Volkswagen offers two different front passenger front airbag systems:
AB
Features of the front passenger
front airbag that can only be
switched off by a qualified
workshop.
Features of the front passenger
front airbag that can be switched
off manually using the key-operated
switch ⇒ Switching the front passenger
front airbag on and off.
– Indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.– Indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.
– Front passenger front airbag in the dash
panel.
– PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator
lamp in the upper section of the centre console.
– PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator
lamp in the upper section of the centre console.
– Key-operated switch in the side of the dash
panel on the passenger side (only visible when
the door is open).
– Front passenger front airbag in the dash
panel.
Name: airbag system.Name: airbag system with front
passenger front airbag
deactivation.
Indicator lamp
Fig. 43 In the upper section of the centre console: indicator lamp for disabled and enabled front
passenger front airbag.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upLocationPossible causeAction
Instrument cluster.Fault in airbag and belt
tensioner system.
Go to a qualified workshop to have
the system checked immediately.
Upper section of
the centre console
⇒ Fig. 43.
Fault in the airbag
system.
Go to a qualified workshop to have
the system checked immediately.
Front passenger front
airbag switched off.
Check whether the airbag should stay
switched off.
Upper section of
the centre console
⇒ Fig. 43.
Front passenger front
airbag switched on.
No solution – the indicator lamp will
disappear automatically approximately
60 seconds after the ignition is
switched on, or after the front
passenger front airbag is switched on
using the key-operated switch.
Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is
switched on. They will go out after a few seconds.
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp in the upper section of the centre console
does not light up continuously when the front passenger front airbag is deactivated, or if it lights
up with the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster, a fault in the airbag system may have
occurred ⇒.
If there is a fault in the airbag system, the airbag may not trigger correctly, may not trigger
at all or may trigger unexpectedly. This can cause severe or fatal injuries.
•The airbag system should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
•Never fit a child seat to the front passenger seat or remove a child seat that is already
fitted. The front passenger front airbag may trigger during an accident in spite of the
fault.
WARNING
Failure to observe the illuminated indicator lamps could lead to the vehicle being
damaged.
NOTICE
Description and function of the airbags
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The airbags can protect vehicle occupants during frontal and side collisions by reducing their
movement in the direction of the collision.
When an airbag is triggered, it is inflated by a gas generator. This causes the airbag covers to
break, and the airbags inflate forcefully to cover their deployment zones within milliseconds. Once a
vehicle occupant wearing a seat belt starts to sink into the inflated airbag, the gas inside the airbag
starts to escape to cushion the occupant and slow down their movement. This can reduce the risk
of severe and fatal injuries. A triggered airbag will not always prevent other injuries from occurring,
such as swelling, bruising, burning and grazing. The deployment of the airbag can also produce
frictional heat.
Airbags provide no protection for the arms or lower body. Exception: in vehicles with a knee airbag,
the knee area of the driver will be protected.
The most important factors for triggering the airbag are the type of accident, the angle of impact,
the vehicle speed and the type of object with which the vehicle collides. Therefore, visible damage
to the vehicle does not always mean that the airbag should have been triggered.
Whether or not the airbag triggers is determined by the vehicle deceleration rate caused by the
collision and registered by the electronic control unit. If this rate is below the reference value
programmed into the control unit, the airbags will not be triggered, even though the vehicle may be
badly damaged as a result of the collision. Vehicle damage, repair costs or even the lack of vehicle
damage in an accident do not necessarily give an indication of whether an airbag should inflate or
not. It is not possible to define a range of vehicle speeds and reference values, since the
circumstances will vary considerably between one collision and another. It is therefore impossible to
cover every possible kind and angle of impact that would trigger the airbags. Important factors in
the triggering of the airbag include the nature (hard or soft) of the object that the vehicle hits, the
angle of impact, and the vehicle speed.
Airbags only serve as a supplement to the three-point seat belt in some accident situations when
the vehicle braking is sufficient to trigger the airbags. Airbags can only be triggered once and only
in certain situations. The seat belts are always there to provide protection in situations in which the
airbags are not triggered or have already been triggered. For example, if the vehicle collides with a
further vehicle following the initial collision, or is hit by another vehicle.
The airbag system is part of the vehicle's overall passive safety concept. The airbag system can
only work effectively when the occupants are wearing their seat belts correctly and have assumed a
proper sitting position ⇒ Sitting position.
Components of the vehicle safety concept
The following vehicle safety equipment makes up the vehicle's safety concept to reduce the risk of
severe and fatal injuries. Some of this equipment may not be fitted in your particular vehicle. It may
not be available at all in some countries.
•Optimised seat belts for all seats.
•Belt tensioners for the driver and front passenger and also on the rear outer seats if in
conjunction with side airbags.
•Belt tension limiter for the driver, front passenger and, if applicable, for the rear outer seats.
•Belt height adjuster for the front seats.
•Warning lamp and belt status display.
•Front airbags for driver and front passenger.
•Side airbags for the driver, front passenger and, if applicable, for the rear outer seats.
•Curtain airbags on the left and right.
•If applicable, knee airbag for the driver.
•Airbag indicator lamp .
•Indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG in the upper section of the centre console.
•Indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG in the upper section of the centre console.
•Control units and sensors.
•Whiplash-optimised and height-adjustable head restraints.
•Adjustable steering column.
•If applicable, anchor points for child seats on the rear outer seats and on the front passenger
seat.
•If applicable, securing points for the top tether for child seats.
Situations when the front, knee, side and curtain airbags will not be
triggered:
•If the ignition is switched off during a collision.
•If the level of deceleration measured by the control unit is too low during a collision at the front
of the vehicle.
•During a minor side collision.
•During rear collisions.
•If the vehicle rolls over.
•If the speed in a collision is lower than the reference value specified in the control unit.
Front airbags
Fig. 44 Location and deployment zone of the driver front airbag.
Fig. 45 Location and deployment zone of the front passenger front airbag.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
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 severe frontal collision. Always keep as far away
from the front airbag as possible ⇒ Sitting position. This allows the front airbags to inflate fully
when triggered, thus providing maximum protection.
The front airbag for the driver is located in the steering wheel ⇒ Fig. 44 and the front airbag for the
front passenger is located in the dash panel ⇒ Fig. 45. The airbag locations are identified by the
text AIRBAG.
The areas inside the red lines are covered by the front airbags when deployed (deployment zone).
You must never leave or attach any objects in these areas ⇒. Any factory-fitted accessories will
not be struck if the driver and front passenger front airbags are deployed.
Once triggered, the airbag inflates at high speed.
•Always leave the deployment zones of the front airbags clear.
•Never attach any objects, such as drink or telephone holders, to the covers of the
airbag modules or anywhere in the airbag module deployment zone.
•No other people, animals or objects may be carried between the occupants of the front
seats and the airbag deployment zone. Ensure that children and passengers keep to
this rule.
•Do not attach any objects, e.g. mobile navigation devices, to the windscreen above the
front airbag on the front passenger side.
•Do not cover or stick anything on the steering wheel hub or the soft plastic surface of
the airbag unit in the dash panel on the front passenger side, and do not modify them
in any way.
DANGER
The front airbags are deployed in front of the steering wheel ⇒ Fig. 44 and dash panel
⇒ Fig. 45.
•When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the outside of the
ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions.
•Adjust the driver seat so that there is at least 25 cm between your breastbone and the
hub of the steering wheel. Contact a qualified workshop if your physical build makes
this impracticable.
•Adjust the front passenger seat so that the distance between the passenger and the
dash panel is as large as possible.
WARNING
Fig. 50 On the driver side: location of the knee airbag
Fig. 51 On the driver side: deployment zone of the knee airbag.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The knee airbag on the driver side is located in the lower part of the dash panel.
The location of the knee airbag is indicated by the AIRBAG label ⇒ Fig. 50.
The area in the red frame ⇒ Fig. 51 is covered by the knee airbag when triggered (deployment
zone). For this reason, you must never leave or attach any items in this area ⇒.
Safe transport of children
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Types of child seat
⇒ Installing and using child seats
⇒ Securing systems
⇒ Securing child seats with ISOFIX
⇒ Securing child seats with top tether upper strap
⇒ Securing child seats with a seat belt
Using child seats can reduce the risk of injury to the child if there is an accident. Always use child
seats when driving with children.
Note the following:
•Child seats are classified into groups depending on the size, age and weight of child for which
they are designed.
•Various securing systems are used to secure child seats in the vehicle.
For safety reasons, child seats should always be fitted to the rear seats ⇒ Installing and using child
seats.
Volkswagen recommends child seats from the Volkswagen range of accessories. These child seats
have been developed and approved for use in Volkswagen vehicles.
Once triggered, the airbag inflates at high speed.
•Do not use any objects, e.g. key rings, that could interfere with the deployment zone of
the knee airbag.
•Never secure any items on the cover or in the deployment zone of the knee airbag.
•The knee airbag is deployed in the area in front of the driver's knees. Adjust the driver
seat so there is at least a 10 cm gap between the knees and the location of the knee
airbag. Contact a qualified workshop if your physical build makes this impracticable.
WARNING
Types of child seat
Fig. 52 Some typical child seats.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Only use child seats that have been officially approved and are suitable for the child.
Standards for child seats
Regulations ECE-R 44 or ECE-R 129 apply to child seats within the European Union. Both
regulations apply simultaneously. Child seats which have been tested in accordance with these
standards carry an orange ECE approval label. This ECE approval label may include the following
information on the child seat:
•Weight class
•Size class
•Approval category (universal, semi-universal, vehicle-specific or i-Size)
•Approval number
On child seats that are approved under regulation ECE-R 44, the eight-digit approval number on
the ECE approval label must begin with 03 or 04. This shows that the seat is admissible for use.
Older child seats with an approval number beginning with 01 or 02 are not admissible.
Child seat weight classes
ClassChild's weight
Group 0up to 10 kg
Group 0+up to 13 kg
Group 19 to 18 kg
Group 215 to 25 kg
Group 322 to 36 kg
If children are not secured or are inadequately secured, they are at greater risk of serious
or even fatal injury. Please note the following:
•Children who are either under 12 years of age or less than 150 cm tall must not be
carried in the vehicle if they are not secured in a suitable child seat while the vehicle is
in motion. Regulations in some countries may differ, and must be complied with.
•Always secure children in the vehicle in a suitable child seat. The seat used must be
appropriate to the child's height, weight and age.
•Never fasten more than one child into one child seat.
•Under no circumstances should children or babies be held in a passenger's or drivers
lap while driving.
•Never leave a child unsupervised in a child seat.
•Never allow a child to be carried in a vehicle without being properly secured, and never
allow a child to stand up or to kneel on a seat, or to sit incorrectly while the car is in
motion. This is particularly important for children carried on the front passenger seat.
In an accident, children may sustain serious injuries to themselves and others.
•The child seat can only provide maximum protection if the seat belt is routed correctly
around it. Always ensure that the seat belt is routed as specified in the instructions
provided by the child seat manufacturer. If the seat belt is routed incorrectly it may
cause injuries even in a minor accident.
•After an accident, it is vital to replace any child seats that were in use during the
accident, as they could have sustained non-visible damage.
WARNING
Observe the instructions and information relating to vehicles with N1 approval
⇒ Information about vehicles with N1 approval (light commercial vehicle).
NOTICE
1)
•Weight class 0/0+: group 0/0+ or 0/1 rear-facing infant carriers ⇒ Fig. 52 are the best option
for the period from birth to about 18 months.
•Weight class 1: group 1 (up to about four years old) or group 1/2 (up to about seven years old)
with an integral belt system are best for children over the relevant weight limit.
•Weight classes 2/3: groups 2 and 3 include child seats with a backrest, and booster seats with
no backrest. Child seats with a backrest have integrated seat routing and side cushions, and so
provide better protection than booster seats with no backrest. Volkswagen therefore
recommends the use of child seats with a backrest. Group 2 child seats are for children up to
the age of about seven, group 3 child seats for those older than seven.
Not every child will fit in the child seat specified for their weight group. Likewise, not every seat will
fit in every vehicle. Therefore it is vital to check that the child fits properly in their child seat and that
the child seat can be securely fastened in the vehicle.
Child seat approval categories
Child seats can be classified as universal, semi-universal or vehicle-specific (all in accordance with
regulation ECE-R 44), or as i-Size (in accordance with regulation ECE-R 129).
•Universal: child seats with universal approval are approved for use in all vehicles. No type list
is required. ISOFIX child seats with universal approval must also be securing using a strap over
the top of the vehicle seat (top tether).
•Semi-universal: semi-universal approval requires other safety devices for attaching the seat
(that require additional testing) in addition to the standard requirements for universal approval.
Child seats with semi-universal approval come with a type list. The seats should only be used in
vehicles that are included on this list.
•Vehicle-specific: child seats with vehicle specific approval must have undergone dynamic
testing in each model of vehicle for which it is approved. These child seats also come with a
type list.
•i-Size: child seats classified as i-Size must conform to the installation and safety requirements
prescribed in regulation ECE-R 129. Contact the child seat manufacturer to find out which child
seats are approved for this vehicle in accordance with i-Size.
Regulation ECE-R 129 has not yet been implemented by the state authorities in all countries.
Installing and using child seats
Fig. 53 A typical airbag label on the sun visor.
Fig. 54 A typical airbag label on the B-pillar.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Country-specific regulations
The standards and regulations governing the use of child seats and child seat securing
mechanisms differ from country to country. Not all countries allow you to transport children on the
front passenger seat. Legislation and legal requirements take precedence over the information
given in this owner's manual.
Information on fitting a child seat
Observe the following general information when fitting a child seat. This information is relevant
whatever child seat securing system is being used.
•Read and follow the instructions provided by the child seat manufacturer ⇒.
•Whenever possible, fit all child seats to the rear seat behind the front passenger seat so that
children can exit the vehicle on the kerb side.
•Move the seat belt height adjuster to the highest position.
1)
•Deactivate the front passenger front airbag if fitting a rear-facing child seat on the front
passenger seat.
•When fitting on the front passenger seat, push the front passenger seat back fully and adjust
the seat to the highest position. Adjust the backrest to an upright position ⇒ Sitting position.
•When using child seats from groups 0 or 1 on the rear bench seat, push the rear bench seat
backwards as far as possible ⇒ Sitting position.
•When using child seats from groups 2 or 3 on the rear bench seat, push the rear bench seat
into a central position ⇒ Sitting position.
•Always ensure that there is enough space around the child seat. If necessary, adjust the
position of the seat in front. When doing so, ensure that the driver or front passenger can still
maintain a correct sitting position ⇒ Sitting position.
•The backrest of the child seat must lay as flat as possible against the vehicle seat backrest.
Adjust the seat backrest angle if necessary so that the child seat lies flush against the backrest.
If the child seat, once fitted, touches the vehicle head restraint so that it cannot lie flat against
the backrest, push the vehicle head restraint up as far as it will go or remove it and stow it away
safely in the vehicle ⇒ Sitting position.
Airbag sticker
The vehicle may be provided with stickers giving key information about the front passenger front
airbag. The information on these stickers may vary from country to country. The stickers may be
found:
•On the driver and/or front passenger sun visor ⇒ Fig. 53.
•On the B-pillar on the passenger side ⇒ Fig. 54.
It is essential to note the warning information shown on these stickers before installing a rear-facing
child seat ⇒.
Risks involved in carrying children on the front passenger seat
If you are using a rear-facing child seat, the front passenger front airbag can cause critical or
potentially fatal injuries when it inflates ⇒.
