2015 Seat Altea airbag

Safety
Children up to 12 years old should always
travel on the rear seat. Never transport chil-
dren in the vehicle if they are not restrained
or the restraint system is not appropriate for
their age, size or weight.
●
If you are not wearing a seat belt, or if you
lean forward or to the side while travelling or
assume an incorrect sitting position, there is
a substantially increased risk of injury. This
increased risk of injury will be further in-
creased if you are struck by an inflating air-
bag.
● To reduce the risk of injury from an inflating
airbag, always wear the seat belt properly
››› page 11.
● Alw
ays adjust the front seats properly. Description of airbag system
The airbag system mainly comprises (as per
vehicle equipment):
●
an electronic control and monitoring sys-
tem (control unit)
● frontal airbags for driver and passenger,
● side airbags,
● curtain (head) airbags,
● a control lamp  on the dash panel
››› page 19 .
● a k ey

-operated switch for front passenger
airbag, ●
a control lamp for disabling/enabling the
front passenger airbag.
The airbag system operation is monitored
electronically. The airbag control lamp will il-
luminate for a few seconds every time the ig-
nition 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 19,
● turn

s off after 4 seconds after the ignition
is switched on
● turns off and then lights up again after the
ignition is switched on
● illuminates or flashes while the vehicle is
moving.
The airbag system is not triggered if:
● the ignition is switched off
● there is a minor frontal collision
● there is a minor side collision
● there is a rear-end collision
● the vehicle turns over. WARNING
● The seat belts and airbags can only provide
maximum protection if the occupants are
seated correctly ››› page 6, Proper sitting po-
sition for occupants. ●
If a fault has occurred in the airbag system,
have the system checked immediately by a
specialised workshop. Otherwise, during a
frontal collision the system might not trigger
correctly or may fail to trigger at all. Airbag activation
The airbags deploy extremely rapidly, within
thousandths of a second, to provide addi-
tional protection in the event of an accident.
A fine dust may develop when the airbag de-
ploys. This is normal and it is not an indica-
tion of fire in the vehicle.
The airbag system is only ready to function
when the ignition is on.
In special cases of an accident, several air-
bags may activate at the same time.
In the event of minor head-on and side colli-
sions, rear-end collisions, overturning or roll-
over of the vehicle, airbags
do not activate.
Activation factors
The conditions that lead to the airbag system
activating in each situation cannot be gener-
alised. There are some factors that play an
important role, such as the properties of the
object the vehicle hits (hard/soft), angle of
impact, vehicle speed, etc.
The deceleration trajectory is key for airbag
activation.
18

Airbag system
The control unit analyses the collision trajec-
tory and activates the respective restraint
system.
If the deceleration rate is below the prede-
fined reference value in the control unit the
airbags will not be triggered, even though
the accident may cause extensive damage to
the car.
The following airbags are triggered in
serious head-on collisions
● Driver airbag.
● Front passenger front airbag.
The following airbags are triggered in
serious side-on collisions
● Front side airbag on the side of the acci-
dent.
● Rear side airbag on the side of the acci-
dent.
● Curtain airbag on the side of the accident.
In an accident with airbag activation:
● the interior lights switch on (if the interior
light switch is in the courtesy light position);
● the hazard warning lights switch on;
● all doors are unlocked;
● the fuel supply to the engine is cut. Control lamp for airbag and seat belt
tensioner
 The control lamp monitors all airbags and
seat belt tensioners in the vehicle, including
control units and wiring connections.
Monitoring of airbag and belt tensioner
system
Both the airbag and belt tensioner systems
operation is constantly monitored electroni-
cally. Each time the ignition is switched on,
the control lamp
 illuminates for several
seconds (self-diagnosis) and the instrument
panel display* shows AIRBAG/TENSIONER
.
The system must be checked when the
control lamp  :
● does not light up when the ignition is
switched on,
● turns off after 4 seconds after the ignition
is switched on
● turns off and then lights up again after the
ignition is switched on
● illuminates or flashes while the vehicle is
moving.
In the event of a malfunction, the warning
lamp remains on continuously. In addition,
depending on the malfunction, a fault mes-
sage appears on the instrument panel dis-
play for approximately 10 seconds and a
short audible warning is given. In this event, you should have a specialised workshop
check the system immediately.
If any of the airbags are disabled by a Techni-
cal Service, the warning lamp flashes for sev-
eral more seconds after verification and will
turn off if there is no fault.
WARNING
● If there is a malfunction, the airbag and
belt tensioner system cannot properly per-
form its protective function.
● If a malfunction occurs, have the system
checked immediately by a specialised work-
shop. Otherwise, in the event of an accident,
the airbag system and belt tensioners may
not be triggered, or may not be triggered cor-
rectly. 19Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Safety
Airbag overview Front airbags Fig. 13
Driver airbag in the steering wheel. Fig. 14
Front passenger airbag in the dash
panel. The front airbag for the driver is located in
the steering wheel
››› Fig. 13 and the airbag
f or the fr
ont passenger is located in the dash
panel ››› Fig. 13. Airbags are identified by the
word “AIRBAG”.
The airbag covers fold out of the steering
wheel and dash panel respectively when the
driver and front passenger airbags are trig-
gered ››› Fig. 14. The airbag covers remain
connected to the steering wheel or the dash
panel. In conjunction with the seat belts, the front
airbag system gives the driver and the front
passenger additional protection for the head
and chest in the event of a severe frontal col-
lision.
The special design of the airbag allows the
controlled escape of the propellant gas when
an occupant puts pressure on the bag. Thus,
the head and chest are surrounded and pro-
tected by the airbag. After the collision, the
airbag deflates sufficiently to allow visibility.
WARNING
● The seat belts and airbags can only provide
maximum protection if the occupants are
seated correctly ››› page 6, Proper sitting po-
sition for occupants.
● The dep lo

yment space between the front
passengers and the airbags must not in any
case be occupied by other passenger, pets
and objects.
● The airbags provide protection for just one
accident; replace them once they have de-
ployed.
● It is also important not to attach any ob-
jects such as cup holders or telephone
mountings to the surfaces covering the air-
bag units.
● Do not attempt to modify components of
the airbag system in any way. 20

Airbag system
Side airbags* Fig. 15
Side airbag in driver seat. Fig. 16
Inflated side airbag on left side of ve-
hicle. The side airbags are located in the backrest
cushions of the driver seat
››› Fig. 15 and the
fr ont
passenger seat and the rear side air-
bags are mounted in the rear wheel housing.
The locations are identified by the text “AIR-
BAG” in the upper region of the backrests
and in the rear wheel housing lining. In conjunction with the seat belts, the side
airbag system gives the front seat occupants
additional protection for the upper body in
the event of a severe side collision.
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 im-
pact. In addition to their normal function of
protecting the occupants in a collision, the
seat belts also hold the passengers in the
front seats and the outer rear seats in a posi-
tion where these airbags can provide maxi-
mum protection.
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 al-
low children or other passengers to travel in
this position. It is also important not to at-
tach any accessories (such as cup holders) to
the doors. This would impair 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 bol-
ster because the system may be damaged. In
this case, the side airbags would not be trig-
gered.
● 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 is trig-
gered from the side of the backrest, the use
of non-approved seat covers would obstruct
the side airbag, seriously reducing the air-
bag's effectiveness ››› page 147.
● Any damage to the original seat upholstery
or around the seams of the side airbag units
must be repaired immediately by a special-
ised workshop.
● The airbags provide protection for just one
accident; replace them once they have de-
ployed.
● Any work on the side airbag system or re-
moval and installation of the airbag compo-
nents 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 operation of
the side and curtain (head) airbags neither » 21
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Safety
the doors nor the door panels should be
modified in any way (e.g. fitting loudspeak-
ers). If the front door is damaged, the airbag
system may not work correctly. All work car-
ried out on the front door must be done in a
specialised workshop.
●
In a side 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.
● Never drive the vehicle if the loudspeakers
in the door panels have been removed, un-
less the holes left by the loudspeakers have
been closed properly.
● Always check that the openings are closed
or covered if additional loudspeakers or other
equipment are fitted inside the door panels.
● Any work carried out to the doors should be
made in an authorised specialised workshop. Head-protection airbags*
Fig. 17
Location of head-protection airbags
on the left side of the vehicle Fig. 18
Deployed head-protection airbags. The head-protection airbags are located on
both sides in the interior above the doors
››› Fig. 17 and are identified with the text
“AIRB AG”.
In c
onjunction with the seat belts, the head-
protection airbag system gives the occupants additional protection for the head and upper
body in the event of a severe side collision. WARNING
● In order for the head-protection airbags to
provide their maximum protection, the pre-
scribed sitting position must always be main-
tained with seat belts fastened while travel-
ling.
● For safety reasons, the curtain airbag must
be disabled in those vehicles fitted with a
screen dividing the interior of the vehicle.
See a Technical Service to make this adjust-
ment.
● There must be no other persons, animals or
objects between the occupants of the outer
seats and the deployment space of the head-
protection airbags so that the head-protec-
tion airbag can deploy completely without re-
striction and provide 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 win-
dows ››› page 147.
● The b ui

lt-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 hang-
ers.
● The airbags provide protection for just one
accident; replace them once they have de-
ployed. 22

Airbag system
●
Any work on the head-protection airbag
system or removal and installation of the air-
bag components for other repairs (such as re-
moval of the roof lining) should only be per-
formed by a specialised workshop. Other-
wise, faults may occur during the airbag sys-
tem 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 operation of
the side and curtain 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 done in a special-
ised workshop. Deactivating airbags
Front passenger front airbag
deactivation Fig. 19
In the glove compartment: Switch for
activating and deactivating the front passen-
ger airbag Fig. 20
Control lamp for deactivated front
passenger airbag. If you fit a rear-facing child seat to the front
passenger seat, the front passenger front air-
bag must be de-activated.
When the front passenger airbag is
deactiva-
ted , only the front airbag is deactivated. All
the other airb ag
s in the vehicle remain acti-
vated.
Disabling the front passenger front airbag
– Switch the ignition off.
– Open the glove compartment on the front
passenger side.
– Insert the key into the slot of the switch for
deactivating the front passenger airbag
››› Fig. 19. About 3/4 of the key should en-
ter

, as far as it will go.
– Then turn the key gently to the OFF posi-
tion. Do not f

orce it if you feel resistance,
and make sure you have inserted the key
fully.
– Check that the control lamp, “OFF”, on the
instrument panel ››› Fig. 20 remains lit
when the ignition is

switched on ››› .
Activating the front passenger front airbag – Switch the ignition off.
– Open the glove compartment on the front
passenger side.
– Insert the key into the slot of the switch for
deactivating the front passenger airbag
»
23
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Safety
››› Fig. 19 . About 3/4 of the key should en-
t er
, as far as it will go.
– Then turn the key gently to the ON position.
Do not f

orce it if you feel resistance, and
make sure you have inserted the key fully.
– Check that the control lamp on the instru-
ment panel ››› Fig. 20 does not light up
when the ignition i

s switched on ››› .
WARNING
● It is the driver's responsibility to ensure
that the key-operated switch is set to the cor-
rect position.
● You should deactivate the front passenger
front airbag only if you have to use a rear-fac-
ing child seat in exceptional cases
››› page 24, Transporting children safety.
● Never install a child seat facing backwards
on the front passenger seat unless the front
passenger front airbag has been disabled.
Otherwise, there is a risk of death.
● As soon as the child seat is no longer nee-
ded on the front passenger seat, enable the
front passenger front airbag again.
● Only deactivate the front passenger front
airbag when the ignition is off, otherwise a
fault may occur in the airbag system, which
could cause the airbag to not deploy properly
or not deploy at all in case of an accident.
● Never leave the key in the airbag deactiva-
tion switch as it could get damaged or acti-
vate or deactivate the airbag during driving. ●
When the front passenger front airbag is
deactivated, if the control lamp AIRBAG OFF
is not continuously lit up, there may be a
fault in the airbag system:
– Have the airbag system inspected imme-
diately by a specialised workshop.
– Do not use a child seat on the front pas-
senger seat! The front passenger front
airbag could be triggered in the event of
an accident, even if there is a fault in the
system and, as a result, a child could sus-
tain serious or fatal injuries.
– It is unpredictable whether the front pas-
senger airbag will deploy in the event of
an accident. Warn all your passengers of
this.
● When using the ignition key to activate/de-
activate the front passenger front airbag, on-
ly the front passenger airbag will be activa-
ted/deactivated. The side airbag and head
airbag on the passenger side will remain ac-
tive. Transporting children safety
Safety for children Introduction For safety reasons, as we have learned from
accident statistics, we recommend that chil-
dren under 12 years of age travel in the rear
seats. Depending on their age, height and
weight, children travelling in the rear seat
must use a child seat or a seat belt. For safety
reasons, the child seat should be installed in
the rear seat, behind the front passenger
seat or in the centre back seat.
The physical laws involved and the forces
acting in a collision apply also to children
››› page 13 . But unlike adults, children do not
h av

e fully developed muscle and bone struc-
tures. This means that children are subject to
a greater risk of injury.
To reduce the risk of injuries, children must
always use special child restraint systems
when travelling in the vehicle.
We recommend the use of child safety prod-
ucts from the SEAT Original Accessories Pro-
gramme, which includes systems for all ages
made by “Peke” (not for all countries).
These systems have been especially de-
signed and approved, complying with the
ECE-R44. regulation.
24

Transporting children safety
Follow the manufacturer's instructions and
observe any statutory requirements when in-
stalling and using child seats. Always read
and note ››› page 25 .
W e r
ecommend you always carry the manu-
facturer's Child Seat Instruction Manual to-
gether with the on-board documentation.
Important information regarding the
front passenger's airbag Fig. 21
Passenger's side sun visor: airbag
sticker. Fig. 22
On the rear frame of the passenger
side door: airbag sticker. A sticker with important information about
the passenger airbag is located on the pas-
senger's sun visor and/or on the passenger
side door frame. Read and always observe
the safety information included in the follow-
ing chapters:
● Safety distance with respect to the passen-
ger airbag ››› page 17 .
● Ob

jects between the passenger and the
passenger side airbag ››› in Front airbags
on page 20 .
The p a

ssenger side front airbag, when activa-
ted, is a serious risk for a child who is facing
backward since the airbag can strike the seat
with such force that it can cause serious or
fatal injuries. Children up to 12 years old
should always travel on the rear seat.
Therefore we strongly recommend you to
transport children on the rear seats. This is the safest location in the vehicle. Alternative-
ly, the front passenger airbag can be disa-
bled with a key-operated switch
››› page 23.
When transporting children, use a child seat
suitable for the age and size of each child
››› page 24. WARNING
● If a child seat is secured to the front pas-
senger seat, the risk to the child of sustain-
ing critical or fatal injuries in the event of an
accident increases.
● An inflating front passenger airbag can
strike the rear-facing child seat and project it
with great force against the door, the roof or
the backrest.
● Never install a child seat facing backwards
on the front passenger seat unless the front
passenger front airbag has been disabled.
Risk of potentially fatal injuries to the child!
However, if it is necessary, in exceptional ca-
ses, to transport a child in the front passen-
ger seat, the front passenger front airbag
must always be disabled ››› page 23, Front
passenger front airbag deactivation . If the
front passenger seat has a height adjustment
option, move it to the highest position.
● For those vehicles that do not include a key
lock switch to deactivate the airbag, the vehi-
cle must be taken to a Technical Service.
● All vehicle occupants, especially children,
must assume the proper sitting position and
be properly belted in while travelling. » 25
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety