3

To adjust the seat position:

Height Adjustment

1. Lift the bar under the front of the seat cushion to unlock the seat.

2. Slide the seat to the desired position and release the bar.

3. Try to move the seat back and

forth to make sure it is locked in place.

If available, press and hold the top or bottom of the switch to raise or lower the seat. Release the switch when the desired height is reached.

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3-4

Seats and Restraints

Power Seat Adjustment

{ WARNING You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust the seat while the vehicle is moving. Adjust the driver seat only when the vehicle is not moving.

. Raise or lower the front or rear

part of the seat cushion by moving the front or rear of the control up or down.

. Raise or lower the entire seat by

moving the entire control up or down.

Lumbar Adjustment

If available, press the front (A) or rear (B) of the control to increase or decrease lumbar support. Release the control when the desired level of support is reached.

Reclining Seatbacks { WARNING

Sitting in a reclined position when the vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even when buckled up, the safety belts cannot do their job when reclined like this. The safety belt cannot properly restrain you, and you could be injured or killed. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear the safety belt properly.

To adjust a power seat, if available: . Move the seat forward or

rearward by sliding the control forward or rearward.

A.

Increase Lumbar Support Control

B. Decrease Lumbar Support

Control

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Seats and Restraints

3-5

Do not have a seatback reclined if the vehicle is moving.

Manual Reclining Seatbacks

{ WARNING You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you do not want to. Adjust the driver seat only when the vehicle is not moving.

{ WARNING

If either seatback is not locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always push and pull on the seatbacks to be sure they are locked.

To recline the seatback: 1. Lift the lever. 2. Move the seatback to the desired position, and then release the lever to lock the seatback in place.

3. Push and pull on the seatback to

make sure it is locked.

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3-6

Seats and Restraints

To return the seatback to the upright position: 1. Lift the lever fully without applying pressure to the seatback, and the seatback will return to the upright position.

2. Push and pull on the seatback to

make sure it is locked.

Power Reclining Seatbacks

To adjust a power seatback, if equipped:

Tilt the top of the control rearward to recline. Tilt the top of the control forward to raise.

Heated Front Seats { WARNING

If you cannot feel temperature change or pain to the skin, the seat heater may cause burns even at low temperatures. To reduce the risk of burns, people with such a condition should use care when using the seat heater, especially for long periods of time. Do not place anything on the seat that insulates against heat, such as a blanket, cushion, cover, or similar item. This may cause the seat heater to overheat. An overheated seat heater may cause a burn or may damage the seat.

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Seats and Restraints

3-7

Rear Seats

Folding the Seatback Either side of the seatback can be folded down for more cargo space. Adjust the seatback only when the vehicle is not moving. Notice: Folding a rear seat with the safety belts still fastened may cause damage to the seat or the safety belts. Always unbuckle the safety belts and return them to their normal stowed position before folding a rear seat.

To fold the seatback down: 1. Make sure the front seatback is

not reclined. If it is, the rear seatback will not fold down all the way. If necessary, return the front seatback to the upright position. See Reclining Seatbacks on page 3‑4.

2. Pull up on the seatback strap

while folding the seatback down.

If available, press the top of the switch to turn the heat feature on to the high heat setting. The indicator light “2” will be lit. Press the top of the switch again to go to the low heat setting. The indicator light “1” will be lit. Press the bottom of the switch to turn the feature off. The heated seats are canceled when the ignition is turned off.

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3-8

Seats and Restraints

Raising the Seatback { WARNING

A safety belt that is improperly routed, not properly attached, or twisted will not provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. After raising the rear seatback, always check to be sure that the safety belts are properly routed and attached, and are not twisted.

{ WARNING

If either seatback is not locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always push and pull on the seatbacks to be sure they are locked.

To raise the seatback: 1. Push the seatback up and back

to lock it into place.

2. Push and pull the top of the

seatback to be sure it is locked into position.

3. Make sure that the safety belts

are properly stowed over the seatback in all three seating positions.

When the seat is not in use, it should be kept in the upright, locked position.

Safety Belts This section of the manual describes how to use safety belts properly. It also describes some things not to do with safety belts.

{ WARNING

Do not let anyone ride where a safety belt cannot be worn properly. In a crash, if you or your passenger(s) are not wearing safety belts, injuries can be much worse than if you are wearing safety belts. You can be seriously injured or killed by hitting things inside the vehicle harder or by being ejected from the vehicle. In addition, anyone who is not buckled up can strike other passengers in the vehicle.

