2008 SKODA SUPERB airbag off

Airbag system
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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 for the head and ches t area of the driver and passenger in the
event of a frontal collision.
In the case of a violent side crash, the si de* and head* airbags reduce the risk of
injuries to the occupants on the part of the 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,
•front airbag for the driver and front passenger,
•Driver's knee airbag*,
•front side airbags,
•Rear side airbags*,
•head airbags*,
•an airbag warning light in the instrument cluster,
•a front passenger airbag switch*,
•an indicator light for a switched off fron t seat passenger airbag* in the middle
of the dash panel.
A fault in the airbag system exists if:
•the airbag indicator light does not light up when the ignition is switched on,
•the warning light does not go out after about 4 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 150, “Correct seated position” co rrectly 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.
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•When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important
to comply with the national legal requirements.
When are the airbags deployed?
The airbag system is designed in such a way that the driver and front passenger
airbag are deployed in the event of a frontal collision of major severity.
In the case of a violent side crash , the front side airbag* on the side of the car at
which the collision occurs, is deployed toge ther with the rear side airbag and the
head airbag*.
In certain accident situations, the front airbags as well as the side and head airbag
may be deployed together.
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 (hard, soft) against whic h the vehicle impacts or the type of object
against which the vehicle impa cts, the angle of impact, the relative vehicle speed
during the accident 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 of the vehicle
Note
•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 dash panel must be replaced afte r the front passenger airbag has been
deployed.
•in the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed:
− the interior lighting comes on (if the swit ch for the interior light is in the door
contact position),
− the hazard warning light is switched on,
− all the doors are unlocked,
− the battery in the luggage compartment* is switched off;
− the fuel supply to the engine is interrupted.
Front airbag
Description of the front airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belt!
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 154 Driver airbag in the
steering wheel
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The front airbag for the driver is housed in the steering wheel ⇒page 161, fig. 154 .
The front airbag for the front passenger is housed in the dash panel above the
storage compartment ⇒fig. 155 . The installation positions are each marked with
the “AIRBAG” logo.
The front airbag system, in combination with three-point safety belts, offers addi-
tional protection for the head and chest area of the driver and front passenger in
the event of a frontal collision of major severity ⇒ in “Important safety informa-
tion regarding the front airbag system” on page 163.
The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but is part of the complete passive
vehicle safety concept. Please note that an airbag can only offer you optimal
protection in combination with a seat belt which is fastened .
Apart from their normal protective function, a further task of the seat belts is to
also hold the driver and front passenger in a correct seated position in the event of
a frontal collision so as to enable the fr ont airbags to offer the maximum protection.
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 154, “Why
seat belts?”.
Note
The dash panel must be replaced afte r the front passenger airbag has been
deployed.
Function of the front airbags
Risk of injury to the head and chest area is reduced by fully inflated
airbags.
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, the front, side and head airbag are simultaneously
deployed.
If the airbags are deployed, the airbags are filled with a propellant gas and inflated
in front of the driver and front passenger ⇒fig. 156 . The airbags inflate in fractions
of a second and at a high speed in order to be able to offer that additional protec-
tion in the event of an accident. 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 indicati on of a fire in the vehicle.
The airbag develops enormous forces when triggered, which can lead to injuries if
the sitting position or seat ed position is not correct ⇒ in “Important safety
information regarding the front airbag system” on page 163.
Fig. 155 Front passenger
airbag in the dash panel
Fig. 156 Inflated airbags
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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. 157 . 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 168, “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 also when the ch ild 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 appropriate national regulations regarding the
use of child safety seats.
•There must not by any further persons, animals or objects positioned
between the front seated occupants and the deployment area of the airbag.
•The steering wheel and the surface of the airbag module in the dash
panel on the passenger side must not be stuck onto, covered or modified in
any other way. These parts should only be cleaned with a dry cloth or a cloth
moistened with water. No objects such as cup holders, mobile phone
mounts, etc. may be attached to the covers of the airbag modules or be
located within the immediate area.
•No modifications of any kind may be made to parts of the airbag system.
Any work on the airbag system includ ing installing and removing system
components because of other repair work (e.g. removing the steering
wheel) must only be carried out by a specialist garage.
•Never carry out changes on the front bumper or on the body.
•Never place any objects on the surface of the front passenger airbag in
the dash panel.
Fig. 157 Safe distance to
steering wheel
WARNING (continued)
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Driver's knee airbag*
Description of the driver's knee airbags,
The knee airbag reduces the ri sk of injury to the legs.
The driver's knee airbag is located in th e lower part of the dash panel below the
steering column ⇒page 164, fig. 158 . The installation position is marked with the
“AIRBAG” logo.
The driver's knee airbag is complementary to the three-point seat belt and offers
adequate protection to the knees of the driver. Please note that an airbag can
only offer you optimal protection in combination with a seat belt which is
fastened .
Apart from their normal protective function, a further task of the seat belt is to also
hold the driver in a correct seated position in the event of a frontal collision so as to
enable the knee airbag to offer the maximum protection.
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 154, “Why
seat belts?”.
Function of the driver's knee airbags
The airbag system is designed in such a way that the driver's knee airbag is
deployed together with the belt tensioner in the event of a frontal collision of major
severity.
If an airbag is deployed, th e airbag is filled 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 indicati on of a fire in the vehicle.
The forward movement of the body is cush ioned when it makes contact with the
fully inflated airbag and the risk of injury to the legs of the driver is thus reduced.
Important safety information on the driver's knee airbag
WARNING
•The surface of the airbag module in the lower part of the dash panel
below the steering column must not be stuck onto, covered or modified in
any other way. These parts should only be cleaned with a dry cloth or a cloth
moistened with water. No objects must be attached to the cover of the
airbag module or be located within the immediate area.
•No modifications of any kind may be made to parts of the airbag system.
Any work on the airbag system including installing and removing system
components because of other repair work (e.g. removing the steering
wheel) must only be carried out by a specialist garage.
•Never carry out changes on the front bumper or on the body.
Fig. 158 Driver's knee airbag
below the steering column
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Side airbags*
Description of side airbags
The side airbag together with the head airbag offers enhanced occu-
pant protection in the event of a side collision.
The front side airbags are housed in the upholstery of the backrests of the front
seats ⇒fig. 159 .
The rear side airbags* are located between the entrance area and the seat backrest.
The side airbag system in combination with the three-point seat belts, offers addi-
tional protection for the upper area of th e body (chest, stomach and pelvis) of the
occupants of the car in the event of a side collision of major severity.
Apart from their normal protective function, a further task of the seat belts is to
also hold the occupents of the front or rear exterior seats in a correct seated posi-
tion in the event of a side collision so as to enable the side airbag to offer the
maximum protection.
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.
Each time the side airbags are deployed , the head airbag* and the front belt
tensioner on the side of the car at whic h the collision occures, are automatically
deployed at the same time in order to provide the occupant with enhanced
protection.
Function of the side airbags
Risk of injury to the upper part of the body is reduced by fully inflated
side airbags.
When the side airbags are deployed, the head airbag and the belt tensioner are also
automatically deployed on the relevant side ⇒fig. 160 .
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 up per body (chest, stomach and pelvis) is
reduced on the side facing the door.Fig. 159 Installation position
of side airbag in driver seat
Fig. 160 Inflated side airbag
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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 168, “Deactivating an airbag”
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 ch ild 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 173, “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 171, “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 de ployment 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 to gether 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.
•In the event of a side collision, the side airbags will not function properly,
if the sensors cannot measure the increasing air pressure inside the doors,
because the air can escape through lar ge, non-sealed openings in the door
panel.
−Never drive with removed inner door panels.
− Never drive, if parts of the inner door panel have been removed and
the remaining openings have not been properly sealed.
− Never drive, if the loudspeakers in the doors have been removed, only
if the loudspeaker openings have been properly sealed.
− Always make sure that the openings are covered or filled, if additional
loudspeakers or other equipment part s are installed in the inner door
panels.
− Always work with a Škod a dealer or have it carried out by a competent
specialist workshop.
•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.
•Ensure that there are no excessive forces, such as violent knocks, kicks
etc., impact on the backrests of th e seats otherwise the system may be
damaged. The side airbags would not be deployed in such a case!
•Any seat or protective covers which you fit to the driver or front
passenger seats must only be of the type expressly authorized by Škoda
Auto. In view of the fact that the airbag inflates out of the backrest of the
seat, use of non-approved seat or protective covers would considerably
impair the protective function of the side airbag.
•Any damage to the original seat covers in the area of the side airbag
module must be repaired without delay by your specialist garage.
•The airbag modules in the front seats must not display any damage,
cracks or deep scratches. It is not permissible to use force in order to open
the modules.
WARNING (continued)
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•Any work on the side airbag system including removing and installing
system components because of other repair work (e.g. removing seats) must
only be carried out by a specialist garage.
Head airbags*
Description of the head airbags
The head airbag together with the side airbag offers enhanced occu-
pant protection in the event of a side collision.
The head airbags are positioned above the doors on both sides in the interior of the
car ⇒fig. 161 . The installation positions are each marked with the “AIRBAG” logo.
The head airbag together with the three-poin t seat belts and the side airbags, offers
additional protection for the head and neck area of the occupants in the event of a
side collision of major severity ⇒page 168, “Important safety information on the
head airbag”.
Apart from their normal protective function, a further task of the seat belts is to
also hold the driver and the occupants in a correct seated position in the event of a
side collision so as to enable the head airbags to offer the maximum protection. You should therefore always fasten the seat
belts, not only because this is required
by law, but also for safety reas ons and for your own protection ⇒ page 154, “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 deploy ed together with the rele-
vant side airbag and the belt tensioner on the side of the car on which the accident
occurs ⇒ fig. 162.
If the system is deployed, the airbag is filled with propellant gas and extends over
the entire area of the side window including the door pillars ⇒fig. 162 .
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
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 161 Installation position
of the head airbagsFig. 162 Inflated head airbag
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