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:
  • seat belt pretensioners;
  • chest force limiters;
  • Airbags driver and passenger front.
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 pretensioner to hold the occupant in the seat, in addition to the force limiter;
  • the front airbag.
Tip
The passenger airbag protects the front passenger(s) (depending on whether there is a conventional seat or a bench seat in the front).

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 switched on, if the vehicle is subject to a significant frontal impact the system may, depending on the severity of the impact, trigger a piston which instantly retracts the 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

They are fitted to the front seats on the driver’s side and, depending on the vehicle, on the passenger’s side as well.
Depending on the vehicle, a "airbag" mark on the steering wheel and on the dashboard (airbag area A) confirm the presence of this equipment.
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 dedicated warning light;
  • remote sensors.
Operation
This system is only operational when the ignition is switched on.
If a severe frontal impact occurs, the airbag(s) inflate(s) rapidly, cushioning the impact of the driver’s head and chest against the steering wheel and the front passenger’s head against the dashboard. the air bag(s) then deflate immediately after the impact to prevent the occupants from being impeded in any way when leaving the vehicle.

Operating faults

This warning light comes on when the ignition or the engine is switched on and goes off 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.
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 noise upon detonation. 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.
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;
  • ...

Warning

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.
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 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 CHILD SEAT MUST NOT BE FITTED TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT UNLESS THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT ADDITIONAL SYSTEMS ARE DEACTIVATED CHILD SAFETY: DEACTIVATING, ACTIVATING THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG.