2007 SKODA OCTAVIA deactivate passenger airbag

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
28
If the warning light  begins to flash while driving, a fault exists in the engine
control. The engine management system selects an emergency programme which
enables you to drive to the nearest specialist garage by adopting a gentle style of
driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Engine fault Workshop! (Engine fault workshop!)
Airbag system 
Monitoring the airbag system
The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
There is a fault in the system if the warn ing light does not go out or comes on or
flashes while driving ⇒. This also applies if the warning light does not come on
when the ignition is switched on.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Airbag fault!
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically, when one
airbag has been switched off
Front, side or head airbags which have been switched off using the vehicle
system tester:
•The warning light  lights up for 4 seconds after switching on the ignition and
then flashes again for 12 seconds afterwards in 2 second intervals.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Airbag belt tensioner deactivated!
Front passenger airbags sw itched off using the switch for front passenger
airbags* in stowage compartmen t on the front passenger side:
•The warning light  comes on for 4 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on.
•Switching off airbags is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the lighting
up of the indicator light   (airbag switched off) ⇒ page 172.
WARNING
Have the airbag system ch ecked immediately by a specialist garage if a fault
exists. Otherwise, there is a risk of th e airbag not being activated in the event
of an accident.
Note
Further information about switching off airbags ⇒page 171.
Coolant temperature/ Coolant quantity 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds 2) when the ignition is switched on.
The coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level too low if the warning light
 does not go out or flashes while driving.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
In this case stop and switch the engine off and check the coolant level; top up the
coolant as necessary.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Keep the engine switched off and
obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to
severe engine damage.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be
caused by an operating problem at the coolant fan. Check the fuse for the coolant
fan, replace it if necessary ⇒page 244, “Fuse assignment in engine compartment -
version 1” or ⇒page 246, “Fuse assignment in engine compartment - version 2”.
Do not continue driving if the warning light does not go off although the fluid is at
the correct level and also the fuse of the fan is in proper order. Contact a specialist
garage to obtain assistance.
Please also refer to the additional instructions ⇒page 214, “Cooling system”.
2)The warning light  on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after
switching the ignition on, but only if the coolan t temperature is too high or the coolant level
is too low.
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 28 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM

Passive Safety
156
Correct seated position for the front passenger
The front passenger must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm from
the dash panel so that the airbag offers the greatest possible safety
when an airbag is deployed.
For the safety of the front passenger and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of
an accident, we recommend the following setting:
•Adjust the front passenger seat as far as possible to the rear.
•Adjust the head restraint so that the top edge of the head restraint is at the same
level as the upper part of your head ⇒page 155, fig. 156 .
•Fasten the seat belt correctly ⇒ page 160, “How are seat belts correctly
fastened?”.
In exceptional cases the front pass enger airbag can be deactivated ⇒page 171,
“Deactivating an airbag”.
Manual front passenger adjustment ⇒page 67, “Adjusting the front seats”.
Electrical front passenger seat adjustment ⇒page 68, “Adjusting front seats electri-
cally*”.
WARNING
•The front seats and the head restraints must always be adjusted to match
the body size of the seat occupant as well as the seat belts must always be
correctly fastened in order to provide an optimal protection for you and your
occupants.
•The front passenger must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the
dash panel. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the
airbag system will not be able to properly protect you - hazard!
•Always keep your feet in the footwell when the car is being driven - never
place your feet on the instrument panel, out of the window or on the
surfaces of the seats. You will be exposed to increased risk of injury if it
becomes necessary to apply the brake or in the event of an accident. If an
airbag is deployed, you may suffer fata l injuries when adopting an incorrect
seated position!
•The backrests must not be angled too far back when driving otherwise
this will affect proper operation of the seat belts and of the airbag system -
risk of injury!
Correct seated position for the occupants on the rear seats
Occupants on the rear seats must si t upright, keep the feet in the
footwell and must have their seat belts correctly fastened.
To reduce the risk of injury in the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or an acci-
dent, the occupants on the rear seats must observe the following:
•Adjust the head restraints so that the to p edge of the head restraints are at the
same level as the upper part of your head ⇒ page 155, fig. 156.
•Fasten the seat belt correctly ⇒page 160, “How are seat belts correctly
fastened?”.
•If you are transporting ⇒page 173, “Transporting children safely” children in
the vehicle, please use a suitable child restraint system.
WARNING
•The head restraints must always be adjusted to match the body size, in
order to offer an optimal protection for you and your occupants.
•Always keep your feet in the footwell when the car is being driven - never
put your feet out of the window or on the surfaces of the seats. You will be
exposed to increased risk of injury if it becomes necessary to apply the brake
or in the event of an accident. If an airbag is deployed, you may suffer fatal
injuries when adopting an incorrect seated position!
•If the occupants on the rear seats are not sitting upright, the risk of injury
is increased due to incorrec t routing of the seat belt.
WARNING (continued)
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 156 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM

Airbag system
166
The airbag system is designed in such a way that the driver and the front passenger
airbag* are deployed in the event of a frontal collision of major severity.
In certain accident situations both the fr ont airbags as well as the head and side
airbags may be deployed together.
If the airbags are deployed, the airbags are filled with a propellant gas and inflated
in front of the driver and front passenger ⇒page 165, fig. 166 . The airbags inflate
in fractions of a second and at a high spee d in order to be able to offer that addi-
tional protection in the event of an acci dent. The forward movement of the driver
and of the front passenger is cushioned when they make contact with the fully
inflated airbag and the risk of injury to head and chest is thus reduced.
The specially developed airbag allows the gas to flow out of the inflated airbag in a
controlled manner (depending on the load of the particular car occupant) in order
to cushion head and chest areas. The airbag then deflates subsequently to such an
extent, after an accident, to again provide a clear view forward.
A grey white, non harmful gas is released when airbag is inflated. This is perfectly
normal and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle.
The airbag develops enormous forces when triggered, which can lead to injuries if
the sitting position or seated position is not correct ⇒ in “Important safety
information regarding the front airbag system” on page 166.Important safety information regarding the front airbag system
Correct use of the airbag system considerably reduces the risk of
injury!
WARNING
•Never transport children on the front seat of a vehicle without using a
proper restraint system. If airbags are deployed in the event of an accident,
the child might suffer severe or even fatal injuries!
•For the driver and front passenger it is important to maintain a distance
of at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dash panel ⇒fig. 167 . Not main-
taining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be
able to properly protect you - hazard! The front seats and the head restraints
must always also be correctly adjusted to match the body size of the occu-
pant.
•It is essential to always switch off ⇒page 171, “Deactivating an airbag”
the front passenger airbag when attach ing a child safety seat on the front
passenger seat where the child is seated with its back facing in direction of
travel (in some countries al so when the child is facing the direction of travel).
If this is not done, there is a risk of the child suffering severe or even fatal
injuries if the front passenger airbag is deployed. In certain countries
national legal provisions also requir e that the side or head passenger
airbags be deactivated. When transporting a child on the front passenger
Fig. 167 Safe distance to
steering wheel
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 166 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM

Airbag system
168
Function of the side airbags
Risk of injury to the upper part of the body is reduced by fully inflated
side airbags.
In the case of a violent side crash the side airbag on the front seat on the side on
which the collision occurs is deployed ⇒fig. 169 .
In certain accident situations both the fr ont airbags as well as the head and side
airbags may be deployed together.
If an airbag is deployed, the airbag is fill ed with propellant gas. The airbags inflate
in fractions of a second and at a high spee d in order to be able to offer that addi-
tional protection in the event of an accident.
A grey white, non harmful gas is released when airbag is inflated. This is perfectly
normal and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle.
The load of the occupants is cushioned when plunging into the fully inflated airbag
and the risk of injury to the entire u pper body (chest, stomach and pelvis) is
reduced on the side facing the door.
Important safety information on the side airbag
Correct use of the airbag system considerably reduces the risk of
injury!
WARNING
•It is essential to always switch off ⇒page 171, “Deactivating an airbag”
the front passenger airbag when attach ing a child safety seat on the front
passenger seat where the child is seated with its back facing in direction of
travel (in some countries al so when the child is facing the direction of travel).
If this is not done, there is a risk of the child suffering severe or even fatal
injuries if the front passenger airbag is deployed. In certain countries
national legal provisions also requir e that the side or head passenger
airbags be deactivated. When transporting a child on the front passenger
seat, please comply with the appropri ate national regulations regarding the
use of child safety seats.
•Your head should never be positioned in the deployment area of the side
airbag. You might suffer severe injuries in the event of an accident. This
applies in particular to children who are transported without using a suit-
able child safety seat ⇒page 175, “Child safety and side airbag*”.
•If children adopt an incorrect seated position when travelling, they may
be exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. This can
result in serious injuries ⇒page 173, “What you should know about trans-
porting children!”.
•There must not be any further persons, animals as well as objects posi-
tioned between the occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. There
must also be no accessories such as cup holders, attached to the doors to
enable the side airbags to activate properly.
•The airbag control unit operates together with the pressure sensors,
which are attached in the front doors. For this reason no adjustments must
be carried out at the doors as well as at the door panels (for example addi-
tional installation of loudspeakers). Resulting damages can have a negative
affect on the operation of the airbag system. All work on the front doors and
their panels must only be carried out by a specialist garage.
Fig. 169 Inflated side
airbag
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 168 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM

Airbag system
170
You should therefore always fasten the seat belts, not only because this is required
by law, but also for safety reasons and for your own protection ⇒page 158, “Why
seat belts?”.
Together with other elements (such as cros s bars in the seats, stable vehicle struc-
ture) the head airbags are the conseque nt further development of occupant
protection in the case of side collisions.
Function of the head airbags
The risk of injury to the head and neck area is reduced in the event of
a side collision by fully inflated head airbags.
In the case of a side collision the head airbag is deployed together with the rele-
vant side airbag on the side of th e car on which the accident occurs ⇒fig. 171 .
If the head airbag is deployed, the airbag is filled with propellant gas and extends
over the entire area of the side window including the door pillars ⇒fig. 171 .
The protection offered by the head airbags is thus available simultaneously both to
the front occupants of the car seated on th e side on which the accident occurs, as
well as to the rear occupants. Any impact of the head against parts of the interior or
objects outside of the car, is cushioned by the inflated head airbag. The reduction
in any impact to the head and the result ant minimizing of any movements of the
head additionally reduce the risk of injuries to the neck area. The head airbag also
offers additional protection in the case of an offset impact by covering the front
door pillar. In certain accident situations
both the front airbags as well as the side and head
airbags may be deployed together.
The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed in order to be able
to offer that additional protection in the event of an accident. A grey white, non
harmful gas is released when airbag is infl ated. This is perfectly normal and is not
an indication of a fire in the vehicle.
Important safety information on the head airbag
Correct use of the airbag system considerably reduces the risk of
injury!
WARNING
•It is essential to always switch off ⇒page 171, “Deactivating an airbag”
the front passenger airbag when attach ing a child safety seat on the front
passenger seat where the child is seated with its back facing in direction of
travel (in some countries al so when the child is facing the direction of travel).
If this is not done, there is a risk of the child suffering severe or even fatal
injuries if the front passenger airbag is deployed. In certain countries
national legal provisions also requir e that the side or head passenger
airbags be deactivated. When transporting a child on the front passenger
seat, please comply with the appropri ate national regulations regarding the
use of child safety seats.
•There must not be any objects in the deployment area of the head
airbags which might prevent the airbags from inflating properly.
•Only hang light items of clothing on the clothes hooks to the vehicle.
Never leave any heavy or sh arp-edged objects in the pockets of the items of
clothing. In addition, it is not permit ted to use clothes hangers for hanging
up items of clothing.
•The airbag control unit operates together with the sensors, which are
attached in the front doors. For this reason no adjustments must be carried
out at the doors as well as at the door panels (for example additional instal-
lation of loudspeakers). Resulting dama ges can have a negative affect on the
operation of the airbag system. All work on the front doors and their panels
must only be carried out by a specialist garage.
Fig. 171 Inflated head
airbag
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Airbag system171
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
•There must not be any other persons (e.g. children) or animals between
the car occupant and the deployment ar ea of the head airbag. In addition,
none of the occupants should lean their head out of the window when
driving, or extend their arms and hands out of the window.
•The sun visors must not be swivelled to the side windows into the
deployment area of the head airbags if any objects, such as ball-point pens
etc. are attached to them. This might result in injuries to the occupants if the
head airbag is deployed.
•Installing impermissible accessories in the area of the head airbags may
considerably impair the protection offered by the head airbag in the event of
it being deployed. When the deployed head airbag is inflated, parts of the
accessories fitted may in certain circumstances be thrown into the interior
of the car and cause injuries to the occupants ⇒page 229, “Accessories,
changes and replacement of parts”.
•Any work on the head airbag system including installing and removing
system components because of other re pair work (e.g. removing headliner)
must only be carried ou t by a specialist garage.
Deactivating an airbag
Deactivating airbags
If any airbags have been deactivated, switch them on again as soon
as possible so that they are able to again provide their proper protec-
tion.
There is the technical means installed within your vehicle to switch off the front,
side* or head airbag* (take out of commission).
This is why you should have the deactiva tion of the airbags carried out by a
specialist garage.
On vehicles equipped with the switch for deactivation of the airbags, you can deac-
tivate the front and side passenger airbag by means of this switch ⇒page 172. Deactivation of airbags is envisaged only for particular instances, such as if:
•you must
in exceptional cases use a child seat on the front passenger seat
where the child has its back to the directio n of travel of the vehicle (in some coun-
tries this must be in the direction of travel due to other legal regulations applying)
⇒ page 173, “Important safety information regarding the use of child safety seats”
•you are not able to maintain the distance of at least 25 cm between middle of
steering wheel and chest, despite the driver seat being correctly adjusted,
•special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because of a
physical disability,
•you have installed other seats (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side airbags).
Monitoring the airbag system
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically, when one
airbag has been switched off
If the airbag was switched of f using diagnostic equipment:
•The warning light for the airbag system lights up for 4 seconds after switching
on the ignition and then flashes for 12 seconds afterwards in 2 second intervals.
Front passenger airbags switched off using the switch for front passenger
airbags* in stowage compartmen t on the front passenger side:
•The airbag warning light comes on in the instrument cluster for about 4 seconds
each time the ignition is switched on.
•Switching off airbags is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the lighting
up of the indicator light   ⇒ page 172, fig. 173 .
Note
Your Škoda Service Partner will be able to advise you whether national legislation in
your country allows airbags in your vehi cle to be deactivated, and which ones.
WARNING (continued)
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 171 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM

Airbag system
172
Switch for the front passenger airbag*
The front passenger airbag is deactivated with the switch.
Deactivating an airbag
– Switch off the ignition.
– Turn the slot of the airbag switch using the key in the position ( OFF)
⇒ fig. 172 .
– Check whether the airbag indicator light
  in the middle of
the dash panel lights up ⇒fig. 173 when the ignition is turned on. Switching on an airbag
– Switch off the ignition.
– Turn the slot of the airbag switch using the key in the position (
ON)
⇒ fig. 172 .
– Check whether the airbag indicator light
  in the middle of
the dash panel lights up ⇒ fig. 173 when the ignition is turned on.
The airbags should only be switched off under exceptional circumstances
⇒ page 171.
Indicator light
  (airbag switched off)
The airbag indicator light is locate d in the middle of the dash panel ⇒fig. 173 .
If the front passenger airbag is switched off, the airbag warning light comes on
about 4 seconds after the ignition is switched on.
There is a system fault presen t in the airbag switch off ⇒ if the indicator light
flashes. Please have the car inspected immediately by a specialist garage.
WARNING
•The driver is responsible for whether the airbag is switched on or
switched off.
•Only switch off the airbag when the ignition is switched off! Otherwise a
fault can occur in the system for the airbag deactivation.
•If the warning light   (airbag switched off) flashes:
− Front passenger airbag is not deploy ed in the event of an accident!
− It is also important to have the system inspected without delay by a
specialist garage.
Fig. 172 Storage
compartment: Switch for
the front passenger
airbag
Fig. 173 Indicator light
for the front passenger
airbag
A2
A1
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 172 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM

Transporting children safely
174
•Children are exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an acci-
dent if they lean forward or adopt an incorrect seated position when the
vehicle is moving. This particularly applies to children who are transported
on the front passenger seat if the airb ag system deploys in the event of an
accident. This can result in severe or even fatal injuries.
•It is important that the belt webbing is properly routed if the seat belts
are to offer their maximum protection ⇒page 160, “How are seat belts
correctly fastened?”. Pay particular atte ntion to the information provided by
the manufacturer of the child safety se at regarding correct routing of the
belt. Seat belts which are not correctly adjusted can themselves cause inju-
ries even in minor accidents.
•Safety belts must be checked to ensure that they are running properly.
One should also ensure that the belt is not damaged by sharp-edged fittings.
•It is essential to always switch off ⇒page 171 the front passenger airbag
when attaching a child safety seat on the front passenger seat where the
child is seated with its back facing in direction of travel (in some countries
also when the child is facing the direction of travel). If this is not done, there
is a risk of the child suffering severe or even fatal injuries if the front
passenger airbag is deploy ed. In certain countries national legal provisions
also require that the si de and head airbags be deactivated. When trans-
porting a child on the front passenger seat, please comply with the appro-
priate national regulations regarding the use of child safety seats.
Use of child safety seats on the front passenger seat
Child safety seats should always be attached to the rear seats.
We recommend, for safety reasons, that you always mount a child restraint systems
on the rear seats whenever possible. If you still decide, however, to use a child
safety seat on the front passenger seat th en you must pay attention to the following
warnings in connection with the use of th e airbag system on the front passenger
seat.
WARNING
•Warning - particular hazard! Never use a child safety seat on the front
passenger seat in which the child is seat ed with its back facing the direction
of travel. This child safety seat is positioned in the deployment area of the
front passenger airbag. The airbag may cause the child severe, or even fatal
injuries, in the event of it being deployed.
•This is also clearly stated on the st icker which is located on the centre
column of the body on the front passenger side ⇒fig. 174 . The sticker is
visible upon opening the front passen ger door. For some countries, the
sticker is also affixed to the sun visor of the front passenger.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 174 Sticker on the
centre column of the
body on the front
passenger side.
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 174 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM