2011 SKODA OCTAVIA TOUR Owner's Manual

Seat belts
88Note
It is also possible to adapt the routing of the belt webbing at the front seats by
adjusting the height of the seat.Taking seat belts off– Press the red button in the belt lock fig. 94 . The spring force causes the
tongue of the lock to jump out.
– Guide the seat belt back with your hand to enable the inertia reel to wind up the
belt webbing more easily.
A plastic knob in the belt webbing holds the belt tongue in a position which is easy
to get hold of.Three-point safety belt for the middle rear seatYour car is equipped as standard with the three-point seat belt in the middle rear
seat. It is used in the same way as the th ree-point seat belts on the left and right
(at front and rear).
WARNING
The three-point safety belt for the rear middle seat can only fulfil its function
reliably when the backrests are correctly locked into position page 51.
Belt tensionersSafety for the driver and front passenger wearing their seat belts is enhanced by
the belt tensioners fitted to the inertia reel s of the front three-point seat belts, and
is a supplement to the protection afforded by the airbag system.
The three-point seat belts are automatically tensioned in the event of a frontal colli-
sion of a certain severity. The belt tensioners can also be deployed if the seat belts
are not fastened.
The belt tensioner is deployed in the event of a frontal collision of major severity. A
powder charge is ignited in the inertia reels during deployment. The belt webbing is
pulled into the inertia reels by a mechan ical system and the belt is tensioned.
The belt tensioners are not activated in case of minor frontal and rear-end colli-
sions, in the case of vehicle rollover or accidents, through which no long delays are
incurred to the vehicle. In the case of a si de collision, only the belt tensioner of the
front seat on the side on which the collision takes place is deployed.
WARNING
•
Any work on the belt tensioner and the seat belt, including removal and
installation of system components because of other repair work, must only be
carried out by a specialist garage.
•
The protective function of the belt te nsioner is only adequate for a single
accident. If the belt tensioners have b een 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 tensioners are deployed. This is not an indi-
cation of a fire in the vehicle.
•
It is essential to pay attention to releva nt safety regulations if the vehicle or
individual parts of the system are scrapped. Specialist garages are familiar with
these regulations which can be reviewed there.
•
When disposing of vehicle or parts of the system, it is important to comply with
the national legal requirements.
Fig. 94 Releasing lock tongue from belt
lock
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Airbag system89
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
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 ches t area of the driver and passenger in the
event of a frontal collision.
In the case of a violent side crash, the si de airbags* and head airbags* reduce the
risk of injuries to the occupant s on the side of the collision .
The airbag system is only functional after the ignition has been switched on.
The operational readiness of the airbag system 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*,
•
head airbags*,
•
an airbag warning light in the instrument cluster,
•
a key-operated switch for switching on /off the front seat passenger airbag*
 page 96,
•
an indicator light for a switched off front seat passenger airbag* in the middle
of the dash panel page 96.
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 ou t after about 4 seconds after the ignition
is switched on,
•
the airbag indicator light goes out and comes on again after the ignition is
switched on,
•
the airbag indicator light comes on or flickers when driving,
•
an airbag indicator light showing a swit ched-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 depl oyed, the front seats must be correctly
adjusted to match the body size of the occupant page 82, “Correct seated
position”.
•
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 immediately 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 individu al 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 replaced if the airbag has been deployed.
•
The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.
•
If you sell your car, please hand over the complete vehicle documentation to
the new owner. Please note that the do cuments 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. The authorised Škoda
Service Partners 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 front passenger
airbag are deployed in the event of a violent frontal collision .
In the case of a violent side collision , the side airbag* on the side of the vehicle at
which the collision occurs, is deployed together with the relevant head airbag*.
In special accident scenarios, the front as well as the relevant side and head airbags
may be deployed together.
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Airbag system
90
The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions, in the
case of rear-end collisions 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 is played by factors such as the type of
object against which the vehicle impacts (hard, soft), the angle of impact, the rela-
tive speed during the accident etc.
A decisive factor for the deployment of th e 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 meas-
ured during the collision remains below the prescribed reference values specified in
the control unit, the airbags are not 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 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 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 switch for the interior light is in the door
contact position),
− The hazard warning light is switched on,
− All the doors are unlocked,
− the fuel supply to the engine is interrupted.
Front airbagsDescription of the front airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belt!Fig. 95 Driver airbag in the steering wheel /front passenger airbag in the dash panelThe front airbag for the driver is housed in the steering wheel fig. 95 - left. The
front airbag for the front passenger* is housed in the dash panel above the storage
compartment fig. 95 - right. The installation positions are each marked with the
“AIRBAG” logo.
