MG 316. Service Manual

SEATS & RESTRAINTS

In the event of a collision, the airbag control unit monitors
the rate of deceleration or acceleration induced by the
collision, to determine whether the airbags should be
deployed.

Operation of the airbag is not dependent on the speed
of the car, but on the type and size of object hit, angle
of impact and the rate at which the car changes speed as
a result of a collision. Deployment of the airbag is not
dependant on the amount of damage to the vehicle.

In the case of a severe frontal collision, both front airbags
will be deployed. In the case of a severe side collision, only
the side airbag and side head impact protection airbag on
the impact side of the vehicle will inflate.

However, there may also be impact conditions whereby
one set of side and both front airbags deploy at the same
time, or where front and side airbags respond separately
as a result of a secondary impact occurring after the initial
collision has taken place.

Airbag inflation is virtually instantaneous and occurs with
considerable force, accompanied by a loud noise. The
inflated bag, together with the seat belt restraint system,
limit the movement of a front seat occupant, thereby
reducing the risk of injury to the head and upper torso.

Note:

When an airbag inflates, a fine powder is

released. This is not an indication of a malfunction,
however, the powder may cause irritation to the skin
and should be thoroughly flushed from the eyes and
any cuts or abrasions of the skin.

After inflation,

airbags deflate immediately. This provides a gradual
cushioning effect for the occupant and also ensures
that the driver's forward vision is not obscured.

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SEATS & RESTRAINTS

IMPORTANT

• Obstructions between an airbag and the occupant

may affect the correct deployment of the airbag.
Obstructions must not interfere with the airbag
inflation passages. Accessories must not be attached
to or obscure an airbag.

• Front seat passengers should not place feet, knees

or any other part of the body in contact with, or in
close proximity to, a front airbag.

• An inflating airbag can cause facial abrasions and

other injuries if the occupant is too close to the
airbag at the time of its deployment.

Front Seat Side Airbags

Ensure sufficient distance exists between
the driver and front passengers’ torsos and
the side of the vehicle to ensure correct
deployment of the front side airbags.

Front seat side airbags are designed to protect the head and
chest and will be deployed in the event of the car receiving
a severe side impact. It will not be deployed in the event
of a front or rear impact.

In the event of a severe impact on one side of the vehicle,
the seat side airbag will be deployed from the side of the
seat, on that side of the vehicle, to provide a cushion of air
to protect the front seat occupant. The seat side airbag on
the other side of the vehicle will not be deployed.

Seats with side airbags can be identified by an ‘Airbag’
marking on the side of the seat backrest.

Note: The manufacture and material of the seat is
important to ensure correct operation of the seat
side airbags. Do not fit seat covers unless they are

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SEATS & RESTRAINTS

approved by the manufacturer.

Contact your MG

Authorised Repairer to repair or replace front seats.

Side Head Impact Protection Airbags

Ensure sufficient distance exists between
the driver and front passengers’ torsos
and the side of the vehicle to ensure
correct deployment of the side head impact
protection airbags.

Side head impact protection airbags are designed to protect
the head and neck and will be deployed in the event of the
car receiving a severe side impact. It will not be deployed
in the event of a front or rear impact.

In the event of a severe impact on one side of the vehicle,
the side head impact protection airbags will be deployed
from the roof, on that side of the vehicle, to provide a
cushion of air to protect the front seat occupant. The side
head impact protection airbags on the other side of the
vehicle will not be deployed.

Airbag Warning Light

DO NOT service, repair, replace, modify or
tamper with any part of the airbag, or wiring
in the vicinity of an airbag component; this
could cause the system to activate, resulting
in personal injury.

A warning light, mounted on the instrument pack, will
alert you to any malfunction of the airbags/pretensioners.
The light will illuminate as a system check when the
ignition is switched to position 2 and will extinguish after
approximately 6 seconds.

If any of the following symptoms occur, the system should
be inspected by your MG Authorised Repairer.

• The warning light fails to illuminate when the ignition

switch is in position 2.

• The

warning

light

fails

extinguish

within

approximately six seconds after the ignition switch is
in position 2.

• The warning light illuminates while the car is being

driven.

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SEATS & RESTRAINTS

Disabling the Passenger Airbag

The Passenger Airbag should only be disabled
when a rear facing child seat is fitted to the
front passenger seat.

When an adult is seated in the front
passenger seat, ensure that the airbag is
switched on.

Where fitted the airbag disable switch is located in the
centre console. To disable the passenger airbag, insert the
key blade into the switch.

When the switch is turned to this position, it

indicates that the passenger airbag has been disabled.

O N

When the switch is turned to this position, it

indicates that the passenger airbag is enabled.

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SEATS & RESTRAINTS

Passenger Airbag Off Warning Light

A S S E N G E R

A IR B A G

The warning light is located in the interior light assembly.
If the passenger airbag has been disabled, the light will
illuminate until the airbag is enabled, Once the passenger
airbag has been enabled, the light will extinguish.

Special Notice

DO NOT fit or modify an airbag.

Any

changes to the vehicle structure or airbag
system wiring harness are strictly prohibited.

Always contact your MG Authorised Repairer if:

• an airbag which inflates in an accident needs repair and

maintenance.

• any part of an airbag module cover show signs of

deterioration or damage, there may be a potential
safety hazard.

IMPORTANT

• The removal or replacement of an airbag module

must be carried out by an MG Authorised Repairer.

• After 10 years from the initial date of registration

(or installation date of a replacement airbag), some
components will need to be replaced by an MG
Authorised Repairer. The appropriate page of the
Warranty and Maintenance Manual must be signed
and stamped once the work has been completed.

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SEATS & RESTRAINTS

Child Restraints

Children must be secured in the vehicle in a
child restraint system appropriate for weight
and size.

DO NOT put the child on the lap or in arms
when sitting in any seat.

The ISOFIX anchorages in the rear seat are
designed for use with ISOFIX systems only.

When installing and using any child restraint
system, always follow the manufacturer's
instructions.
NEVER use a rearward facing child restraint
on a seat protected by an ACTIVE AIRBAG
in front of it, DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY to
the CHILD can occur.

Failure to follow the advice could result in
serious injury or even death of the child.

Child Restraint Instructions

It is recommended that children below the age of 12 years
old should be seated on the rear seat of the vehicle, in a
child restraint system appropriate to the children's weight
and size.

It is recommended that a child restraint system that
complies with UN ECE R44 standard are fitted in this
vehicle. Check markings on the child restraint system.

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SEATS & RESTRAINTS

Children are more vulnerable than adults to an inflating
airbag. It is recommended that children below the age of
12 years old are seated in the rear seats.

Infants less than 2 years old should be restrained in an infant
child restraint system.

There are a number of child restraint systems available of
different type and specification. For optimum protection,
it is recommended that you choose restraint systems
appropriate to the child’s age and weight.

It is important to comply with installation instructions
supplied by the child restraint manufacturer and that child
restraint system is properly secured to the vehicle. Failure
to follow these instructions may cause death or serious
injury to the child in an event of a sudden stop or accident.

Note:

Use an appropriate child restraint system

until the child becomes large enough to be properly
restrained by the vehicle's seat belts.

Note: DO NOT install a rear facing child restraint
system in the front passenger seat, unless the front
passenger airbag has been deactivated or when an

airbag manual deactivation switch is not fitted to the
vehicle.

Note: Front passenger seat must be positioned fully
rearwards for installation of rear facing child restraint
systems.

Note:

Some rear facing child restraint system

installations in the rear seat may require forward
adjustment of the front seat.

Note: Seat head restraints may need to be adjusted or
removed for installation of some forward facing child
restraint systems.

Note: Rear parcel shelf may need to be temporarily
detached to enable Top tether access to the anchorage
in the rear of the seat back.

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SEATS & RESTRAINTS

IMPORTANT

• It is recommended that a child restraint system that

complies with UN ECE R44 standard is fitted in
this vehicle. Check markings on the child restraint
system.

• It is recommended that children should always be

seated in the rear of the vehicle in a child restraint
system. If it is necessary for a child to travel in the
front, it is essential that the seat is set fully rearwards
and upright seatback and the child is secured in a
FORWARD FACING child restraint system.

• Remember that in the event of a collision or heavy

braking a child restraint system that is not correctly
fitted could move and injure other occupants. Make
sure that a child restraint system is properly secured
even if no child is currently using it.

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SEATS & RESTRAINTS

Approved Child Restraint Positions (for Non-ISOFIX Child Restraints)

If vehicle is not equipped with passenger airbag disable switch, rearward facing child restraints MUST
NOT be installed on the front passenger seat.

Seating Positions

Front Passenger

With Passenger

Airbag Disable

Switch

Weight Group

Without

Passenger

Airbag Disable

Switch

Airbag

OFF

Rear Outboard

Rear Centre

0 (up to 10 kg)

0+ (up to 13 kg)

I (9 to 18 kg)

II (15 to 25 kg)

III (22 to 36 kg)

U = Suitable for ‘Universal’ category restraints approved for use in this mass group.
X = Seat position not suitable for children in this mass group.

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SEATS & RESTRAINTS

Approved Child Restraint Positions (for ISOFIX Child restraints)

ISOFIX Positions

Weight Group

Size Class

Fixture

Rear Outboard

ISO/L1

Carrycot

ISO/L2

0 (up to 10 kg)

ISO/R1

ISO/R2

0+ (up to 13 kg)

ISO/R3

ISO/R2

ISO/R3

ISO/F2

IUF

ISO/F2X

IUF, IL

I (9 to 18 kg)

ISO/F3

IUF

II (15 to 25 kg)

N/A

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SEATS & RESTRAINTS

ISOFIX Positions

Weight Group

Size Class

Fixture

Rear Outboard

III (22 to 36 kg)

N/A

IUF = Suitable for ISOFIX forward-facing child restraint systems of universal category approved for use in this mass
group.
IL = Suitable for particular ISOFIX child restraint systems (CRS) given in the attached list. These ISOFIX CRS are
those of the ‘specific vehicle’, ‘restricted’ or ‘semi-universal’ categories.
X = No ISOFIX child restraint system approved in this weight class.

ISOFIX size class and seat device

• A – ISO/F3 = Forward-facing child restraint system

• B – ISO/F2 = Forward-facing child restraint system

• B1 – ISO/F2X = Forward-facing child restraint system

• C – ISO/R3 = Rear-facing child restraint system

• D – ISO/R2 = Rear-facing child restraint system

• E – ISO/R1 = Rear-facing child restraint system

• F – ISO/L1 = Left Lateral Facing position CRS (carry-cot).

• G – ISO/L1 = Right Lateral Facing position CRS (carry-cot).

Note: For Child Restraints of Class R, the front seat may require forward adjustment for some rearward facing
child restraint system installation.

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SEATS & RESTRAINTS

List of Approved Child Restraints Systems

Weight Group

Size class

CRS name

Fixture

Type

MG 316. Service Manual - part 7