Renault Espace Driver's Handbook Manual page 30

MeTHOds Of resTraInT In addITIOn TO THe frOnT seaT BeLTs
force limiter
Above a certain level of impact force,
this mechanism is used to limit the force
of the belt against the body so that it is
at an acceptable level.
1.24
B
a
air bags for driver A and
front passenger B
An air bag may be provided for both the
driver and the front passenger.
An "Air bag" marking on the steering
wheel, dashboard and, depending on
the vehicle, the lower section of the
windscreen inform you of the presence
of additional means of restraint (air
bags, pretensioners, etc.) in the pas-
senger compartment.
(2/4)
Each air bag system consists of:
– an air bag and gas generator fitted
on the steering wheel for the driver
and in the dashboard for the front
passenger;
– a shared electronic unit which in-
cludes the impact detector and a
monitoring system which controls
the ignition module for the gas gen-
erator;
å
– a single warning light on the
instrument panel.
The air bag system uses
pyrotechnic principles. This
explains why, when the air
bag inflates, it will gener-
ate heat, produce smoke (this does
not mean that a fire is about to start)
and make a noise upon detonation.
In a situation where an air bag is
required, it will inflate immediately
and this may cause some minor, su-
perficial grazing to the skin or other
problems.