Airbag system
Description of the airbag system
Introductory information
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 »
page 24.
The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed to offer additional
protection in the event of an accident.
The airbag system (according to vehicle equipment) consists of: › an electronic control unit;
› Front airbags for the driver and front seat passenger
» page 138;
› a driver’s knee airbag » page 139;
› side airbags » page 140;
› head airbags
» page 141;
› an airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster
» page 24;
› a key switch for the front seat passenger airbag
» page 142;
› an indicator light in the middle of the dash panel to indicate the front seat pas-
senger airbag is switched off » page 142.
A fault in the airbag system exists if:
› the indicator light
does not illuminate when the ignition is switched on;
› the indicator light
does not go out 4 seconds after the ignition is switched
on;
› the indicator light
goes out and comes on again after the ignition is switched
on;
› the indicator light
comes on or flashes when driving;
› the indicator light in the middle of the dash panel for the deactivated front seat
passenger airbag flashes. WARNING
■ The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but instead forms 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 fas-
tened.
■ To ensure passengers are protected with the greatest possible effect when
the airbag is deployed, the front seats must be correctly adjusted to match
the body size »
page 129, 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. ■ If there is a fault, have the airbag system checked immediately by a ŠKODA
specialist garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in
the event of an accident.
■ No modifications of any kind must be made to parts of the airbag system.
Any work on the airbag system including the installation and removal of sys-
tem components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering wheel)
must only be carried out by a
ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ Never make any changes to the front bumper or bodywork.
■ 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 replaced if the airbag has been de-
ployed.
■ The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.
■ If you sell your vehicle, provide the complete vehicle documentation to the
new owner. Please note that the information relating to the possibility of de-
activating the front passenger airbag must be included! ■ When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important to
comply with the national legal requirements. Ð When are the airbags deployed?
The airbag system is only functional when the ignition is switched on.
In certain accident situations, the several airbags may be deployed simultaneous-
ly.
The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions, rear-
end collisions, tilting of the vehicle and vehicle rollover. £
137
Airbag system
Deployment factors
It is not possible to generally determine which deployment conditions apply to
the airbag system in every situation. An important role is played by factors such
as the type of object that the vehicle hits (hard, soft), the impact angle, vehicle
speed, etc.
A decisive factor for the deployment of the airbags is the deceleration which oc-
curs. The control unit analyses the nature of the collision and activates the rele-
vant 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 not deployed although the vehicle may well suf-
fer severe damage to the bodywork as a consequence of the accident.
The following will be deployed in the event of a severe frontal collision:
› driver’s front airbag;
› passenger’s front airbag;
› driver’s knee airbag.
The following will be deployed in the event of a severe side collision: › front side airbag on the side of the accident;
› rear side airbag on the side of the accident;
› head airbags on the side of the accident.
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. Note
A grey white or red, non-harmful gas is released when the airbag is inflated. This
is perfectly normal and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle. Ð Front airbags
Fig. 122
Driver airbag in the steering wheel/front passenger airbag in the
dashboard Fig. 123
Safe distance to steering wheel/inflated airbags.
In the event of a severe frontal collision, the front airbag system offers additional
protection for the head and chest area of the driver and front passenger.
The front airbag for the driver is housed in the steering wheel » Fig. 122 - .
The front airbag for the front seat passenger is located in the dash panel above
the stowage compartment
- » Fig. 122.
If the airbags are deployed, the airbags are filled with a propellant gas and infla-
ted in front of the driver and front passenger » Fig. 123 - . The forward move-
ment of the driver and of the front passenger is cushioned when they make con-
tact with the fully inflated airbag and the risk of injury to head and chest is thus
reduced. £
138 Safety
The 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.
WARNING
■ For the driver and front passenger, it is important to maintain a distance of
at least 25 cm to the steering wheel or dashboard A
» Fig. 123
. Not maintain-
ing 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.
■ The airbag develops enormous forces when triggered, which can lead to in-
juries if the sitting position or seated position is not correct.
■ There must not by any further persons, animals or objects positioned be-
tween the front seated occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. ■ Never transport children on the front seat of a vehicle without using a prop-
er restraint system. If airbags are deployed in the event of an accident, the
child might suffer severe or even fatal injuries!
■ It is essential to always switch off the front passenger airbag when attach-
ing a child safety seat to the front passenger seat where the child is seated
with its back facing in direction of travel » page 141, Deactivating airbags. 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. When transporting a child on
the front passenger seat, pay attention to any relevant national regulations
regarding the use of child safety seats.
