Restraint system functionality
When theignition is switched on, aself-testis
performed, during whichthe 6 restraint sys‐
temwarning lamplightsup. It goes out no later
than afew secondsafter thevehicle is started.
The components of therestraint system arethen
functional.
Malfunctioning restraint system
Amalfunction has occurredinthe restraint sys‐
temif:
R
The 6 restraint system warning lamp
does notlight up when theignition is
switched on
R
The 6 restraint system warning lamp
lightsupcontinuouslyorrepeatedly during a
journey
&
WARNING Risk of injury due to malfunc‐
tions in therestraint system
If therestraint system is malfunctioning,
restraint system components maybetrig‐
geredunintentionallyormay notdeployas
intended during an accident. This mayaffect
theEmergency Tensioning Devicesorair‐
bags, forexample.
#
Have therestraint system checkedand
repaired immediatelyataqualified spe‐
cialistworkshop.
Function of therestraint system in an acci‐
dent
Howthe restraint system worksisdetermined by
theseverity of theimpact detected and thetype
of accidentanticipated:
R
Frontal impact
R
Rear impact
R
Sideimpact
R
Rollover
The activation thresholds forthe components of
therestraint system aredetermined based on
theevaluationofthe sensor values measured at
various points in thevehicle. This process is pre-
emptiveinnature. The triggering/deployment of
thecomponents of therestraint system must
take place in good time at thestart of thecolli‐
sion.
Factorswhich can only be seenand measured
afteracollision has occurreddonot playadeci‐
siverole in thedeployment of an airbag. Nordo
they provide an indication of airbag deployment.
The vehicle maybedeformed significantlywith‐
out an airbag being deployed. This is thecase if
onlyparts whichare relativelyeasilydeformed
areaffected and therateofvehicle deceleration
is nothigh. Conversely,anairbag maybe
deployedeventhough thevehicle suffers only
minor deformation. If very rigid vehicle parts
suchaslongitudinal membersare hit, forexam‐
ple, this mayresult in sufficiently highlevels of
vehicle deceleration.
34
Occupant safety
