Kia Sportage: Pre-tensioner seat belt

The Kia Sportage is equipped with pre-tensioner seat belts for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers, except the rear centre passenger. These belts help restrain occupants during certain collisions.

Retractor pre-tensioner In certain frontal collisions, the retractor pre-tensioner pulls the shoulder belt snugly against the occupant's upper body.

The pre-tensioner is designed to tighten the seat belt against the occupant's body in certain types of collision. It may activate when a crash is severe enough to trigger the system.

If the vehicle stops suddenly, or an occupant leans forward too quickly, the seat belt retractor locks to restrain the belt. In certain frontal collisions, the pre-tensioner also activates, drawing the belt closer against the occupant's body.

1. Retractor pre-tensioner: In certain frontal collisions, it tightens the shoulder belt against the occupant's upper body.

If the system detects excessive force on the driver or front passenger's seat belt when the pre-tensioner activates, a load limiter inside the retractor pre-tensioner releases some of the tension on that belt.

The seat belt pre-tensioner system includes the components shown in the illustrations:

1. SRS air bag warning light

2. Front retractor pre-tensioner assembly

3. SRS control module

4. Rear retractor pre-tensioner assembly

Operating conditions

• If the vehicle stops suddenly or an occupant leans forward too quickly, the seat belt retractor locks.

• In certain frontal collisions, the pre-tensioner activates and pulls the seat belt closer against the occupant's body.

• If the system detects excessive tension on the driver or front passenger's belt when the pre-tensioner activates, the retractor's load limiter releases some of the pressure on that belt.

WARNING

• For your safety, sit correctly and make sure the seat belt webbing lies flat, without slack or twists.

• To get the intended protection from a pre-tensioner seat belt:

  1. Make sure the seat belt is functioning correctly and properly adjusted. Read and follow the safety information and precautions in this manual for the Kia Sportage occupant protection systems, including seat belts and air bags.

  2. Make sure you and every passenger wear a seat belt correctly on every journey.

• Pre-tensioner seat belt systems are designed to operate only once. After activation, replace the pre-tensioner seat belts. Any seat belt worn in a collision must also be replaced.

• The pre-tensioner assemblies become hot when they activate. Do not touch them for several minutes after activation.

• Do not inspect or replace pre-tensioner seat belts yourself. Have the system checked by a professional workshop. Kia recommends contacting an authorised Kia dealer/service partner.

• Do not attempt to service or repair any part of the pre-tensioner seat belt system.

• Incorrect handling of the pre-tensioner assemblies, or failure to follow the instructions not to strike, modify, inspect, replace, service or repair them, may cause improper operation or accidental activation and result in serious injury.

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

• If the vehicle or a pre-tensioner seat belt must be disposed of, contact a professional workshop. Kia recommends an authorised Kia dealer/service partner.

• Body repairs to the front of the vehicle may damage the pre-tensioner seat belt system. Have any required system work carried out by a professional workshop. Kia recommends an authorised Kia dealer/service partner.

CAUTION

A pre-tensioner seat belt fault may cause the SRS air bag warning light to illuminate even when the air bag system itself has no fault. If the warning light does not illuminate when the ignition is switched to ON, stays on after the initial 3–6-second check, or comes on while driving, have the system inspected by a professional workshop. Kia recommends contacting an authorised Kia dealer/service partner.

NOTE

• If the Kia Sportage is equipped with side or curtain air bags, the pre-tensioner may activate in a side collision as well as in a frontal collision.

• When pre-tensioner seat belts activate, you may hear a loud noise and see fine dust that resembles smoke inside the passenger compartment. These are normal operating effects and are not hazardous.

• Although the fine dust is harmless, it may irritate the skin and should not be inhaled for a prolonged period. After an accident in which the pre-tensioners activated, wash any exposed skin thoroughly.

• The sensor that activates the SRS air bags is connected to the pre-tensioner seat belt system. When the vehicle is switched to ON, the SRS air bag warning light illuminates for approximately 3–6 seconds and should then turn off.

Fastening and releasing the seat belt

Three-point seat belt with emergency locking retractor Operation Insert the metal tongue into the buckle until it locks. ...

Seat belt precautions

WARNING Everyone travelling in the Kia Sportage must wear a seat belt at all times. Seat belts and child restraints help reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury during a collision or sudden sto...