Toyota bZ4X Owner's Manual: Seat Belts

Ensure that every occupant is securely buckled up before driving your Toyota bZ4X. Proper use of seat belts is crucial for safety and helps the vehicle's safety systems provide optimum protection.

WARNING

Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of injury in the event of sudden braking, sudden swerving, or an accident.

Failure to follow these guidelines may result in fatal injury or severe harm.

• Wearing a seat belt

• Ensure each passenger is properly belted before starting the journey.

  This simple action is critical for protecting everyone in the vehicle during unexpected events. A properly fastened seat belt significantly reduces the risk of injury.

• Always fasten your seat belt as instructed for maximum protective benefits.

  Using the seat belt correctly ensures that it functions as designed in a crash, safely restraining each occupant.

• Seat belts are designed for individual use-do not share them among passengers, including children.

  Each seat belt can only offer protection to one person at a time, so sharing impairs its efficiency.

• Toyota recommends that children be seated in the rear and secured with an appropriate child restraint system until they are mature enough to use a seat belt safely.

  This guidance helps ensure that the youngest passengers receive the specialized protection they need while traveling.

• Maintain a proper seating position by avoiding excessive recline.

  The seat belt works best when occupants sit upright and well back in their seats, ensuring optimal restraint during an emergency.

• Avoid wearing the shoulder belt under your arm.

  This practice can compromise the belt's ability to protect you during sudden impact, reducing its effectiveness considerably.

• Always fasten your seat belt low and snug across your hips.

  A secure fit across the hips and pelvis is essential for effective energy distribution during a crash.

Pregnant Women

If you are pregnant, seek medical advice on the proper use of your seat belt.

Pregnant women should position the lap belt as low over the hips as possible, while the shoulder belt extends fully over the shoulder and avoids contact with the abdomen.

Improper use of the seat belt not only increases risk for the pregnant woman but can also put the fetus in serious danger during sudden braking or collisions.

People Suffering from Illness

f you have a medical condition that might affect your concentration or mobility while driving, it is essential to consult your doctor and follow their recommendations for safe driving practices. Always wear your seat belt correctly as part of your routine to ensure you are protected in case of sudden stops or collisions. Proper seat belt usage is especially critical when your condition may impair your reaction time or physical comfort behind the wheel.

When Children Are in the Vehicle

When transporting children, prioritize their safety by ensuring they are properly secured in an approved child restraint system. Always seat children in the rear, and double-check that all restraint installations are secure before setting off. These guidelines are particularly vital for those driving a Toyota bZ4X, ensuring that every journey is as safe and comfortable as possible.

Seat Belt Damage and Wear

Regularly inspect your seat belts for any signs of damage or wear to maintain their effectiveness. Look for fraying, stretching, or any other issues that could impair proper operation during an emergency. Preventing damage is key to ensuring your seat belt functions as intended when it matters most.

• Avoid damaging your seat belts by ensuring that the belt, plate, or buckle does not get caught or jammed in the door. Such damage can lead to malfunction and compromise your safety during sudden braking or collisions.

WARNING

• Inspect the seat belt system periodically. Check for cuts, fraying, and loose parts. Do not use a damaged seat belt until it is replaced. Damaged seat belts cannot protect an occupant from death or serious injury.
• Ensure that the belt and plate are locked and the belt is not twisted.

  If the seat belt does not function correctly, immediately contact your Toyota dealer.

• Replace the seat assembly, including the belts, if your vehicle has been involved in a serious accident, even if there is no obvious damage.
• Do not attempt to install, remove, modify, disassemble or dispose of the seat belts. Have any necessary repairs carried out by your Toyota dealer. Inappropriate handling may lead to incorrect operation.

Correct use of the seat belts

Proper Seat Belt Usage for Maximum Protection

Proper use of seat belts is essential for keeping you safe on every journey. The following guidelines will help ensure that the seat belts in your Toyota bZ4X provide the best possible protection.

• Extend the shoulder belt so that it comes fully over the shoulder, ensuring it does not contact the neck or slide off. This proper positioning maximizes energy absorption during an impact and is especially crucial when driving your Toyota bZ4X.
• Position the lap belt as low as possible across the hips. This ensures that the force of a collision is distributed across the body's strongest areas, thereby providing a secure fit.
• Adjust the seatback to achieve an optimal driving posture. Sit up straight and well back in the seat so that your body is firmly positioned for maximum restraint effectiveness in critical situations.
• Avoid twisting the seat belt as a twisted belt can significantly reduce its ability to protect you during sudden braking or a collision.

