Pre-tensioner seat belt
The pre-tensioner seat belts may be activated when a frontal collision is severe enough, together with the air bags.
When the vehicle stops suddenly, or if the occupant tries to lean forward too quickly, the seat belt retractor may lock into position. In certain frontal collisions, the pre-tensioner will activate and pull the seat belt into tighter contact against the occupant's body.
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Retractor Pre-tensioner
The purpose of the retractor pre-tensioner is to make sure that the shoulder belts fit tightly against the occupant's upper body in certain frontal collisions.
If the system senses excessive tension on the front driver, front passenger, and rear passenger seat belts (except center, if equipped) when the pre-tensioner system activates, the load limiter inside the retractor pre-tensioner will release some of the pressure on the affected seat belt.
These conditions are normal and are not hazardous – the airbags are packed in this fine powder. The dust generated during airbag deployment may cause skin or eye irritation as well as aggravate asthma for some persons.
The seat belt pre-tensioner system consists mainly of the following components. Their locations are shown in the illustration:
* The actual position of seat belt pre-tensioner system components may differ from the illustration.
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SRS air bag warning light
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Front retractor pre-tensioner assembly
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SRS control module
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2nd row retractor pre-tensioner assembly (if equipped)
Skin Irritation
Always wash all exposed skin areas thoroughly wilt cold water and a mild soap after an accident in which the airbags deployed.
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Both the driver's and front passenger's seat belt pre-tensioner systems may be activated not only in certain frontal collisions, but also in certain side collisions or rollovers if the vehicle is equipped with a side or curtain air bag.
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Because the sensor that activates the SRS air bag operates with the pre-tensioner seat belt, the SRS air bag warning light
on the instrument panel will appear for approximately 3~6 seconds after the ignition switch has been turned to the ON position,
and then it should turn off.
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If the pre-tensioner seat belt system is not working properly, this warning light will appear even if there is not a malfunction with the SRS air bag. If the SRS air bag warning light does not appear when the ignition switch has been turned to the ON position, or if it remains illuminated after appearing for approximately 6 seconds, or if it appears while the vehicle is being driven, have an authorized Kia dealer inspect the pre-tensioner seat belt and SRS air bag system as soon as possible.
Do not attempt to service or repair the pre-tensioner seat belt system in any manner. Do not attempt to inspect or replace the pre-tensioner seat belts yourself. This must be done by an authorized Kia dealer.
Hot pre-tensioner
Do not touch the pre-tensioner seat belt assemblies for several minutes after they have been activated. When the pre-tensioner seat belt mechanism activates during a collision the pre-tensioner becomes hot and can burn you.
Pre-tensioners are designed to operate only one time. After activation, pre-tensioner seat belts must be replaced. If the pre-tensioner must be replaced, contact an authorized Kia dealer.