Types of front passenger front airbag system
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Never rely solely on the airbag system for your protection.
•Even if an airbag is triggered, it only offers auxiliary protection.
•The airbag system offers the best level of protection, and reduces the risk of injury, when
seat belts are properly worn ⇒ Seat belts.
•Before every trip, each vehicle occupant must adopt the correct sitting position, correctly
fasten the seat belt belonging to their seat and keep it fastened properly throughout the
trip. This applies to all vehicle occupants.
WARNING
The risk of injury increases if there are any objects located between the vehicle occupants
and the deployment area of the airbag when it is triggered. This will alter the deployment zone
of the airbag, or the objects will be flung against the body.
•Never hold any objects in your hand or on your lap while the vehicle is in motion.
•Never transport any objects on the front passenger seat. The objects could enter the
deployment zone of the airbag during sudden braking or driving manoeuvres and then be
flung dangerously through the vehicle interior if the airbag is activated.
•Occupants of the front seats and rear seats must never carry any people, pets or objects
in the deployment space between them and the airbags. Ensure that children and
passengers keep to this rule.
WARNING
The airbag system can only be triggered once. The system will have to be replaced if the
airbags have been triggered.
•Airbags that have been triggered, and any affected system parts, must immediately be
replaced with new parts that are approved by Volkswagen for the vehicle.
•Repairs and modifications to your vehicle should only be carried out by a qualified
workshop. Qualified workshops have the necessary tools, diagnostic equipment, repair
information and qualified personnel.
•Never use recycled airbag components or components that have been taken from end-of-
life vehicles in your vehicle.
•Never alter any components of the airbag system.
WARNING
A fine dust may develop when the airbags trigger. This is normal and does not mean that
there is a fire in the vehicle.
•The fine dust can cause irritation to the skin and eye membranes and cause breathing
difficulties, particularly for people suffering from asthma or people who have (had) other
respiratory problems. To help reduce breathing difficulties, get out of the vehicle or open
the windows or doors for more fresh air.
•If you come into contact with the dust, you should wash your hands and face with a mild
soap and water before eating.
•Do not let the dust get into your eyes or into open wounds.
•If dust has entered your eyes, rinse them with water.
WARNING
Cleaning agents that contain solvents cause the surface of the airbag modules to become
porous. In an accident that triggers the airbag, loose plastic parts can cause serious injury.
•Never clean the dash panel or the airbag covers with cleansers that contain solvents.
WARNING
Service fluids and consumables
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
All service fluids and consumables, e.g. toothed belts, tyres, coolant, engine oil, spark plugs and
vehicle batteries, are being constantly developed. For this reason, service fluids and consumables
should be replaced at a qualified workshop. A Volkswagen dealership is always kept up to date on
innovations.
Leaking service fluids can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be collected in
suitable containers and disposed of properly and with respect for the environment.
Repairs and technical modifications
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Repairs and modifications must always be carried out according to Volkswagen specifications⇒
.
Unauthorised modifications to the electronic components or software in the vehicle may cause
faults. As the electronic components are linked together in networks, these faults may indirectly
affect the working of other systems. This can seriously impair safety, lead to excessive wear of
components, and also invalidate the type approval for the vehicle.
The Volkswagen dealership cannot be held liable for any damage caused by technical
modifications and/or work performed incorrectly.
The Volkswagen dealership cannot be held liable for any damage caused by technical
modifications and/or work performed incorrectly, nor are these covered by the Volkswagen
guarantee.
Volkswagen recommends that all repairs and technical modifications are performed by an
authorised Volkswagen dealership using Volkswagen Genuine Parts.
Vehicles with special auxiliary equipment or body parts
The manufacturer of these components must ensure that these parts (fittings) adhere to the
stipulated environmental laws and regulations, particularly the EU directive 2000/53/EC concerning
end-of-life vehicles and EU directive 2003/11/EC concerning the restriction on the marketing and
use of certain dangerous substances and preparations.
Incorrectly performed repairs or modifications to your vehicle can impair the effectiveness of
the airbags, cause faults, accidents and fatal injury.
•Never secure or mount objects such as drink holders or telephone holders either on or
next to the airbag covers or within the deployment zones of the airbag modules.
•Objects either on or next to the airbag module covers or are in the deployment zone of the
airbags can cause serious or even fatal injuries should the airbags be activated.
WARNING
Unsuitable service fluids and consumables, and the incorrect use of these fluids and
consumables, can cause accidents, serious injuries, burns or poisoning.
•Service fluids must be kept in their original sealed container.
•Never store service fluids in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original
containers as people finding these containers could drink them.
•Keep children away from all service fluids and consumables.
•Always read and follow the information and warnings on the service fluid packaging.
•When using products that give off harmful fumes, always work outdoors or in a well-
ventilated area.
•Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other volatile fluids for
vehicle care. They are toxic and highly flammable. They could cause fires and explosions.
WARNING
•Only use suitable service fluids for refilling. Never use the wrong service fluid. Failure to
observe this warning can result in serious malfunctions and engine damage.
•Optional equipment and other accessories in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect
of the coolant. The engine may overheat at high ambient temperatures and high engine
loads.
NOTICE
®
The vehicle owner should keep all assembly documentation for these auxiliary fittings, and pass it
on to any scrapping company later engaged. In this way, environmentally compatible disposal
should be guaranteed for all vehicles, including refitted vehicles.
Windscreen repairs
To function properly, some items of equipment require a camera or sensor, which is located on the
inside of the windscreen near the interior mirror. If the windscreen in the viewing field of the camera
or sensors has been damaged, e.g. by stone impact, the windscreen must be replaced. Repairing
the crack can lead to malfunction or functional faults in the equipment.
