2008 Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual M · Using this Manual Many people read the owner manual from beginning to end when they ﬁrst receive their new vehicle to learn about the vehicle’s

Seats and Restraint Systems ........................... 1-1Front Seats ............................................... 1-2Rear Seats ............................................... 1-7Safety Belts ............................................. 1-14Child Restraints ....................................... 1-32Airbag System ......................................... 1-56Restraint System Check ............................ 1-72

Features and Controls ..................................... 2-1Keys ........................................................ 2-2Doors and Locks ....................................... 2-6Windows ................................................. 2-12Theft-Deterrent Systems ............................ 2-14Starting and Operating Your Vehicle ........... 2-17Mirrors .................................................... 2-32Storage Areas ......................................... 2-34Sunroof .................................................. 2-36

Instrument Panel ............................................. 3-1Instrument Panel Overview .......................... 3-4Climate Controls ...................................... 3-20Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators ........ 3-26Secondary Information Center (SIC) ............ 3-43Audio System(s) ....................................... 3-54

Driving Your Vehicle ....................................... 4-1Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle ........ 4-2Towing ................................................... 4-27

Service and Appearance Care .......................... 5-1Service ..................................................... 5-3Fuel ......................................................... 5-5Checking Things Under the Hood ............... 5-10Headlamp Aiming ..................................... 5-40Bulb Replacement .................................... 5-41Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement ......... 5-49Tires ...................................................... 5-50Appearance Care ..................................... 5-79Vehicle Identification ................................. 5-88Electrical System ...................................... 5-88Capacities and Specifications ..................... 5-99Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts ...... 5-100

Maintenance Schedule ..................................... 6-1Maintenance Schedule ................................ 6-2

Customer Assistance Information .................... 7-1Customer Assistance and Information ........... 7-2Reporting Safety Defects ........................... 7-16Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy ........... 7-18

Index ................................................................ 1

2008 Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual M

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem,CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem, andthe name AVEO are registered trademarks ofGeneral Motors Corporation.

This manual includes the latest information at the time itwas printed. We reserve the right to make changes afterthat time without further notice. For vehicles first soldin Canada, substitute the name “General Motors ofCanada Limited” for Chevrolet Motor Division wheneverit appears in this manual.

This manual describes features that may be available inthis model, but your vehicle may not have all of them.For example, more than one entertainment system maybe offered or your vehicle may have been orderedwithout a front passenger or rear seats.

Keep this manual in the vehicle, so it will be there if itis needed while you are on the road. If the vehicleis sold, leave this manual in the vehicle.

Canadian OwnersA French language copy of this manual can be obtainedfrom your dealer/retailer or from:

Helm, IncorporatedP.O. Box 07130Detroit, MI 48207

1-800-551-4123www.helminc.com

Propriétaires CanadiensOn peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide en françaisauprès de concessionnaire ou à l’adresse suivante:

Helm IncorporatedP.O. Box 07130Detroit, MI 48207

1-800-551-4123www.helminc.com

Using this ManualMany people read the owner manual from beginningto end when they first receive their new vehicle tolearn about the vehicle’s features and controls.Pictures and words work together to explain things.

Litho in U.S.A.Part No. 25810501 A First Printing ©2007 General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

ii

IndexA good place to quickly locate information about thevehicle is the Index in the back of the manual. It isan alphabetical list of what is in the manual andthe page number where it can be found.

Safety Warnings and SymbolsThere are a number of safety cautions in this book.A box with the word CAUTION is used to tell aboutthings that could hurt you or others if you were toignore the warning.

{CAUTION:

These mean there is something that could hurtyou or other people.

We tell you what the hazard is and what to do to helpavoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions.If you do not, you or others could be hurt.

A circle with a slashthrough it is a safetysymbol which means“Do Not,” “Do Not dothis” or “Do Not letthis happen.”

iii

Vehicle Damage WarningsYou will also find notices in this manual.

Notice: These mean there is something that coulddamage your vehicle.

A notice tells about something that can damage thevehicle. Many times, this damage would not be coveredby your vehicle’s warranty, and it could be costly.The notice tells what to do to help avoid the damage.

When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTIONand NOTICE warnings in different colors or in differentwords.

There are also warning labels on the vehicle which usethe same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

Vehicle SymbolsThe vehicle has components and labels that usesymbols instead of text. Symbols are shown alongwith the text describing the operation or informationrelating to a specific component, control, message,gage, or indicator.

iv

Front Seats ......................................................1-2Manual Seats ................................................1-2Seat Height Adjuster .......................................1-3Manual Lumbar (Sedan) ..................................1-3Reclining Seatbacks ........................................1-4Head Restraints .............................................1-6

Rear Seats .......................................................1-7Rear Seat Operation (Sedan) ...........................1-7Rear Seat Operation (Hatchback) ....................1-10

Safety Belts ...................................................1-14Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone ................1-14How to Wear Safety Belts Properly .................1-19Lap-Shoulder Belt .........................................1-27Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ..................1-30Safety Belt Extender .....................................1-31

Child Restraints .............................................1-32Older Children ..............................................1-32Infants and Young Children ............................1-34Child Restraint Systems .................................1-38Where to Put the Restraint .............................1-40Lower Anchors and Tethers for

Children (LATCH) ......................................1-42

Securing a Child Restraint in aRear Seat Position ....................................1-49

Securing a Child Restraint in theRight Front Seat Position ............................1-52

Airbag System ...............................................1-56Where Are the Airbags? ................................1-59When Should an Airbag Inflate? .....................1-61What Makes an Airbag Inflate? .......................1-63How Does an Airbag Restrain? .......................1-63What Will You See After an

Airbag Inflates? .........................................1-64Passenger Sensing System ............................1-65Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ...........1-70Adding Equipment to Your

Airbag-Equipped Vehicle .............................1-71Restraint System Check ..................................1-72

Checking the Restraint Systems ......................1-72Replacing Restraint System Parts

After a Crash ............................................1-73

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

1-1

Front Seats

Manual Seats

{CAUTION:

You can lose control of the vehicle if you try toadjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicleis moving. The sudden movement could startleand confuse you, or make you push a pedalwhen you do not want to. Adjust the driver’sseat only when the vehicle is not moving.

Pull up and hold the barlocated under the front ofthe seat to unlock it.

Slide the seat to where you want it and release the bar.Then try to move the seat with your body, to makesure the seat is locked into place.

1-2

Seat Height Adjuster

To adjust the height ofthe driver’s seat cushion,turn the knob locatedon the outboard side ofthe seat cushion.

Turn the knob forward to raise the height of the seatcushion and rearward to lower it.

Manual Lumbar (Sedan)

Your vehicle mayhave manually operatedlumbar support forthe driver’s seat.

To adjust the front seat lumbar support, use the leverlocated on the outboard side of the seatback.

Push the lever down to adjust the support for the lowerpart of the seatback. Pull the lever up to return thesupport to its original position.

1-3

Reclining Seatbacks

{CAUTION:

You can lose control of the vehicle if you try toadjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicleis moving. The sudden movement could startleand confuse you, or make you push a pedalwhen you do not want to. Adjust the driver’sseat only when the vehicle is not moving.

{CAUTION:

If the seatback is not locked, it could moveforward in a sudden stop or crash. That couldcause injury to the person sitting there. Alwayspush and pull on the seatback to be sure itis locked.

Your seats have manual reclining seatbacks. The leverused to operate them is located on the outboard side ofthe seats.

To recline the seatback, do the following:

1. Lift the recline lever.

2. Move the seatback to the desired position, thenrelease the lever to lock the seatback in place.

3. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure itis locked.

1-4

To return the seatback to an upright position, do thefollowing:

1. Lift the lever fully without applying pressure to theseatback and the seatback will return to the uprightposition.

2. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure itis locked.

{CAUTION:

Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicleis in motion can be dangerous. Even if youbuckle up, your safety belts cannot do theirjob when you are reclined like this.

The shoulder belt cannot do its job because itwill not be against your body. Instead, it will bein front of you. In a crash, you could go into it,receiving neck or other injuries.

The lap belt cannot do its job either. In a crash,the belt could go up over your abdomen. Thebelt forces would be there, not at your pelvicbones. This could cause serious internalinjuries.

For proper protection when the vehicle is inmotion, have the seatback upright. Then sit wellback in the seat and wear your safety beltproperly.

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

1-5

Head Restraints

Adjust the head restraint so that the top of the restraintis at the same height as the top of the occupant’s head.This position reduces the chances of a neck injury ina crash.

Pull the head restraint up to raise it. To lower it, pressthe button, located on the top of the seatback, and pushthe head restraint down.

The front seat head restraints also tilt forward. To tilt thehead restraint, first put it in the upright position by tilting itforward fully and releasing it. Then slowly move the headrestraint forward until it is in the desired position.

The front head restraints can also be removed.To remove the restraint, press the button located on thetop of the seatback, and lift the head restraint from theguide sleeve. Replace the head restraint before driving.

The rear seats have head restraints that are adjustableup and down, but they do not tilt.

1-6

Rear Seats

Rear Seat Operation (Sedan)

Folding the SeatbackThe rear seatbacks can be folded down to increasecargo space.

To fold down the seatback:

Notice: Folding a rear seat with the safety beltsstill fastened may cause damage to the seat orthe safety belts. Always unbuckle the safety beltsand return them to their normal stowed positionbefore folding a rear seat.

1. Remove the safety belt strap from the safety beltguide by pulling it through the slot.

2. Push the head restraints all the way down.

3. Unlatch the center safety belt by pressing thered button on the buckle.

1-7

4. Detach the center safety belt from the mini buckleby inserting the key into the slot in the mini buckle,pressing the release button, and allowing it toretract.

5. Pull up the release knob located on top of therear seatback.

6. Fold the rear seatback forward and down.

To return the seatback to the upright position:

1. Hook the safety belts into the safety belt guide.

2. Lift the seatback up and push it to its originalposition.

1-8

{CAUTION:


3. Push down and rearward firmly on the top of theseatback until it latches securely in the fullyupright position.

4. To reattach the center seat safety belt to the minibuckle, pull it from the retractor.

5. Push the latch plate at the end of the safety beltstrap into the buckle until the mechanism clicks.Make sure the strap is not twisted. The slidinglatch plate will face the front of the vehicle.

{CAUTION:

A safety belt that is improperly routed, notproperly attached, or twisted will not providethe protection needed in a crash. The personwearing the belt could be seriously injured.After raising the rear seatback, always checkto be sure that the safety belts are properlyrouted and attached, and are not twisted.

6. Insert the safety belt strap back into the safetybelt guide.

7. Reattach the center safety belt by pushing thelatch plate into the buckle until it clicks.

1-9

Rear Seat Operation (Hatchback)

Folding the Rear SeatsThe rear seats can be folded to increase cargo space.

To fold the rear seats:1. Lower the head restraints completely.2. Unlatch the center safety belt by pressing the

red button on the buckle.

3. Detach the center safety belt from the mini buckleby inserting the key into the slot in the mini buckle,pressing the release button, and allowing it to retract.

4. Pull up the release knob, located on the top of theseatback, and fold the seatback forward and down.

Notice: Folding a rear seat with the safety belts stillfastened may cause damage to the seat or the safetybelts. Always unbuckle the safety belts and returnthem to their normal stowed position before foldinga rear seat.

5. Move the safety belt buckles and safety belt in thecenter seating position out of the space betweenthe seatback and the seat cushion so they are notin the way as the seat is being folded.

1-10

6. Pull the release handles on the rear side of the seatcushion to unlock the seat cushion.

7. Lift the seat cushion up and flip it forward.

8. Clip the hook to the front seat head restraint tokeep the rear seat secure.

9. When the rear seat is folded, store the safety beltbuckles and center safety belt in the storage areaunder the floor mat.

1-11

Unfolding the SeatsTo return the rear seats to the normal seating position:

1. Unclip the hook from the front seat head restraint.

2. Remove the safety belt buckles and centerseat safety belt from the storage area.

Notice: Damage to the safety belt buckle or rearseat locking mechanism can occur if the safety beltand buckles are pinched under the rear seatcushion. Do not place the safety belt and buckleson the floor under the rear seat cushion whenthe rear seat is put back to the sitting position.

3. Push the seat cushion down to its original positionuntil it latches securely. Try to pull up on the seatto make sure it is locked in place. 4. Hook the safety belts in the outboard seating

positions into the retaining clips.

1-12

{CAUTION:

A safety belt that is improperly routed, notproperly attached, or twisted will not providethe protection needed in a crash. The personwearing the belt could be seriously injured.After raising the rear seatback, always checkto be sure that the safety belts are properlyrouted and attached, and are not twisted.

5. Lift the seatback up and push it back to its originallatched position.

6. Unhook the safety belts in the outboard seatingpositions from the retaining clips.

7. Return the safety belt buckles and the center seatsafety belt to their original position between therear seatback and the seat cushion. Make surethe straps of the safety belt and buckles arenot twisted.

8. To reattach the center seat safety belt to the minibuckle, pull it from the retractor.

9. Reattach the center safety belt by pushing the latchplate into the buckle until it clicks.

{CAUTION:


10. Push down and rearward firmly on the top ofthe seatback until it latches securely in the fullyupright position.

1-13

Safety Belts

Safety Belts: They Are for EveryoneThis part of the manual tells you how to use safetybelts properly. It also tells you some things you shouldnot do with safety belts.

{CAUTION:

Do not let anyone ride where he or she cannotwear a safety belt properly. If you are in acrash and you are not wearing a safety belt,your injuries can be much worse. You can hitthings inside the vehicle harder or be ejectedfrom it and be seriously injured or killed.In the same crash, you might not be, if youare buckled up. Always fasten your safetybelt, and check that your passenger(s) arerestrained properly too.

{CAUTION:

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargoarea, inside or outside of a vehicle. In acollision, people riding in these areas are morelikely to be seriously injured or killed. Do notallow people to ride in any area of your vehiclethat is not equipped with seats and safetybelts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is ina seat and using a safety belt properly.

Your vehicle has indicators as a reminder to buckle yoursafety belts. See Safety Belt Reminders on page 3-30.

In most states and in all Canadian provinces, thelaw requires wearing safety belts. Here is why:

You never know if you will be in a crash. If you do havea crash, you do not know if it will be a serious one.

A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be soserious that even buckled up, a person would notsurvive. But most crashes are in between. In many ofthem, people who buckle up can survive and sometimeswalk away. Without belts they could have been badlyhurt or killed.

1-14

After more than 40 years of safety belts in vehicles,the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling updoes matter... a lot!

Why Safety Belts WorkWhen you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it is just a seaton wheels.

Put someone on it.

1-15

Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle.The rider does not stop.

The person keeps going until stopped by something.In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield...

1-16

or the instrument panel... or the safety belts!

With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicledoes. You get more time to stop. You stop over moredistance, and your strongest bones take the forces.That is why safety belts make such good sense.

1-17

Questions and Answers AboutSafety Belts

Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after a crash ifI am wearing a safety belt?

A: You could be — whether you are wearing a safetybelt or not. But your chance of being consciousduring and after an accident, so you can unbuckleand get out, is much greater if you are belted.And you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if youare upside down.

Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why should I haveto wear safety belts?

A: Airbags are supplemental systems only; so theywork with safety belts — not instead of them.Whether or not an airbag is provided, all occupantsstill have to buckle up to get the most protection.That is true not only in frontal collisions, butespecially in side and other collisions.

Q: If I am a good driver, and I never drive far fromhome, why should I wear safety belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you are ina crash — even one that is not your fault — youand your passenger(s) can be hurt. Being agood driver does not protect you from thingsbeyond your control, such as bad drivers.

Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km)of home. And the greatest number of seriousinjuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than40 mph (65 km/h).

Safety belts are for everyone.

1-18

How to Wear Safety Belts ProperlyThis section is only for people of adult size.

Be aware that there are special things to know aboutsafety belts and children. And there are differentrules for smaller children and babies. If a child will beriding in your vehicle, see Older Children on page 1-32or Infants and Young Children on page 1-34. Followthose rules for everyone’s protection.

It is very important for all occupants to buckle up.Statistics show that unbelted people are hurt more oftenin crashes than those who are wearing safety belts.

Occupants who are not buckled up can be thrown outof the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike othersin the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.

First, before you or your passenger(s) wear a safetybelt, there is important information you should know.

Sit up straight and always keep your feet on the floor infront of you. The lap part of the belt should be worn lowand snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash,this applies force to the strong pelvic bones and youwould be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slidunder it, the belt would apply force on your abdomen.This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. Theshoulder belt should go over the shoulder and acrossthe chest. These parts of the body are best able to takebelt restraining forces.The shoulder belt locks if there is a sudden stop or crash.

1-19

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It will not give nearlyas much protection this way.

{CAUTION:

You can be seriously hurt if your shoulderbelt is too loose. In a crash, you would moveforward too much, which could increase injury.The shoulder belt should fit snugly againstyour body.

1-20


A: The lap belt is too loose. It will not give as muchprotection this way.

{CAUTION:

You can be seriously hurt if your lap belt istoo loose. In a crash, you could slide underthe lap belt and apply force on your abdomen.This could cause serious or even fatal injuries.The lap belt should be worn low and snug onthe hips, just touching the thighs.

1-21


A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

{CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured if your belt isbuckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash,the belt would go up over your abdomen.The belt forces would be there, not on thepelvic bones. This could cause serious internalinjuries. Always buckle your belt into thebuckle nearest you.

1-22


A: The belt is over an armrest.

{CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured if your belt goesover an armrest like this. The belt would bemuch too high. In a crash, you can slide underthe belt. The belt force would then be appliedon the abdomen, not on the pelvic bones,and that could cause serious or fatal injuries.Be sure the belt goes under the armrests.

1-23


A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm.It should be worn over the shoulder at all times.

{CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured if you wear theshoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, yourbody would move too far forward, which wouldincrease the chance of head and neck injury.Also, the belt would apply too much force tothe ribs, which are not as strong as shoulderbones. You could also severely injure internalorgans like your liver or spleen. The shoulderbelt should go over the shoulder and acrossthe chest.

1-24


A: The belt is behind the body.

{CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured by not wearingthe lap-shoulder belt properly. In a crash,you would not be restrained by the shoulderbelt. Your body could move too far forwardincreasing the chance of head and neck injury.You might also slide under the lap belt. Thebelt force would then be applied right on theabdomen. That could cause serious or fatalinjuries. The shoulder belt should go overthe shoulder and across the chest.

1-25


A: The belt is twisted across the body.

{CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt.In a crash, you would not have the full widthof the belt to spread impact forces. If a beltis twisted, make it straight so it can workproperly, or ask your dealer/retailer to fix it.

1-26

Lap-Shoulder BeltAll seating positions in your vehicle have alap-shoulder belt.

If you are using a rear seating position with a detachablesafety belt and the safety belt is not attached, seeRear Seat Operation (Sedan) on page 1-7 or Rear SeatOperation (Hatchback) on page 1-10 for instructionon reconnecting the safety belt to the mini-buckle.

Here is how to wear a lap-shoulder belt properly.

1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is adjustable, so you cansit up straight. To see how, see “Seats” in the Index.

2. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.Do not let it get twisted.The lap-shoulder belt may lock if you pull the beltacross you very quickly. If this happens, let thebelt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull thebelt across you more slowly.If you ever pull the shoulder portion of a passengerbelt out all the way, you may engage the childrestraint locking feature. If this happens, just letthe belt go back all the way and start again.

3. If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt thelatch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it.

1-27

4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.If you find that the latch plate will not go fully intothe buckle, see if you are using the correct buckle.

Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it issecure. If the belt is not long enough, seeSafety Belt Extender on page 1-31.Make sure the release button on the buckle ispositioned so you would be able to unbuckle thesafety belt quickly if necessary.

5. If equipped with a shoulder belt height adjuster,move it to the height that is right for you. Impropershoulder belt height adjustment could reducethe effectiveness of the safety belt in a crash.See “Shoulder Belt Height Adjustment” later inthis section.

1-28

6. To make the lap part tight, pull up on theshoulder belt.It may be necessary to pull stitching on the safetybelt through the latch plate to fully tighten thelap belt on smaller occupants.

To unlatch the belt, push the button on the buckle.The belt should go back out of the way.

Before you close a door, be sure the belt is out ofthe way. If you slam the door on it, you can damageboth the belt and your vehicle.

1-29

Shoulder Belt Height AdjusterYour vehicle has a shoulder belt height adjuster forthe driver and right front passenger.

Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of thebelt is centered on your shoulder. The belt should beaway from your face and neck, but not falling off yourshoulder. Improper shoulder belt height adjustment couldreduce the effectiveness of the safety belt in a crash.

To move it down, pressthe release button (A) andmove the height adjusterto the desired position.

After you move the height adjuster to where you want it,try to move it down without pressing the release buttonto make sure it has locked into position.

Safety Belt PretensionersYour vehicle has safety belt pretensioners for frontoutboard occupants. Although you cannot see them,they are part of the safety belt assembly. They can helptighten the safety belts during the early stages of amoderate to severe frontal or near frontal crash if thethreshold conditions for pretensioner activation are met.

Pretensioners work only once. If they activate in acrash, you will need to get new ones, and probably othernew parts for your safety belt system. See ReplacingRestraint System Parts After a Crash on page 1-73.

Safety Belt Use During PregnancySafety belts work for everyone, including pregnantwomen. Like all occupants, they are more likely to beseriously injured if they do not wear safety belts.

1-30

A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt,and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible,below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.

The best way to protect the fetus is to protect themother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it ismore likely that the fetus will not be hurt in a crash.For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key tomaking safety belts effective is wearing them properly.

Safety Belt ExtenderIf the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you,you should use it.

But if a safety belt is not long enough, yourdealer/retailer will order you an extender. Whenyou go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you willwear, so the extender will be long enough for you.To help avoid personal injury, do not let someone elseuse it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit.The extender has been designed for adults. Neveruse it for securing child seats. To wear it, attach itto the regular safety belt. For more information, seethe instruction sheet that comes with the extender.

1-31

Child Restraints

Older Children

Older children who have outgrown booster seats shouldwear the vehicle’s safety belts.

The manufacturer’s instructions that come with thebooster seat, state the weight and height limitations forthat booster. Use a booster seat with a lap-shoulderbelt until the child passes the below fit test:

• Sit all the way back on the seat. Do the knees bendat the seat edge? If yes, continue. If no, return tothe booster seat.

• Buckle the lap-shoulder belt. Does the shoulder beltrest on the shoulder? If yes, continue. If no, thenreturn to the booster seat.

• Does the lap belt fit low and snug on the hips,touching the thighs? If yes, continue. If no, returnto the booster seat.

• Can proper safety belt fit be maintained for thelength of the trip? If yes, continue. If no, returnto the booster seat.

1-32

Q: What is the proper way to wear safety belts?A: An older child should wear a lap-shoulder belt and

get the additional restraint a shoulder belt canprovide. The shoulder belt should not cross the faceor neck. The lap belt should fit snugly below the hips,just touching the top of the thighs. This applies beltforce to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash. It shouldnever be worn over the abdomen, which could causesevere or even fatal internal injuries in a crash.

According to accident statistics, children and infantsare safer when properly restrained in the rear seatingpositions than in the front seating positions.

In a crash, children who are not buckled up can strikeother people who are buckled up, or can be thrownout of the vehicle. Older children need to use safetybelts properly.

{CAUTION:

Never do this.

Here two children are wearing the same belt.The belt cannot properly spread the impactforces. In a crash, the two children can becrushed together and seriously injured. A beltmust be used by only one person at a time.

1-33

{CAUTION:

Never do this.

Here a child is sitting in a seat that has alap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part isbehind the child. In a crash, the child wouldnot be restrained by the shoulder belt. Thechild might slide under the lap belt. The beltforce would then be applied right on theabdomen. That could cause serious or fatalinjuries. The child could also move too farforward increasing the chance of head andneck injury. The shoulder belt should goover the shoulder and across the chest. Infants and Young Children

Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includesinfants and all other children. Neither the distancetraveled nor the age and size of the traveler changesthe need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact,the law in every state in the United States and inevery Canadian province says children up to someage must be restrained while in a vehicle.

1-34

{CAUTION:

Children can be seriously injured or strangledif a shoulder belt is wrapped around theirneck and the safety belt continues to tighten.Never leave children unattended in a vehicleand never allow children to play with thesafety belts.

Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles,they should have the protection provided by appropriaterestraints. Children who are not restrained properlycan strike other people, or can be thrown out ofthe vehicle. In addition, young children should not usethe vehicle’s adult safety belts alone; they need touse a child restraint.

{CAUTION:

People should never hold a baby in their armswhile riding in a vehicle. A baby does not weighmuch — until a crash. During a crash a baby willbecome so heavy it is not possible to hold it.For example, in a crash at only 25mph(40km/h),a 12 lb (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a240 lb (110 kg) force on a person’s arms. A babyshould be secured in an appropriate restraint.

1-35

{CAUTION:

Children who are up against, or very close to,any airbag when it inflates can be seriouslyinjured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulderbelts offer protection for adults and olderchildren, but not for young children andinfants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt systemnor its airbag system is designed for them.Young children and infants need the protectionthat a child restraint system can provide.

Q: What are the different types of add-on childrestraints?

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

For most basic types of child restraints, there aremany different models available. When purchasinga child restraint, be sure it is designed to beused in a motor vehicle. If it is, the restraint willhave a label saying that it meets federal motorvehicle safety standards.

The restraint manufacturer’s instructions that comewith the restraint state the weight and heightlimitations for a particular child restraint. In addition,there are many kinds of restraints available forchildren with special needs.

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{CAUTION:

Newborn infants need complete support,including support for the head and neck. This isnecessary because a newborn infant’s neck isweak and its head weighs so much comparedwith the rest of its body. In a crash, an infantin a rear-facing seat settles into the restraint,so the crash forces can be distributed acrossthe strongest part of an infant’s body, theback and shoulders. Infants should always besecured in appropriate infant restraints.

{CAUTION:

The body structure of a young child is quiteunlike that of an adult or older child, for whomthe safety belts are designed. A young child’ship bones are still so small that the vehicle’sregular safety belt may not remain low on thehip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settleup around the child’s abdomen. In a crash,the belt would apply force on a body area thatis unprotected by any bony structure. Thisalone could cause serious or fatal injuries.Young children should always be secured inappropriate child restraints.

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Child Restraint Systems

A rear-facing infantseat (A) providesrestraint with theseating surfaceagainst the backof the infant.

The harness system holds the infant in place and, in acrash, acts to keep the infant positioned in the restraint.

A forward-facing childseat (B) providesrestraint for the child’sbody with the harness.

A booster seat (C-D) is a child restraint designed toimprove the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system.A booster seat can also help a child to see out thewindow.

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Securing an Add-On Child Restraintin the Vehicle

{CAUTION:

A child can be seriously injured or killed ina crash if the child restraint is not properlysecured in the vehicle. Make sure the childrestraint is properly installed in the vehicleusing the vehicle’s safety belt or LATCHsystem, following the instructions that camewith that restraint, and also the instructionsin this manual.

To help reduce the chance of injury, the child restraintmust be secured in the vehicle. Child restraint systemsmust be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or thelap belt portion of a lap-shoulder belt, or by the LATCHsystem. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children(LATCH) on page 1-42 for more information. A childcan be endangered in a crash if the child restraint isnot properly secured in the vehicle.

When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to theinstructions that come with the restraint which may beon the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to thismanual. The child restraint instructions are important,so if they are not available, obtain a replacementcopy from the manufacturer.

Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint canmove around in a collision or sudden stop and injurepeople in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secureany child restraint in your vehicle — even when nochild is in it.

Securing the Child Within theChild Restraint

{CAUTION:

A child can be seriously injured or killedin a crash if the child is not properly securedin the child restraint. Because there aredifferent systems, it is important to refer tothe instructions that come with the restraint.Make sure the child is properly secured,following the instructions that came withthat restraint.

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Where to Put the RestraintAccident statistics show that children are safer if theyare restrained in the rear rather than the front seat.

We recommend that children and child restraintsbe secured in a rear seat, including: an infant or achild riding in a rear-facing child restraint; a child ridingin a forward-facing child seat; an older child riding ina booster seat; and children, who are large enough,using safety belts.

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

{CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can beseriously injured or killed if the right frontpassenger’s airbag inflates. This is becausethe back of the rear-facing child restraintwould be very close to the inflating airbag.

Even though the passenger sensing system isdesigned to turn off the right front passenger’sfrontal airbag if the system detects a rear-facingchild restraint, no system is fail-safe, and noone can guarantee that an airbag will notdeploy under some unusual circumstance,even though it is turned off. We recommendthat rear-facing child restraints be secured in arear seat, even if the airbag is off.

If you secure a forward-facing child restraintin the right front seat, always move the frontpassenger seat as far back as it will go. It isbetter to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.

See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-65for additional information.

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When securing a child restraint in a rear seatingposition, study the instructions that came with your childrestraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle.

There are a couple of things you need to knowabout using child restraints in your rear seat:

If you use a child restraintin the center rear seatingposition (A), the safetybelts and the childrestraint LATCH anchorsfor the rear outsideseating positions (B)will not be accessible.

Therefore, you will not be able to secure child restraintsor have passengers ride in the rear outside seatingpositions.

If you use two childrestraints (A) in therear outside seatingpositions, the safety beltfor the center rearseat position (B) willnot be accessible.

Therefore, you will not be able to secure a childrestraint or have a passenger ride in the center rearseating position.

Wherever you install a child restraint, be sure tosecure the child restraint properly.

Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint canmove around in a collision or sudden stop and injurepeople in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secureany child restraint in your vehicle — even when nochild is in it.

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Lower Anchors and Tethers forChildren (LATCH)The LATCH system holds a child restraint during drivingor in a crash. This system is designed to make installationof a child restraint easier. The LATCH system usesanchors in the vehicle and attachments on the childrestraint that are made for use with the LATCH system.

Make sure that a LATCH-compatible child restraint isproperly installed using the anchors, or use the vehicle’ssafety belts to secure the restraint, following theinstructions that came with that restraint, and also theinstructions in this manual. When installing a childrestraint with a top tether, you must also use either thelower anchors or the safety belts to properly securethe child restraint. A child restraint must never beinstalled using only the top tether and anchor.

In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle, youneed a child restraint that has LATCH attachments.The child restraint manufacturer will provide youwith instructions on how to use the child restraint and itsattachments. The following explains how to attach achild restraint with these attachments in your vehicle.

Not all vehicle seating positions or child restraints havelower anchors and attachments or top tether anchorsand attachments.

Lower Anchors

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

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Top Tether Anchor

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

Your child restraint may have a single tether (A) or adual tether (C). Either will have a single attachment (B)to secure the top tether to the anchor.

Some child restraints that have a top tether are designedfor use with or without the top tether being attached.Others require the top tether always to be attached.In Canada, the law requires that forward-facingchild restraints have a top tether, and that the tetherbe attached. Be sure to read and follow the instructionsfor your child restraint.

If the child restraint does not have a top tether, one canbe obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints.Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not akit is available.

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Lower Anchor and Top Tether AnchorLocations

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

j (Lower Anchor):Seating positions withtwo lower anchors.

To assist you in locatingthe lower anchors, eachseating position with loweranchors has two labels,near the crease betweenthe seatback and theseat cushion.

Hatchback models may have zippers over the loweranchor areas. If so, unzip the seat cover belowthe labels to access each lower anchor.

To assist you in locatingthe top tether anchors,the top tether anchorsymbol is located onthe cover.

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For sedan models, the top tether anchors are locatedunder the covers behind the rear seat on the filler panel.Pull open the cover to access the top tether anchors.Be sure to use an anchor located on the same sideof the vehicle as the seating position where the childrestraint will be placed.

For hatchback models, the top tether anchors (B) arelocated in the rear cargo area, attached to the backwall (A) of the vehicle. Squeeze and pull the front partof the plastic cover to access the top tether anchors.Remove the cargo shade before installing the top tether.The cargo shade should remain off while the toptether is in use. Be sure to use an anchor located onthe same side of the vehicle as the seating positionwhere the child restraint will be placed.

Sedan Hatchback

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Do not secure a child restraint in a position without atop tether anchor if a national or local law requires thatthe top tether be attached, or if the instructions thatcome with the child restraint say that the top tethermust be attached.Accident statistics show that children are safer if theyare restrained in the rear rather than the front seat.See Where to Put the Restraint on page 1-40 foradditional information.

Securing a Child Restraint Designed forthe LATCH System

{CAUTION:

If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached toanchors, the restraint will not be able to protectthe child correctly. In a crash, the child couldbe seriously injured or killed. Make sure that aLATCH-type child restraint is properly installedusing the anchors, or use the vehicle’s safetybelts to secure the restraint, following theinstructions that came with that restraint,and also the instructions in this manual.

{CAUTION:

Each top tether anchor and lower anchor inthe vehicle is designed to hold only one childrestraint. Attaching more than one childrestraint to a single anchor could cause theanchor or attachment to come loose or evenbreak during a crash. A child or others couldbe injured if this happens. To help preventinjury to people and damage to your vehicle,attach only one child restraint per anchor.

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{CAUTION:

Children can be seriously injured or strangledif a shoulder belt is wrapped around theirneck and the safety belt continues to tighten.Secure any unused safety belts behind thechild restraint so children cannot reach them.Pull the shoulder belt all the way out of theretractor to set the lock, if your vehicle has one,after the child restraint has been installed.Be sure to follow the instructions of the childrestraint manufacturer.

Notice: Contact between the child restraint LATCHattachment parts and the vehicle’s safety beltassembly may cause damage to these parts. Makesure when securing unused safety belts behindthe child restraint that there is no contact betweenthe child restraint LATCH attachment parts andthe vehicle’s safety belt assembly.

Folding an empty rear seat with the safety beltssecured may cause damage to the safety belt or theseat. When removing the child restraint, alwaysremember to return the safety belts to their normal,stowed position before folding the rear seat.

1. Attach and tighten the lower attachments to thelower anchors. If the child restraint does not havelower attachments or the desired seating positiondoes not have lower anchors, secure the childrestraint with the top tether and the safety belts.Refer to your child restraint manufacturerinstructions and the instructions in this manual.

1.1. Find the lower anchors for the desiredseating position.

1.2. Put the child restraint on the seat.1.3. Attach and tighten the lower attachments

on the child restraint to the lower anchors.

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2. If the child restraint manufacturer recommends thatthe top tether be attached, attach and tighten thetop tether to the top tether anchor, if equipped.Refer to the child restraint instructions andthe following steps:

2.1. Find the top tether anchor.2.2. Flip the cover to access the top tether

anchors.2.3. For hatchback models, remove the cargo

shade before installing the top tether.The cargo shade should remain off whilethe top tether is in use.

2.4. Raise the headrest or head restraint if thedesired seating position has an adjustableheadrest or head restraint. See HeadRestraints on page 1-6.

2.5. Route and tighten the top tether accordingto your child restraint instructions and thefollowing instructions:

If the position you areusing does not have aheadrest or head restraintand you are using asingle tether, route thetether over the seatback.

If the position you areusing does not have aheadrest or head restraintand you are using adual tether, route thetether over the seatback.

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If the position you areusing has a headrest orhead restraint and youare using a dual tether,route the tether underthe headrest or headrestraint and in betweenthe headrest or headrestraint posts.

If the position you areusing has an adjustableheadrest or head restraintand you are using asingle tether, route thetether under the headrestor head restraint andin between the headrestor head restraint posts.

3. Push and pull the child restraint in differentdirections to be sure it is secure.

Securing a Child Restraint in aRear Seat PositionWhen securing a child restraint in a rear seatingposition, study the instructions that came with your childrestraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle.

If your child restraint has the LATCH system, see LowerAnchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-42for how to install your child restraint using LATCH. If yousecure a child restraint using a safety belt and it uses atop tether, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children(LATCH) on page 1-42 for top tether anchor locations.

Do not secure a child seat in a position without a toptether anchor if a national or local law requires that thetop tether be anchored, or if the instructions that comewith the child restraint say that the top strap must beanchored.

If your child restraint does not have the LATCH system,you will be using the safety belt to secure the childrestraint in this position. Be sure to follow the instructionsthat came with the child restraint. Secure the child inthe child restraint when and as the instructions say.

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If you need to install more than one child restraint in therear seat, be sure to read Where to Put the Restraint onpage 1-40.

1. Put the child restraint on the seat.

2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulderportions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or aroundthe restraint. The child restraint instructions willshow you how.

3. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.If you find that the latch plate will not go fully intothe buckle, see if you are using the correct buckle.

Make sure the release button is positioned so youwould be able to unbuckle the safety belt quicklyif necessary.

4. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out ofthe retractor to set the lock.

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5. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint,pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten thelap portion of the belt and feed the shoulderbelt back into the retractor. If you are using aforward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpfulto use your knee to push down on the childrestraint as you tighten the belt.

6. If your child restraint has a top tether, follow thechild restraint manufacturer’s instructions regardingthe use of the top tether. See Lower Anchorsand Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-42.


To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle’ssafety belt and let it go back all the way. If the top tetheris attached to a top tether anchor, disconnect it.

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Securing a Child Restraint in theRight Front Seat PositionYour vehicle has airbags. A rear seat is a safer place tosecure a forward-facing child restraint. See Where toPut the Restraint on page 1-40.

In addition, your vehicle has a passenger sensingsystem which is designed to turn off the right frontpassenger’s frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impactairbag (if equipped) under certain conditions. SeePassenger Sensing System on page 1-65 andPassenger Airbag Status Indicator (Sedan) on page 3-31for more information on this, including importantsafety information.


{CAUTION:


Even though the passenger sensing system isdesigned to turn off the right front passenger’sfrontal airbag if the system detects a rear-facingchild restraint, no system is fail-safe, and noone can guarantee that an airbag will not deployunder some unusual circumstance, eventhough it is turned off. We recommend thatrear-facing child restraints be secured in a rearseat, even if the airbag is off.

If you secure a forward-facing child restraint inthe right front seat, always move the frontpassenger seat as far back as it will go. It isbetter to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.

See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-65for additional information.

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If your child restraint has the LATCH system, see LowerAnchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-42for how to install your child restraint using LATCH. If yousecure a child restraint using a safety belt and it uses atop tether, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children(LATCH) on page 1-42 for top tether anchor locations.

Do not secure a child seat in a position without a toptether anchor if a national or local law requires that thetop tether be anchored, or if the instructions that comewith the child restraint say that the top strap must beanchored.

