Dust and Pollen Filter
. 180
. 5
. 177
. 170
. 281
. 119
. 235
. 170
Economy, Fuel
. 247
Emergencies on the Road
. 255
Battery, Jump Starting
. 262
Brake System Indicator
. 249
Changing a Flat Tire
. 260
Charging System Indicator
. 265
Checking the Fuses
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
. 259
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . 260
. 263
Manually Closing Moonroof
. 257
Overheated Engine
. 103
. 76
. 264
. 282
.............................. ............ ............. ........... ................ ..... .................. ..... ... ... .................. ......................... ...................... ...................... .......................
Emergency Brake Emergency Flashers Emergency Towing Emissions Controls Engine
....
. 69
Coolant Temperature Gauge Malfunction Indicator
Lamp
Oil Pressure Indicator Oil, What Kind to Use Overheating Specifications Speed Limiter
................................ ........ .............. ............................... ............................ ....................
. 62, 260
. 62, 259
. 214
. 257
. 274
. 181, 184
Main Menust03/09/03 12:15:23 31SDA610 0298
Index
Starting
.......................................
. 179
. 181, 184
Engine Speed Limiter
Ethanol in Gasoline
......................
. 280
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 282
Exhaust Fumes
...............................
. 56
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
..........
Belts by
........................................
. 17
..........................
Fan, Interior Features Filling the Fuel Tank Filter
......................................... ....................
. 110, 111
. 109
. 165
Dust and Pollen Oil
......................... ...............................................
. 235
. 216
5-speed Manual Transmission
Checking Fluid Level
...............
. 224
5-speed Manual Transmission
Shifting the
................................ ............. ...................
Flashers, Hazard Warning Flat Tire, Changing a Fluids
. 180
. 76
. 249
Automatic Transmission . 221, 222
Brake
. 225
. 226
Clutch
.......................................... .........................................
Manual Transmission Power Steering Windshield Washer
Folding Rear Seat Foreign Countries, Driving in Four-way Flashers Fuel
.............. .......................... .................. ........................... ..... .......................... ................................................. ...................... ........................................... ................ ............................... ........................ .....................
Fill Door and Cap Gauge Octane Requirement Oxygenated Tank, Filling the
Fuses, Checking the
. 224
. 226
. 218
. 95
. 281
. 76
. 164
. 165
. 70
. 164
. 280
. 165
. 265
Gas Mileage, Improving Gasohol Gasoline Gauge Octane Requirement Tank, Filling the
............... .......................................... ......................................... ........................................... ................ ........................ ................
Gas Station Procedures Gauges
. 170
. 280
. 164
. 70
. 164
. 165
. 165
Engine Coolant Temperature . 69
. 70
Fuel
... ...............................................
Speedometer Tachometer
............................... .................................
. 68
. 68
Gearshift Lever Positions Automatic Transmission 5-speed Manual Transmission
Glove Box
......................... ......................................
. 180
. 108
..........
. 182
Halogen Headlight Bulbs Hazard Warning Flashers Headlights Aiming Automatic Lighting Off Daytime Running Lights Low Beams, Turning on Reminder Chime Replacing Halogen Bulbs Turning on
............. .............. ........................................ ........................................ .............. ............ ............ ......................... ........ ................................... .............................. ..................... .................................
Head Restraints Heating and Cooling Heated Mirror
. 228
. 76
. 74
. 228
. 75
. 76
. 74
. 74
. 228
. 74
. 94
. 110
. 99
CONTINUED
III
Main Menust03/09/03 12:15:30 31SDA610 0299
Index
HomeLink Universal
Transceiver
Hood, Opening the Hydraulic Clutch
................................ ....................... ...........................
. 158
. 166
. 226
...
Identification Number, Vehicle . 272
Ignition
Keys
Switch
Timing Control System
Immobilizer System Important Safety Precautions Indicators, Instrument Panel Infant Restraint Infant Seats
.............................................. ........................................... ............ ........................ ......... ......... ............................... ...................................... .......... ................... ................................... ............................. .................... .......... ............................. ............................ ........
. 79
. 82
. 283
. 81
. 6
. 61
. 40
. 40
. 50
. 238
. 98
. 240
. 45
. 47
. 46
. 61
. 76
Tether Anchorage Points Using LATCH Instrument Panel Instrument Panel Brightness
Inflation, Proper Tire Inside Mirror Inspection, Tire Installing a Child Seat
Tether Anchorage Points
IV
Introduction
........................................
