Suzuki VITARA Series Manual page 70

Read this section and "Supplemental
restraint system (airbags)" section to learn
more about the pretensioner system.
The seat belt pretensioner system works
with the supplemental restraint system (air-
bags). The crash sensors and the elec-
tronic controller of the airbag system also
control the seat belt pretensioners. The
pretensioners are triggered only when
there is a frontal or side collision severe
enough to trigger the airbags. For precau-
tions and general information including
servicing the pretensioner system, refer to
"Supplemental restraint system (airbags)"
section in addition to this "Seat belt preten-
sioner system" section, and follow all those
precautions.
NOTE:
For triggering of the seat belt pretensioner
system in case of vehicle rollover for Rus-
sia models, refer to "For Russia and other
countries adopting ERA-GLONASS" in the
"SUPPLEMENT" section.
The pretensioner is located in each front
seat belt retractor and both side of the rear
seat belt retractor. The pretensioner tight-
ens the seat belt so the belt fits the occu-
pant's body more snugly in the event of a
frontal or side collision. The retractors will
remain locked after the pretensioners are
activated. Upon activation, some noise will
occur and some smoke may be released.
These conditions are not harmful and do
not indicate a fire in the vehicle.
The driver and all passengers must be
properly restrained by fastening seat belts
at all times, whether or not a pretensioner
is equipped at their seating position, to
minimize the risk of severe injury or death
in the event of a collision.
Sit fully back in the seat; sit up straight; do
not lean forward or sideways. Adjust the
belt so the lap portion of the belt is worn
low across the pelvis, not across the waist.
Please refer to "Seat adjustment" section
and the instructions and precautions about
the seat belts in this "Seat belts and child
restraint systems" section for details on
proper seat and seat belt adjustments.
Please note that the pretensioners along
with the airbags will activate in severe fron-
tal or side collisions. They are not
designed to activate in rear impacts, roll-
overs and minor frontal or side collisions.
The pretensioners can be activated only
once. If the pretensioners are activated
(that is, if the airbags are activated), have
the pretensioner system serviced by a
SUZUKI dealer as soon as possible.
BEFORE DRIVING
If AIRBAG light on the instrument cluster
does not blink or come on briefly when the
ignition switch is turned to "ON" position or
the engine switch is pressed to change the
ignition mode to "ON", stays on for more
than 10 seconds, or comes on while driv-
ing, the pretensioner system or the airbag
system may not work properly. Have both
systems inspected by a SUZUKI dealer as
soon as possible.
Service on or around the pretensioner sys-
tem components or wiring must be per-
formed only by a SUZUKI dealer who is
specially trained. Improper service could
result in unintended activation of preten-
sioners or could render the pretensioner
inoperative. Either of these two conditions
may result in personal injury.
To prevent damage or unintended activa-
tion of the pretensioners, check that the
lead-acid battery is disconnected and the
ignition switch has been in "LOCK" position
or the ignition mode has been "LOCK"
(OFF) for at least 90 seconds before per-
forming any electrical service work on your
SUZUKI vehicle.
Do not touch pretensioner system compo-
nents or wiring. The wires are wrapped
with yellow tape or yellow tubing, and the
couplers are yellow. When scrapping your
SUZUKI vehicle, ask your SUZUKI dealer,
body repair shop, or scrap yard for assis-
tance.
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