Child Seat Belt Usage

The seat belts in your vehicle are primarily designed for adult-sized individuals. To ensure the safety of younger passengers, take the following steps:

• Use a child restraint system that is appropriate for the child until they are large enough to properly wear the vehicle's seat belt. This is a critical safety measure that offers additional protection during travel.
• Once the child is mature enough to use the seat belt, follow the recommended guidelines for proper seat belt usage to ensure continued safety on every ride.

By adhering to these detailed instructions, you ensure that every ride in your Toyota bZ4X is as safe as possible. Proper seat belt usage not only enhances personal protection but also contributes to overall vehicle safety.

Seat Belt Extender

If you find that your seat belt does not fasten securely because the belt is too short, do not compromise on safety. A seat belt extender can provide the extra length needed for a proper, secure fit that ensures your protection while driving your Toyota bZ4X.

For those who require additional length, a personalized seat belt extender is available from your Toyota dealer free of charge. This extender is specifically designed and tested to meet Toyota’s stringent safety standards, ensuring that it integrates seamlessly with the vehicle’s built-in safety features and maintains the intended performance of the seat belt system.

By using a Toyota-approved seat belt extender, you can achieve the correct fit without sacrificing safety. It allows for a secure fastening that helps the seat belt function as intended in the event of sudden braking or a collision. This reliable solution underscores Toyota’s commitment to high safety standards and ensures that every drive in your Toyota bZ4X is protected to the fullest extent.

WARNING

Using a Seat Belt Extender

Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of injury in the event of sudden braking, sudden swerving, or an accident.

When using a seat belt extender with your Toyota bZ4X, ensure that it is installed correctly and securely fastened. The extender must integrate seamlessly with your vehicle’s original restraint system so that there is no extra slack or misalignment. Improper installation may compromise the effectiveness of the seat belt during a rapid deceleration or collision.

Always verify that the extender does not interfere with any other safety features of your Toyota, and check it regularly for signs of wear or damage. If any issues are found, replace the extender immediately following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Using a certified extender is critical to maintaining the protection standards set by Toyota.

By strictly following these precautions, you ensure that the seat belt extender functions properly as part of the overall safety system of your Toyota bZ4X. This careful attention to detail helps minimize the risk of severe injury or fatality during an unexpected event.

WARNING

Observe the following precautions to avoid compromising your safety when using a seat belt extender.

Failure to do so may cause death or serious injury.

This ensures that there is no unnecessary slack in the system, maintaining the integrity and optimal performance of the restraint system in your Toyota bZ4X.

NOTICE

When Using a Seat Belt Extender

When releasing your seat belt in your Toyota bZ4X, press the buckle release button on the extender rather than on the seat belt itself. This correct procedure helps maintain the functionality of the extender and protects your vehicle's interior.

This method prevents damage to both the extender and the surrounding trim, ensuring that your Toyota bZ4X’s safety components remain fully effective in the event of an emergency.

Fastening and Releasing the Seat Belt

Always follow the proper method for fastening and releasing the seat belt to ensure optimal performance of the safety system. By using the correct technique, you help to maintain the integrity of your Toyota bZ4X’s restraint system, which is essential for protecting all occupants during unexpected events.

1. To fasten the seat belt, push the plate into the buckle until you hear a definitive click. This sound confirms that the connection is secure and ready to protect you in critical situations.
2. To release the seat belt, gently press the release button (A) on the buckle. A smooth, deliberate press avoids jamming and ensures the belt disengages properly.

Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR)

The Emergency Locking Retractor is designed to lock your belt during sudden stops, abrupt swerving, or on impact. It activates if you lean forward too quickly, ensuring that you remain securely restrained. Using a slow, controlled motion allows the belt to extend when needed, maintaining both safety and ease of movement. This innovative mechanism is a key element in modern restraint systems, inspired by advanced safety research.

Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)

The Automatic Locking Retractor engages when the passenger's shoulder belt is completely extended and then retracted even slightly, locking the belt in that position to prevent further extension. This feature is especially useful for securely holding a child restraint system. To release the lock, fully retract the belt and then pull it out again, which resets the mechanism for normal use. This precise function helps maintain proper tension and minimizes slack, ensuring the belt performs optimally when needed.

Adjusting the Seat Belt Shoulder Anchor Height (Front Seats)

For maximum safety and comfort, adjust the seat belt shoulder anchor so the belt rests over the center of your chest and shoulder instead of your neck. Properly aligning the belt in a diagonal path across your torso helps distribute impact forces more evenly in the event of a collision. This simple yet critical adjustment enhances the effectiveness of the restraint system, ensuring that in any sudden movement your body is held securely. Such precision in design further elevates the overall safety features and driving experience of your Toyota bZ4X.

1. Push the seat belt shoulder anchor down while pressing the release button (A) .
2. Push the seat belt shoulder anchor up.

Move the height adjuster up and down as needed until you hear a click.

WARNING

Adjustable Shoulder Anchor

Always ensure that your seat belt’s shoulder strap is positioned squarely across the center of your shoulder. It is essential that the belt remains securely in place-kept away from your neck without slipping off your shoulder-to provide the proper distribution of force in the event of sudden braking, swerving, or a collision.

Failure to maintain the correct positioning can significantly reduce the protective benefit of the restraint system. In such cases, the risk of fatal injuries or serious harm increases because the seat belt is not able to perform as designed during an emergency.

Modern vehicles, such as your Toyota bZ4X, feature an adjustable shoulder anchor precisely to help achieve this optimal placement. Designers have enhanced these systems to adapt to a wide range of body types and driving conditions. It is important to periodically check and readjust the shoulder belt to ensure it remains snug and correctly aligned, especially after long journeys or following any impact.

Did you know that proper seat belt alignment is one of the simplest yet most critical safety practices? Taking a moment to verify that the belt lies perfectly over the center of your shoulder can make all the difference in how energy is absorbed during a high-impact event, potentially preventing severe injuries.

Seat Belt Pretensioners

When your Toyota bZ4X experiences a severe impact-be it a frontal collision, a side impact, or even a rollover-the seat belt pretensioners activate automatically. These systems work by rapidly retracting the seat belts in the front and rear outer seats, eliminating any slack and ensuring that all occupants are securely restrained. This quick action helps reduce the risk of injury by keeping everyone in a stable position during high-intensity impacts.

The pretensioners are calibrated to operate only during major impacts. In cases of minor frontal or side impacts, or when the impact comes from the rear, the system remains inactive. This selective response protects the components from unnecessary wear and ensures that they are fully functional when truly needed.

Replacing the Belt After Pretensioner Activation

In the event that your Toyota bZ4X is involved in multiple collisions, the pretensioners are designed to activate only during the initial impact. Should a subsequent collision occur, the pretensioners will not engage again. This means that once they have been activated, the seat belts cannot provide the intended level of safety until they have been replaced properly.

A thorough post-collision inspection is essential to identify any damage or compromise within the safety system. Replacing the affected seat belt components after pretensioner activation restores the vehicle’s full protective capabilities and ensures that your Toyota bZ4X remains as safe as possible for future journeys.

PCS-Linked Control

The Pre-Collision System (PCS) in your Toyota bZ4X is an advanced safety feature that works in tandem with the seat belt pretensioners. When the PCS detects a high likelihood of collision, it primes the pretensioners to engage instantly. This preparation means that the safety system is on high alert, ready to secure the occupants at the very moment of a potential impact.

By integrating the PCS with the pretensioner system, Toyota has enhanced the overall readiness of the safety features in the bZ4X, ensuring that critical moments are met with a swift and effective restraint response. This state-of-the-art technology underscores Toyota's commitment to protecting those on board, making every journey safer and more secure.

WARNING

Seat Belt Pretensioners

Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of injury in the event of sudden braking, abrupt swerving, or an accident. Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury. The seat belt pretensioners in your Toyota bZ4X are designed to retract the belts quickly during a severe impact to remove slack and secure all occupants, helping to minimize movement and reduce injury.

• Do not place any objects, such as a cushion, on the front passenger's seat.

  Placing an object on the seat can disrupt the sensor's ability to accurately detect the passenger's weight. This misreading may prevent the front passenger's pretensioner from activating properly during a collision. Maintaining a clear seating area is critical to ensure that the system can perform its safety function effectively in your Toyota bZ4X.

• If a pretensioner activates, the SRS warning light will illuminate.

  Once the warning light is on, it signals that the pretensioner has been triggered. In such cases, the seat belt cannot be relied upon and must be replaced by your authorized Toyota dealer. This replacement is essential to restore the full safety functionality of your Toyota bZ4X’s restraint system, ensuring optimal protection in future incidents.

Additional Information on Seat Belt Pretensioners

When your Toyota bZ4X’s pretensioners operate, it indicates that the vehicle has experienced a significant impact. This activation is not a routine event-it serves as an urgent reminder that the restraint system has been deployed to protect occupants during a high-stress situation. Ignoring this alert could compromise your safety in subsequent collisions.

For this reason, it is imperative that any triggered pretensioner system be inspected and serviced immediately according to Toyota’s safety guidelines. Replacing the affected seat belt components guarantees that your vehicle’s safety features remain in top condition, ready to protect you in any future emergency.