Kia Optima: Safety features of your vehicle / Air bag - advanced supplemental restraint system
The actual air bags in the vehicle may differ from the illustration.
(1) Driver’s front air bag
(2) Passenger’s front air bag
(3) Side air bag
(4) Curtain air bag
(5) Driver’s knee air bag
Even in vehicles with air bags, you and your passengers must always wear the
safety belts provided in order to minimize the risk and severity of injury in the
event of a collision or rollover.
How does the air bag system operate?
- Air bags are activated (able to inflate if necessary) only when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON or START position.
- The appropriate air bags inflate instantly in the event of a serious frontal
collision or side collision in order to help protect the occupants from serious
physical injury.
- There is no single speed at which the air bags will inflate. Generally,
air bags are designed to inflate based upon the severity of a collision and
its direction. These two factors determine whether the sensors produce an electronic
deployment/ inflation signal.
- Air bag deployment depends on a number of factors including vehicle speed,
angles of impact, and, the density and stiffness of the vehicles or objects
which your vehicle hits in the collision. The determining factors are not limited
to those mentioned above.
- The front air bags will completely inflate and deflate in an instant. It
is virtually impossible for you to see the air bags inflate during an accident.
It is much more likely that you will simply see the deflated air bags hanging
out of their storage compartments after the collision.
- In addition to inflating in serious side collisions, side and/or curtain
air bags will inflate if the sensing system detects a rollover.
- When a rollover is detected, side and/or curtain air bags will remain inflated
longer to help provide protection from ejection, especially when used in conjunction
with the seat belts.
- In order to help provide protection, the air bags must inflate rapidly.
The speed of the air bag inflation is a consequence of extremely short time
in which to inflate the air bag between the occupant and the vehicle structures
before the occupant impacts those structures. This speed of inflation reduces
the risk of serious or life-threatening injuries and is thus a necessary part
of the air bag design. However, air bag inflation can also cause injuries which
can include facial abrasions, bruises and broken bones because the inflation
speed also causes the air bags to expand with a great deal of force.
- There are even circumstances under which contact with the steering wheel
or passenger air bag can cause fatal injuries, especially if the occupant is
positioned excessively close to the steering wheel or passenger air bag.
WARNING - Airbag inflation
Sit as far back as possible from the steering wheel while still maintaining
comfortable control of your vehicle. A distance of at least 25 cm (10 in.) from
your chest to the steering wheel is recommended. Failure to do so can result in
airbag inflation injuries to the driver.
Noise and smoke
When inflated, the air bags make a loud noise and leave smoke and powder in the
air inside the vehicle. This is normal and is a result of the ignition of the air
bag inflator. After the air bag inflates, you may feel substantial discomfort in
breathing due to the contact of your chest with both the seat belt and the air bag,
as well as from breathing the smoke and powder. Open your doors and/or windows as
soon as possible after impact in order to reduce discomfort and prevent prolonged
exposure to the smoke and powder.
Though smoke and powder are nontoxic, it may cause irritation to the skin (eyes,
nose and throat, etc). If this is the case, wash and rinse with cold water immediately
and consult a doctor if the symptom persists.
WARNING - Hot components
Do not touch the air bag storage area's internal components immediately after
airbag inflation. The air bag related parts in the steering wheel, instrument panel
and the roof rails above the front and rear doors are very hot. Hot components can
result in burn injuries.
WARNING
Do not install or place any accessories near air bag deployment areas, such
as the instrument panel, windows, pillars, and roof rails.
Such objects may become dangerous projectiles if the airbag inflates.
Do not install a child restraint on the front passenger’s seat
Never place a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger’s seat. If the
air bag deploys, it would impact the rear-facing child restraint, causing serious
or fatal injury.
In addition, do not place front-facing child restraints in the front passenger’s
seat. If the front passenger air bag inflates, it could cause serious or fatal injuries
to the child.
WARNING - Air bag deployment
When children are seated in the rear outboard seats of a vehicle equipped
with side and/or curtain air bags, install the child restraint system as far away
from the door side as possible. Inflation of the side and/or curtain air bags could
impact the child.
When not using the LATCH system, all child restraints must be secured to a vehicle
rear seat with the lap part of a lap/shoulder belt.
Automatic locking mode
Since all passenger seat belts move ...
The purpose of air bag warning light in your instrument panel is to alert you
of a potential problem with your air bag system, which could include your side and/or
curtain air bags used for roll ...
Other information:
Service data
Service Data
Item
Specification
Type
Electric Power Steering System
Steering gear
Type
Rack & Pinion
Rack stroke
156 ± 1 mm (6.14 ± 0.0039 i ...
Components and components location
Component Location
1. Rear seat cushion assembly
2. Rear seat back assembly
Repair procedures
Replacement
[Rear seat cushion
assembly]
1.
Remove the rear seat cushion assembly (A) ...