deactivate airbag SKODA FABIA 2009 2.G / 5J Owner's Manual

Unlocking and locking39
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Central locking system*DescriptionUnlocking or locking the vehicle causes all doors to be unlocked or locked at the
same time by the central locking system. The boot lid is unlocked when opening. It
can be opened by pressing the hand grip above the licence plate.
Operation of the central locking system is possible:•
from the outside using the vehicle key ⇒page 40;
•
using the buttons for the central locking system ⇒page 41;
•
by using the remote control ⇒page 43.
Indicator light in the driver's door on vehicles without anti-theft alarm system
After the car is locked, the indicator light flashes after 2 seconds.
After the car is locked with the deactivated safe securing system, the indicator light
flashes only after 30 seconds.
Indicator light in the driver's door on vehicles with anti-theft alarm system
After locking the vehicle the indicator light flashes for 2 seconds fast, then more
slowly.
If the vehicle is locked and the safe securing system ⇒page 40 is not operating, the
indicator light in the driver door flashes for about 2 seconds fast, goes out and starts
to flash slowly after about 30 seconds.
If the indicator light first of all flashes fast for about 2 seconds, afterwards lights up
for about 30 seconds and then flashes slowly, there is a fault in the system of the
central locking or the interior monitor* ⇒page 46. Visit a specialist garage to
obtain assistance.
Convenience operation of windows
One can open and close the electrically powered windows when unlocking and
locking the vehicle ⇒page 48.Opening a single door*
This function makes it possible to only unlock the driver's door. The other doors
remain locked and are only unlocked when the command is repeated. The single
door opening function can be first activated by recoding the control unit of the
central locking system. This work is undertaken by a specialist garage which can
give you more information.
Automatic locking*
All the doors and the boot lid are locked automatically once the car reaches a speed
of about 15 km/h.
If the ignition key is withdrawn, the car is then automatically unlocked again. In
addition, it is possible for the driver to unlock the car by pressing the central locking
button
 or by pulling the door opening lever.
If you wish, your Škoda Dealer can activate the function of the automatic locking
mode.WARNING
•
Locking the doors prevents involuntary opening in an exceptional situa-
tion (an accident). Locked doors prevent unwanted entry into the vehicle
from outside, for example at road crossings. Locked doors do, however,
make it more difficult for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency -
danger to life!Note
•
In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed, the locked doors
are automatically unlocked in order to enable rescuers to gain access to the vehicle.
•
Only the front doors which are fitted with a locking cylinder can be unlocked
and locked using the key if the central locking system fails. You can operate the rear
doors manually.
−Emergency locking of the door ⇒page 42.
s3f4.1.book Page 39 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Passive Safety129
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident, we
recommend the following setting.
•
Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance between the steering wheel and
your chest is at least 25 cm ⇒page 128, fig. 140.
•
Position the driver seat in the forward/back direction so that you are able to fully
press the pedals with your legs at a slight angle.
•
Adjust the seat backrest so that you are able to reach the highest point of the
steering wheel with your arms at a slight angle.
•
Adjust the head restraint so that the top edge of the head restraint is at the same
level as the upper part of your head ⇒fig. 141.
•
Fasten the seat belt correctly ⇒page 134, “How are seat belts correctly
fastened?”.
Driver seat adjustment ⇒page 62, “Adjusting the front seats”.
WARNING
•
The front seats and the head restraints must always be adjusted to match
the body size of the seat occupant as well as the seat belts must always be
correctly fastened in order to provide an optimal protection for you and your
occupants.
•
The driver must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the steering
wheel ⇒page 128, fig. 140. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to properly protect you -
hazard!
•
When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the
outer edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position. Never hold the steering
wheel firmly in the 12 o'clock position or in another way (e.g. in the middle
of the steering wheel or at the inner steering wheel edge). In such cases,
injuries to the arms, the hands and the head can occur when the driver
airbag is deployed.
•
Ensure that there are no objects in the footwell as any objects may get
behind the pedals during a driving or braking manoeuvre. You would then
no longer be able to operate the clutch, to brake or accelerate.
Correct seated position for the front passenger
The front passenger must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm from
the dash panel so that the airbag offers the greatest possible safety
when an airbag is deployed.For the safety of the front passenger and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of
an accident, we recommend the following setting.•
Adjust the front passenger seat as far as possible to the rear.
•
Adjust the head restraint so that the top edge of the head restraint is at the same
level as the upper part of your head ⇒fig. 141.
•
Fasten the seat belt correctly ⇒page 134, “How are seat belts correctly
fastened?”.
In exceptional cases the front passenger airbag can be deactivated ⇒page 145,
“Deactivating airbags”.
Adjusting the passenger seat ⇒page 62, “Adjusting the front seats”.
WARNING
•
The front seats and the head restraints must always be adjusted to match
the body size of the seat occupant as well as the seat belts must always be
Fig. 141 The correct head
restraint adjustment for the
driver
WARNING (continued)
s3f4.1.book Page 129 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Airbag system141
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data The airbag develops enormous forces when triggered, which can lead to injuries if
the sitting position or seated position is not correct ⇒ in “Important safety
information regarding the front airbag system” on page 141.
Important safety information regarding the front airbag system
Correct use of the airbag system considerably reduces the risk of
injury!
WARNING
•
Never transport children on the front seat of a vehicle without using a
proper restraint system. If airbags are deployed in the event of an accident,
the child might suffer severe or even fatal injuries!
•
For the driver and front passenger it is important to maintain a distance
of at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dash panel ⇒fig. 152. Not main-
taining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be
able to properly protect you - hazard! The front seats and the head restraints
must always also be correctly adjusted to match the body size of the occu-
pant.
•
It is essential to always switch off ⇒page 145, “Deactivating airbags” the
front passenger airbag when attaching a child safety seat on the front
passenger seat where the child is seated with its back facing in direction of
travel (in some countries also when the child is facing the direction of travel). If this is not done, there is a risk of the child suffering severe or even fatal
injuries if the front passenger airbag is deployed. In certain countries
national legal provisions also require that the side or head passenger
airbags be deactivated. When transporting a child on the front passenger
seat, please comply with the appropriate national regulations regarding the
use of child safety seats.
•
There must not by any further persons, animals or objects positioned
between the front seated occupants and the deployment area of the airbag.
•
The steering wheel and the surface of the airbag module in the dash
panel on the passenger side must not be stuck onto, covered or modified in
any other way. These parts should only be cleaned with a dry cloth or a cloth
moistened with water. No objects such as cup holders, mobile phone
mounts, etc. may be attached to the covers of the airbag modules or be
located within the immediate area.
•
No modifications of any kind may be made to parts of the airbag system.
Any work on the airbag system including installing and removing system
components because of other repair work (e.g. removing the steering
wheel) must only be carried out by a specialist garage.
•
Never carry out changes on the front bumper or on the body.
•
Never place any objects on the surface of the dash panel on the front
passenger side.
Fig. 152 Safe distance to
steering wheel
WARNING (continued)
s3f4.1.book Page 141 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Airbag system143
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Important safety information on the side airbag
Correct use of the airbag system considerably reduces the risk of
injury!
WARNING
•
It is essential to always switch off ⇒page 145, “Deactivating airbags” the
front passenger airbag when attaching a child safety seat on the front
passenger seat where the child is seated with its back facing in direction of
travel (in some countries also when the child is facing the direction of travel).
If this is not done, there is a risk of the child suffering severe or even fatal
injuries if the front passenger airbag is deployed. In certain countries
national legal provisions also require that the side passenger airbags be
deactivated. When transporting a child on the front passenger seat, please
comply with the appropriate national regulations regarding the use of child
safety seats.
•
Your head should never be positioned in the deployment area of the side
airbag. You might suffer severe injuries in the event of an accident. This
applies in particular to children who are transported without using a suit-
able child safety seat ⇒page 149, “Child safety and side airbag*”.
•
If children adopt an incorrect seated position when travelling, they may
be exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. This can
result in serious injuries ⇒page 147, “What you should know about trans-
porting children!”.
•
There must not be any further persons, animals as well as objects posi-
tioned between the occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. No
accessories, such as a can holder, should be attached to the doors.
•
Only hang light items of clothing on the clothes hooks to the vehicle.
Never leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets of the items of
clothing.
•
Ensure that there are no excessive forces, such as violent knocks, kicks
etc., impact on the backrests of the seats otherwise the system may be
damaged. The side airbags would not be deployed in such a case!
