Maserati GRANCABRIO Owner's Manual page 21

Load limiting devices
To enhance passive safety, the front
seat belt retractors are equipped
with load limiting devices which
control the seat belt reeling out so
as to adjust the force exerted on the
shoulders while the seat belt is in
restraining mode.
Pretensioners
To further enhance the seat belt
effi ciency, the vehicle front seat belts
are equipped with pretensioners.
These devices "detect", by means
of a sensor, that a severe collision is
occurring and retract the seat belts by
a few centimetres. This way, they help
ensure that the seat belt properly
adheres to the occupant's body before
its restraining action starts.
The seat belt locking indicates that
the device has activated; a small
amount of smoke may be visible.
The smoke is not toxic and is not
indicative of fi re.
The pretensioners are activated in
the event of an impact of a certain
severity.
The pretensioner only activates when
the seat belt is fastened.
After a pretensioner activation, the
seat belt can be unfastened as usual,
by pressing the button on the buckle.
The pretensioner does not require any
maintenance or lubrication.
Any change to its original condition
invalidates its effi ciency. If, as a result
of exceptional natural circumstances
(fl oods, heavy seas, etc.), the device
has been in contact with water and
sludge, it is absolutely essential to
replace it.
To help ensure optimal protection
from the pretensioners, wear the seat
belt in such a way that it fi ts snugly
against your chest and pelvis.
The pretensioners can be
deployed only once and
activate only when the seat
belts are fastened. After activation,
contact the Maserati Service Network
to have the pretensioners replaced
and for properly discarding the old
components. The units have a 14
year service life from the date of
manufacture; they must be replaced
when their service life is near to
expiry.
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