Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Operating Instructions Manual page 45

allows malfunctions to be detected in good
time.
When the ignition is switched on, the 6
restraint system warning lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up. It goes out no later
than a few seconds after the vehicle is star-
ted. The components of the restraint system
are on standby.
A malfunction has occurred if the 6
restraint system warning lamp:
does not light up after the ignition is
R
switched on.
does not switch off after a few seconds.
R
goes out, but then lights up again, e.g. when
R
the engine is running.
G
WARNING
If restraint system is malfunctioning, restraint
system components may be triggered unin-
tentionally or might not be triggered at all in
the event of an accident with a high rate of
vehicle deceleration. This can affect the Emer-
gency Tensioning Device or air bag, for exam-
ple. This poses an increased risk of injury or
even fatal injury.
Have the restraint system checked and
repaired in a qualified specialist workshop as
soon as possible.
Seat belts
Introduction
Seat belts are the most effective means of
restricting the movement of vehicle occu-
pants in the event of an accident or the vehi-
cle rolling over. This reduces the risk of vehi-
cle occupants coming into contact with parts
of the vehicle interior or being ejected from
the vehicle. Furthermore, the seat belt helps
to keep the vehicle occupant in the best posi-
tion in relation to the air bag.
Occupant safety
The seat belt system comprises:
Seat belts
R
Emergency Tensioning Devices and seat
R
belt force limiters for the driver's and front-
passenger seat belts
On vehicles with two seats on the front-
passenger side, both seat belts on the
front-passenger side have an Emergency
Tensioning Device. Only the seat belt on the
outer front-passenger seat has a seat belt
force limiter.
The seat belt system only includes Emer-
gency Tensioning Devices and seat belt force
limiters for the driver and front passenger if
the vehicle is equipped with a driver's air bag.
If the seat belt is pulled out of the belt outlet
quickly or with a jerky movement, the belt
retractor locks. The belt strap cannot be
extracted any further.
The Emergency Tensioning Device tightens
the seat belt in an accident, pulling the belt
close against the body. However it does not
pull the vehicle occupant back in the direction
of the backrest.
The Emergency Tensioning Device does not
correct an incorrect seat position or the rout-
ing of an incorrectly fastened seat belt.
When triggered, seat belt force limiters help
to reduce the force exerted by the seat belt on
the vehicle occupant.
The seat belt force limiters are synchronized
with the front air bags, which absorb part of
the deceleration force. This can reduce the
force exerted on the vehicle occupants during
an accident.
! If the front-passenger seat is unoccupied,
do not insert the belt tongue into the buckle
of the front-passenger seat. This may oth-
erwise lead to the triggering of the Emer-
gency Tensioning Device in the event of an
accident, which will then need to be
replaced.
Vehicles with two seats on the front-
passenger side: the Emergency Tensioning
Device of the inner front-passenger seat is
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