•
Any seat or protective covers which you fit to the driver or front
passenger seats must only be of the type expressly authorised by Škoda Auto. In view of the fact that the airbag inflates out of the backrest of the
seat, use of non-approved seat or protective covers would considerably
impair the protective function of the side airbag.
•
Any damage to the original seat covers in the area of the side airbag
module must be repaired without delay by your specialist garage.
•
The airbag modules in the front seats must not display any damage,
cracks or deep scratches. It is not permissible to use force in order to open
the modules.
•
Any work on the side airbag system including removing and installing
system components because of other repair work (e.g. removing seats) must
only be carried out by a specialist garage.
Head airbags*Description of the head airbags
The head airbag together with the side airbag offers enhanced occu-
pant protection in the event of a side collision.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 155 Installation position
of the head airbags
s3f4.1.book Page 143 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Airbag system 144The head airbags are positioned above the doors on both sides in the interior of the
car ⇒fig. 155. The installation positions of the head airbags are each marked with
the “AIRBAG” logo.
The head airbag together with the three-point seat belts and the side airbags, offers
additional protection for the head and neck area of the occupants in the event of a
side collision of major severity ⇒ in “Important safety information on the head
airbag” on page 144.
Apart from their normal protective function, a further task of the seat belts is to
also hold the driver and the occupants in a correct seated position in the event of a
side collision so as to enable the head airbags to offer the maximum protection.
You should therefore always fasten the seat belts, not only because this is required
by law, but also for safety reasons and for your own protection ⇒page 132.
Together with other elements (such as cross bars in the doors, stable vehicle struc-
ture) the head airbags are the consequent further development of occupant
protection in the case of side collisions.Function of the head airbags
The risk of injury to the head and neck area is reduced in the event of
a side collision by fully inflated head airbags.In the case of a side collision the head airbag is deployed together with the rele-
vant side airbag on the side on which the accident occurs ⇒fig. 156.If the system is deployed, the airbag is filled with propellant gas and covers the
entire area of the side window including the door pillars ⇒fig. 156.
The protection offered by the head airbags is thus available simultaneously both to
the front occupants of the car seated on the side on which the accident occurs, as
well as to the rear occupants. Any impact of the head against par ts of the interior or
objects outside of the car, is cushioned by the inflated head airbag. The reduction
in any impact to the head and the resultant minimizing of any movements of the
head additionally reduce the risk of injuries to the neck area. In certain accident
situations, the front, side and head airbag are simultaneously deployed.
The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed in order to be able
to offer that additional protection in the event of an accident. A grey white, non
harmful gas is released when airbag is inflated. This is perfectly normal and is not
an indication of a fire in the vehicle.
Important safety information on the head airbag
Correct use of the airbag system considerably reduces the risk of
injury!
WARNING
•
It is essential to always switch off ⇒page 145 the front passenger airbag
when attaching a child safety seat on the front passenger seat where the
child is seated with its back facing in direction of travel (in some countries
also when the child is facing the direction of travel). If this is not done, there
is a risk of the child suffering severe or even fatal injuries if the front
passenger airbag is deployed. In certain countries national legal provisions
also require that the side or head passenger airbags be deactivated. When
transporting a child on the front passenger seat, please comply with the
appropriate national regulations regarding the use of child safety seats.
•
There must not be any objects in the deployment area of the head
airbags which might prevent the airbags from inflating properly.
•
Only hang light items of clothing on the clothes hooks to the vehicle.
Never leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets of the items of
Fig. 156 Inflated head airbag
s3f4.1.book Page 144 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Airbag system145
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data clothing. In addition, it is not permitted to use clothes hangers for hanging
up items of clothing.
•
There must not be any other persons (e.g. children) or animals between
the car occupant and the deployment area of the head airbag. In addition,
none of the occupants should lean their head out of the window when
driving, or extend their arms and hands out of the window.
•
The sun visors must not be swivelled to the side windows into the
deployment area of the head airbags if any objects, such as ball-point pens
etc. are attached to them. This might result in injuries to the occupants if the
head airbag is deployed.
•
Installing impermissible accessories in the area of the head airbags may
considerably impair the protection offered by the head airbag in the event of
it being deployed. When the deployed head airbag is inflated, parts of the
accessories fitted may in certain circumstances be thrown into the interior
of the car and cause injuries to the occupants ⇒page 204.
•
Any work on the head airbag system including installing and removing
system components because of other repair work (e.g. removing headliner)
must only be carried out by a specialist garage.
Deactivating airbagsDeactivating airbags
If any airbags have been deactivated, switch them on again as soon
as possible so that they are able to again provide their proper protec-
tion.There is the technical means installed within your vehicle to switch off the front,
side* or head* airbag (take out of commission).
This is why you should have the deactivation of the airbags carried out by a
specialist garage.On vehicles equipped with the switch for deactivation of the airbags, you can deac-
tivate the front passenger airbag or passenger side airbag by means of this switch
⇒page 146.
Deactivation of airbags is envisaged only for particular instances, such as if:
•
You must in exceptional cases use a child seat on the front passenger seat
where the child is seated with its back to the direction of travel (in some countries
this must be in the direction of travel due to other legal regulations applying)
⇒page 147, “Important safety information regarding the use of child safety seats”;
•
you are not able to maintain the distance of at least 25 cm between middle of
steering wheel and chest, despite the driver seat being correctly adjusted;
•
special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because of a
physical disability;
•
you have installed other seats (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side airbags).
Monitoring the airbag system
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically when one
airbag has been switched off.
If the airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment:
•
The airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster lights up for about 3 seconds
after switching on the ignition and then flashes after that for about 12 seconds.
If the airbag was switched off using the airbag switch* on the side of the dash
panel:
•
the airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster comes on for about 3
seconds each time the ignition is switched on;
•
if the airbags are switched off, this is indicated in the middle of the dash panel
by the lighting up of the indicator light
  ⇒page 146, fig. 158.
Note
A specialist garage will provide you with information on whether national legisla-
tion in your country allows airbags in your vehicle to be deactivated, and which
ones.
WARNING (continued)
s3f4.1.book Page 145 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Transporting children safely 148•
Never allow your child to be transported in a vehicle without the use of a
suitable restraint system.
•
Children should also never stand up in a vehicle or kneel on the seats
when the vehicle is moving. In the event of an accident the child will be
thrown through the vehicle and may as a result suffer fatal injuries, and also
injure other occupants.
•
Children are exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an acci-
dent if they lean forward or adopt an incorrect seated position when the
vehicle is moving. This particularly applies to children who are transported
on the front passenger seat if the airbag system deploys in the event of an
accident. This can result in severe or even fatal injuries.
•
It is important that the belt webbing is properly routed if the seat belts
are to offer their maximum protection ⇒page 134, “How are seat belts
correctly fastened?”. Pay particular attention to the information provided by
the manufacturer of the child safety seat regarding correct routing of the
belt. Seat belts which are not correctly adjusted can themselves cause inju-
ries even in minor accidents.
•
Safety belts must be checked to ensure that they are running properly.
One should also ensure that the belt is not damaged by sharp-edged fittings.
•
It is essential to always switch off ⇒page 145 the front passenger airbag
when attaching a child safety seat on the front passenger seat where the
child is seated with its back facing in direction of travel (in some countries
also when the child is facing the direction of travel). If this is not done, there
is a risk of the child suffering severe or even fatal injuries if the front
passenger airbag is deployed. In certain countries national legal provisions
also require that the front passenger side airbag or the front passenger head
airbag be deactivated. When transporting a child on the front passenger
seat, please comply with the appropriate national regulations regarding the
use of child safety seats.
Use of child safety seats on the front passenger seat
Child safety seats should always be attached to the rear seats.We recommend, for safety reasons, that you always mount a child restraint systems
on the rear seats whenever possible. If you still decide, however, to use a child
safety seat on the front passenger seat then you must pay attention to the following
warnings in connection with the use of the airbag system on the front passenger
seat.
WARNING
•
Warning - particular hazard! Never use a child safety seat on the front
passenger seat in which the child is seated with its back facing the direction
of travel. This child safety seat is positioned in the deployment area of the
front passenger airbag. The airbag may cause the child severe, or even fatal
injuries, in the event of it being deployed.
•
This is also clearly stated on the sticker which is located on the centre
column of the body on the front passenger side ⇒fig. 159. The sticker is
visible upon opening the front passenger door. For some countries, the
sticker is also affixed to the sun visor of the front passenger.