In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing childrestraints have a top tether, and that the tether beattached.

You will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure thechild restraint in this position. Follow the instructionsthat came with the child restraint.

1. Move the seat as far back as it will go beforesecuring the forward-facing child restraint.When the passenger sensing system has turnedoff the right front passenger’s frontal airbag andseat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped), theoff indicator on the passenger airbag status indicatorshould light and stay lit when you start the vehicle.See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator (Sedan)on page 3-31.

2. Put the child restraint on the seat.

3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulderportions of the vehicle’s safety belt through oraround the restraint. The child restraint instructionswill show you how.

Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed.

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4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.Make sure the release button is positioned so youwould be able to unbuckle the safety belt quicklyif necessary.

5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out ofthe retractor to set the lock.

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6. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint,pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lapportion of the belt and feed the shoulder belt backinto the retractor. If you are using a forward-facingchild restraint, you may find it helpful to use yourknee to push down on the child restraint as youtighten the belt.


If the airbag or airbags are off, the off indicator in thepassenger airbag status indicator will come on and stayon when the vehicle is started.

If a child restraint has been installed and the off symbol isnot lit, turn the vehicle off. Remove the child restraint fromthe vehicle and reinstall the child restraint.

If, after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting thevehicle, the off symbol is still not lit, check to makesure that the vehicle’s seatback is not pressing the childrestraint into the seat cushion. If this happens, slightlyrecline the vehicle’s seatback and adjust the seatcushion if possible. Also make sure the child restraint isnot trapped under the vehicle head restraint. If thishappens, adjust the head restraint.

Remove any additional material from the seat such asblankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters or seatmassagers before reinstalling or securing the childrestraint.

If the off symbol is still not lit, secure the child in thechild restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle andcheck with your dealer/retailer.

To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle’ssafety belt and let it go back all the way.

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Airbag SystemYour vehicle has the following airbags:

• A frontal airbag for the driver.• A frontal airbag for the right front passenger.

Your vehicle may have the following airbags:

• A seat-mounted side impact airbag for the driver.• A seat-mounted side impact airbag for the right

front passenger.

All of the airbags in your vehicle will have the wordAIRBAG embossed in the trim or on an attached labelnear the deployment opening.

For frontal airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear onthe middle part of the steering wheel for the driver andon the instrument panel for the right front passenger.

With seat-mounted side impact airbags, the wordAIRBAG will appear on the side of the seatbackclosest to the door.

Airbags are designed to supplement the protectionprovided by safety belts. Even though today’s airbagsare also designed to help reduce the risk of injuryfrom the force of an inflating bag, all airbags mustinflate very quickly to do their job.

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

{CAUTION:

You can be severely injured or killed in a crashif you are not wearing your safety belt — evenif you have airbags. Wearing your safety beltduring a crash helps reduce your chance ofhitting things inside the vehicle or being ejectedfrom it. Airbags are “supplemental restraints”to the safety belts. All airbags are designed towork with safety belts, but do not replace them.

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{CAUTION:

Frontal airbags are designed to deploy inmoderate to severe frontal and near frontalcrashes. They are not designed to inflatein rollover, rear crashes, or in many sidecrashes.

Seat-mounted side impact airbags aredesigned to inflate in moderate to severecrashes where something hits the side ofyour vehicle. They are not designed to inflatein frontal, in rollover, or in rear crashes.

Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safetybelt properly — whether or not there is anairbag for that person.

{CAUTION:

Airbags inflate with great force, faster thanthe blink of an eye. Anyone who is up against,or very close to, any airbag when it inflatescan be seriously injured or killed. Do not situnnecessarily close to the airbag, as youwould be if you were sitting on the edge ofyour seat or leaning forward. Safety beltshelp keep you in position before and during acrash. Always wear your safety belt, even withairbags. The driver should sit as far back aspossible while still maintaining control ofthe vehicle.

Occupants should not lean on or sleep againstthe door or side windows in seating positionswith seat-mounted airbags.

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{CAUTION:

Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer thebest protection for adults, but not for youngchildren and infants. Neither the vehicle’ssafety belt system nor its airbag system isdesigned for them. Young children and infantsneed the protection that a child restraintsystem can provide. Always secure childrenproperly in your vehicle. To read how, seeOlder Children on page 1-32 or Infants andYoung Children on page 1-34.

There is an airbagreadiness light on theinstrument panel, whichshows the airbag symbol.

The system checks the airbag electrical system formalfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electricalproblem. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-30for more information.

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Where Are the Airbags?

The driver’s frontal airbag is in the middle of thesteering wheel.

The right front passenger’s frontal airbag is in theinstrument panel on the passenger’s side.

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If your vehicle has seat-mounted side impact airbagsfor the driver and right front passenger, they are inthe side of the seatbacks closest to the door.

{CAUTION:

If something is between an occupant and anairbag, the airbag might not inflate properlyor it might force the object into that personcausing severe injury or even death. The pathof an inflating airbag must be kept clear.Do not put anything between an occupant andan airbag, and do not attach or put anythingon the steering wheel hub or on or near anyother airbag covering.

Do not use seat accessories that block theinflation path of a seat-mounted side impactairbag.

Driver Side shown, Passenger Side similar

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When Should an Airbag Inflate?Frontal airbags are designed to inflate in moderate tosevere frontal or near-frontal crashes to help reducethe potential for severe injuries mainly to the driver’sor right front passenger’s head and chest. However,they are only designed to inflate if the impact exceedsa predetermined deployment threshold. Deploymentthresholds are used to predict how severe a crashis likely to be in time for the airbags to inflate and helprestrain the occupants.

Whether your frontal airbags will or should deploy is notbased on how fast your vehicle is traveling. It dependslargely on what you hit, the direction of the impact,and how quickly your vehicle slows down.

Frontal airbags may inflate at different crash speeds.For example:

• If the vehicle hits a stationary object, the airbagscould inflate at a different crash speed than if thevehicle hits a moving object.

• If the vehicle hits an object that deforms, theairbags could inflate at a different crash speed thanif the vehicle hits an object that does not deform.

• If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole), theairbags could inflate at a different crash speedthan if the vehicle hits a wide object (like a wall).

• If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle, theairbags could inflate at a different crash speedthan if the vehicle goes straight into the object.

Thresholds can also vary with specific vehicle design.

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In addition, your vehicle has dual-stage frontal airbags.Dual-stage airbags adjust the restraint according tocrash severity. Your vehicle has electronic frontalsensors, which help the sensing system distinguishbetween a moderate frontal impact and a more severefrontal impact. For moderate frontal impacts, dual-stageairbags inflate at a level less than full deployment.For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs.

Frontal airbags are not intended to inflate duringvehicle rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts.

Your vehicle may or may not have seat-mountedside impact airbags. See Airbag System on page 1-56.Seat-mounted side impact airbags are intendedto inflate in moderate to severe side crashes.Seat-mounted side impact airbags will inflate if thecrash severity is above the system’s designedthreshold level. The threshold level can vary withspecific vehicle design.

Seat-mounted side impact airbags are not intended toinflate in frontal impacts, near-frontal impacts, rollovers,or rear impacts. A seat-mounted side impact airbagis intended to deploy on the side of the vehicle thatis struck.

In any particular crash, no one can say whether anairbag should have inflated simply because of thedamage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costswere. For frontal airbags, inflation is determined bywhat the vehicle hits, the angle of the impact, and howquickly the vehicle slows down. For seat-mountedside impact airbags, deployment is determined by thelocation and severity of the side impact.

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What Makes an Airbag Inflate?In a deployment event, the sensing system sendsan electrical signal triggering a release of gas fromthe inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the airbagcausing the bag to break out of the cover and deploy.The inflator, the airbag, and related hardware areall part of the airbag module.

Frontal airbag modules are located inside thesteering wheel and instrument panel. For vehicleswith seat-mounted side impact airbags, there areairbag modules in the side of the front seatbacksclosest to the door.

How Does an Airbag Restrain?In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions,even belted occupants can contact the steering wheelor the instrument panel. In moderate to severe sidecollisions, even belted occupants can contact the insideof the vehicle.

Airbags supplement the protection provided by safetybelts. Frontal airbags distribute the force of theimpact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body,stopping the occupant more gradually. Seat-mountedside impact airbags distribute the force of the impactmore evenly over the occupant’s upper body.

But airbags would not help in many types of collisions,primarily because the occupant’s motion is nottoward those airbags. See When Should an AirbagInflate? on page 1-61 for more information.

Airbags should never be regarded as anything morethan a supplement to safety belts.

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What Will You See After anAirbag Inflates?After the frontal and seat-mounted side impact airbagsinflate, they quickly deflate, so quickly that somepeople may not even realize the airbags inflated.Some components of the airbag module may be hotfor several minutes. For location of the airbag modules,see What Makes an Airbag Inflate? on page 1-63.

The parts of the airbag that come into contact with youmay be warm, but not too hot to touch. There maybe some smoke and dust coming from the vents in thedeflated airbags. Airbag inflation does not preventthe driver from seeing out of the windshield or beingable to steer the vehicle, nor does it prevent peoplefrom leaving the vehicle.

{CAUTION:

When an airbag inflates, there may be dustin the air. This dust could cause breathingproblems for people with a history of asthma orother breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyonein the vehicle should get out as soon as it issafe to do so. If you have breathing problemsbut cannot get out of the vehicle after an airbaginflates, then get fresh air by opening a windowor a door. If you experience breathing problemsfollowing an airbag deployment, you shouldseek medical attention.

Your vehicle has a feature that may automaticallyunlock the doors, turn the interior lamps on, and turn onthe hazard warning flashers when the airbags inflate.You can lock the doors, turn the interior lamps off,and turn the hazard warning flashers off by using thecontrols for those features.

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In many crashes severe enough to inflate the airbag,windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.Additional windshield breakage may also occur fromthe right front passenger airbag.

• Airbags are designed to inflate only once. After anairbag inflates, you will need some new parts forthe airbag system. If you do not get them, the airbagsystem will not be there to help protect you inanother crash. A new system will include airbagmodules and possibly other parts. The servicemanual for your vehicle covers the need to replaceother parts.

• Your vehicle has a crash sensing and diagnosticmodule which records information after a crash.See Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy onpage 7-18 and Event Data Recorders on page 7-19.

• Let only qualified technicians work on the airbagsystem. Improper service can mean that theairbag system will not work properly. See yourdealer/retailer for service.

Passenger Sensing SystemYour vehicle has a passenger sensing system for theright front passenger’s position. The passenger airbagstatus indicator will be visible when you start your vehicle.

If you have a sedan, the airbag off symbol will be visiblenear the clock, located in the center of the instrumentpanel, during the system check. See PassengerAirbag Status Indicator (Sedan) on page 3-31.

United States – Sedan Canada – Sedan

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If you have a hatchback, the airbag off symbol will bevisible in the Secondary Information Center (SIC) duringthe system check. See Secondary Information Center(SIC) (Hatchback Only) on page 3-43. When the systemcheck is complete, the airbag off symbol will be visibleunder certain conditions.

The passenger sensing system will turn off the rightfront passenger’s frontal airbag and seat-mounted sideimpact airbag (if equipped) under certain conditions.The driver’s airbags are not part of the passengersensing system.

The passenger sensing system works with a sensor thatis part of the right front passenger’s seat. The sensoris designed to detect the presence of a properly-seatedoccupant and determine if the right front passenger’sfrontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag(if equipped) should be enabled (may inflate) or not.

Accident statistics show that children are safer ifthey are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat.

We recommend that children be secured in a rearseat, including: an infant or a child riding in a rear-facingchild restraint; a child riding in a forward-facing childseat; an older child riding in a booster seat; and children,who are large enough, using safety belts.


United States –Hatchback

Canada – Hatchback

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{CAUTION:


Even though the passenger sensing system isdesigned to turn off the right front passenger’sfrontal and seat-mounted side impact airbag(if equipped) if the system detects a rear-facingchild restraint, no system is fail-safe, and noone can guarantee that an airbag will notdeploy under some unusual circumstance,even though it is turned off. We recommendthat rear-facing child restraints be secured ina rear seat, even if the airbag(s) are off.

If you secure a forward-facing child restraintin the right front seat, always move the frontpassenger seat as far back as it will go. It isbetter to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.

The passenger sensing system is designed to turn offthe right front passenger’s frontal airbag andseat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped) if:• The right front passenger seat is unoccupied.• The system determines that an infant is present in

a rear-facing infant seat.• The system determines that a small child is present

in a child restraint.• The system determines that a small child is present

in a booster seat.• A right front passenger takes his/her weight off of

the seat for a period of time.• The right front passenger seat is occupied by a

smaller person, such as a child who has outgrownchild restraints.

• Or, if there is a critical problem with the airbagsystem or the passenger sensing system.

When the passenger sensing system has turned off theright front passenger’s frontal airbag and seat-mountedside impact airbag (if equipped), the off symbol willlight and stay lit to remind you that the airbag or airbagsare off. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator(Sedan) on page 3-31.

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If a child restraint has been installed and the offsymbol is not lit, turn the vehicle off. Remove thechild restraint from the vehicle and reinstall the childrestraint following the child restraint manufacturer’sdirections and refer to Securing a Child Restraint inthe Right Front Seat Position on page 1-52.

If, after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting thevehicle, the off symbol is still not lit, check to makesure that the vehicle’s seatback is not pressing the childrestraint into the seat cushion. If this happens, slightlyrecline the vehicle’s seatback and adjust the seatcushion if possible. Also make sure the child restraintis not trapped under the vehicle head restraint.If this happens, adjust the head restraint. See HeadRestraints on page 1-6.

Remove any additional material from the seat suchas blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters,or seat massagers before reinstalling or securing thechild restraint.

If the off symbol is still not lit, secure the child in thechild restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicleand check with your dealer/retailer.

The passenger sensing system is designed to enable(may inflate) the right front passenger’s frontal airbag andseat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped) anytimethe system senses that a person of adult size is sittingproperly in the right front passenger’s seat. When thepassenger sensing system has allowed the airbag orairbags to be enabled, the off symbol will not light.

For some children who have outgrown child restraintsand for very small adults, the passenger sensing systemmay or may not turn off the right front passenger’sfrontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag(if equipped), depending upon the person’s seatingposture and body build. Everyone in your vehicle whohas outgrown child restraints should wear a safetybelt properly — whether or not there is an airbag forthat person.

If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right frontpassenger’s seat, but the off symbol is lit, it could bebecause that person is not sitting properly in the seat.If this happens, turn the vehicle off, remove any additionalmaterial from the seat, such as blankets, cushions,seat covers, seat heaters or seat massagers and askthe person to place the seatback in the fully uprightposition, then sit upright in the seat, centered on the seatcushion, with the person’s legs comfortably extended.

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Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in thisposition for two to three minutes. This will allow thesystem to detect that person and then enable the rightfront passenger’s frontal airbag and seat-mounted sideimpact airbag (if equipped).

Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on theseat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which helpsthe passenger sensing system maintain the passengerairbag status. See “Safety Belts” and “Child Restraints” inthe Index for additional information about the importanceof proper restraint use.

{CAUTION:

If the airbag readiness light in the instrumentpanel cluster ever comes on and stays on,it means that something may be wrong withthe airbag system. If this ever happens, havethe vehicle serviced promptly, because anadult-size person sitting in the right frontpassenger’s seat may not have the protectionof the airbag(s). See Airbag Readiness Lighton page 3-30 for more on this, includingimportant safety information.

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A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanketor cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seatcovers, seat heaters, and seat massagers can affecthow well the passenger sensing system operates.We recommend that you not use seat covers or otheraftermarket equipment other than any that GM hasapproved for your specific vehicle. See AddingEquipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle onpage 1-71 for more information about modificationsthat can affect how the system operates.

{CAUTION:

Stowing of articles under the passenger’sseat or between the passenger’s seat cushionand seatback may interfere with the properoperation of the passenger sensing system.

Servicing Your Airbag-EquippedVehicleAirbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.There are parts of the airbag system in several placesaround your vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and the servicemanual have information about servicing your vehicleand the airbag system. To purchase a service manual,see Service Publications Ordering Information onpage 7-17.

{CAUTION:

For up to 10 seconds after the ignition isturned off and the battery is disconnected,an airbag can still inflate during improperservice. You can be injured if you are closeto an airbag when it inflates. Avoid yellowconnectors. They are probably part of theairbag system. Be sure to follow properservice procedures, and make sure the personperforming work for you is qualified to do so.

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Adding Equipment to YourAirbag-Equipped Vehicle

Q: Is there anything I might add to or changeabout the vehicle that could keep the airbagsfrom working properly?

A: Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’sframe, bumper system, height, front end or sidesheet metal, they may keep the airbag system fromworking properly. Changing or moving any partsof the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensingand diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrumentpanel, front sensors, or airbag wiring can affectthe operation of the airbag system.

In addition, your vehicle has a passenger sensingsystem for the right front passenger’s position,which includes sensors that are part of thepassenger’s seat. The passenger sensing systemmay not operate properly if the original seattrim is replaced with non-GM covers, upholsteryor trim, or with GM covers, upholstery or trimdesigned for a different vehicle. Any object, suchas an aftermarket seat heater or a comfortenhancing pad or device, installed under or ontop of the seat fabric, could also interfere withthe operation of the passenger sensing system.

This could either prevent proper deployment ofthe passenger airbag(s) or prevent the passengersensing system from properly turning off thepassenger airbag(s). See Passenger SensingSystem on page 1-65.

If you have any questions about this, you shouldcontact Customer Assistance before you modifyyour vehicle. The phone numbers and addressesfor Customer Assistance are in Step Two ofthe Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.See Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.

Q: Because I have a disability, I have to getmy vehicle modified. How can I find out whetherthis will affect my airbag system?

A: If you have questions, call Customer Assistance.The phone numbers and addresses for CustomerAssistance are in Step Two of the CustomerSatisfaction Procedure in this manual. SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.

In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service manualhave information about the location of the airbagsensors, sensing and diagnostic module and airbagwiring.

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Restraint System Check

Checking the Restraint Systems

Safety BeltsNow and then, make sure the safety belt reminder lightand all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractorsand anchorages are working properly.

Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt systemparts. If you see anything that might keep a safetybelt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Tornor frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash.They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is tornor frayed, get a new one right away.

Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working.See Safety Belt Reminders on page 3-30 for moreinformation.

Keep safety belts clean and dry. See Care of SafetyBelts on page 5-82.

AirbagsThe airbag system does not need regularly scheduledmaintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbagreadiness light is working. See Airbag Readiness Lighton page 3-30 for more information.

Notice: If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,or broken, the airbag may not work properly. Do notopen or break the airbag coverings. If there are anyopened or broken airbag covers, have the airbagcovering and/or airbag module replaced. For thelocation of the airbag modules, see What Makes anAirbag Inflate? on page 1-63. See your dealer/retailerfor service.

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Replacing Restraint System PartsAfter a Crash

{CAUTION:

A crash can damage the restraint systemsin your vehicle. A damaged restraint systemmay not properly protect the person using it,resulting in serious injury or even death ina crash. To help make sure your restraintsystems are working properly after a crash,have them inspected and any necessaryreplacements made as soon as possible.

If you have had a crash, do you need new belts orLATCH system (if equipped) parts?

After a very minor crash, nothing may be necessary.But the belt assemblies that were used during anycrash may have been stressed or damaged. See yourdealer/retailer to have your safety belt assembliesinspected or replaced.

If your vehicle has the LATCH system and it was beingused during a crash, you may need new LATCHsystem parts.

New parts and repairs may be necessary even if thebelt or LATCH system (if equipped), was not being usedat the time of the crash.

If an airbag inflates, you will need to replace airbagsystem parts. See the part on the airbag system earlierin this section.

Have your safety belt pretensioners checked if yourvehicle has been in a crash, if your airbag readinesslight stays on after you start your vehicle, or while youare driving. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-30.

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✍ NOTES

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Keys ...............................................................2-2Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System ................2-3Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System

Operation ...................................................2-4Doors and Locks .............................................2-6

Door Locks ....................................................2-6Central Door Unlocking System ........................2-7Door Ajar Reminder ........................................2-7Rear Door Security Locks ................................2-8Lockout Protection ..........................................2-8Trunk ............................................................2-9Liftgate (Hatchback) ......................................2-11

Windows ........................................................2-12Manual Windows ..........................................2-12Power Windows ............................................2-13Sun Visors ...................................................2-14

Theft-Deterrent Systems ..................................2-14Theft-Deterrent System ..................................2-14Immobilizer ..................................................2-16Immobilizer Operation ....................................2-16

Starting and Operating Your Vehicle ................2-17New Vehicle Break-In ....................................2-17Ignition Positions ..........................................2-18Starting the Engine .......................................2-19

Engine Coolant Heater ..................................2-20Automatic Transmission Operation ...................2-21Manual Transmission Operation ......................2-25Parking Brake ..............................................2-26Shifting Into PARK (P)

(Automatic Transmission) ............................2-27Shifting Out of PARK (P) ...............................2-28Parking Your Vehicle

(Manual Transmission) ...............................2-29Parking Over Things That Burn .......................2-30Engine Exhaust ............................................2-30Running the Engine While Parked ...................2-31

Mirrors ...........................................................2-32Manual Rearview Mirror .................................2-32Outside Manual Mirrors ..................................2-32Outside Power Mirror ....................................2-33Outside Convex Mirror ...................................2-34Outside Heated Mirrors ..................................2-34

Storage Areas ................................................2-34Glove Box ...................................................2-34Cupholder(s) ................................................2-35Sunglasses Storage Compartment ...................2-35

Sunroof .........................................................2-36

Section 2 Features and Controls

2-1

Keys

{CAUTION:

Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignitionkey is dangerous for many reasons, childrenor others could be badly injured or even killed.They could operate the power windows orother controls or even make the vehicle move.The windows will function with the keys in theignition and they could be seriously injuredor killed if caught in the path of a closingwindow. Do not leave the keys in a vehiclewith children.

One key is used for the ignition, the doors and allother locks.

When a new vehicle is delivered, the dealer/retailerremoves the key tag and gives it to the first owner.The tag has a code on it that tells your dealer/retailerhow to make extra keys. For vehicle security, keepthe key tag in a safe place and also record thekey number somewhere other than inside of thevehicle. If you lose your key, you will be able tohave a new one made easily using the tag.

2-2

Your vehicle may have an electronic immobilizerdesigned to protect your car against theft. If so, onlykeys with the correct electronic code can be usedto start the vehicle. See Immobilizer Operation onpage 2-16 for additional information. Even if a keyhas the same profile, it will not start the engine if theelectronic code is incorrect. If you need a new key,contact your dealer/retailer who can obtain the correctkey code. Also see Roadside Assistance Programon page 7-8.

Notice: If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle,you may have to damage the vehicle to get in.Be sure you have spare keys.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)SystemIf the vehicle has the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)system, it operates on a radio frequency subjectto Federal Communications Commission (FCC)Rules and with Industry Canada.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.

2. This device must accept any interference received,including interference that may cause undesiredoperation of the device.

This devic

Documents

2008 Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual M · Using this Manual Many people read the owner manual from beginning to end when they ﬁrst receive their new vehicle to learn about the vehicle’s