The 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. page 91
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 i s t o a l s o
hold the driver and front passenger in a co rrect seated position in the event of a
frontal collision so as to enable the fron t airbags 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 85, “Why
seat belts?”.
Note
The dash panel must be replaced after the front passenger airbag has been
deployed.
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Airbag system91
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
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, si de and head airbag are 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. 96 . The airbags infl ate 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 is cushioned 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
co ntr o ll ed m a nn er ( d ep e nd i ng o n th e lo a d o f th e p a rt ic ula r c a r o c cu pa n t) i n o r d e r t o
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 seat ed position is not correct page 91.
Important safety information regarding the front airbag system
Correct use of the airbag system considerably 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 deployed 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. 97 . 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 when
attaching a child safety seat on the fr ont 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 95, “Deactivating an airbag”. If
this is not done, there is a risk of the child suffering severe or even fatal injuries
if the front passenger airbag is deployed . The national legal provisions in certain
countries require that both the front, side and head airbags be deactivated.
When transporting a child on the front pa ssenger seat, please comply with the
appropriate national legal pr ovisions regarding the use of child safety seats.
•
There must not by any further person s, 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 cleane d with a dry cloth or a cloth moistened
with water. No objects such as cup hold ers, mobile phone mounts, etc. may be
Fig. 96 Deployed front airbags
Fig. 97 Safe distance to steering wheel
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Airbag system
92
a t t a c h e d t o t h e c o v e r s o f t h e a i r b a g m o d u l e s o r b e l o c a t e d w i t h i n t h e i m m e d i a t e
area.•
No modifications of any kind may be ma de to parts of the airbag system. Any
work on the airbag system including installing and removing system compo-
nents because of other repair work (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 the side airbags
The side airbag together with the head airbag offers enhanced
occupant protection in the event of a side collision.The front side airbags are housed in the upholstery of the seat backrests of the
front seats fig. 98 .
The side airbag system in combination with the three-point seat belts, offers addi-
tional protection for the upper area of th e body (chest, stomach and pelvis) of the
occupants of the vehicle in the event of severe side collisions page 93.
Apart from their normal protective function, a further task of the seat belts is to also
hold the occupants of the front or rear exterior seats in position so as to enable the
side airbag to offer the maximum protection in the event of a side collision. 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.
Each time the side airbags are deployed , the head airbag* and the front belt
tensioner on the side of the car on whic h the collision occurs, are automatically
deployed at the same time in order to provide the occupant with enhanced
protection.
Function of the side airbags
Risk of injury to the upper part of the body is reduced by fully inflated
side airbags.When the side airbags are deployed, the head airbag* and the belt tensioner are
also automatically deployed on the relevant side fig. 99 .
If an airbag is deployed, the airbag is fille d 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 indication 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.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 98 Installation position of side
airbag in driver seat
Fig. 99 Inflated side airbag
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Airbag system93
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Important safety information on the side airbag
Correct use of the airbag system considerably reduces the risk of
injury!
WARNING
•
It is essential to always switch off the front passenger airbag when
attaching a child safety seat on the fr ont 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 95, “Deactivating an airbag”. If
this is not done, there is a risk of the child suffering severe or even fatal injuries
if the front passenger airbag is deployed . The national legal provisions in certain
countries require that both the front, side and head airbags be deactivated.
When transporting a child on the front passenger seat, please comply with the
appropriate national legal provisions re garding 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 99, “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 97, “What you should know about transporting chil-
dren!”.
•
There must not be any further persons, animals as well as objects positioned
between the occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. No accessories,
such as a can holder, should be attached to the doors.
•
The airbag control unit operates togeth er with the pressure sensors, which
are attached in the front doors. For this reason no modifications must be carried
out at the doors as well as at the door pa nels (for example additional installation
of loudspeakers). Resulting damages c an have a negative affect on the opera-
tion of the airbag system. All work on th e front doors and their panels must only
be carried out by a specialist garage.
•
In the event of a side collision, the side airbags will not function properly, if
the sensors cannot measure the increasing air pressure inside the doors,
because the air can escape through larg e, non-sealed openings in the door
panel.
−Never drive with removed inner door panels.
− Never drive, if parts of the inner door panel have been removed and the
remaining openings have not been properly sealed.
− Never drive, if the loudspeakers in the doors have been removed, only if
the loudspeaker openings have been properly sealed. −
Always make sure that the openings are covered or filled, if additional
loudspeakers or other equipment parts ar e installed in the inner door panels.
− Always work with an authorised Škoda dealer or have it carried out by a
competent specialist workshop.
•
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.
•
Ensure that there are no excessive forces, 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 wo uld 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 dee p s cr a tc h es. I t i s n o t p erm i ss i bl e to u se f or ce i n ord er t o op en th e m odu l es .
•
A n y w o r k o n t h e s i d e a i r b a g s y s t e m i n cluding removing and installing system
components because of other repair work (e.g. removing seats) must only be
carried out by a specialist garage.WARNING (continued)
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94
Head airbags*Description of the head airbags
The head airbag together with the side airbag offers enhanced
occupant 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 page 94, fig. 100 . The installation positions are each marked with the
“AIRBAG” logo.
The head airbag together with the three- point 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 page 95.
Apart from their normal protective function, a further task of the seat belts is to also
hold the driver and the occupants in a correct seated position in the event of a side
collision so as to enable the head airb ags 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 85, “Why seat
belts?”.
Together with other elements (such as cross bars in the seats, stable vehicle struc-
ture) the head airbags are the consequent further development of occupant protec-
tion in the case of side collisions.
Function of the head airbag
The risk of injury to the head and neck area is reduced in the event
of a side collision by fully inflated head airbags.I n t h e c a s e o f a side collision the head airbag is deployed together with the relevant
side airbag fig. 101 and the belt tensioner on the side of the car on which the acci-
dent occurs.
If the system is deployed, the airbags are filled with propellant gas and extend over
the entire area of the side wi ndow including the door pillar fig. 101 .
The protection offered by the head airbag is thus available simultaneously both to
the front occupants of the car seated on th e side on which the accident occurs, as
well as to the rear occupants. Any impact of the head against parts of the interior or
objects outside of the car, is cushioned by the inflated head airbag. The reduction in
any impact to the head and the resultant minimizing of any movements of the head
additionally reduce the risk of injuries to the neck area. The head airbag also offers
additional protection in the ca se of an offset impact by covering the front door pillar.
In certain accident situations, the front, side and head airbag are deployed simulta-
neously.
The airbags inflate in fraction s of a second and at a high speed in order to be able
to offer that additional protection in th e event of an accident. A grey white, non
harmful gas is released when airbag is infl ated. This is perfectly normal and is not
an indication of a fire in the vehicle.
Fig. 100 Installation position of head
airbag
Fig. 101 Inflated head airbag
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Airbag system95
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Important safety information on the head airbag
Correct use of the airbag system considerably reduces the risk of
injury!
WARNING
•
It is essential to always switch off the front passenger airbag when
attaching a child safety seat on the fr ont 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 95, “Deactivating an airbag”. If
this is not done, there is a risk of the child suffering severe or even fatal injuries
if the front passenger airbag is deployed . The national legal provisions in certain
countries require that both the front, side and head airbags be deactivated.
When transporting a child on the front passenger seat, please comply with the
appropriate national legal provisions re garding the use of child safety seats.
•
There must not be any objects in the deployment area of the head airbags
which might prevent the airbags 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 us e clothes hangers for hanging up items of
clothing.
•
The airbag control unit operates to gether with the sensors, which are
attached in the front doors. For this reason no modifications must be carried out
at the doors as well as at the door panels (for example additional installation of
loudspeakers). Resulting damages can hav e a negative affect on the operation
of the airbag system. All work on the front doors and their panels must only be
carried out by a specialist garage.
•
There must not be any other persons (e.g. children) or animals between the
sitting 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 146, “Accessories, changing and
replacing parts”.
•
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 an airbagDeactivating airbags
If any airbags have been deactivate d, switch them on again as soon
as possible so that they are able to again 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 deacti vation of the airbags carried out by a
specialist garage.
On vehicles equipped with the switch for deactivation of the airbags, you can deac-
tivate the front passenger airbag by means of this switch page 96.
Deactivation of airbags is envisaged only for particular instances, such as if:•
you must in exceptional cases use a child seat on the front passenger seat
where the child has its back to the direction of travel of the vehicle (in some coun-
tries this must be in the direction of trav el due to other legal regulations applying)
 page 97, “Important safety information regarding 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 also monitored electronically when one
airbag has been switched off.
If the airbag was switched o ff using diagnostic equipment:
•
The warning light for the airbag system lights up for 4 seconds after switching
on the ignition and then flashes for 12 seconds afterwards in 2 second intervals.WARNING (continued)
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