Renault RAFALE - Page 88

ADDITIONAL SAFETY DEVICES
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86 - Getting to know your vehicle
Driver and passenger front airbags
Fitted to the driver and passenger
sides.
A symbol on the lower section of the
windscreen indicates if this equipment
is present (depending on the vehicle).
Each airbag system consists of:
– an airbag and gas generator fitted
on the steering wheel for the driver
andinthedashboardforthefrontpas-
senger;
– an electronic unit for monitoring the
system controlling the gas generator
electrical trigger;
– remote sensors;
– a single warning light on the
instrument panel.
The airbag system uses
pyrotechnic principles.
This explains why, when
the airbag inflates, it will
generate heat, produce smoke
(this does not mean that a fire is
about to start) and sound like a
detonation. In a situation where
an airbag deployment is required,
it will inflate immediately and this
maycausesomeminor,superfi-
cial grazing to the skin or other
problems.
Operation
This system is only operational when
the ignition is switched on.
In a severe frontal impact, the airbags
inflate rapidly, cushioning the impact of
the driver's head and chest against the
steeringwheelandofthefrontpassen-
ger against the dashboard. The
airbags then deflate immediately so
that the passengers are not in any way
prevented from leaving the vehicle.
Operating faults
This warning light comes on
when the engine is started and then
goes out after approximately three
seconds.
Ifitdoesnotcomeonwhentheigni-
tion is switched on or if it stays on,
there is a fault in the system.
Contact your approved Dealer as soon
as possible;
Your protection will be reduced until
this fault is rectified.