Seat Belt Pretensioner

Your vehicle is equipped with pretensioning seat belts for the driver and front passenger. The purpose of the pretensioner is to ensure that the seat belts fit snugly against the occupant's body in certain frontal collisions. Seat belt pretensioners may activate in collisions where the frontal impact is severe enough.

When the vehicle stops suddenly, or if the occupant attempts to lean forward rapidly, the seat belt retractor locks in position. In some frontal collisions the pretensioner activates and pulls the seat belt into closer contact with the occupant's body.

If the system detects excessive seat belt tension on the driver's or passenger's seat belt when the pretensioner activates, the load limiter inside the pretensioner releases part of the pressure on the seat belt.

WARNING

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

WARNING

To get the maximum benefit from the seat belt pretensioner:

1. The seat belt must be fastened correctly and adjusted to the proper position. Please read and follow all important information and precautions regarding your vehicle's occupant safety features, including seat belts and airbags, presented in this manual.

2. Make sure that you and your passengers always fasten the seat belts correctly.

✽ NOTICE

• When the seat belt pretensioners are activated, a loud noise and fine dust, which may appear as smoke, may be visible in the passenger compartment. This is normal operating condition and does not present a hazard.
• Although harmless, fine dust may cause skin irritation and should not be breathed for a long time. Thoroughly wash all exposed skin after an accident in which the seat belt pretensioners have 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 turn off.

CAUTION

If the seat belt pretensioner is not functioning properly, the SRS airbag warning light will illuminate even though there is no SRS airbag malfunction. 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 lighting for approximately 6 seconds, or if it illuminates while driving, we recommend that the system be inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

WARNING

• Pretensioners are designed to operate only once. After activation, the seat belt pretensioners must be replaced. All seat belts of any type must always be replaced after they have been worn during a collision.
• The seat belt pretensioner assemblies become hot during activation. Do not touch the seat belt pretensioner assembly for several minutes after activation.
• 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 and failure to observe the warnings may cause improper operation or unintended activation and serious injury. Do not strike, modify, test, replace, service or repair the seat belt pretensioner.
• Always wear your seat belt when driving or riding in the vehicle.
• If the vehicle or seat belt with pretensioner must be disposed of, we recommend that you contact an authorized Kia dealer.