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
Exeo_EN.book Seite 42 Freitag, 28. August 2009 10:14 10
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
Exeo_EN.book Seite 57 Freitag, 28. August 2009 10:14 10
Cockpit59
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
InstrumentsInstrument panel overview
The instrument panel is the driver's information centre.Fig. 37 Overview of instrument panel
Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rev counter incorporating digital clock and date . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning and indicator lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer (incorporating mileage recorder display) . . . . . .
Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adjuster buttons for
−
Digital clock and date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Instrument lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital display with
− Service indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A1
60
A2
61, 61
A3
65
A4
63
A5
63
A6
61
62
A7
74
Exeo_EN.book Seite 59 Freitag, 28. August 2009 10:14 10
Cockpit
60
− Driver information system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHECK button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Call-up button for service indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reset button for trip recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant temperature gaugeThe coolant temperature gauge ⇒ fig. 38 only works when the ignition is
switched on. In order to avoid engine damage, please read the following
notes for the different temperature ranges.
Cold temperature
If the needle is still on the left of the dial, this indicates that the engine has
not yet reached operating temperature. Avoid high revs and heavy accelera-
tion and do not make the engine work hard. Normal temperature
In normal operations, the needle will settle somewhere in the centre of the
dial once the engine has reached running temperature. The temperature may
also rise when the engine is working hard, especially at high outside temper-
atures. This is no cause for concern, provided the warning lamp
does not
light up in the instrument panel.
Warning temperature
If the symbol
flashes in the display, this means that either the coolant
temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low ⇒page 78.
WARNING
•Before opening the bonnet and checking the coolant level, observe the
warning information ⇒page 221.•Never open the bonnet when steam or coolant is being released from it.
This could lead to burns. Wait until you can no longer see or hear escaping
steam or coolant.Caution
Accessories in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect of the coolant. At
high outside temperatures and high e ngine loads, there is a risk of the
engine overheating.
71
A8
64
A9
74
A10
63
Fig. 38 Engine coolant
temperature gauge
AA
ABAC
Exeo_EN.book Seite 60 Freitag, 28. August 2009 10:14 10
Cockpit
64CHECK buttonThe button has the following functions:
Enabling the digital clock and the distance display
When the ignition is switched off, the distance display and the digital clock
with date display can be enabled for a few seconds by pressing the
button ⇒fig. 43 .
Starting check procedure (auto-check control)
The auto-check control ⇒page 75 checks important components and vehicle
systems. These background checks are run constantly, as long as the ignition
is switched on.
You can start the “check procedure” manually by pressing the button
with the ignition switched on. This function check can be started with the
engine either stationary or running, but not at road speeds above 5 km/h. Calling up driver messages
If a Priority 1 symbol flashes in the display
⇒page 75, or if the bulb monitor
detects a failure of one of the lights ⇒page 81, the relevant driver informa-
tion can be called up again by briefly pressing the button. For
example:
Switch off engine, check oil level
The message will disappear from the display after about 5 seconds.
Speed warning
You can press the button to set speed limit warning 1 ⇒page 83,
“Setting speed limit warning 1” while the vehicle is moving. Speed limit
warning 2* can only be set when the ignition is switched off ⇒page 84,
“Setting speed limit warning 2”.
F ig. 43 Detail of th e dash
panel insert: CHECK
button
CHECK
CHECK
CHECK
CHECK
CHECK
Exeo_EN.book Seite 64 Freitag, 28. August 2009 10:14 10