(Continued)

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WARNING (Continued)

Why Safety Belts Work

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, passengers riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow passengers to ride in any area of the vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Always wear a safety belt, and check that all passenger(s) are restrained properly too.

This vehicle has indicators as a reminder to buckle the safety belts. See Safety Belt Reminders on page 5‑12 for additional information.

When riding in a vehicle, you travel as fast as the vehicle does. If the vehicle stops suddenly, you keep going until something stops you. It could be the windshield, the instrument panel, or the safety belts! When you wear a safety belt, you and the vehicle slow down together. There is more time to stop because you stop over a longer distance and, when worn properly, your strongest bones take the forces from the

Seats and Restraints

3-9

safety belts. That is why wearing safety belts makes such good sense. Questions and Answers About Safety Belts Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after a crash if I am wearing a safety belt?

A: You could be— whether you are

wearing a safety belt or not. Your chance of being conscious during and after a crash, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.

Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why

should I have to wear safety belts?

A: Airbags are supplemental

systems only; so they work with safety belts— not instead of them. Whether or not an airbag is provided, all occupants still have to buckle up to get the most protection.

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3-10

Seats and Restraints

Also, in nearly all states and in all Canadian provinces, the law requires wearing safety belts.

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly This section is only for people of adult size. There are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and infants. If a child will be riding in the vehicle, see Older Children on page 3‑30 or Infants and Young Children on page 3‑32. Follow those rules for everyone's protection. It is very important for all occupants to buckle up. Statistics show that unbelted people are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. There are important things to know about wearing a safety belt properly.

. Sit up straight and always keep

your feet on the floor in front of you.

. Always use the correct buckle

for your seating position.

. Wear the lap part of the belt low

and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones and you would be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force on your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries.

. Wear the shoulder belt over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The shoulder belt locks if there is a sudden stop or crash.

{ WARNING

You can be seriously injured, or even killed, by not wearing your safety belt properly. . Never allow the lap or

shoulder belt to become loose or twisted.

. Never wear the shoulder belt

under both arms or behind your back.

. Never route the lap or shoulder belt over an armrest.

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Seats and Restraints

3-11

If the shoulder portion of a passenger belt is pulled out all the way, the child restraint locking feature may be engaged. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and start again. Engaging the child restraint locking feature in the right front seating position may affect the passenger sensing system. See Passenger Sensing System on page 3‑24 for more information.

Lap-Shoulder Belt All seating positions in the vehicle have a lap-shoulder belt. The following instructions explain how to wear a lap-shoulder belt properly. 1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is adjustable, so you can sit up straight. To see how, see “Seats” in the Index.

2. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Do not let it get twisted. The lap-shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.

3. Push the latch plate into the

buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 3‑16. Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary.

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3-12

Seats and Restraints

4.

If equipped with a shoulder belt height adjuster, move it to the height that is right for you. Improper shoulder belt height adjustment could reduce the effectiveness of the safety belt in a crash. See “Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster” later in this section for instruction on use and important safety information.

It may be necessary to pull stitching on the safety belt through the latch plate to fully tighten the lap belt on smaller occupants.

5. To make the lap part tight, pull

up on the shoulder belt.

To unlatch the belt, push the button on the buckle. The belt should return to its stowed position. Slide the latch plate up the safety belt webbing when the safety belt is not in use. The latch plate should rest on the stitching on the safety belt, near the guide loop on the side wall.

Before a door is closed, be sure the safety belt is out of the way. If a door is slammed against a safety belt, damage can occur to both the safety belt and the vehicle. Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster Your vehicle has a shoulder belt height adjuster for the driver and right front passenger position. Adjust the height so the shoulder portion of the belt is on the shoulder and not falling off of it. The belt should be close to, but not contacting, the neck. Improper shoulder belt height adjustment could reduce the effectiveness of the safety belt in a crash. See How to Wear Safety Belts Properly on page 3‑10.

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Seats and Restraints

3-13

Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides This vehicle may have rear shoulder belt comfort guides. If not, they are available through your dealer. The guides may provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for some adults. When installed and properly adjusted, the comfort guide positions the belt away from the neck and head.

Safety Belt Pretensioners This vehicle has safety belt pretensioners for the front outboard occupants. Although the safety belt pretensioners cannot be seen, they are part of the safety belt assembly. They can help tighten the safety belts during the early stages of a moderate to severe frontal and near frontal crash if the threshold conditions for pretensioner activation are met. And, if the vehicle has side impact airbags, safety belt pretensioners can help tighten the safety belts in a side crash. Pretensioners work only once. If they activate in a crash, they will need to be replaced, and probably other new parts for the vehicle's safety belt system. See Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash on page 3‑16.

Squeeze the buttons (A) on the sides of the height adjuster and move the height adjuster to the desired position. After the adjuster is set to the desired position, try to move it down without squeezing the buttons to make sure it has locked into position.

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3-14

Seats and Restraints

Here is how to install a comfort guide to the safety belt:

2. Place the guide over the belt

and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide.

3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat. The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top.

1. Pull the elastic cord out from

between the edge of the seatback and the interior body to remove the guide from its storage clip.

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Seats and Restraints

3-15

{ WARNING

A safety belt that is not properly worn may not provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces.

4. Buckle, position, and release

the safety belt as described previously in this section. Make sure the shoulder portion of the belt is on the shoulder and not falling off of it. The belt should be close to, but not contacting, the neck.

To remove and store the comfort guide, squeeze the belt edges together so that the safety belt can be removed from the guide. Pull the guide upward to expose its storage clip, and then slide the guide onto the clip. Turn the guide and clip inward and slide them in between the seatback and the interior body, leaving only the loop of the elastic cord exposed.

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they do not wear safety belts.

A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy. The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it is more likely that the fetus will not be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly.

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3-16

Seats and Restraints

Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt is not long enough, your dealer will order you an extender. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. To help avoid personal injury, do not let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. The extender has been designed for adults. Never use it for securing child seats. To wear it, attach it to the regular safety belt. For more information, see the instruction sheet that comes with the extender.

Safety System Check Now and then, check that the safety belt reminder light, safety belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages are all working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts that might keep a safety belt system

from doing its job. See your dealer to have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working. See Safety Belt Reminders on page 5‑12 for more information. Keep safety belts clean and dry. See Safety Belt Care on page 3‑16.

Safety Belt Care Keep belts clean and dry. { WARNING

Do not bleach or dye safety belts. It may severely weaken them. In a crash, they might not be able to provide adequate protection. Clean safety belts only with mild soap and lukewarm water.

Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash

{ WARNING

A crash can damage the safety belt system in the vehicle. A damaged safety belt system may not properly protect the person using it, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure the safety belt systems are working properly after a crash, have them inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.

After a minor crash, replacement of safety belts may not be necessary. But the safety belt assemblies that were used during any crash may have been stressed or damaged.

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See your dealer to have the safety belt assemblies inspected or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the safety belt system was not being used at the time of the crash. Have the safety belt pretensioners checked if the vehicle has been in a crash, or if the airbag readiness light stays on after you start the vehicle or while you are driving. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 5‑12.

Airbag System The vehicle has the following airbags: . A frontal airbag for the driver. . A frontal airbag for the front

outboard passenger.

. A seat-mounted side impact

airbag for the driver.

. A seat-mounted side impact airbag for the front outboard passenger.

. A roof-rail airbag for the driver

and the passenger seated directly behind the driver.

. A roof-rail airbag for the front outboard passenger and the passenger seated directly behind the front outboard passenger.

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All vehicle airbags have the word AIRBAG in the trim or on a label near the deployment opening. For frontal airbags, the word AIRBAG is on the center of the steering wheel for the driver and on the instrument panel for the front outboard passenger. For seat-mounted side impact airbags, the word AIRBAG is on the side of the seatback closest to the door. For roof-rail airbags, the word AIRBAG is on the ceiling or trim. Airbags are designed to supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Even though today's airbags are also designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating bag, all airbags must inflate very quickly to do their job.

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Seats and Restraints

Here are the most important things to know about the airbag system:

{ WARNING

{ WARNING

{ WARNING

You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you are not wearing your safety belt, even with airbags. Airbags are designed to work with safety belts, not replace them. Also, airbags are not designed to inflate in every crash. In some crashes safety belts are the only restraint. See When Should an Airbag Inflate? on page 3‑21. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce the chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Airbags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. Everyone in the vehicle should wear a safety belt properly, whether or not there is an airbag for that person.

Because airbags inflate with great force and faster than the blink of an eye, anyone who is up against, or very close to any airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Do not sit unnecessarily close to any airbag, as you would be if sitting on the edge of the seat or leaning forward. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear a safety belt, even with airbags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle. Occupants should not lean on or sleep against the door or side windows in seating positions with seat-mounted side impact airbags and/or roof-rail airbags.

Children who are up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer protection for adults and older children, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle's safety belt system nor its airbag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in the vehicle. To read how, see Older Children on page 3‑30 or Infants and Young Children on page 3‑32.

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Seats and Restraints

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Where Are the Airbags?

There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument panel cluster, which shows the airbag symbol. The system checks the airbag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 5‑12 for more information.

The driver frontal airbag is in the center of the steering wheel.

The front outboard passenger frontal airbag is in the passenger side instrument panel.

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Seats and Restraints

Driver Side shown, Passenger

Driver Side shown, Passenger

Side similar

Side similar

The driver and front outboard passenger seat-mounted side impact airbags are in the side of the seatbacks closest to the door.

The roof-rail airbags for the driver, front outboard passenger, and second row outboard passengers are in the ceiling above the side windows.

{ WARNING If something is between an occupant and an airbag, the airbag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person causing severe injury or even death. The path of an inflating airbag must be kept clear. Do not put anything between an occupant and an airbag, and do not attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other airbag covering. Do not use seat accessories that block the inflation path of a seat-mounted side impact airbag. Never secure anything to the roof of a vehicle with roof-rail airbags by routing a rope or tie‐down through any door or window opening. If you do, the path of an inflating roof-rail airbag will be blocked.

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When Should an Airbag Inflate? Frontal airbags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near frontal crashes to help reduce the potential for severe injuries, mainly to the driver's or right front passenger's head and chest. However, they are only designed to inflate if the impact exceeds a predetermined deployment threshold. Deployment thresholds are used to predict how severe a crash is likely to be in time for the airbags to inflate and help restrain the occupants. Whether the frontal airbags will or should inflate is not based primarily on how fast the vehicle is traveling. It depends on what is hit, the direction of the impact, and how quickly the vehicle slows down. Frontal airbags may inflate at different crash speeds depending on whether the vehicle hits an object straight on or at an angle, and

whether the object is fixed or moving, rigid or deformable, narrow or wide. Thresholds can also vary with specific vehicle design. Frontal airbags are not intended to inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts. In addition, the vehicle has dual-stage frontal airbags. Dual-stage airbags adjust the restraint according to crash severity. The vehicle has electronic frontal sensors, which help the sensing system distinguish between a moderate frontal impact and a more severe frontal impact. For moderate frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags inflate at a level less than full deployment. For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs. The vehicle has seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags. See Airbag System on page 3‑17. Seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags are intended to inflate in moderate to severe side

crashes depending on the location of the impact. Seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags will inflate if the crash severity is above the system's designed threshold level. The threshold level can vary with specific vehicle design. Seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags are not intended to inflate in frontal impacts, near-frontal impacts, rollovers, or rear impacts. A seat-mounted side impact airbag is intended to inflate on the side of the vehicle that is struck. A roof-rail airbag is intended to inflate on the side of the vehicle that is struck. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an airbag should have inflated simply because of the vehicle or repair costs. For frontal airbags, inflation is determined by what the vehicle hits, the angle of the impact, and how quickly the vehicle slows down. For seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags, deployment is determined by the location and severity of the side impact.

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Seats and Restraints

What Makes an Airbag Inflate? In a deployment event, the sensing system sends an electrical signal triggering a release of gas from the inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the airbag causing the bag to break out of the cover. The inflator, the airbag, and related hardware are all part of the airbag module. For airbag location, see Where Are the Airbags? on page 3‑19.

How Does an Airbag Restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle.

Airbags supplement the protection provided by safety belts by distributing the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant's body. But airbags would not help in many types of collisions, primarily because the occupant's motion is not toward those airbags. See When Should an Airbag Inflate? on page 3‑21 for more information. Airbags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts.

What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? After the frontal airbags and seat-mounted side impact airbags inflate, they quickly deflate, so quickly that some people may not even realize an airbag inflated.

Roof-rail airbags may still be at least partially inflated for some time after they inflate. Some components of the airbag module may be hot for several minutes. For location of the airbags, see Where Are the Airbags? on page 3‑19. The parts of the airbag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There may be some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the deflated airbags. Airbag inflation does not prevent the driver from seeing out of the windshield or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it prevent people from leaving the vehicle.

