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 inertia reel pretensioners;
  • lap 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 inertia reel pretensioner which is triggered to correct seat belt slack;
  • the lap seat belt pretensioner to hold the occupant in their seat;
  • the 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.
In the event of a severe frontal impact and if the ignition is switched on, the system may engage the following depending on the force of the impact:
  • the seat belt inertia reel pretensioner 1 which instantly retracts the seat belt;
  • the lap seat belt inertia reel pretensioner 2 on the front seats.
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 pretensioners and 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.
  • If scrapping your vehicle, contact an approved dealer for disposal of the gas generator of the pretensioners and airbags.

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.

Driver and passenger front airbags

Fitted to the driver and passenger sides.
A symbol on the lower section of the windscreen indicates if this equipment is present (depending on the vehicle).
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;
  • remote sensors;
  • a single warning light on the instrument panel.
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.
Operation
This system is only operational when the ignition is switched on.
In 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 prevented from leaving the vehicle.

Operating faults

This warning light comes on when the engine is started and then goes out after approximately three seconds.
If it does not come on when the ignition is switched on or if it stays on, there is 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 25 mph (40 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 in the following cases:
  • an impact underneath the vehicle (e.g. pavement kerb);
  • potholes;
  • a drop or hard landing;
  • stones;
  • ...
The pretensioners or airbags might not be triggered in the following cases:
  • a rear impact, however severe;
  • the vehicle overturning;
  • ...
  • side impact at the front or rear of the vehicle;
  • frontal impact, underneath the tail of a lorry;
  • frontal impact against an obstacle with a sharp angle;
  • ...

Warning

All of the following warnings are provided to avoid obstructing the deployment of the airbag and to avoid serious injury caused by the projection of objects during its inflation.
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: sit with your arms slightly bent (see "Adjusting your driving position" 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 NOT DEACTIVATED CHILD SAFETY: DEACTIVATING, ACTIVATING THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG.