Pretensioners - Ford Ka 2008 Owner's Handbook Manual

065-080 Ford KA GB 29-07-2008

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 a few centimetres. 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 device has
intervened; the seat belt cannot be
drawn back up even when guiding it
manually.
This car is provided with a second
pretensioner (in the sill board area). Its
activation is signalled by the shortening
of the metallic cable.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest
degree of protection from the action of
the pretensioning device, wear the seat
belt keeping it firmly close to the chest and
pelvis.
A small amount of smoke may be
produced. This smoke is in no way
toxic and presents no fire hazard. The
pretensioner does not require any
maintenance or greasing. Anything that
modifies its original conditions
invalidates its efficiency. If due to
unusual natural events (floods, sea
storms, etc.) the device has been
affected by water and mud, it must
necessarily be replaced.
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WARNING
The pretensioner can only
be used once. Go to a Ford
Dealership to have it replaced after
is has been deployed.
Operations which lead to
shocks, vibrations or
localised heating (over
100°C for a maximum of 6
hours) in the area around the
pretensioners may 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 Ford
Dealership for any assistance.
LOAD LIMITERS
To increase passenger's safety, the 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 case of front crash.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
FOR USING
THE SEAT BELTS
The driver is responsible for respecting
and ensuring that all the other
occupants of the car also respect the
local laws in force in relation to the use
of seat belts. Always fasten the seat
belts before starting off.
Seat belts must also be used by
pregnant women: risk will be
significantly reduced for both the
expectant mother and the child in the
event of an accident. 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).
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