27Seat belts
WARNING
Never adjust the belt height while the vehicle is in motion.
Seat belt tensioners
Automatic belt retainer, belt tensioner, belt tension limiter
Seat belts are part of the vehicle safety concept ⇒ page 32 and consist of
the following important functions:
Automatic belt retainer
Every seat belt is equipped with an automatic belt retainer on the shoulder
belt. If the belt is pulled slowly or during normal driving, the system allows
for total freedom of movement on the shoulder belt. However, during sud-
den braking, during travel in mountains or bends and during acceleration,
the automatic belt retainer on the seat belt is locked is pulled quickly.
Belt tensioners
The seat belts on the front seats and the outer seats of the second row are
equipped with belt tensioners.
Sensors will trigger the belt tensioners during severe head-on, lateral and
rear collisions and retract and tighten the seat belts. If the seat belt is
loose, it is retracted to reduce the forwards movement of vehicle occupants
or movement in the direction of the collision. The belt tensioner works in
combination with the airbag system. The belt tensioner will not be triggered
in the event of the vehicle overturning if the side airbags are not deployed.
If the belt tensioner is triggered, a fine dust is produced. This is normal and
it is not an indication of fire in the vehicle.
Belt tension limiter
The belt tension limiter reduces the force of the seat belt on the body in the
event of an accident.
Note
The relevant safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or
components of the system are scrapped. These requirements are known to
specialised workshops ⇒ page 27.
Service and disposal of belt tensioners
If you work on the belt tensioners or remove and install other parts of the
vehicle when performing other repair work, the seat belt may be damaged.
The consequence may be that, in the event of an accident, the belt tension-
ers function incorrectly or not at all.
So that the effectiveness of the belt tensioner is not reduced and that re-
moved parts do not cause any injuries or environmental pollution, regula-
tions must be observed. These requirements are known to specialised work-
shops.
WARNING
Improper handling and homemade repairs of seat belts, automatic belt
retainers and tension devices increase the risk of sustaining severe or fa-
tal injuries. The belt tensioner may fail to trigger or may trigger in the
wrong circumstances.
●Never attempt to repair, adjust or remove or install parts of the belt
tensioners or seat belts. Any work must be performed by a specialised
workshop only ⇒ page 260.
●Belt tensioners and automatic belt retainers cannot be repaired and
must be replaced.
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