Fiat BRAVO Owner's Handbook Manual page 139

PRETENSIONERS
To increase the efficiency of front and rear seat
belts (for versions/markets, where provided), the
car is fitted with pretensioners. These devices,
in the event of a violent frontal and side impact,
rewind the seat belts a few centimetres. In this way,
they ensure that the seat belt adheres perfectly to
the wearer before the restraining action begins.
The reel locks to indicate that the pretensioner has
intervened; the seat belt cannot be drawn back up
even when guiding it manually.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest degree of
protection from the action of the pretensioning
device, wear the seat belt tight to the chest and
pelvis.
A slight discharge of smoke may be produced
during the activation of the pretensioner which is
not in harmful and does not involve any fire hazard.
The pretensioner does not require any maintenance
or lubrication. Any changes to their original
conditions will invalidate their efficiency. If, due to
unusual natural events (floods, sea storms, etc.), the
device has been affected by water and mud, it
must absolutely be replaced.
WARNING
The pretensioner may be used only
once. Go to a Fiat Dealership to have it
replaced after it has been deployed. Consult
the plate in the lower storage compartment to
check the status of the pretensioners. Go to
a Fiat Dealership to have the device replaced
when the expiration date approaches.
Operations which lead to knocks,
vibrations or localised heating (over
100°C for a maximum of 6 hours) in the
area around the pretensioners may cause
damage or trigger them.These devices are not
affected by vibrations caused by irregularities of
the road surface or low obstacles such as kerbs,
etc. Contact a Fiat Dealership for any
assistance.
LOAD LIMITERS
To increase passenger safety in an accident, the
front and rear seat belt reels (for versions/markets,
where provided) contain a load limiter which
controls the force acting on the chest and
shoulders during the restraining action of the belts
in the event of a frontal impact.
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
135