2013 SKODA OCTAVIA deactivate passenger airbag

Using the system
Cockpit
OverviewElectrical power windows
47
Door opening lever
40
Electric exterior mirror adjustment
69
Air outlet vent
107
Parking ticket holder
80
Operating lever:
› Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight flasher
56
›
Speed regulating system
146
›Activating the menu item wizard
32
Steering wheel:
› With horn
› With driver’s front airbag
187
›
with buttons for the operation of the information system
26
›With buttons for the Infotainment Control
» Infotainment Man-
ual , chapter Device Operation
Instrument cluster
11
Operating lever:
› Windscreen wiper and wash system
65
›Multifunction display
29
›
Information system
32
Air outlets in the central part of the dash panel
107
Infotainment
» owner's manual for the Infotainment radio or navi-
gation
Warning light for the deactivated front seat passenger airbag
191
Button for hazard warning light system
61
Interior rear-view mirror
69
Storage compartment on the front passenger side
87
Front passenger airbag
18712345678910111213141516CD/DVD drive and memory card slot (in the passenger-side storage compartment) » owner's manual for the Infotainment radio and/or
navigation
Air outlet vent107
Key switch for switching off the front passenger airbag (in front passenger storage compartment)
191
Door opening lever
40
Power window in the front passenger door
48
Light switch
55
Storage compartment on the driver's side
80
Fuse box (behind the storage compartment on the driver's side)
252
Bonnet release lever
217
Operating lever for adaptive cruise control
151
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel
118
Ignition lock
120
Pedals
126
Storage compartment / Phone box » Infotainment Manual , chap-
ter Phone box
Handbrake lever
125
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Gearshift lever (manual gearbox)
126
›
Selector lever (automatic gearbox)
127
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Operating controls for the heating
108
›
Operating controls for the air conditioning system
110
›Operating controls for Climatronic
112
Depending on equipment fitted:
› 12-Volt power socket
84
›
Cigarette lighter
83
Bar with keys depending on the equipment fitted:
› 
Central locking system
39
› 
START STOP
158
› 
Traction control TCS
138
› 
Electronic Stability Control ESC
137
› 
Selection of driving mode
161
› 
Park Assist
142

1718192021222324252627282930313233349Cockpit

 Rear fog lightFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
The warning light  comes on when the rear fog light is switched on.
Further information » page 60, Rear fog light .

 Exhaust inspection system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
If the warning light 
lights up, there is a fault in the exhaust inspection system.
The system allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.

 Glow plug system (diesel engine)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 15.
The warning light 
comes on after the ignition has been switched on. Once the
light has gone out, the engine can be started immediately.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the warning light 
does not come on
at all or lights up continuously .
If the warning light 
begins to flash while driving, a fault exists in the engine
control. The system allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.

 Engine performance check (petrol engine)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 15.
If the warning light 
lights up, there is a fault in the engine control. The system
allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
 Security Systems
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
Fault with airbag system
When the warning light  lights up and the following message appears in the in-
strument cluster display, there is a fault with the airbag system.
Error: airbag
AIRBAG ERROR
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored automatically even if one of
the airbags is switched off.
One of the airbags or a belt tensioner has been disabled by the diagnostic tool
› The warning light

lights up for approx. 4 seconds after switching on the igni-
tion and then flashes again for approx. 12 seconds.
› The following message is shown in the information cluster display.
Airbag/ belt tensioner deactivated.
AIRBAG/ BELT TENSIONER OFF
The front passenger airbag has been disabled with the key switch › The warning light

comes on for about 4 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on.
› The warning light

in the display 



in the middle of the dash
panel lights up after switching on the ignition » page 191.
ProActive passenger protection When the warning light 
lights up and the following message appears in the in-
strument cluster display, there is a fault with the airbag system. Seek assistance
from a specialist garage immediately.
Proactive passenger protection not available.PROACTIVE PASSENGER PROTECT NOT AVAIL
or Proactive passenger protection: funct. restricted.
LIMITED PROACTIVE PASSENGER PROTECT 
19Instruments and warning lights

Note■The Eco driving mode is not available when towing a trailer. When the vehicle is
connected electrically to a trailer and is in the Eco driving mode, the Normal driv-
ing mode is configured automatically.■
The maximum vehicle acceleration (kickdown function) is possible also in driving
mode Eco.

Individualmode
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 161.
In mode Individual you can select between Normal, Sport and Eco for each system
separately » Operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings .

ProActive passenger protection

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
163WARNINGAdjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety by ProActive passenger protection must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise – risk of accident!
Note
■ If the front passenger front airbag is deactivated » page 191 the belt tension-
ing function for the front passenger seat is switched off.■
The system component service life is monitored electronically. Further informa-
tion » page 19 ,  Security Systems .

Function
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 163.
ProActive passenger protection (From here on referred to only as system) increa-
ses passenger protection in the front seats in situations that could lead to vehicle
impact or overturning.
The system is ready to intervene automatically in the following conditions. The ignition is switched on.
The vehicle moves at a speed of more than 30 km/h.
In critical driving situations (e.g. during emergency braking or a sudden change in
direction), the following steps can be taken separately or combined in order to re-
duce the risk of serious injury.
› The front passenger's and driver's seatbelts, if worn, are automatically
ten-
sioned closely over the body.
› The windows in the side doors (if open) are automatically closed up to a gap of
about 5 cm from the edge.
› The sliding/tilting roof is closed.
Once the critical driving situation has passed, the tension on the seatbelts will be
released again.
The system operates at two levels of protection.
The first level of protection
The system already intervenes in situations that may occur during dynamic driv-
ing. As a result, this primarily helps to keep the driver and the passenger in the
correct seated position.
The first level of protection can be deactivated by one of the following measures. › Deactivation of the system in Infotainment
» Operating instructions for Info-
tainment , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR button) .
› Deactivation of TCS
» page 138.
› Selecting the driving mode Sport
» page 161.
The second level of protection
The system intervenes only if the situation is evaluated as critical, such as in pan-
ic braking at high speeds.
This level of protection cannot be deactivated.

163Assist systems

WARNINGInformation for the front passenger■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 proper-
ly protect you – hazard!■
Always keep your feet in the footwell when the car is being driven – never
place your feet on the dash panel, out of the window or on the surfaces of the
seats. You will be exposed to increased risk of injury when braking or in the
event of an accident. If an airbag is deployed, you may suffer fatal injuries
when adopting an incorrect seated position!

Correct seated position for the driver
Fig. 158
Correct driver seating position / properly adjusted headrest
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 177.
For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident,
we recommend the following setting.
› Position the steering wheel so that there is a gap of at least 25 cm between the
steering wheel and the chest
A
» Fig. 158 , and that the distance between the
legs and the dash panel at the height of the knee airbag is at least 10 cm
B
.
› Adjust the driver’s seat in the forward/back direction so that the pedals can be
fully depressed with slightly bent legs.
› Adjust the seat backrest so that the highest point of the steering wheel can be
reached 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 1)
C.
› Correctly fasten the seat belt
» page 180, Using seat belts .
Manual driver seat adjustment » page 72.
Electrical driver seat adjustment » page 73.

Correct seated position for the front passenger
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 177.
For the safety of the front passenger and to reduce the risk of injury in the event
of an accident, we recommend the following setting.
› Position the front passenger seat back as far as possible. The front passenger
must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the dash panel so that the airbag
offers the greatest possible safety if it is deployed.
› 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 1)

C
» Fig. 158 on page 178.
› Correctly fasten the seat belt
» page 180.
In exceptional cases the front passenger airbag can be deactivated » page 190,
Deactivating airbags .
Manual front passenger adjustment » page 72.
Electrical front passenger seat adjustment » page 73.

Correct seated position for the passengers in the rear seats
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 177.
To reduce the risk of injury in the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or an ac-
cident, the occupants on the rear seats must observe the following.
› Adjust the head restraint so that the top edge of the head restraint is at the
same level as the upper part of the head
C
» Fig. 158 on page 178.
› Correctly fasten the seat belt
» page 180, Using seat belts .
› Use a suitable child restraint system if transporting children in the vehi-
cle » page 193 , Transporting children safely .


1)
Not valid for sport seats.
178Safety

Front airbagsFig. 164
Driver airbag in the steering wheel/front passenger airbag in the
dash panel
Fig. 165
Safe distance to steering wheel/inflated airbags
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 186.
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 located in the steering wheel » Fig. 164 - 
.
The front airbag for the front seat passenger is located in the dash panel above
the storage compartment » Fig. 164 - 
.
When the airbags are deployed, they inflate in front of the driver and front pas-
senger » Fig. 165 -
 . The forward movement of the driver and of the front pas-
senger is cushioned when they make contact with the fully inflated airbag and
the risk of injury to head and chest is thus reduced.
WARNINGCorrect seated position■It is important that the driver and front passenger maintain a distance of at
least 25 cm to the steering wheel or dashboard A
» Fig. 165 . 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.
■
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.
WARNINGFront airbag and transporting children■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!■
The front passenger airbag must be deactivated if using a rear-facing child
seat on the front passenger seat » page 190, Deactivating airbags . 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. When transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, pay attention to any relevant national regulations regarding
the use of child safety seats.
WARNINGGeneral■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.

187Airbag system

Deactivating airbagsFirst read and observe the introductory information given on page 190.
Deactivating an airbag should be considered in cases such as the ones outlined
below.
› If using a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat (due to different le-
gal regulations, the airbag must be deactivated if using a forward-facing child
seat in some countries) » page 193, Transporting children safely .
› If 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.
› If special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because of
a physical disability.
› If 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 » page 191 , Deactivating the front passenger airbag .
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA service partner to deactivate any other air-
bags as appropriate.
Monitoring the airbag system
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored electronically even if one of
the airbags is switched off.
Airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment › The warning light

lights up for approx. 4 seconds after switching on the igni-
tion and then flashes again for approx. 12 seconds.
Front passenger airbag switched off with the key switch in the storage com-
partment
› The warning light

comes on for about 4 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on.
› The indicator light



3
» Fig. 170 on page 191 lights up after the ignition is
switched on.
Note
■ The national regulations for switching off airbags must be observed.■A ŠKODA service partner will be able to inform you which, if any, of your vehi-
cle's airbags can or must be deactivated.

Deactivating the front passenger airbagFig. 170
Key-operated switch for the front passenger airbag/warning light
for front seat passenger airbag deactivation
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 190.
Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch.
Switching off
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into position
2
» Fig. 170 OFF .
›
Close the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Check that the 

warning light in the 




text
3
lights up
after the ignition is switched on.
Switching on
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into position
1
» Fig. 170 ON .
›
Close the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Check that the 

warning light in the 




text
3
lights up
after the ignition is switched on.
The 

warning light goes out 65 seconds after the key switch status has
changed or after the ignition is switched on. 
191Airbag system