Seat Belt Pretensioner

Your vehicle is equipped with seat belt pretensioners for the front and rear outboard seating positions and an EFD (Emergency Fastening Device) for the driver's seat belt.

The purpose of the pretensioner is to ensure that the seat belts fit snugly against the occupant's body in certain collisions. Seat belt pretensioners may be activated in crashes when the collision is severe enough.

When the vehicle stops suddenly, or if the occupant attempts to lean forward quickly, the seat belt retractor will lock in position. In some frontal collisions, the pretensioner will activate and pull the seat belt into a tighter fit against the occupant's body.

1. Retractor Pretensioner. The purpose of the retractor pretensioner is to ensure that the shoulder belts fit snugly against the upper body of the occupant in certain frontal collisions.

2. EFD (Emergency Fastening Device, for the driver's seat belt). The purpose of the EFD is to ensure that the lap belts fit snugly against the lower body of the occupant in certain frontal collisions.

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

WARNING

For your safety, make sure the belt straps are not loose or twisted and always sit properly in your seat.

NOTICE

If equipped with rollover sensor

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

NOTICE

Without rollover sensor

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

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

1. SRS Airbag Warning Lamp
2. Retractor Pretensioner
3. SRS Control Module
4. Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR)

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 seat belts properly.

NOTICE

• Pretensioners installed at the front and rear outboard seating positions will be activated in certain collisions. Seat belt pretensioners may be activated where the collision is severe enough, together with the airbags.
• When seat belt pretensioners are activated, a loud noise may be heard and fine dust, which may resemble smoke, may be visible in the passenger compartment. This is a normal operating condition and is not dangerous.
• Although harmless, the fine dust may cause skin irritation and should not be breathed for long periods. Wash all exposed skin thoroughly after an accident 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 Lamp The airbag warning lamp 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 does not operate properly, the SRS warning lamp will illuminate even if there is no SRS airbag malfunction. If the SRS warning lamp does not illuminate when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, if it remains illuminated after approximately 6 seconds, or if it illuminates while driving, have the system checked by a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

WARNING

• Pretensioners 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 worn during a collision.
• Seat belt pretensioner assembly mechanisms become hot during activation. Do not touch the seat belt pretensioner assemblies for several minutes after they have been activated.
• Do not attempt to inspect or replace the seat belt pretensioners yourself. Have the system checked by a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.
• Do not strike the seat belt pretensioner assemblies.
• 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 with seat belt pretensioners must be scrapped, contact a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

CAUTION

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

Therefore, have the system serviced by a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.