ECU ALFA ROMEO STELVIO 2021 Owner's Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING

94

(Continued)
(Continued)
To transition the vehicle into REVERSE (R)
mode from DRIVE (D) mode, or into DRIVE (D)
mode from REVERSE (R) mode, it is necessary
to move the gear selector by pushing the gear
selector button.
AutoStick can be activated by moving the gear
selector from DRIVE (D) to the left and then
forward toward the - symbol (or backward
toward the + symbol) changing the gear.
To shift out of PARK (P), or to pass from posi -
tion NEUTRAL (N) to position DRIVE (D) or
REVERSE (R), the vehicle must be moving at a
low speed or stopped, and the brake pedal
must also be pressed.

NOTE:

DO NOT accelerate while shifting from posi -
tion PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to another
position.
After selecting a gear, wait a few seconds
before accelerating. This precaution is
particularly important with engine cold.
It is not possible to select NEUTRAL (N)
mode from PARK (P) mode.
Transmission Operating Modes
PARK (P)
The transmission is locked in this mode. The
engine can be started in this mode.
NOTE:

Never try to engage PARK (P) mode when the
vehicle is moving. Before leaving the vehicle,
make sure this mode is engaged (letter P
shown on the display and gear selector) and
that the parking brake is engaged.
When parking on a flat surface, first engage
the PARK (P) mode and then engage the EPB.
When parking uphill, before activating the
PARK (P) mode, engage the EPB. Otherwise, it
could be difficult to engage the (P) mode.
To check that the PARK (P) mode is actually
engaged, make sure (P) is illuminated on the
display and on the gear selector.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substi
-
tute for the parking brake. Always apply
the parking brake fully when parked to
guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
Your vehicle could move and injure you
and others if it is not in PARK. Check by
trying to move the gear selector out of
PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK
before leaving the vehicle.
It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle
could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the
vehicle and hit someone or something.
Only shift into gear when the engine is
idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with
all vehicles, you should never exit a
vehicle while the engine is running. Before
exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking
brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
and turn the ignition OFF. When the igni -
tion is in the OFF mode, the transmission
is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
When leaving the vehicle, always make
sure the ignition is in the OFF mode,
remove the key fob from the vehicle, and
lock the vehicle.
WARNING! (Continued)
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 94

97

(Continued)
Brake Transmission Shift Interlock Disabling
Only if strictly necessary (e.g. pushing the
vehicle, conveyor vehicle washing systems),
inhibit the automatic activation of PARK (P)
mode when stopping the engine. To do so,
follow the directions below:
1. Bring the vehicle to a standstill.
2. Place the transmission in the NEUTRAL (N)position.
3. Push the ignition button for at least three seconds.
The automatic activation of PARK (P) when the
engine is stopped can also be deactivated on
the Information and Entertainment system by
selecting the following functions on the main
menu: "Settings", "Driver Assistance" and
"Automatic Parking Brake".
Important Notes
Failure to comply with what is reported below
may damage the transmission:
Shift into PARK (P) mode only with the
vehicle at a standstill.
Select REVERSE (R) mode, or pass from
REVERSE to another mode only with the
vehicle at a standstill and engine idling.
Do not change between PARK (P), REVERSE
(R), NEUTRAL (N) or DRIVE (D) modes with
engine running at a speed above idling.
Before activating any transmission oper -
ating mode, fully press the brake pedal.

NOTE:

The unexpected movement of the vehicle can
injure the occupants or people nearby. Do not
leave the vehicle with engine running: before
getting out of the passenger compartment
always engage the EPB, select the PARK (P)
mode, stop the engine.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle
could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the
vehicle and hit someone or something.
Only shift into gear when the engine is
idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with
all vehicles, you should never exit a
vehicle while the engine is running. Before
exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking
brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
and turn the ignition OFF. When the igni -
tion is in the OFF mode, the transmission
is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
When leaving the vehicle, always make
sure the ignition is in the OFF mode,
remove the key fob from the vehicle, and
lock the vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat -
tended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seri -
ously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the transmission gear
selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil -
dren), and do not leave the ignition in the
ON/RUN or ACC mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
WARNING! (Continued)
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 97

STARTING AND OPERATING

136

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total permissible weight of
your vehicle including driver, passengers,
vehicle, options and cargo. The label also
specifies maximum capacities of front and
rear axle systems (GAWR). Total load must be
limited so GVWR and front and rear GAWR are
not exceeded.
Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the
allowable load weight a truck can carry,
including the weight of the driver, all passen-
gers, options and cargo.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load
on the front and rear axles. The load must be
distributed in the cargo area so that the GAWR
of each axle is not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the compo -
nents in the system with the lowest load
carrying capacity (axle, springs, tires or
wheels). Heavier axles or suspension compo -
nents sometimes specified by purchasers for
increased durability do not necessarily
increase the vehicle's GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label
represents the actual tire size on your vehicle.
Replacement tires must be equal to the load
capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the
tire size listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your
vehicle for all loading conditions up to full
GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the
total weight of the vehicle with all fluids,
including vehicle fuel, at full capacity condi -
tions, and with no occupants or cargo loaded
into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your
vehicle on a commercial scale before any
occupants or cargo are added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the
front and rear of your vehicle at the ground can
best be determined by weighing it when it is
loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a
commercial scale to ensure that the GVWR
has not been exceeded. The weight on the
front and rear of the vehicle should then be
determined separately to be sure that the load
is properly distributed over the front and rear
axle. Weighing the vehicle may show that the
GAWR of either the front or rear axles has
been exceeded but the total load is within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as appro
-
priate until the specified weight limitations are
met. Store the heavier items down low and be
sure that the weight is distributed equally.
Stow all loose items securely before driving.
Improper weight distributions can have an
adverse effect on the way your vehicle steers
and handles and the way the brakes operate.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and
information on limits to the type of towing you
can reasonably do with your vehicle. Before
towing a trailer, carefully review this informa -
tion to tow your load as efficiently and safely
as possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty
coverage, follow the requirements and recom -
mendations in this manual concerning vehi -
cles used for trailer towing.
CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than
the GVWR or the maximum front and rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, or it can change the way your vehicle
handles. This could cause you to lose
control. Also overloading can shorten the
life of your vehicle.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 136

139
(Continued)
Consider the following items when computing
the weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
The tongue weight of the trailer.
The weight of any other type of cargo or
equipment put in or on your vehicle.
The weight of the driver and all passengers.

NOTE:

Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also,
additional factory-installed options or
dealer-installed options must be considered
as part of the total load on your vehicle. Refer
to the “Tire And Loading Information” placard
for the maximum combined weight of occu -
pants and cargo for your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new
vehicle drivetrain components, the following
guidelines are recommended:
Towing Requirements — Tires
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire.
Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h)
when towing while using a full size spare
tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential
to the safe and satisfactory operation of
your vehicle.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire infla -
tion pressures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire
damage before towing a trailer.
Replacing tires with a higher load carrying
capacity will not increase the vehicle's
GVWR and GAWR limits.
For proper tire inflation procedures

Ú
page 233.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer
towing as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in
the trailer and that it will not shift during
travel. When trailering cargo that is not
fully secured, dynamic load shifts can
occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your
vehicle and have a collision.
When hauling cargo, or towing a trailer, do
not overload your vehicle or trailer. Over -
loading can cause a loss of control, poor
performance, or damage to brakes, axle,
engine, transmission, steering, suspen -
sion, chassis structure, or tires.
Safety chains must always be used
between your vehicle and trailer. Always
connect the chains to the frame or hook
retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning corners.
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked
on a grade. When parking, apply the
parking brake on the tow vehicle. Put the
tow vehicle transmission in PARK. Always
block or "chock" the trailer wheels.
GCWR must not be exceeded.
Total weight must be distributed between
the tow vehicle and the trailer such that
the following four ratings are not
exceeded:
• GVWR
• GTW
• GAWR
• Tongue weight rating for the trailer
hitch utilized.
WARNING! (Continued) CAUTION!
Do not tow a trailer at all during the first
500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is
driven. The engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.
Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km)
that a trailer is towed, do not drive over
50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make
starts at full throttle. This helps the engine
and other parts of the vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 139

141

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning,
stopping, and backing up the trailer in an area
located away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
Select the DRIVE range when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy
to avoid frequent shifting when towing.
However, if frequent shifting does occur while
in DRIVE, you can use the AutoStick shift
control to manually select a lower gear.

NOTE:

Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up.
This action will also provide better engine
braking.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy
loads.
When using the Cruise Control, if you expe-
rience speed drops greater than 10 mph
(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back
to cruising speed.
Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with
light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Installing The Receiver
To properly install the receiver, follow the
directions below:
1. Retrieve the receiver from the luggage compartment.
2. Push the receiver into the trailer hitch, and secure by inserting the locking pin into the
trailer hitch.
3. Insert the safety split ring into the hole on the locking pin.

NOTE:

Ensure that the locking pin is removed from
the trailer hitch before installing the receiver.
Trailer Hitch And Receiver
Connecting The Electrical System
To connect the trailer’s electrical system,
follow the directions below:
1. Remove the socket protective cover.
2. Completely insert the plug into the socket.
Electrical Tow Connector
1 – Receiver
2 – Locking Pin
3 – Safety Split Ring
A – Trailer Hitch
Pin
NumberFunction
1 Lights ground (Lights GND)
2 Position light, side marker
lights, and license plate light
3 Left turn signal and stop light
4 Right turn signal and stop
light
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 141

163

To reactivate the TPMS, replace all four wheel
and tire assemblies (road tires) with tires
equipped with TPMS sensors. Then, drive the
vehicle for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph
(24 km/h). The TPMS will chime, the TPMS
Warning Light will flash on and off for 75
seconds and then turn off. The instrument
cluster will display the “SERVICE TPM
SYSTEM” message and then display pressure
values in place of the dashes. On the next igni-
tion switch cycle the “SERVICE TPM SYSTEM”
message will no longer be displayed, as long
as no system fault exists.

NOTE:

The TPMS is not intended to replace normal
tire care and maintenance, or to provide
warning of a tire failure or condition.
The TPMS should not be used as a tire pres -
sure gauge while adjusting your tire pres -
sure.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire
will cause the tire to overheat, and can lead
to tire failure. Underinflation also reduces
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsi -
bility to maintain correct tire pressure using
an accurate tire pressure gauge, even if underinflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the TPMS Warning
Light.
Seasonal temperature changes will affect
tire pressure, and the TPMS will monitor the
actual tire pressure in the tire
Ú

page 268.
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT
SYSTEMS
Some of the most important safety features in
your vehicle are the restraint systems:
Occupant Restraint Systems Features
Seat Belt Systems
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Air
Bags
Child Restraints
Some of the safety features described in this
section may be standard equipment on some
models, or may be optional equipment on
others. If you are not sure, ask an authorized
dealer.
Important Safety Precautions
Please pay close attention to the information
in this section. It tells you how to use your
restraint system properly, to keep you and
your passengers as safe as possible. Here are some simple steps you can take to
minimize the risk of harm from a deploying air
bag:
1. Children 12 years old and under should
always ride buckled up in the rear seat of
a vehicle with a rear seat.
2. A child who is not big enough to wear the vehicle seat belt properly must be secured
in the appropriate child restraint or
belt-positioning booster seat in a rear
seating position
Ú
page 178.
3. If a child from 2 to 12 years old (not in a rear-facing child restraint) must ride in the
front passenger seat, move the seat as far
back as possible and use the proper child
restraint
Ú
page 178.
4. Never allow children to slide the shoulder belt behind them or under their arm.
5. You should read the instructions provided with your child restraint to make sure that
you are using it properly.
6. All occupants should always wear their lap and shoulder belts properly.
7. The driver and front passenger seats should be moved back as far as practical
to allow the front air bags room to inflate.
8. Do not lean against the door or window. If your vehicle has side air bags, and deploy -
ment occurs, the side air bags will inflate
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 163

SAFETY

164

forcefully into the space between occu-
pants and the door and occupants could
be injured.
9. If the air bag system in this vehicle needs to be modified to accommodate a disabled
person, see
Ú
page 266 for customer
service contact information.
Seat Belt Systems
Buckle up even though you are an excellent
driver, even on short trips. Someone on the
road may be a poor driver and could cause a
collision that includes you. This can happen far
away from home or on your own street.
Research has shown that seat belts save lives,
and they can reduce the seriousness of inju -
ries in a collision. Some of the worst injuries
happen when people are thrown from the vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility of
ejection and the risk of injury caused by
striking the inside of the vehicle. Everyone in a
motor vehicle should be belted at all times.
Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert)
Driver and Passenger BeltAlert (If Equipped)
BeltAlert is a feature intended to remind
the driver and outboard front seat passenger
(if equipped with outboard front passenger
seat BeltAlert) to buckle their seat belts. The
BeltAlert feature is active whenever the igni -
tion switch is in the ON/RUN position.
Initial Indication
If the driver is unbuckled when the ignition
switch is first in the ON/RUN position, a chime
will signal for a few seconds. If the driver or
outboard front seat passenger (if equipped
with outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert)
is unbuckled when the ignition switch is first in
the ON/RUN position the Seat Belt Reminder
Light will turn on and remain on until both
outboard front seat belts are buckled. The
outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert is not
active when an outboard front passenger seat
is unoccupied.
BeltAlert Warning Sequence
The BeltAlert warning sequence is activated
when the vehicle is moving above a specified
vehicle speed range and the driver or outboard
front seat passenger is unbuckled (if equipped
with outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert) (the outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert is
not active when the outboard front passenger
seat is unoccupied). The BeltAlert warning
sequence starts by blinking the Seat Belt
Reminder Light and sounding an intermittent
chime. Once the BeltAlert warning sequence
has completed, the Seat Belt Reminder Light
will remain on until the seat belts are buckled.
The BeltAlert warning sequence may repeat
based on vehicle speed until the driver and
occupied outboard front seat passenger seat
belts are buckled. The driver should instruct all
occupants to buckle their seat belts.
Change of Status
If the driver or outboard front seat passenger
(if equipped with outboard front passenger
seat BeltAlert) unbuckles their seat belt while
the vehicle is traveling, the BeltAlert warning
sequence will begin until the seat belts are
buckled again.
The outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert is
not active when the outboard front passenger
seat is unoccupied. BeltAlert may be triggered
when an animal or other items are placed on
the outboard front passenger seat or when the
seat is folded flat (if equipped). It is recom
-
mended that pets be restrained in the rear
seat (if equipped) in pet harnesses or pet
carriers that are secured by seat belts, and
cargo is properly stowed.
Lap/Shoulder Belts
All seating positions in your vehicle are
equipped with lap/shoulder belts.
WARNING!
Never place a rear-facing child restraint in
front of an air bag. A deploying passenger
front air bag can cause death or serious
injury to a child 12 years or younger,
including a child in a rear-facing child
restraint.
Never install a rear-facing child restraint in
the front seat of a vehicle. Only use a
rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat.
If the vehicle does not have a rear seat, do
not transport a rear-facing child restraint
in that vehicle.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 164

SAFETY

168

(Continued)
Energy Management Feature
The front outboard seat belt system is
equipped with an Energy Management feature
that may help further reduce the risk of injury
in the event of a collision. The seat belt system
has a retractor assembly that is designed to
release webbing in a controlled manner.
Switchable Automatic Locking Retractors
(ALR)
The seat belts in the passenger seating posi-
tions are equipped with a Switchable Auto -
matic Locking Retractor (ALR) which is used to
secure a child restraint system
Ú
page 185.
The figure below illustrates the locking feature
for each seating position.
Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) Locations
If the passenger seating position is equipped
with an ALR and is being used for normal
usage, only pull the seat belt webbing out far
enough to comfortably wrap around the occu -
pant’s mid-section so as to not activate the ALR. If the ALR is activated, you will hear a
clicking sound as the seat belt retracts. Allow
the webbing to retract completely in this case
and then carefully pull out only the amount of
webbing necessary to comfortably wrap
around the occupant’s mid-section. Slide the
latch plate into the buckle until you hear a
"click."
In Automatic Locking Mode, the shoulder belt
is automatically pre-locked. The seat belt will
still retract to remove any slack in the shoulder
belt. Use the Automatic Locking Mode anytime
a child restraint is installed in a seating posi
-
tion that has a seat belt with this feature. Chil -
dren 12 years old and under should always be
properly restrained in the rear seat of a vehicle
with a rear seat. How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode
1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder
belt.
2. Grab the shoulder portion and pull down -
ward until the entire seat belt is extracted.
3. Allow the seat belt to retract. As the seat belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound.
This indicates the seat belt is now in the
Automatic Locking Mode.
How To Disengage The Automatic Locking
Mode
Unbuckle the combination lap/shoulder belt
and allow it to retract completely to disengage
the Automatic Locking Mode and activate the
vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode.
WARNING!
Never place a rear-facing child restraint in
front of an air bag. A deploying passenger
front air bag can cause death or serious
injury to a child 12 years or younger,
including a child in a rear-facing child
restraint.
Never install a rear-facing child restraint in
the front seat of a vehicle. Only use a
rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat.
If the vehicle does not have a rear seat, do
not transport a rear-facing child restraint
in that vehicle.
WARNING!
The seat belt assembly must be replaced
if the switchable Automatic Locking
Retractor (ALR) feature or any other seat
belt function is not working properly when
checked according to the procedures in
the Service Manual.
Failure to replace the seat belt assembly
could increase the risk of injury in colli -
sions.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 168

SAFETY

178

Event Data Recorder (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an event data
recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is
to record, in certain crash or near crash-like
situations, such as an air bag deployment or
hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in
understanding how a vehicle’s systems
performed. The EDR is designed to record data
related to vehicle dynamics and safety
systems for a short period of time, typically 30
seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is
designed to record such data as:
How various systems in your vehicle were
operating;
Whether or not the driver and passenger
safety belts were buckled/fastened;
How far (if at all) the driver was depressing
the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
How fast the vehicle was traveling.
These data can help provide a better under -
standing of the circumstances in which
crashes and injuries occur.

NOTE:

EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a
non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are
recorded by the EDR under normal driving
conditions and no personal data (e.g., name,
gender, age, and crash location) are recorded.
However, other parties, such as law enforce -
ment, could combine the EDR data with the
type of personally identifying data routinely
acquired during a crash investigation. To read data recorded by an EDR, special
equipment is required, and access to the
vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the
vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as
law enforcement, that have the special equip
-
ment, can read the information if they have
access to the vehicle or the EDR.
Child Restraints
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled
up at all times, including babies and children.
Every state in the United States, and every
Canadian province, requires that small chil -
dren ride in proper restraint systems. This is
the law, and you can be prosecuted for
ignoring it.
Children 12 years or younger should ride prop -
erly buckled up in a rear seat, if available.
According to crash statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained in the rear
seats rather than in the front. There are different sizes and types of
restraints for children from newborn size to
the child almost large enough for an adult
safety belt. Always check the child seat
Owner’s Manual to make sure you have the
correct seat for your child. Carefully read and
follow all the instructions and warnings in the
child restraint Owner’s Manual and on all the
labels attached to the child restraint.
Before buying any restraint system, make sure
that it has a label certifying that it meets all
applicable Safety Standards. You should also
make sure that you can install it in the vehicle
where you will use it.

NOTE:

For additional information, refer to

http://
www.nhtsa.gov/parents-and-caregivers
or
call: 1–888–327–4236
Canadian residents should refer to Trans -
port Canada’s website for additional infor -
mation:
https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/
road/child-car-seat-safety.html

WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrained child can
become a projectile inside the vehicle. The
force required to hold even an infant on
your lap could become so great that you
could not hold the child, no matter how
strong you are. The child and others could
be badly injured or killed. Any child riding in
your vehicle should be in a proper restraint
for the child’s size.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 178

SAFETY

180

(Continued)
or height limit of their rear-facing convertible
child seat. Children should remain in a
forward-facing child seat with a harness for as
long as possible, up to the highest weight or
height allowed by the child seat.
All children whose weight or height is above
the forward-facing limit for the child seat
should use a belt-positioning booster seat
until the vehicle’s seat belts fit properly. If the
child cannot sit with knees bent over the
vehicle’s seat cushion while the child’s back is
against the seatback, they should use a
belt-positioning booster seat. The child and
belt-positioning booster seat are held in the
vehicle by the seat belt.
Children Too Large For Booster Seats
Children who are large enough to wear the
shoulder belt comfortably, and whose legs are
long enough to bend over the front of the seat
when their back is against the seatback,
should use the seat belt in a rear seat. Use thissimple 5-step test to decide whether the child
can use the vehicle’s seat belt alone:
1. Can the child sit all the way back against
the back of the vehicle seat?
2. Do the child’s knees bend comfortably over the front of the vehicle seat – while
the child is still sitting all the way back?
3. Does the shoulder belt cross the child’s shoulder between the neck and arm?
4. Is the lap part of the belt as low as possible, touching the child’s thighs and
not the stomach?
5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?
If the answer to any of these questions was
“no,” then the child still needs to use a booster
seat in this vehicle. If the child is using the lap/
shoulder belt, check seat belt fit periodically
and make sure the seat belt buckle is latched.
A child’s squirming or slouching can move the
belt out of position. If the shoulder belt
contacts the face or neck, move the child
closer to the center of the vehicle, or use a
booster seat to position the seat belt on the
child correctly.
WARNING!
Improper installation can lead to failure of
an infant or child restraint. It could come
loose in a collision. The child could be
badly injured or killed. Follow the child
restraint manufacturer’s directions
exactly when installing an infant or child
restraint.
After a child restraint is installed in the
vehicle, do not move the vehicle seat
forward or rearward because it can loosen
the child restraint attachments. Remove
the child restraint before adjusting the
vehicle seat position. When the vehicle
seat has been adjusted, reinstall the child
restraint.
When your child restraint is not in use,
secure it in the vehicle with the seat belt or
LATCH anchorages, or remove it from the
vehicle. Do not leave it loose in the
vehicle. In a sudden stop or accident, it
could strike the occupants or seatbacks
and cause serious personal injury.
WARNING! (Continued)
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 180