Depending on the vehicle, they are
composed of:
- seat belt inertia reel pretensioners;
- driver and passenger's lap belt
pretensioners;
- chest-level load limiter;
- air bags for driver and front passenger.
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 trigger:
- seat belt locking;
- the seat belt inertia reel pretensioner
(which engages to correct seat belt
slack);
- the lap belt pretensioners to hold the
occupant in his 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:
- seat belt inertia reel pretensioner 1
which instantly retracts the seat belt;
- the lap belt pretensioner 2 for the
driver and passenger.
- Have the entire restraint
system checked following
an accident.
- No operation whatsoever
is permitted on any part of
the system (pretensioners, air
bags, computers, wiring) and the
system components must not
be reused on any other vehicle,
even if identical.
- To avoid incorrect triggering of
the system which may cause
injury, only qualified personnel
from an approved dealer may
work on the pretensioner and air
bag system.
- The electric 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
air bag gas generators.
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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.
Front airbags for driver and
passenger
Fitted to the driver and passenger side.
The presence of this equipment is indicated
by the word "Air bag" on the
steering wheel and dashboard (air bag
zone A) and, depending on the vehicle,
a symbol on the lower section of the
windscreen.
Each air bag system consists of:
- an air bag and gas generator fitted
on the steering wheel for the driver
and in the dashboard for the front
passenger;
- an electronic unit for system monitoring
which controls the gas generator
electrical trigger system;
- a single warning light on
the
instrument panel.
The air bag system uses
pyrotechnic principles. This
explains why, when the air
bag 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 air bag 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 air bags
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 air
bags then deflate immediately so that
the passengers are not in any way hindered
from leaving the vehicle.
Operating faults
This warning light 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 comes on when the
engine is running, 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.
All of the warnings below are given so that the air bag is
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 the air
bag inflates.
Warnings concerning the driver's air bag
- Do not modify the steering wheel or the steering wheel boss.
- Do not cover the steering wheel boss under any circumstances.
- Do not attach any objects (badge, logo, clock, telephone holder,
etc.) to the steering wheel boss.
- The steering wheel must not be removed (except by qualified
personnel from our Network).
- When driving, do not sit too close to the steering wheel. Sit
with your arms slightly bent (see the information on "Adjusting
your driving position"). This will allow sufficient space for the
air bag to deploy correctly and be fully effective.
Warnings concerning the passenger air bag
- Do not attach or glue any objects (badge, logo, clock, telephone
holder, etc.) to the dashboard on or near the air bag.
- Do not place anything between the dashboard and the passenger
(pet, 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 occur. In
general, 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, I.E. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG, ARE
DEACTIVATED. |
Methods of restraint in addition to the rear side seat belts
Force 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.
- Have the entire restraint
system checked following
an accident.
- No operation whatsoever
is permitted on any part of the
system (air bags, electronic control
units, 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 air
bags; otherwise the system may
trigger accidentally and cause
injury.
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