2002 Ford Focus Owners Manual

or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.

Each seating position in your vehicle has a specific

safety belt assembly which is made up of one buckle and one tongue that are designed to be used as a pair. 1) Use the shoulder belt on the outside shoulder only. Never wear the shoulder belt under the arm. 2) Never swing it around your neck over the inside shoulder. 3) Never use a single belt for more than one person.

Insert the belt tongue into the

Combination lap and shoulder belts 1. proper buckle (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from) until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle.

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2. To unfasten, push the release button and remove the tongue from the buckle.

The front outboard and rear safety restraints in the vehicle are combination lap and shoulder belts. The front and rear seat passenger safety belts have two types of locking modes described below:

Energy Management Feature This vehicle has a seat belt system with an energy management feature at the front outboard seating positions to help further reduce the risk of injury in the event of a headĆon collision.

This seat belt system has a retractor assembly that is designed to pay out webbing in a controlled manner. This feature is designed to help reduce the belt force acting on the occupant's chest.

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BELT AND RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MUST BE

REPLACED if the seat belt assembly automatic locking retractor feature or any other seat belt function is not operating properly when checked according to the procedures in Workshop Manual.

Failure to replace the Belt and Retractor assembly

could increase the risk of injury in collisions.

Vehicle sensitive mode The vehicle sensitive mode is the normal retractor mode, allowing free shoulder belt length adjustment to your movements and locking in response to vehicle movement. For example, if the driver brakes suddenly or turns a corner sharply, or the vehicle receives an impact of 8 km/h (5 mph) or more, the combination safety belts will lock to help reduce forward movement of the driver and passengers.

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Safety belt pretensioner Your vehicle is equipped with safety belt pretensioners at the driver and front passenger seating positions.

The safety belt pretensioner is a device which removes excess webbing from the safety belt system. The safety belt pretensioner uses the same crash sensor system as the front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS). When the safety belt pretensioner deploys, webbing from the lap and shoulder belt is tightened.

The driver and front passenger seat belt system

(including retractors, buckles and height adjusters) must be replaced if the vehicle is involved in a collision that results in deployment of front airbags and safety belt pretensioners.

Automatic locking mode In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically preĆlocked. The belt will still retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt.

The automatic locking mode is not available on the driver safety belt.

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When to use the automatic locking mode • When a tight lap/shoulder fit is desired. • Anytime a child safety seat is installed in a passenger front or outboard rear seating position (if equipped). Refer to Safety restraints for children or Safety seats for children later in this chapter.

Always transport children 12 years old and under in

the back seat and always use appropriate child restraints.

How to use the automatic locking mode • Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt. • Grasp the shoulder portion and pull downward until the entire belt is extracted. • Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This indicates the safety belt is now in the automatic locking mode.

How to disengage the automatic locking mode Disconnect the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow it to retract completely to disengage the automatic locking mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode.

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Seating and Safety Restraints

After any vehicle collision, the seat belt system at all

passenger seating positions must be checked by a qualified technician to verify that the automatic locking retractor for child seats is still functioning properly in addition to other checks for proper seat belt function.

Front safety belt height adjustment Your vehicle has safety belt height adjustments for the driver and front passenger. Adjust the height of the shoulder belt so the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder.

To lower the shoulder belt height, push the button and slide the height control down. To raise the height of the shoulder belt, slide the height adjuster up. Pull down on the height adjustment assembly to make sure it is locked in place.

Position the shoulder belt height adjuster so that the

belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. Failure to adjust the safety belt properly could reduce the effectiveness of the safety belt and increase the risk of injury in a collision.

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Seating and Safety Restraints

Your vehicle is equipped with a safety belt parking feature for the driver and front passenger. The purpose of the parking feature is to allow the driver or passenger to reach the safety belt. Fasten your seatbelt normally and the parking feature will activate itself. Pull the safety belt backwards, overcoming its parking feature, to allow easier entry to the rear seats.

Safety belt warning light and warning chime Illuminates in the instrument cluster and a chime sounds to remind the driver to fasten his or her safety belt.

Conditions of operation

If... If the driver's safety belt is not buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position ...

Then... The Safety belt warning light illuminates for one to two minutes and the warning chime sounds for four to eight seconds.

The driver's safety belt is buckled while the indicator light is illuminated and the warning chime is sounding...

The driver's safety belt is buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position ...

The Safety belt warning light and warning chime turn off.

The Safety belt warning light and warning chime remain off.

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Beltminder (if equipped) The Beltminder feature is a supplemental warning to the safety belt warning function. This feature provides additional reminders to the driver that the driver's safety belt is unbuckled by intermittently sounding a chime and illuminating the Safety belt warning light in the instrument cluster once the vehicle speed has exceeded 3 mph (5 km/h).

If... If the driver's safety belt is not buckled approximately 5 seconds after the safety belt warning light has turned off ...

The driver's safety belt is buckled while the indicator light is illuminated and the warning chime is sounding...

The driver's safety belt is buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position ...

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Then... The Beltminder feature is activated - the Safety belt warning light illuminates and the warning chime sounds for 6 seconds every 30 seconds, repeating for approximately 5 minutes or until safety belt is buckled.

The Beltminder feature will not activate.

The Beltminder feature will not activate.

Seating and Safety Restraints

The purpose of the Beltminder is to remind occasional wearers to wear safety belts all of the time.

The following are reasons most often given for not wearing safety belts: (All statistics based on U.S. data)

Reasons given... Crashes are rare events"

I'm not going far"

Belts are uncomfortable"

I was in a hurry"

Seat belts don't work"

Traffic is light"

Consider... 36,700 crashes occur every day. The more we drive, the more we are exposed to rare" events, even for good drivers. 1 in 4 of us will be seriously injured in a crash during our lifetimes.

3 of 4 fatal crashes occur within 25
miles of home.

Ford designs its safety belts to enhance comfort. If you are uncomfortable Ć try different positions for the safety belt upper anchorage and seatback which should be as upright as possible; this can improve comfort.

Prime time for an accident. Beltminder reminds us to take a few seconds to buckle up.

Safety belts, when used properly, reduce risk of death to front seat occupants by 45% in cars, and by 60% in light trucks.

Nearly 1 of 2 deaths occur in singleĆvehicle crashes, many when no other vehicles are around.

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Reasons given... Belts wrinkle my clothes"

The people I'm with don't wear belts"

I have an air bag"

I'd rather be thrown clear"

Consider... Possibly, but a serious crash can do much more than wrinkle your clothes, particularly if you are unbelted.

Set the example, teen deaths occur 4 times more often in vehicles with TWO or MORE people. Children and younger brothers/sisters imitate behavior they see.

Air bags offer greater protection when used with safety belts. Frontal airbags are not designed to inflate in rear and side crashes or rollovers.

Not a good idea, people who are ejected are 40 times more likely to DIE. Safety belts help prevent ejection. WE CAN'T PICK OUR CRASH".

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Seating and Safety Restraints

Do not sit on top of a buckled safety belt to avoid the Beltminder chime. Sitting on the safety belt will increase the risk of injury in an accident. To disable (one time) or deactivate the Beltminder feature please follow the directions stated below.

One time disable Any time the safety belt is buckled and then unbuckled during an ignition ON/RUN cycle, Beltminder will be disabled for that ignition cycle only.

Deactivating/activating the Beltminder feature Read steps 1Ć9 thoroughly before proceeding with the deactivation/activation programming procedure.

The Beltminder feature can be deactivated/activated by performing the following procedure:

Before following the procedure, make sure that: • the parking brake is set. • the gearshift is in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or the neutral position (manual transaxle). • the ignition switch is in the OFF position. • all vehicle doors are closed.

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• the driver's safety belt is unbuckled. • the parklamps/headlamps are in OFF position.

To reduce the risk of injury, do not deactivate/activate

the Beltminder feature while driving the vehicle.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (DO NOT START THE ENGINE.)

2. Wait until the Safety belt warning light turns off (approximately 1Ć2 minutes). • Steps 3-5 must be completed within 60 seconds or the procedure will have to be repeated.

3. Slowly buckle then unbuckle the safety belt three times, ending with the safety belt unbuckled. This can be done before or during Beltminder warning activation.

4. Turn on the headlamps, turn off the headlamps.

5. Slowly buckle then unbuckle the safety belt three times, ending with the safety belt unbuckled. • After step 5, the Safety belt warning light will be turned on for three seconds.

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6. Within seven seconds of the Safety belt warning light turning off, buckle then unbuckle the safety belt. • This will disable Beltminder if it is currently enabled, or enable Beltminder if it is currently disabled.

7. Confirmation of disabling Beltminder is provided by flashing the Safety belt light four times per second for three seconds.

8. Confirmation of enabling Beltminder is provided by flashing the Safety belt light four times per second for three seconds, followed by three seconds with the Safety belt light off, then followed by flashing the Safety belt light four times per second for three seconds again.

9. After receiving confirmation, the deactivation/activation procedure is complete.

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Safety belt extension assembly If the safety belt is too short, even when fully extended, 20 cm (8 inches) can be added to the safety belt assembly by adding a safety belt extension assembly (part number 611C22). Safety belt extension assemblies can be obtained from your dealer at no cost.

Use only extensions manufactured by the same supplier as the safety belt. Manufacturer identification is located at the end of the webbing on the label.

Also, use the safety belt extension only if the safety belt is too short for you when fully extended. Do not use extensions to change the fit of the shoulder belt across the torso.

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Safety belt maintenance Inspect the safety belt systems periodically to make sure they work properly and are not damaged. Inspect the safety belts to make sure there are no nicks, wears or cuts, replacing if necessary. All safety belt assemblies (slide bar) (if equipped), shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped), child safety seat tether bracket assemblies (if equipped), and attaching hardware, should be inspected after a collision. Ford recommends that all safety belt assemblies used in vehicles involved in a collision be replaced. However, if the collision was minor and a qualified technician finds that the belts do not show damage and continue to operate properly, they do not need to be replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.

Failure to inspect and, if necessary, replace the

safety belt assembly under the above conditions could result in severe personal injuries in the event of a collision.

Refer to Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts in the Cleaning chapter.

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AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)

Important supplemental restraint system (SRS) precautions The supplemental restraint system is designed to work with the safety belt to help protect the driver and right front passenger from certain upper body injuries.

Air bags DO NOT inflate slowly or gently and the risk of injury from a deploying air bag is the greatest close to the trim covering the air bag module.

All occupants of the vehicle including the driver should always properly wear their safety belts even when air bag SRS is provided.

Always transport children 12 years old and under in

the back seat and always use appropriate child restraints.

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NHTSA recommends a minimum distance of at least 25 cm (ten [10] inches) between an occupant's chest and the air bag module.

Never place your arm over the air bag module as a

deploying air bag can result in serious arm fractures or other injuries.

Steps you can take to properly position yourself away from the air bag: • Move your seat to the rear as far as you can while still reaching the pedals comfortably. • Recline your seat slightly (one or two degrees) from the upright position.

Do not put anything on or over the air bag module.

Placing objects on or over the air bag inflation area may cause those objects to be propelled by the air bag into your face and torso causing serious injury.

Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the Air

Bag Supplemental Restraint System or its fuses. See your Ford or LincolnĆMercury dealer.

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Children and air bags For additional important safety information, read all information on safety restraints in this guide.

Children must always be properly restrained. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of injury in a collision.

Air bags can kill or injure a child in a child seat.

NEVER place a rearĆfacing child seat in front of an active air bag. If you must use a forwardĆfacing child seat in the front seat, move the seat all the way back.

HOW DO THE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINTS WORK? The air bag supplemental restraint system consists of: • driver and passenger dual stage air bag modules (which include the inflators and air bags). • side air bags (if equipped). Refer to Side air bag system (if equipped) later in this chapter. • one or more impact and safing sensors. • the same indicator light, RCM (restraints control module) and diagnostic unit used for the Personal safety system.

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The air bag supplemental restraints are an intergral part of the Personal Safety System. They are designed to be deployed in cases where the Personal Safety System has determined the occupant conditions and crash severity are appropriate to activate these devices. Refer to the Personal Safety System in this chapter.

The fact that the air bags did not inflate in a collision does not mean that something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces were not of the type sufficient to cause activation. The front air bags are designed to inflate in frontal and nearĆfrontal collisions, not rollover, sideĆimpact, or rear impacts.

For information on sideĆimpact collisions, refer to Side airbag system (if equipped) in this chapter.

The air bags inflate and deflate rapidly upon activation. After air bag deployment, it is normal to notice a smokeĆlike, powdery residue or smell the burnt propellant. This may consist of cornstarch, talcum powder (to lubricate the bag) or sodium compounds (e.g., baking soda) that result from the combustion process that inflates the air bag. Small amounts of sodium hydroxide may be present which may irritate the skin and eyes, but none of the residue is toxic.

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While the system is designed to help reduce serious injuries, it may also cause abrasions, swelling or temporary hearing loss.

Because air bags must inflate rapidly and with considerable force, there is the risk of death or serious injuries such as fractures, facial and eye injuries or internal injuries, particularly to occupants who are not properly restrained or are otherwise out of position at the time of air bag deployment. Thus, it is extremely important that occupants be properly restrained as far away from the air bag module as possible while maintaining vehicle control.

Several air bag system components get hot after

inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.

If the air bag is inflated, the air bag will not function

again and must be replaced immediately. If the air bag is not replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a collision.

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Side air bag system (if equipped)

Do not use accessory seat covers. The use of

accessory seat covers may prevent the deployment of the side air bags and increase the risk of injury in an accident.

Do not lean your head on the door; the side air bag

could injure you as it deploys from the side of the seatback.

Do not place objects or mount equipment on or

near the airbag cover on the side of the seatbacks of the front seats or in front seat areas that may come into contact with a deploying air bag. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of personal injury in the event of a collision.

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Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the air bag Supplemental Restraint System or its fuses. See your Ford or LincolnĆMercury dealer.

All occupants of the vehicle including the driver should

always wear their safety belts even when an air bag SRS is provided.

How does the side air bag system work? The side air bag system consists of the following: • An inflatable nylon bag (air bag) with a gas generator concealed behind the outboard bolster of the driver and front passenger seatbacks. • The same warning light, electronic control and diagnostic unit as used for the front air bags. • Two crash sensors located under the outboard side of the front seats, attached to the floor.

Side air bags, in combination with seat belts, can help reduce the risk of severe injuries in the event of a significant side impact collision.

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The side air bags are fitted on the outboard side of the seatbacks of the front seats. In certain lateral collisions, the air bag on the side affected by the collision will be inflated, even if the respective seat is not occupied. The air bag was designed to inflate between the door panel and occupant to further enhance the protection provided occupants in side impact collisions.

The air bag SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains sufficient lateral deceleration to cause the sensors to close an electrical circuit that initiates air bag inflation.

The fact that the air bags did not inflate in a collision does not mean that something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces were not of the type sufficient to cause activation. Side air bags are designed to inflate in sideĆimpact collisions, not rollover, rearĆimpact, frontal or nearĆfrontal collisions, unless the collision causes sufficient lateral deceleration.

Several air bag system components get hot after

inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.

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If the side air bag has deployed, the air bag will

not function again. The side air bag system (including the seat) must be inspected and serviced by a qualified technician in accordance with the vehicle service manual. If the air bag is not replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a collision.

Determining if the system is operational The supplemental restraints system (SRS) uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster or a tone to indicate the condition of the system. Refer to the Air bag readiness section in the Instrument Cluster chapter. Routine maintenance of the air bag is not required.

A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following: • The readiness light will either flash or stay lit. • The readiness light will not illuminate immediately after ignition is turned on.

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If either of these indications occurs, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced at your dealership or by a qualified technician immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a collision.

Disposal of air bags and air bag equipped vehicles For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your local dealership or a qualified technician. Air bags MUST BE disposed of by qualified personnel.

SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN See the following sections for directions on how to properly use safety restraints for children. Also see Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) in this chapter for special instructions about using air bags.

RearĆfacing child seats or infant carriers should never

be placed in the front seats.

To reduce the risk of injury, make sure children sit where they can be properly restrained.

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Always transport children 12 years old and under in

the back seat and always use appropriate child restraints.

Accident statistics indicate that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seats.

Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets

unattended in your vehicle.

Safety belts and seats can become hot in a vehicle that

has been closed up in sunny weather. They could burn a small child. Check seat covers and buckles before you place a child anywhere near them.

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Important child restraint precautions You are required by law to use safety restraints for children in the U.S. and Canada. If small children ride in your vehicle (generally children who are four years old or younger and who weigh 18 kg [40 lbs] or less), you must put them in safety seats made especially for children. Check your local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements regarding the safety of children in your vehicle.

Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while

the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from injury in a collision.

Always follow the instructions and warnings that come with any infant or child restraint you might use.

When possible, place children in the rear seat of your vehicle. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions.

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Children and safety belts If the child is the proper size, restrain the child in a safety seat.

Children who are too large for child safety seats (as specified by the child safety seat manufacturer) should always wear safety belts.

Follow all the important safety restraints and air bag precautions that apply to adult passengers in your vehicle.

If the shoulder belt portion of a combination lap and shoulder belt can be positioned so it does not cross or rest in front of the child's face or neck, the child should wear the lap and shoulder belt. Moving the child closer to the center of the vehicle may help provide a good shoulder belt fit.

Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets

unattended in your vehicle.

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To improve the fit of lap and shoulder belts on children who have outgrown child safety seats, Ford recommends use of a beltĆpositioning booster seat that is labelled as conforming to all Federal motor vehicle safety standards. BeltĆpositioning booster seats raise the child and provide a shorter, firmer seating cushion that encourages safer seating posture and better fit of lap and shoulder belts on the child.

A beltĆpositioning booster seat should be used if the shoulder belt rests in front of the child's face or neck, or if the lap belt does not fit snugly on both thighs, or if the thighs are too short to let the child sit all the way back on the seat cushion when the lower legs hang over the edge of the seat cushion. You may wish to discuss the special needs of your child with your pediatrician.

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SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN Child and infant or child safety seats Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight of the child. Carefully follow all of the manufacturer's instructions with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.

When installing a child safety seat: • Review and follow the information presented in the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) in this chapter. • Use the correct safety belt buckle for that seating position. • Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle. • Keep the buckle release button pointing up and away from the safety seat, with the tongue between the child seat and the release button, to prevent accidental unbuckling.

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• Place seatback in upright position. • Put the safety belt in the automatic locking mode. Refer to Automatic locking mode (passenger side front and outboard rear seating positions) (if equipped).

Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat having a top tether strap. Install the child safety seat in a seating position which is capable of providing a tether anchorage. For more information on top tether straps see Attaching child safety seats with tether straps in this chapter.

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer's instructions included with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.

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Installing child safety seats in combination lap and shoulder belt seat positions 1. Position the child safety seat in a seat with a combination lap and shoulder belt. NEVER place a rearĆfacing child seat in front of an active air bag.

Air bags can kill or injure a child in a child seat. If you must use a forwardĆfacing child seat in the front seat, move the seat all the way back.

RearĆfacing child seats should NEVER be placed in

the front seats.

2. Pull down on the shoulder belt and then grasp the shoulder belt and lap belt together.

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3. While holding the shoulder and lap belt portions together, route the tongue through the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer's instructions. Be sure the belt webbing is not twisted.

Insert the belt tongue into the

4. proper buckle (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from) for that seating position until you hear and feel the latch engage. Make sure the tongue is latched securely by pulling on it.

5. To put the retractor in the automatic locking mode, grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and pull downward until all of the belt is extracted and a click is heard.

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6. Allow the belt to retract. The belt will click as it retracts to indicate it is in the automatic locking mode.

7. Pull the lap belt portion across the child seat toward the buckle and pull up on the shoulder belt while pushing down with your knee on the child seat.

8. Allow the safety belt to retract to remove any slack in the belt.

9. Before placing the child in the seat, forcibly tilt the seat forward and back to make sure the seat is securely held in place. To check this, grab the seat at the belt path and attempt to move it side to side and forward and back. There should be no more than one inch of movement for proper installation.

10. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is in automatic locking mode (you should not be able to pull more belt out). If the retractor is not locked, unbuckle the belt and repeat steps two through nine.

Check to make sure the child seat is properly secured before each use.

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Attaching child safety seats with LATCH attachments (Lower Anchors and Tethers for children) Some child safety seats have two rigid or webbing mounted attachments that connect to two LATCH anchors at specific seating positions in your vehicle. This type of child seat eliminates the need to use seat belts to attach the child seat. For forwardĆfacing child seats, the tether strap must also be attached to the proper tether anchor. See seats with tether straps in this chapter.

Attaching child safety

LATCH lower anchors have been provided in your vehicle at the following locations:

The anchors on both sides of the center of the rear seat are provided primarily for child seats at the outboard seats and are further apart than the pairs of lower anchors for child seat installation at other seats. A child seat with rigid LATCH attachments cannot be installed at the center rear seat. A child seat with LATCH attachments on belt webbing can be used at the center rear seat unless a child seat at an outboard rear seat is attached to one of these lower anchors. Install a child seat onto the lower anchors at the center rear seat ONLY IF the child restraint manufacturer recommends that the child seat can be installed to anchors that are spaced up to 450
mm apart.

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Never attach two LATCH child safety seats to the

same anchor. In a crash, one anchor may not be strong enough to hold two child seat attachments and may break, causing serious injury or death.

The LATCH anchors are located on the rear section of the seat cushion, at the bottom of the seatback.

Follow the child seat manufacturer's instructions to properly install safety seats with LATCH attachments.

Attach the LATCH lower attachments of the child

seat only to the anchors shown.

Once you have installed the LATCH safety seat, assure that the seat is properly attached to the LATCH and tether anchors. Also, test the safety seat before you place the child in it. Tilt the seat from side to side. Also try to tug the seat forward. Check to see if the anchors hold the seat in place.

If the safety seat is not anchored properly, the risk

of a child being injured in a collision greatly increases.

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Attaching child safety seats with tether straps Most new forwardĆfacing child safety seats include a tether strap which goes over the back of the seat and hooks to an anchoring point. Tether straps are available as an accessory for many older safety seats. Contact the manufacturer of your child safety seat for information about ordering a tether strap.

The rear seats of your vehicle are equipped with builtĆin tether strap anchors located behind the seats as described below.

The tether anchors in your vehicle are either located under a cover marked with the tether anchor symbol (shown with title) or are recessed bars on the back side of the seatback.

The tether strap anchors in your vehicle are in the following positions (shown from top view, left is front of vehicle):

Attach the tether strap only to the appropriate tether

anchor as shown. The tether strap may not work properly if attached somewhere other than the correct tether anchor.

1. Position the child safety seat on the seat cushion.

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2. Route the child safety seat tether strap over the back of the seat.

On hatchbacks, the removable luggage area cover must be removed prior to attaching the tether strap to the tether anchor.

On wagons, it may be necessary to remove the cargo cover assembly prior to attaching the tether strap to the tether anchor. The tether must not go around the cargo cover retractor assembly.

For vehicles with adjustable head restraints, route the tether strap under the head restraint and between the head restraint posts, otherwise route the tether strap over the top of the seatback.

3. Locate the correct anchor for the selected seating position.

4. On a sedan, open the tether anchor cover.

5. Clip the tether strap to the anchor as shown.

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If the tether strap is clipped incorrectly, the child safety seat may not be retained properly in the event of a collision.

6. Refer to the Installing child safety seats in combination lap and shoulder belt seating positions section of this chapter for further instructions to secure the child safety seat.

7. Tighten the child safety seat tether strap according to the manufacturer's instructions.

If the safety seat is not anchored properly, the risk

of a child being inured in a collision greatly increases.

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1

Driving

STARTING

POSITIONS OF THE IGNITION 1. LOCK, locks the steering wheel, automatic transmission gearshift lever and allows key removal.

Note: The key may be difficult to remove if the ignition is switched off with an automatic gearshift lever in any other position than P (Park). If this occurs, place the gearshift lever in P (Park), turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN and then to the OFF position. Remove the key normally.

2. OFF, shuts off the engine and all accessories without locking the steering wheel. The audio system will still function.

3. ON/RUN, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key position when driving.

4. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine starts.

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PREPARING TO START YOUR VEHICLE Engine starting is controlled by the ignition system. This system meets all Canadian InterferenceĆ Causing Equipment standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio noise.

When starting a fuelĆinjected engine, avoid pressing the accelerator before or during starting. Only use the accelerator pedal when you have difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to Starting the engine in this chapter.

Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce

very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk of fire or other damage.

Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or

other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.

Driving

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Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other

enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door before you start the engine. See Guarding against exhaust fumes in this chapter for more instructions.

If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have

your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.

Important safety precautions A computer system controls the engine's idle revolutions per minute (RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle checked.

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Before starting the vehicle:

1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the Seating and Safety Restraints chapter.

2. Make sure the headlamps and vehicle accessories are off.

If starting a vehicle with an automatic transaxle:

• Make sure the parking brake is set. • Make sure the gearshift is in P (Park).

If starting a vehicle with a manual transaxle: • Make sure the parking brake is set. • Push the clutch pedal to the floor.

3. Turn the key to 3 (ON/RUN) without turning the key to 4
(START).

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Make sure the corresponding lights (if equipped) illuminate briefly. If a light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced. • If the driver's safety belt is fastened the light will not illuminate.

STARTING THE ENGINE 1. Turn the key to 4 (START) without pressing the accelerator pedal and release as soon as the engine starts. The key will return to 3 (ON/RUN).

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2. If the temperature is above -12ºC (10ºF) and the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait ten seconds and try again.

3. If the temperature is below -12ºC (10ºF) and the engine does not start in fifteen seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF and wait ten seconds and try again. If the engine does not start in two attempts, depress the accelerator and start the engine while holding the accelerator down to the floor. Release the accelerator when the engine starts.

4. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake and release the parking brake.

Using the engine block heater (if equipped) An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves starting, warms up the engine faster and allows the heaterĆ defroster system to respond quickly. Use of an engine block heater is strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -23ºC (-10ºF) or below.

For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting the vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not harm the engine, so the heater can be plugged in the night before starting the vehicle.

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To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or twoĆpronged (cheater) adapters.

Guarding against exhaust fumes Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.

If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and could kill you.

Have the exhaust and body ventilation system checked whenever: • the vehicle is raised for service. • the sound of the exhaust system changes. • the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.

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CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
Warning

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Important ventilating information If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in an open area for long periods of time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch).

Adjust the heating or air conditioning (if equipped) to bring in fresh air.

Improve vehicle ventilation by keeping all air inlet vents clear of snow, leaves and other debris.

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BRAKES Your service brakes are selfĆadjusting. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide" for scheduled maintenance.

Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a performance concern with the vehicle's brake system. In normal operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning; however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture, road dust, salt or mud. If a metalĆtoĆmetal", continuous grinding" or continuous squeal" sound is present while braking, have the brakes inspected by a qualified service technician.

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Parking brake Apply the parking brake whenever the vehicle is parked. To set the parking brake, pull the handle up as far as possible.

The brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates and remains illuminated (when the ignition is turned ON/RUN) until the parking brake is released.

The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle. However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure

that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (Automatic transaxle) or in 1 (First) (manual transaxle).

Push the button on the end of the parking brake and push the handle down as fas as possible to release the brake. Driving with the parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear out quickly and reduce fuel economy.

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Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped) On vehicles equipped with an antiĆlock braking system (ABS), a noise from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be observed during ABS braking events. Rapid pedal pulsation coupled with noise while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's antiĆlock brake system. The ABS performs a selfĆcheck at 17 km/h (10 mph) after you start the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS warning light will come on. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician.

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The ABS continuously monitors all four wheel speeds and detects the onset of wheel lockup during brake applications and, if required, modulates brake pressure to individual wheels to maintain braking at optimum efficiency and ensure that steering control is not adversely affected. The wheels are prevented from locking even when the brakes are firmly applied. The accompanying illustration depicts the advantage of an ABS equipped vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking traction.

ABS warning lamp (if equipped) The ABS warning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. If the light does not illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the ABS needs to be serviced. With the ABS light on, the antiĆlock brake system is disabled and normal braking is still effective unless the brake warning light also remains illuminated with parking brake released.

If the ABS and/or brake warning lights illuminate when the engine is on and the parking brake is in the fully off position, have your vehicle serviced immediately.

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Using ABS (if equipped) • In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the ABS is required, apply continuous full force on the brake. The ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop. • The AntiĆLock system does not decrease the time necessary to apply the brakes or always reduce stopping distance. Always leave enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to stop. • We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking technique. However, avoid any unnecessary risks.

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STEERING Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy from the engine to help steer the vehicle.

To prevent damage to the power steering pump: • Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left for more than a few seconds when the engine is running. • Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level.

If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.

If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of the following: • underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s) • high crosswinds • wheels out of alignment • loose or worn components in steering linkage.

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AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION (if equipped)

Brake-shift interlock This vehicle is equipped with a brakeĆshift interlock feature that prevents the gearshift from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake pedal is depressed.

If you cannot move the gearshift out of P (Park) with the brake pedal depressed:

1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the key.

2. Remove the protective cover to the interlock access hole on the console. Insert a screwdriver or other similar tool to release the interlock. Apply the brake pedal and shift to N (Neutral).

3. Start the vehicle.

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If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle's brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside Emergencies chapter.

Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the

brakelamps are working.

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or excessively spin the wheels. The transaxle and tires may be damaged or the engine may overheat.

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure

the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave your vehicle.

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Driving with automatic transaxle (if equipped) Understanding gearshift positions Depress the locking button and move the automatic gearshift to the desired position.

Hold the brake pedal down while you move the

gearshift lever from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.

P (Park) Always come to a complete stop before shifting into P (Park). Make sure the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from turning.

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure

the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).

If the gearshift is not in P (Park) and the driver's door is open, a warning chime will sound.

Note: The key may be difficult to remove if the ignition is switched off with an automatic gearshift lever in any other position than P (Park). If this occurs, place the gearshift lever in P (Park), turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN and then to the OFF position. Remove the key normally.

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Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is

running.

R (Reverse) With the gearshift in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward. Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse)

N (Neutral) With the gearshift in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this gear.

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D (Overdrive) The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transaxle operates in gears One through Four.

D (Overdrive) can be deactivated by pressing the transaxle control switch on the gearshift lever.

The O/D OFF light will illuminate on the instrument cluster.

Engine braking is provided in gears 2, 3, and 4.