After changing the windscreen, the camera and sensors must be set up and calibrated by a
qualified workshop.
Repairs and faults in the airbag system
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Repairs and modifications must always be carried out according to Volkswagen specifications⇒
.
Modifications and repairs to the front bumper, the doors, the front seats, the roof, or the bodywork
should be carried out by a qualified workshop. System components and airbag system sensors can
be located on these vehicle components.
If you work on the airbag system or remove and install parts of the system when performing other
repair work, parts of the airbag system may be damaged. The consequence may be that, in the
event of an accident, the airbag inflates incorrectly or does not inflate at all.
Regulations must be observed to ensure that the effectiveness of the airbags is not reduced and
that removed parts do not cause any injuries or environmental pollution. Qualified workshops are
familiar with these requirements.
Any modifications to the vehicle's suspension could prevent the airbag system from working
properly during a collision. For example, using tyre/rim combinations that have not been approved
by Volkswagen, lowering the vehicle, making modifications to the suspension rate including work on
the springs, struts and shock absorbers could change the forces that are measured by the airbag
sensors and sent to the electronic control unit. Some changes to the suspension could cause the
forces measured by the sensors to increase. This can lead to the airbag system being triggered in
collision scenarios where it normally would not be triggered if modifications to the suspension had
not been made. Other modifications can cause the forces measured by the sensors to decrease,
therefore preventing the airbag system from being triggered when it should have been.
Retrofitting two-way radios
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Incorrect repairs and modifications can cause functional problems 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 repairs and modifications can cause function problems and damage to the vehicle
and impair the effectiveness of the airbag system. This can result in accidents and serious or
even fatal injuries.
•Repairs and modifications to your vehicle should only be carried out by a qualified
workshop.
•Airbag modules cannot be repaired. They must be replaced.
•Never use recycled airbag components or components that have been taken from end-of-
life vehicles in your vehicle.
WARNING
Modifications to the vehicle's suspension, including the use of unsuitable tyre/rim
combinations, can cause the airbag system to work differently and increase the risk of serious
or fatal injuries in the event of an accident.
•Never install any components in the suspension system that do not have the same
characteristics as the original factory-fitted components.
•Never use tyre/rim combinations that have not been approved by Volkswagen.
WARNING
Practical tips
Frequently asked questions
If you suspect that there is a fault in the vehicle or if your vehicle has been damaged, read and
observe the following information before contacting a Volkswagen dealership or qualified
workshop. You may also find useful information in the index under the headings Things to note or
Checklist.
IrregularitySome possible causesPossible solution
Engine does not start.
Vehicle battery is discharged.
– Jump start the engine ⇒ Starting the
engine with jump leads.
– Recharge the vehicle battery
⇒ Vehicle battery.
An incorrect vehicle key is
being used.
Use a valid vehicle key ⇒ Vehicle key
set.
The fuel level is too low.Fill the tank ⇒ Filling the tank.
Vehicle cannot be locked
or unlocked with the
vehicle key.
– The battery in the vehicle
key is discharged.
– The vehicle key is too far
away from the vehicle.
– Replace battery ⇒ Vehicle key set.
– Move closer to the vehicle.
– Synchronise vehicle key ⇒ Vehicle
key set.
– Unlock or lock vehicle manually
⇒ Manual opening and closing.
Unusual noises.
Cold engine, brake assist
systems, electronic steering
column lock, auxiliary heater,
filling up with natural gas.
Refer to the index under entries for
Noises.
Unusual handling.
Assist systems are active.Refer to the index under entries for
Assist systems.
An incorrect tyre pressure is
being used.
Check tyre pressure ⇒ Wheels and
tyres.
Damage to the tyre or wheel.
Check the rims and tyres regularly for
damage ⇒ Wheels and tyres and
replace as necessary ⇒ Changing a
wheel.
The vehicle has no
vehicle jack, spare wheel
or breakdown set.
Equipment depends on type
of vehicle.
No direct solutions possible as it
depends on the equipment level.
Contact a Volkswagen dealership if
necessary ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
The road ahead is not lit
up properly.
– Headlight has been masked
for driving on the left or on the
right.
– Headlight not adjusted
correctly.
– Bulbs have failed.
– Dipped beam headlight not
switched on.
– Mask the headlights accordingly for
driving on the left or right ⇒ Lights.
– Adjust headlight range ⇒ Lights.
– Change bulbs ⇒ Changing bulbs.
– Switch dipped headlights on
⇒ Lights.
Electrical consumers not
working.
Low vehicle battery charge.Recharge vehicle battery ⇒ Vehicle
battery.
Low fuel level.Fill the tank ⇒ Filling the tank.
Fuse blown.Check fuse and replace as necessary
⇒ Fuses.
Fuel consumption is
higher than indicated.
– Short distances driven.
– Uneven acceleration.
– Avoid driving short distances.
– Think ahead when driving.
– Accelerate evenly.
An electrical consumer is
switched on.
Switch off all consumers that are not
needed.
Fault in engine management
system.
Have the fault rectified ⇒ Engine
management system and exhaust
purification system.
Tyre pressure too low.Adjust the tyre pressure ⇒ Wheels
and tyres.
Driving in hilly regions.No direct solutions possible.
Driving with a heavy load.No direct solutions possible.
Driving at high engine speed.Select a high gear.
In an emergency
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Making you and your vehicle safe
⇒ First aid kit, warning triangle and fire extinguisher
Additional information and warnings: