2008 SKODA SUPERB deactivate airbag

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights29
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Have the vehicle inspected without
delay by your specialist garage.
WARNING
•If you do not pay attention to the warning light coming on and the corre-
sponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result in injuries or
major vehicle damage.
•Always adjust your speed to suit weather, road, region and traffic condi-
tions. The route indicated by the warning light must not tempt you to disre-
gard the national regulations for road traffic.
Caution
As long as the warning light  lights up, one must take into account an increased
fuel consumption and in certain circumst ances a power reduction of the engine.
Note
Further information about diesel particle filter ⇒page 186.
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 warning light does not go out or flashes while
driving ⇒. This also applies if the warning light does not come on when the igni-
tion 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 and head airbags or belt tensioner 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 switched 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 warning light     (airbag switched off) ⇒ page 169.
WARNING
Have the airbag system checked immediat ely 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.
Control system for exhaust 
The warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
If the warning light does not go out after starting the engine or it lights up when
driving, a fault exists in an exhaust rele vant component. 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.
Electromechanical power steering 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
If the warning light after switching on the ignition or when driving lights up contin-
uously, a fault exists in the el ectromechanical power steering.
•If the yellow warning light lights up, this indicates a partial failure of the power
steering and the steering forces can be greater.
NKO B6 20.book Page 29 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Unlocking and locking39
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Note
•In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed, the locked doors
are automatically unlocked in order to enable rescuers to gain access to the vehicle.
•Only the driver's door can be unlocked using the key if the central locking
system fails ⇒ page 40, “Emergency unlocking and locking of the driver's door”.
You can lock or unlock manually the other doors and the boot lid.
−Emergency locking of the door ⇒page 41.
− Emergency unlocking of the boot lid ⇒page 43.
Safe securing
The central locking system is equipped with a safe securing system. Locking the
vehicle from the outside causes the door lock s to be automatically blocked. It is not
possible to open the doors with the door ha ndle either from the inside or from the
outside. This acts as an effective deterrent for attempts to break into your vehicle.
You can deactivate the safe securing syst em by locking two times within 2 seconds.
If the safe securing system is not operating:
•the indicator light in the driver door flashes for about 2 seconds fast, goes out
and starts to flash slowly after about 30 seconds,
•is the filler flap locked.
The safe securing system is again activate d the next time the vehicle is unlocked and
locked again.
If the vehicle is locked and the safe secu ring system is deactivated, you can open
the vehicle from the inside by pulling on the handle.
WARNING
If the vehicle is locked from the outside and the safe securing system is acti-
vated, there must not be any person and animals in the vehicle as it is then
not possible to open either a door or a window from the inside. The locked
doors make it more difficult for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emer-
gency - hazard!
Note
The anti-theft alarm system* is also acti vated with the deactivated safe securing
system when locking the vehicle. The inte rior monitor* is however not activated.
Buttons for the central locking system
If the vehicle was not locked from outside, you can also unlock and lock
it with the rocker switch on the hand le of the driver or front passenger
door even without the ignition switched on.
Locking all doors and the boot lid
– Press on the bottom part of the button ⇒fig. 26 . The symbol
 in the
button comes on.
Unlocking all doors and the boot lid
– Press on the top part of the button ⇒fig. 26 . The symbol
 goes out
in the button.
The following applies if you have locked your vehicle using the central locking
system:
Fig. 26 Central locking
switch
NKO B6 20.book Page 39 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Passive Safety151
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident, we
recommend the following setting.
•Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance between the steering wheel and
your chest is at least 25 cm ⇒page 150, fig. 145 .
•Position the driver seat in the forward/back direction so that you are able to
press the pedals with your legs at a slight angle .
•Adjust the backrest so that you are able to reach the highest point of the steering
wheel with your arms at a slight angle.
•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 ⇒fig. 146 .
•Fasten the seat belt correctly ⇒page 156, “How are seat belts correctly
fastened?”.
Manual driver seat adjustment ⇒page 71, “Adjusting the front seats”.
Electrical driver seat adjustment ⇒page 72, “Adjusting front seats electrically*”.
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 driver must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the steering
wheel ⇒page 150, fig. 145 . Not maintaining this minimum distance will
mean that the airbag system will not be able to properly protect you -
hazard!
•When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the
outer edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position. Never hold the steering
wheel firmly in the 12 o'clock position or in another way (e.g. in the middle
of the steering wheel or at the inner steering wheel edge). In such cases,
injuries to the arms, the hands and the head can occur when the driver
airbag is deployed.
•The backrests must not be angled to o far back when driving otherwise
this will affect proper operation of the seat belts and of the airbag system -
risk of injury!
•Ensure that there are no objects in the footwell as any objects may get
behind the pedals during a driving or braking manoeuvre. You would then
no longer be able to operate the clutch, to brake or accelerate.
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 ⇒ fig. 146.
•Fasten the seat belt correctly ⇒page 156, “How are seat belts correctly
fastened?”.
In exceptional cases the front passenger airbag can be deactivated ⇒page 168,
“Deactivating an airbag”.
Fig. 146 The correct head
restraint adjustment for the
driver
WARNING (continued)
NKO B6 20.book Page 151 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Airbag system163
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
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)
NKO B6 20.book Page 163 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Airbag system
166
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)
NKO B6 20.book Page 166 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Airbag system
168
offers additional protection in the case of an offset impact by covering the front
door pillar.
In certain accident situations, the front, side and head airbag are simultaneously
deployed.
The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed in order to be able
to offer that additional protection in th e 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.
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 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.
•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 sharp-edged ob jects in the pockets of the items of
clothing. In addition, it is not permitted to use clothes hangers for hanging
up items of clothing.
•The airbag control unit operates to gether 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.
•There must not be any other persons (e.g. children) or animals between
the car occupant and the deployment area 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 offere d 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 circum stances be thrown into the interior
of the car and cause injuries to the occupants ⇒ page 228, “Accessories,
changes and replacement of parts”.
•Any work on the head airbag system including installing and removing
system components because of other repair work (e.g. removing headliner)
must only be carried out 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 deacti vation of the airbags carried out by a
specialist garage.
WARNING (continued)
NKO B6 20.book Page 168 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Airbag system169
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
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 169.
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 171, “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 compartment 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  in display     ⇒ page 169, fig. 163 .
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.
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. 163 .
– Check whether the airbag indicator light
 in display  
  in the middle of the dash panel lights up when the ignition is
turned on ⇒fig. 164 .
Fig. 163 Storage compart-
ment: Switch for the front
passenger airbag
Fig. 164 Indicator light for
the front passenger airbag
A2
NKO B6 20.book Page 169 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Transporting children safely
172
•Never allow your child to be transported in a vehicle without the use of a
suitable restraint system.
•Children should also never stand up in a vehicle or kneel on the seats
when the vehicle is moving. In the even t of an accident the child will be
thrown through the vehicle and may as a result suffer fatal injuries, and also
injure other occupants.
•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 156, “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 169 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. 165 . 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.
•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 al so when the child is facing the direction of travel).
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 165 Sticker on the centre
column of the body on the
front passenger side.
NKO B6 20.book Page 172 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM