35
Airbag system
Front airbags
Description of front airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts.
Fig. 17 Driver airbag in the steering wheel and front passenger airbag in the dash
panel The front airbag for the driver is located in the steering wheel ⇒ Fig. 17
and the front passenger airbag is located in the dash panel ⇒ Fig. 17 . Air-
bags are identified by the word “AIRBAG”.
In conjunction with the seat belts, the front airbag system gives the front
occupants additional protection for the head and chest in the event of a se-
vere frontal collision ⇒ page 37, Safety notes on the front airbag system.
In addition to their normal function of restraining the occupants, the seat
belts also hold the driver and front passenger in a position where the air-
bags can provide maximum protection in a frontal collision.
The airbag system is not a substitute for seat belts, but it is an integral part
of the vehicle's overall passive safety system. Please bear in mind that the
airbag system can only work effectively when the vehicle occupants are
wearing their seat belts correctly and have adjusted the head restraints properly. Therefore, it is most important to wear the seat belts at all times,
not only because this is required by law in most countries, but also for your
safety
⇒ page 20, Brief introduction.
The main parts of the front airbag system are:
● an electronic control and monitoring system (control unit)
● the two front airbags (airbag with gas generator) for the driver and front
passenger
● a control lamp on the dash panel ⇒ page 33
The airbag system operation is monitored electronically. The airbag control
lamp will light up for a few seconds every time the ignition is switched on
(self-diagnosis).
There is a fault in the system if the control lamp :
● does not light up when the ignition is switched on ⇒ page 33
● after the ignition is switched on, does not turn off after 4 seconds
● turns off and then lights up again after the ignition is switched on
● lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving
The front airbag system will not be triggered if:
● the ignition is switched off
● there is a minor frontal collision
● there is a side collision
● there is a rear-end collision
● the vehicle turns over
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
38Airbag system
Side airbags*
Description of side airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts.
Fig. 20 Side airbag in
driver seat
The side airbags are located in the backrest cushions of the driver seat
⇒ Fig. 20 and the front passenger seat as well as in the rear seats. The loca- tions are identified by the text “AIRBAG” in the upper region of the backr-
ests.
Together with the seat belts, the side airbag system gives the front seat oc-
cupants additional protection for the upper body in the event of a severe
side collision ⇒ page 40, Safety notes on the operation of the side airbagsystem.
In a side collision, the side airbags reduce the risk of injury to passengers
on the front seats to the areas of the body facing the impact. In addition to
their normal function of protecting the occupants in a collision, the seat
belts also hold the passengers on the front seats and the outer rear seats in
a position where the side airbags can provide maximum protection. The airbag system is not a substitute for seat belts, but it is an integral part
of the vehicle's overall passive safety system. Please bear in mind that the
airbag system can only work effectively when the occupants are wearing
their seat belts. Therefore, it is most important to wear the seat belts at all
times, not only because this is required by law in most countries, but also
for your safety
⇒ page 20, Brief introduction.
The side airbag system will not be triggered if:
● the ignition is switched off
● there is a minor side collision
● there is a frontal collision
● there is a rear-end collision
● the vehicle turns over
The main parts of the airbag system are:
● an electronic control and monitoring system (control unit)
● the side airbags in the sides of the backrests of the front and rear seats
● a control lamp on the dash panel ⇒ page 33
The airbag system operation is monitored electronically. The airbag control
lamp will light up for approx. 4 seconds every time the ignition is switched
on (self-diagnosis).
WARNING
● In a side-on collision the side airbags will not work if the sensors do
not correctly measure the pressure increase on the interior of the doors,
due to air escaping through the areas with holes or openings in the door
panel.
● Never drive the vehicle if the interior panels have been removed.
● Never drive if the interior door panels have been removed or if the
panels have not been correctly fitted.
40Airbag system
The special design of the airbag allows the controlled escape of the propel-
lant gas when an occupant puts pressure on the bag. Thus, the head and
chest are surrounded and protected by the airbag.
Safety notes on the operation of the side airbag system
If airbags are used correctly, they can considerably reduce
the risk of injury in side impact collisions.
WARNING
● If you do not wear a seat belt, if you lean forward, or are not seated
correctly while the vehicle is in motion, you are at a greater risk of injury
if the side airbag system is triggered in an accident.
● In order for the side airbags to provide their maximum protection, the
prescribed sitting position must always be maintained with seat belts
fastened while travelling.
● Occupants of the outer seats must never carry any objects or pets in
the deployment space between them and the airbags, or allow children
or other passengers to travel in this position. It is also important not to
attach any accessories (such as cup holders) to the doors. This would im-
pair the protection offered by the side airbags.
● The built-in coat hooks should be used only for lightweight clothing.
Do not leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets.
● Great forces, such as hard blows or kicks, must not be exerted upon
the backrest bolster because the system may be damaged. In this case,
the side airbags would not be triggered.
WARNING (Continued)
● Under no circumstances should protective covers be fitted over seats
with side airbags unless the covers have been approved for use in your
vehicle. Because the airbag deploys from the side of the backrest, the
use of conventional seat covers would obstruct the side airbag, seriously
reducing the airbag's effectiveness.
● Any damage to the original seat upholstery or around the seams of
the side airbag units must be repaired immediately by a specialised
workshop.
● The airbags provide protection for just one accident; replace them
once they have deployed.
● When children assume an incorrect sitting position, they expose
themselves to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. This
is particularly the case if the child is travelling on the front passenger
seat and the airbag system is triggered in an accident; this could have
critical consequences including serious injury or death ⇒ page 45.
● Any work on the side airbag system or removal and installation of the
airbag components for other repairs (such as removal of the front seat)
should only be performed by a specialised workshop. Otherwise, faults
may occur during the airbag system operation.
● Do not attempt to modify components of the airbag system in any
way.
● The side and head airbags are managed through sensors located in
the interior of the front doors. To ensure the correct functioning of the
side and head airbags neither the doors nor the door panels should be
modified in any way (e.g. fitting loudspeakers). If the front door is dam-
aged, the airbag system may not work correctly. All work carried out on
the front door must be made in a specialised workshop.
42Airbag system
Operation of curtain airbags
Fully inflated airbags reduce the risk of head or chest injury
in a side collision.
Fig. 23 Deployed cur-
tain airbags
During some side collisions the curtain airbag is triggered on the impact
side of the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 23.
In certain types of accident the front, side and curtain airbags may be trig-
gered together.
When the system is triggered, the airbag is filled with propellant gas. In the
process, the curtain airbag covers the side windows and door pillars.
The airbags deploy extremely rapidly, within thousandths of a second, to
provide additional protection in the event of an accident. A fine dust may
develop when the airbag deploys. This is normal and it is not an indication
of fire in the vehicle.
The fully deployed airbags cushion the movement of the front occupants
and help to reduce the risk of injury to the upper body.
The special design of the airbag allows the controlled escape of the propel-
lant gas when an occupant puts pressure on the bag. Thus, the head and
chest are surrounded and protected by the airbag. Safety notes on the operation of the curtain airbag system
If you use airbags correctly, they can considerably reduce
the risk of injury in many kinds of accident.
WARNING
● In order for the side airbags to provide their maximum protection, the
prescribed sitting position must always be maintained with seat belts
fastened while travelling.
● For safety reasons, the curtain airbag must be disabled in those vehi-
cles fitted with a passenger compartment separation screen. See a Tech-
nical Service to make this adjustment.
● There must be no other persons, animals or objects between the oc-
cupants of the outer seats and the deployment space of the curtain air-
bags so that the curtain airbag can deploy without restriction and pro-
vide the greatest possible protection. Therefore, sun blinds which have
not been expressly approved for use in your vehicle may not be attached
to the side windows.
● The built-in coat hooks should be used only for lightweight clothing.
Do not leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets. Please, do
not hang the clothes on coat hangers.
● The airbags provide protection for just one accident; replace them
once they have deployed.
● Any work on the curtain airbag system or removal and installation of
the airbag components for other repairs (such as removal of the roof lin-
ing) should only be performed by a specialised workshop. Otherwise,
faults may occur during the airbag system operation.
43
Airbag system
WARNING (Continued)
● Do not attempt to modify components of the airbag system in any
way.
● The side and head airbags are managed through sensors located in
the interior of the front doors. To ensure the correct functioning of the
side and head airbags neither the doors nor the door panels should be
modified in any way (e.g. fitting loudspeakers). If the front door is
damaged, the airbag system may not work correctly. All work carried out
on the front door must be made in a specialised workshop.
Deactivating airbags Deactivating airbags
The deactivation of airbags corresponds only to certain cases, i.e. if:
● a child seat is required in the front passenger seat with the child facing
in the opposite direction to the direction of travel (in some countries, due to
divergent legal requirements, facing in the direction of travel) ⇒ page 47;
● despite the driver seat being in the correct position, a minimum dis-
tance of 25 cm cannot be maintained between the centre of the steering
wheel and the driver's torso.
● installation of special devices is required in the steering wheel area due
to a physical disability.
● if you have special seats installed (e.g. an orthopaedic seat without side
airbag).
The front passenger front airbag can be disabled using the switch
⇒ page 44.
We recommend that you contact an authorised SEAT dealer for the disabling
of other airbags. Airbag system control
The airbag system availability is controlled electronically, regardless of
whether an airbag is disabled.
If an airbag was disabled using a diagnostics system:
●
the airbag system warning lamp lights up after switching on the igni-
tion for about 4 seconds, and then flashes for about 12 seconds
If the airbag has been disabled with the airbag switch on the side of the
dash panel:
● the airbag control lamp will light up for about 4 seconds after the ig-
nition is switched on.
● the airbag is disabled, signalled with the warning lamp which
lights up with the word placed in the centre part of the
dash panel ⇒ Fig. 24 3
.
Note
● Respect the current legislation in your country regarding the deactiva-
tion of airbags
● At your authorised SEAT dealer you can find information on which vehi-
cle airbags can be deactivated.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
44Airbag system
Front passenger front airbag switch
Fig. 24 Front passenger front airbag switch/warning lamp for the disabling of the
front passenger airbag
The switch disables only the front passenger front airbag.
Disabling the airbag
– Switch the ignition off.
– Open the passenger side storage compartment.
– Turn the airbag switch slot with the key to the position 2
⇒ Fig. 24 OFF.
– Check, with the ignition switched on, that the control lamp
lights up 3
which lights up with the word
in the centre part of the dash panel.
Switching on the airbag
– Switch the ignition off.
– Turn the airbag switch slot with the key to the position 1
⇒ Fig. 24 ON. –
Close the passenger side storage compartment.
– Check, with the ignition switched on, that the control lamp does
not light up 3
which lights up with the word
in the centre part of the dash panel.
Control lamp with the word (front passenger airbag
disabled)
If the front passenger front airbag is disabled, after switching on the igni-
tion, the control lamp will light up for several seconds, then it will switch off
for about 1 s and then switch on again.
If the control lamp is flashing, there is a fault in the disabling of the airbag
system ⇒
. Please go immediately to an Official Service.
WARNING
● The driver of the vehicle is responsible for disabling or switching on
the airbag.
● Always switch off the ignition before disabling the front passenger
airbag! Failure to do so could result in a fault in the airbag deactivation
system.
● If the control lamp (airbag deactivated) flashes, the front pas-
senger front airbag will not trigger in the event of an accident! Have the
system immediately checked by an Official Service.
53
Controls and displays
Operating instructions Controls and displays
Overview
Electric window controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Control for adjusting electric exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106
Air outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Multifunction switch lever:
– turn signals, main beams, parking lights, headlight flash-
er . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
– cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Steering wheel:
– with horn
– with the driver front airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
– with controls for audio, navigation system and telephone .74
General instrument panel: instruments and warning lamps . .53
Multifunction switch lever:
– multifunction display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
– Windscreen wiper and washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Air outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Depending on the equipment:
– audio system
– navigation system
Hazard warning lights switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Control lamp for front passenger airbag deactivated warning
lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
1234
5
67
89
1011
Front passenger airbag switch
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Passenger side storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120
Front passenger airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Switch for the lights and the main lights range control . . . . . .94, 96
Bonnet release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Fuse housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Steering column adjustment lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Driver seat heating control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
ASR switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Central lock button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Depending on the equipment:
– gear lever (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
– selector lever (automatic gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144
Depending on the equipment:
– drink holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
– ashtray holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
glove compartment/storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120
Heated rear window control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Driver seat heating control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Depending on the equipment:
– heating controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
– air conditioning controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
– Climatronic controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
121314151617181920212223
24
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Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
54Controls and displays
Note
The location of the controls of right-hand drive cars differs slightly from the
location shown here ⇒ Fig. 30. However, the symbols correspond to the re-
spective controls.