2010 SKODA OCTAVIA TOUR airbag off

Passive Safety99
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data

Adjust the seat backrest so that you ar e 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 page 98, fig. 107 .

Fasten the seat belt correctly page 104, “How are seat belts correctly fastened?”.
Manual driver se at adjustment page 56, “Adjusting the front seats”.
Electrical driver seat adjustment page 57, “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 98, fig. 106. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the
airbag system will not be able to properly protect you - hazard!

When driving, hold the st eering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer
edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock po sition. 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 seat backrests must not be angled too far back when driving otherwise
this will affect proper operation of the se at 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 combination of the airbag and the seat belt
offers the greatest possible safety when an airbag is deployed.For the safety of the front passenger and to re duce 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 page 98, fig. 107.

Fasten the seat belt correctly page 104, “How are seat belts correctly fastened?”.
In exceptional cases the front pass enger airbag can be deactivated page 113,
“Deactivating an airbag”.
Manual front passenger adjustment page 56, “Adjusting the front seats”.
Electrical front passenger seat adjustment page 57, “Adjusting front seats electri-
cally*”.
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 front passenger must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the dash
panel. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag
system will not be able to properly protect you - hazard!

Always keep your feet in the footwel l when the vehicle is being driven -
never place your feet on the instrument panel, out of the window or on the
surfaces of the seats. You will be exposed to increased risk of injury if it
becomes necessary to apply the brake or in the event of an accident. If an airbag
is deployed, you may suffer fatal injuries when adopting an incorrect seated
position!
s2rc.book Page 99 Thursd ay, April 22, 2010 10:58 AM

Passive Safety
100

The seat backrests must not be angled too far back when driving otherwise
this will affect proper operation of the se at belts and of the airbag system - risk
of injury!
Correct seated position for the occupants on the rear seats
Occupants on the rear seats must sit upright, keep the feet in the foot-
well and must have their seat belts correctly fastened.To reduce the risk of injury in the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or an accident,
the occupants on the rear seats must observe the following:
Adjust the head restraints so that the top edge of the head restraints is at the same
level as the upper part of your head page 98, fig. 107 .

Fasten the seat belt correctly page 104, “How are seat belts correctly fastened?”.

If you are transporting page 115, “Transporting children safely” children in the
vehicle, please use a suitable child restraint system.
WARNING

The head restraints must always be adjusted to match the body size, in
order to offer an optimal protection for you and your occupants.

Always keep your feet in the footwell when the car is being driven - never
put your feet out of the window or on the surfaces of the seats. You will be
exposed to increased risk of injury if it becomes necessary to apply the brake or
in the event of an accident. If an airbag is deployed, you may suffer fatal injuries
when adopting an incorrect seated position!

If the occupants on the rear seats are not sitting upright, the risk of injury is
increased due to incorrect routing of the seat belt.
Examples of an incorrect seated position
An incorrect seated position can lead to severe injuries or death for the
occupants.Seat belts offer their optimum protection only if the webbing of the seat belts is prop-
erly routed. Incorrect seated positions considerably reduce the protective functions of
the seat belts and therefore increase the risk of injury due to an incorrect routing of the
seat belt. The driver is fully responsible for himself and the occupants, in particular for
the children. Do not permit an occupant to adopt an incorrect seated position when
the car is moving.
The following list contains the examples of seated positions which are dangerous for
the occupants. This list is not complete, however we would like you to get interested in
this subject.
Therefore, while the car is moving never:
stand up in the vehicle,

stand up on the seats,

kneel onto the seats,

tilt the seat backrest fully to the back,

lean against the dash panel,

lie on the rear seats,

only sit on the front area of the seat,

sit to the side,

lean out of the window,

put the feet out of the window,

put the feet on the dash panel,

put the feet on the seat upholstery,

occupy the footwell,

have the seat belt not fastened,

occupy the luggage compartment.
WARNING (continued)
s2rc.book Page 100 Thursday, April 22, 2010 10:58 AM

Passive Safety101
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
WARNING

If the occupant adopts an incorrect seated position, he is exposed to life-
threatening injuries, in case he is hit by a deployed airbag.

Before setting off, please adopt the correct seated position and do not
change this seated position while the car is moving. Also advise your occupants
to adopt the correct seated position and not to change this seated position
while the car is moving.
s2rc.book Page 101 Thursday, April 22, 2010 10:58 AM

Seat belts
102
Seat beltsWhy seat belts?It is a proven fact that seat belts offer good protection in accidents fig. 108 . Thus
wearing a seat belt is a legal requirement in most countries.
Seat belts which have been correctly fasten ed and adjusted hold the occupants of the
car in the correct seated position fig. 108 . The belts reduce the kinetic energy
(energy of motion) to a considerable exte nt. They also prevent uncontrolled move-
ments which, in turn, may well result in severe injuries.
The occupants of a vehicle who have fastened and correctly adjusted their seat belt,
profit to a major extent from the fact that the kinetic energy is optimally absorbed by
the belts. The structure of the front end of the vehicle and other passive safety meas-
ures, such as the airbag system, also cont ribute to reducing the kinetic energy. The
energy produced is thus absorbed and there is less risk of injury.
Accident statistics prove that seat belts which are fastened and properly adjusted
reduce the risk of an injury and enhance the chance of survival in a major accident
 page 103. It is important that you pay attention to
safety measures, particularly when trans-
porting children in the vehicle page 115, “What you should know about trans-
porting children!”.
WARNING

Fasten your seat belt each time before setting off, also when driving in town!
This also applies to the people seated at the rear - risk of injury!

Expectant women must also always wear a seat belt. This is the only way of
ensuring optimal protection for the unborn child page 104, “Fastening
three-point seat belts”.

It is important for the belt webbing to be properly routed if the seat belts are
to offer the maximum protection. You can see a description of how safety belts
should be fitted properly on the next pages.Note
Please comply with any differing legal requirements when using the seat belts.
Fig. 108 Driver wearing seat belt
s2rc.book Page 102 Thursday, April 22, 2010 10:58 AM

Airbag system
108
Airbag systemDescription of the airbag systemGeneral information on the airbag systemThe front airbag system is complementary to the three-point seat belts and offers
additional protection for the head and chest area of the driver and passenger in the
event of a frontal collision.
In the case of a violent side cr ash, the side airbags* reduce the risk of injuries to the
occupants on the side of the collision .
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 ignition is switched on.
The airbag system (according to vehicle equipment) consists of:
an electronic control unit,

front airbag for the driver and the front seat passenger*,

side airbags*,

an airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster,

Switch for front passenger airbag* in front passenger storage compartment
 page 113,

Indicator light for a switched off front seat passenger airbag* page 113.
A fault in the airbag system exists if:

the airbag indicator light does not light up when the ignition is switched on,

the warning light does not go out after about 4 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.
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 98,
“Correct seated position” correctly adjusted to match the body size of the occu-
pant.

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 being 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 maintenance during its working life.

If you sell your car, please hand ov er 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.
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.
s2rc.book Page 108 Thursday, April 22, 2010 10:58 AM

Airbag system109
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
In the case of a
violent side crash , the side airbag* is depl oyed on the side of the
vehicle on which the collision occurs.
In certain accident situ ations, the front as well as the side airbags are deployed at the
same time.
The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions, in the
case of rear-end collisi ons 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, 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 dash panel must be replaced after the front passenger airbag has been
deployed.

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!The front airbag for the driver is housed in the steering wheel fig. 117 . The front
airbag for the front passenger* is housed in the dash panel above the storage
Fig. 117 Driver airbag in the
steering wheelFig. 118 Front passenger airbag
in the dash panel
s2rc.book Page 109 Thursday, April 22, 2010 10:58 AM

Airbag system
110
compartment  fig. 118. 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 110.
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 .
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 102, “Why seat
belts?”.
Note
The dash panel must be replaced after the front passenger airbag has been
deployed.Function of the front airbags
Risk of injury to the head and ches t area is reduced by fully inflated
airbags.
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 certain accident situations, the front an d side airbags may be deployed together.
If the airbags are deployed, the airbags are filled with a propellant gas and inflated in
front of the driver and front passenger fig. 119 . 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 forward movement of the driver and of the front passenger
i s c us h i o n e d w h e n th e y m a ke co n t a c t w i t h t h e f u l l y i n f l a t e d a i r ba g a n d th e r i s k o f i n j u r y
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!
Fig. 119 Inflated airbags
Fig. 120 Safe distance to
steering wheel
s2rc.book Page 110 Thursday, April 22, 2010 10:58 AM

Airbag system111
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
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 page 110, fig. 120 . Not
maintaining 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.

It is essential to always switch off the front passenger airbag and/or side
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) page 113, “Deactivating an
airbag”. If this is not done, there is a ri sk of the child suffering severe or even
fatal injuries if the front passenger airbag is deployed. In certain countries
national legal provisions also require that the side passenger airbags be deac-
tivated. When transporting a child on the front passenger seat, please comply
with the appropriate national regulati ons 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 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 front passenger airbag module
in the dash panel.
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.
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) of the occupants
of the vehicle in the event of severe side collisions  in “Important safety informa-
tion on the side airbag” on page 112.
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 102, “Why seat
belts?”.
Fig. 121 Installation position of
side airbag in driver seat
s2rc.book Page 111 Thursday, April 22, 2010 10:58 AM