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96 SEATS AND RESTRAINTS


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Airbag System Check

The airbag system does not need

regularly scheduled maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag

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readiness light is working. See Airbag Readiness Light 0 139.


Caution

If an airbag covering is damaged, opened, or broken, the airbag may not work properly. Do not open or

break the airbag coverings. If there are any opened or broken airbag

coverings, have the airbag covering and/or airbag module replaced. For the location of the airbags, see

Where Are the Airbags? 0 86. See

your dealer for service.


Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash

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{ Warning

A crash can damage the airbag

systems in the vehicle. A damaged airbag system may not properly

protect you and your passenger(s) in a crash, resulting in serious

injury or even death. To help make sure the airbag systems are working properly after a crash, have them

inspected and any necessary

replacements made as soon as possible.


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

If the airbag readiness light stays on after the vehicle is started or comes on when you are driving, the airbag system may not work properly. Have the vehicle serviced right away. See Airbag Readiness Light 0 139.


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Child Restraints

Older Children


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Older children who have outgrown

booster seats should wear the vehicles

seat belts.

SEATS AND RESTRAINTS 97


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The manufacturer instructions that

come with the booster seat state the weight and height limitations for that booster. Use a booster seat with a

lap-shoulder belt until the child passes the fit test below:

. Sit all the way back on the seat.

Do the knees bend at the seat

edge? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat.

. Buckle the lap-shoulder belt. Does the shoulder belt rest on the

shoulder? If yes, continue. If no, try using the rear seat belt

comfort guide, if available. See

Rear Seat Belt Comfort Guidesunder Lap-Shoulder Belt 0 80. If a

comfort guide is not available, or if the shoulder belt still does not rest on the shoulder, then return to the booster seat.

. Does the lap belt fit low and snug on the hips, touching the thighs?

If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat.

. Can proper seat belt fit be

maintained for the length of the

trip? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat.

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Q: What is the proper way to wear seat belts?

A: An older child should wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the

additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. The shoulder belt

should not cross the face or neck.

The lap belt should fit snugly

below the hips, just touching the

top of the thighs. This applies belt force to the child's pelvic bones in a crash. It should never be worn

over the abdomen, which could

cause severe or even fatal internal injuries in a crash.

Also see Rear Seat Belt Comfort

Guidesunder Lap-Shoulder Belt 0 80.

According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly

restrained in a rear seating position.

In a crash, children who are not

buckled up can strike other people

who are buckled up, or can be thrown out of the vehicle. Older children need to use seat belts properly.

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{ Warning

Never allow more than one child to wear the same seat belt. The seat

belt cannot properly spread the

impact forces. In a crash, they can be crushed together and seriously

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injured. A seat belt must be used by only one person at a time.

 

Older ChildrenInfants and Young ChildrenChild Restraint SystemsWhere to Put the RestraintLower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System)Replacing LATCH System Parts After a CrashSecuring Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Rear Seat)Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Front Seat)