Ford GT500 owner's manual: Locks and Security

Locks and Security

KEYS

One key operates all the locks and starts the vehicle. Always carry a spare key with you in case of an emergency.

Your keys are programmed to your vehicle; using a non-programmed key will not permit your vehicle to start. If you lose your authorized dealer supplied keys, replacement keys are available through your authorized dealer. Refer to the SecuriLock® passive anti-theft system section later in this chapter for more information.

POWER DOOR LOCKS

The power door lock controls are located on the driver and front passenger door panels.

Press the control to unlock all doors.

Note: When the active anti-theft system (if equipped) is armed and the power door trim switch inhibit feature (the default for power door switch inhibit feature is disabled) has been activated via the driver configuration process, control of the interior power door locks is disabled until the vehicle is disarmed. For more information about the driver configuration process, refer to the Deactivating/activating the power door trim switch inhibit feature section later in this chapter.

Press the control to lock all doors.

Smart locks

This feature helps prevent you from locking yourself out of the vehicle if your key is still in the ignition.

When you open the driver's door and you lock the vehicle with the power door lock control, all the doors will lock, then the driver's door will automatically unlock reminding you that your key is still in the ignition.

The vehicle can still be locked, with the key in the ignition, using the manual lock button on the door, locking the driver's door with a key or using the lock button on the remote entry transmitter.

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Central locking and unlocking feature

Your vehicle’s keys are designed to lock and unlock the driver’s door, as well as open the trunk.

• The driver’s door is unlocked when the key is inserted in the driver door key cylinder and turned to the unlock position. The driver’s door is locked when the key is inserted in the driver door key cylinder and turned to the lock position.

Note: Locking the driver door with the key does not lock the passenger door. Use the power door lock control or manually lock the passenger door to ensure the vehicle is properly secured.

Power door trim switch inhibit (if equipped)

This feature disables the power door lock controls if all the doors are locked and the active anti-theft system (if equipped) becomes armed. For more information concerning the active anti-theft system, refer to Active anti-theft system (if equipped) later in this chapter.

Once the power door trim switches are disabled, they can only become active when a valid electronic unlock event (i.e., using the remote entry transmitter) occurs.

Deactivating/activating the power door trim switch inhibit feature

Before following the procedure, make sure that the ignition is in the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position and all vehicle doors are closed.

You must complete Steps 1-7 within 30 seconds or the procedure will have to be repeated. If the procedure needs to be repeated, you must wait 30 seconds.

1. Turn the ignition to the 3 (ON) position.
2. Press the power door unlock control three times.
3. Turn the ignition from the 3 (ON) to the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position.
4. Press the power door unlock control three times.
5. Turn the ignition back to the 3 (ON) position. The horn will chirp.
6. Press the lock control two times. The horn will chirp once if power door trim switch inhibit was deactivated or twice (one short and one long chirp) if the feature was activated.
7. Turn the ignition to the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position. The horn will chirp once to confirm the procedure is complete.

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Autolock (if equipped)

On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, this feature automatically locks all vehicle doors when:

• all doors are closed,
• the ignition is in the 3 (ON) position,
• the brake is pressed before reaching 5 mph (8 km/h), and
• the vehicle increases to more than 5 mph (8 km/h).

Relock

The autolock feature repeats when:

• an “autolock” occurrence has already taken place,
• the brake is depressed while vehicle speed is less than 5 mph (8 km/h),
• any vehicle door is opened and then all doors become closed again, and
• the vehicle increases to more than 5 mph (8 km/h).

Deactivating/activating the autolock feature

Before following the procedure, make sure that the ignition is in the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position and all vehicle doors are closed.

You must complete Steps 1-7 within 30 seconds or the procedure will have to be repeated. If the procedure needs to be repeated, you must wait 30 seconds.

1. Turn the ignition to the 3 (ON) position.
2. Press the power door unlock control three times.
3. Turn the ignition from the 3 (ON) to the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position.
4. Press the power door unlock control three times.
5. Turn the ignition back to the 3 (ON) position. The horn will chirp.
6. Press the unlock control, then press the lock control. The horn will chirp once if autolock was deactivated or twice (one short and one long chirp) if autolock was activated.
7. Turn the ignition to the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position. The horn will chirp once to confirm the procedure is complete.

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INTERIOR LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT RELEASE

Your vehicle is equipped with a mechanical interior luggage compartment release handle that provides a means of escape for children and adults in the event they become locked inside the luggage compartment.

Adults are advised to familiarize themselves with the operation and location of the release handle.

To open the luggage compartment door (lid) from within the luggage compartment, pull the illuminated “T” shaped handle and push up on the trunk lid. The handle is composed of a material that will glow for hours in darkness following brief exposure to ambient light.

The “T” shaped handle will be located either on the luggage compartment door (lid) or inside the luggage compartment near the tail lamps.

Keep vehicle doors and luggage compartment locked and keep keys and remote transmitters out of a child’s reach. Unsupervised children could lock themselves in the trunk and risk injury. Children should be taught not to play in vehicles.

On hot days, the temperature in the trunk or vehicle interior can rise very quickly. Exposure of people or animals to these high temperatures for even a short time can cause death or serious heat-related injuries, including brain damage. Small children are particularly at risk.

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REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

The typical operating range for your remote entry transmitter is approximately 33 feet (10 meters). A decrease in operating range could be caused by:

• weather conditions,
• nearby radio towers,
• structures around the vehicle, or
• other vehicles parked next to your vehicle.

Your vehicle is equipped with a remote entry system which allows you to:

• unlock the vehicle doors without a key.
• lock all the vehicle doors without a key.
• activate the personal alarm.
• release the decklid.
• arm and disarm the active anti-theft system (if equipped).

If there are problems with the remote entry system, make sure to take ALL remote entry transmitters with you to the authorized dealer in order to aid in troubleshooting the problem.

Unlocking the doors

1. Press and release to unlock the driver's door. Note: The interior lamps will illuminate and the active anti-theft system (if equipped) will disarm.
2. Press and release again within three seconds to unlock the passenger door.

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Locking the doors

1. Press and release to lock all the doors. Note: The interior lamps will turn off (unless the dome lamp control is in the full-up position), and the turn signal lamps will flash if all doors, trunk and hood (if equipped with active anti-theft system) are closed and locked. If the vehicle is not equipped with the active anti-theft system, the turn signal lamps will flash if all doors and the trunk are closed and locked.

2. Press and release again within three seconds to confirm that all the doors are closed and locked. Note: The doors will lock again, the horn will chirp once and the turn signal lamps will flash once more.

If any of the doors, trunk or hood (if equipped with active anti-theft system) are not properly closed the horn will make two quick chirps and the turn signal lamps will not flash. If the vehicle is not equipped with the active anti-theft system, the horn will make two quick chirps and the turn signal lamps will not flash if the doors and the trunk are not closed and locked.

Opening the trunk

Press once to open the trunk.

• Ensure that the trunk is closed and latched before driving your vehicle. Failure to properly latch the trunk may cause objects to fall out or block the driver's rear view.

The remote entry system allows you to open the trunk while the ignition is in any position. However, if the ignition is in the 3 (ON) position and the vehicle is in motion, the trunk will not open if the vehicle is moving 3 mph (5 km/h) or faster.

Sounding a panic alarm

Press to activate the alarm. The horn will sound and the turn signal and interior lamps will flash for a maximum of approximately 3 minutes. Press again or turn the ignition to the 2 (ACCESSORY) or 3 (ON) position to deactivate, or wait for the alarm to timeout in 3 minutes.

Note: The panic alarm will only operate when the ignition is in the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position.

Replacing the battery

The remote entry transmitter uses one coin type three-volt lithium battery CR2032 or equivalent.

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To replace the battery:

1. Twist a thin coin between the two halves of the remote entry transmitter near the key ring. DO NOT TAKE THE RUBBER COVER AND CIRCUIT BOARD OFF THE FRONT HOUSING OF THE REMOTE ENTRY TRANSMITTER.

2. Do not wipe off any grease on the battery terminals on the back surface of the circuit board.

3. Remove the old battery. Note: Please refer to local regulations when disposing of transmitter batteries.

4. Insert the new battery. Refer to the diagram inside the remote entry transmitter for the correct orientation of the battery. Press the battery down to ensure that the battery is fully seated in the battery housing cavity.

5. Snap the two halves back together. Note: Replacement of the battery will not cause the remote transmitter to become deprogrammed from your vehicle. The remote transmitter should operate normally after battery replacement.

Replacing lost remote entry transmitters

If you would like to have your remote entry transmitter reprogrammed because you lost one, or would like to buy additional remote entry transmitters, you can either reprogram them yourself, or take all remote entry transmitters to your authorized dealer for reprogramming.

How to reprogram your remote entry transmitters

You must have all remote entry transmitters (maximum of six) available before beginning this procedure.

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Note: Ensure the brake pedal is not depressed during this sequence.

To reprogram the remote entry transmitters:

1. Ensure the vehicle is electronically unlocked.
2. Put the key in the ignition.
3. Cycle eight times rapidly (within 10 seconds) between the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position and 3 (ON).

Note: The eighth turn must end in the 3 (ON) position. The doors will lock, then unlock, to confirm that the programming mode has been activated.

4. Within 20 seconds press any button on the remote entry transmitter. Note: If more than 20 seconds have passed you will need to start the procedure over again. The doors will lock, then unlock, to confirm that this remote entry transmitter has been programmed.
5. Repeat Step 4 to program each additional remote entry transmitter.
6. Turn the ignition to the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position after you have finished programming all of the remote entry transmitters. Note: After 20 seconds, you will automatically exit the programming mode. The doors will lock, then unlock, to confirm that the programming mode has been exited.

I lluminated entry

The interior lamps illuminate when the remote entry system is used to unlock the door(s).

The illuminated entry system will turn off the interior lights if:

• the ignition switch is turned to the 3 (ON) position, or
• the remote transmitter lock control is pressed, or
• after 25 seconds of illumination.

The dome lamp control must not be set to the off position for the illuminated entry system to operate.

The inside lights will not turn off if:

• they have been turned on with the dimmer control, or
• any door is open.

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The battery saver will shut off the interior lamps 10 minutes after the ignition has been turned to the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position and a door is left open, and in 30 minutes if the dome lamp control is left on and the ignition has been turned to the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position. The battery saver will also shut off the trunk lamps in 30 minutes if the trunk is left open.

Perimeter lighting feature (if equipped)

The perimeter lighting feature illuminates the exterior of the vehicle in order to provide better visibility to the user while he or she approaches and enters the vehicle.

The perimeter lighting feature activates the head lamps, park lamps and side marker lamps when:

• the user activates an unlock feature, using either the remote keyless transmitter or the keypad, or
• when the vehicle is unlocked using the driver's door key lock cylinder.

The perimeter lighting feature will turn off if:

• the vehicle is locked using the remote entry transmitter, or
• the ignition is turned to the 3 (ON) position, or
• after 25 seconds of illumination.

Enabling/disabling the perimeter lighting feature

Your vehicle comes with the perimeter lighting feature enabled. You may enable/disable this feature by having your vehicle serviced by your authorized dealer.

You may also perform the following power door lock sequence to enable/disable the perimeter lamps feature. All vehicle doors must be closed before beginning the procedure. You must complete Steps 1–3 within 30 seconds, or the procedure will have to be repeated.

1. Turn the ignition to the 3 (ON) position, then press the [icon] control three times.
2. Turn the ignition to the 1 (OFF) position, then press the [icon] control three times.
3. Turn the ignition to the 3 (ON) position; the horn will chirp to indicate the driver configuration mode has been activated.

Activating or deactivating the perimeter lighting once in program mode is accomplished by:

• pressing the trim panel power door unlock control ([icon]) twice within five seconds.

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At this point, perimeter lighting will be activated if it was previously deactivated, and deactivated if it was previously activated. Confirmation of perimeter lighting being activated is provided by a short horn chirp followed by a long horn sound; Confirmation of perimeter lighting being deactivated is provided by a short horn chirp only.

Exiting the program mode is accomplished by turning the ignition to any position other than the 3 (ON) position, or two minutes elapsing since the program mode was entered.

SECURILOCK™ PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM

SecuriLock™ passive anti-theft system is an engine immobilization system. This system is designed to help prevent the engine from being started unless a coded key programmed to your vehicle is used. The use of the wrong type of coded key may lead to a "no-start" condition.

Your vehicle comes with two coded keys; additional coded keys may be purchased from your authorized dealer. The authorized dealer can program your spare keys to your vehicle or you can program the keys yourself. Refer to Programming spare keys for instructions on how to program the coded key.

Note: The SecuriLock™ passive anti-theft system is not compatible with non-Ford aftermarket remote start systems. Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting problems and a loss of security protection.

Note: Large metallic objects, electronic devices that are used to purchase gasoline or similar items, or a second coded key on the same key chain may cause vehicle starting issues. You need to prevent these objects from touching the coded key while starting the engine. These objects will not cause damage to the coded key, but may cause a momentary issue if they are too close to the key when starting the engine. If a problem occurs, turn the ignition off, remove all objects on the key chain away from the coded key and restart the engine.

Anti-theft indicator

The anti-theft indicator is located in the instrument cluster.

• When the ignition is in the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position, the indicator will flash once every 2 seconds to indicate the SecuriLock™ system is functioning as a theft deterrent.
• When the ignition is in the 3 (ON) position, the indicator will glow for 3 seconds, then turn off to indicate normal system functionality.

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If a problem occurs with the SecuriLock$^{TM}$ system, the indicator will flash rapidly or glow steadily when the ignition is in the 3 (ON) position. If this occurs, the vehicle should be taken to an authorized dealer for service.

Automatic arming

The vehicle is armed immediately after switching the ignition to the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position.

The theft indicator will flash every two seconds when the vehicle is armed.

Automatic disarming

Switching the ignition to the 3 (ON) position with a coded key disarms the vehicle.

• The theft indicator will illuminate for three seconds and then go out.
• If the theft indicator stays on for an extended period of time or flashes rapidly, have the system serviced by your authorized dealer.

Replacement keys

If your keys are lost or stolen and you don't have an extra coded key, you will need to have your vehicle towed to an authorized dealer. The key codes need to be erased from your vehicle and new coded keys will need to be programmed.

Replacing coded keys can be very costly. Store an extra programmed key away from the vehicle in a safe place to help prevent any inconveniences. Please visit an authorized dealer to purchase additional spare or replacement keys.

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Programming spare keys

You can program your own coded keys to your vehicle. Please read and understand the entire procedure before you begin.

Tips:

• A maximum of eight keys can be coded to your vehicle.

• Only use SecuriLock® keys.

• You must have two previously programmed coded keys (keys that already operate your vehicle's engine) and the new unprogrammed key(s) readily accessible.

• If no previously programmed coded keys are available, you must take your vehicle to your authorized dealer to have the spare key(s) programmed.

1. Insert a previously programmed coded key into the ignition.
2. Turn the ignition from the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position to the 3 (ON) position. Keep the ignition in the 3 (ON) position for at least one second, but no more than 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition to the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position, and remove the coded key from the ignition.
4. Within ten seconds of removing the previously programmed coded key, insert the other previously programmed coded key into the ignition.
5. Turn the ignition from the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position to the 3 (ON) position. Keep the ignition in the 3 (ON) position for at least one second but not more than 10 seconds.
6. Turn the ignition to the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position, and remove the second key from the ignition.
7. Within twenty seconds of removing the previously programmed coded key, insert the unprogrammed key (new/valet key) into the ignition.
8. Turn the ignition from the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position to the 3 (ON) position. Keep the ignition in the 3 (ON) position for at least one second.
9. Your new unprogrammed key is now programmed.

If the key has been successfully programmed it will start the vehicle's engine and the theft indicator light will illuminate for three seconds and

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then go out. If the key was not successfully programmed, it will not start your vehicle's engine and the theft indicator light will flash on and off rapidly. If failure repeats, bring your vehicle to your authorized dealer to have the new key(s) programmed.

To program additional new unprogrammed key(s), repeat this procedure from Step 1 for each additional key.

ACTIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)

The active anti-theft system is designed to warn you in the event of an unauthorized entry to your vehicle and is also designed to help prevent the unwanted towing of the vehicle.

When the vehicle is locked and armed, the active anti-theft system monitors the following:

• Doors

• Hood

• Trunk

• Movement inside the vehicle

• Change in vehicle inclination

Note: The active anti-theft system includes a motion detection system which monitors the passenger cabin and a vehicle incline sensor which detects changes in vehicle attitude.

The interior motion detection and vehicle incline sensing systems will operate only when the vehicle is locked using the remote keyless entry transmitter or when using the power door lock control with the accompanying door open and all doors then become closed. For convertible vehicles, the convertible top must be in the fully closed and latched position for the interior motion sensing system to arm. If you lock the vehicle using the key in the driver door key cylinder, the system will monitor the doors, trunk, and hood but the motion sensing and vehicle incline sensing will not arm.

Do not arm the interior motion detection system if movement within the vehicle is likely to occur. Additionally, do not arm the vehicle incline sensing system when the vehicle is in transport.

For proper operation of the interior motion detection system, ensure all windows are closed prior to arming the system. This will help prevent accidental alarm activation due to external influences and ensure proper interior motion detection. Additionally, the interior motion sensing system will not arm if either door or the trunk is ajar.

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If there is any potential active anti-theft problem with your vehicle, ensure ALL remote entry transmitters are taken to an authorized dealer to aid in troubleshooting.

Arming the system

When armed, the active anti-theft system is designed to notify you of an unauthorized entry. When unauthorized entry or towing occurs, the system will flash the turn signal lamps and interior lamps and sounds the security horn.

The system is ready to arm whenever the key is out of the ignition. Any of the following actions will arm the alarm system:

• Press the remote transmitter lock control one time to arm the system.
• Lock all doors using the interior power lock switch while the driver or passenger door is open and then becomes closed.
• Lock the driver door with the key in the key lock cylinder (this will not however arm the interior motion or vehicle incline sensing systems or lock the passenger door).

If all the closures (doors, trunk, hood) are closed, the turn signal lamps will flash once. If any closure is not properly closed the parklamps will not flash. Note: Locking the driver door with the key does not lock the passenger door. Use the power door lock control or manually lock the passenger door to ensure the vehicle is properly secured.

The system will wait 20 seconds after locking before triggering an alarm. After the 20-second pre-arm phase, the power door unlock control is disabled (for more information, refer to Power door trim switch inhibit section earlier in this chapter) to further protect your vehicle.

Disarming the system

You can disarm the active anti-theft system by any of the following actions:

• Unlock the doors by using the remote entry transmitter.
• Unlock the driver's door with the key in the door lock cylinder.
• Turn the ignition to the 3 (ON) position with a programmed coded ignition key.

Note: Unlocking the trunk inhibits the motion and tilt sensing systems, but the system continues to monitor the doors and hood. Once the trunk becomes closed the motion and tilt sensing systems will re-arm.

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SEATING

Notes:

Reclining the seatback can cause an occupant to slide under the seat’s safety belt, resulting in severe personal injuries in the event of a collision.

Do not pile cargo higher than the seatbacks to reduce the risk of injury in a collision or sudden stop.

Before returning the seatback to its original position, make sure that cargo or any objects are not trapped behind the seatback. After returning the seatback to its original position, pull on the seatback to ensure that it has fully latched. An unlatched seat may become dangerous in the event of a sudden stop or collision.

Adjustable head restraints

Your vehicle’s seats are equipped with head restraints which are vertically adjustable. The purpose of these head restraints is to help limit head motion in the event of a rear collision. To properly adjust your head restraints, lift the head restraint so that it is located directly behind your head or as close to that position as possible. Refer to the following to raise and lower the head restraints.

Seating and Safety Restraints

Lift the head restraint to raise the height.

To lower the head restraint, press the button located on the driver's side post.

Adjusting the front manual seat (if equipped)

Never adjust the driver's seat or seatback when the vehicle is moving.

Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.

Lift handle to move seat forward or backward.

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Pull lever up to adjust the angle of the seatback.

Four-way seat adjust (driver side only)

Pump the handle upwards to raise the cushion and pump downward to lower the cushion to the desired location.

Using the power lumbar support (if equipped)

The power lumbar control is located on the top of the driver's seat side shield.

Press one side of the control to increase lower back firmness.

Press the other side of the control to decrease lower back firmness.

Adjusting the front power seats (if equipped)

Never adjust the driver's seat or seatback when the vehicle is moving.

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! Do not pile cargo higher than the seatbacks to avoid injuring people in a collision or sudden stop.

! Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.

! Reclining the seatback can cause an occupant to slide under the seat’s safety belt, resulting in severe personal injuries in the event of a collision.

! Sitting improperly out of position or with the seat back reclined too far can take off weight from the seat cushion and affect the decision of the passenger sensing system, resulting in serious injury or death in a crash. Always sit upright against your seatback, with your feet on the floor.

! To reduce the risk of possible serious injury: Do not hang objects off seat back or stow objects in the seatback map pocket (if equipped) when a child is in the front passenger seat. Do not place objects underneath the front passenger seat or between the seat and the center console (if equipped). Check the “passenger airbag off” or “pass airbag off” indicator lamp for proper airbag status. Refer to Front passenger sensing system section for additional details. Failure to follow these instructions may interfere with the front passenger seat sensing system.

The power seat control is located on the outboard side of the seat (illustration shows the driver’s seat).

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Move the switch in the direction of the arrows to raise or lower the front portion of the seat cushion.

Move the switch in the direction of the arrows to raise or lower the rear portion of the seat cushion.

Press the switch in the direction of the arrows to move the seat forward, backward, up or down.

Heated seats (if equipped)

The heated seat control is located in the lower center of the instrument panel.

To operate the heated seats:

• Push control to activate.
• Push again to deactivate.

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Rear seat entry/exit

Use the seatback release to fold the back of the front seat forward for rear seat access. This release handle is located on the upper back of the front seat. The seatback locks automatically when returned to the normal position.

Use the recliner handle to return the seatback to the desired position.

REAR SEATS

2nd seat/split-folding rear seat

One or both rear seatbacks (coupe only) can be folded down to provide additional cargo space.

To lower the seatback(s) from inside the vehicle, pull strap to release seat back and then fold seatback down.

When raising the seatback(s), make sure you hear the seat latch into place. Pull on the seatback to ensure that it has latched.

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Before returning the seatback to its original position, make sure that cargo or any objects are not trapped behind the seatback. After returning the seatback to its original position, pull on the seatback to ensure that it has fully latched. An unlatched seat may become dangerous in the event of a sudden stop or collision.

SAFETY RESTRAINTS

Personal Safety System$^{™}$

The Personal Safety System$^{™}$ provides an improved overall level of frontal crash protection to front seat occupants and is designed to help further reduce the risk of airbag-related injuries. The system is able to analyze different occupant conditions and crash severity before activating the appropriate safety devices to help better protect a range of occupants in a variety of frontal crash situations.

Your vehicle’s Personal Safety System$^{™}$ consists of:

• Driver and passenger dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints.
• Driver and front passenger side airbags (if equipped)
• Front safety belts with pretensioners, energy management retractors, and safety belt usage sensors.
• Driver’s seat position sensor.
• Front crash severity sensor.
• Front passenger sensing system
• “Passenger airbag off” or “pass airbag off” indicator lamp
• Restraints Control Module (RCM) with impact and safing sensors.
• Restraint system warning light and back-up tone.
• The electrical wiring for the airbags, crash sensor(s), safety belt pretensioners, front safety belt usage sensors, driver seat position sensor, front passenger sensing system, and indicator lights.

How does the Personal Safety System$^{™}$ work?

The Personal Safety System$^{™}$ can adapt the deployment strategy of your vehicle’s safety devices according to crash severity and conditions. A collection of crash sensors provides information to the Restraints Control Module (RCM). During a crash, the RCM activates the safety belt pretensioners and/or either none, one, or both stages of the dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints based on crash severity and conditions.

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The fact that the pretensioners or airbags did not activate for both front seat occupants in a collision does not mean that something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the Personal Safety System™ determined the accident conditions (crash severity, belt usage, etc.) were not appropriate to activate these safety devices. Front airbags are designed to activate only in frontal and near-frontal collisions, not rollovers, side-impacts, or rear-impacts unless the collision causes sufficient longitudinal deceleration.

Driver and passenger dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints

The dual-stage airbags offer the capability to tailor the level of airbag inflation energy. A lower, less forceful energy level is provided for more common, moderate-severity impacts. A higher energy level is used for the most severe impacts. Refer to Airbag Supplemental Restraints section in this chapter.

Front crash severity sensor

The front crash severity sensor enhances the ability to detect the severity of an impact. Positioned up front, it provides valuable information early in the crash event on the severity of the impact. This allows your Personal Safety System™ to distinguish between different levels of crash severity and modify the deployment strategy of the dual-stage airbags and safety belt pretensioners.

Driver's seat position sensor

The driver's seat position sensor allows your Personal Safety System™ to tailor the deployment level of the driver dual-stage airbag based on seat position. The system is designed to help protect smaller drivers sitting close to the driver airbag by providing a lower airbag output level.

Front passenger sensing system

For airbags to do their job they must inflate with great force, and this force can pose a potentially deadly risk to occupants that are very close to the airbag when it begins to inflate. For some occupants, like infants in rear-facing child seats, this occurs because they are initially sitting very close to the airbag. For other occupants, this occurs when the occupant is not properly restrained by safety belts or child safety seats and they move forward during pre-crash braking. The most effective way to reduce the risk of unnecessary injuries is to make sure all occupants are properly restrained. Accident statistics suggest that children are much safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front.

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Air bags can kill or injure a child in a child seat. NEVER place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active air bag. If you must use a forward-facing child seat in the front seat, move the seat all the way back.

Always transport children 12 years old and under in the back seat and always properly use appropriate child restraints.

The front passenger sensing system can automatically turn off the passenger front airbag. The system is designed to help protect small (child size) occupants from airbag deployments when they are improperly seated or restrained in the front passenger seat contrary to proper child-seating or restraint usage recommendations. Even with this technology, parents are STRONGLY encouraged to always properly restrain children in the rear seat. The sensor also turns off the passenger front airbag and side airbag (if equipped) when the passenger seat is empty to prevent unnecessary replacement of airbag(s) after a collision.

When the front passenger seat is occupied and the sensing system has turned off the passenger's frontal airbag, the "pass airbag off" indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the front passenger frontal airbag is off. See Front passenger sensing system in the airbags section of this chapter.

Front safety belt usage sensors

The front safety belt usage sensors detect whether or not the driver and front outboard passenger safety belts are fastened. This information allows your Personal Safety System^TM to tailor the airbag deployment and safety belt pretensioner activation depending upon safety belt usage.

Front safety belt pretensioners

The safety belt pretensioners at the front outboard seating positions are designed to tighten the safety belts firmly against the occupant's body during frontal collisions, and in side collisions when the vehicle is equipped with seat-mounted side airbags. This helps increase the effectiveness of the safety belts. In frontal collisions, the safety belt pretensioners can be activated alone or, if the collision is of sufficient severity, together with the front airbags.

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Front safety belt energy management retractors

The front outboard safety belt energy management retractors allow webbing to be pulled out of the retractor in a gradual and controlled manner in response to the occupant's forward momentum. This helps reduce the risk of force-related injuries to the occupant's chest by limiting the load on the occupant.

Determining if the Personal Safety System™ is operational

The Personal Safety System™ uses a warning light in the instrument cluster or a back-up tone to indicate the condition of the system. Refer to the Warning lights and chimes section in the Instrument Cluster chapter. Routine maintenance of the Personal Safety System™ is not required.

The Restraints Control Module (RCM) monitors its own internal circuits and the circuits for the airbag supplemental restraints, crash sensor(s), safety belt pretensioners, front safety belt buckle sensors, front passenger sensing system, and the driver seat position sensor. In addition, the RCM also monitors the restraints warning light in the instrument cluster. A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following.

• The warning light will either flash or stay lit.

• The warning light will not illuminate immediately after ignition is turned on.

• A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat periodically until the problem and warning light are repaired.

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the Personal Safety System™ serviced at an authorized dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a collision.

Safety restraints precautions

Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.

To reduce the risk of injury, make sure children sit in the back seat where they can be properly restrained.

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Seating and Safety Restraints

Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from injury in a collision.

All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always properly wear their safety belts, even when an airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) is provided.

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.

In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a safety belt.

Each seating position in your vehicle has a specific safety belt assembly which is made up of one buckle and one tongue that are designed to be used as a pair. 1) Use the shoulder belt on the outside shoulder only. Never wear the shoulder belt under the arm. 2) Never swing the safety belt around your neck over the inside shoulder. 3) Never use a single belt for more than one person.

Always transport children 12 years old and under in the back seat and always properly use appropriate child restraints.

Safety belts and seats can become hot in a vehicle that has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn a small child. Check seat covers and buckles before you place a child anywhere near them.

Combination lap and shoulder belts

The belt guide is intended to improve access to the safety belt and to allow access to the rear seat.

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