Seat belt pretensioner

To make the protection provided by the front and rear seat belts even more effective, the vehicle is equipped (where provided) with seat belt pretensioners at the front and rear.

In the event of a severe frontal or side impact, these devices tighten the belt webbing by a few centimetres. In this way, the belts are already snug against the occupants' bodies before they actually restrain them. Activation of the pretensioners is indicated by locking of the retractor. The belt webbing no longer retracts, even if you assist it while rolling it up.

Note: For the seat belt pretensioner to provide maximum protection, make sure the belt fits correctly over the upper body and hips.

When the pretensioner is triggered, smoke may be produced. This smoke is non-toxic and does not indicate an incipient fire.

The seat belt pretensioner requires no maintenance or lubrication. Any intervention that alters its original condition will invalidate its effectiveness. If the device is affected by water or mud during exceptional natural events (floods, heavy seas, etc.), it must be replaced without fail.

Note

The seat belt pretensioner works only once. After it has been activated, contact the Fiat service network for replacement.

For the device's validity period, refer to the label in the lower glove compartment: when this date approaches, contact the Fiat service network to have the device replaced.

Work
that involves impacts, vibrations or heating (above 100°C for a maximum of 6 hours) in the area of the seat belt pretensioners may cause damage or trigger them.

Vibrations caused by road surface irregularities or accidentally driving over small obstacles such as kerbs, etc. are not covered by these conditions.

If intervention is required, please contact the Fiat service network. Load limiter

To increase passenger safety in the event of an accident, the retractors of the front and rear seat belts (where provided) have an internal load limiter which, in the event of a frontal impact, controls the restraining force exerted by the belts on the upper body and shoulders.

General notes on using the seat belts

Before starting the journey, the driver must comply with all locally applicable legal regulations on the use of seat belts (and make sure passengers do the same). Always fasten your seat belt before starting the journey.

The seat belt requirement also applies to pregnant women.

You and the unborn child are exposed to considerably lower risk of injury in an accident when belted. Pregnant women must position the belt very low so that it runs over the hips and under the belly (as shown in fig.

5).

Note: the belt must not be twisted. The upper part of the belt must run over the shoulder and diagonally across the upper body. The lower part must lie across the hips (as shown in fig. 6) and not across the passenger's abdomen.

Do not use any accessories (clips, brackets, etc.) that prevent the belts from lying correctly against the body.

Note

To ensure maximum protection, the backrest must be upright and the belt must fit snugly over the upper body and hips. Always fasten the seat belts, on both the front and rear seats! Driving without seat belts increases the risk of serious or fatal injury in an accident.

Note: each seat belt may be used by only one person: children should not sit on a passenger's lap and be secured together with one belt (fig. 7).

In general, do not fasten objects together with a person.

Note

Removing or tampering with the seat belt pretensioners and seat belts is strictly prohibited.

Work may only be carried out by qualified and authorised persons. Always contact the Fiat service network.

Note

If the belt has been subjected to heavy loads, for example in an accident, it must be replaced together with its anchorage and the corresponding fastening bolts, as must the pretensioner. The belt may have lost its strength even if it shows no visible defects.

For consistently reliable seat belts

For correct maintenance of the seat belts, please observe the following notes:

• Always fasten seat belts snugly and without twists. Make sure the belt webbing moves freely and unobstructed;
• After a severe accident, replace the seat belt even if it shows no visible damage.

  In any case, the seat belt must be replaced when the pretensioners have been activated;

• Clean the belts by hand with neutral soap and rinse, then dry in the shade.

  Never use corrosive, bleaching or dyeing agents or other chemical substances that weaken the fabric;

• Keep the retractors from getting wet: their correct operation is only guaranteed if no water penetrates;
• Replace the seat belt if it shows signs of cutting or wear.