Edmunds Answers questions

What is the tool that breaks the glass of your car window?

jake50 — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:01:44 GMT

I am looking for the tool that helps you break the glass of your car.

What is energy absorbing hood design?

19023 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:11:57 GMT

How does the energy absorbing hood design work and what are the benefits of having this feature on the vehicle. Also name five vehicles foreign and domestic that have this feature.

What is an Energy-absorbing vehicle hood?

19023 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:35:35 GMT

What are the benefits of this feature. Are all vehicles equipped with this feature? Please name 5 vehicles that are equipped with an Energy-absorbing vehicle hood.

I have chemical sensitivity, any cars that are made with safer interior. I know a few are on the market. Thanks

safecar1 — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:46:34 GMT

Looking for a small car that could be safer for people with chemical sensitivities. Also have you ever heard of any dealers letting people drive different cars to let them know how the chemical sensitive responds to different makes. Many with this illness don't know what cars to buy and there are millions of us with this illness. New car smell is difficult for some. Thanks

Where can I find the Edmunds article, Ten tips for preventing a car accident?

sjiusa — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 15:30:25 GMT

i read a article about your ten tips for preventing a car accident

Seat belt repairs.

trini58 — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:31:17 GMT

I was under the impression that Dealers were supposed to repair seat belts whether the warranty of the car has expired or not. Isn't this a Safety thing????

How can I find out if a specific car has anti lock brakes and passive restraints?

mcbrown — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:15:50 GMT

I am trying to figure out if some cars I am looking at have anti lock brakes and passive restraints. It is supposed to get me a better discount on my insurance, but they want to verify it - does the VIN # have certain codes to address this? How do they know?

What is the tool that breaks your window in an emergency?

jake50 — Fri, 22 May 2009 10:16:25 GMT

Looking for the name of the tool that breaks the window in an emergency

Why did my ABS light come on?

jcallot — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:50:42 GMT

Why did my ABS light come on?

Can anyone tell me which vehicles have fabric wrapped pillars? I'm doing research on airbag deployment and shards

lrundell — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 15:36:44 GMT

I'm trying to determine which vehicles have fabric wrapped pillars (A,B,C) and what if any relationship there is to pillar airbag deployment, fabric wrap, and/or plastic shards at deployment. Can anyone give me a list of what vehicles have fabric wrapped pillars and/or also the correlating airbag content?

Will an airbag deploy if hit from behind and forced into another vehicle?

kharris103 — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:58:16 GMT

3 cars stopped quickly and the car in the back hit the car in the middle. The car in the middle had stopped in time, but was pushed into the car in front. The push was hard enough to break the bumper and buckle the hood, but the airbag did not deploy.

Is there any way for the airbags to deploy with the vehicle parked and the ignition in the off position and no key?

kmchugh2 — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:18:28 GMT

I am looking into a Nissan Accord which was allegedly parked with the ignition off and no keys in the ignition. The vehicle was allegedly hit by another vehicle and both frontal airbags deployed. I believed that the airbags would not deploy unless the ignition was on (power) and I am asking for comfirmation on that.

Why didn't my air bags work when I was hit on driver;s side when other vehicle ran through a red light?

vernamae62 — Tue, 05 May 2009 05:18:31 GMT

I was told that I wasn't going over 10 mph and they only work when your going faster, I just took off from my light being red, turned green and I pulled out and they hit me on driver's side from driver door to front of vehicle.

Was off roading, caught air, landed and air bags went off. Is that suppose to happen?

ubsille — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:00:14 GMT

Off roading, caught air, landed, airbags went off.

I have different warning light on always.

mohamedalani — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:33:18 GMT

May I ask you to send me user manuals of the car because I need to learn about this car.

What is the name of the tool which breaks your car window in case of emergencies?

jake50 — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 06:27:02 GMT

I am looking for the name of the tool that will allow you to easily break the glass on your car windows in case of an emergency.

What year did cars get shoulder seat belts?

psycobeast — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 03:29:25 GMT

Seat belt law?

How do tire pressure monitors work?

langstond — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 16:11:27 GMT

I see this feature on all the new cars. How do they work? Keeping track of a spinning tire sounds like a complicated system and one that could be expensive to fix when it breaks.

Which SUVs have adjustable pedals?

tapgypsy — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 08:32:21 GMT

Which SUVs have adjustable pedals? I'm pretty short and this is an important feature to me.

