Driver's Handbook

1.28
ENG_UD21590_3
Dispositifs complémentaires à la ceinture avant (X61 - F61 - K61 - Renault)ENG_NU_813-9_FK61_Renault_1
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METHODS OF RESTRAINT IN ADDITION TO THE FRONT SEAT BELTS (2/3)
Air bags for driver and front
passenger
It is fitted to the front seats on the driv-
er’s side and, depending on the vehicle,
on the passenger’s side as well.
Depending on the vehicle, the pres-
ence of this equipment is indicated by
the word “air bag” on the steering wheel
and dashboard (air bag zone A) and
a symbol on the lower section of the
windscreen.
Each air bag system consists of:
– an air bag and gas generator fitted
on the steering wheel for the driver
and in the dashboard for the front
passenger;
– an electronic unit for system monitor-
ing which controls the gas generator
electrical trigger system;
– a single indicator light
å on the
instrument panel;
– remote sensors.
A
Operation
This system is only operational when
the ignition is switched on.
In a severe frontal impact, the air bags
inflate rapidly, cushioning the impact
of the driver’s head and chest against
the steering wheel and of the front pas-
senger against the dashboard. The air
bags then deflate immediately so that
the passengers are not in any way hin-
dered from leaving the vehicle.
Load limiter
Above a certain severity of impact, this
mechanism is used to limit the force of
the belt against the body so that it is at
an acceptable level.
The air bag system uses
pyrotechnic principles. This
explains why, when the air
bag inflates, it will gener-
ate heat, produce smoke (this does
not mean that a fire is about to start)
and make a noise upon detonation.
In a situation where an air bag is
required, it will inflate immediately
and this may cause some minor, su-
perficial grazing to the skin or other
problems.