Restraint System Functionality; Restraint System Malfunction; Function Of The Restraint System In An Accident - Mercedes-Benz E-Class Operator's Manual

USA only: For details, contact our Customer
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Assistance Center on 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1‑800‑367‑6372).

Restraint system functionality

When the ignition is switched on, a system self-
test is performed, during which the 6
restraint system warning lamp lights up. It goes
out no later than a few seconds after the vehicle
is started. The components of the restraint sys‐
tem are then functional.

Restraint system malfunction

The 6 restraint system warning lamp
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does not light up when the ignition is
switched on.
The 6 restraint system warning lamp
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lights up continuously or repeatedly during a
journey.
& WARNING Risk of injury or fatal injury
due to a malfunction in the restraint sys‐
tem
If the restraint system is malfunctioning,
restraint system components may be trig‐
gered unintentionally or might not be trig‐
gered at all in the event of an accident. This
may affect the Emergency Tensioning Device
or airbag, for example.
Have the restraint system checked and
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repaired immediately at a qualified spe‐
cialist workshop.
Function of the restraint system in an acci‐
dent
How the restraint system works is determined by
the severity of the impact detected and the type
of accident anticipated:
Frontal impact
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Rear impact
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Side impact
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Rollover
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Occupant safety
The activation thresholds for the components of
the restraint system are determined based on
the evaluation of the sensor values measured at
various points in the vehicle. This process is pre-
emptive in nature. The triggering/deployment of
the components of the restraint system should
take place in good time at the start of the colli‐
sion.
Factors which can only be seen and measured
after a collision has occurred cannot play a deci‐
sive role in air bag deployment, nor do they pro‐
vide an indication of air bag deployment.
The vehicle may be deformed significantly with‐
out an air bag being deployed. This is the case if
only parts which are relatively easily deformed
are affected and the rate of vehicle deceleration
is not high. Conversely, an air bag may be
deployed even though the vehicle suffers only
minor deformation. If very rigid vehicle parts
such as longitudinal members are hit, for exam‐
ple, this may result in sufficiently high levels of
vehicle deceleration.
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