I still have a couple of problems with my GMC truck and disabling the traction control.

ravz71 — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 21:25:52 GMT

I have pressed this button for the 5 second rule but as soon as I get my truck steering wheel either way lock to lock and spin the tires really fast as to not get stuck the ST light flashes and the brakes pulsate a bit but the good thing is the engine does not idle down anymore.

Do you think there is a problem or is this the way it should work.

PS
I appreciate the quick response to my question!!!!

Rene

How do I know if my ESP on my Ford Mondeo ST220 is working or faulty? I've had 2 different explanations that oppose each other.

thesock — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 01:36:09 GMT

in the manual it says it comes on when the ignition is turned on but im confused about all the talk of lights staying on or flashing etc

What are the top ten safest crossover vehicles?

brandihofer — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 23:09:36 GMT

what are the top ten safest crossover vehicles?

What's the name of the tool that can break a windshield in an emergency?

guidare — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 07:13:03 GMT

It can also cut seatbelts that are stuck. I am concerned about what would happen if I ever find myself submerged in my car. Is there any way to get out of a car that has fallen into a river and possibly turned upside down?

Element airbag light on?

listmaven — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 22:17:05 GMT

The passenger airbag light is on in my 2005 Honda Element but no one is in the seat. Why?

Does ESC really help in the snow?

deelite — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 08:20:22 GMT

My friend has a 2007 Kia Optima that seems to work better in the snow with the ESC turned off. Does that make sense? When it isn't off, the tires kind of vibrate and the light for ESC flashes on and off. Is this normal? How does that help?

2008 Prius Owners Manual states door locks can be programmed to autolock when car is put in drive. Mine does not.

mypineprius — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 18:03:47 GMT

2008 Toyota Prius Touring With 1100 miles. Dealership Purchased at CANNOT program the door locks to engage automatically when the car is in drive?
The Owners Manual says they are SUPPOSED TO BE FACTORY SET that way, BUT They ARE NOT. Dealership CANNOT Change the programming at all! There are no LIVE LInks on the Computer Screen to Change any door lock features?

Passengers keep banging their head on the safety pillar in the backseat of my '06 Beetle. How can I fix that?

omarisafari — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 16:48:00 GMT

HI, I was hoping someone can give advice on this problem that my backseat passengers keep having in my 2006 New Beetle (TDI). Everyone who sits back there bangs their heads on the pillar behind the rear side window. The Insurance Hiway safety institute has crashtest photos of dummies hitting their heads on that same pillar, http://www.iihs.org/ratings/rating.aspx?.... It makes me feel really guilty knowing this to let people sit back there, so I'd like to know what others are doing about this problem. I called VW customer care and they told me to talk to the dealer and there's nothing they could do (some customer care!!!). My current plan is to take it to a body shop or upholsterer and have padding installed up there. Any other suggestions?
Thanks!
Omari

Why would Chevy put StabiliTrak AND traction control on a Z71 4x4? It defeats the purpose especially in mud.

ravz71 — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 01:59:16 GMT

I went mudding for the first time in my new 2007 Chevy Z71 4x4 and I almost got stuck(not being familiar with these nannies).When you are deep in it and turn the wheel either direction,the engine revs down and braking starts to happen to get you back on course BUT in mud anytime it slows too much it is a handicap because you have to keep up speed so that you DONT get stuck.This is my 6th Z71 and the first time with this stabilitrak/traction control combo.I am used to just kicking it in to 4hi/4lo and punching it until "I" decide to take my foot of the pedal but not anymore.
HELP!!!!!!Is ther anyway to disengage this part so as too not be penalized going into the deep stuff.

are the headrestraints for the honda civic 2008 still causing problems pushing the head forward?

maggie17 — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 14:30:11 GMT

I was hoping to purchase a new honda civic in 2007, but after a test drive and some research, I discovered that the headrest was redesigned for safety reasons. The new design of the headrest forces my head forward and makes it very uncomfortable for driving. Switching the position of the seat height didn't help. I believe this problem occurs for drivers that are less than 5 ft. 2, give or take a little.
Has anyone bought a 2008 honda civic that can provide feedback on the headrest? Does anyone know if Honda has a solution for this problem?
Thanks for any feedback.
Maggie

