Seat belts
22was travelling just before the impact. This example applies not only to frontal
accidents, but to all accidents and collisions.The danger of not using the seat belt
Many people believe that the occupants can protect them-
selves with their hands in a minor collision, this is false.
Even at low speeds the forces acting on the body in a collision are so great
that it is not possible to brace oneself with one's hands. In a frontal collision,
unbelted passengers are thrown forward and will make violent contact with
the steering wheel, dashboard, windscreen or whatever else is in the way
⇒ fig. 8 .
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts. When deployed,
airbags provide only additional protection. All occupants (including the
driver) must be wearing seat belts properly during the trip. This will reduce
the risk of severe injuries in the event of an accident – regardless of whether
an airbag is fitted for the seat.
Note that airbags can be triggered only once. To achieve the best possible
protection, the seat belt must always be worn properly so that you will be
protected in accidents in which no airbag is deployed.
It is also important for the rear passengers to wear seat belts properly, as they
could otherwise be thrown forward violently in an accident. Rear passengers
who do not use seat belts endanger no t only themselves but also the front
occupants ⇒fig. 9 .
Fig. 8 A driver not
wearing a seat belt is
thrown forward violently.
Fig. 9 The unbelted rear
passenger is thrown
forward violently, hitting
the driver wearing a seat
belt.
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Airbag system
32Monitoring of airbag and belt tension device system
The functionality of the airbag and belt tension device system is constantly
monitored electronically. Each time th e ignition is switched on, the warning
lamp
lights for several seconds (self diagnosis) and the display in the
instrument panel* shows AIRBAG / PRE-TENSIONER .
The system must be checked when the warning lamp
:
•
does not come on when the ignition is switched on,
•
does not go out about 4 seconds after the ignition is switched on,
•
goes out and then comes on again after the ignition is switched on,
•
or if it comes on or flickers while the car is moving.
In the event of a malfunction, the warning lamp remains on continuously. In
addition, depending on the malfunctio n, a fault message appears in the
display of the combi-instrument for approx. 10 seconds and a short acoustic
signal is given. In this event, you should have a qualified workshop check the
system immediately.
If one airbag has been de-activated by the Authorised Service Centre, the
indicator flashes for some seconds after the self diagnosis and will turn off if
there is no fault.
WARNING
•
If there is a malfunction, the air bag and belt tension device system
cannot properly perform its protective function.
•
If a malfunction should occur, have the system checked immediately by
a qualified workshop. Otherwise there is a risk that, in the event of an acci-
dent, the airbag system and belt tension devices may not be triggered, or
may not be triggered correctly.
Repair, care and disposal of the airbagsThe parts of the airbag system are installed in various places in your vehicle.
If you work on the airbag system or remove and install parts of the system
when performing other repair work, parts of the airbag system may be
damaged. The consequence may be that, in the event of an accident, the
airbag inflates incorrectly or does not inflate at all.
The relevant safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or
components of the airbag are scrapped . The specialist workshops and the
Vehicle disposal centres are familiar with these requirements.
WARNING
•
If repairs are not carried out by a professional, or if the airbags are used
incorrectly, the risk of severe or fatal injuries is increased. The airbags may
fail to inflate, or could inflate in the wrong circumstances.
•
Do not cover or stick anything on the steering wheel hub or the soft
plastic surface of the airbag unit on the passenger side of the dashboard,
and do not obstruct or modify them in any way.
•
It is important not to attach any objects such as cup holders or tele-
phone mountings to the surfaces covering the airbag units.
•
To clean the steering wheel or dash panel, you may use only a dry cloth
or one moistened with water. Never clean the dash panel and surface of the
airbag module with cleansers containing solvents. Solvents cause the
surface to become porous. If the airbag inflates, disintegrating plastic
parts can cause substantial injuries.
•
Never attempt to repair, adjust, remove or install parts of the airbag
system.
•
Any work on the airbag system or re moval and installation of the airbag
components for other repairs (such as repairs to the steering wheel) should
be performed only by a qualified workshop. Qualified workshops have the
necessary tools, repair information and qualified personnel.
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Seats and stowage129
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Stowage compartment under the left hand side front seat*
There is a stowage locker with a cover under the front left
hand side seat.The locker* ⇒fig. 95 is opened by pulling on the cover.
There are two open positions of 15 and 60 degrees depending on the pres-
sure applied to the cover. In the 60 degree position, the cover will collapse if
too much pressure is applied.
To close the drawer, press the cover until it locks into position.
WARNING
•
The drawers will hold a maximum weight of 1.5 kg.
•
Do not drive with the drawer cover open. There is an injury risk for
passengers if the cargo is released in case of sudden braking or an
accident.
Stowage compartment with the CD charger*
The CD* loader is located under the front right hand seatTo a c c e s s t h e l o a d e r
– Open the external cover by operating the button on this cover.
– Pull the sliding internal cover to the right.
– Press the “EJECT” button.
– To close the compartment, reverse the procedure.
WARNING
•
Do not close the external cove r with the loader cover open.
Other stowage areasOther stowage areas can be found:•
in the centre console,
•
in the side trims of the luggage compartment,
The hooks for hanging are found on the pillar between the front and rear side
windows.
WARNING
•
Do not store loose objects on the dashboard. These objects could be
flung through the passenger compartment when the vehicle is moving (e.g.
while accelerating, braking or cornering) and distract the driver. Risk of
accident.
Fig. 95 Stowage area
under the front seats
AA
leon_ingles Seite 129 Donnerstag, 20. Oktober 2005 12:14 12
Checking and refilling levels195
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. For this reason you
should make regular checks on the ground underneath your vehicle. If you
find spots of oil or other fluids, have your vehicle inspected in a qualified
workshop.Opening the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.
Before opening the bonnet ensure that the windscreen wipers are in
rest position.
– To release the bonnet, pull the lever under the dashboard ⇒fig. 133 in the direction indicated (arrow). The bonnet will be
released by a spring action ⇒.
– Lift the bonnet using the rele ase lever (arrow) and open the
bonnet.
– Release the bonnet stay and secure it in fixture designed for this in the bonnet.
WARNING
Hot coolant can scald!•
Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment.
Fig. 133 Detail of the
footwell: The release lever
for the bonnet is located
in the driver side footwell
Fig. 134 Arrester hook
for bonnet.
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