D (Drive) Transaxle operates in gears One through Three. Activate by pressing the transaxle control switch on the gearshift lever. The O/D OFF light will illuminate on the instrument cluster. D (Drive) provides engine braking in gears 2 and 3 and is useful when: • driving with a heavy load. • towing a trailer up or down steep hills. • additional engine downhill braking is desired. If towing a trailer, refer to Driving while you tow in the Trailer towing section of this chapter.

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To return to D (Overdrive) mode, press the transaxle control switch and the O/D OFF light will no longer be illuminated.

Each time the vehicle is started, the transaxle will automatically return to normal overdrive mode.

2 (Second) Use 2 (Second) to startĆup on slippery roads or to provide additional engine braking on downgrades.

Upshifts can be made by shifting to D (Drive) or D (Overdrive). Selecting 2 (Second) at higher speeds causes the transaxle to shift to a lower gear, and will shift to 2
(Second) after vehicle decelerates to the proper speed.

1 (First) Use 1(First) to provide maximum engine braking on steep downgrades.

Upshifts can be made by shifting to 2 (Second), D (Drive) or D (Overdrive). Selecting 1 (First) at higher speeds causes the transaxle to shift to a lower gear, and will shift to 1 (First) after vehicle decelerates to the proper speed.

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Manual transaxle operation (if equipped) Using the clutch Vehicles equipped with a manual transaxle have a starter interlock that prevents cranking the engine unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.

When starting a vehicle with a manual transaxle, you must:

1. Put gearshift in N (Neutral).

2. Hold down brake pedal.

3. Depress clutch pedal.

4. Turn ignition to position 4
(START) to start the engine, let the engine idle for a few seconds, then shift into gear.

5. Release the brake pedal.

6. Release clutch slowly while pressing down slowly on the accelerator pedal.

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Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal and do not use the clutch to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a hill. These actions will seriously reduce clutch life.

Recommended shift speeds Upshift and downshift according to the following charts for your specific engine/drivetrain combination:

Upshifts when accelerating

(recommended for best fuel economy)

5-speed manual transaxle

Shift from:

First to second

Second to third

Third to fourth

Fourth to fifth

km/h

23

40

58

72

mph

14

25

36

45

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Parking your vehicle 1. Apply brake and shift into N (Neutral).

2. Set parking brake.

3. Shift into 1 (First).

4. Turn ignition to position 2
(OFF).

Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move

unexpectedly and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the parking brake fully.

Reverse Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift into R (Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transaxle.

Put the gearshift in N (Neutral) and wait at least three seconds before shifting into R (Reverse).

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• IB5 transaxle (with SPI engine) You shift into R (Reverse) only by moving the gearshift fully to the right against a spring pressure and then rearward into R (Reverse) gear.

• MTX 75 transaxle (with Zetec engine) To select reverse gear, lift the locking ring (1) and then move the gearshift fully to the right and rearward into R (Reverse) gear (2).

Removing key from ignition • Turn the ignition key to position 1. • Remove the ignition key.

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DRIVING THROUGH WATER Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your engine's air intake and severely damage your engine. If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the hubs. Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Driving through deep water where the transaxle is submerged may allow water into the transaxle and cause internal transaxle damage.

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VEHICLE LOADING Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with these terms. • Base curb weight: Weight of the vehicle including any standard equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include passengers or aftermarket equipment. • Payload: Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, passengers and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight rating minus base curb weight. • GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): Base curb weight plus payload weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification. • GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): Maximum total weight of the base vehicle, passengers, optional equipment and cargo. The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver's door pillar.

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• GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating): Carrying capacity for each axle system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver's door pillar. • GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): Maximum combined weight of towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and the trailer. The GCWR indicates the maximum loaded weight that the vehicle is designed to tow. • Maximum Trailer Weight Rating: Maximum weight of a trailer the vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating is determined by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each engine/transaxle combination, any required option weight for trailer towing and the weight of the driver from the GCWR for the towing vehicle. • Maximum Trailer Weight: Maximum weight of a trailer the loaded vehicle (including passengers and cargo) is permitted to tow. It is determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer towing vehicle from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.

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• Trailer Weight Range: Specified weight range that the trailer must fall within that ranges from zero to the maximum trailer weight rating.

Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded trailer when figuring the total weight.

Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the

Safety Compliance Certification Label.

Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the originals because they may lower the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.

The Certification Label, found on the inside pillar of the driver's door, lists several important vehicle weight rating limitations. Before adding any additional equipment, refer to these limitations.

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