RENAULT MEGANE 2000 X64 / 1.G Owner's Manual

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1.16
METHODS OF RESTRAINT IN ADDITION TO THE FRONT SEAT BELTS(continued)
Force limiter
Above a certain severity of
impact, this mechanism is used
to limit the force of the belt
againstthebodysothatitisatan
acceptable level.
Warning relating to the
service life of air bags
and pretensioners
The pyrotechnic systems
in air bags and pretensioners
have a limited service life. They
must be replaces after 10 years
and after operation. This must
only be carried out by a Renault
dealer.
Theseatbeltpretensionersand
the air bag operate together. If
one of the systems has passed the
date when it is due for renewal, it
will alter the overall safety
protection provided.
Air bags
for driver and front passenger
An air bag may be provided for both
the driver and the front passenger.
“Air bag” inscriptions on the
steering wheel and dashboard
together with a label on the
passenger's side sun visor indicate
that the vehicle is equipped with air
bags.

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1.17
METHODS OF RESTRAINT IN ADDITION TO THE FRONT SEAT BELTS(continued)
Airbagfordriverandfront
passenger
(continued)
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.
- A computer for both systems
which includes the impact
detector and a monitor controlling
the electrical trigger system for the
gas generator.
- One single tell-tale light1on the
instrument panel.Operation
The system is only operational after
the ignition has been turned on
(ignition key in positionM“ignition
on”).
If a severefrontalimpact occurs, the
air bag(s) inflate(s) in approximately
30 millisecond(s), cushioning the
impact of the driver’s head against
the steering wheel and the front
passenger’s head against the
dashboard. The air bag then deflates
immediately so that the passengers
are not impeded in any way when
they get out of the vehicle.
Theairbagsystemusesthe
principles of pyrotechnics. This
explains why, when the air bag
inflates, it will generate 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 must inflate
immediately and this may cause
some minor, superficial grazing to
the skin.Operating fault
Tell-tale light1illuminates on the
instrument panel when the ignition
is turned on and then extinguishes
after a few seconds. If it does not
illuminate when the ignition is
turned on or if it flashes, there is a
fault in the system.
Consult your Renault Dealer as soon
as possible. Your protection will be
reduced until this problem is
rectified.

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1.18
METHODS OF RESTRAINT IN ADDITION TO THE FRONT SEAT BELTS(continued)
All the warnings below are given so that, if the air bag is activated, it is not obstructed in any way and also to prevent the
risk of serious injuries caused by items which may be dislodged when the air bag inflates.
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 the seat belt at all times. If the seat belt is not
worn, it exposes the occupants 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.
The air bag does not offer protection against minor and moderately serious frontal impacts, side or rear impacts or if the
vehicle turns over.
Air bags for driver and passenger
• No work or modification whatsoevermay be performed on the entire air bag system for the driver and passenger
(computer, wiring, etc.) except by qualified Renault network personnel.
• To ensure that the system is in good working order and to avoid incorrect triggering of the system which may cause
injury, only qualified Renault 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, is stolen or
broken into.
• When selling or lending the vehicle, inform the user of these points and hand over this handbook with the vehicle.
• When scrapping your vehicle, contact your Renault Dealer for disposal of the gas generator(s).

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1.19
METHODS OF RESTRAINT IN ADDITION TO THE FRONT SEAT BELTS(continued)
All the warnings below are given so
that, if the air bag is activated, it is
notobstructedinanywayandalso
to prevent the risk of serious
injuries caused by items which may
be dislodged when the air bag
inflates.Warnings concerning the driver’s air bag
•Do not modify either the steering wheel or the steering wheel boss.
• Do not cover the steering wheel boss.
• Do not attach any objects (pin, logo, clock, telephone support, etc.) to the
steering wheel boss.
• The steering wheelmust notbe removed (except by qualified personnel
within the Renault network).
• Do not sit too close to the steering wheel. If you sit with your arms slightly
bent (see information on “Adjusting your driving position” in section 1), it
will ensure that there is sufficient space for the air bag to inflate properly
and to be fully effective.
Warnings concerning the passenger air bag: location1
•Do not attach or affix with adhesive any objects (pin, logo, clock, telephone
support, etc.) on the dashboard near where the air bag is located.
• Do not place anything between the dashboard and the passenger (animal,
umbrella, walking stick, parcels, etc.).
• The passenger must not put his or her feet on the dashboard as there is a
risk that serious injuries may be sustained. As a general rule, keep all parts
of the body (knees, hands, heads, etc.) well away from the dashboard.
A REAR-FACING CHILD/BABY SEAT MUST NOT BE FITTED
TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED
WITH A PASSENGER AIR BAG.

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1.20
METHODS OF RESTRAINT IN ADDITION TO THE FRONT SEAT BELTS(continued)
Side air bags
This air bag may be fitted to the
front seats and is activated at the
sides of the seats (door side) to
protect the occupants in the event of
aseveresideimpact.
The markings1on the windscreen
will remind you of the presence of
this equipment.
This system will only operate if a
severe side impact occurs.Warnings concerning the side air bag
• Fitting seat covers:Seats equipped with an air bag require special
covers specifically designed for your vehicle. Consult your Renault
Dealer to see if appropriate covers are available from Renault
outlets. The use of any covers other than those designed for your vehicle
(and including those designed for another vehicle) may affect the
operation of these air bags and reduce your protection.
• Do not place any accessories, objects and animals between the seatback
and the door. This may prevent the air bag from operating correctly or
cause injury if the air bag is deployed.
• No work or modification whatsoever may be carried out on the seat, except
by qualified Renault Network personnel.

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1.21
CHILD SAFETY
In all countries there are regulations
governing the use of restraints for
children and babies.
In Europe, children under 12 years
of age or a height of less than
1.50 m
(1)(4 ft 11 inches) must travel
in an approved seat that is suitable
for the height and weight of the
child.
The driver is responsible for
ensuring that this equipment is
used correctly.
Remember that a collision at
30 mph (50 km/h) is the same as
falling a distance of 10 metres.
Expressedinotherterms,
transporting a child without a
restraint is the equivalent of
allowing him or her to play on a
third-floor balcony which does
not have any railings.
(1) Always comply with the laws of the
country in which you are travelling.
They may be different to the
guidelines in this handbook.
Under no circumstances
should babies or children
be allowed to travel sitting
on the knees of another
passenger in the vehicle.
If a head-on collision occurs at 30
mph (50 km/h) a child weighing 30
kg (66 lbs) will be transformed into
a missile equivalent to one tonne:
you will find it impossible to hold
the child, even if you yourself are
wearing a belt.
It is particularly dangerous to put
the belt round your child when he
or she is sitting on your knee.
Neverusethesamebeltformore
than one person at the same time.Child restraints for which type
approval was obtained after 1992
provide a level of security greater
than for restraints with type
approval before that date.
It is therefore advisable to select a
child restraint that complies with
European regulation ECE 44.
Restraints that comply with this
legislationmustbemarkedwithan
orange label bearing the letterE
followed by a number (which
stands for the country where it is
type approved) and the year the
type approval was granted.
The standard classifies the
restraints in five categories:
Category0:from0to10kg(0to22lbs)
Category 0+: from 0 to 13 kg (0 to 28 lbs)
Category 1: from 9 to 18 kg (20 to 40 lbs)
Category 2: from 15 to 25 kg (33 to
55 lbs)
Category 3: from 22 to 36 kg (48 to
80 lbs)

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1.22
CHILD SAFETY(continued)
The right choice
The safety of your children is also
your responsibility.
To give your children maximum
protection, we recommend that you
use seats obtained from a Renault
Dealer.
If your vehicle is equipped with an
Isofix system, it is preferable to use
an Isofix seat. (Refer to the
information in section 1 on the
Isofix system of child seats.)
Restraint systems for all categories
are available. These systems have
been developed in consultation
with the manufacturers and have
been tested in Renault vehicles.
Take the advice of your Renault
Dealer and ask him to help you to
install it.
Category O and O+
A child’s neck is very susceptible to
injury up to the age of two. In a
front-facing seat there is a risk that a
child will sustain neck injuries in
the event of a frontal collision.
Renault therefore recommends a
rear-facing seat with a harness that
gives all-round protection (figure 1).
Category 1
Between the ages of 2 and 4, a
child’s pelvis is not fully developed.
Restraints using three-point belts
are not adequate and there is a
risk that the child will sustain
abdominal injuries in the event of a
frontal collision. It is therefore
advisable to use rear-facing seats
(figure 1), bucket type seats (figure
2) or seats with harnesses.

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1.23
CHILD SAFETY(continued)
Category 2 (15 to 25 kg)(33 to
55 lbs)
The type of restraint most suitable
for the pelvis of a child aged
between4and7isonethatcanbe
combined with a three-point seat
belt. This is a booster seat (figure 3)
with belt guides to ensure that the
belt will be worn flat over the thighs
of the child.A booster seat with a
height-adjustable seatback and a
belt guide is recommended as this
will allow the belt to be worn as
close to the base of the neck as
possible but not on it. A bucket-type
seat (figure 4) must be used for
vehicles where the rear centre seat
is equipped with a two-point belt.
Category 3
For children aged over 7, a booster
seat with belt guides is
recommended to ensure that the
belt will be worn flat over the
child’s thighs.
A booster seat with a
height-adjustable seatback and a
belt guide is recommended as this
will allow the belt to be worn as
close to the base of the neck as
possible but not on it.
If a booster seat without a seatback
is used (figure 3), the vehicle’s head
restraintwillhavetobeadjustedto
suit the child’s stature; the upper
edge of the head restraint must be at
the same height as the top of the
child’s head and should never be
lower than in line with the child’s
eyes.

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1.24
CHILD SAFETY(continued)
DANGER
A rear-facing child seat must not be fitted to the front passenger seat
if the vehicle is fitted with a passenger air bag. The child may suffer
very serious injuries if the air bag inflates.
Label5(on the dashboard) and label6(on the passenger side sun visor)
remind you of these instructions.

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1.25
CHILD SAFETY(continued)
CHILD SAFETY
•No modifications may be made to the component parts of the restraint system (belts and seats and their
mountings) fitted originally.
• The fitting instructions provided by the manufacturer of the restraint system should be followed carefully.
• Avoid wearing bulky clothing and do not place any objects between the child and the restraint system.
• The seat belt on the vehicle must be taut so that the child’s seat is held in position securely. Check the tension
regularly.
• Never wear the belt under the arm or behind the back.
• The harness or belt should be taut and fitted to suit the child’s stature.
• Never allow your child to stand or kneel on the seat when the vehicle is moving.
• Check that the child is in the correct position for the entire journey, particularly when he or she is asleep.
• Use the seat belts to hold the seat in position, even if it is not occupied. Otherwise, if an accident occurs, it may
become dislodged and pose a risk to other vehicle occupants.
• Following a serious accident, have an inspection made of the seat belts and restraint systems fitted at the time.
• Never leave a child unsupervised in a vehicle, even if he or she is in a child seat.
• Activate the rear door locks (if your vehicle is equipped with these).
• Make sure the child does not get out of the vehicle at the side where there is traffic.
• Set your children a good example - always wear your seat belt.