. i
Jacking up the Vehicle Jack, Tire Jump Starting
................. ....................................... ................................
. 250
. 250
. 255
Glove Box Lockout Prevention Power Door Trunk
.................................. .................... ................................. ........................................... ........................ ...
. 108
. 84
. 83
. 89
Low Coolant Level
. 169
Lower Gear, Downshifting to a . 180
. 62, 259
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
...
. 274
Lubricant Specifications Chart
Luggage
. 173
... .........................................
Keys
..................................................
. 79
Label, Certification Lane Change, Signaling Lap/Shoulder Belts Lights
....................... .................
..................
. 272
. 74
. 15, 19
Bulb Replacement Indicator Parking Turn Signal
.................... ....................................... ......................................... .................................. ......
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) Locks
. 228
. 61
. 74
. 65
. 82
Anti-theft Steering Column Fuel Fill Door
....... ............................
. 82
. 165
Maintenance
.................................. ... ........................................ ...................... ..........................................
. 199
Owner Maintenance Checks . 203
. 208
Record
Required Indicator
. 70
. 200
Safety
.............................
Schedule
. 204-207
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . 62, 260
Manual Transmission
. 180
. 224
Manual Transmission Fluid
. 68
Meters, Gauges
. 280
Methanol in Gasoline
. 98
Mirrors, Adjusting
Modifications
. 172
................... ........ ............................... ................... .......................... .................................
Main Menust03/09/03 12:15:37 31SDA610 0300
Index
Moonroof
Closing Manually Operation
....................................... ...................... ...................................
. 102
. 263
. 102
Neutral Gear Position New Vehicle Break-in Normal Shift Speeds NOTICE, Explanation of Numbers, Identification
................... .................. .....................
................... ...............
. 183
. 164
. 181
. i
. 272
Octane Requirement, Gasoline . 164
...
.........................................
Odometer
. 68
Odometer/Outside Temperature
......................................
...............................
Indicator
. 68
. 69
Odometer, Trip Oil
Change, How to ........................ Change, When to .............. Checking Engine ...................... Pressure Indicator .............. Selecting Proper Viscosity
. 216
. 204, 206
. 168
. 62, 259
Chart
......................................
. 215
ON (Ignition Key Position)
. 82
Operation in Foreign Countries . 281
. 98
Outside Mirrors
Outside Temperature
. 68
. 257
Overheating, Engine
Owner Maintenance Checks
. 203
. 280
Oxygenated Fuel
........... .. .............................. ..................... .................... ....... ..........................
. 76
Panel Brightness Control
..............
. 183
Park Gear Position
........................
. 103
Parking Brake
...............................
Parking Lights
. 74
.................................
..
Parking Over Things that Burn . 284
..................................
Parking Tips
. 187
. 283
PGM-FI System
.............................
. 235
Pollen Filter
...................................
. 17
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts
.........
.........
Protecting Adults and Teens
. 11
. 18
Additional Safety Precautions
...
. 17
.....
Advice for Pregnant Women
........................
. 34
Protecting Children Protecting Infants and Small
Children
.......................................
. 40
Protecting Larger Children
Using Booster Seat
........... .....................
. 51
. 52
Radiator Overheating Radio/CD Sound
...................
. 257
System
.......................
.. .......................... ............................ ................. .........
. 122, 130, 132
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement . 233
. 95
Rear Seat, Folding
Rear View Mirror
. 98
. 77
Rear Window Defogger
. 92, 93
Reclining the Seat Backs
. 181
Recommended Shift Speeds
. 61
Reminder Lights
Remote Transmitter
. 85
Replacement Information
....... ............................. .......................
................ .......................................... ................................
Engine Oil and Filter Fuses Light Bulbs Schedule Tires Wiper Blades
........................................... .............................
. 216
. 265
. 228
. 204, 206
. 241
. 236
............................
CONTINUED
Main Menust03/09/03 12:15:42 31SDA610 0301
Index
Replacing Seat Belts After a
Crash
Reserve Tank, Coolant Restraint, Child Reverse Gear Position Rotation, Tire
............................................ ................. ............................... .................. ................................
. 21
. 219
. 34
. 183
. 241
*
.........
........................................
Safety Belts Safety Defects, Reporting Safety Features
Airbags Seat Belts
................................. ........................................... ....................................... ............. ...............................
Safety Labels, Location of Safety Messages Satellite Radio Seat Belts
........................................... ...............
Additional Information Automatic Seat Belt
................................
. 8
. 290
. 7
. 9
. 8
. 57
. ii
. 145
. 8
. 19
Tensioners
Lap/Shoulder Belt Maintenance Reminder Light and
............................... ...................... ................................
. 20
. 19
. 21
Beeper
................................
System Components
...................
. 19, 62
. 19
VI
...................
...............................
............................ .....................
Use During Pregnancy Wearing Lap/Shoulder Belt ..................
Seats, Adjusting the Security System Selecting a Child Seat Select/Reset Knob Serial Number Service Intervals Service Manual Service Station Procedures Setting the Clock Shift Lever Position Indicator Shift Lock Release Side Airbags
. 17
...............
......
. 14
. 92, 93
. 154
. 43
. 68, 69
. 272
. 204, 206
. 292
. 165
. 153
. 182
. 185
. 9, 27
How Your Side Airbags Work . 27
...
How The SIDE Airbag Off
................... ........................... ......... .......................... ..... ........................ ................................
*
Indicator Light Works
Side Curtain Airbags
................
How Your Side Curtain
...........
. 29
. 10, 28
Airbags Work
.......................... ............................... .....................................
. 28
. 74
. 242
. 122, 130, 132, 140
.......
Signaling Turns Snow Tires Sound System Spare Tire Inflating Specifications
...................................... ............................
. 248
. 276
Specifications Charts Speed Control Speed Limiter Speedometer SRS, Additional Information
....................
. 274
................................
. 155
........................
. 181, 184
...................................
. 68
..........
. 22
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 33
How the Passenger Airbag Off
...........
Indicator Light Works
. 31
How Your Airbags
Work
............................
. 23, 27, 28
Works
How Your SRS Indicator Light ....................................... SRS Components ........................ SRS Service .................................. SRS Indicator ............................. START (Ignition Key Position) Starting the Engine
. 28
. 22
. 32
. 28, 63
....
. 82
. 179
.......................
. 255
................
........
. 257
With a Dead Battery
Steam Coming from Engine Steering Wheel
Adjustment Anti-theft Column Lock
.................................. .............
. 78
. 82
Stereo Sound
System Sun Visor Sunglasses Holder
............... ........................................ ........................
. 122, 130, 132, 140
. 104
. 108
Main Menust03/09/03 12:15:50 31SDA610 0302
Index
Supplemental Restraint System
Servicing SRS Indicator System Components
......................................
.........................
................... ..................................
. 32
. 28, 63
. 22
. 215
Synthetic Oil
. 68
.....................................
Tachometer
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in
......
. 233
Taking Care of the Unexpected . 247
Technical Descriptions
DOT Tire Quality Grading Emissions Control Systems Oxygenated Fuels Three Way Catalytic
...... ..... .....................
. 277
. 282
. 280
Converter
. 284
...............................
. 69
Temperature Gauge
.......................
Tether Anchorage Points
. 50
..............
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 284
..
. 153
Time, Setting the
..........................
. 227
Timing Belt
....................................
. 243
Tire Chains
....................................
. 249
Tire, How to Change a Flat
.........
.................................
Tire Labeling
. 279
Tires
Air Pressure Checking Wear Compact Spare DOT Tire Quality Grading Inflation Inspection Replacing Rotating Snow Specifications
............................................... .............................. ......................... .......................... ...... ...................................... .................................. ................................... ...................................... ........................................... ............................ ...................
. 238
. 239
. 240
. 248
. 277
. 238
. 240
. 241
. 241
. 242
. 276
. 249
Tools, Tire Changing Towing
A Trailer Emergency Wrecker Traction Control System
..................................... ................ ..............
TCS Activation Indicator TCS Indicator TCS ON/OFF Switch
... ......................
...............
. 194
. 264
. 191
. 63, 192
. 64, 191
. 192
Transmission
Checking Fluid Level,
Automatic
......................
. 221, 222
Checking Fluid Level,
Manual
...................................
Fluid Selection .......... Identification Number
. 224
. 221, 223, 224
. 272
..............
Treadwear Trip Meter Trunk
Shifting the Automatic Shifting the Manual
............. .................. ..................................... ....................................... ................................................ .................... ................................. ................... ....................................
Emergency Opener Opening the Open Monitor Light
Turn Signals
. 182
. 180
. 277
. 69
. 89
. 90
. 89
. 64
. 74
Unexpected, Taking Care
of the
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Unleaded Gasoline Upholstery Cleaning Used Oil, How to Dispose of
.......................................... .... ........................ ..................... .......
. 247
. 277
. 164
. 235
. 217
Vanity Mirror Vehicle Capacity Load Vehicle Dimensions
................................ ................. ......................
. 104
. 174
. 274
CONTINUED
VII
Main Menust03/09/03 12:15:55 31SDA610 0303
Index
Vehicle Identification Number Vehicle Storage VIN Viscosity, Oil
.... ............................. ................................................. ..................................
. 272
. 246
. 272
. 215
Operation Worn Tires Wrecker, Emergency Towing
..................................... .................................... .....
. 73
. 240
. 264
*
: U.S. and Canada only
WARNING, Explanation of Warning Labels, Location of Warranty Coverages Washer, Windshield
............. ......... ..................
. ii
. 57
. 289
Checking the Fluid Level Operation
........ .....................................
. 218
. 73
*
Wheels
Adjusting the Steering Alignment and Balance Compact Spare Wrench Windows
............... ............ .......................... ......................................
Operating the Power Rear, Defogger
.................. ...........................
. 78
. 240
. 248
. 251
. 99
. 77
Windshield Cleaning Washers
....................................... .......................................
. 73
. 73
Wipers, Windshield Changing Blades
.......................
. 236
VIII
Main Menust03/09/03 12:16:13 31SDA610 0305
Service Information Summary
Tire Pressure (measured cold): LX
Front: 30 psi (210 kPa , 2.1 kgf/cm ) Rear: 29 psi (200 kPa , 2.0 kgf/cm )
All other models
Front: 32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm ) Rear: 30 psi (210 kPa , 2.1 kgf/cm )
Gasoline: Unleaded gasoline, pump octane number of 86 or higher.
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.09 US gal (64.7 )
Recommended Engine Oil:
API Premium grade 5W-20
215
detergent oil (see page
).
Oil change capacity (including filter):
4-cylinder models 4.4 US qt (4.2 ) 6-cylinder models 4.5 US qt (4.3 )
Automatic Transmission Fluid: Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) preferred, or a DEXRON III ATF as a temporary replacement (see pages
and
224
221
).
5-speed Manual Transmission
Fluid:
Honda Manual Transmission
Fluid preferred, or an SAE 10W-30
or 10W-40 motor oil as a
temporary replacement (see page
224
Capacity:
).
2.0 US qt (1.9 )
Power Steering Fluid: Honda Power Steering Fluid preferred, or another brand of power steering fluid as a temporary replacement. Do not use ATF (see page
226
).
Brake Fluid: Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 preferred, or a DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid as a temporary replacement (see page
225
).
Main Menust2004 Accord 4 Door Online Reference Owner's Manual Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through this reference. For a printed owner's manual, click on authorized manuals or go to www.helminc.com.
Contents
Owner's Identification Form
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... i
A Few Words About Safety................................................................................................................ ii
Your Vehicle at a Glance................................................................................................................... 2
Driver and Passenger Safety ............................................................................................................ 5
Seat belts, SRS, and child protection.
Instruments and Controls................................................................................................................. 59
Indicators, gauges, dashboard, and steering column.
Features .............................................................................................................................................. 109
Heating and cooling, audio, steering wheel, and cruise control.
Before Driving.................................................................................................................................. 163
Fuel, vehicle break-in, and cargo loading.
Driving .............................................................................................................................................. 177
Engine and transmission operation.
Maintenance..................................................................................................................................... 199
Schedules, fluid checking, minor services, and vehicle storage.
Taking Care of the Unexpected...................................................................................................... 247
Flat tire, dead battery, overheating, fuses.
Technical Information..................................................................................................................... 271
Vehicle specifications, tires, fuels, and emissions controls.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)................................................................ 287
Warranty and contact information.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)...................................................................................................... 291
How to order.
Index..................................................................................................................................................... I
Service Information Summary
Fluid capacities and tire pressures.
03/09/03 11:23:58 31SDA610 0002
Congratulations! Your selection of a 2004 Honda Accord was a wise investment. It will give you years of driving pleasure.
One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new Honda is to read this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and convenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner’s manual in your vehicle so you can refer to it at any time.
Several warranties protect your new Honda. Read the warranty booklet thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights and responsibilities.
Maintaining your vehicle according to the schedules given in this manual helps to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves your investment. When your vehicle needs maintenance, keep in mind that your Honda dealer’s staff is specially trained in servicing the many systems unique to your Honda. Your Honda dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer any questions and concerns.
California Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING: California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
This product contains or emits chemicals known to the State of
Introduction
As you read this manual, you will find information that is preceded by information is intended to help you avoid damage to your Honda, other property, or the environment.
symbol. This
Main Menust03/09/03 11:24:12 31SDA610 0003
A Few Words About Safety
Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And operating this vehicle safely is an important responsibility.
To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others.
Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining your vehicle. You must use your own good judgement.
ii
You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms, including:
Safety Labels − Safety Messages
on the vehicle. − three signal words: These signal words mean:
preceded by a safety alert symbol DANGER WARNING
, or
CAUTION
and one of
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
Safety Headings
− Safety Precautions.
such as Important Safety Reminders or Important
Safety Section Instructions −
such as Driver and Passenger Safety.
− how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.
This entire book is filled with important safety information carefully.
−
please read it
Main Menust03/09/03 11:24:39 31SDA610 0005
Your Vehicle at a Glance
DASH LIGHTS GAUGES (P.68)
(P.62)
AIRBAGS (P.9/22)
MIRROR CONTROLS (P.98)
POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH (P.83)
POWER WINDOW SWITCHES (P.99)
AUDIO SYSTEM (P.122)
HEATING/COOLING CONTROLS (P.110)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (P.182) MANUAL TRANSMISSION (P.180)
TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE/ FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE (P.89/165)
HOOD RELEASE HANDLE (P.166)
ACCESSORY POWER SOCKETS (P.107)
Main Menust03/09/03 11:24:45 31SDA610 0006
Your Vehicle at a Glance
INSTRUMENT PANEL BRIGHTNESS (P.76)
WINDSHIELD WIPERS/WASHERS (P.73)
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR (P.31)
HEADLIGHTS/ TURN SIGNALS (P.74)
REMOTE AUDIO CONTROLS (P.151)
VOICE CONTROL SWITCHES
*
MOONROOF SWITCH (P.102)
HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS (P.76) CRUISE CONTROLS (P.155)
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER (P.77, 113, 116)
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (P.191)
STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENT (P.78)
HORN
* Only on vehicles equipped with Navigation System. Refer to the Navigation System Owner’s Manual.
Main Menust03/09/03 11:24:54 31SDA610 0008
Driver and Passenger Safety
This section gives you important information about how to protect yourself and your passengers. It shows you how to use seat belts. It explains how your airbags work, and it tells you how to properly restrain infants and children in your vehicle.
Seat Belts Airbags
Protecting Adults and Teens
Important Safety Precautions Your Vehicle’s Safety Features
......... ....... ....................................... ........................................... ......... 1. Close and Lock the Doors ..... 2. Adjust the Front Seats ........... 3. Adjust the Seat-Backs ............ 4. Adjust the Head Restraints ... 5. Fasten and Position the Lap/ ............ ....
6. Adjust the Steering Wheel 7. Maintain a Proper Sitting
Shoulder Seat Belts
. 6
. 7
. 8
. 9
. 11
. 11
. 12
. 13
. 14
. 14
. 16
Position
................................
. 16
Seat Belts
Advice for Pregnant Women
. 17
Additional Safety Precautions . 18
.....
...
Additional Information About Your
.................................
. 19
..
Seat Belt System Components . 19
......................
. 19
Lap/Shoulder Belt
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners
........ 20
Seat Belt Maintenance
. 21
...............
Additional Information About Your
.....................................
. 22
......
. 22
Airbag System Components
How Your Front Airbags Work
......... 23
Advanced Airbags
. 25
......................
How Your Side Airbags Work . 27
...
How Your Side Curtain Airbags
.........................................
. 28
How the SRS Indicator Works . 28
..
How the Side Airbag Off
Airbags
Work
Indicator Works
...................... How the Passenger Airbag Off ...................... ............................. ...
. 31
Airbag Service
. 32
Additional Safety Precautions . 33
Indicator Works
. 29
Protecting Children
−
General
Guidelines
................................
. 34
All Children Must Be
Restrained
...............................
. 34
All Children Should Sit in the
Back Seat
Can Pose Serious Risks
................................. The Passenger’s Front Airbag ......... Infants .......................................... Small Children ............................. Larger Children .......................... If You Must Drive with Several ...................................
Children
If a Child Requires Close
. 35
. 35
. 35
. 35
. 35
. 38
Attention
. 38
Additional Safety Precautions . 38
.................................. ...
Protecting Infants and
Small Children Protecting Infants Protecting Small Children
......................... ....................... ......... ...................... ....................
. 40
. 40
. 42
. 43
. 45
Selecting Child Seats Installing a Child Seat
Installing a Child Seat Using
LATCH
Protecting Larger Children
. 46
. 51
Additional Safety Precautions . 55
. 56
. 57
..................................... ........... ... ............. ...................................
Carbon Monoxide Hazard Safety Labels
Driver and Passenger Safety
Main Menust03/09/03 11:25:07 31SDA610 0009
Important Safety Precautions
You’ll find many safety recommendations throughout this section, and throughout this manual. The recommendations on this page are the ones we consider to be the most important.
Always Wear Your Seat Belt A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags supplement seat belts, but airbags are designed to inflate only in a moderate to severe frontal collision. So even though your vehicle is equipped with airbags, make sure you and your passengers always wear your seat belts, and wear them properly (see page
14
).
Restrain All Children Children age 12 and under should ride properly restrained in a back seat. Infants and small children should be restrained in a child seat. Larger children should use a booster and a lap/shoulder belt until they
Driver and Passenger Safety
canusethebeltproperlywithouta booster (see page
34
).
Be Aware of Airbag Hazards While airbags can save lives, they can cause serious or fatal injuries to occupants who sit too close to them, or are not properly restrained. Infants, young children, and short adults are at the greatest risk. Be sure to follow all instructions and warnings in this manual.
Don’t Drink and Drive Alcohol and driving don’t mix. Even one drink can reduce your ability to respond to changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with every additional drink. So don’t drink and drive, and don’t let your friends drink and drive, either.
Control Your Speed Excessive speed is a major factor in crash injuries and deaths. Generally, the higher the speed, the greater the risk, but serious injuries can also occur at lower speeds. Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the maximum speed posted.
Keep Your Vehicle in Safe Condition Having a tire blowout or a mechanical failure can be extremely hazardous. To reduce the possibility of such problems, check your tire pressures and condition frequently, and perform all regularly scheduled maintenance (see page
201
).
Main MenuTable of Contentsst03/09/03 11:25:15 31SDA610 0010
(3)
(10)
(8)
(9)
(1)
(4)
(8)
(2)
(7)
(7)
(5)
(6) (11)
(1) Safety Cage (2) Crush Zones (3) Seats and Seat-Backs (4) Head Restraints (5) Collapsible Steering Column (6) Seat Belts (7) Front Airbags (8) Side Airbags * (9) Side Curtain Airbags (10) Door Locks (11) Seat Belt Tensioners
*
*
: If equipped
(2)
Your Vehicle’s Safety Features
Your vehicle is equipped with many features that work together to protect you and your passengers during a crash. Some safety features do not require any action on your part. These include a strong steel framework that forms a safety cage around the passenger compartment; front and rear crush zones, a collapsible steering column, and seat belt tensioners that tighten the front seat belts in the event of a crash. However, you and your passengers can’t take full advantage of these safety features unless you remain sitting in a proper position and always wear your seat belts properly. In fact, some safety features can contribute to injuries if they are not used properly.
The following pages explain how you can take an active role in protecting yourself and your passengers.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Main MenuTable of ContentsstOf course, seat belts cannot completely protect you in every crash. But in most cases, seat belts can reduce your risk of serious injury.
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Your Vehicle’s Safety Features
Seat Belts Your vehicle is equipped with seat belts in all seating positions.
Your seat belt system also includes a light on the
instrument panel to remind you and your passengers to fasten your seat belts.
WhyWearSeatBelts Seat belts are the single most effective safety device for adults and larger children (Infants and smaller children must be properly restrained in child seats).
Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even though your vehicle has airbags.
In addition, most states and all Canadian provinces require you to wear seat belts.
Driver and Passenger Safety
When properly worn, seat belts:
Keep you connected to the vehicle so you can take advantage of the vehicle’s built-in safety features.
Help protect you in almost every type of crash, including frontal, side, and rear impacts and rollovers.
Help keep you from being thrown against the inside of the vehicle and against other occupants.
Keep you from being thrown out of the vehicle.
Help keep you in a good position should the airbags ever deploy. A good position reduces the risk of injury from an inflating airbag, and allows you to get the best advantage from the airbag.
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WhatYouShouldDo: Always wear your seat belt, and make sure you wear it properly.
Airbags
Your Vehicle’s Safety Features
Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even if you have airbags.
Be sure you and your passenger always wear seat belts and wear them properly.
Your vehicle has a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with front airbags to help protect the heads and chests of the driver and a front seat passenger during a moderate to severe frontal collision (see page for more information on how 23 your front airbags work).
StandardonV-6andEXmodels. OptionalontheU.S.LXmodel Your vehicle also has side airbags to help protect the upper torso of the driver or a front seat passenger during a moderate to severe side impact (see page information on how your side airbags work).
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Driver and Passenger Safety
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Your Vehicle’s Safety Features
To do
Airbagscanposehazards. their job, airbags must inflate with tremendous force. So while airbags help save lives they can cause minor injuries, or more serious or even fatal injuries if occupants are not properly restrained or sitting properly.
Always wear
Whatyoushoulddo: your seat belt properly, and sit upright, and as far back from the steering wheel as possible while allowing full control of the vehicle. A front passenger should move their seat as far back from the dashboard as possible.
The most important things you need to know about your airbags are:
Airbagsdonotreplaceseatbelts. They are designed to supplement the seat belts.
Airbagsoffernoprotectioninrear impacts,orminorfrontalorside collisions.
U.S.EX-Lmodel,optionalonU.S.EX modelandCanadianEX-V6model Your vehicle also has side curtain airbags to help protect the heads of the driver, front passenger, and passengers in the outer rear seating positions (see page information on how your side curtain airbags work).
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The rest of this section gives more detailed information about how you can maximize your safety.
Remember, however, that no safety system can prevent all injuries or deaths that can occur in severe crashes, even when seat belts are properly worn and the airbags deploy.
Introduction The following pages provide instructions on how to properly protect the driver, adult passengers, and teenage children who are large enough and mature enough to ride in the front. See pages for important guidelines on how to properly protect infants, small children, and larger children who ride in your vehicle.
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Protecting Adults and Teens
Your vehicle has a door monitor light on the instrument panel to indicate when a specific door is not tightly closed.
Locking the doors reduces the chance of someone being thrown out of the vehicle during a crash, and it helps prevent passengers from accidentally opening a door and falling out.
Close and Lock the Doors
1. After everyone has entered the car, be sure the doors are closed and locked.
Locking the doors also helps prevent an outsider from unexpectedly opening a door when you come to a stop.
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See page doors, and page monitor light works.
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for how the
Driver and Passenger Safety
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that drivers allow at least 10 inches (25 cm) between the center of the steering wheel and the chest.
If you cannot get far enough away from the steering wheel and still reach the controls, we recommend that you investigate whether some type of adaptive equipment may help.
Once your seat is adjusted correctly, rock it back and forth to make sure the seat is locked in position.
Sitting too close to a front airbag can result in serious injury or death if the front airbags inflate.
Always sit as far back from the front airbags as possible.
See pages adjust the front seats.
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Protecting Adults and Teens
2.
Adjust the Front Seats
Adjust the driver’s seat as far to the rear as possible while allowing you to maintain full control of the vehicle. Have a front passenger adjust their seat as far to the rear as possible.
If you sit too close to the steering wheel or dashboard, you can be seriously injured by an inflating front airbag, or by striking the steering wheel or dashboard.
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Protecting Adults and Teens
Reclining a seat-back so that the shoulder part of the belt no longer rests against the occupant’s chest reduces the protective capability of the belt. It also increases the chance of sliding under the belt in a crash and being seriously injured. The farther a seat-back is reclined, the greater the risk of injury.
Reclining the seat-back too far can result in serious injury or death in a crash.
Adjust the seat-back to an upright position, and sit well back in the seat.