The airbag modules and belt tensioners may contain perchlorate. Please comply with
legislation regarding disposal.
Proactive occupant protection system
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The proactive occupant protection system is an assistance system that initiates action to protect
vehicle occupants in dangerous situations. However, the system cannot prevent a collision.
The full range of functions of the proactive occupant protection system will be available only if the
function has been activated in the Infotainment system, no special driving profile has been selected
and there are no malfunctions ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control, ⇒ Function
limitations.
Basic functions
Depending on country-specific legal requirements and also on the vehicle equipment, the following
functions may be initiated, either individually or jointly, in critical situations (e.g. emergency braking
or in the case of oversteering or understeering) as of a speed of approximately 30 km/h (19 mph):
•Temporary tensioning of the fastened front seat belts.
•Automatic closing of the glass roof and side windows down to a gap, depending on the vehicle
equipment.
The belts may be tensioned individually or together depending on the respective critical driving
situations.
Additional information for vehicles with an area monitoring system (Front
Assist)
In vehicles fitted with the area monitoring system (Front Assist) ⇒ Area monitoring system (Front
Assist), the probability of a collision with the vehicle ahead is also calculated within the system
limits. The system can trigger the proactive occupant protection system if it detects a probable
collision or initiates strong braking.
Settings in the Infotainment system
The full range of functions of the proactive occupant protection system can be activated and
deactivated in the Infotainment system ⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system.
The proactive occupant protection system will be reactivated every time the ignition is switched on.
It may not be possible to operate the setting function if the proactive occupant protection system
has already been adapted to the specific vehicle setup.
Setting in driving profile selection
In vehicles with driving profile selection, the proactive occupant protection system is adapted to the
special vehicle setup of the respective driving profile ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION
Active Control.
Function limitations
The proactive occupant protection system will not be available, or will only be available to a limited
extent, in the following situations:
•If there is a fault in the ESC, belt tensioner or in the airbag control unit ⇒ Seat belts or ⇒ Airbag
system.
•When the TCS or ESC are switched off, and when the vehicle is reversing ⇒ Brake support
systems.
•The temporary tensioning for the front passenger seat is switched off if the front passenger front
airbag is deactivated.
•If there is a system fault in the area monitoring system (Front Assist) ⇒ Area monitoring system
(Front Assist).
The risk of severe or fatal injuries may be increased if the seat belts, automatic belt
retractors and belt tensioners are not used correctly, or if they are repaired by a non-
professional. As a result, the belt tensioners may not be triggered when they should, or
they may be triggered unexpectedly.
•Any repairs, adjustments or removal and refitting of parts in the belt tensioners or seat
belts should always be carried out by a qualified workshop and never by yourself
⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts.
•Belt tensioners and automatic belt retractors cannot be repaired. They must be
replaced.
WARNING
Troubleshooting
If there is a malfunction in the proactive occupant protection system, the message Proactive
occupant protection unavailable or Proactive occupant protection: function restricted is
shown permanently on the instrument cluster display.
Go to a qualified workshop and have the system checked.
Airbag system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Types of front passenger front airbag system
⇒ Indicator lamp
⇒ Description and function of the airbags
⇒ Front airbags
⇒ Switching the front passenger front airbag on and off
⇒ Side airbags
⇒ Curtain airbags
⇒ Knee airbags
The vehicle is equipped with a front airbag for the driver and front passenger. The front airbags can
provide front seat occupants with additional chest and head protection if the seat, seat belts, head
restraints and, in the case of the driver, steering wheel are adjusted and used correctly. Airbags are
meant only for additional protection. The airbags are not a substitute for seat belts. Seat belts must
always be worn, even when the front seats are equipped with front airbags.
The intelligent technology of the proactive occupant protection system cannot overcome
the laws of physics, and functions only within the limits of the system. Never let the extra
convenience afforded by the proactive occupant protection system tempt you into taking
any risks when driving. The system cannot prevent a collision. The system is not a
substitute for the full concentration of the driver.
•Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
•The system cannot detect objects in all situations.
•The proactive occupant protection system does not react to people, animals, objects
crossing in front of the vehicle, or objects which are hard to make out.
•Reflective objects such as safety barriers, tunnel entrances, heavy rain and ice can
impair the function of the proactive occupant protection system and thus prevent it
from detecting a collision risk.
•Incorrect system activation can occur.
WARNING
Accidents and injuries can occur if the driver is distracted.
•Never change settings in the Infotainment system when the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
Failure to observe illuminated warning lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle
breaking down in traffic, and can cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Never ignore any illuminated warning lamps or text messages.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so.
WARNING
Failure to observe illuminated indicator lamps and text messages can lead to your 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.
Switching the front passenger front airbag on and off
Fig. 46 In the dash panel on the front passenger side or in the stowage compartment: key-operated
switch for switching the front passenger front airbag on and off.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The front passenger front airbag must be disabled if you fit a rear-facing child seat to the
front passenger seat.
Enabling the front passenger front airbag
•Switch off the ignition.
•Open the door on the front passenger side.
•Fold the key bit of the vehicle key all the way out ⇒ Vehicle key set.
•Insert the fully folded-out key bit of the vehicle key into the key-operated switch in the dash
panel ⇒ Fig. 46 to the second point of resistance. Around three quarters of the key bit should
be inserted in the key switch at this point ⇒.
•Turn the vehicle key, without applying force, to the position.
•Remove the vehicle key from the key-operated switch and fold away the key bit ⇒.
•The indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG in the upper part of the centre console
lights up and goes out after approximately 60 seconds ⇒ Indicator lamp.
•Close the door on the front passenger side.
•Check that the PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp in the upper section of the
centre console does not light up when the ignition is switched on ⇒ Indicator lamp.
Disabling the front passenger front airbag
•Switch off the ignition.
•Open the door on the front passenger side.
•Fold the key bit of the vehicle key all the way out ⇒ Vehicle key set.
•Insert the fully folded-out key bit of the vehicle key into the key-operated switch in the dash
panel ⇒ Fig. 46 to the second point of resistance. Around three quarters of the key bit should
be inserted in the key switch at this point ⇒.
•Turn the vehicle key, without applying force, to the position.
•Remove the vehicle key from the key-operated switch and fold away the key bit ⇒.
•Close the door on the front passenger side.
•When the ignition is switched on, the indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG will light
up steadily in the upper section of the centre console ⇒ Indicator lamp.
Ensuring that the front passenger front airbag has been deactivated
The only sure sign that the front passenger front airbag has been deactivated is when the
PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp is displayed continuously in the upper section of
the centre console ( lights up yellow steadily) ⇒ Indicator lamp.
If the indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG in the upper section of the centre console is
not lit up steadily, or if it lights up together with the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster,
do not attach any child restraint system to the front passenger seat for safety reasons. The front
passenger front airbag may trigger during an accident.
Behaviour after a collision with active bonnet
Fig. 59 Triggered active bonnet.
In the event of a collision at the front of the vehicle, the active bonnet will be triggered by sensors in
the front bumper in the speed range from around 25 to 55 km/h (15 to 34 mph). As a result, the
bonnet is lifted by a few centimetres in front of the windscreen in order to create an additional
crumple zone above the engine, e.g. in the head area of a pedestrian who has been hit.
The active bonnet system can trigger properly only if the bonnet has not previously been deformed
by external influences.
In some cases, the system may trigger even though the collision has not been with a pedestrian.
The system can be triggered in the following situations:
•Frontal collision with a marker post, street lantern, pillar etc.
•Frontal collision with an animal.
•Driving into a mound of snow.
•Bottoming of the vehicle when driving on very poor roads.
When the active bonnet has been triggered, the bonnet is moved up by a few centimetres in front of
the windscreen ⇒ Fig. 59. Special hinges lock the bonnet in open position ⇒ Fig. 59 (close-up).
The warning lamp also remains lit in the instrument cluster until the system has been repaired.
The following applies if the active bonnet has been triggered:
•It is necessary to go directly to a qualified workshop.
•The system must be repaired by the qualified workshop.
•It is permitted to continue driving only when the vehicle is roadworthy.
•It is not permitted to drive faster than up to 80 km/h (50 mph).
•The seat position must be adjusted if necessary. In spite of the active bonnet having triggered,
there must always still be unrestricted visibility through the windscreen ⇒ Sitting position.
If the active bonnet has been triggered, the warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
Warning lamp
DisplayPossible causeAction
Active bonnet has been triggered.Go to a qualified workshop immediately and
have the system repaired.
Active bonnet: system fault.Go to a qualified workshop to have the
system checked immediately.
With some vehicle equipment levels, a symbol which indicates that the active bonnet has been
triggered may be shown in the instrument cluster instead of a warning lamp.
Repairing the triggered active bonnet
A triggered active bonnet must be repaired only by a qualified workshop⇒. Volkswagen
recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
In the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or accident, loose objects could be
flung though the vehicle and cause severe injuries.
•Always secure the first aid kit, warning triangle and fire extinguisher safely in the
holders in the vehicle.
•Stow the high-visibility waistcoat in the stowage compartments so that it is easily
accessible.
WARNING
The symbol can differ depending on the version of the instrument cluster.
Information call, breakdown call and Emergency Call Service
Fig. 60 In the roof console: control for voice services.
Depending on the equipment in the vehicle, a control may be installed in the roof console. Pressing
the buttons , and ⇒ Fig. 60 enables you to access the following voice services:
information call, breakdown call and Emergency Call Service.
The required connection is established by a factory-fitted control unit. A connection to a telephone
call centre will be established when you trigger one of the voice services.
Indicator lamp
The control is equipped with an indicator lamp ⇒ Fig. 60 (arrow). This displays the following
statuses:
•Off: all voice services are disabled.
•Flashing red for around 20 seconds after the ignition is switched on: at least one voice service
is disabled.
•Lit up red: system error. Voice service availability is restricted. Volkswagen recommends
consulting a specialist workshop.
The intelligent technology used in the active bonnet pedestrian protection system cannot
overcome the laws of physics, and functions only within the limits of the system. Never let
the extra convenience afforded by the active bonnet pedestrian protection system tempt
you into taking any safety risks.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
•Do not drive faster than up to 80 km/h (50 mph) when the active bonnet has been
triggered.
WARNING
Failure to observe illuminated warning lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle
breaking down in traffic, and can cause accident and serious injury.
•Never ignore any illuminated warning lamps or text messages.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so.
WARNING
Incorrect repairs and modifications can cause malfunctions and damage to the vehicle
and impair the effectiveness of the driver assist systems. This can result in accidents and
severe injuries.
•Repairs and modifications to your vehicle should only be carried out by a qualified
workshop.
WARNING
Incorrect closing of the triggered active bonnet can cause accidents and serious injuries,
particularly to the hands.
•A triggered active bonnet must be repaired only by a qualified workshop. Never
attempt to close the bonnet yourself.
WARNING
Incorrect closing of the triggered active bonnet can damage the vehicle.
•Do not press the active bonnet closed under any circumstances, e.g. by pressing down
on the bonnet with your hand. The bonnet and its hinges could be damaged as a result.
NOTICE
Central and manual locking
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Indicator lamp
⇒ Central locking system
⇒ Locking and unlocking the vehicle from the outside
⇒ Locking and unlocking the vehicle from the inside
⇒ Locking and unlocking the vehicle with
⇒ SAFELOCK
⇒ Anti-theft alarm
⇒ Interior monitoring system and anti-tow alarm
⇒ Locking the vehicle after the airbag has been triggered
⇒ Troubleshooting
The central locking system locks all doors and the boot lid of the vehicle. The vehicle cannot be
locked if the driver door is open.
