Hyundai Santa Fe (TM): Seats & Safety System / Seat belts

This section describes how to use the seat belts properly. It also describes some of the things not to do when using seat belts.

Seat belt safety precautions

Always fasten your seat belt and make sure all passengers have fastened their seat belts before starting any trip. Air bags are designed to supplement the seat belt as an additional safety device, but they are not a substitute. Most states require all occupants of a vehicle to wear seat belts.

WARNING

Seat belts must be used by ALL passengers whenever the vehicle is moving. Take the following precautions when adjusting and wearing seat belts:

• Children under the age of 13 should be properly restrained in the rear seats.
• Never allow children to ride in the front passenger seat, unless the air bag is deactivated. If a child is seated in the front passenger seat, move the seat as far back as possible. And the child must always be restrained in the seat properly.
• NEVER allow an infant or child to be carried on an occupant’s lap.
• NEVER ride with the seatback reclined when the vehicle is moving.
• Do not allow children to share a seat or seat belt.
• Do not wear the shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back.
• Never wear a seat belt over fragile objects. If there is a sudden stop or impact, the seat belt can damage it.
• Do not use the seat belt if it is twisted. A twisted seat belt will not protect you properly in an accident.
• Do not use a seat belt if the webbing or hardware is damaged.
• Do not latch the seat belt into the buckles of other seats.
• NEVER unfasten the seat belt while driving. This may cause loss of vehicle control resulting in an accident.
• Make sure there is nothing in the buckle interfering with the seat belt latch mechanism, because any materials in the buckle can cause the seat belt not to be fastened securely.
• No modifications or additions should be made by the user which will either prevent the seat belt adjusting devices from operating to remove slack, or prevent the seat belt assembly from being adjusted to remove slack.

WARNING

Damaged seat belts and seat belt assemblies will not operate properly. Always replace:

• Frayed, contaminated, or damaged webbing.
• Damaged hardware.
• The entire seat belt assembly after it has been worn in an accident, even if damage to webbing or assembly is not apparent.

Seat belt warning light

Seat belt warning light (for driver’s seat)

Instrument cluster

As a reminder to the driver, the seat belt warning light will illuminate for approximately 6 seconds each time you place the ignition switch to the ON position regardless of belt fastening. At this time, if the seat belt is not fastened a warning chime will sound for 6 seconds. If you continue not to fasten the seat belt and you drive over 6 mph (9 km/h), the warning light will stay illuminated.

If you continue not to fasten the seat belt and you drive over 12 mph (20 km/h), the seat belt warning chime will sound for approximately 100 seconds and the corresponding warning light will blink.

If you unfasten the seat belt while driving under 12 mph (20 km/h), the seat belt warning light will illuminate until the seat belt is fastened.

If you unfasten the seat belt while driving over 12 mph (20 km/h), the seat belt warning chime will sound for approximately 100 seconds and the corresponding warning light will blink.

Seat belt warning light (for front passenger’s seat)

As a reminder to the front passenger, the front passenger’s seat belt warning lights will illuminate for approximately 6 seconds each time you place the ignition switch to the ON position regardless of belt fastening.

If you continue not to fasten the seat belt and you drive over 12 mph (20 km/h), the seat belt warning chime will sound for approximately 100 seconds and the corresponding warning light will blink.

If you unfasten the seat belt while driving under 12 mph (20 km/h), the seat belt warning light will illuminate until the seat belt is fastened.

If you unfasten the seat belt while driving over 12 mph (20 km/h), the seat belt warning chime will sound for approximately 100 seconds and the corresponding warning light will blink.

WARNING

Riding in an improper position adversely affects the front passenger’s seat belt warning system. It is important for the driver to instruct the passenger to be seated properly as instructed in this manual.

Information

• Although the front passenger seat is not occupied, the seat belt warning light will blink or illuminate for 6 seconds.
• The front passenger’s seat belt warning may operate when luggage is placed on the front passenger seat.

Seat belt restraint system

WARNING

Improperly positioned seat belts may increase the risk of serious injury in an accident. Take the following precautions when adjusting the seat belt:

• Position the lap portion of the seat belt as low as possible across your hips, not on your waist, so that it fits snugly. This allows your strong pelvic bones to absorb the force of the crash, reducing the chance of internal injuries.
• Position one arm under the shoulder belt and the other over the belt, as shown in the illustration.
• Always position the shoulder belt anchor into the locked position at the appropriate height.
• Never position the shoulder belt across your neck or face.

Front Seat Belt – Driver’s 3point system with emergency locking retractor

To fasten your seat belt:

Pull it out of the retractor and insert the metal tab (1) into the buckle (2). There will be an audible “click” when the tab locks into the buckle.

You should place the lap belt (1) portion across your hips and the shoulder belt (2) portion across your chest.

The seat belt automatically adjusts to the proper length after the lap belt portion is adjusted manually so that it fits snugly around your hips. If you lean forward in a slow, easy motion, the belt will extend and move with you.

If there is a sudden stop or impact, the belt will lock into position. It will also lock if you try to lean forward too quickly.

Information

If you are not able to smoothly pull enough of the seat belt out from the retractor, firmly pull the seat belt out and release it. After release, you will be able to pull the belt out smoothly.

Height adjustment

You can adjust the height of the shoulder belt anchor to one of the four different positions for maximum comfort and safety.

The shoulder portion should be adjusted so it lies across your chest and midway over your shoulder nearest the door, not over your neck.

Front seat

To adjust the height of the seat belt anchor, lower or raise the height adjuster into an appropriate position.

To raise the height adjuster, pull it up (1). To lower it, push it down (3) while pressing the height adjuster button (2).

Release the button to lock the anchor into position. Try sliding the height adjuster to make sure that it has locked into position.

To release your seat belt:

Press the release button (1) in the locking buckle.

When it is released, the belt should automatically draw back into the retractor. If this does not happen, check the belt to be sure it is not twisted, then try again.

Rear Seat Belt – Passenger’s 3point system with convertible locking retractor

This type of seat belt combines the features of both an emergency locking retractor seat belt and an automatic locking retractor seat belt. Convertible retractor type seat belts are installed in the rear seat positions to help accommodate the installation of child restraint systems. Although a convertible retractor is also installed in the front passenger seat position, NEVER place any infant/child restraint system in the front seat of the vehicle.

To fasten your seat belt:

Pull the seat belt out of the retractor and insert the metal tab into the buckle. There will be an audible “click” when the tab locks into the buckle. When not securing a child restraint, the seat belt operates in the same way as the driver’s seat belt (Emergency Locking Retractor Type). It automatically adjusts to the proper length only after the lap belt portion of the seat belt is adjusted manually so that it fits snugly across your hips.

When the seat belt is fully extended from the retractor to allow the installation of a child restraint system, the seat belt operation changes to allow the belt to retract, but not to extend (Automatic Locking Retractor Type). Refer to the “Using a Child Restraint System” section in this chapter.

To release your seat belt:

Press the release button (1) in the locking buckle.

When it is released, the belt should automatically draw back into the retractor. If this does not happen, check the belt to be sure it is not twisted, then try again.

NOTICE

Although the seat belt retractor provides the same level of protection for seated passengers in either emergency or automatic locking modes, the emergency locking mode allows seated passengers to move freely in their seat while keeping some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop, the retractor automatically locks the belt to help restrain your body.

To deactivate the automatic locking mode, unbuckle the seat belt and allow the belt to fully retract.

Second row center seatbelt (3-point rear center seat belt)

1. Insert the tongue plate (1) into the buckle (2) until an audible “click" is heard, indicating the latch is locked. Make sure the belt is not twisted.

When using the rear center seat belt, the buckle with the “CENTER” mark must be used.

Information

If you are not able to pull out the safety belt from the retractor, firmly pull the belt out and release it. After release, you will be able to pull the belt out smoothly.

WARNING

Make sure that the seatback is locked in place when using the rear center seat belt.

If not, the seatback may move when there is a sudden stop or collision, which could result in serious injury.

