Airbag system maintenance

Head airbags, also called curtain airbags, are part of the extended safety equipment of the Kia Opirus. They run along the side windows and protect the head area in side collisions or rollovers. Especially when several occupants are in the rear seat, this airbag type provides additional protection against broken glass or hard structures. The notes in this chapter help you understand the function and avoid unintentional impairment.

The airbag system is essentially maintenance-free. There are no components that can be serviced.

Have the airbag system checked or

repaired under the following conditions:

• Once an airbag has deployed, it must be replaced. Do not attempt to remove an airbag yourself. Leave all airbag work exclusively to an authorized KIA dealer or an authorized company.
• Have the airbag system checked immediately if the airbag warning lamp indicates a possible fault, as a malfunction may prevent the airbags from deploying.

Do not modify any component of the airbag system. Any modification may disable the operational readiness of the airbag system.

• Do not modify the steering wheel, the seats or other components of the airbag system. This could disable the operational readiness of the airbag system.
• Do not perform any work on system components or the wiring. This could cause airbags to deploy unintentionally and cause personal injury. Work on the airbag system may also disable the system so that the airbags would not deploy in the event of a collision.
• All work on the airbag system, such as removal, installation and repair, as well as all work on the steering wheel, must be carried out by a qualified KIA technician. Improper work on the airbag system can result in serious personal injury.

Repairing or scrapping the vehicle

• Work on the steering wheel, instrument panel, center console and roof could disable the airbag system. This also applies to installing audio equipment in the center console and to painting work on the front panel. Have such work checked by an authorized KIA dealer.
• When you take your vehicle in for repair, inform the workshop that your vehicle is equipped with airbags and leave the owner's manual with it.
• Since the airbag system contains explosive chemical substances, consult an authorized KIA dealer if your vehicle is to be scrapped.

Airbag warning labels

Warning labels are attached in the vehicle to warn drivers and passengers about the potential risks of the airbags. For safety information, refer to the AIRBAGS section in this chapter.

The airbag system of the Kia Opirus 2003–2011 is maintenance-free and does not require regular inspection. Nevertheless, it must be checked by a specialist after deployment or in the event of a malfunction.

Improper modifications or repairs can impair the function of the system and, in an emergency, endanger safety. Therefore, only qualified KIA technicians may be entrusted with work on the airbag system.

Following the maintenance instructions ensures that the airbag system of the Kia Opirus always works reliably and provides optimal occupant protection.