This section of the manual describes how to use safety belts properly. It also describes some things not to do with safety belts.
Warning
Do not let anyone ride where a safety belt cannot be worn properly. In a crash, if you or your passenger(s) are not wearing safety belts, injuries can be much worse than if you are wearing safety belts. You can be seriously injured or killed by hitting things inside the vehicle harder or by being ejected from the vehicle. In addition, anyone who is not buckled up can strike other passengers in the vehicle.
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, passengers riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow passengers to ride in any area of the vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts.
Always wear a safety belt, and check that all passenger(s) are restrained properly too.
This vehicle has indicators as a reminder to buckle the safety belts.
See Safety Belt Reminders on page 5-10.
Why Safety Belts Work

When riding in a vehicle, you travel as fast as the vehicle does. If the vehicle stops suddenly, you keep going until something stops you.
It could be the windshield, the instrument panel, or the safety belts! When you wear a safety belt, you and the vehicle slow down together.
There is more time to stop because you stop over a longer distance and, when worn properly, your strongest bones take the forces from the safety belts. That is why wearing safety belts makes such good sense.
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts
Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after a crash if I am wearing a safety belt?
A: You could be- whether you are wearing a safety belt or not.
Your chance of being conscious during and after a crash, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.
Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why should I have to wear safety belts?
A: Airbags are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts- not instead of them. Whether or not an airbag is provided, all occupants still have to buckle up to get the most protection.
Also, in nearly all states and in all Canadian provinces, the law requires wearing safety belts.
Rear Seats
How to Wear Safety Belts ProperlyBattery
The original equipment battery is maintenance free. Do not remove the cap and
do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number shown on the original battery label when a new
battery is needed. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 10-7 for battery location.
Warning
WARNING: Battery posts, ...
Lockout Protection
When locking is requested with the driver door open and the key in the ignition,
all the doors will lock and then the driver door will unlock. This can be manually
overridden by pressing and holding
on the power door lock switch.
If Unlocked Door Anti-Lockout is turned on, the vehicle is off ...
Head Restraints
Warning
With head restraints that are not installed and adjusted properly,
there is a greater chance that occupants will suffer a neck/ spinal injury in a
crash. Do not drive until the head restraints for all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.
Adjust the head restraint so tha ...