■ The steering wheel and the surface of the airbag module in the dash panel
on the passenger side must not have stickers attached, be covered or modi-
fied in any other way. These parts should only be cleaned with a cloth that is
dry or has been moistened with water. No objects such as cup holders, mobile
phone mounts, etc. must be attached to the covers of the airbag modules or
be located within their immediate vicinity.
■ Never place objects on the surface of the front passenger airbag module in
the dash panel. Ð Driver’s knee airbag
Fig. 124
Driver's knee airbag below the
steering column
The driver's knee airbag offers adequate protection for the driver's legs.
The driver's knee airbag is located in the lower part of the dash panel below the
steering column » Fig. 124.
In the event of a severe frontal collision, the driver's knee airbag and the belt ten-
sioner are deployed.
The forward movement of the body is cushioned when it makes contact with the
fully inflated airbag and the risk of injury to the legs of the driver is thus reduced. WARNING
■ Adjust the driver's seat in a forward/back direction so that there is a gap of
at least 10 cm between the legs and the dash panel in the vicinity of the knee
airbag B
» Fig. 116 on page 130. If it is not possible to meet this requirement
due to your body size, visit a ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ The surface of the airbag module in the lower part of the dash panel below
the steering column not have stickers attached, be covered or modified in any
other way. This part should only be cleaned with a cloth that is dry or has
been moistened with water. No objects must be attached to the cover of the
airbag module or located within the immediate vicinity. ■ Do not attach any bulky and heavy objects (bunch of keys etc.) to the igni-
tion key. These can be ejected by the knee airbag when it is deployed and can
cause injuries. Ð
139
Airbag system
Head airbags
Fig. 126
Location of the head airbag/gas-filled head airbag
In the event of a severe side collision, the head airbag system offers additional
protection for the head and neck area of passengers.
The head airbags are positioned above the doors on both sides in the interior of
the car » Fig. 126 - .
In the event of a side collision the head airbag is deployed together with the rele-
vant side airbag and the belt tensioner on the side of the car on which the acci-
dent occurs.
When deployed, the airbags cover the entire side window and door pil-
lar »
Fig. 126 - .
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 protec-
tion in the case of an offset impact by covering the front door pillar. WARNING
■ 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 hooks fitted in the vehicle. Never
leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets of the items of cloth-
ing. Additionally, clothes hangers must not be used to hang up items of cloth-
ing. WARNING (Continued)
■ The airbag control unit operates with sensors located in the front doors. For
this reason no adjustments must be carried out to the doors and door panels
(e.g. additional installation of loudspeakers). Resulting damages can have 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
ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ There must no other persons (e.g. children) or animals between the passen-
ger and the deployment area of the head airbag. In addition, none of the occu-
pants 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 towards the side windows in the de-
ployment area of the head airbags if any objects, such as ball-point pens, etc.
are attached to them. This might result in injuries to the occupants if the head
airbag is deployed.
■ The installation of impermissible accessories in the vicinity of the head air-
bags can 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 fitted accessories could be thrown into the interior of the car and injure
the occupants » page 189, Accessories, changes and replacement of parts .Ð Deactivating airbags
Deactivating airbags
Deactivation of airbags is envisaged only for particular instances, such as if:
› using a child seat on the front passenger seat, in which the child has its back to
the vehicle's direction of travel (in some countries this must be in the direction
of travel due to different legal regulations applying) » page 143, Transporting
children safely ;
› not being able to maintain a distance of at least 25 cm between the middle of
the steering wheel and chest, despite the driver's seat being correctly adjusted;
› special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because of a
physical disability;
› other seats have been installed (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side airbags).
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated
switch » Fig. 127 on page 142.
We recommend that you ask a
ŠKODA Service Partner to switch off any other air-
bags. £
141
Airbag system
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 off using diagnostic equipment:
› The airbag indicator light illuminates for around 4
seconds after the ignition
is switched on and then flashes approximately another 12 seconds in 2 second
intervals.
The following applies if the airbag has been switched off using the key switch
in the storage compartment: › The airbag indicator light comes on for around 4 seconds after the ignition is
switched on;
› Switched off airbags are indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the yellow
indicator light in the display coming on » Fig. 127 on
page 142. Note
■ The national regulations for switching off airbags must be observed.
■ A ŠKODA Service Partner will be able to inform you which airbags in your vehicle
can/must be deactivated. ÐKey switch for the front seat passenger airbag
Fig. 127
Storage compartment: Switch for the front passenger airbag/indi-
cator light for the deactivated front seat passenger airbag
Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch.
Switching off › Switch off the ignition. ›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into position 2
» Fig. 127
OFF.
› Check that the yellow indicator light
in the display in the
middle of the dash panel lights up 3
» Fig. 127 when the ignition is switched
on.
Switching on
› Switch off the ignition.
› Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into position 1
» Fig. 127
ON.
› Check that the yellow indicator light
in the display
in the
middle of the dash panel lights up 3
» Fig. 127 when the ignition is switched
on. The indicator light
goes out 65 seconds after the ignition is switched
on.
Indicator light in the display
The airbag indicator light is located in the middle of the dash panel » Fig. 127 3
.
If the front passenger airbag is switched off, the indicator light comes on for
about 4
seconds after the ignition is switched on.
There is a system fault in the deactivated airbag » if the airbag indicator light
flashes. Immediately visit a ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
■ The driver is responsible for whether the airbag is 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 deactivating the airbag. ■ If the indicator light in the display
flashes, the front pas-
senger airbag will not be deployed in the event of an accident! Have the air-
bag system checked by a ŠKODA specialist garage immediately. Ð142
Safety
Transporting children safely
Child seat
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat 143
Child safety and side airbag 144
Classification of child seats 144
Suitability of child seats 144
Child seats with the ISOFIX system 145
Child seat with the TOP TETHER system 145
Children are generally safer on the rear seats than on the front passenger seat.
In contrast to adults, the muscles and bone structure of children are not yet fully
developed. Thus children are exposed to increased risk of injury.
Children should be transported in accordance with the relevant statutory provi-
sions.
Child seats that comply with the ECE-R
44 standard must be used. The ECE-R
Norm stands for: Economic Commission for Europe - Regulation.
Child seats that comply with the ECE-R 44 standard have a test seal that cannot
be removed: a large E within a circle with the test number below. WARNING
■ The national legal requirements must be observed when using child seats.
■ One should never carry children, and also not babies! - on one's lap.
■ Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. Certain outside climatic con-
ditions can cause life-threatening temperatures in the vehicle.
■ Under no circumstances allow children to be transported without the use of
a suitable restraint system. In the event of an accident the child will be
thrown through the vehicle and may as a result suffer fatal injuries, and also
injure other occupants. WARNING (Continued)
■ Children are exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an acci-
dent if they lean forward or adopt an incorrect seated position when the vehi-
cle is moving. This particularly applies to children who are transported on the
front passenger seat as they can suffer severe, or even fatal injuries if the air-
bag system is deployed!
■ Pay particular attention to the information provided by the manufacturer of
the child safety seat regarding the correct routing of the belt. Seat belts
which are not correctly adjusted can themselves cause injuries even in minor
accidents.
■ Safety belts must be checked to ensure that they are running properly. One
should also ensure that the belt is not damaged by sharp-edged fittings.
■ It is essential to switch off the front passenger airbag if using a child seat in
which the child is seated with its back facing the direction of travel on the
front passenger seat. Further information » page 143, Use of a child seat on
the front passenger seat. Note
We recommend that you use child seats from ŠKODA Original Accessories. These
child seats were developed and also tested for use in
ŠKODA vehicles. They fulfil
the ECE-R 44 standard. Ð Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 143.
For safety reasons, we recommend that you install child seats on the rear seats
whenever possible.
The following guidelines must be observed when using a child safety seat in
which the child is seated with its back facing the direction of travel on the front
passenger seat.
› Switch off the front passenger airbag
» page 141, Deactivating airbags .
› Slide the front passenger seat all the way back.
› Move the front passenger seat backrest into the vertical position.
› Set the height-adjustable front passenger seat as high up as possible.
£
ä
143
Transporting children safely
›
Adjust the seat belt for the front passenger seat so that it is as high as possible
(not suitable for a child seat fastened with the ISOFIX system).
› Place and fasten the child seat on the seat and the child in the child seat ac-
cording to the specifications in the manufacturer's user manual of the child
seat . WARNING
■ It is essential to always switch off the front passenger airbag when attach-
ing a child safety seat to the front passenger seat where the child is seated
with its back facing in direction of travel » page 141, Deactivating airbags.
■ Never use a child safety seat in which the child is seated with its back facing
the direction of travel on the front passenger seat if the airbag is switched on.
This child safety seat is positioned in the deployment area of the front pas-
senger airbag. The airbag may cause the child severe, or even fatal injuries, in
the event of it being deployed.
■ This is also clearly stated on the sticker which is located on the sun visor on
the passenger side. ■ If a child safety seat in which the child faces in the direction of travel is used
on the front passenger seat, the front passenger seat must be moved back
and to the top fully. Move the backrest into the vertical position.
■ The front passenger airbag must be reactivated as soon as you no longer
use a child seat on the front passenger seat. ÐChild safety and side airbag
Fig. 128
Incorrect seated position of a child who is not properly secured -
risk from the side airbag/Child properly protected by safety seat First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 143.
The child must not be positioned in the deployment area of the side air-
bag » Fig. 128 - . There must be sufficient room between the child and the de-
ployment area of the side airbag so that the airbag can provide as much protec-
tion as possible » Fig. 128 - . WARNING
■ Children must never be seated with their head in the deployment area of
the side airbag - risk of injury!
■ Do not place any objects within the deployment area of the side airbags -
risk of injury! Ð Classification of child seats
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 143.
Child safety seats are classified in 5 groups:
Group Weight of the child Approximate age
0 0-10 kg up to 9 months
0+ up to 13 kg up to 18 months
1 9-18 kg up to 4 years
2 15-25 kg up to 7 years
3 22-36 kg over 7 years Ð
Suitability of child seats
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 143.
Overview of the usefulness of child seats on each of the seats in accordance with
the ECE-R 44 standard:
£
ä
ä
ä
144 Safety
A
Embankment angle (front and rear)
Transition from the horizontal plane to an upward slope or from a downward
slope back to the plane. The angle indication determines the angle at which you
can drive the vehicle down the embankment, at a slow speed, without the bump-
er or the underbody of the vehicle touching the ground. B
Slope angle
The difference of altitude (upward slope) which is overcome on a stretch of road
of 100 m, is indicated in percentage or degrees, i.e the gradiant at which the vehi-
cle can climb a hill on its own (among other things, depending on the road surface
and the engine power). C
Ground clearance
The distance between the road surface and the deepest point of the vehicle un-
derbody. D
Ramp angle
The angle indication determines the angle at which you can drive the vehicle over
a ramp, at a slow speed, without the underbody of the vehicle touching the ramp
edge.
Overhang angle (°)
Overhang angle, front 19 (17.1a)
)
Overhang angle, rear 26.7 (25.2a)
)
Ramp angle 19.4 (17.2a)
) a)
GreenLine
Slope angle (°)/ability to climb (%) 1.2 ltr./77 kW TSI 24/45
1.4 ltr./90 kW TSI 27/50
1.8 ltr./118 (112) kW TSI 29/55
1.6 ltr./77 kW TDI CR 29/55
2.0 ltr/81 kW TDI CR - MG5 29/55
2.0 l/81 kW TDI CR - MG6 4x4 31/60
2.0 ltr./103 kW TDI CR 31/60
2.0 ltr./103 kW TDI CR - Green tec 29/55
2.0 ltr./125 kW TDI CR 31/60 Ð Before driving off-road
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 151.
Important information
› The first priority should always be
safety.
› Do not drive off-road if your vehicle is not suited to it. Your vehicle is not de-
signed for expedition-like travel.
› Before every off-road journey, make sure that the vehicle is appropriately
equipped for the planned journey.
› Check the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle and adjust where necessary.
› Fill up. The fuel consumption of the vehicle is much higher when driving off-
road than when driving on the road.
› Pay attention to possible hazards before driving on unfamiliar territory.
› Before driving, always put the seat belt on correctly. Make sure that your front
passenger and your passengers seated on the rear seats always fasten their
seat belts correctly.
› You must be seated in such a way that you have good front visibility, especially
when driving uphill or downhill. You must never be seated in such a way that
the distance between your chest and the middle of the airbag cover is less than
25 cm » page 138, Front airbags.
› Use a suitable pair of shoes which makes it safer to operate the pedals.
› Install the towing eye at the front or at the rear before driving off-road. It is not
always possible to install the towing eye if the vehicle got stuck.
› Check the car tool kit, stock up where necessary.
› Fill the engine oil up to the mark A
» page 172
, Checking the engine oil level .
› Fill up the windscreen washer fluid.
› Your vehicle has a higher centre of gravity than normal cars. This increases the
risk of vehicle rollover when driving on-road and off-road.
› Secure the items in your vehicle properly. Ð
ä
153
Driving and the Environment