Fiat SEDICI Owner's Handbook Manual page 54

Air bags must inflate quickly and forceful-
ly in order to reduce the chance of seri-
ous or fatal injuries. However, an un-
avoidable consequence of the quick infla-
tion is that the air bag may irritate bare
skin, such as the facial area against a front
air bag. Also, upon inflation, a loud noise
will occur and some powder and smoke
will be released. These conditions are not
harmful and do not indicate a fire in the
car. Be aware, however, that some air bag
components may be hot for a while after
inflation.
A seat belt helps keep you in the proper
position for maximum protection when an
air bag inflates. Adjust your seat as far back
as possible while still maintaining control
of the vehicle. Sit fully back in your seat;
sit up straight; do not lean over the steer-
ing wheel or dashboard. Front occupants
should not lean on or sleep against the
door. Please refer to the "Seat Adjust-
ment" section and the "Seat Belts and
Child Restraint Systems" section in the
"BEFORE DRIVING" section for details
on proper seat and seat belt adjustments.
WARNING
The driver should not lean
over the steering wheel. The
front passenger should not rest his or
her body against the dashboard, or
otherwise get too close to the dash-
board. For vehicles with side air bags
and side curtain air bag, occupants
should not lean on or sleep against
the door. In these situations, the out-
of- position occupant would be too
54G535
close to an inflating air bag, and may
suffer severe injury.
Do not attach any objects to, or place
any objects over, the steering wheel
or dashboard. Do not place any ob-
jects between the air bag and the dri-
ver or front passenger. These objects
may interfere with air bag operation
or may be propelled by the air bag
in the event of a crash. Either of these
conditions may cause severe injury.
For vehicles with side air bags, do not
place seat covers on the front seats,
because seat covers could restrict the
air bag's inflation. Also, do not place
any cup holders on the door, as the
cup holder could be propelled by the
air bag in the event of a crash. Either
of these conditions may cause severe
injury.
53