warning Seat Mii 2012 Service Manual

67
Ensuring you are correctly and safely seated
Airbag system Introduction
Front airbags have been installed for both driver and passenger. The front
airbags can also protect the chest and head of driver and passenger if the
seats, seat belts head restraints and, for the driver, the steering wheel are
correctly adjusted and used. Airbags are considered as additional safety
equipment. An airbag cannot replace the safety belt, which must be worn at
all times, even in front seats where front airbags have been installed.
Additional information and warnings:
● Driving tips ⇒ page 25
● Correct sitting position ⇒ page 48
● Seat belts ⇒ page 57
● Child seats (accessories) ⇒ page 76
● Care and cleaning of the vehicle interior ⇒ page 205
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 222
● Notes for the user ⇒ page 233
WARNING
Never exclusively trust the airbag system as a means of protection.
● Even when triggered, airbag protection is only auxiliary.
● The airbags provide the best protection when the seat belts are prop-
erly fastened, thus reducing the risk of sustaining injuries ⇒ page 57,
Seat belts.
● Before each trip, every occupant must sit properly, correctly fasten
the seat belt belonging to his or her seat and keeping it fastened
throughout the trip. This rule is valid for all occupants.
WARNING
Occupants sitting in the front of the vehicle must never carry any objects
in the deployment space between them and the airbags, as this increa-
ses the risk of sustaining injuries if the airbag is triggered. This modifies
the airbag deployment space or the objects may fly uncontrollably and
hit your body.
● Never carry objects in your hand or on your lap while the vehicle is in
motion.
● Never transport objects on the front passenger seat. In the event of
sudden braking and manoeuvres, the objects may end up in the airbag
deployment space and fly uncontrollably around the interior if the airbag
is activated.
● Occupants of the front and rear seats must never carry any other peo-
ple, pets or objects in the deployment space between them and the air-
bags. Make sure children and other passengers also respect this recom-
mendation.
WARNING
The airbag system provides protection for one accident only. If they have
been deployed, replace them.
● Ensure deployed airbags and the system components involved are im-
mediately replaced with new, SEAT-approved components for the vehicle.
● Have any repairs or modifications carried out at a Specialised work-
shop. Specialised workshops have the necessary tools, diagnostics
equipment, repair information and qualified personnel.
● Never fit recycled or reused airbag components in your vehicle.
● Never modify the airbag system components. 
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68Ensuring you are correctly and safely seated
WARNING
If the airbags are triggered, a fine dust is produced. This is normal and it
is not an indication of fire in the vehicle.
● This fine dust may irritate the skin and eyes and cause breathing dif-
ficulties, particularly in people suffering from or who have suffered from
asthma or other illnesses of the respiratory tract. To reduce breathing dif-
ficulties, get out of the vehicle and open and doors and windows to
breath in fresh air.
● Should you touch the dust, wash your hands and face using a mild
soap and water before you eat.
● Prevent the dust from affecting the eyes or open wounds.
● Rinse your eyes with water if you have dust in them.
WARNING
Solvents cause the surfaces of the airbag modules to become porous. If
an airbag is accidentally triggered, the detachment of plastic parts could
cause serious injury.
● Never clean the dash panel and the surfaces of the airbag modules
with cleaners containing solvents.


69
Ensuring you are correctly and safely seated
Types of front passenger airbag systems
There are 2 different SEAT front passenger airbag systems:ABCharacteristics of the passenger
front airbag without disabling.Characteristics of the front passen-
ger front airbag that can be disabled
manually ⇒ page 73.
- * Control lamp  on the instru-
ment panel.– Control lamp  on the instrument
panel.
- Front passenger airbag located in
dash panel.- PASSENGER AIR BAG   control
lamp on the dash panel.
- Key switch in the glove compart-
ment on the front passenger side of
the dash panel.
- Front passenger airbag located in
dash panel.
- Description: airbag system- Description: airbag system with
front passenger airbag disabling.
- Description: airbag system without
disabling.* Control lamps
Fig. 46 Control lamp for
disabling the front pas-
senger airbag on the
dash panel
lights
upLocationPossible causeSolution
Instrument
panelFault in airbag system
and seat belt tension-
ers.Have the system checked
immediately by a Special-
ised workshop.

