General Information
The Seat Pretensioner Activation for Crash survival Enhancement (SPACE) system, when used with seat belts, provides additional protection to the driver and/or passenger in severe frontal collisions.
The SPACE system provides a significant increase in seat stability during a severe, frontal collision. When the SPACE module senses a severe, life-threatening frontal impact, the module triggers two gas-cylinders mounted at the base of the seat. See Fig.. The gas cylinders activate the power cinches that then tighten the lap and shoulder belts against the occupant of the seat and lower the seat suspension, moving the occupant down and away from the steering wheel and ceiling. See Fig.. The air bag is activated simultaneously. This sequence of actions occurs in about a tenth of a second.
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Pretensioning Cable Tether
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SPACE Module
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Suspension Seat
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Gas Cylinder
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Sensor Bracket
Fig. 1, SPACE System Components
Warning: The SPACE system will activate during a severe, frontal collision even if the seat belts are not fastened, but the SPACE system only provides protection to the occupant when the seat belts are fastened. Always use the seat belts when operating the vehicle. Failure to do so can result in severe personal injury or death.
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Height Adjuster
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Shoulder Loop
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Seat Belt
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Latch
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Buckle
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Buckle Cable
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SPACE Module
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Seat Tether
Fig. 2, SPACE System Seat Belt Assembly
Warning: Damaged seat belts or seat belts that were worn in an accident must be replaced and their anchoring points must be checked. Do not attempt to modify the SPACE system. Doing so could change the effectiveness of the system. The SPACE system must be replaced after being activated. Failure to do so may result in personal injury or death.
Infants and children must not be placed in seats equipped with the SPACE system. The SPACE system is designed for adults only. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury or death.
The operational readiness of the SPACE system is indicated by the supplemental restraint system (SRS) indicator on the dash. The SRS indicator comes on when the engine is started and then goes off. The indicator will remain on if there is a problem with the air bag or SPACE system. The vehicle should be serviced if the SRS indicator does not come on when the engine is started or if the SRS indicator remains on.