Pretensioners - Fiat Linea 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 by 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 de-
vice has intervened; the seat belt cannot
be drawn back up even when guiding it
manually.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest de-
gree of protection from the action of the
pretensioner, wear the seat belt keeping
it tight to the chest and pelvis.
A slight amount of smoke may be detected
during operation of the pretensioners.
This smoke is not harmful and does not
indicate a fire.
106
The pretensioner does not require any
maintenance or lubrication.
Anything that modifies its original condi-
tions invalidates its efficiency.
If, due to unusual natural events (floods, sea
storms, etc.), the device has been affected
by water and mud, it must be replaced.
WARNING
The pretensioner may be
used only once. After it is
triggered, have it replaced at a Fiat
Dealership. Consult the label in the
glove box to check the status of the
pretensioners. Go to a Fiat Dealership
to have the device replaced when the
expiration date approaches.
Operations which lead to
knocks, vibrations or localised
heating (over 100°C for a max-
imum of 6 hours) in the area
around the pretensioner may cause
damage or trigger it. These devices are
not affected by vibrations caused by ir-
regularities of the road surface or low
obstacles such as kerbs, etc. Contact
a Fiat Dealership for any assistance.
LOAD LIMITERS
To increase passenger safety, the front
seat belt reels contain a load limiter which
controls the force acting on the chest and
shoulders during the belt restraining ac-
tion in the event of a head-on collision.