•
It is essential to always switch off the front passenger airbag if you never-
theless wish to use a child safety seat on the front passenger seat where the
child is seated with its back facing in direction of travel (in some countries
also when the child is facing the direction of travel) ⇒page 145, “Deacti-
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 159 Sticker on the centre
column of the body on the
front passenger side.
s3f4.1.book Page 148 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Transporting children safely149
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data vating airbags”. If this is not done, there is a risk of the child suffering severe
or even fatal injuries if the front passenger airbag is deployed. In certain
countries national legal provisions also require that the front passenger side
airbag or the front passenger head airbag be deactivated. When trans-
porting a child on the front passenger seat, please comply with the appro-
priate national regulations regarding the use of child safety seats.
•
If the front passenger airbag has been switched off by a specialist garage
using the vehicle system tester, the side passenger airbag* remains switched
on. In certain countries national legal provisions require that besides the
front passenger airbag also the side or head passenger airbags are deacti-
vated. Please comply with any differing national legal regulations regarding
the use of child safety seats.
•
If a child safety seat in which the child faces in the direction of travel is
used on the front passenger seat, the front passenger seat must be moved
back and to the top fully. Move the seat backrest into the vertical position.
•
As soon as you no longer use the child safety seat on the front passenger
seat, you should again have the front passenger front airbag or the front
passenger side airbag activated.
Child safety and side airbag*
Children must never be seated in the deployment area of the side
airbags and head airbags.Side airbags* offer the vehicle occupants enhanced protection in the event of a
collision from the side.
The side airbags are inflated in fractions of a second in order to be able to provide
this protection ⇒page 142, “Function of the side airbags”.
An airbag inflating develops such a strong force that an occupant who has not
adopted a correct seated position may suffer injuries. Also exposed objects which
are located within the area of the side airbag can cause injuries.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 160 Seated position of
an unprotected child at risk
from side airbagFig. 161 Child properly
protected by safety seat
s3f4.1.book Page 149 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Transporting children safely 150This applies particularly to children if they are not transported in accordance
with legal requirements.
The child is protected when seated in a child safety seat matching its age. Adequate
room is available between the child and the deployment area of the side airbag and
head airbag. The airbag offers optimal protection.
WARNING
•
It is essential to always switch off ⇒page 145 the front passenger airbag
when attaching a child safety seat on the front passenger seat where the
child is seated with its back facing in direction of travel (in some countries
also when the child is facing the direction of travel). If this is not done, there
is a risk of the child suffering severe or even fatal injuries if the front
passenger airbag is deployed. In certain countries national legal provisions
also require that the front passenger side airbag or the front passenger head
airbag be deactivated. When transporting a child on the front passenger
seat, please comply with the appropriate national regulations regarding the
use of child safety seats.
•
When transporting a child on the front passenger seat, please comply
with the appropriate national regulations regarding the use of child safety
seats.
•
Children must never be seated with their head in the deployment area of
the side airbag - risk of injury!
•
Do not place any objects within the deployment area of the side airbag -
risk of injury!
Child seatClassification of child seats into groups
Only child safety seats which have an official approval and are suit-
able for the child, may be used.ECE-R 44 standard applies to child safety seats. ECE-R means: Standard Economic
Commission of Europe - Regulation.Child safety seats which have been tested for conformity to ECE-R 44 standard have
a non-detachable test seal (a large E within a circle and below this the test number)
attached to the seat.
Child safety seats are classified in 5 groups:
Children of more than 150 cm in height may use the seat belts fitted to the vehicle
without a seat bolster.
Use of child seatsAn overview of the usefulness of child seats on each of the seats according to the
ECE-R 44 standard:
Universal category - seat is suitable for all approved types of child safety seats.
The seat can be fitted with fixing eyes for the “ISOFIX*”system.
The seat is equipped as standard with the fixing system “To p Te t h e r”.
Group
Weight
0
0 - 10 kg
⇒page 151
0+
up to 13 kg
⇒page 151
1
9 - 18 kg
⇒page 151
2
15 - 25 kg
⇒page 152
3
22 - 36 kg
⇒page 152
Child seat
groups
Front passenger
seat
Rear seat
outside
Rear seat
middle
0

0+

1

2 3
AU
AUA+AT
AU
AU
AUA+AT
AU
AU
AUA+AT
AU
AU
AU
AU
AUA+AT
s3f4.1.book Page 150 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM