Buckling and unbuckling seat belts

Seat belts should be used by all occupants in the vehicle when it is in motion.

Buckling a seat belt

Pull the belt out slowly. It should not be twisted or turned.

 Note

Each seat belt is equipped with a seat belt retractor that will lock up in the following situations:

  • if the belt is pulled out rapidly
  • during braking and acceleration
  • if the vehicle is leaning excessively
  • when driving in turns
  • if the Automatic Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) is activated (each seat belt (except for the driver's belt) is equipped with the ALR/ELR function, which is designed to help keep the seat belt taut. ALR/ELR activates if the seat belt is pulled out as far as possible. If this is done, a sound from the seat belt retractor will be audible, which is normal, and the seat belt will be pulled taut and locked in place. This function is automatically disabled when the seat belt is unbuckled and fully retracted).
Insert the latch plate into the receptacle. The seat belt retractor is normally "unlocked" and you can move freely, provided that the shoulder belt is not pulled out too far.
A distinct click will be audible.

 Warning

The seat belt latch plate should only be inserted into its intended receptacle. Inserting it into one of the other receptacles may prevent it from functioning properly.

The height of the seat belts in the front seats can be adjusted. The height of the shoulder section of the seat belt must be correctly adjusted.

P5-1507–Safety–Seat belt height adjuster

Press the button and move the upper seat belt anchor up or down.

Position it as high as possible so that the shoulder section of the belt is across the seat occupant's collarbone and not across the throat.

P5-1507–Safety–Seat belt over shoulder
The seat belt should be positioned over the shoulder (not over the arm)

Tighten the lap section of the seat belt by pulling the diagonal section upward toward the shoulder.

P5-1507–Safety–Seat belt over hips
The lap section of the belt must be positioned low on the hips (not pressing against the abdomen)

Make sure that the shoulder belt is rolled up into its retractor and that the shoulder and lap belts are taut.

 Warning

Never use a seat belt for more than one occupant. Never wear the shoulder portion of the belt under the arm, behind the back or otherwise out of position. Such use could cause injury in the event of an accident. As seat belts lose much of their strength when exposed to violent stretching, they should be replaced after any collision, even if they appear to be undamaged.

Unbuckling the seat belt

To remove the seat belt, press the red section on the seat belt receptacle. Before exiting the vehicle, check that the seat belt retracts fully after being unbuckled. If necessary, guide the belt back into the retractor slot.