airbag Seat Alhambra 2008 User Guide

Seat belts
30Incorrectly fastened seat belts
Incorrectly worn seat belts can cause severe injuries.Seat belts can provide optimal protection only if the belt web is
properly worn. This is particularly true of seat belts with two buckles.
The seat belts must be fastened exactly in the order described in this
chapter. An incorrect sitting position impairs substantially the
protection a seat belt offers and can lead to severe or fatal injuries.
The risk of severe or fatal injuries is especially increased when a
deploying airbag strikes an occupant who has assumed an incorrect
sitting position. As driver, you are responsible for the safety of all
vehicle occupants, especially children. Therefore:
– Never permit anyone to assume an incorrect sitting position in
the vehicle while travelling ⇒.
WARNING
An incorrectly worn seat belt increases the risk of severe injuries.•
Before every trip, instruct your passengers to adjust their seat belts
properly and to wear them during the trip.
•
Read and always observe information and warnings concerning the use
of seat belts ⇒page 22 and ⇒page 27.
Belt tension devicesFunction of the belt tension device
During a frontal collision, the seat belts on the front seats are
retracted automatically.The seat belts for the front occupants are equipped with belt tension devices.
Sensors will trigger the belt tension devices during severe head-on, lateral
and rear collisions only if the seat belt is being worn. This retracts and
tightens the seat belts, reducing the forward motion of the occupants.
The belt tension device can be triggered only once.
The belt tension devices will not be triggered in the event of a light frontal,
side or rear collision, if the vehicle overturns, or in situations where no large
forces act on the front, side or rear of the vehicle.
Note
•
If the belt tension devices are triggered, a fine dust is produced. This is
normal and is no indication that there was a fire in the vehicle.
•
The relevant safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or
components of the system are scrapped. A qualified workshop is familiar with
these regulations and will be pleased to pass on the information to you.
Service and disposal of belt tension devicesThe belt tension devices are components of the seat belts that are installed
in the seats of your vehicle. If you work on the belt tension devices or remove
and install parts of the system when performing other repair work, the seat
belt may be damaged. The consequence may be that, in the event of an acci-
dent, the belt tension devices function incorrectly or not at all.
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Airbag system
32Airbag systemBrief introductionWhy wear a seat belt and assume the correct sitting position?
For the inflating airbags to achieve the best protection, the
seat belt must always be worn properly and the correct sitting
position must be assumed.For your own safety and the safety of the passengers, please ensure
the following before you drive:
– Always wear the seat belt properly ⇒page 17.
– Adjust the driver seat and the steering wheel correctly ⇒page 9.
– Adjust the front passenger seat correctly ⇒page 10.
– Adjust the head restraint seat correctly ⇒page 12.
– Use the correct child restraint system to protect children in your vehicle ⇒page 45.The airbag deploys in fractions of a second and with a high velocity. If you
have assumed an incorrect seating position at that moment, you could
sustain critical injuries. Therefore, it is essential that all occupants maintain
a correct sitting position while travelling.
Braking heavily the moment before an accident may cause an occupant not
wearing a seat belt to be thrown forward into the area of the deploying airbag. In this case, the inflating airbag may inflict critical or fatal injuries upon the
occupant. This applies particularly to children.
Always maintain the greatest possible distance between yourself and the
front airbag. This way, the front airbags can completely deploy when trig-
gered, providing their maximum protection.
The most important factors that will trigger an airbag are: the type of acci-
dent, the angle of collision and the speed of the vehicle.
Whether the airbags are triggered depends primarily on the vehicle deceler-
ation rate resulting from the collision and detected by the control unit. If the
vehicle deceleration occurring during the collision and measured by the
control unit remains below the specified reference values, the front, side
and/or curtain airbag will not be triggered. Take into account that the visible
damage in a vehicle following an accident, for whatever reason, are not an
indication as to why the airbags were triggered.
WARNING
•
Wearing the seat belt incorrectly or assuming an incorrect sitting posi-
tion can lead to critical or fatal injuries.
•
All occupants, including children, who are not properly belted can
sustain critical or fatal injuries if the airbag is triggered. You should always
transport all children up to 12 years of age on the rear seat. Never transport
children in the vehicle if they are not restrained or the restraint system is
not appropriate for their age, size or weight.
•
If you are not wearing a seat belt or if you lean forward or to the side or
assume an incorrect sitting position , the risk of injury is increased
substantially. This increased risk of injury will be further increased if you
are struck by an inflating airbag.
•
To reduce the risk of injury from an inflating airbag, always wear the
seat belt properly ⇒ page 17.
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Airbag system33
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
Always properly adjust the front seats.
Conditions for fitting a rear facing childseat in the front passenger seat
Rear-facing child seats must never be used on the front
passenger seat when the front passenger airbag is enabled.An enabled front airbag on the front passenger side is potentially a major
danger to a child ⇒. The front passenger seat is life threatening to a child
if you transport the child in a rear-facing child seat. You should always trans-
port all children up to 12 years of age on the rear seat.
If a rear-facing child seat is secured to the front passenger seat, an inflating
airbag can strike it with such great force that critical or fatal injuries may
result.
Therefore we urgently recommend that you transport children on the rear
seats. That is the safest place in the vehicle for children. Alternatively, the
front and side airbags for the front passenger ⇒page 43 can be disabled
with the ignition key. When transporting children, use a child seat appro-
priate to the age and size of each child.
WARNING
If a child seat is mounted in the front passenger seat, the child is exposed
to a greater risk in theevent of an accident.•
Never secure a rear-facing child seat to the front passenger seat if the
front passenger airbag is enabled. The child can suffer critical or fatal inju-
ries when the front passenger airbag is triggered.
•
An inflating front passenger airbag can strike the rear-facing child seat
and hurl it with great force against the door, the roof or the backrest.
•
If, under special circumstances, it should be necessary to transport a
child in a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat, it is absolutely
essential that you observe the following safety measures:
−Disabling front and side airbags for front passenger ⇒ page 43.
− The child seat must be approved by the child seat manufacturer for
use on a front passenger seat with front or side airbag.
− Follow the installation instructions of the child seat manufacturer
and absolutely observe the warnings ⇒page 45.
− Before properly installing the child seat, push the front passenger
seat all the way to the rear so that the greatest possible distance to the
front passenger airbag is ensured.
− Ensure that no objects prevent the front passenger seat from being
pushed completely back.
− The backrest of the front passenger seat must be in an upright
position.
Warning lamp for airbag and belt tensioner system

This warning lamp monitors the airbag and belt tension
device system.The warning lamp monitors all airbags and belt tension devices in the
vehicle, including control units and wiring connections.
WARNING (continued)
WARNING (continued)
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Airbag system
34Monitoring of airbag and belt tension device system
The functionality of the airbag and belt tension device system is constantly
monitored electronically. The warning lamp
 will light up for four seconds
every time the ignition is switched on (selfdiagnosis).
If at least one airbag has been deactivated in a specialised workshop, the
warning light
 flashes for 12 seconds before starting the engine. This does
not apply when the front and side airbags have been deactivated using the
key switch ⇒ page 43.
The system must be checked when the warning lamp
:
•
does not come on when the ignition is switched on,
•
does not go off after four seconds, after switching on the ignition,
•
goes out and then comes on again after the ignition is switched on,
•
or if it comes on or flickers while the car is moving.
In the event of a malfunction, the warning lamp remains on continuously. In
addition, depending on the malfunction, an appropriate fault message
appears in the display
1) of the instrument panel. In this event, you should
have a qualified workshop check the system immediately.
WARNING
If there is a malfunction, the airbag and belt tension device system cannot
properly perform its protective function.•
If a malfunction should occur, have the system checked immediately by
a qualified workshop. Otherwise there is a risk that, in the event of an acci-
dent, the airbag system and belt tension devices may not be triggered, or
may not be triggered correctly.
Repair, care and disposal of the airbagsThe parts of the airbag system are installed in various places in your vehicle.
If you work on the airbag system or remove and install parts of the system
when performing other repair work, parts of the airbag system may be
damaged. The consequence may be that, in the event of an accident, the
airbag inflates incorrectly or does not inflate at all.
The relevant safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or
components of the airbag are scrapped. The specialist workshops and the
Vehicle disposal centres are familiar with these requirements.
WARNING
•
If repairs are not carried out by a professional, or if the airbags are used
incorrectly, the risk of severe or fatal injuries is increased. The airbags may
fail to inflate, or could inflate in the wrong circumstances.
•
Do not cover or stick anything on the steering wheel hub or the soft
plastic surface of the airbag unit on the passenger side of the dashboard,
and do not obstruct or modify them in any way.
•
It is important not to attach any objects such as cup holders or tele-
phone mountings to the surfaces covering the airbag units.
•
To clean the steering wheel or dash panel, you may use only a dry cloth
or one moistened with water. Never clean the dash panel and surface of the
airbag module with cleansers containing solvents. Solvents cause the
surface to become porous. If the airbag inflates, disintegrating plastic
parts can cause substantial injuries.
•
Never attempt to repair, adjust, remove or install parts of the airbag
system.
•
Any work on the airbag system or removal and installation of the airbag
components for other repairs (such as repairs to the steering wheel) should
be performed only by a qualified workshop. Qualified workshops have the
necessary tools, repair information and qualified personnel.
1)Depending on the version of the model.