The vehicle can only be locked if the ignition has been switched off or the driver has switched off
the engine before leaving the vehicle.
Automatic locking (anti-theft protection)
The vehicle will lock itself again automatically after around 45 seconds if one of the following
conditions applies:
•The vehicle was unlocked but not opened.
•The ignition was not switched on.
•The boot lid was not opened.
•The vehicle has been unlocked using the lock cylinder.
•The vehicle was locked with the central locking button in the vehicle interior.
Indicator lamp
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The central locking indicator lamp is located in the driver door ⇒ Driver door.
Vehicle locked: red LED flashes at short intervals for approximately two seconds, and then more
slowly. The indicator lamp does not flash if the vehicle was locked with the central locking button in
the driver door ⇒ Locking and unlocking the vehicle from the inside.
Central locking system
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The central locking system enables you to lock or unlock all the doors, the boot lid and the tank flap
from one point.
Settings for the central locking system can be adjusted in the Infotainment system ⇒ Operation and
display in the Infotainment system.
Automatic locking (Auto Lock)
The vehicle may lock itself automatically at speeds of approximately 15 km/h (9 mph) and above
⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system. The indicator lamp in the central locking
button will light up yellow when the vehicle is locked.
Improper use of the central locking system could lead to serious injury.
•The central locking system locks all doors. Locking the vehicle from the inside can
prevent accidental opening of the doors and unauthorised persons from entering the
vehicle. However, locked doors can delay assistance to passengers inside the vehicle
in the event of an accident or emergency.
•Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. All doors can
be locked from the inside using the central locking button. This may mean that people
lock themselves in the vehicle. People locked in the vehicle may be subjected to very
high or very low temperatures.
•Temperatures inside a locked vehicle may reach extremes of heat or cold, according to
season. This can cause serious injuries and illness or fatalities, especially to small
children.
•Never leave anyone inside a locked vehicle. People in the vehicle could become
trapped in an emergency and may not be able to get themselves to safety.
•Doors and the boot lid should therefore be opened or closed only when you are sure
that nobody is in their path.
WARNING
Automatic unlocking (Auto Unlock)
All doors and the boot lid are automatically unlocked if one of the following conditions applies:
•The vehicle is at a standstill and the vehicle key has been removed.
•m/k/a995MKIn vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox: the selector lever is in
position P and the ignition has been switched off.
•OR: the vehicle is stationary and the button has been pressed.
•OR: the door release lever has been operated.
•OR: In an accident where the airbags have been triggered ⇒ Locking the vehicle after the
airbag has been triggered.
Automatic unlocking provides access to the vehicle if assistance is required.
Even if single door unlocking has already taken place, the entire vehicle will be unlocked
when the sensors are touched twice. The entire vehicle must be locked.
Locking and unlocking the vehicle from the outside
Fig. 63 Vehicle key: central locking system.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•Unlock: press the button. Press and hold for convenience opening.
•Lock: press the button. Press and hold for convenience closing.
•Vehicles with the keyless access locking and starting system: touch the sensors ⇒ Locking and
unlocking the vehicle with keyless access. Individual doors or the entire vehicle are unlocked.
•Press the button ⇒ Boot lid. The boot lid is released.
Vehicles with SAFELOCK: press the button once to lock the vehicle using SAFELOCK
⇒ SAFELOCK. Press the button twice to lock the vehicle without SAFELOCK.
Please note: depending on the settings made for the central locking in the Infotainment system
⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system, it may be the case that all of the doors and the
boot lid are unlocked only once the button has been pressed twice.
•Locking: all turn signals will flash once as confirmation.
•Unlocking: all turn signals will flash twice as confirmation.
Convenience opening and closing
•See Windows – Functions ⇒ Windows.
Depending on the mirror function selected in the Infotainment system, the exterior mirrors
fold out when the vehicle is unlocked using the button and surround lighting is switched on.
Locking and unlocking the vehicle from the inside
Fig. 64 In the driver door: central locking button.