RENAULT FLUENCE Z.E. 2012 Owner's Guide
Page 31 of 195
seat belts .............................................. (up to the end of the DU)
driving position settings  ........................................... (up to the end of the DU)
adjusting your driving position  ............................... (current page)
front seats adjustment  ...................................... (up to the end of the DU)
1.26
ENG_UD25350_3
Ceintures de sécurité (L38 - X38 - Renault)
ENG_NU_914-4_L38e_Renault_1
Jaune NoirNoir texte
Always  wear  your  seat  belt  when  trav-
elling  in  your  vehicle.  You  must  also 
comply  with  the  legislation  of  the  par -
ticular country you are in.
Seat belts
I n c o r r e c t l y   a d j u s t e d   o r 
twisted  seat  belts  may 
cause  injuries  in  the  event 
of an accident.
Use  one  seat  belt  per  person, 
whether child or adult.
Even pregnant women should wear 
a seat belt. In this case, ensure that 
the lap belt is not exerting too much 
pressure  on  the  abdomen,  but  do 
not allow any slack.
Before starting, first adjust your driv-
ing  position,  then  ask  all  occupants 
to  adjust  their  seat  belts  to  ensure 
optimum protection.
Adjusting your driving 
position
–  Sit  well  back  in  your  seat    (having 
removed  your  coat  or  jacket  etc.). 
This is essential to ensure your back 
is positioned correctly;
–  adjust  the  distance  between  the 
seat  and  the  pedals.   Your  seat 
should  be  as  far  back  as  possible 
while  still  allowing  you  to  fully  de -
press  the  pedals.  The  seatback 
should be adjusted so that your arms 
are  slightly  bent  when  you  hold  the 
steering wheel;
–  adjust  the  position  of  your  head -
rest. For maximum safety, your head 
must  be  as  close  as  possible  to  the 
headrest;
–  Adjust the height of the seat. This 
adjustment  allows  you  to  select  the 
seat  position  which  offers  you  the 
best possible view.
–  adjust the position of the steering 
wheel.
Adjusting the seat belts
Sit  with  your  back  firmly  against  the 
seatback.
The shoulder strap  1 should be as close 
as possible to the base of the neck but 
not on it.
Lap belt  2 should be worn flat over the 
thighs and against the pelvis.
The seat belt must be worn as close to 
the body as possible. Eg: avoid wearing 
heavy clothing or keeping bulky objects 
under the belts, etc.
SeA t BeltS (1/3)
1
2  
Page 32 of 195
JauneNoirNoir texte
1.27
ENG_UD25350_3
Ceintures de sécurité (L38 - X38 - Renault)
ENG_NU_914-4_L38e_Renault_1
UnfasteningPress button  4 and the seat belt will be 
rewound  by  the  inertia  reel.  Guide  the 
belt into position.
™Front  seat  belt  reminder 
warning light
It  lights  up  on  the  central  display  when 
the  engine  is  started  and,  if  the  driv -
er’s  seat  belt  is  not  fastened,  the  light 
flashes  and  a  beep  sounds  for  about 
two  minutes  when  the  vehicle  reaches 
a  speed  of  approximately  12  mph 
(20 km/h).
NB: an object placed on the passenger 
seat  cushion  may  activate  the  warning 
light in some cases.
SeA t BeltS (2/3)
locking
Unwind  the  belt  slowly  and  smoothly 
and  ensure  that  buckle  3   locks  into 
catch  5  (check  that  it  is  locked  by  pull -
ing on buckle  3). If the belt jams, allow 
it  to  return  slightly  before  attempting  to 
unwind it again.
If  your  seat  belt  is  completely  jammed, 
pull  slowly,  but  firmly,  so  that  just  over 
3 cm unwinds. Allow it to return slightly 
before attempting to unwind it again.
If there is still a problem, contact an ap-
proved dealer.
1
5
34
5
Adjusting the front seat belt 
height
Press  button  6   to  adjust  the  seat  belt 
height  so  that  the  shoulder  strap  1   is 
worn as shown previously:
–  to lower the seat belt, press button  6 
and  lower  the  seat  belt  at  the  same 
time;
–  to raise the seat belt, press button  6 
and  raise  the  seat  belt  at  the  same 
time.
Make  sure  that  the  seat  belt  is  locked 
in  position  correctly  after  you  have  ad-
justed it.
6  
Page 33 of 195
1.28
ENG_UD25350_3
Ceintures de sécurité (L38 - X38 - Renault)
ENG_NU_914-4_L38e_Renault_1
rear seat belt guideSeat belt guide  7 can be used to obtain 
a better seat belt position.
SeA t BeltS (3/3)
the following information applies to the vehicle’s front and rear seat belts.
–  No modification may be made to the component parts of the originally 
fitted restraint system: belts, seats and their mountings. For special op-
erations (e.g. fitting child seats) contact an authorised dealer.
–  Do  not  use  devices  which  allow  any  slack  in  the  belts  (e.g.  clothes 
pegs, clips, etc.): a seat belt which is worn too loosely may cause injury in the 
event of an accident.
–  Never wear the shoulder strap under your arm or behind your back.
–  Never use the same belt for more than one person and never hold a baby or 
child on your lap with your seat belt around them.
–  The belt should never be twisted.
–  Following an accident, have the seat belts checked and replaced if necessary. 
Always replace your seat belts as soon as they show any signs of wear.
–  Make sure that the buckle is inserted into the appropriate catch.
–  Ensure  that  no  objects  are  placed  in  the  area  around  the  seat  belt  catch  as 
they could prevent it from being properly secured.
–  Make  sure  the  seat  belt  catch  is  properly  positioned  (it  should  not  be  hidden 
away, crushed or flattened by people or objects).
7  
Page 34 of 195
seat belts .............................................. (up to the end of the DU)
additional methods of restraint  ............. (up to the end of the DU)
additional methods of restraint to the front seat belts  ......................(up to the end of the DU)
additional methods of restraint to the rear seat belts  .......................(up to the end of the DU)
air bag ................................................... (up to the end of the DU)
air bag ................................................... (up to the end of the DU)
pretensioners  ........................................ (up to the end of the DU)
seat belt pretensioners front seat belt  .................................. (up to the end of the DU)
seat belt pretensioners  ......................... (up to the end of the DU)
methods of restraint in addition to the seat belts  
(up to the end of the DU)
1.29
ENG_UD23032_2
Dispositifs complémentaires à la ceinture avant (L38 électriqu\
e - Renault)
ENG_NU_914-4_L38e_Renault_1
Methods of restraint in addition to the child seat belts
methODS OF reStrAiNt iN ADDitiON t O the FrONt SeAt BeltS (1/4)
Depending  on  the  vehicle,  they  are 
composed of:
– seat  belt  inertia  reel  pretension -
ers;
–  lap belt pretensioners;
–  chest-level load limiters;
–  front  airbags  for  driver  and  front 
passenger.
These  systems  are  designed  to  act  in-
dependently or together when the vehi-
cle is subjected to a frontal impact.
Depending  on  the  severity  of  the 
impact, the system can trigger:
–  seat belt locking;
–  the seat belt inertia reel pretensioner 
(which  engages  to  correct  seat  belt 
slack);
–  the low volume front air bag;
–  the  lap  seat  belt  pretensioners  to 
hold the occupant in his seat;
–  the large volume front air bag.
Pretensioners
The  pretensioners  hold  the  seat  belt 
against  the  body,  holding  the  occupant 
more securely against the seat, thus in-
creasing the seat belt’s efficiency.
In  the  event  of  a  severe  frontal  impact 
and  if  the  ignition  is  switched  on,  the 
system  may  engage  the  following  de -
pending on the force of the impact:
–  seat  belt  inertia  reel  pretensioner  1 
which instantly retracts the seat belt;
–  the  lap  pretensioner  2   on  the  front 
seats.
–   Have  the  entire  restraint 
system checked following 
an accident.
–  No  operation  whatso -
ever  is  permitted  on  any  part  of 
the  system  (pretensioners,  air 
bags, computers, wiring) and the 
system  components  must  not 
be  reused  on  any  other  vehicle, 
even if identical.
–  To  avoid  incorrect  triggering  of 
the  system  which  may  cause 
injury,  only  qualified  personnel 
from  an  approved  dealer  may 
work  on  the  pretensioner  and  air 
bag system.
–  The  electric  trigger  system  may 
only  be  tested  by  a  specially 
trained  technician  using  special 
equipment.
–  When  the  vehicle  is  scrapped, 
contact  an  approved  dealer  for 
disposal  of  the  pretensioner  and 
air bag gas generators.
12  
Page 35 of 195
1.30
ENG_UD23032_2
Dispositifs complémentaires à la ceinture avant (L38 électriqu\
e - Renault)
ENG_NU_914-4_L38e_Renault_1
Jaune NoirNoir texte
methODS OF reStrAiNt iN ADDitiON t O the FrONt SeAt BeltS (2/4)
load limiter
Above a certain severity of impact, this 
mechanism is used to limit the force of 
the belt against the body so that it is at 
an acceptable level.
Air bags for driver and front 
passenger
Fitted to the driver and passenger side.
Depending  on  the  vehicle,  the  pres -
ence  of  this  equipment  is  indicated 
by  the  word  “Airbag”  on  the  steering 
wheel, dashboard (air bag zone A) and 
a  symbol  on  the  lower  section  of  the 
windscreen.
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;
–  an electronic unit for system monitor-
ing which controls the gas generator 
electrical trigger system;
–  remote sensors;
–  a  single  warning  light 
å  on  the 
instrument panel.
A
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.  
Page 36 of 195
JauneNoirNoir texte
1.31
ENG_UD23032_2
Dispositifs complémentaires à la ceinture avant (L38 électriqu\
e - Renault)
ENG_NU_914-4_L38e_Renault_1
methODS OF reStrAiNt iN ADDitiON t O the FrONt SeAt BeltS (3/4)
Operation
This  system  is  only  operational  when 
the ignition is switched on.
In a severe  frontal impact, the air bags 
inflate  rapidly,  cushioning  the  impact 
of  the  driver’s  head  and  chest  against 
the  steering  wheel  and  the  front  pas -
senger  against  the  dashboard.  The  air 
bags  then  deflate  immediately  so  that 
the passengers are not in any way hin-
dered from leaving the vehicle.
Special feature of the front air 
bag
After a violent impact, it has two deploy -
ment volumes and integrates a ventila -
tion system:
–  small volume air bag, this is the first 
stage of operation;
–  large  volume  air  bag,  the  air  bag 
seams rip so that a larger volume of 
gas  is  released  into  the  bag  (for  the 
most severe impacts).  
Page 37 of 195
1.32
ENG_UD23032_2
Dispositifs complémentaires à la ceinture avant (L38 électriqu\
e - Renault)
ENG_NU_914-4_L38e_Renault_1
methODS OF reStrAiNt iN ADDitiON t O the FrONt SeAt BeltS (4/4)
Warnings concerning the driver’s air bag
– Do not modify the steering wheel or the steering wheel boss.
–  Do not cover the steering wheel boss under any circumstances.
–  Do not attach any objects (badge, logo, clock, telephone holder, etc.) to the steering wheel boss.
–  The steering wheel must not be removed (except by qualified personnel from our Network).
–  When driving, do not sit too close to the steering wheel. Sit with your arms slightly bent (see the information on “Adjusting 
your driving position” in Section 1). This will allow sufficient space for the air bag to deploy correctly and be fully effective.
Warnings concerning the passenger air bag
–  Do not attach or glue any objects (badge, logo, clock, telephone holder, etc.) to the dashboard on or near the air bag.
–  Do not place anything between the dashboard and the passenger (pet, umbrella, walking stick, parcels, etc.).
–  The passenger must not put his or her feet on the dashboard or seat as there is a risk that serious injuries may occur. In 
general, parts of the body should be kept away from the dashboard (knee\
s, hands, head, etc.).
–  The devices in addition to the front passenger seat belt should be reactivated as soon as a child seat is removed, to ensure 
the protection of the passenger in the event of an impact.
A reAr-FAciNg chilD SeA t mUSt NOt Be FitteD tO the FrONt PASSeNger SeA t UNleSS 
the ADDitiONAl  reStrAiNt SYStemS, i.e. the PASSeNger Air BAg, Are DeActiv AteD.
(refer to the information on “Child safety: deactivating/activating \
the front passenger air bag” in Section 1)
All of the warnings below are given so that the air bag is not obstructed in any way when it is inflated and also to prevent 
the risk of serious injuries caused by items which may be dislodged when\
 the air bag inflates.  
Page 38 of 195
additional methods of restraintto the rear seat belts  .......................(up to the end of the DU)
methods of restraint in addition to the seat belts  
(up to the end of the DU)
air bag ................................................... (up to the end of the DU)
1.33
ENG_UD13820_2
Dispositifs complémentaires aux ceintures arrière (X95 - J95 - R9\
5 - Renault)
ENG_NU_914-4_L38e_Renault_1
to the rear seat belts
methODS OF reStrAiNt iN  ADDitiON tO the reAr SeA t BeltS
Force limiter
Above a certain severity of impact, this 
mechanism is used to limit the force of 
the belt against the body so that it is at 
an acceptable level.
–  Have  the  entire  restraint 
system checked following 
an accident.
–  No  operation  whatsoever 
is  permitted  on  any  part  of  the 
system  (air  bags,  electronic  con-
trol  units,  wiring)  and  the  system 
components  must  not  be  reused 
on any other vehicle, even if iden -
tical.
–  Only  qualified  personnel  from 
our Network may work on the air 
bags;  otherwise  the  system  may 
trigger  accidentally  and  cause 
injury.  
Page 39 of 195
air bag................................................... (up to the end of the DU)
additional methods of restraint side protection  ................................ (up to the end of the DU)
methods of restraint in addition to the seat belts  
(up to the end of the DU)
seat belts  .............................................. (up to the end of the DU)
air bag ................................................... (up to the end of the DU)
side protection devices  ......................... (up to the end of the DU)
1.34
ENG_UD23936_2
Dispositifs de protection latérale (L38 - X38 - Renault)
ENG_NU_914-4_L38e_Renault_1
side protection
SiDe PrOtectiON DeviceS
Warnings concerning the side air bag
–  Fitting  seat  covers:  seats  equipped  with  an  air  bag  require  covers 
specifically designed for your vehicle. Contact an approved Dealer to find 
out if these covers are available. The use of any covers other than those 
designed  for  your  vehicle  (and  including  those  designed  for  another  vehicle) 
may affect the operation of the air bags and reduce your protection.
–  Do not place any accessories, objects or even pets between the seatback, the 
door and the internal fittings. Do not cover the seatback with any items such as 
clothes or accessories. This may prevent the air bag from operating correctly 
or cause injury when the air bag is deployed.
–  No work or modification whatsoever may be carried out on the seat or internal 
fittings, except by qualified personnel from an approved dealer.
–  The area between the rear bench seatback and the trim is the area of air bag 
operation: no objects must be placed here.
Side air bags
These  air  bags  are  fitted  to  the  front 
seats  and  are  activated  at  the  sides  of 
the  seats  (door  side)  to  protect  the  oc-
cupants  in  the  event  of  a  severe  side 
impact.
curtain air bags
These are air bags fitted along the sides 
of the vehicle in the ceiling which trigger 
along  the  front  and  rear  side  windows 
to  protect  the  passengers  in  case  of  a 
severe side impact.
Depending  on  the  vehicle,  a  mark -
ing  on  the  windscreen  informs  you 
of the presence of additional means 
of  restraint  (airbags,  pretensioners, 
etc.) in the passenger compartment.  
Page 40 of 195
air bag................................................... (up to the end of the DU)
methods of restraint in addition to the seat belts  
(up to the end of the DU)
additional methods of restraint  ............. (up to the end of the DU)
seat belts  .............................................. (up to the end of the DU)
air bag ................................................... (up to the end of the DU)
1.35
ENG_UD23682_2
Dispositifs de retenue complémentaire (L38 - X38 - Renault)
ENG_NU_914-4_L38e_Renault_1
ADDitiONAl methODS OF reStrAiNt
The air bag is designed to complement the action of the seat belt. Both 
the  air  bags  and  seat  belts  are  integral  parts  of  the  same  protection 
system. It is therefore essential to wear seat belts at all times. If seat belts 
are  not  worn,  the  occupants  are  exposed  to  the  risk  of  serious  injury  in 
the event of an accident. It may also increase the risk of minor superficial injuries 
occurring when the air bag is deployed, although such minor injuries are always 
possible with air bags.
If  the  vehicle  should  overturn  or  suffer  a  rear  impact,  however  severe,  the  pre-
tensioners and air bags are not always triggered. Shocks to the underbody of the 
vehicle, e.g. from pavements, potholes or stones, can all trigger these \
systems.
–  No work or modification  whatsoever may be carried out on any part of the air 
bag  system  (air  bags,  pretensioners,  computer,  wiring  harness,  etc.),  except 
by qualified personnel from an approved dealer.
–  To ensure that the system is in good working order and to avoid accidental trig-
gering of the system which may cause injury, only qualified Network personnel 
may work on the air bag system.
–  As  a  safety  precaution,  have  the  air  bag  system  checked  if  your  vehicle  has 
been involved in an accident, or is stolen or broken into.
–  When selling or lending the vehicle, inform the user of these points and hand 
over this driver’s handbook with the vehicle.
–  When scrapping your vehicle, contact your approved dealer for disposal of the 
gas generator(s).
Operating faults
This  warning  light  1 å  will  light  up 
on  the  instrument  panel  when  the  igni -
tion is switched on and then go out after 
a few seconds.
If it does not come on when the ignition 
is  switched  on,  or  if  it  comes  on  when 
the  engine  is  running,  there  is  a  fault 
with  the  system  (airbags,  pretension -
ers, etc.) in the front and/or rear seats.
Contact  your  approved  dealer  as  soon 
as  possible.  Your  protection  will  be  re-
duced until this fault is rectified.
1All of the warnings below are given  so that the air bag is not obstructed in any 
way when it is inflated and  also to prevent the risk of serious injuries caused 
by items which may be dislodged when the air bag inflates.