2010 SKODA FABIA Owner's Manual

Seat belts
120
– Then pull firmly on the belt to ensure that
the seat belt height
adjuster has correctly
locked in place.
WARNING
Adjust the height of the belt in such a way that the shoulder part of the belt is positioned approximately across the middle of your shoulder - on no account across your neck.
Note
It is also possible to adapt the routing
of the belt webbing on the front seats by
adjusting the height of the seat*.Taking seat belts off– Press the red button in the belt lock
fig. 113
. The spring force causes the tongue
of the lock to jump out.
– Guide the belt back with your hand to en
able the inertia reel to wind up the belt
webbing more easily.
A plastic knob in the belt webbing holds the be
lt tongue in a position which is easy to
get hold of.
Three-point safety belt for the middle rear seatIt is used in the same way as the normal three-point seat belts on the left and right (at front and rear). The three-point seat belt fo
r the rear middle seat must be put on first
to allow the pelvic part of the belt to run
between the belt lock for the right three-point
seat belt and the backrest, while avoiding
crossing the belt webbi
ng of the right and
middle seat belts.
WARNING

The three-point safety belt for the rear middle seat can only fulfil its func-
tion reliably when the backrests are correctly locked into position
page 61.
Note
The vehicles of the category
N1 are not equipped with the third seat belt on the rear
seats. The vehicle is only approved for four persons.Belt tensionerSafety for the driver and front passenger
wearing their seat belts
is enhanced by the
belt tensioners fitted to the inertia reels of the front three-point seat belts. The fastened three-point seat belts are automatically tensioned in the event of a frontal or side collision of a certain severity. The belts tensioners are also deployed if the seat belts are not fastened. Belt tensioners are not activated in the even
t of minor frontal collisions, side and rear-
end collisions, in the case of a rollover an
d also not in accident
s in which no major
forces are produced from the front.
WARNING

Any work on the belt tigh
tener system, including removal and installation of
system components because of other repair work, must only be carried out by a specialist garage.
Fig. 113 Releasing lock tongue from belt lock
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Seat belts
121
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data

The protective function of the system is
only adequate for a single accident.
If the belt tensioners have been deployed, it is then necessary to replace the entire system.
The Owner's Manual must also be handed over to the new owner if the
vehicle is sold.
Note

Smoke is generated when the belt tensione
rs are deployed. This is not an indica-
tion of a fire in the vehicle.
It is essential to pay attent
ion to relevant safety regulations if the vehicle or indi-
vidual parts of the system are scrapped. Specialist garages are familiar with these regu- lations and will be able to provide you with detailed information in this respect.
When disposing of vehicle or parts of the system, it is important to comply with the
national legal requirements.
WARNING (continued)
s3j8.a.book Page 121 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM

Airbag system
122
Airbag systemDescription of the airbag systemGeneral information on the airbag systemThe front airbag system is complementary to
the three-point seat belts and offers addi-
tional protection for the head and chest area of the driver and passenger in the event of a frontal collision. In the event of a side collision, the side airb
ags reduce the risk of injury to the occu-
pants to the part of their body
facing the side of the accident.
The airbag system is only functional af
ter the ignition has been switched on.
The operational readiness of the airbag syst
em is monitored electronically. The airbag
indicator light comes on for a few seconds
each time the igniti
on is switched on.
The airbag system (according to vehicle equipment) consists of:
an electronic control unit;

the front airbags for the driver and front passenger
page 123;

the side airbags
page 125;

head airbags
page 127;

an airbag indicator light
in the instrument cluster
page 33;

a front passenger airbag switch*
page 129;

an indicator light for a switched off fron
t seat passenger airbag* in the middle of
the dash panel
page 129.
A fault in the airbag system exists if:
the airbag indicator light does not light up when the ignition is switched on;

the airbag indicator light does not go out
after about 3 seconds after the ignition is
switched on;
the airbag indicator light goes out and come
s on again after the ignition is switched
on;
the airbag indicator
light comes on or flickers when driving;

an airbag indicator light showing a switched-off front passenger airbag* in the
middle of the dash panel flashes.
WARNING

To enable the occupants of a vehicle
to be protected with the greatest
possible effect when the airbag is
deployed, the front seats must be
 page 114, “Correct seated position” correctly 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 immediat
ely by a specialist garage if a fault
exists. Otherwise, there is a
risk of the airbag not bein
g 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 acci-
dent. The airbag system must then be re
placed if the airbag has been deployed.

The airbag system needs no main
tenance during its working life.

If you sell your car, please hand over the complete vehicle documentation 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. Specialist garages are
familiar with these regulations.
When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important to
comply with the national legal requirements.
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Airbag system
123
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
When are the airbags deployed?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 the case of a
violent side crash
, the side airbag* in the front seat and the head
airbag* on the side on which the collision occurs are deployed. It is also possible under certain special accident situations that the front as well as the side airbags and head airbags* are deployed at the same time. The airbags
are not deployed
in the case of
minor
frontal and side collisions, rear-end
collisions, tilting of the ve
hicle 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 ex
ample, is played by factors such as the type
of object against which the vehicle impacts (h
ard, soft), the angle of impact, the vehicle
speed 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 vehicle deceleration which occurs and is measured during the collision remains below the prescribed reference values specified in the control unit, the airbags are no
t 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 is switched off;

a minor frontal collision;

a minor side collision;

a rear-end collision;

Rollover of the vehicle.Note

A grey white or red, non harmful gas is released when airbag is inflated. This is
perfectly normal and is not an indi
cation of a fire in the vehicle.

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 li
ght is switched on;
 All the doors are unlocked.
Front airbagsDescription of the front airbags The airbag system is not a su
bstitute for the seat belt!
Fig. 114 Driver airbag in the steering wheel
/ front passenger airbag in the dash panel
The front airbag for the driver is housed in the steering wheel
fig. 114
- left. The front
airbag for the front passenger* is housed in the dash panel above the storage compart- ment
fig. 114
- right. The installation positions are each marked with the “AIRBAG”
logo. The front airbag system, in combination with
three-point safety belts, offers additional
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 information regarding
the front airbag system” on page 124. 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
.
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Airbag system
124
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 front ai
rbags to offer the maximum protection.
You should therefore always fasten the seat be
lts, not only because this is required by
law, but also for safety reasons and for your own protection
page 117, “Why seat
belts?”.
Caution
The dash panel must be replaced after the front passenger airbag has been deployed.Function of the front airbags Risk of injury to the upper part of the body is reduced by fully inflated side airbags.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 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. 115
. The airbags inflate in fractions of a
second and at a high speed in order to be able
to offer that additional protection in the
event of an accident. The movement of the
driver and of the front passenger is cush-
ioned 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 seated position is not correct

in “Important safety information
regarding the front airbag system”.Important safety information regarding the front airbag system Correct use of the airbag system cons
iderably 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 de
ployed 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. 116
. 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 occupant.
Fig. 115 Inflated airbags
Fig. 116 Safe distance to steering wheel
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Airbag system
125
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data

It is essential to always switch off
page 128, “Deactivating airbags” 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 ch
ild suffering severe or even fatal injuries
if the front passenger airbag is deploy
ed. In certain countries national legal
provisions also require that the side or
head passenger airbags be deactivated.
When transporting a child on the front passenger seat, please comply with the appropriate national regu
lations 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 th
e 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 imme- diate 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 wo
rk (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 dash panel on the front
passenger side.
Side airbags*Description of side airbags The side airbag increases protection
of the passenger concerned in the
case of a side impact.The side airbags are housed in the upholstery of the seat backrests of the front seats and are marked with the lettering “AIRBAG”
fig. 117
on the middle part.
The side airbag system in combination with the three-point seat belts, offers additional protection for the upper area of the body
(chest, stomach and pelvis) in the event of
severe side collisions

in “Important safety information on the side airbag” on
page 126. Apart from their normal protective function, a further task of the
seat belts
is to also
hold the driver and front pass
enger in a correct seated position in the event of a side
collision so as to enable the side ai
rbags 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 117, “Why seat
belts?”.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 117 Driver seat: Installation posi- tion of airbag
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Airbag system
126
Function of the side airbags Risk of injury to the upper part of the body is reduced by fully inflated side airbags.In the case of a
violent side crash
, the side airbag in the front seat and the head airbag
on the side on which the collision occurs are deployed
fig. 118
.
In certain accident situations, the front, side and head airbag are simultaneously deployed. If an airbag is deployed, the airbag is filled with gas. The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed in order to be able
to offer that additional 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 load of the occupants is cushioned when
plunging into the fully inflated airbag and
the risk of injury to the entire upper body
(chest, stomach and pelvis) is reduced on the
side facing the door.Important safety information on the side airbag Correct use of the airbag system cons
iderably reduces the risk of injury!
WARNING

It is essential to always switch off
page 128, “Deactivating airbags” the
front passenger airbag when attachin
g 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 chil
d is facing the direct
ion of travel). If
this is not done, there is a risk of the ch
ild suffering severe or even fatal injuries
if the front passenger airbag is deploy
ed. In certain countries national legal
provisions also require that the side passenger airbags be deactivated. When transporting a child on the front passenger seat, please comply with the appro- priate 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 suitable child safety seat
page 132, “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 130, “What you should know about transporting
children!”.
There must not be any further persons,
animals as well as objects posi-
tioned between the occupants and the
deployment area of the airbag. No
accessories, such as a can holder, should be attached to the doors.
Only hang light items of clothing on
the clothes hooks to the vehicle. Never
leave any heavy or sharp-ed
ged objects in the pockets
of the items of clothing.

Ensure that there are no excessive forc
es, such as violent knocks, kicks etc.,
impact on the backrests of the 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 authorised 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.
Fig. 118 Side airbags deployed
WARNING (continued)
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Airbag system
127
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data

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 d
oors on both sides in the interior of the
car
fig. 119
. The installation positions of the head airbags 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

in “Important safety information on the head airbag”
on page 128. Apart from their normal protective function, a further task of the
seat belts
is to also
hold the driver and the occupants in a correc
t seated position in the event of a side
collision so as to enable the head ai
rbags 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 117.
Together with other elements (such as cross bars in the doors, stable vehicle structure) the head airbags are the consequent further development of occupant protection in the case of side collisions.Function of the head airbags The risk of injury to the head and ne
ck 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 deployed together with the relevant
side airbag on the side on which the accident occurs
fig. 120
.
If the system is deployed, the airbag is fille
d with propellant gas and covers the entire
area of the side window
including the door pillars
fig. 120
.
The protection offered by the head airbags is
thus available simultaneously both to the
front occupants of the car seated on the side
on which the collision occurs, as well as
to the rear occupants. Any impact of the he
ad against parts of the interior or objects
outside of the car, is cushioned by the in
flated head airbag. The reduction in any
impact to the head and the resultant minimi
zing of any movements of the head addi-
tionally reduce the risk of in
juries to the neck
area. In certain accide
nt situations, the
front, side and head airbag are simultaneously deployed. The airbags inflate in fractions of a second an
d at a high speed in order to be able to
offer that additional 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.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 119 Installation position of the head airbags
Fig. 120 Inflated head airbag
s3j8.a.book Page 127 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM