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 leans forward quickly, the seat belt retractor may lock in place. In certain frontal collisions, the seat belt pretensioner will activate and tighten the seat belt closer to 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 certain frontal collisions.

(2) EFD (Emergency Locking Retractor)

The purpose of the EFD is to make sure the lap belts fit snugly over the lower part of the occupant's body in certain frontal collisions.

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

✽ NOTICE

When the seat belt pretensioners activate, a loud noise may be heard and fine dust may be visible in the cabin, which may appear to be smoke. This is normal and not hazardous.

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

(1) SRS warning lamp
(2) Front seat belt pretensioner assembly
(3) SRS control module
(4) Emergency Fastening Device (EFD)

WARNING - Skin Irritation

Thoroughly wash all exposed skin after an accident in which the seat belt pretensioners have deployed. Fine dust from pretensioner deployment may cause skin irritation and should not be inhaled for extended periods.

✽ NOTICE

• The driver and front passenger seat belt pretensioners may deploy not only in certain frontal collisions, but also in certain side collisions or rollovers if the vehicle is equipped with side or curtain airbags.
• Because the sensor that activates the SRS airbag is connected 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.

If the seat belt pretensioner system is not operating properly, this warning light will illuminate even if the SRS airbag is not faulty. If the SRS airbag warning light does not illuminate when the ignition switch is turned ON, if it remains illuminated after approximately 6 seconds, or if it illuminates while driving, have the seat belt pretensioner and SRS airbag system inspected by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.

✽ NOTICE

Do not attempt to service or repair the seat belt pretensioner system in any way. Do not attempt to inspect or replace the seat belt pretensioners yourself. This must be done by an authorized Kia dealer.

WARNING. Hot pretensioner

Do not touch the seat belt pretensioners for several minutes after they have been activated. When the seat belt pretensioner activates during a collision, the pretensioner becomes hot and may cause burns.

Pretensioners are designed for one-time use. After activation, the seat belt pretensioners must be replaced. If a pretensioner needs to be replaced, contact an authorized Kia dealer.