Seat belt pretensioner

Your vehicle is equipped with front driver and passenger, and rear passengers' (if equipped) Seat belt pretensioners.

OCV031022L

The seat belt pretensioner system consists of the following main components.

OCV031023L

  1. SRS air bag warning light

  2. Front retractor pre-tensioner assembly

  3. SRS control module

Operating condition(s)

  • When the vehicle stops suddenly, or if the occupant tries to lean forward too quickly, the seat belt retractor will 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.

  • When the system senses excessive tension on the driver or passenger's seat belt 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.

WARNING

  • For your safety, be sure that the belt webbing is not loose or twisted and always sit properly on your seat.

  • To obtain maximum benefit from a Seat belt pretensioner:

    1. The seatbelt must be working correctly and adjusted to the proper position. Please read and follow all of the important information and precautions about your vehicle's occupant safety features - including seat belts and air bags - that are provided in this manual.

    2. Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts properly.

  • Pre-tensioners seat belts systems are designed to operate only one time. After activation, Seat belt pretensioners must be replaced. All seat belts of any type should always be replaced after they have been worn during a collision.

  • The 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 inspected by a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorised Kia dealer/service partner.

  • Do not attempt to service or repair the Seat belt pretensioner system in any manner.

  • Improper handling of the Seat belt pretensioner assemblies, and failure to heed the warnings not to strike, modify, inspect, replace, service or repair the Seat belt pretensioner assemblies may lead to improper operation or inadvertent activation and serious injury.

  • Always wear the seat belts when driving or riding in a motor vehicle.

  • If the vehicle or Seat belt pretensioner must be discarded, contact a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorised Kia dealer/service partner.

  • Body work on the front area of the vehicle may damage the Seat belt pretensioner system. Therefore, have the system serviced by a professional workshop. Kia recommends that you visit an authorised Kia dealer/service partner.

CAUTION

If the seat belt pretensioner is not working properly, the SRS air bag warning light will illuminate even if there is no malfunction of the SRS air bag. If the SRS air bag warning light does not illuminate when the vehicle is in ON position, or if it remains illuminated after illuminating for approximately 3~6 seconds, or if it illuminates whilst the vehicle is being driven, have the system inspected by a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorised Kia dealer/service partner.

NOTE

  • The pre-tensioner will activate not only in a frontal collision but also in a side collision, if the vehicle is equipped with a side or curtain air bag.

  • When the Seat belt pretensioners are activated, a loud noise may be heard and fine dust, which may appear to be smoke, may be visible in the passenger compartment. These are normal operating conditions and are not hazardous.

  • Although it is harmless, the fine dust may cause skin irritation and should not be breathed for prolonged periods. Wash all exposed skin areas thoroughly after an accident in which the seat belt pretensioners were activated.

  • Because the sensor that activates the SRS air bag is connected with the seat belt pretensioner, the SRS air bag warning light on the instrument cluster will illuminate for approximately 3~6 seconds after the EV button has been turned to the "ON" position, and then it should turn off.