Abarth Grande Punto Owner's Handbook Manual - page 95
94
CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
W
ARNING
LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICA
TIONS
IINDEX
DASHBOARD AND CONTROLS
SAFETY DEVICES
PRETENSIONERS
To increase the efficiency of the seat belts,
the car is fitted with pretensioners. These
devices, in the event of a violent crash,
rewind the seat belts a few centimetres.
In this way they ensure that the seat belt
adheres perfectly to the wearer before the
restraining action begins.
The seat belt locks to indicate that the de-
vice has intervened; the seat belt cannot
be drawn back up even when guiding it
manually.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest de-
gree of protection from the action of the
pretensioning device, wear the seat belt
keeping it firmly close to the chest and
pelvis.
A small amount of smoke may be pro-
duced. This smoke is in no way toxic and
presents no fire hazard.
The pretensioner does not require any
maintenance or greasing.
Anything that modifies its original condi-
tions invalidates its efficiency.
If due to unusual natural events (floods,
seas storm, etc.) the device has been af-
fected by water and mud, it must neces-
sarily be replaced.
LOAD LIMITERS
To increase passenger’s safety, the front
seat belt reels contain a load limiter which
allows controlled sag in such a way as to
dose the force acting on the chest and
shoulders during the belt restraining ac-
tion in case of front crash.
The pretensioner can only
be used once. After a colli-
sion that has triggered it, have it re-
placed at a Abarth Dealership. Pre-
tensioner validity is indicated on the
label in the glove compartment: the
pretensioners should be replaced at a
Abarth Dealership as this date ap-
proaches.
WARNING
Operations which lead to
knocks, vibrations or localised
heating (over 100°C for a
maximum of 6 hours) in the
area around the pretensioners may
cause damage or trigger them. These
devices are not affected by vibrations
caused by irregularities of the road sur-
face or low obstacles such as kerbs, etc.
Contact a Abarth Dealership for any
assistance.
091-108 Abarth GB:091-108 Abarth GB 8-06-2009 13:37 Pagina 94