2007 SKODA ROOMSTER ignition

Airbag system128
Airbag system
Description of the airbag system
General information on the airbag system
The front airbag system is complementary to the three-point seat belts and offers additional protection in the head and chest area of the driver and passenger in the event of a frontal collision.
In the event of a side collision, the side airbags reduce the risk of injury to the occu- pants to the part of their body facing the side of the accident.
The airbag system is only functional after the ignition has been switched on.
The operational readiness of the airbag system is monitored electronically. The airbag warning light comes on for a few seconds each time the ignition is switched on.
The airbag system (according to vehicl e equipment) essentially consists of:
•an electronic control unit,
•the front airbags for the driver and front passenger ⇒page 130,
•the side airbags ⇒page 132,
•Head airbags ⇒page 133,
•an airbag warning light in the instrument cluster ⇒page 28,
•a front passenger airbag switch* ⇒page 136,
•an indicator light for a switched off front seat passenger airbag* in the middle of the dash panel ⇒page 136.
A fault in the airbag system exists if:
•the airbag indicator light does not light up when the ignition is switched on,
•the airbag indicator light does not go out after about 3 seconds after the ignition is switched on,
•the airbag indicator light goes out and comes on again after the ignition is switched on,
•the airbag indicator light comes on or flickers when driving,
•an airbag indicator light showing a swit ched-off front passenger airbag* in the middle of the dash panel flashes.
WARNING
•To enable the occupants of a car to be protected with the greatest possible effect when the airbag is deployed, the front seats must be ⇒ page 119, “Correct seated position” correctly adjusted to match the body size of the occupant.
•If you do not fasten the seat belts when driving, lean too far forward or adopt an incorrect seated position, you are exposing yourself to increased risk of injury in the event of an accident.
•Have the airbag system checked imme diately by a specialist garage if a fault exists. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in the event of an accident.
•No modifications of any kind may be made to parts of the airbag system.
•It is prohibited to manipulate individual parts of the airbag system as this might result in the airbag being deployed.
•The protective function of the airbag system is sufficient for only one accident. The airbag system must then be replaced if the airbag has been deployed.
•The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.
•If you sell your car, please hand over the complete vehicle documenta-tion to the new owener. Please note that the documents relating to the possibility of deactivating the front passenger airbag are also part of the vehicle documents!
•If the vehicle or individual parts of the airbag system are scrapped, it is essential to observe the relevant safety precautions. Škoda Service Partners are familiar with these regulations.
•When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important to comply with the national legal requirements.
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Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistancePraktikTechnical Data
When are the airbags deployed?
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 the case of a violent side crash, the side airbag* in the front seat and the head airbag* on the side of the car at which the collision occurs are deployed.
It is also possible under cert ain special accident situations that the front as well as the side airbags and head airbags* are deployed.
The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions, in the case of rear-end collisi ons and vehicle rollover.
Deployment factors
It is not possible to state globally which deployment conditions apply to the airbag system in every situation as the circumstances which exist in the case of accidents vary greatly. An important role in this case , for example, is played by factors such as the type of object against which the vehicle impacts (hard, soft), the angle of impact, the vehicle speed etc.
A decisive factor for the deployment of the airbags is the deceleration which occurs during a collision. The control unit analyses the nature of the collision and activates the relevant restraint system. If the vehi cle deceleration which occurs and is meas- ured during the collision remains below the prescribed reference values specified in the control unit, the airbags are not deployed although the vehicle may well suffer severe damage to the bodywork as a consequence of the accident.
The airbags are not deployed if:
•ignition off,
•a minor frontal collision,
•a minor side collision,
•a rear-end collision,
•rollover.
Caution
The dash panel must be replaced afte r the front passenger airbag has been deployed.
Note
•A grey white or red, non harmful gas is released when airbag is inflated. This is perfectly normal and is not an indi cation of a fire in the vehicle.
•In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed:
− The interior lighting comes on (if the switch for the interior light is in the door contact position),
− The hazard warning light is switched on,
− All the doors are unlocked.
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Airbag system135
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistancePraktikTechnical Data
clothing. In addition, it is not permitted to use clothes hangers for hanging up items of clothing.
•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 193.
•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 de activation of the airbags, you can deac- tivate the front passenger airbag or passen ger side airbag by means of this switch ⇒ page 136.
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 137, “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 airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster lights up for about 3 seconds after switching on the ignition and then flashes after that for about 12 seconds.
If the airbag was switched off using the airbag switch* on the side of the dash panel:
•The airbag warning light comes on in the instrument cluster for about 3 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 136, fig. 134.
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)
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Airbag system136
Switch for the front seat passenger airbag(s)*
The front passenger front as well as side airbag (if the vehicle is fitted with
side airbags) are switched off using the switch.
Deactivating an airbag
– Switch off the ignition.
– Turn the slot of the airbag switch using the ignition key in the direction
of the arrow to the position OFF ⇒fig. 133.
– Check whether the airbag indicator light   in the middle of the
dash panel lights up ⇒fig. 134 when the ignition is turned on.
Switching on an airbag
– Switch off the ignition.
– Turn the slot of the airbag switch us ing the ignition key in the direction
of the arrow to the position ON ⇒fig. 133.
– Check whether the airbag indicator light   in the middle of the
dash panel lights up ⇒fig. 134 when the ignition is turned on.
The airbags should only be switched off under exceptional circumstances ⇒ page 135.
Indicator light   (airbag switched off)
The airbag indicator light is locate d in the middle of the dash panel ⇒fig. 134.
If the front passenger airbag is switched on, the airbag warning light comes on for a few seconds each time the ignition is switched on.
In cases where the front passenger front airbag or side airbag is switched off the airbag indicator light comes on for a few seconds after switching on the ignition, goes out for about a second and then comes on again.
There is a system fault presen t in the airbag switch off ⇒ if the indicator light flashes.
WARNING
•The driver is responsible for whether the airbags are 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 deployed in the event of an accident!
− It is also important to have the system inspected without delay by a specialist garage.
Fig. 133 Switch for the front seat passenger airbag(s)
Fig. 134 Indicator light for a switched off front seat passenger airbag
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Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistancePraktikTechnical Data
•the wheels of an axle are loaded heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or when driving uphill or downhill),
•the vehicle is operated in unfavourable winter conditions or on an unfirm ground,
•snow chains or emergency wheel are mounted,
•the driver has a sporty style of driving (with sharp acceleration and high speed when cornering).
Basic setting of tyre inflation pressure-control system
After changing the tyre inflation pressures or after changing one or several wheels, a basic setting of the system must be carried out as follows.
•Inflate all tyres to the specified inflation pressure ⇒page 187.
•Switch on the ignition.
•Press button   ⇒page 150, fig. 147 for more than 2 seconds. While pressing the button, the warning light  lights up. At the same time the basic values are stored, which is confirmed with an acoustic sound and then the warning light  goes out.
•If the warning light  does not go out after the basic setting, there is a fault in the system. Have the vehicle inspected by your nearest specialist garage.
Function description
After the basic setting of the system the “a daptation” of the tyre inflation pressures and then the tyre pressure control in the individual tyres are performed.
Warning light  lights up
If the tyre inflation pressure of at least on e wheel is insufficiently inflated in compar- ison to the stored basic value, the warning light  ⇒ lights up. Inflate all tyres to the specified inflation pressure ⇒page 187, “Tyre life” and then perform a basic setting of the system.
WARNING
•When the warning light  lights up, immediately reduce the speed and avoid sudden steering and brake mano euvres. Please stop the vehicle
without delay at the nearest possible stop and inspect the tyres and their inflation pressures.
•The driver is responsible for the correc t tyre inflation pressures. For this reason, the tyre inflation pressures must be checked regularly.
•Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved roads) the warning light  can be delayed or does not light up at all.
•The tyre inflation pressure-control system does not take away the responsability from the driver for the correct tyre inflation pressure.
Note
The tyre inflation pressure-control system:
•does not replace the regular tyre inflatio n pressure control, because the system cannot detect an even pressure loss,
•cannot warn in case of very rapid tyre inflation pressure loss, e.g. in case of sudden tyre damage. In this case carefully bring the vehicle to a standstill without sudden steering movements and without sharp braking.
WARNING (continued)
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Driving and the Environment154
Catalytic converter
Proper operation of the emission control system (catalytic converter)
is of major significance for drivin g your vehicle in an environmen-
tally conscious way.
Please refer to the following guidelines:
– For vehicles with petrol engine only refuel with unleaded petrol
⇒ page 170, “Grades of petrol”.
– Never run the fuel tank completely empty.
– Do not switch off the ignition while you are driving the vehicle.
– Do not pour too much oil into the engine ⇒page 178, “Replenishing
engine oil”.
– Do not tow-start the vehicle over a distance of more than 50 metres
⇒ page 205, “Tow-starting a vehicle”.
If you drive your vehicle in a country in which unleaded petrol is not available, you must have the catalytic converter replaced later when driving the vehicle into a country in which use of a cata lytic converter is mandatory.
WARNING
•In view of the high temperatures which may be produced in the catalytic converter, one should always park a vehicle in such a way that the catalytic converter cannot come into contact with easily flammable materials below the vehicle - a risk of fire!
•Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection agents for the exhaust pipes, catalyti c converters or heat shields. Such substances might ignite when driving - risk of fire!
Caution
•Vehicles fitted with catalytic converter should never be allowed to let the fuel tank to run completely empty. An irregular fuel supply can result in poor ignition or
misfiring. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and damage the catalytic converter.
•Filling the tank even only once with le aded petrol will result in the catalytic converter being destroyed.
•If you detect misfiring, a drop in perf ormance or irregular engine running when driving, reduce your speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected by the nearest specialist garage. The symptoms described may be caused by a fault in the ignition system. Unburnt fuel may get in to the exhaust system and damage the catalytic converter.
For the sake of the environment
Even if the exhaust system is operating properly, a sulphur-like exhaust odour may be produced under certain operating condit ions of the engine. This depends on the sulphur content of the fuel. It is often su fficient to refuel with unleaded premium- grade petrol of a different brand or at a different filling station.
Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner
General
Your personal style of driving is a major factor.
Your fuel consumption, any pollution of the environmental and the wear-and-tear to the engine, brakes and tyres, depend essentially on three factors:
•your personal style of driving,
•the conditions under which your vehicle is operated,
•technical aspects.
You can easily improve your fuel economy by 10 - 15 percent by driving in an economical way with foresight. This section is intended to provide you with a number of tips on how to protect the en vironment and at the same time save money.
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Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle164
Automatic vehicle wash systems
The paintwork of the vehicle is sufficiently resistant that the vehicle can be washed normally in automatic vehicle wash plants without any problem. The actual stress to which the paintwork is subjected, howeve r, depends primarily on the design of the vehicle wash system, the filtering of th e water and the type of washing and care products used. If the paintwork of your vehicle appears mat after being washed or even has scratches, point this out to the operator of the vehicle wash plant. Use a different vehicle wash plant, if necessary.
There are no particular points to note be fore washing your vehicle in such a plant other than the usual precautionary meas ures (closing windows, moving any factory-fitted aerials down flat against the bodywork, etc.).
If you have any particular atta ch e d p a r t s f i t te d t o y o u r c a r - s u ch a s s p o i l e r, ro o f ra ck system, two-way radio aerial - it is best to first of all consult the operator of the car wash plant.
It is important to degrease the lips of the windscreen wiper rubbers after passing through the automatic vehicle wash system.
Caution
Do not screw the swivelling down roof aeri al tight before washing the vehicle in an automatic vehicle wash sy stem - risk of damage!
Washing vehicle by hand
It is important to first soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse it off as thor- oughly as possible before wa shing your vehicle by hand.
One should then clean the vehicle using a soft washing sponge, washing glove or a washing brush and only slight pressure. Work from the top to the bottom - beginning with the roof. Only place slight pressure on the vehicle paintwork during cleaning Only use a car shampoo for stubborn dirt.
Wash out the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.
Clean wheels, door sills and similar parts last. Use a second sponge for such areas.
Rinse off the vehicle well after giving it a wash and dry it off using a chamois leather.
WARNING
•The ignition should always be switched off when you wash your vehicle - risk of accident!
•Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when you are cleaning the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims - risk of cuts.
Caution
•Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight - risk of paint damage.
•Ensure that the jet of water is not aimed directly at the locks or at the door and panel joints if you spray your vehicle in winter down with a hose - risk of freezing.
•Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar cleaning prod- ucts - risk of damage to the surface of paintwork.
For the sake of the environment
Only wash your vehicle at washing bays specifically reserved for this purpose. This ensures that no water which may be cont aminated by oil flows into the sewage system. It is not even permitted to wash your vehicle in certain areas except at such specific washing bays.
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
When you wash your vehicle with a high-pre ssure cleaner, it is essential to comply with the instructions for use of the cleaning equipment. This applies in particular to the pressure used and to the spraying distance. Maintain a sufficiently large distance to soft materials such as rubber hoses or insulation material.
On no account use circular spray nozzles or so-called dirt cutters!
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Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle168
Engine compartment
Good corrosion protection is very important, particularly in winter when one often drives over its salt-strewn roads. One should therefore clean the entire engine compartment before and after the salt spreading period, in order to prevent the salt from being destructive.
Škoda Service Partners have the cleani ng agents recommended by the manufac- turer and also the required equipment.
WARNING
•It is necessary to observe the guidelines given in the chapter before working on the engine compartment ⇒page 174.
•Let the engine cool down before cleaning the engine compartment.
Caution
•Engine cleaning may be only be undertaken when the ignition is off.
•It is recommended to cover the generator before washing the engine compart- ment.
For the sake of the environment
The dirty water produced by washing the engine has washed away petrol, and resi- dues of grease and oil and should therefor e be cleaned by an oil separator. This is why engine washing should only be undertaken in a garage or at a fueling station (when these are fitted with the required equipment).
Care of the interior of vehicle
Plastic parts, artificial leather and cloths
You can clean plastic parts and artificial leather with a moist cloth. You should only treat such parts with special solvent-free plastic cleaning and care products it does prove to be adequate.
Upholstery cloth and cloth trim on the doors, luggage compartment cover, head- liner etc. are best treated with special cleaning products, using if necessary a dry foam and a soft sponge or brush.
We recommend using a cleaning product from Škoda genuine accessories offered by your Škoda dealer.
Caution
Solvent-free cleaners attack the material and can damage it.
Fabric covers of electrically heated seats
Do not clean the seat covers moist as this may result in damage to the seat heating system.
Clean such covers using special agents, for example dry foam.
Natural leather
Natural leather requires quite particular care and attention.
Leather should be treated from time to time according the following
guidelines depending on how much it is used.
Normal cleaning
– Clean soiled areas of the leather with slightly moistened cotton or
woollen cloth.
Severe soiling
– Clean severely soiled areas with a cloth dipped in a mild soapy solu-
tion (2 spoonfuls of natural soap to 1 litre of water).
– Ensure that the leather is not soaked through at any point and that no
water gets into the stitching of the seams.
– Dry off the leather with a soft, dry cloth.
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