Methods of restraint in addition to the front seat belts

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Methods of restraint in addition to the front seat belts

Depending on the vehicle, they may comprise:
  • front seat belt inertia reel pretensioners;
  • chest force limiters;
  • Airbags driver and passenger front airbags. driver and passenger front airbags.
These systems are designed to act independently or together when the vehicle is subjected to a frontal impact.
Depending on the severity of the impact, the system can cause:
  • blocking of the seat belt;
  • the seat belt inertia reel pretensioner which is triggered to correct seat belt slack;
  • front Airbag.

Pretensioners

The pretensioners hold the seat belt against the body, holding the occupant more securely against the seat, thus increasing the seat belt's efficiency.
With the ignition on, following a significant frontal impact and depending on the severity of the impact, the system may trigger the seat belt inertia reel pretensioner 1 which instantly retracts the seat belt.

Load limiter

Above a certain severity of impact, this mechanism is used to limit the force of the belt against the body so that it is at an acceptable level.
WARNING
  • Have the entire restraint system checked following an accident.
  • No operation whatsoever is permitted on any part of the system (pretensioners, Airbags, computers, wiring) and the system components must not be reused on any other vehicle, even if identical.
  • Only qualified personnel from our Network may work on the Airbags; otherwise the system may trigger accidentally and cause injury.
  • The electrical trigger system may only be tested by a specially trained technician using special equipment.
  • When the vehicle is scrapped, contact an approved dealer for disposal of the pretensioner and Airbags gas generators.

Driver and passenger front airbags

WARNING
The passenger Airbag airbag only protects the front side passenger, while the front centre passenger is only protected by the seat belt. Please follow the usual safety instructions (wearing the seat belt).
Risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Fitted to the driver and passenger sides.
The "Airbag" mark on the steering wheel and the dashboard (Airbag zone A) indicates that this equipment is present.
Each Airbag system consists of:
  • an Airbag and gas generator fitted on the steering wheel for the driver and in the dashboard for the passenger;
  • an electronic unit for monitoring the system controlling the gas generator electrical trigger;
  • a single warning light on the instrument panel.

Operation

WARNING
The Airbag system uses pyrotechnic principles. This explains why, when the airbag inflates, it will generate heat, produce smoke (this does not mean that a fire is about to start) and make a banging noise. In a situation where an Airbag is required, it will inflate immediately and this may cause some minor, superficial grazing to the skin or other problems.
This system is only operational when the ignition is switched on.
In the event of a severe frontal impact, the Airbags inflate rapidly, cushioning the impact of the driver's head and chest against the steering wheel and of the front passenger against the dashboard. The airbags then deflate immediately so that the passengers are not in any way hindered from leaving the vehicle;

Operating faults

The warning light 4 will light up on the instrument panel when the ignition is switched on and then go out after a few seconds.
If it does not light up when the ignition is switched on, or if it lights up when the engine is running, this indicates a fault in the system.
Contact your approved Dealer as soon as possible; Your protection will be reduced until this fault is rectified.
The following cases trigger the pretensioners or Airbags.
In a frontal impact against a rigid (non-deformable) surface at an impact speed equal to or greater than 16 mph (25 km/h).
In the event of a frontal impact with another vehicle of an equivalent or higher category, with an impact area equal to or greater than 40%, where the speed of both vehicles is equal to or greater than 35 mph (56 km/h).
In a side impact with another vehicle of an equivalent or higher category, at an impact speed equal to or greater than 31 mph (50 km/h).
The pretensioners or Airbags may be triggered by:
  • an impact underneath the vehicle (e.g. pavement kerb);
  • potholes;
  • a fall or a hard landing;
  • stones;
  • ...
The pretensioners or Airbags may not be triggered by:
  • a rear impact, however severe;
  • the vehicle overturning;
  • side impact at the front or rear of the vehicle;
  • frontal impact against an obstacle with a sharp angle;
  • ...
All of the warnings below are given so that the Airbagis not obstructed in any way when it is inflated and also to prevent the risk of serious injuries caused by items which may be dislodged when it inflates.

Devices complementary to the front seat belt: warning in relation to airbags

WARNING
Warnings in relation to the driver's Airbag
  • Do not modify the steering wheel or the boss.
  • Do not cover the steering wheel boss under any circumstances.
  • Do not attach any objects (badge, logo, watch, telephone cradle, etc.) to the steering wheel boss.
  • The steering wheel must not be removed (except by qualified personnel from our Network).
  • Do not sit too close to the steering wheel: adopt a driving position whereby your arms are slightly bent FRONT SEAT BELTS. This will allow sufficient space for the airbag to deploy correctly and be fully effective.
Warnings in relation to the passenger Airbag
  • Do not attach or glue any objects (badge, logo, clock, telephone holder, etc.) to the dashboard on or near the Airbag.
  • Do not place anything between the dashboard and the passenger (animal, umbrella, walking stick, parcels, etc.).
  • The passenger must not put his or her feet on the dashboard or seat as there is a risk that serious injuries may be sustained. As a general rule, parts of the body should be kept away from the dashboard (knees, hands, head, etc.).
  • the devices in addition to the front passenger seat belt should be reactivated as soon as a child seat is removed, to ensure the protection of the passenger in the event of an impact.
A REAR-FACING CHILD SEAT MUST NOT BE FITTED TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT UNLESS THE ADDITIONAL RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ARE DEACTIVATED CHILD SAFETY: DEACTIVATING, ACTIVATING THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG.