2001 Mercedes C-Class Owner's Manual - Page 81

Instruments and controls Operation Driving Instrument cluster display 72 Practical hints Car care Technical data Index Restraint systems Safety guidelines for the seat belt, emergency tensioning retractor and airbag Warning! • Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly stressed in an accident must be replaced and their anchoring points must also be checked. Use only belts installed or supplied by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. • Airbags and "ETR's" are designed to function on a one-time-only basis. An airbag or emergency tensioning retractor (ETR) that was activated must be replaced. • No modifications of any kind may be made to any components or wiring of the "SRS". This includes changing or removing any component or part of the "SRS", the installation of additional trim material, badges etc. over the steering wheel hub, front passenger airbag cover, door trim panels, or door frame trims, and installation of additional electrical/ electronic equipment on or near "SRS" components and wiring. Keep area between airbags and occupants free from objects (e.g. packages, purses, umbrellas, etc). • Do not pass belts over sharp edges. • Do not make any modification that could change the effectiveness of the belts. • Do not use handles above doors for placing such items as coat hangers etc. • An airbag system component within the steering wheel gets hot after the airbag has inflated. Do not touch. • Improper work on the system, including incorrect installation and removal, can lead to possible injury through an unintended activation of the "SRS". • In addition, through improper work there is a risk of rendering the "SRS" inoperative or causing unintended airbag deployment. Work on the "SRS" must therefore only be performed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.