2003 Mercedes C-Class Owner's Manual - Page 64

Safety and Security Occupant safety Emergency tensioning device (ETD), seat belt force limiter The seat belts for the front and rear outer seats are equipped with emergency tensioning devices and belt force limiters. The ETD is designed to activate in the following cases when the seat belts are fastened: in frontal or rear-end impacts exceeding a preset severity level if the restraint systems are operational and functioning correctly. See 1 indicator lamp ( page 56). In an impact, emergency tensioning devices remove slack from the belts in such a way that the seat belts fit more snugly against the body. Belt force limiters reduce the force exerted by the seat belts on occupants during a crash. width of the belt to manage impact forces. The twisted belt against your body could cause injuries. Pregnant women should also use a lap-shoulder belt. The lap belt portion should be positioned as low as possible on the hips to avoid any possible pressure on the abdomen. Never place your feet on the instrument panel or on the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat. Warning! G An emergency tensioning device (ETD) that was activated must be replaced. When scrapping the emergency tensioning device, our safety instructions must be followed. These are available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. ! Do not place objects heavier than 20 lbs (9 kg) on the front passenger seat. This could cause the front or side impact airbag on the front passenger side to deploy in a crash which exceeds the system's deployment threshold. 64