Safety Regulations for Restraint Systems: General

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Chevrolet Spark. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Operations on restraint systems must be performed by trained and qualified personnel certified by valid national legislation. This is assured at all certified GM dealerships.
The restraint system incorporates the following components:
- Driver and passenger airbag
- Side airbag
- Curtain airbag
- Knee airbag
- Belt / belt buckle tensioner with seat belt
- Airbag and restraint system control units
- Airbag and restraint system sensors
- Mounting plates for airbag and restraint system sensors
- Airbag contact unit
- Steering column electronic module
- Airbag and restraint system wiring harness, with yellow identification
- Sensor pad / passenger presence sensor
- Airbag and restraint system warning lamps
The handling of pyrotechnic units (airbag and pyrotechnic seat belt tensioners) is subject to various national legislation which must be observed at all times.
Versions with a driver's airbag can be identified by the "Airbag" logo.
Versions with a passenger's airbag can be recognized by the inscription "Airbag" above the instrument panel compartment and by the circular child seat warning label on the right side of the instrument panel (passenger's door open) or by the rectangular warning label on the sunshade.
If, despite equipped with a passenger's airbag, there is no label at the corresponding points, one must be applied by a certified GM workshop if there is no indication on the sunshade.
The issuance of loose warning label to private customers is not permitted.
Versions with a side airbag can be identified by the "Airbag" inscription on the outside of the front seat backrests. Versions with a curtain airbag can be identified by the lettering "Airbag" on the A- and C-pillar panelling or the B-pillar panelling.
Danger of injury! Service installation of accessories in the deployment area of the airbag and storage of objects on the passenger's airbag cover is not permitted. Consoles for communication devices, cup holders, CD / cassette trays, additional mirrors, etc., which have not been authorized by GM may be torn off and flung through the passenger compartment when the airbag deploys.
Objects must kept away from the deployment area of the side airbag, as they may affect the functioning of the side airbag and be flung through the passenger compartment - danger of injury. Only use seat covers approved by GM for the corresponding vehicle type.
Objects (such as clothing) must kept away from the deployment area of the curtain airbag, as they may affect the functioning of the curtain airbag. Only light items of clothing with empty pockets and without coat hanger are permitted. Objects kept in of clothing may endanger the occupants if the curtain airbag deploys.
The sale of pyrotechnic units is only permitted to properly authorized third parties in accordance with national legislation.
Components of the restraint system must never be interchanged or replaced by used parts. Damaged parts must be replaced by an original service part.
Repair work on restraint system components is not permitted. These components must never be forced open or modified. Repairs of airbag or restraint system covers or trims are not permitted. If damaged, the affected part has to be replaced.
Restraint and airbag system components are all very sensitive to impacts. They must not be installed if they have fallen or have been dropped from a height exceeding 80 cm (15.75 in).
Cables connected to gas generators for pyrotechnic units must not be repaired, removed, replaced or cross-connected.
The airbag units and the airbag control unit must not be subjected to a temperature exceeding 85°C (185°F) also for short periods.
Always disconnect the ground cable from the battery when performing welding or brazing operations on the vehicle. Always attach the ground cable of the welding equipment to the immediate vicinity of the welding point.
For brazing or welding operations in the immediate vicinity of sensitive components (such as electrical / electronic / pyrotechnic components, control units, wiring harnesses and airbags), the components must be removed.
For brazing or welding operations on front doors or door pillars / B-pillars in the vicinity of the side airbag sensor (vehicle specific), this must be removed (store in a dry and safe place). For minor installing or body operations (for example no use of slide hammer) in this area, switching ignition OFF suffices. Remove the ignition key and keep in a safe place during the repair operation.
Pyrotechnic units may only be purchased, transported and stored, according to safety regulations, by trained personnel of a certified GM dealer or authorized GM service dealership.
Pyrotechnic units may be returned only if one of the following four conditions has been fulfilled:
- Incorrect deliveries
- Electrical defect (for example determined by a scan tool)
- Electromechanical defects (such as damaged retaining tabs or damaged wiring harness plug housing)
- Visual damages (such as cover panel scratched or damaged)
The units must be returned in the original packaging only. If this is not available, it must be ordered.
When returning pyrotechnic components and / or ordering original packaging, the standard order and return process should be adhered to.
For vehicle repairs requiring longer periods of time, non-activated, removed airbags must be stored under lock and key. Storage with other hazardous materials (such as paint) is prohibited. The storage area must identified with the corresponding hazard symbol and contain suitable fire prevention equipment.
Fully deployed pyrotechnic units can be disposed as residual waste.