AIR BAG SYSTEM

Description 5580C

INTRODUCTION

The vehicle is equipped with an electronic control system that governs the acivation of specific containment devices in the event of frontal or side impact.

The frontal protection system includes the dual stage driver and passenger front Air Bags, the driver''s keen Air Bag, front seat belts with pretensioners and a load limiter fitted onthe buckle with a belt fastened sensor, rear seat belts with pretensioners and a load limiter on the reel, two additional impact sensors and a manual passenger Air Bag disabling switch (OPT).

The side protection system comprises two Air Bags housed in the side members under the roof, two Side Bags on the front seats and two side impact sensor; two Side Bags for the rear seats are available as an optional extra with the disabling switch fitted on the right rear parcel shelf mounting bracket.

The vehicle is also equipped with a passenger presence sensor - SBR - fitted on the seat. The presence of the SBR sensor on the passenger seat makes it possible to prevent unnecessary signalling at the instrument panel if the seat belt is not fastened.

All versions are equipped with 7 Air Bags fitted as standard (dual stage activation front, driver''s knee bag, side on the front seats and window bags) and two available on request (side on the rear seats) making a total of 9 units.

The front protection system features new SMART AIR BAG activation software that automatically adapts activation parameters according to impact severity and whether or not the seat belts are worn.

Driver and passenger front airbags feature two-stage activation: when the impact is of medium severity the electronic control unit only activates the first Air Bag intervention stage avoiding the emission of unnecessary energy for the protection of the occupant.

Conversely, in the case of very severe impact, the control unit activates both stages to absorb most of the kinetic energy from the occupant''s body before it strikes the steering wheel or dashboard.

In this case the driver''s knee protection Air Bag is also activated.

Two additional ECS “Early Crash Sensor” near the front light clusters also help the electronic control unit to operate more quickly than a conventional system so that the airbag activation stage is completed before the occupant''s body begins to move towards the steering wheel or dashboard. In addition, these senors detect underbody stresses or impacts for which the activation of the Air Bags is not necessary as there is no risk to the occupants.

The air bag system components are designed to work on a specific vehicle. They therefore CANNOT be tampered with, adapted or installed on other types of vehicle.

The car must be handed over to the customer with the passenger airbag deactivation switch in the ON position and control panel warning lights off.

For safety reasons, NO continuity checks can be carried out on the wiring.

The electrical connection beween the Air Bag system components is achived through dedicated wiring featuring a yellow outer casing, incorporated in the dashboard cable loom as far s the front devices are concerned and in the seat cable loom as far as the Side Bags and the front pretensioners are concernerd and in the rear cable loom as far as the lateral devices and the rear pretensioners are concerned.

The control unit is connected to the system via two connectors, one for the dashboard lead and the other for the rear lead.

The control unit is connected to the vehicle CAN, through which it exchanges information with other nodes, turns on warning lights in the instrument panel and performs diagnostic operations.

Because the control unit is a node in the CAN, the airbag system has the following possibilities:

- connection to the standard diagnostic socket via the CAN and not the dedicated K line;

- connection to the instrument panel for the operation of the warning lights;

- connection to the panel to satisfy the EuroNCAP protocol which involves a series of warnings if the seat belts are not fastened;

- connection to the Body Computer for potential end of line customisation (Proxi) with a consequent reduction in the number of spare parts.

The front airbag module on the passenger side may be deactivated voluntarily by means of a special key-operated switch on the side of the facia (OPT).

GRAVE DANGER! The front airbag module MUST be deactivated if a child seat is fitted to the front passenger seat.

If the vehicle does not have a passenger Air Bag disabling switch (OPT device) it is ABSOLUTELY prohibited to put a child seat on the front seat.

Front passenger side airbag module deactivation does not disable the sidebag modules. This means that any children carried in the car are protected against side impact.

COMPOSITION

The system consists of the following devices:

- an electronic control unit;

- two (driver and passenger) front air bags with dual stage activation,

- an Air Bag protecting the driver''s knees;

- two frontal impact detection sensors ECS (Early Crash Sensor);

- passenger air bag manual disabling switch (OPT);

- passenger presence sensor on the seat (SBR);

- two front electronic pretensioners on the seat belt buckles;

- two Side Bags on the front seats;

- two window bag modules for the side protection of occupants;

- two side impact sensors in the side pillars;

- two Side Bags on the rear seats;

- rear air bags manual disabling switch;

- two rear side electronic pretensiners on the reel.

