Knowing your vehicle
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The rear safety belts use a special
auto-lock feature designed to allow a
child restraint to be used in these
positions without an added locking
clip. They normally lock only under
extreme or emergency conditions
(emergency lock mode). However
they can be adjusted so that they
remain fixed and locked when a child
restraint system is placed in these
positions. (Use this auto-lock mode
only to secure a child restraint, never
for passengers restrained by the
safety belts.) Page 3-48 gives
instructions on placing the safety belt
in the auto lock mode.
The drivers safety belt can only oper-
ate in the emergency lock mode.
Safety belts provide the best restraint
when:
• The seatback is upright.
• The occupant is sitting upright (not
slouched).
• The lap belt is snug across the hips.
• The shoulder belt is snug across
the chest.
• The knees are straight forward.
To help you remember to fasten your
safety belt, a warning light will blink.
See “Safety belt warning light and
chime” on page 3-36.
WARNING - After a colli-
sion
• Lap/shoulder belt assemblies
may be stretched or damaged
when subjected to the stress
and forces of a collision.
• The entire restraint system
should be inspected following
any collision. All belts, retrac-
tors, anchors and hardware
damaged by a collision should
be replaced before the vehicle
is operated again.
WARNING - Cargo area
Passengers should never be
allowed to ride in the cargo area
of a vehicle. No safety belts are
provided for the cargo area.
Persons riding in the vehicle
without a fastened safety belt
are much more likely to suffer
serious bodily injury or death
during an accident.
