Seat Belt Pretensioner

Your vehicle is equipped with pretensioner seat belts (retractor pretensioner and EFD (Emergency Locking Device)) for the driver and front passenger seats. The seat belt pretensioners may be activated when a frontal collision is severe enough, together with the airbags.

When the vehicle stops suddenly or the occupant attempts to lean forward quickly, the seat belt retractor locks in position. In some frontal collisions, the pretensioner activates and tightens the seat belt to fit more snugly against the occupant's body.

(1) Retractor pretensioner: The retractor pretensioner is designed to ensure that the shoulder belts fit snugly against the upper body of the occupant in some frontal collisions.

(2) EFD (Emergency Fastening Device): The purpose of the EFD is to ensure that the lap belts fit snugly against the lower body of the occupant in some frontal collisions. (if equipped)

If the system detects excessive belt tension on the driver's or passenger's seat belt when the pretensioner system is activated, the load limiter inside the pretensioner retractor will release some of the pressure on the affected seat belt. (if equipped)

✽ NOTICE

The pretensioner will activate not only in a frontal collision but also in a side collision if the vehicle is equipped with side airbags or curtain airbags.

WARNING

For your safety, make sure the belt webbing is not loose or twisted, and always sit correctly in your seat.

The seat belt pretensioner system consists mainly of the following components. Their locations are shown in the illustration:

1. SRS Airbag Warning Light

2. Retractor Pretensioner

3. SRS Control Module

4. Emergency Locking Device (EFD)*

WARNING

To get the maximum benefit from the seat belt with pretensioner:

1. The seat belt must be in good condition and adjusted in the correct position. Read and observe all important information and precautions regarding your occupant safety equipment, including the seat belts and airbags, provided in this manual.

2. Make sure that you and your passengers are always properly secured with the seat belts.

✽ NOTICE

• When the seat belt pretensioners activate, a loud noise may be heard, and fine dust may be visible in the passenger compartment, which may look like smoke. This is a normal operating condition and is not hazardous.
• Although harmless, fine dust may cause skin irritation and should not be breathed in for a long time. Thoroughly wash all exposed skin after a collision in which the seat belt pretensioners have been activated.
• Because the sensor that activates the SRS airbag is linked to the seat belt pretensioner, the SRS airbag warning light on the instrument panel will illuminate for approximately 6 seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, and then it should go off.

CAUTION

If the seat belt pretensioner does not operate properly, the SRS airbag warning light will illuminate even if the SRS airbag is not malfunctioning. If the SRS airbag warning light does not illuminate when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, or if it remains illuminated after it has been on for approximately 6 seconds, or if it illuminates while driving, we recommend that the system be inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

WARNING

• Seat belt pretensioner systems are designed to operate only once. After activation, the seat belt pretensioners must be replaced. All seat belts of any type should always be replaced after they have been subjected to stress during a collision.
• The seat belt pretensioner assemblies become hot during activation. Do not touch the seat belt pretensioners for several minutes after they have been activated.
• Do not attempt to inspect or replace the seat belt pretensioners yourself. We recommend that the system be inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
• Do not attempt to service or repair the seat belt pretensioner system in any way.
• Improper handling of the seat belt pretensioner assemblies and failure to heed the warnings not to strike, modify, inspect, replace, service, or repair the seat belt pretensioners may result in malfunction or unintended activation and serious injury.
• Always wear your seat belt when driving or riding in the vehicle.
• If the vehicle or the seat belt pretensioner is to be scrapped, we recommend that you contact an authorized Kia dealer.

CAUTION

Body repair work on the front of the vehicle may damage the seat belt pretensioner system.

Therefore, we recommend that the system be serviced by an authorized Kia dealer.