Rear-facing child seat may only be used on the front passenger seat if the front passenger front
airbag has been deactivated. A deactivated front passenger front airbag is indicated by means of
the permanently lit PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp in the driver's field of vision.
Switching off the front passenger front airbag ⇒ Airbag system, PASSENGER AIR BAG
indicator lamp ⇒ Indicator lamp.
If using a front-facing child seat, do not deactivate the front passenger front airbag. When fitting
the child seat ensure ensure that it is as far away as possible from the front passenger front airbag.
The front passenger front airbag can cause severe injuries when it inflates ⇒.
Some child seats are not suitable for use on the front passenger seat. The child seat must be
specially authorised by the manufacturer for use on the front passenger seat in vehicles with front
and side airbags. Volkswagen dealerships keep an up-to-date list of authorised child seats.
If you use a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat, the child in it is at
increased risk of sustaining critical or fatal injuries in the event of an accident.
•Deactivate the front passenger front airbag. If the front passenger front airbag cannot
be deactivated no rear-facing child seat may be used.
•Move the front passenger seat as far back and as high as possible in order to create
the largest possible distance between the child seat and the front passenger front
airbag.
•Move the backrest to the upright position.
•Move the seat belt height adjuster to the highest position.
•Use only child seats that have been approved by the child seat manufacturer for use on
a front passenger seat with front and side airbags.
DANGER
Child seats present a risk of injury if incorrectly installed.
•Always read and follow the installation instructions and warning information provided
by the child seat manufacturer.
WARNING
Securing systems
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Different countries use different securing systems for safely fitting child seats in the vehicle.
Key terms for securing systems
•ISOFIX: ISOFIX is a standardised securing system for fitting child seats in the vehicle quickly
and safely. The ISOFIX attachment system creates a rigid connection between the child seat
and the car body.
Compatible child seats have two rigid attachment arms that click into ISOFIX attachment points at
the bottom of the backrest (on the outer rear seats). The ISOFIX securing system as described
here is specific to Europe ⇒ Securing child seats with ISOFIX. An upper strap (top tether) and/or
support foot may sometimes have to be used in addition to the ISOFIX anchor points described
above.
•Three-point automatic seat belt. It is better to secure child seats using the ISOFIX system, if
available, rather than with a three-point automatic seat belt ⇒ Securing child seats with a seat
belt.
Additional securing points:
•Top tether: the strap at the top of the child seat is routed over the vehicle seat backrest and
hooked to an anchor ring on the back of the rear seats ⇒ Securing child seats with top tether
upper strap. Top tether anchor points are marked with an anchor symbol.
•Support foot: some child seats are propped up with a support foot resting on the floor of the
vehicle. This support foot helps prevent the child seat tipping forward in a crash. Child seats
with a support foot can be used only on the front passenger seat and the outer rear seats ⇒.
Recommended child seat securing systems
Volkswagen recommends that child seats are secured as follows:
•Infant carrier or rear-facing child seat: ISOFIX and support foot.
•Front-facing child seat: ISOFIX and top tether and possibly support foot also.
Securing child seats with ISOFIX
Fig. 55 On vehicle seat: markings identifying the ISOFIX anchoring points for child seats.
Using a front-facing child seat on the front passenger seat presents a risk of injury.
•Move the front passenger seat as far back and as high as it can be set, to create the
largest possible distance between the child seat and the front passenger front airbag.
•Move the backrest to the upright position.
•Set the belt height adjuster of the seat belt to the highest position.
•Use only child seats that have been approved by the child seat manufacturer for use on
a front passenger seat with front and side airbags.
WARNING
To help avoid injuries caused by inflation of a head airbag or side airbag:
•Ensure that no children are seated within the airbag deployment zone ⇒ Airbag
system.
•Do not place any objects in the side airbag deployment zones.
WARNING
Incorrect use of the support foot can cause severe or fatal injuries.
•Ensure that the support foot is always correctly and safely installed.
WARNING