2010 SKODA FABIA ignition

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
128
Important safety information on the head airbag Correct use of the airbag system cons
iderably reduces the risk of injury!
WARNING

It is essential to always switch off
page 128 the front passenger airbag
when attaching a child safety seat on th
e 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 inju
ries if the front passenger airbag is
deployed. In certain countries national legal provisions also require that the side or head passenger airbags be deac
tivated. When transporting a child on
the front passenger seat, pl
ease comply with the appropriate national regula-
tions 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 airbag
s from inflating properly.

Only hang light items of clothing on the clothes hooks to the vehicle. Never
leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in
the pockets of the
items of clothing.
In addition, it is not permitted to use clothes hangers for hanging up items of clothing.
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 deploy-
ment area of the head airbags if any ob
jects, 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 offered
by the head airbag in the event of it
being deployed. When the deployed head
airbag is inflated, parts of the acces-
sories fitted may in certain circumstances be thrown into the interior of the car and cause injuries to the occupants
page 184.

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 airbagsDeactivating airbags If any airbags have been deactivated, switch them on again as soon as possible so that they are able to ag
ain provide their proper protection.
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 deactivation
of the airbags carried out by a specialist
garage. On vehicles equipped with the switch for deactivation of the airbags, you can deacti- vate the front passenger airbag
by means of this switch
page 129.
Deactivation of the airbag is envisaged only for particular instances, such as if:
in exceptional circumstances
, it is necessary to use a child safety seat on the front
passenger seat, where the child is seated with
its back facing in
direction of travel
 page 130, “Important safety information re
garding 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 al
so monitored electronically when one airbag
has been switched off. If the airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment:
The airbag indicator light lights up for 3 seconds each time the ignition is switched
on and then flashes after that for about 12 seconds. If the airbag was switched off using the airbag switch* on the side of the dash panel:
the airbag indicator light in the instrume
nt cluster comes on for about 3 seconds
each time the igniti
on is switched on;
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Airbag system
129
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data

switching off the airbag is indicated by the
lighting up of the indicator light in the
display

 
  in the middle of the dash panel
fig. 121
- right.
Note
A specialist garage will provide you with in
formation on whether na
tional legislation in
your country allows airbags in your vehi
cle to be deactivated, and which ones.
Switch for the front passenger airbag*Fig. 121 Switch for the front passenger airbag
/ indicator light for a switched off front seat
passenger airbagOnly 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 ignition key in the direction of the arrow
to the position
OFF
fig. 121
- left.
– Check whether the airbag indicator light in the display

 
  in
the middle of the dash panel lights up when the ignition is switched on
fig. 121

- right.
Switching on an airbag– Switch off the ignition. – Turn the slot of the airbag switch using the ignition key in the opposite direction of
the arrow to the position
ON
fig. 121
- left.
– Check whether the airbag indicator light in the display

 
  in
the middle of the dash panel does not light up when the ignition is switched on  fig. 121
- right.
The airbag should only be switched
off under exceptional circumstances
page 128.
Indicator light in display

 
  (airbag switched off)
The airbag indicator light is located in the middle of the dash panel
fig. 121
- right.
If the airbag is
switched on
, the airbag indicator light comes on for a few seconds after
switching on the ignition. In cases where the front passenger airbag is
switched off
the airbag in
dicator light
comes on for a few seconds after switching on the ignition, goes out for about a second and then comes on again. There is a system fault present in the airbag switch off

if the indicator light
flashes.
WARNING

The driver is responsible for whethe
r the airbags are switched on or
switched off.
Only switch off the airbag when the ignition is switched off! Otherwise a
fault can occur in the system for the airbag deactivation.
If the warning light
  (airbag switched off) flashes:
 Front passenger airbag is not deployed in the event of an accident!  It is also important to have the system inspected without delay by a specialist garage.
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Intelligent Technology
142
You will place great stresses on the power steering system if the steering is turned to full lock when the vehicle is stationary. Turn
ing the steering to full lock in such a situa-
tion will be accompanied by noises. It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the engine is not running (vehicle being towed in). The only
difference is that gr
eater physical effort
is required. It is possible that the hydraulic pump of
the power steering will not run due to the low
vehicle network voltage if the battery has gone flat and the engine must started with the help off jump leads. This condition will
be indicated by lighti
ng up of the warning
light. The power steering operates again if the ba
ttery is charged to a specific range when
engine is running. It also op
erates again, if the engine
can be started with its own
battery. If there is a fault in the power steering, the warning light lights up in the instrument cluster
 page 26.
Caution
Do not leave the steering at full lock fo
r more than 15 seconds when the engine is
running - risk of damagi
ng the power steering!
Note
Have the steering inspected as soon as possible by a specialist garage if there is a leak or fault in the system.
Tyre pressure monitoring system*The tyre pressure monitoring system compares with the aid of the ABS sensors the speed and also the rolling circumference of the individual wheels. If the tyre inflation pressure is significantly changed and thus the rolling circumference of a wheel, the warning light
 lights up in the instrument cluster
page 31. The tyre pressure moni-
toring system functions late or too sensitively if:
the structure of the tyre is damaged,

the vehicle is loaded to one side or with a load on the roof,

the wheels of an axle are loaded heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or when driving
uphill or downhill),
the vehicle is operated in unfavourable wi
nter conditions or
on an unfirm ground,

snow chains or emergency wheel* are mounted,

the driver has a sporty style of driving (with sharp acceleration and high speed
when cornering). Basic setting of the system After changing the tyre inflation pressures
or after changing one or several wheels, a
basic setting of the system mu
st be carried
out as follows.

Inflate all tyres to the specified inflation pressure
page 178.

Switch on the ignition.

Press button
 
fig. 131
for more than 2 seconds. While pressing the button,
the warning light
 lights up. At the same time the basic values are stored, which is
confirmed with an acoustic sound and then the warning light
 goes out.
Fig. 131 Button for setting the tyre inflation pressure control value
s3j8.a.book Page 142 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM

Driving and the Environment
146
Catalytic converterProper operation of the emission cont
rol system (catalytic converter) is
of major significance for driving your vehicle in an environmentally conscious way.Please refer to the following guidelines: – For vehicles with petrol engine only refuel with unleaded petrol
page 162,
“Grades of petrol”.
– Never run the fuel tank completely empty.– Do not switch off the ignition while you are driving the vehicle.– Do not pour too much oil into the engine
page 168, “Replenishing engine oil”.
– Do not tow-start the vehicle over a distance of more than 50 metres
page 193,
“Tow-starting a vehicle”.
If you drive your vehicle in a country in
which unleaded petrol is not available, you
must have the catalytic converter replaced la
ter when driving the ve
hicle into a country
in which use of a catalyti
c converter is mandatory.
WARNING

In view of the high temperatures which may be produced in the catalytic
converter, one should always park a vehicle in such a way that the catalytic converter cannot come into contact with easily flammable materials below the vehicle - a risk of fire!
Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection agents
for the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields. Such substances might ignite when driving - risk of fire!
Caution

On vehicles fitted with a catalytic converte
r, never let the fuel tank run completely
empty. An irregular fuel supply can result in poor ignition or misfiring. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system an
d damage the cata
lytic converter.

Filling the tank even only once with le
aded petrol will resu
lt in the catalytic
converter being destroyed.

If you detect misfir
ing, a drop in performance or
irregular engine running when
driving, reduce your speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected by the nearest specialist garage. The symptoms described ma
y be caused by a fault in the ignition
system. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and damage the catalytic converter.
For the sake of the environment
Even if the exhaust system is operating pr
operly, a sulphur-like exhaust odour may be
produced under certain oper
ating conditions of the en
gine. This de
pends on the
sulphur content of the fuel. It is often sufficient to refuel with unleaded premium-grade petrol of a different brand or at a different filling station.Driving in an economical and environmentally conscious mannerGeneral Your personal style of driving is a major factor.Your fuel consumption, any pollution of
the environmental and the wear-and-tear to
the engine, brakes and tyres, depend essentially on three factors:
your personal style of driving;

the conditions under which
your vehicle is operated;

technical aspects.
You can easily improve your fuel economy by
10 - 15 percent by driving in an econom-
ical way with foresight. This section is intended to provide you with a number of tips on how to protect the environment and at the same time save money. The fuel consumption can naturally also be
influenced by factors which are beyond the
driver's control. It is, for example, normal
for the fuel consumption to increase in
winter and under worsened cond
itions such as poor road conditions, towing a trailer,
etc. The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the vehicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. Special attention has been given to minimising negative
effects on the environment. It is
necessary to take note of the
s3j8.a.book Page 146 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM

Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle
156
There are no particular points to note be
fore washing your vehicle in an automatic
vehicle wash system other than the usua
l precautionary measures (closing the
windows, unscrewing the aerial, etc.). If you have any particular atta
ched parts fitted to your car
- such as spoiler, roof rack
system, two-way radio aerial - it is best to first of all consult the operator of the car wash plant. It is important to degrease
the lips of the windscreen
wiper rubbers after passing
through the automatic
vehicle wash system.
Washing vehicle by handIt is important to first soften the dirt with
plenty of water and rinse it off as thoroughly
as possible before washin
g your vehicle by hand.
One should then clean the vehicle using a soft
washing sponge
, washing glove
or a
washing brush
and only slight pressure. Work from
the top to the bottom - beginning
with the roof. Only place slight pressure on
the vehicle paintwork during cleaning Only
use a
car shampoo
for stubborn dirt.
Wash out the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.Clean wheels, door sills and similar parts last. Use a second sponge for such areas.Rinse off the vehicle well after giving it a wash and dry it off using a chamois leather.
WARNING

The ignition should always be switched off when you wash your vehicle -
risk of accident!
Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when you are
cleaning the underfloor, the inside of
the wheel housings or
the wheel trims -
risk of cuts.
Caution

Do not wash your vehicle in bright
sunlight - risk of paint damage.

Ensure that the jet of water is not aimed di
rectly at the locking cylinders or at the
door and panel joints if you spray your vehi
cle in winter down with a hose - risk of
freezing.

Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitc
hen sponges or similar cleaning products
- risk of damage to the surface of paintwork.
For the sake of the environment
Only wash your vehicle at wa
shing bays specifically reserved for this purpose. This
ensures that no water which may be contaminated by oil flows into the sewage system. It is not even permitted to wash your vehicl
e in certain areas except at such specific
washing bays.Washing with a high-pressure cleanerWhen you wash your vehicle with a high-press
ure cleaner, it is essential to comply with
the instructions for use of the cleaning equi
pment. This applies in particular to the
pressure
used and to the
spraying distance
. Maintain a sufficiently large distance to
soft materials such as rubber hoses or insulation material. On no account use
circular spray nozzles
or so-called dirt cutters
.
WARNING
It is particularly important that you do not clean tyres with circular spray jets. Damage may occur even at a relatively la
rge spraying distance and if sprayed
only for a short time.
Caution
The water containing wax must be no hotter
than 60°C, otherwise the vehicle can be
damaged.Wax treatmentGood wax treatment is an effective way of
protecting the paintwork from harmful envi-
ronmental influences and
minor mechanical damage.
The vehicle must be treated with a high-quali
ty hard wax polish at the latest, when no
more drops form on the clean paintwork.
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Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle
159
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Underbody protectionThe underside of your vehicle is protected for life against chemical and mechanical influences. One cannot, however, complete
ly rule out damage to the
protective layer
when
driving so we recommend that you inspect the protective layer on the underside of your vehicle and on the
chassis at certain intervals - this is best done at the beginning
and end of the winter - and to touch up any damaged areas. Specialist garages have suitable
spray products
available as well
as the necessary
equipment and are familiar with the instructions for use. Therefore, we recommend you have such touch-up work or additional
corrosion protection measures carried out
by a specialist garage.
WARNING
Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection agents for the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, di
esel particle filter or heat shields.
When the engine reaches its operating
temperature, these substances might
ignite - risk of fire!Protection of hollow spacesAll the cavities of your vehicle which are at risk from corrosion are protected for life by a layer of
protective wax
applied in the factory.
This wax protection does not require to be inspected or re-treated. Please remove any small amount of wax which flows out of the cavities at high temperatures with a plastic scraper and clean the spot using petroleum cleaner.
WARNING
Safety and environmental pr
otection regulations should observed when using
petroleum cleaner to remove wax - a risk of fire!
Engine compartmentGood corrosion protection is very importan
t, particularly in winter when one often
drives over its salt-strewn roads. One should therefore clean the entire engine compartment before and after the salt spread
ing period, in order to prevent the salt
from being destructive. Specialist garages have the cleaning agen
ts recommended by the manufacturer and
also the required equipment.
WARNING

It is necessary to observ
e the guidelines given in the chapter before working
on the engine compartment
page 166.

Let the engine cool down before cleaning the engine compartment.Caution

Engine cleaning may be only be un
dertaken when the ignition is off.

It is recommended to cover the generator before washing the engine compart-
ment.
For the sake of the environment
The dirty water produced by washing the engine has washed away petrol, and residues of grease and oil and should therefore be
cleaned by an oil separator. This is why
engine washing should only be undertaken in garages or at filling stations (when these are fitted with the required equipment).Care of the interior of vehiclePlastic parts, artificial leather and clothsYou can clean plastic parts and artificial le
ather with a moist cloth. You should only
treat such parts with special
solvent-free plastic cleaning and care products
it does
prove to be adequate.
s3j8.a.book Page 159 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM