Airbag system
40Function of side airbags
Inflated airbags reduce the risk of head or chest injury.In some side collisions the side airbag is triggered on the impact side of the
vehicle.
In certain types of accident the front, curtain and side airbags may be trig-
gered together.
When the system is triggered, the airbag is filled with propellant gas.
In order to provide the desired extra protection in an accident, the airbags
have to deploy extremely rapidly (within fractions of a second). A fine dust
may develop when the airbag deploys. This is normal and is no indication
that there was a fire in the vehicle.
The fully deployed airbags cushion the movement of the occupants of the
front seats and help to reduce the risk of injury to the upper body.
The special design of the airbag allows the controlled escape of the propel-
lant gas when an occupant puts pressure on the bag. Thus, the head and
chest are surrounded and protected by the airbag.Safety notes on the operation of the side airbag system
Correct behaviour considerably reduces the risk of injury.
WARNING
•
If you do not wear a seat belt, if you lean forward, or are not seated
correctly while the vehicle is in motion, you are at greater risk of injury
should the side airbag system be triggered in an accident.
•
In order for the side airbags to provide their maximum protection, the
prescribed sitting position must always be maintained with seat belts
fastened while travelling.
•
The built-in coat hooks should be used only for lightweight clothing. Do
not leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets.
•
Great forces, such as hard blows or kicks, must not be exerted upon the
backrest bolster because the system may be damaged. In this case the side
airbags would not be triggered.
•
Under no circumstances should protective covers be fitted over the
driver seat or front passenger seat unless the covers have been expressly
approved for use in your vehicle. Because the airbag deploys from the side
of the backrest, the use of conventional seat covers would obstruct the side
airbag, seriously reducing the airbag's effectiveness.
•
Any damage to the original seat upholstery or around the seams of the
side airbag units must be repaired immediately by a qualified workshop.
•
The airbags provide protection for one accident only, if they have been
deployed they must be replaced.
•
When children assume an incorrect sitting position, they expose them-
selves to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. This is
particularly the case if the child is travelling on the front passenger seat
and the airbag system is triggered in an accident; this could have critical
consequences including serious injury or death ⇒ page 45.
•
Any work on the side airbag system or removal and installation of the
airbag components for other repairs (such as removal of the front seat)
should only be performed by a qualified workshop. Otherwise, a fault may
be introduced into the operation of the airbag system.
•
Do not attempt to modify components of the airbag system in any
way.WARNING (continued)
alhambra_ingles_0708 Seite 40 Mittwoch, 10. September 2008 10:55 10
Airbag system43
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
Do not attempt to modify components of the airbag system in any way.
•
The side and head airbags are managed through sensors located in the
interior of the front doors. To ensure the correct functioning of the side and
head airbags neither the doors nor the door panels should be modified in
any way (e.g. fitting loudspeakers). If the front door is damaged in any way,
this may affect the correct working of the system. All work carried out on
the front door must be made in a qualified workshop.
Deactivating airbags*Disabling front passenger front and side airbags
The passenger airbags must be disconnected when a rear
facing child seat is fitted in the front passenger seat.
The key switch can be used to disconnect the front and side airbag
for the passenger seat. All the other airbags in the vehicle remain
functional.
Disabling front and side airbags for front passenger
–Switch off ignition.
– Open centre compartment on instrument panel.
– Using the ignition key, turn the switch to OFF ⇒fig. 28 .
– Check if, when the ignition is switched on, that the warning lamp “PASS AIRBAG OFF” on the instrument panel ⇒fig. 29 remains lit
⇒ .
– Close centre compartment on instrument panel:
Enabling front and side airbags for front passenger
–Switch off ignition.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 28 Interior of centre
compartment on instru-
ment panel: Key switch for
switching off the front
passenger airbags
Fig. 29 Warning lamp for
disabling airbag in dash
panel
alhambra_ingles_0708 Seite 43 Mittwoch, 10. September 2008 10:55 10
Airbag system
44
– Open centre compartment on instrument panel.
– Using the ignition key, turn the switch to ON ⇒page 43, fig. 28.
– Check if, when the ignition is switched on, that the warning lamp “PASS AIRBAG OFF” on the instrument panel ⇒page 43, fig. 29
does not light up ⇒ .
– Close centre compartment on instrument panel.
WARNING
•
The driver is responsible for the proper position of the key-operated
switch.
•
You should only disable the front and side passenger airbags if, in
exceptional cases, you have to use a rear-facing child seat on the front
passenger seat ⇒page 45.
•
Never fit a child seat in the passenger seat, where the child faces back-
wards to the direction of travel and the frontal airbag has not been deacti-
vated. This is highly dangerous for the child. However, if it is necessary in
exceptional circumstances to transport a child in a rear-facing child seat on
the front passenger seat, you must always disable the front passenger
airbag.
•
As soon as the child seat will no longer be used on the front passenger
seat, enable the front and side passenger airbag again.
•
Only deactivate the front and side passenger airbag when the ignition
is off, otherwise a fault may occur in the airbag system, this will create the
risk of the front, curtain or side airbag not deploying properly or not at all
in the event of an accident.
•
If, while the front and side passenger airbag are turned off, the indi-
cator PASS. AIRBAG OFF does not remain lit, this could indicate a fault in
the airbag system: −
Have the airbag system inspected immediately by a qualified work-
shop.
− Do not use a child seat on the front passenger seat! The front and
side passenger airbag may deploy during an accident in spite of the
fault.
− It is impossible to determine whether the front or side airbags will be
triggered in case of accident. Inform your passengers of this.
WARNING (continued)
alhambra_ingles_0708 Seite 44 Mittwoch, 10. September 2008 10:55 10
Child safety45
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Child safetyBrief introductionIntroduction
Statistics show that children are generally safer on the rear
seat than on the front passenger seat.We recommend that children under 12 years of age be transported on the rear
seats. Children travelling on the rear seat must use a child restraint system or
the seat belts provided, depending on their age, height and weight. For
safety reasons, the child restraint system should be installed in the centre of
the rear seat or behind the front passenger's seat.
The physical principles involved and the forces acting in a collision apply to
children just as much as adults ⇒ page 19. But unlike adults, children do not
have fully developed muscle and bone structures. This means that children
are subject to a greater risk of injury.
To reduce this risk, children must always use special child restraint systems
when travelling in the vehicle.
We recommend the use of child safety products from the SEAT Genuine Acces-
sories Program including systems for all ages made by “Peke”
2).
These systems have been especially designed and approved, complying with
the ECE-R44. regulation.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions and observe any statutory require-
ments when installing and using child seats. Always read and observe
⇒ page 45. We recommend that you include the manufacturer's directions for child seat
use in the vehicle wallet and always keep them in the vehicle.
Safety notes on using child seats
Proper use of child seats substantially reduces the risk of
injury in an accident!As the driver, you are responsible for any children you transport in
your vehicle.
– Protect your children by properly using appropriate child seats.
– Always ensure that the belt webbing is properly positioned
according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the
child seat.
– When travelling, do not allow children to distract you from traffic.
– Take breaks regularly during long trips. Take a break at least every two hours.We recommend that you include the manufacturer's directions for child seat
use in the vehicle wallet and always keep them in the vehicle.
WARNING
•
Never fit a child seat in the passenger seat, where the child faces back-
wards to the direction of travel and the frontal airbag has not been deacti-
vated. This is highly dangerous for the child. If it is necessary, in excep-
2)Not for all countries
alhambra_ingles_0708 Seite 45 Mittwoch, 10. September 2008 10:55 10
Child safety
46tional circumstances, to transport a child on the front passenger seat,
always disable the front passenger airbag ⇒page 43.•
All passengers, especially children, must assume the proper sitting
position and be properly belted in while travelling.
•
Never hold children or babies on your lap, this can result in potentially
fatal injuries to the child!
•
Never allow a child to be transported in a vehicle without being properly
secured, or to stand up or kneel on a seat while travelling. In an accident,
the child could be flung through the vehicle, causing possibly fatal injuries
to themselves and other occupants.
•
If children assume an improper sitting position when the car is moving,
they expose themselves to greater risk of injury during a sudden braking
manoeuvre or in an accident. This is particularly the case if the child is trav-
elling on the front passenger seat and the airbag system is triggered in an
accident; this could have consequences including serious injury or death.
•
A suitable child seat can protect your child!
•
Make sure that no hard or sharp objects, for example toys, are on the
child seats. Risk of injury.
•
Never leave a child unsupervised in a child seat or alone in the vehicle.
•
Depending on the time of year, the interior of a parked vehicle can reach
extreme temperatures which may endanger the life of people and animals.
•
Children who are less than 1.5 metres tall must not wear a normal seat
belt without a child restraint system, as this could cause injuries to the
abdominal and neck areas during a sudden braking manoeuvre or in an
accident.
•
Do not allow the belt webbing to become twisted or jammed, or to rub
on any sharp edges.
•
Incorrectly worn seat belts can cause injuries even in a minor collision
or sudden braking manoeuvres.
•
The seat belt cannot offer its full protection if the belt web is not posi-
tioned correctly.
•
Only one child may occupy a child seat.
WARNING (continued)
WARNING (continued)
alhambra_ingles_0708 Seite 46 Mittwoch, 10. September 2008 10:55 10
Child safety47
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Child seatsCategorisation of child seats into groups
Use only child seats that are officially approved and suitable
for the child.Child seats are subject to the regulation ECE-R 44. ECE-R means: Economic
Commission for Europe Regulation
The child seats are grouped into 5 categories:
Group 0 : Children up to 10 kg
Group 0+ : Children up to 13 kg
Group 1 : from 9 to 18 kg
Group 2 : from 15 to 25 kg
Group 3 : from 22 to 36 kg
Child seats that have been tested and approved under the ECE R 44 standard
bear the test mark on the seat (the letter E in a circle with the test number
below it).
Group 0 and 0+ child seats
A suitable child seat and a correctly adjusted seat belt can
help to protect your child.Group 0: For babies from about 9 months old and 10 kg in weight the most
suitable seats are those appearing in the illustration ⇒fig. 30 .
Group 0+: Fo r b ab ie s f ro m ab ou t 1 8 m o n th s ol d a n d 1 3 kg i n w ei g h t t he m ost
suitable seats are those appearing in the illustration.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions and observe any statutory require-
ments when installing and using child seats.
We recommend that you include the manufacturer's directions for child seat
use in the vehicle wallet and always keep them in the vehicle.
WARNING
Read and always observe information and warnings concerning the use of
child seats ⇒page 45.
Fig. 30 A group 0 rear-
facing child seat fitted on
the rear seat.
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Child safety
48Group 1 child seats
A suitable child seat and a corr ectly adjusted seat belt can
help to protect your child.Child seats using the “ISOFIX” system or seats in which the child faces the
rear of the car are most appropriate for babies and small children weighing
between 9 and 18 kg.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions and observe any statutory require-
ments when installing and using child seats.
We recommend that you include the manufacturer's directions for child seat
use in the vehicle wallet and always keep them in the vehicle.
WARNING
Read and always observe information and warnings concerning the use of
ch ild seats
Group 2 and 3 child seats
A suitable child seat and a corre ctly adjusted seat belt can
help to protect your child.Follow the manufacturer's instructions and observe any statutory require-
ments when installing and using child seats.
We recommend that you include the manufacturer's directions for child seat
use in the vehicle wallet and always keep them in the vehicle.
Group 2 child seats
Children under 7 years of age weighing between 15 and 25 kg are best
protected by group 2 child seats in conjunction with properly adjusted seat
belts.
Group 3 child seats
Children over 7 years of age weighing between 22 and 36 kg but less than 1.5
metres tall are best protected by seat cushions with head restraints in
conjunction with properly worn seat belts ⇒fig. 32 .
Fig. 31 A category 1
forward-facing child seat
fitted on the rear seat.
Fig. 32 Forward-facing
child seat installed on rear
seat.
alhambra_ingles_0708 Seite 48 Mittwoch, 10. September 2008 10:55 10
Child safety49
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
•
The shoulder part of the seat belt must lie approximately on the centre
of the shoulder, never across the neck or the arm. The seat belt must lie
close to the torso. The lap belt part must lie across the pelvis, not across
the stomach, and always fit closely. Pull the belt tight if necessary to take
up any slack ⇒page 22, “Seat belts”.
•
Read and always observe information and warnings concerning the use
of child seats ⇒page 45.
Installation of child seats in vehicle seatsGeneral notesThe correct fitting of child seats in the different seats is described below.
Child restraint systems that have been checked according to ECE-R 44 are
suitable for installation on the front passenger seat or on the rear seats.
Note
The passenger seat and the rear seats comply with directive 77/541 EEC for
the installation of child restraint systems.
Front passenger seat
Only the use of an officially approved child seat corre-
sponding to the weight and height of the child is permitted.Universal seats for children in groups 0, 0+, 1, 2, or 3 ( ⇒page 52) ⇒ can
be fitted in the passenger seat.
To fit a child seat, position the seat in the upright position and move the
passenger seat as far back as possible. The seat must be in the highest posi-
tion
3) on vehicles with a height-adjustable ⇒ front passenger seat.WARNING
•
Never fit a child seat in the passenger seat, where the child faces back-
wards to the direction of travel and the frontal airbag has not been deacti-
vated. This is highly dangerous for the child. If it is necessary in excep-
tional cases to transport a child on the front passenger seat, you must
always disable the front and side passenger airbags ⇒page 43.
•
Children must travel in a child seat appropriate to their weight and
height.
•
The vehicle seat must always be fitted in the direction of travel when
securing child restraint systems in weight class 0 or 0+.
•
Read and always observe information and warnings concerning the use
of child seats ⇒ in “Safety notes on using child seats” on page 45.
•
Please always read and follow the information and warnings provided
by the child seat manufacturer.
3)Optional equipment
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