Fiat 124 Spider Abarth (2017 year). Manual — part 8

When using tires with steel wire

reinforcement in the side walls.

When using tire chains.

Tires And Wheels

Note: When inspecting or adjusting the
tire air pressures, do not apply
excessive force to the stem portion of
the wheel unit. The stem portion could
be damaged.

Changing Tires And Wheels

The following procedure allows the
TPMS to recognize a tire pressure
sensor's unique ID signal code
whenever tires or wheels are changed,
such as changing to and from winter
tires.

Note:

Each tire pressure sensor has a

unique ID signal code. The signal code
must be registered with the TPMS
before it can work. The easiest way to
do it is to have your Authorized Dealer
change your tire and complete ID
signal code registration.

When your Authorized Dealer

changes your vehicle's tires, they will
complete the tire pressure sensor ID
signal code registration.

If you or someone else changes tires,
you or someone else can also
undertake the steps for the TPMS to
complete the ID signal code
registration:

After tires have been changed, place

the ignition in the ON mode, then back
to ACC or OFF modes.

Wait for about 15 minutes.

After about 15 minutes, drive the

vehicle at a speed of at least 16 mph
(25 km/h) for 10 minutes and the tire
pressure sensor ID signal code will be
registered automatically.

Note: If the vehicle is driven within
about 15 minutes of changing tires, the

warning light will flash because the

sensor ID signal code would not have
been registered. If this happens, park
the vehicle for about 15 minutes, after
which the sensor ID signal code will
register upon driving the vehicle for
10 minutes.

Replacing Tires And Wheels

Note:

When replacing/repairing the tires or

wheels or both, have the work done by
your Authorized Dealer, or the tire
pressure sensors may be damaged.

The wheels equipped on your

vehicle are specially designed for
installation of the tire pressure sensors.
Do not use non-genuine wheels,
otherwise it may not be possible to
install the tire pressure sensors.

Be sure to have the tire pressure
sensors installed whenever tires or
wheels are replaced.
When having a tire or wheel or both
replaced, the following types of tire
pressure sensor installations are
possible:

The tire pressure sensor is removed

from the old wheel and installed to the
new one.

The same tire pressure sensor is

used with the same wheel. Only the tire
is replaced.

A new tire pressure sensor is

installed to a new wheel.

Note:

The tire pressure sensor ID signal

code must be registered when a new
tire pressure sensor is purchased. For
purchase of a tire pressure sensor and
registration of the tire pressure sensor
ID signal code, consult your Authorized
Dealer.

121

When reinstalling a previously

removed tire pressure sensor to a
wheel, replace the grommet (seal
between valve body/sensor and wheel)
for the tire pressure sensor.

Caution!

The TPMS has been optimized for the

original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS
pressures and warning have been
established for the tire size equipped on
your vehicle. Undesirable system operation
or sensor damage may result when using
replacement equipment that is not of the
same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket
wheels can cause sensor damage.

Using aftermarket tire sealants may

cause the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) sensor to become inoperable.
After using an aftermarket tire sealant it is
recommended that you take your vehicle
to an Authorized Dealership to have your
sensor function checked.

After inspecting or adjusting the tire

pressure always reinstall the valve stem
cap. This will prevent moisture and dirt
from entering the valve stem, which could
damage the TPMS sensor.

The following regulatory statement
applies to all radio frequency (RF)
devices equipped in this vehicle:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules and with Industry Canada
license-exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
(2) This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.

Note:

Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.

OCCUPANT
RESTRAINT
SYSTEMS

The most important safety equipment
of the vehicle comprise the following
protection systems:

Seat Belts

SBA (Seat Belt Alert) System

Head Restraints

Child Restraint Systems

Front Air Bags And Side Air Bags

Read the information given in the
following pages with the utmost care.
It is of fundamental importance that the
protection systems are used in the
correct way to guarantee the maximum
possible safety level for the driver and
the passengers.

122

SAFETY

SEAT BELT
SYSTEMS

Buckle up even though you are an
excellent driver, even on short trips.
Someone on the road may be a poor
driver and could cause a collision that
includes you. This can happen far away
from home or on your own street.
Research has shown that seat belts
save lives, and they can reduce the
seriousness of injuries in a collision.
Some of the worst injuries happen
when people are thrown from the
vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility
of ejection and the risk of injury caused
by striking the inside of the vehicle.
Everyone in a motor vehicle should be
belted at all times.

Seat Belt Precautions

Seat belts help to decrease the
possibility of severe injury during
accidents and sudden stops. FCA
recommends that the driver and
passengers always wear seat belts.
Mexico
All the seats have lap/shoulder belts.
These belts have retractors with inertia
locks that keep them out of the way
when not in use.
The locks allow the belts to remain
comfortable on users, but they will lock
in position during a collision.

Except Mexico

All of the seat belt retractors are
designed to keep the lap/shoulder belts
out of the way when not in use.
The driver's seat belt has no provisions
for child-restraint systems and has only
an emergency locking mode.
The driver may wear it comfortably, and
it will lock during a collision.
However, the passenger's seat
lap/shoulder belt retractor operates in
two modes: emergency locking mode,
and for child-restraint systems,
automatic locking mode. If you must
use the passenger seat for a child, slide
the passenger seat as far back as
possible and make sure any child
restraint system is secured properly.
Belt retraction may become difficult if
the belts and seat belt guides are
soiled, so try to keep them clean. Refer
to “Cleaning the lap/shoulder belt
webbing” in “Maintenance and care” for
further information.

Warning!

Relying on the air bags alone could lead

to more severe injuries in a collision. The air
bags work with your seat belt to restrain
you properly. In some collisions, the air
bags won’t deploy at all. Always wear your
seat belt even though you have air bags.

In a collision, you and your passengers

can suffer much greater injuries if you are
not properly buckled up. You can strike the
interior of your vehicle or other passengers,
or you can be thrown out of the vehicle.
Always be sure you and others in your
vehicle are buckled up properly.

It is dangerous to ride in a cargo area,

inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision,
people riding in these areas are more likely
to be seriously injured or killed.

03020100-12A-001

Abarth Seat Belt Routing Guide

123

Do not allow people to ride in any area

of your vehicle that is not equipped with
seats and seat belts.

Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a

seat and using a seat belt properly.
Occupants, including the driver, should
always wear their seat belts whether or not
an air bag is also provided at their seating
position to minimize the risk of severe injury
or death in the event of a crash.

Wearing your seat belt incorrectly could

make your injuries in a collision much
worse. You might suffer internal injuries, or
you could even slide out of the seat belt.
Follow these instructions to wear your seat
belt safely and to keep your passengers
safe, too.

Two people should never be belted into

a single seat belt. People belted together
can crash into one another in a collision,
hurting one another badly. Never use a
lap/shoulder belt or a lap belt for more than
one person, no matter what their size.

A lap belt worn too high can increase

the risk of injury in a collision. The seat belt
forces won’t be at the strong hip and pelvic
bones, but across your abdomen. Always
wear the lap part of your seat belt as low
as possible and keep it snug.

A twisted seat belt may not protect you

properly. In a collision, it could even cut
into you. Be sure the seat belt is flat
against your body, without twists. If you
can’t straighten a seat belt in your vehicle,
take it to your authorized dealer
immediately and have it fixed.

A seat belt that is buckled into the

wrong buckle will not protect you properly.
The lap portion could ride too high on your
body, possibly causing internal injuries.
Always buckle your seat belt into the
buckle nearest you.

A seat belt that is too loose will not

protect you properly. In a sudden stop, you
could move too far forward, increasing the
possibility of injury. Wear your seat belt
snugly.

A seat belt that is worn under your arm

is dangerous. Your body could strike the
inside surfaces of the vehicle in a collision,
increasing head and neck injury. A seat belt
worn under the arm can cause internal
injuries. Ribs aren’t as strong as shoulder
bones. Wear the seat belt over your
shoulder so that your strongest bones will
take the force in a collision.

A shoulder belt placed behind you will

not protect you from injury during a
collision. You are more likely to hit your
head in a collision if you do not wear your
shoulder belt. The lap and shoulder belt
are meant to be used together.

A frayed or torn seat belt could rip apart

in a collision and leave you with no
protection. Inspect the seat belt system
periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or
loose parts. Damaged parts must be
replaced immediately. Do not disassemble
or modify the seat belt system. Seat belt
assemblies must be replaced after a
collision.

Seat Belts And Pregnant
Women

Pregnant Women And Persons With
Serious Medical Conditions
Pregnant women should always wear
seat belts. Ask your doctor for specific
recommendations.
The lap belt should be worn SNUGLY
AND AS LOW AS POSSIBLE OVER
THE HIPS. The shoulder belt should be
worn across your shoulder properly, but
never across the stomach area.

Persons with serious medical
conditions also should wear seat belts.
Check with your doctor for any special
instructions regarding specific medical
conditions.

06050100-CHD-003

Seat Belts And Pregnant Women

124

SAFETY

Emergency Locking
Mode

When the seat belt is fastened, it will
always be in the emergency locking
mode.
In the emergency locking mode, the
belt remains comfortable on the
occupant and the retractor will lock in
position during a collision.
If the belt is locked and cannot be
pulled out, retract the belt once, and
then try pulling it out slowly. If this fails,
pull the belt strongly one time and
loosen, then pull it out again slowly.
Seat Belt With Automatic Locking
Mode
When the seat belt is fastened, it will
always be in the emergency locking
mode until it is switched to automatic
locking mode by pulling it all the way
out to its full length.
If the belt feels tight and hinders
comfortable movement while the
vehicle is stopped or in motion, it may
be in the automatic locking mode
because the belt has been pulled too
far out.
To return the belt to the more
comfortable emergency locking mode,
wait until the vehicle has stopped in a
safe, level area, retract the belt fully to
convert it back to emergency locking
mode and then extend it around you
again.

Automatic Locking Mode
Always use the automatic locking mode
to keep the child-restraint system from
shifting to an unsafe position in the
event of an accident.
To enable seat belt automatic locking
mode, pull it all the way out and
connect it as instructed on the child
restraint system. It will retract down to
the child restraint system and stay
locked on it.

Warning!

The seat belt assembly must be

replaced if the switchable Automatic
Locking Retractor (ALR) feature or any
other seat belt function is not working
properly when checked according to the
procedures in the Service Manual.

Failure to replace the seat belt assembly

could increase the risk of injury in collisions.

Do not use the Automatic Locking Mode

to restrain occupants who are wearing the
seat belt or children who are using booster
seats. The locked mode is only used to
install rear-facing or forward-facing child
restraints that have a harness for
restraining the child.

Lap/Shoulder Belts

Fastening The Seat Belt

1

2

GUID-03020201121001

Fastening The Seat Belt

1 — Seat Belt
Tongue

2 — Seat Belt
Buckle

125

Position the lap belt as low as possible,
not on the abdominal area 2, then
adjust the shoulder belt 3 so that it fits
snugly against your body.

Unfastening The Seat Belt
Depress the button on the seat belt
buckle. If the belt does not fully retract,
pull it out and check for kinks or twists.
Then make sure it remains untwisted as
it retracts.

Note:

If a belt does not fully retract,

inspect it for kinks and twists. If it is still
not retracting properly, have it
inspected: contact an Authorized
Dealership.

Always wear the seat belt with it

correctly routed in its guide. Wearing a
seat belt without the seat belt routed in
its guide is dangerous because the
seat belt would not be able to provide
adequate protection in an accident,
which could result in serious injury.

Seat Belt Warning
Systems

If it detects that the occupant seat belt
is unfastened, the warning light or beep
alerts the occupant.
Refer to “Warning lights and messages”
paragraph in “Knowing the instrument
panel” for further information.
Refer to “Seat belt warning beep” in
“Knowing the instrument panel” for
further information.

Seat Belt Extender

If your seat belt is not long enough,
even when fully extended, a seat belt
extender may be available to you at no
charge from Authorized Dealership.
This extender will be only for you and
for the particular vehicle and seat. Even
if it plugs into other seat belts, it may

1

3

2

GUID-03020201122002

Adjusting The Seat Belt

1 — Position Lap Belt Across Lap Area
2 — Lap Belt Routing
3 — Shoulder Belt Routing

1

GUID-03020202UNF001

Latching/Unlatching The Seat Belt

1 — Seat Belt Release Button

1

GUID-0302020012A001

Seat Belt Routing Guides

1 — Shoulder Belt Routing Guides

126

SAFETY

not hold in the critical moment of a
crash.
When ordering an extender, only order
one that provides the necessary
additional length to fasten the seat belt
properly. Please contact Authorized
Dealership for more information.
When not in use, remove the seat belt
extender and store it in the vehicle. If
the seat belt extender is left connected,
the seat belt extender might get
damaged as it will not retract with the
rest of the seat belt and can easily fall
out of the door when not in use and be
damaged.
In addition, the seat belt warning light
will not illuminate and function properly.

Warning!

Do not use a seat belt extender unless

it is necessary. Using a seat belt extender
when not necessary is dangerous. The
seat belt will be too long and not fit
properly. In an accident, the seat belt will
not provide adequate protection and you
could be seriously injured. Only use the
extender when it is required to fasten the
seat belt properly.

Do not use an improper extender. Using

a seat belt extender that is for another
person or a different vehicle or seat is
dangerous. The seat belt will not provide
adequate protection and the user could be
seriously injured in an accident. Only use

the extender provided for you and for the
particular vehicle and seat.

NEVER use the extender in a different

vehicle or seat. If you sell your vehicle, do
not leave your seat belt extender in the
vehicle. It could be used accidentally by
the new owner of the vehicle. After
removing the seat belt extender, discard it.
Never use the seat belt extender in any
other vehicle you may own in the future.

Do not use an extender that is too long.

Using an extender that is too long is
dangerous. The seat belt will not fit
properly. In an accident, the seat belt will
not provide adequate protection and you
could be seriously injured. Do not use the
extender or choose one shorter in length if
the distance between the extender's
buckle and the center of the user's body is
less than 6 inches (15 cm).

Do not leave a seat belt extender

connected to the buckle. Leaving a seat
belt extender connected to the buckle
without using the seat belt is dangerous.
When the seat belt extender is connected
to the driver's seat belt buckle (or
passenger) seat, the SRS driver's (or
passenger's) air bag system will determine
that the driver (or passenger) is wearing the
seat belt even if the driver (or passenger) is
not wearing it. This condition could cause
the driver's (or passenger's) air bag to not
activate correctly and result in death or
serious injury in the event of collision.
Always wear the seat belt with the seat
belt extender.

Do not use the seat belt extender when

installing a child restraint system on the
passenger seat. Using a seat belt extender
to fasten a child restraint system on any
seat is dangerous. Always follow the child
restraint system manufacturer's installation
instructions and never use a seat belt
extender.

Driver And Passenger
BeltAlert (If Equipped)

Seat Belt Warning Systems
The LED on dashboard trim turns on if
the driver or passenger's seat is
occupied and the seat belt is not
fastened with the ignition switched ON.
If the driver or passenger's seat belt is
unfastened (only when the passenger
seat is occupied) and the vehicle is
driven at a speed faster than about
12 MPH (20 km/h), the

LED flashes.

After a short time, the LED stops
flashing, but remains illuminated.
If a seat belt remains unfastened, the
LED flashes again for a given period of
time. In this case, fasten the seat belt.

Seat Belt Pretensioner

For optimum protection, the driver and
passenger seat belts are equipped with
pretensioner and load limiting systems.
For both these systems to work
properly you must wear the seat belt
properly.
The seat belt pretensioners are
designed to deploy in moderate or

127

severe frontal, near frontal collisions. In
addition, during a side collision, the
pretensioner operates on the 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 operation, refer to the
“SRS Air Bag Deployment Criteria”
paragraph in this chapter.
When a collision is detected, the
pretensioners deploy simultaneously
with the air bags. For deployment
details, refer to the “SRS Air Bag
Deployment Criteria” paragraph 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.
A system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to “Warning Lights And
Messages” and “Warning Sound Is
Activated” paragraph in “Knowing The
Instrument Panel” chapter.
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
occupant. 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 immediately.

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 sufficient 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 strongly urges the use of
child-restraint systems for children small
enough to use them.
FCA recommends use of a genuine
child-restraint system or one that
complies with regulation. If you would
like to purchase a FCA genuine
child-restraint system, please contact a
Authorized Dealership.
Check your local and state or provincial
laws for specific requirements regarding
the safety of children riding in your
vehicle.
Whatever child-restraint system you
consider, please pick the appropriate
one for the age and size of the child,
obey the law and follow the instructions
that come with the individual
child-restraint system.
A child who has outgrown
child-restraint systems should use seat
belts, both lap and shoulder. If the
shoulder belt crosses the neck or face,
move the child closer to the centre of
the vehicle.
A rear-facing child-restraint system
should NEVER be used on the
passenger seat with the Air Bag system
activated. In the event of an impact the
Air Bag activation may cause fatal
injuries to the transported child.

128

SAFETY

With Passenger Occupant
Classification System
To reduce the chance of injuries caused
by deployment of the passenger Air
Bag, the passenger occupant
classification sensor work as a part of
the supplementary restraint system.
This system deactivates the passenger
front and side Air Bags and also the
passenger seat belt pretensioner
system when the

OFF passenger Air

Bag deactivation indicator light
illuminates.
When an infant or small child sits on the
passenger seat, the system shuts off
the passenger front and side Air Bags
and seat belt pretensioner system, so
make sure the

OFF passenger Air

Bag deactivation indicator light
illuminates. For more details, refer to
"Passenger occupant classification
sensor" in “Front Air Bags” for
additional information.
Note: A seat belt or child-restraint
system can become very hot in a
closed vehicle during warm weather. To
avoid burning yourself or a child, check
them before you or your child touches
them.

Warning!

Improper installation can lead to failure

of an infant or child restraint. It could come
loose in a collision. The child could be
badly injured or killed. Follow the child
restraint manufacturer’s directions exactly
when installing an infant or child restraint.

After a child restraint is installed in the

vehicle, do not move the vehicle seat
forward or rearward because it can loosen
the child restraint attachments. Remove
the child restraint before adjusting the
vehicle seat position. When the vehicle
seat has been adjusted, reinstall the child
restraint.

When your child restraint is not in use,

secure it in the vehicle with the seat belt or
LATCH anchorages, or remove it from the
vehicle. Do not leave it loose in the vehicle.
In a sudden stop or accident, it could strike
the occupants or seatbacks and cause
serious personal injury.

Child Restraint System
Types

In this Owner Handbook, explanation of
child restraint systems secured with
seat belts is provided for the following
three types of popular child-restraint
systems: infant seat, child seat, booster
seat.

Note:

Installation position is determined

by the type of child restraint system.
Always read the manufacturer's
instructions and this Owner Handbook
carefully.

Due to variations in the design of

child restraint systems, vehicle seats
and seat belts, not all child restraint
may fit all seating positions.

Before purchasing a child-restraint

system, it should be tested in the
specific vehicle seating position (or
positions) where it is intended to be
used. If a previously purchased
child-restraint system does not fit, you
may need to purchase a different one
that will.

129

Infant Seat
An infant seat provides restraint by
bracing the infant's head, neck and
back against the seating surface.

Child Seat
A child seat restrains a child's body
using the harness.

Booster Seat
A booster seat is a child restraint
accessory designed to improve the fit of
the seat belt system around the child's
body.

Warning!

Never allow a child to put the shoulder belt
under an arm or behind their back. In a
crash, the shoulder belt will not protect a
child properly, which may result in serious
injury or death. A child must always wear
both the lap and shoulder portions of the
seat belt correctly.

Child Seat Installation
Position

The passenger lap/shoulder belt can
easily be converted into the automatic
locking mode, which must be done to
hold the child-restraint system.
Note: To check if your seats have side
air bags: FCA vehicles equipped with
side air bag will have an embossed
"SRS AIRBAG" marking on the
outboard shoulder of the seats.

Follow the child restraint system
manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Depending on the type of child restraint
system, it may not employ seat belts
which are in automatic locking mode,
however if it uses an upper tether, it
may not be mounted properly in this
vehicle as there is no safe way to
anchor the tether. Confirm whether the
child restraint system can be used with
seat belts by reading the child restraint
system manufacturer's instructions.
Passengers Seat Child Restraint
System Installation (With Passenger
Occupant Classification System)
Proceed as follows:

Make sure the ignition is switched

off;

Slide the seat as far back as

possible;

GUID-06070809INF001

Infant Seat

GUID-03030202CHD001

Child Seat

GUID-03030202BOO001

Booster Seat

130

SAFETY

Place the child-restraint system on

the seat without putting your weight on
the seat and secure the child-restraint
system with the lap portion of the
lap/shoulder belt. See the
manufacturer's instructions on the
child-restraint system for belt routing
instructions;

To get the retractor into the

automatic locking mode, pull the
shoulder belt portion of the seat belt
until the entire length of the belt is out of
the retractor;

Push the child-restraint system firmly

into the vehicle seat. Be sure the belt
retracts as snugly as possible. A
clicking noise from the retractor will be
heard during retraction if the system is
in automatic locking mode. If the belt
does not lock the seat down tight,
repeat the previous step and also this
one;

Seat your child safely in the

child-restraint system and secure the
child according to the instructions from
the child-restraint system manufacturer;

Note:

Inspect this function before

each use of the child restraint system.
You should not be able to pull the
shoulder belt out of the retractor while
the system is in the automatic locking
mode. When you remove the
child-restraint system, be sure the belt
fully retracts to return the system to

emergency locking mode before
occupants use the seat belts.

Place the ignition in the ON position

and make sure the passenger air bag
deactivation indicator light illuminates
after installing a child restraint system
on the passenger seat. If the passenger
air bag deactivation indicator light does
not illuminate, remove the child restraint
system, place the ignition in the OFF
position, and then reinstall the child
restraint system.

Warning!

Never place a rear-facing child restraint

in front of an air bag. A deploying
passenger Advanced Front Air Bag can
cause death or serious injury to a child
12 years or younger, including a child in a
rear-facing child restraint.

Only use a rear-facing child restraint in a

vehicle with a rear seat.

An incorrectly anchored tether strap

could lead to increased head motion and
possibly injury to the child. Use only the
anchorage position directly behind the
child seat to secure a child restraint top
tether strap.

GUID-06070400567567

Passenger Air Bag Deactivation

Light

131

SUPPLEMENTARY
RESTRAINT SYSTEM
SRS — AIR BAG

Description

The front and side Supplementary
Restraint Systems (SRS) include
different types of Air Bags.

Note:

Please verify which kinds of Air Bags
are equipped on your vehicle by
locating the “SRS AIR BAG” location
indicators.
These indicators are visible in the area
where the Air Bags are installed.
The Air Bags are installed in the
following locations:

The steering wheel hub (Driver Air

Bag)

The passenger dashboard

(Passenger Air Bag)

The outer sides of the seat backs

(Side Air Bags)
This vehicle has front air bags and
lap/shoulder belts for both the driver
and front passenger. The front air bags
are a supplement to the seat belt
restraint systems.

The Air Bag supplementary restraint
systems are designed to provide
supplementary protection in certain
situations so seat belts are always
important in the following ways.
Without seat belt usage, the Air Bags
cannot provide adequate protection
during an accident. Seat belt usage is
necessary to:

Keep the occupant from being

thrown into an inflating Air Bag.

Reduce the possibility of injuries

during an accident that is not designed
for Air Bag inflation, such as roll-over or
rear impact.

Reduce the possibility of injuries in

frontal, near frontal or side collisions
that are not severe enough to activate
the Air Bags.

Reduce the possibility of being

thrown from your vehicle.

Reduce the possibility of injuries to

lower body and legs during an accident
because the Air Bags provide no
protection to these parts of the body.

Hold the driver in a position which

allows better control of the vehicle.
If your vehicle is also equipped with
a passenger occupant classification
system, refer to the “Passenger
Occupant Classification System”
paragraph for further information.
If your vehicle is equipped with a
passenger occupant classification
system, the passenger Air Bag
deactivation indicator light illuminates
for a specified time after the ignition has
been placed in the ON position.

GUID-06070400567567

Passenger Air Bag Deactivated

Light

132

SAFETY

Small children must be protected by a
child-restraint system as stipulated by
law in every state and province. In
certain states and provinces, larger
children must use a child-restraint
system. Carefully consider which
child-restraint system is necessary for
your child and follow the installation
directions in this Owner's Manual as
well as the child-restraint system
manufacturer's instructions.
Do not use a child-restraint system
which employs an upper tether
because there is no appropriate means
to anchor the tether.

Warning!

No objects should be placed over or

near the air bag on the instrument panel or
steering wheel because any such objects
could cause harm if the vehicle is in a
collision severe enough to cause the air
bag to inflate.

Do not put anything on or around the air

bag covers or attempt to open them
manually. You may damage the air bags
and you could be injured because the air
bags may no longer be functional. The
protective covers for the air bag cushions
are designed to open only when the air
bags are inflating.

Relying on the air bags alone could lead

to more severe injuries in a collision. The air
bags work with your seat belt to restrain
you properly. In some collisions, air bags
won’t deploy at all. Always wear your seat
belts even though you have air bags.

Warning!

Unapproved modifications or service

procedures to the passenger seat
assembly, its related components, seat
cover or cushion may inadvertently change
the air bag deployment in case of a frontal
collision. This could result in death or
serious injury to the front passenger if the
vehicle is involved in a collision. A modified
vehicle may not comply with required
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
(FMVSS) and/or Canadian Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards (CMVSS).

If it is necessary to modify the air bag

system for persons with disabilities,
contact your authorized dealer.

133

Supplementary Restraint System Components

With Passenger Occupant Classification System

1 — Driver/Passenger Inflators And Air
Bags

5 — Side Crash Sensors

9 — Passenger Occupant Classification
Sensor

2 — Crash Sensors And Diagnostic
Module (Sas Unit)

6 — Air Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner
System Warning Light

10 — Passenger Occupant Classification
Module

3 — Seat Belt Pretensioners

7 — Side Inflators And Air Bags

4 — Front Air Bag Sensors

8 — Passenger Air Bag Deactivation
Indicator Light

03040300-121-002-high.jpg

134

SAFETY

Without Passenger Occupant Classification System

1 — Driver/Passenger Inflators And Air
Bags

4 — Front Air Bag Sensors

7 — Side Inflators And Air Bags

2 — Crash Sensors And Diagnostic
Module (Sas Unit)

5 — Side Crash Sensors

3 — Seat Belt Pretensioners

6 — Air Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner
System Warning Light

03040300-122-003-high.jpg

135

How The SRS Air Bags
Work

Your vehicle is equipped with the
following types of SRS air bags. SRS air
bags are designed to work together
with the seat belts to help to reduce
injuries during an accident. The SRS air
bags are designed to provide further
protection for passengers in addition to
the seat belt functions. Be sure to wear
seat belts properly.
Seat Belt Pretensioners
The seat belt pretensioners are
designed to deploy in moderate or
severe frontal, near frontal collisions. In
addition, during a side collision, the
pretensioner operates on the 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 operation, refer to the
SRS Air Bag Deployment Criteria.
Driver Air Bag
The driver's air bag is mounted in the
steering wheel.

When Air Bag crash sensors detect a
frontal impact of greater than moderate
force, the driver's Air Bag inflates
quickly helping to reduce injury mainly
to the driver's head or chest caused by
directly hitting the steering wheel. For
more details about Air Bag deployment,
refer to "SRS Air Bag Deployment
Criteria" in this chapter for further
information.
(With Passenger Occupant
Classification System)
The driver's dual-stage air bag controls
air bag inflation in two energy stages.
During an impact of moderate severity,
the driver's air bag deploys with lesser
energy, whereas during more severe
impacts, it deploys with more energy.

Passenger Air Bag
(Dual stage)
The passenger Air Bag is mounted in
the passenger dashboard.

The inflation mechanism for the
passenger Air Bag is the same as the
driver's Air Bag, as mentioned above.
For more details about Air Bag
deployment, refer to "SRS Air Bag
Deployment Criteria" in this chapter.
For further details about air bag
deployment, refer to "SRS Air Bag
deployment criteria" in this chapter.

06010203-126-123

Abarth Driver Side Air Bags

06010204-126-123

Abarth Passenger Side Air Bag

136

SAFETY