The following indications show the system is working properly:

- signalling warning light in the instrument panel;

- passenger air bag disabled warning light in the instrument panel;

- rear side air bags disabled warning light in the instrument panel;

- connection via B-CAN with the diagnostic socket included in the Body

Computer for checking the operation using the EXAMINER.

1 - Electronic control unit.

2 - Front passenger Air Bag disabling switch

3 - Rear sidebag deactivation switch

4 - Passenger side airbag module

5 - Driver''s airbag module

6 - Driver''s knee airbag module

7 - Passenger sidebag module

8 - Driver''s sidebag module

9 - Passenger side impact sensor

10 - Driver''s side impact sensor

11 - Passenger window bag module

12 - Driver''s window bag module

13 - Passenger side pretensioner

14 - Driver''s side pretensioner

15 - Rear pretensioners

16 - Driver''s front impact sensor

17 - Passenger front impact sensor

18 - Passenger presence sensor (SBR)

19 - Left rear Side Bag module

20 - Right rear Side Bag module

21 - Air Bag system fault indication warning light

22 - Passenger side front airbag deactivation warning light

23 - Seat belt not fastened warning light

24 - Rear Air Bag deactivation warning light

ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT

1 - Electronic control unit.

2 - Indication showing direction of motion

The control unit is the central processing unit for the occupant protection system: it is firmly secured to the floor of the vehicle by the centre tunnel. It manages all the containment system detection and activation devices by processing signals from the various sensors distributed throughout the vehicle and internal sensors.

The control unit should always be fitted with the arrow (2), stamped on the adhesive plate, facing the direction of travel of the vehicle. Always check that there are no foreign bodies between the control unit and the bodyshell and tighten the fixing bolts to the recommended torque.

Composition

The control unit contains an electronic deceleration sensor tht enables safety device activation. This sensor consists of two-directional accelerometers that are part of the ECS front sensor and power the operation of the side sensors.

Operation

Frontal impact

When the impact is of medium severity the electronic control unit only activates the first Air Bag intervention stage avoiding the emission of unnecessary energy for the protection of the occupant.

Conversely, in the case of very severe impact, the control unit activates both stages to absorb most of the kinetic energy from the occupant''s body before it strikes the steering wheel or dashboard.

For very serious impacts the driver''s knee Air Bag module intervenes to afford greater protection.

In addition, two supplementary ECS sensors also allow the airbags and pretensiners to be activated earlier than a conventional system so that the airbag activation stage is completed before the occupant''s body begins to move toward the steering wheel or dashboard.

Side impact

Similarly, when side impact occurs, the control unit is able to recognise direction and intensity and thus activate the two front and rear Side Bags and the two Window Bags on the side affected by the impact. To provide total cover against side impacts, two satellite sensors located in the centre pillars are used.

When a side impact takes place, the satellite sensors detect the impact signal directly along the transverse axis of the vehicle and send it to the Node. When processed by the control unit microprocessor, this signal reveals the severity of the side impact and is thus able to decide whether to operate the sidebags on the affected side, only if the control unit safety sensor enables the activation.

The side Air Bags (Window Bags and Side Bags) are activated simultaneously and independently of the front safety devices.

After each activation of one of the controlled systems (pretensioners, front airbags, sidebags), the control unit stores the activation in its permanent memory and controls activation of the fault warning light on the instrument panel.

Before it is replaced, the control unit guarantees activation of individual devices within the following limits:

- 3 impacts with activation of front seat belt pretensioners alone;

-3 impacts in total with side bag activation (right or left);

- 1 impact with activation of the pretensioners and front airbags;

- any combination of the above cases up to the maximum number.

If one of the limits described is not reached, it will be possible to reuse the control unit after carrying out the RESET procedure using the EXAMINER once system operating conditions have been restored. The final activation, corresponding to the maximum number for the limits indicated above, will prevent further reset procedures.

Control unit pin out

The control unit and the pin out are illustrated in the diagram below

1 - Electronic control unit.

A - CONNECTOR on dashboard wiring, light blue

B - CONNECTOR on dashboard wiring, black

DASHBOARD CONNECTOR

REAR CONNECTOR

Self-diagnosis

The control unit carries out continuous self-diagnosis of system operation. More specifically:

- it detects and stores faults;

- it diagnoses connnections to system components and any type of fault that has occurred;

- it indicates the source of these faults by turning on an instrument panel warning light.

Faults stored in the control unit may be deleted only after the fault has been repaired by means of the EXAMINER device.

If a fault is detected in the passenger airbag disablement switch (where fitted), the control unit treats is as though it is off for safety reasons. Module operation is therefore inhibited and the instrument panel warning light is turned on.

DRIVER''S AIR BAG MODULE

The following figure shows an assembly view

1 - Cover

2 - Bag

3 - Containment case

4 - Gas generator connectors

Specifications

The driver side air bag is a passive safety device. It takes the form of a bag that inflates automatically in the case of frontal impact to interpose itself between the driver''s body and front passenger compartment structures. The airbag module is installed in the middle of the steering wheel. The module cover also acts as a horn control.

Composition

The module comprises:

- a plastic cover that tears at preset points when activated to allow the bag to expand correctly.

- a 60 litre bag, made out of nylon thread woven to minimse skin abrasions in the case of contact and folded in such a way as to ensure that inflation is gradual and not directed toward the driver;

- two pyrotechnic type gas generators;

- a containment case.

Operation

Bag inflation is determined by a gas generator that offers two intervention stages that can be activated separately according to impact severity.

Each gas generator is activated by two electrical resistances that burn propellent inside the generator to allow the bag to expand.

Bag inflation opens the flap on the dashboard along predefined cut lines.

When fully inflated, the bag is in an optimal position to protect the occupant. Bag deflation is immediate, due to the hole present in the lower part of the bag. This hole also softens contact between passenger and bag to avoid the risk of abrasions.

PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE

1 - Cover

2 - Bag

3 - Gas generator connectors

Specifications

The passenger airbag module is a passive safety device that protects the front passenger in the event of front impact by means of a bag that interposes itself between the occupant and the vehicle dashboard.

Composition

The module comprises:

- a metal containment mount;

- a paper bag protection that opens along predefined tear marks in the event of activation to allow the bag to emerge;

- a 100 litre bag in nylon, a fabric that minimises skin abrasions in the event of contact. The bag is folded so that it does not inflate directly towards the occupant.

- two pyrotechnic type gas generators;

- mounting brackets on the crossmember;

Operation

The passenger airbag operates in exactly the same way as the driver''s side airbag.

Bag inflation opens the flap on the dashboard along predefined cut lines. When fully inflated, the bag is in an optimal position to protect the occupant.

The braids inside the airbag unfold in such a way as to allow inflation to the maximum specified dimensions to prevent collateral damaging effects on passengers.

Inflation is immediate due to the presence of 2 vent holes in the end of the bag.

KNEE AIR BAG MODULE (DRIVER''S SIDE)

1 - Gas generator

2 - Bag

3 - Cover

Specifications

An Air Bag module has also been fitted in the lower part of the dashboard, under the steering wheel. This module, in addition to protecting the lower limbs, increases protection for the driver, particularly by preventing them from sliding forward, which is a possible cause of injury, particularly to the chest.

Composition

The knee bag module consists of a metal container that houses the gas generator and a nylon bag.

The container is secured to a mounting plate and a safety plate that secures it rigidly to the lower part of the dashboard.

Operation

The gas generator is electrically activated by means of a signal from the electronic control module. Following this signal, a pyrotechnic activation is triggered that causes the gas in the generator to expand. The expanding gases emerge through openings to inflate the bag. When the bag is inflated, the bag is in an optimum position to perform its role of protecting the driver. Bag deflation is immediate due to the presence of vent holes in the end of the bag.

SIDE BAG MODULE

The following figure shows an assembly view

1 - Seat trim

2 - Side bag module

3 - Power lead

Specifications

The front seats contain two side bag modules installed beneath the trim to increase the protection offered by the body in the event of side impact.

This device ensures the airbag is always in an optimum position in relation to the occupant, regardless of the angle of the seat or the size of the occupant.

The side bag protects the chest area and also - together with the door panels - protects critical areas of the body such as the ribs and abdomen. Its position on the seat always ensures maximum efficacy irrespective of seat position, even if the seat occupant is not seated correctly, because bag opening dynamics minimise the risk of body damage due to impact against the body.

Do not cover the front seat squab with extra covers.

Do not wash the seat squab with water or steam under pressure.

Composition

The side bag module consists of a metal container that houses the gas generator and a nylon bag with a volume of 11 litres.

The module container includes a paper bag protection with preset break points. When the backrest cover is fitted, the exterior of the trim in the area over the bags includes seams designed to yield easily to allow the bag to inflate.

The module is connected to the electrical system by means of two leads with yellow sheaths. These are contained, together with the seat earth connection lead, in a protective fabric-lined duct secured to the seat structure. Both leads end in a green connector. The connectors are secured to a mounting that can be extracted on the bottom of the actual seat.

Operation

The gas generator is electrically activated by means of a signal from the electronic control module. Following this signal, a pyrotechnic activation is set off that causes the gas in the generator to expand. The gases expand and emerge through openings to inflate the bag. Bag inflation causes the weak seams in the backrest trim to yield and allow the bag to emerge. When fully inflated, the bag is in an optimal position to protect the occupant. Bag deflation is immediate due to the presence of two vent holes in the end of the bag.

Rear side Air Bags

In this case too the Side Bags protect the chest and, together with the door panels, guarantee protection in the critical areas of the body like the ribs and the abdomen. Their installation at the sides of the seat backrest always guarantee maximum protection.

The operating principle is the same as for the rear Side Bags.

SIDE WINDOW BAG MODULE

Assembly view

1 - Connector

2 - Gas generator

3 - Bag retaining bands

4 - Bag

5 - Sealing brace

Specifications

The window bags are activated together with the sidebags and interpose themselvers between the occupant and the vehicle to prevent the head coming into contact with highly intrusive objects such as glass, pillars etc.

Because the window bags extend from the front pillar to the luggage compartment, they protect front and rear passengers. The window bag system offers the best performance due to the broad area covered and their ability to be self-supporting even without a backing.

The permeability of the bag guarantees protection even in "long" impact situations such as roll over.

Composition

The window bag module consists of:

- a gas generator secured by mounts to the rear car pillar;

- a flexible pipe in permeable cloth secured by a band to the gas generator that diffuses the gas evenly over the entire length of the bag;

- a bag of about 29 litres in volume secured to the gas generator together with a flexible pipe. It is made out of permeable nylon and folded inside a containment sleeve. When inflated, the bag is designed to ensure impact energy is correctly absorbed while maintaining the occupant''s head at an appropriate distance from the impact area. Once inflation is completed, gas is expelled through the porous fabric.

- easy-opening plastic clips that secure the bag to the ceiling rail;

- a retaining strap secured to the front pillar that holds the bag in position once inflated;

Operation

The gas generator is electrically activated by means of a signal from the electronic control module. Following this signal, a pyrotechnic activation is set off that causes the gas in the generator to expand. The expanding gas emerges through special openings and is distributed evenly along the length of the bag through the hose to make the bag inflate. the increase in bag volume causes the fastening container to break, the sleeve seams to yield and the trim to open. Everything is arranged so that the bag emerges correctly downward. The bag is made to inflate correctly by a retaining belt on the front end of the bag. When fully inflated, the bag is in an optimal position to protect the occupants. The bag deflates immediately after being inflated by the gas because the fabric is permeable.

CLOCK SPRING

1 - Electrical connectoin for connecting air bag first stage

2 - Electrical connection for connecting air bag second stage

3 - Steering wheel electrical function lead

4 - Steering column switch unit

5 - Clock spring

Specifications

The clock spring transfers the electrical signal to controls on the steering wheel (horn and other optional radio controls) and connects the airbag module without risk of breakage.

The device, composed of two plates, is an integral part of the steering column switch unit. Inside the two plates, the leads connecting the Air Bag module, the steering wheel control unit and, on the basic version, the horn buttons are wound in a coil so that they can follow steering wheel movements.

The pin out for the clock spring is illustrated below:

Composition

The clock spring has three connections on the steering wheel side: two are designed to connect the Air Bag module (first and second stage), one for connecting the electrical functions for the steering wheel (horn or radio controls control unit NVO plus horn, depending on the version).

Operation

Inside the two plates, the leads connecting the air bag module and the various electrical functions are wound into a spiral with sufficient coils to follow the steering wheel rotations. The upper plate is turned by fasteners on the inside of the retaining ring that fit into the seat on the steering wheel hub. In the working position, the steering wheel presses on the ring to release it from its fasteners and thus allow both plates to turn freely. When the steering wheel is removed, the spring-loaded ring locks rotation between both plates. This function prevents the upper plate, now no longer secured to the steering wheel, from turning freely and unwinding or winding the coil inside the device and possibly causing it to break.

The clock spring on the version known as stand alone should never be separated from the steering column switch unit to prevent damaging the rotation and release device.

Before fitting the steering wheel in its housing, break the red key for the steering column switch unit that guarantees it.

Once the nut tightening the steering wheel is removed, it cannot be reused and should be replaced.

FRONT IMPACT SATELLITE SENSORS

The location of the ECS front impact sensors is described below

Specifications

The additional ECS “Early Crash Sensor” located on the ends of the headlamp carrier crossmember helps the electronic control unit to operate more quickly than a conventional system so that the airbag activation stage is completed before the occupant''s body begins to move towards the steering wheel or dashboard.

In addition, these senors detect underbody stresses or impacts for which the activation of the Air Bags is not necessary as there is no risk to the occupants.

SIDE IMPACT SATELLITE SENSORS

Location of side impact sensor

1 - Satellite side impact sensors

2 - Link connection

Specifications

The side protection system consists of the airbags and also an electronic control circuit that ensures the system operates correctly. Two satellite sensors containing an accelerometer are installed inside the side pillars to measure accelerations resulting from side impact.

Operation

If the acceleration level detected by the relevant sensor causes a given threshold to be exceeded, the information is compared with a measurement obtained by a safety sensor in the air bag system electronic control unit. If the measured values are consistent, the control unit controls activation of the side bags and window bags on the side affected by impact.

PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DISABLEMENT KEY SWITCH (OPTIONAL)

A switch located in the dashboard on the passenger side allows the user to deactivate the passenger air bag so that a child seat can be installed without problems. On the front seats, child seats are positioned facing towards the back of the car.

Operation

An switch operated by means of the emergency key in the TEG allows enablement (ON) and disablement (OFF) of the air bag module on the passenger side.

In this case, the control unit cuts out passenger air bag activation but enables normal operation of the pretensioner (only with seat belt fastened) and the side bags. This happens because if a passenger is present but the switch has been left OFF by accident, the air bag will not activate - only the pretensioner.

Deactivation is indicated by a warning light in the instrument panel coming on.

Composition

1 - key-operated switch

2 - OFF position: Passenger air bag disabled

3 - ON position: Passenger air bag enabled

4 - Passenger side disablement warning light

The unit consists of a case that houses the switch, a key barrel inserted in the case and held in place by a clip and a plate that indicates the positioned assumed by the switch (ON or OFF).

Switch faults are indicated by activation of the air bag system fault warning light.

During the normal key on diagnostic procedure (4 seconds), the electronic control unit checks switch status.

If the status identified is OFF, the module is excluded from possible activation, the corresponding signal is saved and the warning light in instrument panel comes on.

If the status identified at the end of the four second diagnostic procedure is ON, the warning light flashes for a further four seconds and then goes off.

In the case of switch anomalies or faults, the system reacts as follows:

- passenger side module is not activated

- air bag system fault warning light comes on

- passenger side air bag module disablement warning light comes on

- deactivation status is saved.

The switch is not operated with the ignition key ON (e.g. using the second key). In this case, the electronic control unit saves an error, indicates it by turning on the air bag system fault warning light and deactivates the module.

REAR AIR BAGS DISABLEMENT KEY SWITCH

A switch operated by means of the emergency key in the TEG allows enablement (ON) and disablement (OFF) of the rear Side Bag modules.

In this case the control unit excludes the activation of the Side Bags, but not the pretensioners (only with the seat belt not fastened). This is because if the passengers are not present but the switch has been incorrectly left OFF, the Side Bags doe not intervene but only the other side devices intervene (window bags, front side bags).

Deactivation is indicated by a warning light in the instrument panel coming on.

Composition

1 - Casing

2 - Connector

3 - Key barrel

4 - Plate

5 - Rear side bags disabled warning light

FRONT SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS

The seat belt pretensioners are pyrotechnic devices incorporated in the buckle which attaches to the belt.

In the case of a frontal impact, the pretensioner intervenes recovering the inevitable lengthening of the actual belt due to the action of the weight of the body which is kept as close as possible to the seat.

If the belt remains close to the body, it can absorb the kinetic energy produced during the impact very gradually.

Operation

Having detected an impact, the control unit activates the ignition circuit which supplies the gas generator (1) in a similar way to the Air Bag module. The pressure of the gas, created by the combustion of the propellant inside the generator (1) is applied ot the surface of the piston (2) and produces a force that is exerted on the latter in the cylinder (3).

There is a steel cable (4) fitted on the piston (2) whose end is connected to the seat belt mounting. The movement of the piston (2) drives the buckle downwards shortening the actual belt by a few centimetres recovering the lengthening and any slack.

After activation the pretensioner stops working and cannot, under any circumstances, be repaired.

The activation is signalled by the special Air Bag warning light in the instrument panel.

The pretensioner intervention levels are lower than those for Air Bags which means that impacts in which only the pretensioner intervenes can take place.

Seat belt fastened sensors for front seats

When seat belts are not worn and therefore there is a considerable risk of serious injury even for slight impacts compared with when the occupant is wearing a seat belt, the special seat belt fastened sensors in the front belt buckles, in addition to activating the alarm warning light in the panel and the buzzer, allow the control unit to adapt the activation of the Air Bags and prevent the activation of the pretensioners (which, as the saet belts are not fastened, would only create an additional cost in the repair of the vehicle).

REAR SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS

1 - Gas generator

2 - Electrical connector

3 - Belt

4 - Reel

Specifications

The pretensioners are pyrotechnic devices that are activated electrically by means of a signal from the electronic control unit. They are built into the rear seat belt reel. Activation of the seat belt pretensioners is controlled by the same strategy as the air bags.

The pretensioners are designed to take up slack in the seat belt to ensure it holds the occupant against the backrest from the first moments of impact, thus reducing movement inside the passenger compartment.

The belts are also equipped with load limters that decrease the force transmitted by the belts to the chest.

Operation

When the car decelerates to a sufficient extent, as measured by system acceleromters, the electronic sensor in the electronic control unit sends a signal to trigger the gas generator pyrotechnic charges.

The combustion of the propellant creates a chemical reaction producing inert gases whose pressure generates a force that pushes a piston upwards, changing the rotary movement of the reel to the opposite direction of the belt unwinding, rewinding it by a few centimetres.

AIRBAG SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS

1 - Air Bag system fault warning light

2 - Passenger side disablement warning light

3 - Seat belt not fastened warning light

4 - Rear side bags disabled warning light

Air Bag system fault warning light

With the TEG inserted and turned ON, the Air Bag system fault warning light (red) comes on for about four seconds (initial self-diagnosis stage) and then goes off. If the control unit detects a fault in the warning light, it saves the corresponding fault code.

If no system faults are detected at key on and no fault conditions are present in the fault memory, the warning light goes off after four seconds of self-diagnosis. Otherwise it stays on.

The warning light stays or comes on durng normal car operation in the following cases:

- the control unit detects a fault in the airbag system;

- the control unit detects a crash with system activation;

- when a fault is detected in the warning light connection circuit.

As a consequence of a crash when the pretensioners or sidebags alone are activated, the warning light stays on until system operating conditions are restored (replacement of affected part or control unit repair using an EXAMINER)

If the crash causes the front airbag modules to activate, the warning light stays on permanently because the control unit cannot reset (in this case the control unit must be replaced).

If internal operating errors occur during the operational lifetime of the control unit that cannot be repaired by means of the EXAMINER, these are indicated by permanent activation of the warning light.

Passenger Air Bag disabled warning light

With the TEG inserted and turned ON, the amber yellow passenger side air bag disabled warning light comes on for about four seconds (initial self-diagnosis stage) and flashes for the next 4 seconds.

If the control unit detects a fault in the warning light, it saves the fault code, turns on the fault warning light and keeps the rear Side Bag modules disabled.

System operation is restored by means of an EXAMINER as with the fault warning light.

The disabling of the passenger side module MUST only be carried out in key off conditions: otherwise, this operation causes an error to be stored in the control unit.

Rear side bags disabled warning light

With the TEG inserted and turned ON, the amber yellow rear Side Bags disabled warning light comes on for about four seconds (initial self-diagnosis stage) and flashes for the next 4 seconds.

If the control unit detects a fault in the warning light, it saves the fault code, turns on the fault warning light and keeps the rear Side Bag modules disabled.

System operation is restored by means of an EXAMINER as with the fault warning light.

The disabling of the rear modules MUST only be carried out in key off conditions: otherwise, this operation causes an error to be stored in the control unit.

Seat Belt Reminder "FIRST WARNING CYCLE" WARNING LIGHT SIGNAL

The "seat belts" warning light signals that the (driver''s or passenger side) seat belts are not fastened in accordance with the following strategy:

- the warning light comes on in fixed mode, at key-on, if the seat belt has not already been fastened;

- the warning light comes on in fixed mode if, with key on, the belt is unfastened (unless the following conditions apply, when the warning light should flash);

- the warning light comes on in fixed mode if, with key on, the belt is unfastened (unless the following conditions apply, when the warning light should flash);

- the warning light goes out if, the seat belt is fastened at key on.

- the warning light should remain off at key off.

The signalling via the warning light on constantly can never be excluded.

"WARNING CYCLE": WARNING LIGHT AND HORN SIGNAL

The warning cycle is activated for 90 seconds if, with the seat belt not fastened and the key inserted (key on status), at least one of the following conditions is verifed:

- time elapsed equal to 60 secs and vehicle speed above 10 km/h;

- vehicle speed above 25 km/h;

- distance travelled more than 500 m;

The warning cycle consists of the warning light coming on in flashing mode (frequency of 2 Hz DC 50%) combined with an acoustic signal.

Operation during the 90 second cycle

- if the seat belts are fastened, the warning cycle is interrupted immediately (the warning light goes out and the buzzer stops) and the system is ready for a new signal cycle;

- if one of the three events that caused the activation of the warning cycle no longer exists, the cycle continues until the 90 secs have elapsed;

- if a further warning is required, the warning light indicates the new event by interrupting the current warning cycle (the acoustic signal stops and the seat belt reminder warning light changes from a flashing to a fixed light) and activating the new signal. The system then resumes the warning cycle prior to the new, most recent event. If the seat belt is fastened during the new event warning, the warning cycle ceases;

- if the key is turned off, the warning cycle stops immediately.

Operation after 90 seconds

If the seat belt unfastened status persists:

- the acoustic signalling is deactivated;

- the warning light flashing cycle stops and the warning light remains on in fixed mode.

The warning cycle is only carried out once, if the above mentioned conditions occur: then, at the end of the 90 second period, if the seat belt is still not fastened, it is not repeated.

New warning signal

The warning cycle is only repeated when the seat belt not fastened condition is detected again (transition from seat belt fastened to seat belt not fastened) and one of the three conditions described previously is detected.

Method for excluding the warning cycle (warning light flashing/horn)

The user can deactivate the warning cycle temporarily by means of the following procedure:

Within one minute of key-on, proceed as follows:

- do up the driver and passenger side seat belts. To make the procedure easier, the seat belts can be fastened before the key on.

- keep the belts fastened (simultaneously) for at least 20 s (with the TEG inserted and turned ON).

- unfasten at least one of the seat belts.

The warning cycle will be automatically activated again at each new key on operation.

The deactivation procedure must be performed using a diagnostic instrument (Examiner) in communication with the control panel.

Noone can deactivate the signal issued by the warning light on the dashboard. This is always present (fixed light) if the seat belt is unfastened.

Warnings

If the Air Bag warning light does not come on when the ignition is turned ON or it remains on whilst driving (together with the message in the display), it is possible that there is a fault in the system. In this case, the Air Bags or the pretensioners may not be activated in the case of an accident or (in a smaller number of cases) they may be activated incorrectly.

When the ignition key is turned to the ON position, the passenger Air Bag disabled warning light (with the passenger side and front Air Bag disabled switch in the ON position) comes on firstly in fixed mode and then flashing for a few seconds (in order to remind that the passenger Air Bag will activate in the case of an impact) after which it should go out.

When the ignition key is turned to the ON position, the passenger Air Bag disabled warning light (with the rear side Air Bags disabled switch in the ON position) comes on firstly in fixed mode and then flashing for a few seconds (in order to remind that the rear side Air Bags will activate in the case of an impact) after which it should go out.