They are “curtain” cushions located behind the side coverings of the roof and covered by proper finishings such to allow the cushion unfolding downwards; this solution, studied for the head protection, allows offering the best protection to the front occupants in the event of side crash.

In minor side crashes (for which the restraining action of the seat belts is sufficient), the air bags are not deployed.

Also in this case it is of vital importance to wear the seat belts since in case of side crash they guarantee proper positioning of the occupant and prevent the occupants to be pitched out of the car in case of violent crashes. Therefore the side bags are not a replacement of but complementary to the belts, which you are recommended to always wear, as specified by law in Europe and most non-European countries.

IMPORTANT In the event of side crash, you can obtain the best protection by the system keeping a correct position on the seat, thus allowing correct front window bag unfolding.

IMPORTANT The front air bags and/or side bags may be deployed if the car is subject to heavy knocks or accidents involving the underbody area, such as for example violent shocks, against steps, kerbs or low obstacles, falling of the car in big holes or sags in the road.

IMPORTANT When the airbag inflates it emits a small amount of dusts. These dusts are harmless and is not the beginning of a fire; then the unfold cushion surface and the car interiors can be covered by a dusty remains: this dust can irritate skin and eyes. In case of contact, wash yourself using neutral soap and water.

WARNING

Never rest head, arms and elbows on the door, on the windows and in the front window bag area to prevent possible injuries during the inflation phase.

WARNING

Never put head, arms and elbows out of window.

The airbag system has a validity of 14 years for the pyrotechnic charge and 10 years for the coil contact (see the plate located in the glove compartment). Contact Fiat Dealership for replacement as these dates approach.

IMPORTANT Should an accident occur in which any of the safety devices is activated, take the car to a Fiat Dealership to have the devices activated replaced and to have the system checked.

All control, repair and replacement operations concerning the air bags must only be carried out c/o Fiat Dealership.

If you are having the car scrapped, have the airbag system deactivated at a Fiat Dealership first. If the car changes ownership, the new owner must be informed of the method of use of air bags and the above warnings and also be given this “Owner handbook”.

IMPORTANT The triggering of pretensioners, front air bags and front and rear side bags is decided in a differentiated manner by the electronic control unit, depending on the type of crash. The failure to deploy one or more of them does not mean that the system is not working properly.