Pretensioners - Ford KA Owner's Handbook Manual

069-084 Ford KA EN:065-080 Ford KA IT

PRETENSIONERS

To increase the efficiency of seat belts,
the car is fitted with pretensioners
which, in the event of a violent frontal
impact, rewind the belt a few
centimetres ensuring that it adheres
perfectly to the occupant before the
restraining action begins. The seat belt
locks to indicate that the device has
intervened; the seat belt cannot be
drawn back up even when is guided it
manually.
This car is equipped with a second
pretensioner (in the kick plate area). Its
activation is signalled by the shortening
of the metal cable.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest
degree of protection from the action of
the pretensioning device, wear the seat
belt keeping it tight to the chest and pelvis.
A slight discharge of smoke may be
produced during the activation of the
pretensioner which is not in harmful
and does not involve any fire hazard.
The pretensioner does not require any
maintenance or lubrication. Anything
that modifies its original conditions
invalidates its efficiency.
14-10-2010 11:28 Pagina 71
If due to unusual natural events (floods,
sea storms, etc.) the device has been
affected by water and mud, it must
necessarily be replaced.
WARNING
The pretensioner can only
be used once. Go to a Ford
Dealership to have it replaced after
it has been deployed.
Operations which lead
to knocks, vibrations
or localised heating
(over 100° C for a maximum
of 6 hours) in the area around the
pretensioners may cause damage
or trigger them. These devices are
not affected by vibrations caused
by irregularities of the road surface
or low obstacles such as kerbs, etc.
Contact a Ford Dealership for any
assistance.
LOAD LIMITERS
To increase passenger safety, the front
seat belt reels contain a load limiter
which allows controlled sag in such
a way as to dose the force acting on
the chest and shoulders during the belt
restraining action in the event of front
collisions.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR
USING THE SEAT BELTS
The driver must comply with (and have
all car passengers follow) any local
regulations in force concerning
the use of seat belts. Always fasten
the seat belts before starting.
Seat belts must also be worn by
pregnant women: the risk of injury
in the event of an accident is greatly
reduced for them and the unborn child
if they are wearing a seat belt. Pregnant
women must position the lower part of
the belt very low down so that it passes
over the pelvis and under the abdomen
(as indicated in fig. 2).
71