Side airbags

To increase passenger protection in a side collision, the vehicle is equipped with front side airbags (Side bag) (for versions/markets where provided) and curtain airbags (Window bag) (for versions/markets where provided).

Side airbags (Side Bag) (for versions/markets where provided)

They consist of two airbags that inflate instantly, housed in the front seat backrests, fig. 64, which protect the chest and pelvis of the occupants in a medium-to-high-energy side collision.

Curtain airbags (Window bag) (for versions/markets where provided)

They consist of curtain-type airbags housed behind the roof side trim and covered by the appropriate trim elements, fig. 65. Their purpose is to protect the heads of the front and rear passengers in a side collision, thanks to the large surface area of the airbags when inflated.

The best protection from the system in a side collision is provided by sitting in the correct position, as this allows the curtain airbags to deploy properly.

WARNINGS

Do not wash the seats with pressurised water or steam (by hand or in automatic seat washing systems).

The front and/or side airbags may deploy if the underbody of the vehicle is struck hard (for example, by a violent impact against kerbs or pavements, or by driving into a large pothole or depression in the road, etc.).

A small amount of dust is released from the inflating airbag. It is not harmful to health and does not indicate a fire. The dust may irritate the skin and eyes: in this case, wash the affected areas with neutral soap and water.

All inspections, repairs or replacements involving the airbags must be carried out by an authorised Fiat dealer.

When scrapping the vehicle, contact an authorised Fiat dealer to deactivate the airbag system.

The activation of seat belt pretensioners and airbags depends on various factors, depending on the type of impact. Non-activation of one or more of these devices does not indicate a malfunction of the system.

CAUTION

90) Do not stick adhesive tapes or other objects to the steering wheel, to the dashboard in the front passenger airbag area, to the side trim on the roof side, or to the seats. Do not place objects on the front passenger side of the dashboard (e.g. mobile phones), as they may prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying correctly and may also cause serious injury to occupants.

91) While driving, keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times so that the airbag can inflate unobstructed in the event of deployment.

Do not travel with your head leaning forward. Sit with your back against the backrest, in a position that ensures good contact with it.

92) SERIOUS DANGER: When the front passenger airbag is active, child seats installed facing backwards must NOT be installed on the front passenger seat. Airbag deployment in a collision may cause fatal injuries to the child, regardless of the impact force. Therefore, always deactivate the front passenger airbag when a rear-facing child seat is installed on the front passenger seat. In addition, the front passenger seat should be adjusted as far back as possible to avoid any contact between the child seat and the dashboard.

As soon as the child seat is removed from the seat, reactivate the front passenger airbag.

93) Child seats installed facing backwards must NEVER be installed on the front seats while the front passenger airbag is active. Airbag deployment in a collision may cause fatal injuries to the child, regardless of the impact force.

94) If warning light does not come on when the key is turned to MAR (ON), or if it stays on while driving, a fault may exist in the safety systems. In this case, the airbags or pretensioners may not deploy in a collision or, in a limited number of cases, may deploy incorrectly.

Before driving further, contact an authorised Fiat dealer to have the system checked immediately.

95) Do not fit covers or seat covers over the front seat backrests when side airbags are fitted.

96) Do not travel with objects on your lap or chest, or with pipes, pencils, etc. in your mouth. In a collision with airbag deployment, these may cause serious injuries.

97) If the vehicle has been broken into or subjected to a theft attempt, vandalism, or has been flooded or submerged, the airbag system must be checked at an authorised Fiat dealer.

98) If the key in the ignition switch is in the MAR (ON) position and the engine is off, the airbags may also deploy when the parked vehicle is struck by another moving vehicle. Therefore, even when the vehicle is parked, rear-facing child seats must NOT be installed on the front passenger seat while the front passenger airbag is active.

Airbag deployment in a collision may cause fatal injuries to the child. Therefore, always deactivate the front passenger airbag when a rear-facing child seat is installed on the front passenger seat. In addition, the front passenger seat should be adjusted as far back as possible to avoid any contact between the child seat and the dashboard.

As soon as the child seat is removed from the seat, reactivate the front passenger airbag.

Please note that when the key is in the STOP position, none of the safety devices (airbags or seat belt pretensioners) will deploy in a collision. Therefore, non-activation of these devices in such cases must not be taken as a sign of a system malfunction.

99) When the key is turned to MAR (ON) in the ignition switch, warning light comes on
for a few seconds to remind you that the front passenger airbag will deploy in a collision, and then, when the airbag is active, it should go off. Warning light
also indicates anomalies of warning light . This situation is indicated by warning light
flashing for more than 4 seconds. Warning light may then fail to
indicate possible anomalies of the safety systems. Before driving further, contact an authorised Fiat dealer to have the system checked immediately.

100) The front airbags are designed to deploy in collisions of higher severity than those required for the seat belt pretensioners. Therefore, in collisions of intermediate severity, it is normal for only the pretensioners to activate.

101) The airbag does not replace the seat belts; it only increases their effectiveness. Furthermore, since the front airbags do not deploy in frontal collisions at low speeds, side collisions, rear collisions or vehicle rollovers, in such situations passengers are protected only by the seat belts, which must always be fastened.

102) Do not lean your head, shoulders or elbows against the doors, windows or near the side airbags protecting the head (Window Bag), to avoid injury during their inflation.