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{ WARNING

When an airbag inflates, there may be dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but cannot get out of the vehicle after an airbag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or a door. If you experience breathing problems following an airbag deployment, you should seek medical attention.

The vehicle has a feature that may automatically unlock the doors, turn on the interior lamps and hazard warning flashers, and shut off the fuel system after the airbags inflate.

You can lock the doors, and turn off the interior lamps and hazard warning flashers by using the controls for those features. { WARNING

A crash severe enough to inflate the airbags may have also damaged important functions in the vehicle, such as the fuel system, brake and steering systems, etc. Even if the vehicle appears to be drivable after a moderate crash, there may be concealed damage that could make it difficult to safely operate the vehicle. Use caution if you should attempt to restart the engine after a crash has occurred.

In many crashes severe enough to inflate the airbag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.

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Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the front outboard passenger airbag. . Airbags are designed to inflate

only once. After an airbag inflates, you will need some new parts for the airbag system. If you do not get them, the airbag system will not be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include airbag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for the vehicle covers the need to replace other parts. The vehicle has a crash sensing and diagnostic module which records information after a crash. See Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy on page 13‑19 and Vehicle Data Recording on page 13‑19.

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3-24

Seats and Restraints

Let only qualified technicians work on the airbag systems. Improper service can mean that an airbag system will not work properly. See your dealer for service.

Passenger Sensing System The vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the front outboard passenger position. The passenger airbag status indicator will light on the instrument panel when the vehicle is started.

United States

Canada and Mexico

The words ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off, are visible during the system check. If you use remote start, if equipped, to start the vehicle, you may not see the system check. When the system check is complete, either the word ON or OFF, or the symbol for on or off, will be visible. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 5‑13. The passenger sensing system turns off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag under certain conditions. No other airbag is affected by the passenger sensing system.

The passenger sensing system works with sensors that are part of the front outboard passenger seat. The sensors are designed to detect the presence of a properly-seated occupant and determine if the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and seat‐mounted side impact airbag should be allowed to inflate or not. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat in the correct child restraint for their weight and size. We recommend that children 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. 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 inflates.

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{ WARNING

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the passenger frontal 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 passenger frontal airbag inflates and the passenger seat is in a forward position. Even if the passenger sensing system has turned off the front outboard passenger airbag(s), no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not inflate under some unusual circumstance, even though the airbag(s) are off.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat, even if the airbag(s) are off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the front outboard passenger seat, always move the seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.

The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the front outboard passenger airbag and seat‐mounted side impact airbag if:

The front outboard passenger seat is unoccupied. The system determines that an infant is present in a rear-facing infant seat. The system determines that a small child is present in a child restraint.

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The system determines that a small child is present in a booster seat.

. A front outboard passenger

takes his/her weight off of the seat for a period of time. The front outboard passenger seat is occupied by a smaller person, such as a child who has outgrown child restraints. There is a critical problem with the airbag system or the passenger sensing system.

When the passenger sensing system has turned off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and seat‐mounted side impact airbag, the off indicator will light and stay lit as a reminder that the airbags are off. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 5‑13.

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Seats and Restraints

The passenger sensing system is designed to turn on the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and seat‐mounted side impact airbag anytime the system senses that a person of adult size is sitting properly in the front outboard passenger seat. When the passenger sensing system has allowed the airbags to be enabled, the on indicator will light and stay lit as a reminder that the airbags are active. For some children who have outgrown child restraints and for very small adults, the passenger sensing system may or may not turn off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag, depending upon the person’s seating posture and body build. Everyone in the vehicle who has outgrown child restraints should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for that person.

{ 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 5‑12 for more information, including important safety information.

If the On Indicator Is Lit for a Child Restraint If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit: 1. Turn the vehicle off. 2. Remove the child restraint from

the vehicle.

3. Remove any additional items

from the seat such as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters, or seat massagers.

4. Reinstall the child restraint

5.

following the directions provided by the child restraint manufacturer and refer to Securing Child Restraints (Front Passenger Seat) on page 3‑47
or Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat) on page 3‑45. If, after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, turn the vehicle off. Then slightly recline the vehicle seatback and adjust the seat cushion, if adjustable, to make sure that the vehicle seatback is not pushing the child restraint into the seat cushion. Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped under the vehicle head restraint. If this happens, adjust the head restraint. See Head Restraints on page 3‑2.

6. Restart the vehicle.

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If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle and see your dealer.

If the Off Indicator Is Lit for an Adult-Size Occupant

If a person of adult-size is sitting in the front outboard passenger seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be because that person is not sitting

properly in the seat. Use the following steps to allow the system to detect that person and enable the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag: 1. Turn the vehicle off. 2. Remove any additional material from the seat, such as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters, or seat massagers.

3. Place the seatback in the fully

upright position.

4. Have the person sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with legs comfortably extended.

5. Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in this position for two to three minutes after the on indicator is lit.

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Additional Factors Affecting System Operation Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on the seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which helps the passenger sensing system maintain the passenger airbag status. See “Safety Belts” and “Child Restraints” in the Index for additional information about the importance of proper restraint use. A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket or cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect how well the passenger sensing system operates. We recommend that you not use seat covers or other aftermarket equipment except when approved by GM for your specific vehicle. See Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 3‑28 for more information about modifications that can affect how the system operates.

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Seats and Restraints

{ WARNING

{ WARNING

Stowing of articles under the passenger seat or between the passenger seat cushion and seatback may interfere with the proper operation of the passenger sensing system.

Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Airbags affect how the vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the airbag system in several places around the vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing the vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 13‑16.

For up to 10 seconds after the vehicle is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still inflate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an airbag when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors. They are probably part of the airbag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualified to do so.

Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Adding accessories that change the vehicle's frame, bumper system, height, front end, or side sheet metal may keep the airbag system from working properly.

The operation of the airbag system can also be affected by changing or moving any parts of the front seats, safety belts, airbag sensing and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument panel, roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling or pillar garnish trim, front sensors, side impact sensors, or airbag wiring. Your dealer and the service manual have information about the location of the airbag sensors, sensing and diagnostic module, and airbag wiring. In addition, the vehicle has a passenger sensing system that includes sensors as part of the front outboard passenger seat. The passenger sensing system may not operate properly if the original seat trim is replaced with non-GM covers, upholstery, or trim; or with GM covers, upholstery, or trim designed for a different vehicle. Any object, such as an aftermarket seat

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heater or a comfort‐enhancing pad or device, installed under or on top of the seat fabric, could also interfere with the operation of the passenger sensing system. This could either prevent proper deployment of the passenger airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing system from properly turning off the passenger airbag(s). See Passenger Sensing System on page 3‑24. If your vehicle needs to be modified because you have a disability and you have questions about whether the modifications will affect the vehicle's airbag system, or if you have questions about whether the airbag system will be affected if the vehicle is modified for any other reason, call Customer Assistance. See Customer Assistance Offices (U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑4 or Customer Assistance Offices (Mexico) on page 13‑5.

Airbag System Check The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag readiness light is working. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 5‑12 for more information. Notice: If an airbag covering is damaged, opened, or broken, the airbag may not work properly. Do not open or break the airbag coverings. If there are any opened or broken airbag covers, have the airbag covering and/or airbag module replaced. For the location of the airbags, see Where Are the Airbags? on page 3‑19. See your dealer for service.

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Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash { WARNING

A crash can damage the airbag systems in the vehicle. A damaged airbag system may not work properly and may not protect you and your passenger(s) in a crash, resulting in serious injury or even death. To help make sure the airbag systems are working properly after a crash, have them inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.

If an airbag inflates, you will need to replace airbag system parts. See your dealer for service.

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Seats and Restraints

If the airbag readiness light stays on after the vehicle is started or comes on when you are driving, the airbag system may not work properly. Have the vehicle serviced right away. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 5‑12 for more information.

Child Restraints

Older Children

Older children who have outgrown booster seats should wear the vehicle safety belts.

The manufacturer's instructions that come with the booster seat state the weight and height limitations for that booster. Use a booster seat with a lap-shoulder belt until the child passes the fit test below: . Sit all the way back on the seat.

Do the knees bend at the seat edge? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat.

. Buckle the lap-shoulder belt.

Does the shoulder belt rest on the shoulder? If yes, continue. If no, try using the rear safety belt comfort guide. See “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” under Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 3‑11 for more information. If the shoulder belt still does not rest on the shoulder, then return to the booster seat.

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. Does the lap belt fit low and

snug on the hips, touching the thighs? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat.

. Can proper safety belt fit be