Airbag system
32The main parts of the front airbag system are:•an electronic control and monitoring system (control unit),•the two front airbags (airbag with gas generator) for the driver and front
passenger,•a knee airbag* for the driver,•a warning lamp
in the dash panel insert ⇒page 29.
The airbag system operation is monitored electronically. The airbag warning
lamp will light up for a few seconds every time the ignition is switched on
(self-diagnosis).
There is a fault in the system if the warning lamp
•does not light up when the ignition is switched on ⇒ page 29•it turns off and then lights up again after the ignition is switched on,•lights up or flashes while the car is moving.
The front airbag system will not be triggered if:•the ignition is switched off,•there is a minor frontal collision,•there is a side collision,•there is a rear-end collision,•the vehicle turns over.WARNING
•The seat belts and airbags can only provide maximum protection if the
occupants are seated correctly ⇒page 10, “Proper sitting position for
occupants”.•If a fault has occurred in the airbag system, have the system checked
immediately by a qualified workshop. Otherwise, during a frontal collision
the system may fail to trigger, or not trigger correctly.
Operation of frontal airbags
Inflated airbags reduce the risk of head or chest injury.The airbag system is designed so that the airbags for the driver and front
passenger are triggered in a severe frontal collision.
In certain types of accident the front, curtain and side airbags may be trig-
gered together.
When the system is triggered, the airbags fill with a propellant gas and
deploy in front of the driver and front passenger ⇒fig. 19 . The fully deployed
airbags cushion the forward movement of the front occupants and help to
reduce the risk of injury to the head and the upper part of the 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. After the collision, the
airbag deflates sufficiently for the front occupants to see forward.
In order to provide the desired extra protection in an accident, the airbags
have to deploy extremely rapidly (within thousandth of a second). A fine dust
Fig. 19 Inflated front
airbags
Exeo_EN.book Seite 32 Freitag, 28. August 2009 10:14 10
Airbag system35
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
that the airbag system can only help to protect you if you are wearing your
safety belt and wearing it properly.
Remember too that airbags will deploy only once and only in certain kinds of
accidents - your safety belts are always there to offer protection in those acci-
d e nts i n whi ch a ir ba gs a re not supp os ed t o de ploy or wh en the y hav e alr ead y
deployed, for example when your vehicle strikes or is struck by another after
the first collision.
This is just one of the reasons why an airbag is not a substitute for the safety
belt. The airbag system works most effectively when used with the safety
belts. Therefore, always wear your safety belts correctly.
It is important to remember that while the supplemental airbag system is
designed to reduce the likelihood of serious injuries, other injuries, for
example, swelling, bruising, and minor abrasions can also be associated with
airbags.
The knee airbag system basically consists of:
•The electronic control module•One inflatable airbag (airbag and gas generator) for the driver•An airbag indicator light in the instrument panel
The knee airbag system will not deploy:•when the ignition is turned off•in frontal collisions when the deceleration measured by the control unit is
too low•in side collisions•in rear-end collisions•in rollovers•in the event of a system malfunction (warning/indicator light illuminated)
⇒ page 65.
WARNING
•Safety belts and the airbag system can only provide protection when
occupants are in the proper seating position.•If the airbag indicator light comes on when the vehicle is being used,
have the system inspected immediately by your Authorised Service Centre.
The airbag may not work properly when the vehicle acceleration in a side
collision is high enough to deploy the airbag. See also ⇒page 65.
How knee airbags work
The risk of injury to the leg area is reduced by fully deployed
knee airbags.The knee airbag system has been designed so that the airbag for the driver is
deployed in certain but not all frontal collisions.
Fig. 22 Inflated airbags
protect in a frontal colli-
sion.
Exeo_EN.book Seite 35 Freitag, 28. August 2009 10:14 10
Airbag system37
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Side airbags*Description of side airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts.The front side airbags are located in the driver's seat and front passenger's
seat backrests ⇒fig. 23. The rear side airbags are located in the rear wheel
housing lining. The locations are identified by the text “AIRBAG” in the upper
region of the backrests and in the rear wheel housing lining.
Together with the seat belts, the side airbag system gives the front seat occu-
pants additional protection for the upper body in the event of a severe side
collision ⇒page 40, “Safety notes on the operation of the side airbag
system”.
In a side collision, the side airbags reduce the risk of injury to passengers on
the front seats to the areas of the body facing the impact. In addition to their
normal function of protecting the occupants in a collision, the seat belts also hold the passengers in the front seats and the outer rear seats in a position
where the side airbags can provide maximum protection.
The airbag system is not a substitute for seat belts, but it is an integral part
of the vehicle's overall passive safety system. Please bear in mind that the
airbag system can only work effectively when the occupants are wearing their
seat belts. Therefore, it is most important to wear the seat belts at all times,
not only because this is required by law in most countries, but also for your
safety
⇒page 18, “Brief introduction”.
The side airbag system will not be triggered if:
•the ignition is switched off,•there is a minor side collision,•there is a frontal collision,•there is a rear-end collision,•the vehicle turns over.
The main parts of the airbag system are:•an electronic control and monitoring system (control unit),•The front side airbags in the backrests of the front seats and the rear side
airbags in the lining of the rear wheel housing.•a warning lamp
in the dash panel insert ⇒page 29.
The airbag system operation is monitored electronically. The airbag warning
lamp will light up for approx. 4 seconds every time the ignition is switched on
(self-diagnosis).
WARNING
•In a side-on collision, the side airbags will not work, if the sensors do
not correctly measure the pressure increase on the interior of the doors,
due to air escaping through the areas with holes or openings in the door
panel.•Never drive the vehicle if the interior panels have been removed.
Fig. 23 Side airbag in
driver seat
Exeo_EN.book Seite 37 Freitag, 28. August 2009 10:14 10
Airbag system
40Safety notes on the operation of the side airbag system
If airbags are used correctly, they can considerably reduce the
risk of injury in side impact collisions.
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 a greater risk of injury if
the side airbag system is 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.•Occupants of the outer seats must never carry any objects or pets in the
deployment space between them and the airbags, or allow children or
other passengers to travel in this position. It is also important not to attach
any accessories (such as cup holders) to the doors. This would impair the
protection offered by the side airbags.•The built-in coat hooks should be us ed 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 exer ted 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 un less the covers have been expressly
approved for use in your vehicle. Because the airbag is triggered from the
side of the backrest, the use of non-approved seat covers would obstruct
the side airbag, seriously reducing the airbag's effectiveness ⇒page 214,
“Accessories, replacement of parts and modifications”.•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 just one accident; replace them once
they have deployed.
•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 46, “Child safety”.•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 qualif ied workshop. Otherwise, faults may
occur during the airbag system operation.•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, the airbag
system may not work correctly. All work carried out on the front door must
be made in a qualified workshop.WARNING (continued)
Exeo_EN.book Seite 40 Freitag, 28. August 2009 10:14 10
Airbag system
42Function of curtain airbags
Fully inflated airbags reduce the risk of head or chest injury in
a side collision.During some side collisions the curtain airbag is triggered on the impact side
of the vehicle ⇒fig. 26 .
In certain types of accident the front, side and curtain airbags may be trig-
gered together.
When the system is triggered, the airbag is filled with propellant gas. In the
process, the curtain bag covers the side windows and door pillars.
In order to provide the desired extra protection in an accident, the airbags
have to deploy extremely rapidly (within thousandth of a second). A fine dust
may develop when the airbag deploys. This is normal and it is not an indica-
tion of fire in the vehicle.
The fully deployed airbags cushion the movement of the front occupants 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 curtain airbag system
If you use airbags correctly, they can considerably reduce the
risk of injury in many kinds of accident.
WARNING
•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.•For safety reasons, the head air bag must be disconnected in those
vehicles fitted with a passenger compartment separation screen. See an
Authorised Service Centre to make this adjustment.•There must be no other persons, animals or objects between the occu-
pants of the outer seats and the deployment space of the curtain airbags
so that the curtain airbag can deploy without restriction and provide the
greatest possible protection. Therefore, sun blinds which have not been
expressly approved for use in your vehicle may not be attached to the side
windows ⇒page 214, “Accessories, replacement of parts and modifica-
tions”.•The built-in coat hooks should be us ed only for lightweight clothing. Do
not leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets. Please, do not
hang the clothes on coat hangers.•The airbags provide protection for just one accident; replace them once
they have deployed.•Any work on the curtain airbag system or removal and installation of
the airbag components for other repairs (such as removal of the roof lining)
Fig. 26 Deployed curtain
airbags
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Airbag system45
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
– Check that the warning lamp on the instrument panel does
⇒page 44, fig. 28 not light up when the ignition is switched on
⇒ .
WARNING
•The driver is responsible for the proper position of the key-operated
switch. •You should only deactivate the front passenger airbag when, in excep-
tional cases, you have to use a rear-facing child seat ⇒page 46, “Child
safety”•Never install a child seat facing backwards (or rear-facing) on the front
passenger seat unless the front passenger airbag has been disabled. This
represents a risk of fatal injuries to 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 is no longer needed on the front passenger
seat, enable the front passenger airbag again.•Only deactivate the passenger airbag when the ignition is off, other-
wise a fault may occur in the airbag system, this will create a danger that
in case of an accident, the airbag does not deploy properly or does not
deploy at all.•When the passenger airbag is deactivated, if the warning lamp AIRBAG
OFF is not continuously lit up when the front passenger airbag is disabled,
there may be 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
passenger airbag could be triggered despite the fact that there is a fault
in the system and, as a result, a child could sustain serious or fatal inju-
ries. −
It is predictable whether the front passenger airbag will deploy
during an accident! Warn all your passengers of this.
•When using the ignition key to activate / deactivate the passenger front
airbag, only the passenger front airbag will be activated / deactivated. The
side airbag and head airbag on the passenger side will remain active.WARNING (continued)
Exeo_EN.book Seite 45 Freitag, 28. August 2009 10:14 10
Cockpit57
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Controls and equipmentCockpitOverviewInstrument panel overview
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door handle
Central locking switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric adjuster for exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlets with thumbwheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for indicators and main beam headlights . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Levers and switches for:
−Windscreen wipers and washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− On-board computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Menu display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Warning lamp indicating that front passenger's airbag has
been disabled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Switch for acoustic parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Sun blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drink holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowage compartments
Depending on equipment fitted: Sound system or navigation
system
Lockable glove compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front passenger's airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for heated rear window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thumbwheel for seat heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual gear lever
Cigarette lighter / Socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary socket
Tyre pressure monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowage compartment
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat memory* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bonnet lock release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−
coming home and leaving home: delayed lights off and
anticipated lights on function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering wheel with:
− Horn
A1
108
A2A3
100
A4
131
A5
161
A6
115
A7
122
A8
59
A9
128
85
87
A10
165
A11
68
44
169
127
A12
121
A13
147
A14A15A16
151
A17
31
A18
156
A19
126
A20
163
A21
148
A22A23
148
A24A25
66
A26A27
168
A28
137
A29
220
A30
119
118
A31
172
A32
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Cockpit
58
− Driver's airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Controls for radio and telephone*
Adjustable steering column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle wallet compartment / knee airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note
•Separate operating instructions are enclosed if the vehicle is equipped
with a factory-fitted radio or navigation system.•The arrangement of switches and controls on right-hand drive models*
may be slightly different from the layout shown in ⇒page 56, fig. 36 .
However, the symbols used to identify the controls are the same. 31A33
164
A34
31
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