137
side in which the collision occurs. The
pretensioners operate differently depending
on what types of air bags are equipped. For
details on the seat belt pretensioner opera
-
tion, refer to the “SRS Air Bag Deployment
Criteria” paragraph in this chapter.
When a collision is detected, the preten
-
sioners deploy simultaneously with the air
bags. For deployment details, refer to the
“SRS Air Bag Deployment Criteria” para
-
graph in this chapter.
The seat belt retractors remove slack quickly
as the air bags are expanding. Any time the
air bags and seat belt pretensioners have
fired they must be replaced.
With Passenger Occupant Classification
System
In addition, the pretensioner system for the
passenger, like the front and side passenger
Air Bag, is designed to only deploy when the
passenger occupant classification sensor
detects a passenger sitting on the
passenger's seat.
NOTE:
These devices are not a substitute for
proper seat belt placement by the occu
-
pant. The seat belt still must be worn
snugly and positioned properly.
The pretensioners are triggered by the
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). Like
the air bags, the pretensioners are single
use items. A deployed pretensioner or a
deployed air bag must be replaced imme
-
diately.
Load Limiter
The load limiting system releases belt
webbing in a controlled manner to reduce
belt force on the occupant's chest.
While the most severe load on a seat belt
occurs in frontal collisions, the load limiter
has an automatic mechanical function and
can activate in any accident mode with suffi
-
cient occupant movement.
Even if the pretensioners have not fired, the
load limiting function must be checked by an
authorized dealer.
CHILD RESTRAINT
PRECAUTIONS
Child Restraints
FCA US LLC strongly urges the use of
child-restraint systems for children small
enough to use them.
Before buying any restraint system, make
sure that it has a label certifying that it
meets all applicable Safety Standards. You
should also make sure that you can install it
in the vehicle where you will use it.
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled
up at all times, including babies and chil
-
dren. Every state in the United States, and
every Canadian province, requires that small
children ride in proper restraint systems.
This is the law, and you can be prosecuted
for ignoring it.
Check your local and state or provincial laws
for specific requirements regarding the
safety of children riding in your vehicle.
Children 12 years or younger should ride
properly buckled up in a rear seat, if avail
-
able. According to crash statistics, children
are safer when properly restrained in the rear
seats rather than in the front.