Stowing the rear seat belt

• The rear seat belt buckles can be stowed in the pocket between the rear seatback and cushion when not in use.

• Routing the seat belt webbing through the rear seat belt guides will help keep the belts from being trapped behind or under the seats.

After inserting the seat belt, tighten the belt webbing by pulling it up.

CAUTION

When using the seat belt, use it after taking it out of the guides.

If you pull the seat belt when it is stored in the guides, it may damage the guides and/or belt webbing.

Pre-tensioner seat belt

Your vehicle is equipped with driver’s and front passenger’s Pre-tensioner Seat Belts(Retractor Pretensioner and Emergency Fastening Device System). The purpose of the pre-tensioner is to make sure the seat belts fit tightly against the occupant’s body in certain frontal or side collision(s). The Emergency Fastening Device System may be activated in certain crashes where the frontal collision(s) is severe enough, together with the air bags.

When the vehicle stops suddenly, or if the occupant tries to lean forward too quickly, the seat belt retractor will lock into position. In certain frontal or side collision(s), the pre-tensioner will activate and pull the seat belt into tighter contact against the occupant’s body.

(1) Retractor Pretensioner

The purpose of the retractor pretensioner is to make sure that the shoulder belts fit in tightly against the occupant’s upper body in certain frontal or side collision(s).

(2) Emergency Fastening Device System

The purpose of the Emergency Fastening Device System is to make sure that the pelvis belts fit in tightly against the occupant’s lower body in certain frontal collision(s).

If the system senses excessive tension on the driver or passenger’s seat belt when the pre-tensioner system activates, the load limiter inside the retractor pre-tensioner will release some of the pressure on the affected seat belt.

WARNING

• Always wear your seat belt and sit properly in your seat.
• Do not use the seat belt if it is loose or twisted. A loose or twisted seat belt will not protect you properly in an accident.
• Do not place anything near the buckle. This may adversely affect the buckle and cause it to function improperly.
• Always replace your pre-tensioners after activation or an accident.
• NEVER inspect, service, repair or replace the pre-tensioners by yourself. Have the pre-tensioners inspected, serviced, repaired or replaced by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
• Do not hit the seat belt assemblies.

WARNING

Do not touch the pre-tensioner seat belt assemblies for several minutes after they have been activated. When the pre-tensioner seat belt mechanism deploys during a collision, the pretensioner can become hot and can burn you.

CAUTION

Body work on the front area of the vehicle may damage the pre-tensioner seat belt system. Therefore, have the system to be serviced by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

The Pre-Tensioner Seat Belt System consists mainly of the following components. Their locations are shown in the illustration above:

(1) SRS air bag warning light
(2) Retractor pre-tensioner
(3) SRS control module
(4) Emergency fastening device

NOTICE

The sensor that activates the SRS control module is connected with the pre–tensioner seat belts. The SRS air bag warning light on the instrument cluster will illuminate for approximately 3~6 seconds after the Engine Start/Stop button is in the ON position, and then it should turn off.

If the pre-tensioner is not working properly, the warning light will illuminate even if the SRS air bag is not malfunctioning. If the warning light does not illuminate, stays illuminated or illuminates when the vehicle is being driven, have the pre-tensioner seat belts and/or SRS control module be inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.

Information

• Pre-tensioner seat belts may be activated in certain frontal or side collisions or rollover situations (if equipped with rollover sensor).
• When the pre-tensioner seat belts are activated, a loud noise may be heard and fine dust, which may appear to be smoke, may be visible in the passenger compartment. These are normal operating conditions and are not hazardous.
• Although it is non-toxic, the fine dust may cause skin irritation and should not be inhaled for prolonged periods. Wash all exposed skin areas thoroughly after an accident in which the pretensioner seat belts were activated.

Additional seat belt safety precautions

Seat belt use during pregnancy

The seat belt should always be used during pregnancy. The best way to protect your unborn child is to protect yourself by always wearing the seat belt.

Pregnant women should always wear a lap-shoulder seat belt. Place the shoulder belt across your chest, routed between your breasts and away from your neck. Place the lap belt below your belly so that it fits SNUGLY across your hips and pelvic bone, under the rounded part of the belly.

WARNING

• Pregnant women and patients are more vulnerable to any impacts on the abdomen during an abrupt stop or accident. If you are in an accident while pregnant, consult your doctor.
• To reduce the risk of serious injury or death to an unborn child during an accident, pregnant women should NEVER place the lap portion of the seat belt above or over the area of the abdomen where the unborn child is located.

Seat belt use and children

Infant and small children

Most countries have Child Restraint System laws which require children to travel in approved Child Restraint System devices, including booster seats. The age at which seat belts can be used instead of Child Restraint System differs among countries, so you should be aware of the specific requirements in your country, and where you are travelling. Infant and Child Restraint System must be properly placed and installed in a rear seat.

For more information refer to the “Child Restraint Systems” section in this chapter.

WARNING

ALWAYS properly restrain infants and small children in a Child Restraint System appropriate for the child’s height and weight.

To reduce the risk of serious injury or death to a child and other passengers, NEVER hold a child in your lap or arms when the vehicle is moving. The violent forces created during an accident will tear the child from your arms and throw the child against the interior of the vehicle.

Small children are best protected from injury in an accident when properly restrained in the rear seat by a Child Restraint System that meets the requirements of the Safety Standards of your country. Before buying any Child Restraint System, make sure that it has a label certifying that it meets Safety Standard of your country.

The Child Restraint System must be appropriate for your child’s height and weight. Check the label on the Child Restraint System for this information. Refer to “Child Restraint Systems” section in this chapter.

Larger children

Children under age 13 and who are too large for a booster seat should always occupy the rear seat and use the available lap/shoulder belts. A seat belt should lie across the upper thighs and be snug across the shoulder and chest to restrain the child safely. Check belt fit periodically. A child’s squirming could put the belt out of position. In the event of an accident, children are afforded the best safety restrained by a proper Child Restraint System in the rear seats.

If a larger child over age 13 must be seated in the front seat, the child must be securely restrained by the available lap/shoulder belt and the seat should be placed in the rearmost position.

If the shoulder belt portion slightly touches the child’s neck or face, try placing the child closer to the center of the vehicle. If the shoulder belt still touches their face or neck, they need to be returned to an appropriate booster seat in the rear seat.

WARNING

• Always make sure larger children’s seat belts are worn and properly adjusted.
• NEVER allow the shoulder belt to contact the child’s neck or face.
• Do not allow more than one child to use a single seat belt.

Seat belt use and injured people

A seat belt should be used when an injured person is being transported. Consult a physician for specific recommendations.

One person per belt

Two people (including children) should never attempt to use a single seat belt. This could increase the severity of injuries in case of an accident.

Do not lie down

Sitting in a reclined position when the vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even when buckled up, the protections of your restraint system (seat belts and/or air bags) is greatly reduced by reclining your seatback.

Seat belts must be snug against your hips and chest to work properly.

During an accident, you could be thrown into the seat belt, causing neck or other injuries.

The more the seat back is reclined, the greater the chance for the passenger’s hips to slide under the lap belt or the passenger’s neck to strike the shoulder belt.

WARNING

• NEVER ride with a reclined seatback when the vehicle is moving.
• Riding with a reclined seatback increases your chance of serious or fatal injuries in the event of a collision or sudden stop.
• Driver and passengers should always sit well back in their seats with the seatbacks upright and should be belted properly.

Care of seat belts

Seat belt systems should never be disassembled or modified. In addition, care should be taken to assure that seat belts and belt hardware are not damaged by seat hinges, doors or other abuse.

Periodic inspection

All seat belts should be inspected periodically for wear or damage of any kind. Any damaged parts should be replaced as soon as possible.

Keep belts clean and dry

Seat belts should be kept clean and dry. If belts become dirty, they can be cleaned by using a mild soap solution and warm water. Bleach, dye, strong detergents or abrasives should not be used because they may damage and weaken the fabric.

When to replace seat belts

The entire seat belt assembly or assemblies should be replaced if the vehicle has been involved in an accident. This should be done even if no damage is visible. Consult an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.