Ferrari F430 Spider Owner's Manual page 60

Load limiting devices
In the event of impacts at high speeds,
with sharp deceleration, the load
limiting device progressively releases the
belt when the tension value reaches a
predefined threshold. This action reduces
the possibility of injury to the chest and
shoulders of the occupant.
Pretensioners
The pretensioners are designed to activate
in the event of a severe head-on collision.
The belt will rewind slightly just before the
restraining action begins, thereby helping
to ensure the proper fitting across the body.
Activation of the pretensioners is indicated
by a warning light on the instrument panel
and by the seat belt locking.
After activation, the pretensioners
no longer function and it cannot be
repaired under any circumstances. Please
contact your Authorized Ferrari Dealer
to have them replaced.
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When the pretensioners are activated, a
small amount of smoke is released. This
smoke is not harmful and does not indicate
the presence of a fire.
Maintenance of the seat belts and
pretensioners
• Following a collision, replace the seat
belts that were worn at the time, even if
they may not appear to be damaged.
• Periodically check that the screws on the
anchoring points are tight and that the
belt is intact and slides smoothly.
• The belt must be kept clean; any dirt on
the belt could jeopardize the efficiency of
the belt retractor.
• To clean the seat belt, wash it by hand
with mild soap and water and let it dry.
Do not use strong detergents, bleach or
aggressive solvents, as they can weaken
the fibers.
Do not let the belt retractor get wet:
proper functioning is ensured only if they
are kept dry.
• The pretensioners require no
maintenance or lubrication.
If immersed in water or mud, the
pretensioners must be replaced.
• The pretensioners must be replaced at
the intervals specified in the "Warranty
Booklet and Maintenance Schedule".
All work on any part of the safety
system components must be
performed by an Authorized Ferrari
Dealer.
It is not permitted to remove or make
modifications, of any kind, to the seat belts,
belt retractor or pretensioners.
Maintenance work involving strong impacts,
vibrations or heating of the pretensioner area
may activate them; vibrations caused by road
bumps will not have this effect.
Child safety
Because of their size, children are at greater
risk than adults. Suitable restraint or safety
systems must be used.
All minors whose physical characteristics
(i.e., age, height, weight) fall within the
legal limits in force in each country/state
must be protected by approved restraint or
safety systems (e.g., child seats).
You are advised to always use approved
child restraint systems bearing the proper
markings.
Always adjust the seat to the most rearward
position, in order to help ensure that the
child is as far away as possible from the
dashboard structure.
Incorrect fastening of a child
restraint system increases the risk of
injury to the child in the event of a collision.
• The seat belts in the vehicle have been
designed and tested to help protect
persons weighing at least 79 lb. (36 kg)
and taller than 59 in. (1.50 m).