Safety related issue Toyota decided not to include in 2008 Prius

mypineprius — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 12:20:54 GMT

I purchased a 2008 Prius Touring on Dec. 1st. While I LOVE the MPG I get, Toyota has fallen short on both safety and quality control issues.
My Owners Manual (Toyotas Bible) Clearly States I am Supposed To Have the Automatic Door Locking Feature, and Dual Climate Control.
While the latter is not a problem, the former is an extreme safety issue!
TOYOTA HAS ALLOWED A NEW 2008 PRIUIS TO BE "A CARJKACKERS DREAM COME TRUE"
Should one just happen to forget to use one of the armrest lock buttons, a CARJACKER CAN JUST COME UP TO THE CAR AND OPEN ANY OF THE DOORS! Why is such Lack Of Quality Control Exist Behind Toyotas Last Minute Decision To NOT INCLUDE AUTO LOCK IN THE 2008 PRIUS? WHY DID TOYOTA NOT FIND THIS OBVIOUS ERROR WHEN "PROOF READING" THE OWNERS MANUAL WAS TAKING PLACE?
This issue was exposed in other forums as INEXCUSEABLE By Q.C. Standards!
This feature is VERY IMPORTANT TO US. We have NOT DRIVEN A VEHICLE WITHOUT AUTOLOCKING DOORS IN MORE THAN TEN YEARS! My Saturn Vue had Auto Lock Doors
My Toyota Sequoia Had Auto Lock Doors WHY DID I PAY FOR ITEMS I DON'T HAVE?
Why should my wife and I be subjected to a possible carjacking just because TOYOTA PURPOSELY DECIDED NOT TO INCLUDE AUTO DOOR LOCK ON MY CAR?
WHY IS TOYOTA ALLOWED TO HAVE ITEMS LISTED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL THAT ARE CLEARLY NOT ON THE VEHICLE. Does anyone else agree this is a real problem?

How do I turn on/off passanger airbags on 2005 VW Touareg V8?

dagajanian — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 23:27:19 GMT

Just bought pre-owned and haven't received owners manuel.

Why does the Ford Focus not have rear seat headrests? Isn't this unsafe - many or most other makes include this.

leasure — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:13:54 GMT

I am interested in purchasing a used focus wagon, but noticed this seemingly basic feature was not there. It seams that the rear headrest is included in comparable cars of other makes. And the lack of it seams unsafe for rear seat passengers.

1998 Subaru Outback - How do I turn off the passenger side airbag?

judywheeler1 — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:56:09 GMT

For the safety of my older grandchildren, I want to turn off the front passenger airbag. How can I do that? 1998 Subaru Outback

5 car collision- air bags didn't go off?

snomyst — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:06:51 GMT

My car was rear ended at around 50mph by a driver who didn't realize the traffic was stopped. It caused a domino effect involving three cars in front of me. The car that rear ended me was completely totaled, my car was damaged at both ends and wouldn't start. Should the air bags have gone off considering the force was enough to involve 3 cars in front of me? My car is an '03 Chrysler town and country.

When were automatic headlights first introduced?

lmgilman — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:36:45 GMT

That is headlights that turn on and off automatically when you turn your car on based on how dark/light it is outside (not daytime running lights)

Are there aftermarket back-up cameras for 2007 Subaru Tribeca without their GPS system installed?

burgy — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:02:02 GMT

We are looking to buy 2007 Subaru Tribeca, but wife wants back-up camera. Does the vehicle have to already have GPS systems installed to use the info screen that comes standard, or does it have to have GPS also for camera to display without additional monitor?
Thanks,
Bill B

I have a Hyundai Sonata with the air bag light on. How can I correct this problem?

gbole — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:47:21 GMT

Light stays on with drivers seat occupied and the engine running. Could it be a sensor?

SRS light is on constantly on my Honda Odyssey. Is there a seat restraint sensor somewhere possibly defective?

rupertle — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:02:48 GMT

Tried resetting the light. It went off briefly but is back on now.

What is the name of the thing that you can break your glass with?

patrick51 — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:56:00 GMT

I am looking for the name of that tool that you can break through your windshield with, or a passenger window or something in case of an emergency.

What is VDC? (In the context of Subaru Forester with VDC)

alfonsogranda — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:10:48 GMT

You describe the 2009 Subaru Forester Style, thus:
2.5X 4dr SUV AWD with VDC
What does DVC stand for?

How hard can you hit something head on before the air bags are deployed? Mitsubishi Lancer.

jaseret555 — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 06:39:31 GMT

if driving a 2006 Mitsubishi lancer ES will the air bag deploy if you are doing approxmately 15-20mph and hit head on with a joshua tree, actually impact closest to the driver side, just on the inside drivers head light, with impact at this location traveling approxmetaly 15-20mph will the or should the air bag deploy????? SURE HOPE TO GET AN HONEST ANSWER AS SOON AS POSSIABLE HOPEFULLY BEFORE 9:OOAM california time thank you much

How to removal airbag sensor on Toyota Camry 96? Can I startup the engine when airbag deployed and left side sensor activated?

mdangcamry — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:01:55 GMT

After I hit the post on the side of the street @ 20mph, both front airbag deployed. The damage was mild, the bumper, front head light and the fender caved in (driver side only)the driver side airbag sensor was activated, the hood buckleup but chasis still look good. Now I can not atartup the engine,even though the engine crankup ( turning over, battery still good) I wonder if the airbag sensor stop me from atart the engine up while it is still activated?

Swore off buying GM cars in the early 80's, but am interested in On-Star. Is it worth looking at them again?

vegasdad — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 12:53:44 GMT

I was working for a courier operation in California when we bought 200 GMC S-10's and 200 S-15's in 1982. In three years over half of them had to be junked, beginning with transmissions falling apart within the first 6 months. We then bought 350 '85 Ford Escorts, which ran for over 5+ years each. I swore off buying GM because of the poor quality at the time. Now I have a teenage daughter and am interested in the safety features On-Star offers, but to have On-Star, I apparently need to buy GM. Has the quality come up to some decent standard over the last 25 years? By a decent standard, I now own two Toyota's and would be comparing to them.

The air bag light on my 2002 Lincoln Contiential blinks 3 times and then repeats 10 times and then stays on.

danbrla — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 13:31:31 GMT

The air bag light on my 02 Lincoln Continental blinks 3 times and then repeats for 10 times and then stays on. What does this blinking code mean?

Help! I totalled my 1993 Infiniti J30 on a Texas monsoon-rainy night. Please help with ideas for great car.

balaskan — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 21:48:17 GMT

Someone wrote that mr shiftright is good at recommending cars and I am hoping you have some suggestions for me.

My 1993 Infiniti J30 was 7 years old with low mileage when I bought it, and I put 110K miles on it. I loved my J30 and had planned to to add at least another 80K miles. I would buy another one in a minute, except that my recent experience showed me the value of electronic stability control and side curtain airbags. I would be happy with an older car as long as I can get these safety features. What car would you suggest that has the same class, handling, and great ride as the J30? Or is even close to a J30? Another Infiniti? Or is even a good older car? Thank you for any ideas. I also need one that is reliable and with low cost maintenance and repairs.

I am asking for the moon, but any suggestions will help. Thank you.

My 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo air bag light comes on every five or 30 seconds. What can the problem be?

racolonpr — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 16:50:29 GMT

I have a Jeep grand Cherokee Laredo @2wd 6 Cyl. My problem consist in the air bag light. This light is intermittent and the warning chime is so annoying. What is the specific cause and how can i repaired by myself.

How to disconnect driver side airbag in a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500?

dodgekidd07 — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 11:08:40 GMT

coulm airbag

1996 Chevy S-10 Blazer. When in park and hit from the rear, will the airbags deploy?

terristeph2 — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:30:06 GMT

1996 S10 Chevy Blazer was in park and hit from the rear at a speed less the 20mph is there a reason why the airbags did not deploy

I have a 2006 Nissan Quest and the airbag light is allways flashing. I was wondering what I could do about it?

metmat — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:42:14 GMT

I have a 2006 nissan quest van the airbag and the flat tire light's are allways flashing. I made sher tire pressure was good and puled battery cable off for 20 min. to try to reset it and still having the same problems.

Front passenger airbag for Hyundai Sante Fe

jwertymer — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:19:24 GMT

I am having trouble with the front passenger airbag cutting on and off when you have a smaller adult in the front seat. What is the weight requirement for the Sante Fe? Can't get an answer from the dealer or company. My problem seems to be intermittent but I am concerned that all my smaller friends and family members will have to ride in the back seat in order to be safe. Not a good car for teenage girls if this can't be fixed. Appreciate any answers!