Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Operator'S Manual

Page: 44 / 586

tem warning lamp lights up. It goes out no later
than a few seconds after the vehicle is started.
The components of the restraint system are then
functional.
Malfunctioning restraint system
A malfunction has occurred in the restraint sys‐
tem if:
R
The 6 restraint system warning lamp
does not light up when the ignition is
switched on
R
The 6 restraint system warning lamp
lights up continuously or repeatedly during a
journey
& WARNING Risk of injury due to malfunc‐
tions in the restraint system
Components in the restraint system may be
activated unintentionally or not deploy as
planned in an accident.
#
Have the restraint system checked and
repaired immediately at a qualified spe‐
cialist workshop.
Function of the restraint system in an acci‐
dent
How the restraint system works depends on the
severity of the impact detected and the apparent
type of accident:
R
Frontal impact
R
Rear impact
R
Side impact
R
Rollover
The activation thresholds for the components of
the restraint system are determined based on
the evaluation of the sensor values measured at
various points in the vehicle. This process is pre-
emptive in nature. The triggering/deployment of
the components of the restraint system must
take place in good time at the start of the colli‐
sion.
Factors which can only be seen and measured
after a collision has occurred cannot play a deci‐
sive role in airbag deployment. Nor do they pro‐
vide an indication of airbag deployment.
The vehicle may be deformed significantly with‐
out an airbag being deployed. This is the case if
only parts which are relatively easily deformed
are affected and the rate of vehicle deceleration
is not high. Conversely, an airbag may be
deployed even though the vehicle suffers only
minor deformation. If very rigid vehicle parts
such as longitudinal members are hit, this may
result in sufficiently high levels of vehicle decel‐
eration.
Depending on the detected deployment situa‐
tion, the components of the restraint system can
be activated or deployed independently of each
other:
R
Emergency Tensioning Device: frontal
impact, rear impact, side impact, rollover
R
Driver's airbag, front passenger airbag: fron‐
tal impact
R
Knee airbag: frontal impact
R
Side airbag: side impact
R
Window curtain airbag: side impact, rollover,
frontal impact
R
Rear airbag: frontal impact
R
Belt airbag: frontal impact
R
Cushionbag: frontal impact
42 Occupant safety