Pretensioners - Fiat 500 Owner's Handbook Manual

PRETENSIONERS

To increase the efficiency of the seat belts,
the car is fitted with front pretensioners.
These devices, in the event of a violent
crash, rewind the seat belts a few cen-
timetres. In this way they ensure that the
seat belt adheres perfectly to the wearer
before the restraining action begins. The
seat belt locks to indicate that the device
has intervened; the seat belt cannot be
drawn back up even when guiding it man-
ually.
This car is provided with a second pre-
tensioner (in the sill board area). Its acti-
vation is signalled by the shortening of the
metallic cable.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest de-
gree of protection from the action of the
pretensioning device, wear the seat belt
keeping it firmly close to the chest and
pelvis.
A small amount of smoke may be pro-
duced. This smoke is in no way toxic and
presents no fire hazard. The pretension-
er does not require any maintenance or
greasing. Anything that modifies its origi-
nal conditions invalidates its efficiency. If
due to unusual natural events (floods, seas
storm, etc.) the device has been affected
by water and mud, it must necessarily be
replaced.
WARNING
The pretensioner can only
be used once. Go to a Fiat
Dealership to have it replaced after
is has been deployed. The expiration
date is shown on the label on the
door edge: refer to the Fiat Dealer-
ship when it's time to replace the de-
vice.
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 sur-
face or low obstacles such as kerbs, etc.
Contact a Fiat Dealership for any as-
sistance.
LOAD LIMITERS
To increase passenger's safety, the reels
contain a load limiter which allows con-
trolled sag in such a way as to dose the
force acting on the chest and shoulders
during the belt restraining action in case
of front crash.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
FOR USING THE SEAT BELTS
The driver is responsible for respecting
and ensuring that all the other occupants
of the car also respect the local laws in
force in relation to the use of seat belts.
Always fasten the seat belts before start-
ing off.
Seat belts must also be used by pregnant
women: risk will be significantly reduced
for both the expectant mother and the
child in the event of an accident. Pregnant
women must position the lower part of
the belt very low down so that it passes
under the abdomen (see fig. 2).
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