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Airbag system35
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
We urgently recommend that you go to a qualified workshop for all
work on the airbag system.
•
Never attempt to alter the front bumper or the body.
•
The airbags provide protection for one accident only, if they have been
deployed they must be replaced.WARNING (continued)
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Airbag system
36Front airbagsDescription of front airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts.
The front airbag for the driver is located in the steering wheel ⇒fig. 22 and
the airbag for the front passenger is located in the dash panel ⇒fig. 23 .
Airbags are identified by the text “AIRBAG”.
In conjunction with the seat belts, the front airbag system gives the front
occupants additional protection for the head and chest in the event of a
severe frontal collision ⇒page 37.
In addition to their normal function of restraining the occupants, the seat
belts also hold the driver and front passenger in a position where the airbags
can provide maximum protection in a frontal collision.
The airbag system is not a substitute for seat belts, but is an integral part of
the vehicle's overall passive safety system. Please bear in mind that the
airbag system can only work effectively when the occupants are wearing their
seat belts. For this reason, it is most important to wear the seat belts at all
times, not only because this is required by law in most countries, but also for
your safety
The main parts of the front airbag system are:•
an electronic control and monitoring system (control unit),
•
the two front airbags (airbag with gas generator) for the driver and front
passenger,
•
a warning lamp
 in the dash panel insert.
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored electronically. The airbag
warning lamp will light up for a few seconds every time the ignition is
switched on (self-diagnosis).
There is a fault in the system if the warning lamp

•
does not come on when the ignition is switched on ⇒page 33,
•
does not go off after four seconds, after switching on the ignition,
•
goes out and then comes on again after the ignition is switched on,
•
or if it comes on or flickers while the car is moving.
Fig. 22 Driver airbag
located in steering wheelFig. 23 Front passenger
airbag located in dash
panel
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Airbag system37
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
The front airbag system will not be triggered if:
•
if the ignition is switched off,
•
during a minor frontal collision,
•
during a minor side collision,
•
during a rear-end collision,
•
or if the vehicle rolls.
WARNING
•
The seat belts and airbags can only provide maximum protection if the
occupants are seated correctly.
•
If a fault should occur in the airbag system, have the system checked
immediately by a qualified workshop. Otherwise there is a danger that
during a frontal collision, the system may fail to trigger, or not trigger
correctly.
Function of front airbags
Inflated airbags reduce the risk of head or chest injury.The airbag system is designed so that the front airbags for the driver and front
passenger are triggered in a severe frontal collision.
In certain types of accident the front, curtain and side airbags may be trig-
gered together.
When the system is triggered, the airbags fill with a propellant gas and
deploy in front of the driver and front passenger ⇒fig. 24 . The fully deployed
airbags cushion the forward movement of the front occupants and help to
reduce the risk of injury to the head and the upper part of the body.
The special design of the airbag allows the controlled escape of the propel-
lant gas when an occupant puts pressure on the bag. Thus, the head and
chest are surrounded and protected by the airbag. Once the impact has been
absorbed, the airbag deflates sufficiently for the front occupants to see
forward.
Fig. 24 Inflated front
airbags
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Airbag system
38In order to provide the desired extra protection in an accident, the airbags
have to deploy extremely rapidly (within fractions of a second). A fine dust
may develop when the airbag deploys. This is normal and is no indication
that there was a fire in the vehicle.The function of the airbag covers if the airbags are triggeredThe airbag covers fold out of the steering wheel or dash panel when the driver
and front passenger airbags deploy. The airbag covers remain connected to
the steering wheel or the dash panel.Safety notes on front airbag system
If you use airbags correctly, they can considerably reduce the
risk of injury in many kinds of accident.When the front airbags are triggered they fill the zones marked in red (radius
of action). Therefore additional accessories should never be placed in these
areas ⇒,
The airbag covers fold out of the steering wheel or dash panel when the driver
and front passenger airbags deploy. The airbag covers remain connected to
the steering wheel or the dash panel.
WARNING
•
It is important that the driver keeps at a minimum of 25 cm from the
steering wheel It is important that the passenger moves the seat back as
far as possible, to keep a safe distance away from the instrument panel.
Failure to respect the minimum distance means that the airbag will not
protect you. Risk of fatal injury. In addition, the front seats and head restraints must always be positioned correctly for the height of the occu-
pant.
•
If you are not wearing a seat belt or if you lean forward or to the side or
assume an incorrect sitting position , the risk of injury is increased
substantially. This increased risk of injury will be further increased if you
are struck by an inflating airbag.
•
Never let a child travel on the front seat without an appropriate restraint
system. If the airbag is triggered in an accident, children can sustain
serious or fatal injuries from the airbag as it inflates ⇒page 45.
•
Occupants sitting in the front of the vehicle must never carry any
objects or pets in the deployment space between them and the airbags, or
allow children or other passengers to travel in this position.
•
The airbags provide protection for one accident only, if they have been
deployed they must be replaced.
•
It is also important not to attach any objects such as cup holders or
telephone mountings to the surfaces covering the airbag units.
•
Nothing should be placed on the windscreen area above the passenger
side airbag, for example notebooks or telephone holders. If the airbag is
activated, these objects may fly uncontrollably around the vehicle interior
and could cause injury.
•
Do not attempt to modify components of the airbag system in any
way.WARNING (continued)
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Airbag system39
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Side airbagsDescription of side airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts.The side airbags are located in the driver seat and front passenger seat back-
rests ⇒fig. 25 .
In conjunction with the seat belts, the side airbag system gives the front seat
occupants additional protection for the upper body in the event of a severe
side collision ⇒page 40, “Safety notes on the operation of the side airbag
system”.
In a side collision the side airbags reduce the risk of injury to passengers on
the front seats to the areas of the body facing the impact. In addition to their
normal function of protecting the occupants in a collision, the seat belts also
hold the passengers on the front seats in a position where the side airbags
can provide maximum protection. The airbag system is not a substitute for seat belts, but is an integral part of
the vehicle's overall passive safety system. Please bear in mind that the
airbag system can only work effectively when the occupants are wearing their
seat belts. For this reason, it is most important to wear the seat belts at all
times, not only because this is required by law in most countries, but also for
your safety
The side airbag system will not be triggered
•
if the ignition is switched off,
•
during a minor side collision,
•
during a minor frontal collision,
•
during a rear-end collision,
•
or if the vehicle rolls.
The main parts of the airbag system are
•
an electronic control and monitoring system (control unit),
•
the side airbags in the sides of the backrests of the front seats,
•
a warning lamp
 in the dash panel insert.
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored electronically. The airbag
warning lamp will light up for a few seconds every time the ignition is
switched on (self-diagnosis).
WARNING
•
The seat belts and airbags can only provide maximum protection if the
occupants are seated correctly.
•
If a fault should occur in the airbag system, have the system checked
immediately by a qualified workshop. Otherwise there is a danger that
during a side collision, the system may fail to trigger, or not trigger
correctly.
F ig . 2 5 S i de a ir b ag i n l e f t
rear seat
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Airbag system
40Function of side airbags
Inflated airbags reduce the risk of head or chest injury.In some side collisions the side airbag is triggered on the impact side of the
vehicle.
In certain types of accident the front, curtain and side airbags may be trig-
gered together.
When the system is triggered, the airbag is filled with propellant gas.
In order to provide the desired extra protection in an accident, the airbags
have to deploy extremely rapidly (within fractions of a second). A fine dust
may develop when the airbag deploys. This is normal and is no indication
that there was a fire in the vehicle.
The fully deployed airbags cushion the movement of the occupants of the
front seats and help to reduce the risk of injury to the upper body.
The special design of the airbag allows the controlled escape of the propel-
lant gas when an occupant puts pressure on the bag. Thus, the head and
chest are surrounded and protected by the airbag.Safety notes on the operation of the side airbag system
Correct behaviour considerably reduces the risk of injury.
WARNING
•
If you do not wear a seat belt, if you lean forward, or are not seated
correctly while the vehicle is in motion, you are at greater risk of injury
should the side airbag system be triggered in an accident.
•
In order for the side airbags to provide their maximum protection, the
prescribed sitting position must always be maintained with seat belts
fastened while travelling.
•
The built-in coat hooks should be used only for lightweight clothing. Do
not leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets.
•
Great forces, such as hard blows or kicks, must not be exerted upon the
backrest bolster because the system may be damaged. In this case the side
airbags would not be triggered.
•
Under no circumstances should protective covers be fitted over the
driver seat or front passenger seat unless the covers have been expressly
approved for use in your vehicle. Because the airbag deploys from the side
of the backrest, the use of conventional seat covers would obstruct the side
airbag, seriously reducing the airbag's effectiveness.
•
Any damage to the original seat upholstery or around the seams of the
side airbag units must be repaired immediately by a qualified workshop.
•
The airbags provide protection for one accident only, if they have been
deployed they must be replaced.
•
When children assume an incorrect sitting position, they expose them-
selves to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. This is
particularly the case if the child is travelling on the front passenger seat
and the airbag system is triggered in an accident; this could have critical
consequences including serious injury or death ⇒ page 45.
•
Any work on the side airbag system or removal and installation of the
airbag components for other repairs (such as removal of the front seat)
should only be performed by a qualified workshop. Otherwise, a fault may
be introduced into the operation of the airbag system.
•
Do not attempt to modify components of the airbag system in any
way.WARNING (continued)
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