SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)

Introduction

SRS consists of:
• SRS warning lamp
• Air bags • The air bag control unit with crash sensors • Emergency Tensioning Devices for the front seat belts and the outer seat belts in the rear
• Belt force limiters

SRS reduces the risk of occupants coming into contact with the vehicle's interior in the event of an accident. It can also reduce the effect of the forces to which occupants are subjected during an accident.

SRS warning lamp

WARNING

The SRS self-check has detected a malfunction if the SRS indicator
lamp:
• does not light up at all • does not go out after approximately four seconds after the engine is started • lights up after the engine is started or while the vehicle is in motion

For your safety, Mercedes-Benz strongly recommends that you have the system checked as soon as possible at a qualified specialist workshop. SRS may otherwise fail to activate when it is needed in the event of an accident, which could lead to serious or fatal injuries. SRS might also be activated unexpectedly and unnecessarily, which could also result in injury.

In addition, work carried out improperly on SRS may render SRS inoperative or cause unintended air bag deployment. Work on the SRS system should only be carried out by qualified specialist personnel. Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

If it is necessary to modify an air bag system to accommodate a person with disabilities, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for details. USA only: for further information, contact our Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372).

SRS functions are checked regularly when you switch on the ignition and when the engine is running. Therefore, malfunctions can be detected in good time.

The SRS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up when the ignition is switched on. It goes out no later than a few seconds after the engine is started.

The SRS components are in operational readiness when the SRS warning lamp
goes out while the engine is running.

Safety guidelines for seat belts, Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs) and air bags

WARNING

• Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have been subjected to stress in an accident must be replaced. Their anchoring points must also be checked. Only use seat belts installed or supplied by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

• Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs) contain perchlorate material, which may require special handling and regard for the environment. Check your national disposal guidelines. California residents, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/ Perchlorate/index.cfm.

• Air bags and ETDs are designed to function on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD that has deployed must be replaced. PRESAFE ® has electrically operated reversible belt tensioners in addition to the pyrotechnic ETDs.

• Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges.

They could tear.

• Do not make any modification that could change the effectiveness of the seat belts.

• Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to provide adequate protection.

• No modifications of any kind may be made to any components or wiring of the SRS.

• Do not change or remove any component or part of the SRS.

• Do not install additional trim material, seat covers, badges, etc. to the: - padded steering wheel boss - knee bag covers
- front-passenger air bag cover - outer side of front seat bolsters - outer side of rear bench seat backrest seat bolsters
- roof lining trim
• Do not install additional electrical/ electronic equipment on or near SRS components and wiring.

• Keep area between air bags and occupants free of objects (e.g. packages, purses, umbrellas, etc.).

• Do not hang items such as coat hangers from the coat hooks or handles over the door. These items may be thrown around in the vehicle and cause head and other injuries when the window curtain air bag is deployed.

• Air bag system components will be hot after an air bag has inflated. Do not touch them.

• Never place your feet on the instrument panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.

• Improper repair work on the SRS creates a risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or causing unintended air bag deployment.

Work on the SRS must therefore only be performed by qualified technicians.

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

• For your protection and the protection of others, when scrapping the air bag unit or ETD, our safety instructions must be followed. These instructions are available from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

• Given the considerable deployment speed, required inflation volume, and the material of the air bags, there is the possibility of abrasions or other, potentially more serious injuries resulting from air bag deployment.

If you sell your vehicle, Mercedes-Benz strongly recommends that you inform the subsequent owner that the vehicle is equipped with SRS. Also, refer them to the applicable section in the Operator's Manual.