Airbag - Ferrari F430 Spider Owner's Manual

Airbag

The airbag is not a substitute for the
seat belts, but helps increase their
effectiveness. Correct use of the seat belts
in combination with the airbag helps ensure
maximum protection in the event of certain
collisions.
Airbag system components
The airbag system is composed of two
almost instantly inflatable cushions, one
on the driver's side in the center of
A
the steering wheel and the other on the
passenger's side B inside the dashboard.
When the ignition key is turned to
position II, the warning light on the
instrument panel illuminates and, if no
faults are found, turns off after 4 seconds. If
the warning light does not illuminate, or if
it stays on, or if it illuminates while driving,
immediately contact your Authorized
Ferrari Dealer.
A
64
Operation
The airbags are controlled by a sensor and
an ECU that is designed to activate them
in the event of a head-on collision with
sufficient impact.
In the event that an impact (deceleration)
exceeds the sensor calibration value, the
electronic control unit sends an airbag
activation signal. The airbags start inflating,
opening the covers along the breaking
line, until they are fully deployed (in a few
tenths of milliseconds) and positioned
as protection between the driver's or
passenger's body and the vehicle structures
which could cause injury.
The airbags deflate immediately afterwards.
The driver and passenger are both
advised not to travel with objects
(e.g., cans, bottles etc.), placed on the
airbag module covers or near them, as they
could be thrown towards the occupants by
the inflating bag.
When the system starts operating, gases are
released in the form of fumes together with the
gas used for inflating the airbags.
These gases are not harmful.
B
Always drive with your hands on
the rim of the steering wheel so that,
in case of activation, the airbag can inflate
without obstruction.
Always keep the backrest in the upright
position and sit with your back properly
resting against it.
The passenger must always fasten
the seat belt and sit in an upright
position, as far as possible away from the
airbag, in order to have optimal protection
in all types of collision.
Do not modify the system components or
wiring under any circumstances.
Do not cut or tamper with the connectors of the
airbag harness or on the airbag modules.
Do not cover the steering wheel or the
passenger side of the dashboard with adhesive
tape or treat it in any way.
Never remove the steering wheel; if necessary,
have this done only by an Authorized
Ferrari Dealer.
All the airbag system components must be
replaced after an accident that has caused
airbag deployment.
Following an accident not involving airbag
deployment, contact your Authorized
Ferrari Dealer to have the system checked
and any system components that may be
damaged or malfunctioning replaced.
Damaged or defective components of
the airbag system cannot be repaired
but must be replaced.