2014 SKODA FABIA warning

Airbag system
Description of the airbag system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
System description
16
Airbag deployment
16
The airbag system as a supplement to the seat belts provides additional occu-
pant protection during severe frontal and side collisions.
WARNING■ An airbag can only offer you optimal protection in combination with a
fastened seat belt .■
The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but instead forms part of
the complete passive vehicle safety concept.
■
To ensure passengers are protected with the greatest possible effect
when the airbag is deployed, the front seats must be correctly adjusted to
match body size » page 9, Correct and safe 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.
WARNINGInformation on the use of the airbag system■If there is a fault, the airbag system must be checked by a specialist ga-
rage immediately. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activa-
ted 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
system components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering
wheel) must only be carried out by a specialist garage.
■
Never make any changes to the front bumper or bodywork.
■
It is prohibited to tamper with 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 ac-
cident. The airbag system must be replaced if an airbag has been deployed.
System description
Read and observe
on page 16 first.
The functional status of the airbag system is indicated by the 
indicator light
in the instrument cluster » page 36.
When the airbags are deployed, they fill with gas and inflate.
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.
The airbag system consists – depending on the vehicle equipment – of the
following modules.
› Electronic control unit.
› Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger
» page 17.
› Side airbags
» page 18.
› Head airbags
» page 19.
› Airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster
» page 36.
› Key switch for the front passenger airbag
» page 21.
› Warning light for front passenger airbag deactivation in dash panel centre
» page 21 .
Note
■
The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.■If you sell your vehicle, pass on the complete vehicle documentation to the
new owner. Take care to ensure that the information relating to the possibility
of deactivating 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.
Airbag deployment
Read and observe
on page 16 first.
The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed in order to beable to offer that additional protection in the event of an accident.
The airbag system is only functional when the ignition is switched on.
In certain accident situations, several airbags may be deployed simultaneously. The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions,
rear-end collisions, tilting of the vehicle and vehicle roll-over. 
16Safety

WARNINGInformation on correct seating position■For the driver and front passenger, it is important to maintain a distance
of at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dashboard A
» Fig. 9 . Not
keeping to this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not
be able to properly protect you – risk of death! 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
injuries if the sitting position or seated position is not correct.
■
There must not be 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
proper 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 switch off the front passenger airbag if you are using a
child seat on the front passenger seat in which the child is carried with its
back facing the direction of travel » page 20, 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 re-
garding the use of child safety seats.
WARNINGGeneral information■The steering wheel and the surface of the airbag module in the dash pan-
el on the passenger side must not have stickers attached, be covered or
modified 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 hold-
ers, mobile phone mounts, etc. must be attached to the covers of the air-
bag modules or be located within their immediate vicinity.■
Never place objects on the surface of the front passenger airbag module
in the dash panel.
Note■ In vehicles with head airbags, the lettering  can be seen on the steering
wheel.■
In vehicles with front passenger airbags, the lettering 
is located on the
dash panel on the passenger side.
Side airbags
Fig. 10
Location of the side airbag in the driver's seat / gas-filled side air-
bag
In the event of severe side collisions, the side airbag system provides addition-
al protection for the upper body (chest, stomach and pelvis) of passengers in
the vehicle.
The side airbags are housed in the upholstery of the seat backrests of the
front seats » Fig. 10 - 
.
The head airbag and belt tensioner on the relevant side are also automatically
deployed when the side airbags » Fig. 10 - 
are triggered.
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 pel-
vis) is reduced on the side facing the door.
WARNINGInformation on correct seating position■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 ap-
plies in particular to children who are transported without using a suitable
child safety seat » page 24, Child safety and side airbag .18Safety

WARNING (Continued)■There must not be any further persons, animals or objects positioned be-
tween the occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. No accesso-
ries, such as cup holders, should be attached to the doors.■
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 22, Child seat .
WARNING■
The airbag control unit operates using pressure sensors located in the
front doors. For this reason, no adjustments may be carried out to the
doors or door panels (e.g. installation of additional loudspeakers). Further
information » page 139, Airbags .■
Ensure that there are no excessive forces, such as violent knocks, kicks
etc., which 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 passen-
ger seats must only be of the type expressly authorized by ŠKODA. In view
of the fact that the airbag inflates out of the backrest of the seat, use of
non-approved seat or protective covers would considerably impair the pro-
tective function of the side airbag.
■
Any damage to the original seat covers in the area of the side airbag mod-
ule must be repaired without delay by your specialist garage.
■
The airbag modules in the front seats must not display any damage,
cracks or deep scratches. It is not permissible to use force in order to open
the modules.
Note
In vehicles with side airbags, a label with the lettering  is located on the
front seat backrests.Head airbagsFig. 11
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. 11 -
 .
In the event of a side collision, the head airbag is deployed together with the
relevant side airbag and the front seat belt tensioner on the side of the car on
which the accident occurs.
The airbag covers the windows of the front and rear doors, as well as the door
pillar when it is deployed » Fig. 11 -
 .
Head impact with interior parts is reduced by the inflated head airbag. The re-
duction in any impact to the head and the resultant minimizing of any move-
ments of the head additionally reduce the risk of injuries to the neck area.
WARNING■ There must not be any objects in the deployment area of the head air-
bags 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
clothing. Additionally, clothes hangers must not be used to hang up items
of clothing. 
19Airbag system

WARNING (Continued)■The installation of impermissible accessories in the vicinity of the head
airbags 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.■
The sun visors must not be swivelled towards the side windows in the
deployment 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.
■
There must not be any further persons, animals or objects positioned be-
tween the seated occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. In ad-
dition, none of the occupants should lean their head out of the window
when driving, or extend their arms and hands out of the window.
Note
In vehicles with head airbags, the lettering  can be seen on the B column
cladding.
Deactivating airbags
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Deactivating airbags
20
Switching off the front passenger airbag
21
Deactivating airbags
Deactivating an airbag should, for example, be considered only in the
following cases.
› When 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 22 , Transporting children safely .
› If it is not possible to maintain a distance of at least 25 cm between the mid-
dle 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 air-
bags).
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated switch
» page 21 .
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA Service Partner to switch off any other
airbags.
Monitoring the airbag system
The operational capability 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 approximately 4 seconds after the ignition
is switched on and then flashes again for approximately 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
 under the text
» Fig. 12
on page 21 -
 lights up after switching on the ignition.
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 ve-
hicle can/must be deactivated.20Safety

Switching off the front passenger airbagFig. 12
Key-operated switch for the front passenger airbag / warning
light for front seat passenger airbag deactivation
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.
›
Fold the key bit out completely for the radio key » .
›
Carefully insert the key into the key slot in the key switch as far as the stop.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch carefully into the position

» Fig. 12 -
 .
›
Pull the key out of the slot in the key switch
» .
›
Close the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Check that the warning light
 in the text


» Fig. 12 -
 lights
up after the ignition is switched on.
When the airbag is switched off, the indicator light  illuminates continu-
ously with the ignition on. This disappears after switching off the ignition.
Switching on
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Fold the key bit out completely for the radio key » .
›
Carefully insert the key into the key slot in the key switch as far as the stop.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch carefully into the position

» Fig. 12 -
 .
›
Pull the key out of the slot in the key switch
» .
›
Close the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Check that the warning light
 in the text


» Fig. 12 -
 lights
up after the ignition is switched on.
When the airbag is switched on again, the indicator light  will go out 65
seconds after switching on the ignition.WARNING■ The driver is responsible for whether the airbag is switched on or switch-
ed 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 



warning lights flash, the front passenger airbag will not be
deployed in the event of an accident! Have the airbag system checked by a
specialist garage immediately.
■
The key cannot be inserted in the key switch while driving.
■ Shocks can cause the key to turn in the slot and trigger the airbag!
■ The airbag can be triggered unexpectedly in an accident - it may result
in injury or death!
CAUTION
An insufficiently folded out key bit can damage the key switch!21Airbag system

Transporting children safely
Child seat
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat
23
Use of the child seat on the front passenger seat
24
Child safety and side airbag
24
Classification of child seats
24
Use of child seats fastened with a seat belt
24
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. Children are thus exposed to increased risk of injury.
Children should be transported in accordance with the relevant statutory pro-
visions.
Child seats that comply with the ECE-R 44 standard must be used. The ECE-R
standard stands for: Economic Commission for Europe - Regulation.
The child seats are marked with a non-detachable Certification in accordancewith Standard ECE-R 44: large E within a circle and below the test number.
WARNING■ National legal requirements must be observed when using child seats.■You should never carry children - including babies! - on your lap.■
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. Certain outside climatic
conditions can cause life-threatening temperatures in the vehicle.
■
The child must be secured in the vehicle throughout the journey! Other-
wise, in the event of an accident, the child would be thrown through the
vehicle and as a result may suffer fatal injuries and also injure other occu-
pants.
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
vehicle is moving. This particularly applies to children who are transported
on the front passenger seat, as they can suffer severe, or even fatal, inju-
ries if the airbag 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 mi-
nor accidents.
■
Safety belts must be checked to ensure that they are positioned properly.
Care should also be taken to 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
on the front passenger seat in which the child is carried with its back facing
the direction of travel. Further information » page 23, Use of a child seat
on the front passenger seat .
■
When installing a child seat in which the child faces forward, adjust the
head restraints so that they are as high as possible.
■
If the head restraints still prevent the child seat from being installed,
even in the highest position, you will need to remove them » page 72. Af-
ter removing the child seat, re-install the head restraints.
■
When installing the child seat on the back seat, the corresponding front
seat must be adjusted so that there is no contact between the front seat
and the child seat or the child being transported in a child 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 meet the ECE-R 44 standard.22Safety

Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat
Does not apply to TaiwanFig. 13
Sticker on the B column on the
front passenger side
Fig. 14
Front passenger sun visor / label
Read and observe
on page 22 first.
Never use a rearward-facing child restraint system on a seat which is protec-
ted by an active airbag installed in front of it. This could cause serious injury
to the child or even death.
For safety reasons, we recommend that you install child seats on the rear
seats whenever possible.
The following advice must be heeded when using a child seat in which the
child is carried on the front passenger seat.
› It is essential to switch off the front passenger airbag if using a child seat in
which the child is carried with its back facing the direction of travel »
.
› Set the front passenger seat back as vertically as possible so that there is
firm contact between the passenger seat back and the child seat back.
› Where possible, move the front passenger seat back so that there is no con-
tact between the front seat and the child seat behind.
› In the case of Group 2 or 3 child seats, make sure that the deflector pulley
mounted on the child seat headrest is in front of or level with the pulley on
the B-pillar on the passenger side.
› Set the height-adjustable front passenger seat as high up as possible.
› Set the front passenger seat belt as high up as possible.
› 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 switch off the front passenger airbag if you are using a
child seat on the front passenger seat in which the child is carried with its
back facing the direction of travel » page 20, Deactivating airbags .■
Never use a child safety seat on the front passenger seat in which the
child is seated with its back facing the direction of travel, if the airbag is
switched on. This child safety seat is positioned in the deployment area of
the front passenger airbag. The airbag may cause the child severe, or even
fatal, injuries in the event of it being deployed.
■
This fact is also indicated by the label that can be found in one of the fol-
lowing locations. ■ On the B-column on the front passenger side » Fig. 13. The sticker is
visible when opening the front passenger door.
■ On the front passenger's sun visor. In some countries, the sticker is lo-
cated on the front seat passenger's sun visor » Fig. 14.
■
In the case of Group 2 or 3 child seats, make sure that the deflector pulley
mounted on the child seat headrest is in front of or level with the pulley on
the B-pillar on the passenger side.
■
The front passenger airbag should be switched on again once the child
seat, in which the child is transported with their back to the direction of
travel, is no longer in use on the passenger seat.
23Transporting children safely

Use of the child seat on the front passenger seat
Applies to TaiwanFig. 15
Front passenger sun visor label
Read and observe
on page 22 first.
No babies, infants or children are to be carried on the passenger seat.
A label to this effect can also be found on the passenger's sun visor » Fig. 15.
Child safety and side airbag
Fig. 16
Incorrect seated position of a
child who is not properly secured
– risk from the side airbag/Child
properly protected by safety seat
Read and observe on page 22 first.
The child must not be positioned in the area into which the side airbag will de- ploy » Fig. 16 -
 .
There must be sufficient room between the child and the area into which the
side airbag will deploy to allow the airbag to provide as much protection as
possible » Fig. 16 -
 .
WARNING■
Children must never be seated with their head in the deployment area of
the side airbag – there is a risk of injury!■
Do not place any objects within the deployment area of the side airbags –
there is a risk of injury!
Classification of child seats
Read and observe
on page 22 first.
Classification of child seats according to the ECE-R 44 standard.
GroupWeight of the childApproximate age0up to 10 kgup to 9 months0+up to 13 kgup to 18 months19-18 kgup to 4 years215-25 kgup to 7 years322-36 kgover 7 years
Use of child seats fastened with a seat belt Read and observe
on page 22 first.
Overview of the use of child seats fastened with a seat belt on each of the
seats in accordance with the ECE-R 16 standard.
GroupFront passenger seatRear seatsExternalRear seat Centre0
up to 10 kgUUU0+
up to 13 kgUUU1
9-18 kgUUU 24Safety