Dash panel.
Fault in the airbag
system.Have the system checked
immediately by a Special-
ised workshop.
Front passenger air-
bag disabled.Check whether the airbag
should remain disabled.
Several warning and control lamps light up for a few seconds when the igni-
tion is switched on while a test of the function is being carried out. They will
switch off after a few seconds.
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG   warning lamp does not remain lit or if it is
lit together with the control lamp  on the instrument panel and the front
passenger airbag is disabled, there may be a fault in the airbag system
⇒ 
. 
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70Ensuring you are correctly and safely seated
WARNING
In the event of a fault in the airbag system, the airbag may not trigger
correctly, may fail to trigger or may even trigger unexpectedly, leading to
severe or fatal injuries.
● Have the airbag system checked immediately by a Specialised work-
shop.
● Never mount a child seat in the front passenger seat or remove the
mounted child seat! The front passenger airbag may deploy during an ac-
cident in spite of the fault.
CAUTION
Always pay attention to any lit lamps and to the corresponding descriptions
and instructions to avoid damage to the vehicle. 
Description and function of the airbag
The airbag can protect vehicle occupants in the event of an accidents, cush-
ioning the movement of the occupants in the direction of the collision in
frontal and side accidents.
Deployed airbags fill with a propellant gas. This causes the airbag covers to
break and the airbags to deploy extremely quickly in their entire deploy-
ment space within fractions of a second. When an occupant with the seat
belt properly fastened puts pressure on the inflated airbag, the propellant
gas escapes to absorb the force of the impact and slow the movement. This
reduces the risk of severe or fatal injuries. Airbag deployment does not
mean that other types of injury such as swelling, bruising and skin injuries
can be ruled out. Upon deployment of the airbag, friction can cause the
generation of heat.
Airbags do not protect the arms or the lower part of the body. The most important factors for triggering the airbag are the type of accident,
the angle of impact, the vehicle speed and the characteristics of the object
the vehicle hits. Therefore, airbags are not triggered every time the vehicle
is visibly damaged.
The activation of the airbag system depends on the magnitude of the decel-
eration of the vehicle caused by a collision, which registers through an elec-
tronic control unit. If the deceleration magnitude value is below the refer-
ence value programmed in the control unit, the airbags will not deploy de-
spite serious damage being caused to the vehicle by the accident. Damage
suffered by the vehicle, reparation costs or absence of damage suffered
from the accident are not indications of whether an airbag should have
been deployed. Due to the varying nature of collision situations, it is impos-
sible to define a speed range of the vehicle and reference values. For this
reason, it is not possible to cover all types of collisions and collision angles
resulting in the deployment of the airbag. Factors necessary for the airbag
to be deployed can be, the characteristics of the object (hard or soft)
against which the vehicle collides, the collision angle and the vehicle
speed.
Airbags act in conjunction with three-point seat belts in the event of certain
accidents, when the vehicle deceleration rate is severe enough to trigger
the airbags. Airbags only deploy once and only under certain circumstan-
ces. Seat belts remain present to offer protection in situations where air-
bags are not triggered or where they have already deployed. For example,
when a vehicle hits another after an initial collision or is hit by another vehi-
cle.
The airbag system is an integral part of the vehicle's passive safety system.
The airbag system can only work effectively when the occupants are wear-
ing their seat belts correctly and have adjusted the head restraints properly

⇒ page 48.
Vehicle safety components
The following safety equipment makes up the vehicle safety design to re-
duce the risk of severe and fatal injuries. Depending on the vehicle equip-
ment, some equipment may not be fitted in the vehicle or may not be avail-
able in some markets. 

71
Ensuring you are correctly and safely seated
● Optimised seat belts for all seats.
● Seat belt tension devices for driver and passenger.
● Seat belt force limiters for driver and passenger.
● Seat belt warning lamp.
● Frontal airbags for driver and passenger.
● Side airbags for driver and passenger.
● Airbag control lamp .
● Control units and sensors.
● Head restraints optimised for rear-end collision.
● Adjustable steering column.
● If necessary, anchor points for child seats for the rear seats.
● Where applicable, mountings for the child seat upper retaining strap. Situations when the front and side airbags do not deploy:
●
If the ignition is switched off during the collision.
● In frontal collisions when the deceleration measured by the control unit
is too low.
● In minor side collisions.
● In rear collisions.
● In the event of the vehicle overturning.
● When the impact speed is lower than the reference value set in the con-
trol unit. 
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73
Ensuring you are correctly and safely seated
When the front airbags are triggered they fill the zones marked in
red ⇒ Fig. 47 and ⇒ Fig. 48 (radius of action). Therefore, objects should
never be placed or mounted in these areas ⇒ 
. Factory-fitted accessories
are outside the range of the front airbag for the driver and the front passen-
ger, e.g. the baseplate for the mobile telephone support.
The airbag covers fold out of the steering wheel ⇒ Fig. 47 or dash panel
⇒ Fig. 48 when the driver and front passenger airbags are triggered. The air-
bag covers remain connected to the steering wheel or the dash panel.
WARNING
The airbag is deployed at high speed in fractions of a second.
● Always keep the deployment areas of the front airbags vacant.
● Never secure objects to the covers or in the deployment area of the
airbag modules, e.g. drink holders or phone supports.
● The deployment space between the front passengers and the airbags
must not in any case be occupied by other passenger, pets and objects.
● Never fix any object to the windscreen above the front airbag on the
front passenger side.
● Do not alter, cover or stick anything to the steering wheel hub or the
surface of the airbag module on the passenger side of the dash panel.
WARNING
Front airbags are deployed in front of the steering wheel ⇒ Fig. 47 and
the dash panel ⇒ Fig. 48.
● When driving, always hold the steering wheel on the outer edge of
the ring with both hands: 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position.
WARNING (Continued)
● Adjust the driver seat so that there is a distance of at least
25 cm(10 inches) between the centre of your chest and the hub of the
steering wheel. If you physical constitution prevents you from meeting
these requirements, make sure you contact a Specialised workshop.
● Adjust the front passenger seat so there is as much distance as possi-
ble between the front passenger and the dash panel.

Deactivating and activating the front passenger airbag
using the key switch
Fig. 49 On front passen-
ger side: key switch for
disabling and enabling
the front passenger air-
bag
Disable the front passenger airbag when a rear-facing child seat is moun-
ted.
Deactivating the front passenger airbag
● Switch the ignition off.
● Open the door on the front passenger side.
● Unfold the key shaft ⇒ page 28. 
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74Ensuring you are correctly and safely seated
● Using the vehicle key, turn the key switch to OFF ⇒ Fig. 49.
● Close the door on the front passenger side.
● The PASSENGER AIR BAG   control lamp on the dash panel will re-
main lit while the ignition is switched on ⇒ page 69.
Activating the front passenger airbag
● Switch the ignition off.
● Open the door on the front passenger side.
● Unfold the key shaft ⇒ page 28.
● Using the vehicle key, turn the key switch to ON ⇒ Fig. 49.
● Close the door on the front passenger side.
● Check that the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF  control lamp on the dash
panel does not light up ⇒ page 69 while the ignition is switched on.
How to know whether the front passenger airbag is disabled
Disabling of the front passenger airbag is only indicated by the PASSENGER
AIR BAG   control lamp that remains lit on the dash panel (   re-
mains yellow) ⇒ page 69.
If the control lamp   on the dash panel does not remain lit or is lit in
combination with the control lamp  on the instrument panel, a child re-
straint system cannot be mounted on the front passenger seat for safety
reasons. The front passenger airbag may deploy during an accident.
WARNING
Only disconnect the front passenger airbag in special cases.
● Disconnect and connect the front passenger airbag when the ignition
is switched off to avoid damage to the airbag system.
● It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that the key operated switch
is set to the correct position.
WARNING (Continued)
● Only disconnect the front passenger airbag when a child seat is to be
mounted under exceptional circumstances.
● As soon as the child seat is no longer needed on the front passenger
seat, reconnect the front passenger seat airbag.


75
Ensuring you are correctly and safely seated
Side airbags
Fig. 50 On the side of
the front seat: location of
the side airbag
Fig. 51 On the left side
of the vehicle: deploy-
ment area of side airbag
The side airbags are located in the outer cushion of the driver and front pas-
senger seat backrests ⇒ Fig. 50. Their position is indicated by the word
“AIRBAG”. The area marked in red ⇒ Fig. 51 indicates the side airbag de-
ployment zone. In the event of a side-on collision, the side airbag will deploy in the side of
the vehicle affected
⇒ Fig. 51, thus reducing the risk of injuries to passen-
gers on the side of the body and the head facing the accident side.
WARNING
The airbag is deployed at high speed in fractions of a second.
● Always keep the deployment areas of the side airbags vacant.
● The deployment space between the front passengers and the airbags
must not in any case be occupied by other passenger, pets and objects.
● Do not mount accessories on the doors.
● Only used protective covers for the seats that are approved for the ve-
hicle. Otherwise, the side airbag would be obstructed when deployed.
WARNING
Incorrect handling of the driver's and front passenger's seat could pre-
vent the side airbag from deploying properly and cause severe injuries.
● Never remove the front seats of the vehicle or modify any of their
components.
● Great forces must not be exerted on the backrest bolsters because
the side airbags might not deploy correctly, might not deploy at all or
might deploy unexpectedly.
● Any damage to the original seat upholstery or around the seams of
the side airbag units must be repaired immediately by a Specialised
workshop.

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76Ensuring you are correctly and safely seated
Child seats (accessories)
Introduction
Before transporting babies and children in a child seat placed in the front
passenger seat, first completely read the information regarding the airbag
system.
This information is extremely important for driver and passenger safety, par-
ticularly that of babies and children.
SEAT recommends the use of child seats from the SEAT accessory pro-
gramme. These child seats have been designed and tested for use in SEAT
vehicles. You can purchase child seats with different mountings from a SEAT
dealership.
Additional information and warnings:
● Seat belts ⇒ page 57
● Airbag system ⇒ page 67
WARNING
Make sure children are properly belted in and correctly secured to avoid
severe or fatal injuries while the vehicle is in motion.
● Never use a rear-facing child seat in the front passenger seat if the
front passenger airbag is enabled.
● Children up to 12 years old should always travel on the rear seat.
● Children must always be protected with an approved child restraint
system suited to their height and weight.
● Children must assume the proper sitting position and be properly bel-
ted in while travelling.
WARNING (Continued)
● Ensure the backrest of a seat is upright when a child seat is being
used on it.
● Do not allow the child's head or other part of his or her body to enter
the deployment area of the side airbags.
● Make sure the seat belt webbing is correctly positioned.
● Never hold children or babies on your lap or in your arms.
● Only one child may occupy a child seat.
● Please read and observe the child seat manufacturer's handling in-
structions.
WARNING
An empty or loose child seat could fly uncontrollably around the vehicle
interior and cause injuries in the event of an accident or sudden braking.
● When not in use while the vehicle is in motion, always safely secure it
or store it in the luggage compartment.
Note
Replace the child seat after an accident, as it may have invisible damage. 

78Ensuring you are correctly and safely seated
Child seats approved under the ECE-R 44 regulation are fitted with the corre-
sponding approval symbol. The sign is an upper-case E in a circle with the
identification number below it.
WARNING
Not following the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to ac-
cidents and severe injuries.
● Always follow the check list and perform the necessary operations.
WARNING
In general, the rear seat is always the safest place for children, who are
belted correctly, in the event of an accident.
● A suitable child seat that is correctly installed and used on one of the
rear seats offer the most protection possible for babies and children up
to 12 years in most accidents.
 Different mounting systemsFig. 52 On the rear seats: figure
A shows the basic child restraint system mounting
using lower retaining rings and the upper retaining strap. Figure B shows the child
restraint system mounting using the vehicle's seat belt
Always secure child seats properly and safely in the vehicle according to the
child seat manufacturer's installation instructions.
Mounted child seats must rest correctly on the vehicle's seat and must not
move or rock more than 2.5 cm.
Child seats equipped for a Top Tether strap must also be secured using the
Top Tether retaining strap in the vehicle ⇒ page 83. Only attach the retain-
ing strap to the corresponding retaining rings. Not all rings can be used
with the Top Tether system. Always tighten the Top Tether retaining strap so
that the child seat fits snugly against the corresponding seat in the vehicle. 