SKODA OCTAVIA TOUR 2009 1.G / (1U) Owner's Manual

Airbag system
120The 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 120.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. 127 . 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 the front passenger airbag or the side
passenger airbag when attaching a chil d 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 122, “Deactivating an airbag”. If this is not done, there is a risk of the
child suffering severe or even fatal inju ries 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 wi th the appropriate national regula-
tions 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 front passenger airbag in
the dash panel.
Fig. 127 Safe distance to
steering wheel
WARNING (continued)
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Airbag system121
Using the system
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Side airbags*Description of side airbags
The side airbag increases protection of the passenger concerned in
the case of a side impact.The side airbags are housed in the upholstery of the backrests of the front seats.
The side airbag system in combination with the three-point seat belts, offers addi-
tional protection for the upper area of th e body (chest, stomach and pelvis) of the
occupants of the car in the event of a side collision of major severity ⇒ in
“Important safety information on the side airbag” on page 122.
Apart from their normal protective function, a further task of the seat belts is to
also hold the driver and front passenger in a correct seated position in the event of
a side collision so as to enable the side 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 110, “Why
seat belts?”.
Function of the side airbags
Risk of injury to the upper part of the body is reduced by fully inflated
side airbags.In the case of a violent side crash the side airbag on the front seat on the side on
which the collision occurs is deployed ⇒fig. 129 .
In certain accident situations, the front as well as the side airbags are deployed at
the same time.
If an airbag is deployed, the airbag is fill ed with propellant gas. The airbags inflate
in fractions of a second and at a high spee d in order to be able to offer that addi-
tional 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.
The load of the occupants is cushioned when plunging into the fully inflated airbag
and the risk of injury to the entire up per body (chest, stomach and pelvis) is
reduced on the side facing the door.
Fig. 128 Installation position
of side airbag in driver seat
Fig. 129 Inflated side airbag
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Airbag system
122Important 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 the front passenger airbag or the side
passenger airbag when attaching a chil d 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 122, “Deactivating an airbag”. If th is is not done, there is a risk of the
child suffering severe or even fatal inju ries 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 wi th the appropriate national regula-
tions 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 127, “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 125, “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 de ployment area of the airbag. There
must also be no accessories such as cup holders, attached to the doors to
enable the side airbags to activate properly.
•
Only hang light items of clothing on the clothes hooks to the vehicle.
Never leave any heavy or sharp-edged ob jects in the pockets of the items of
clothing.
•
Ensure that there are no excessive fo rces, such as violent knocks, kicks
etc., impact on the backrests of th e seats otherwise the system may be
damaged. The side airbags would no t 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 authorized 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.
Deactivating an airbagDeactivating 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
protection.There is the technical means installed within your vehicle to switch off the front or
side* airbag using the diagnostic equipment (take out of commission).
This is why you should have the deacti vation 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 or side passenger airbag by means of this switch ⇒page 123.
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 has its back to the direction of travel of the vehicle (in some coun-WARNING (continued)
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Airbag system123
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
tries this must be in the direction of travel due to other legal regulations applying)
⇒
page 125, “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 of f using diagnostic equipment:
•
The airbag indicator light in the instrume nt cluster lights up for about 3 seconds
after switching on the ignition and then flashes after that for a further 12 seconds.
Front passenger airbags switched off using the switch for front passenger
airbags* in storage compartmen t on the front passenger side:
•
The airbag warning light comes on in the instrument cluster for about 4 seconds
each time the ignition is switched on.
•
The deactivation of the airbag is indica ted by the lighting up of the indicator
light 
 at the front interior lighting of the vehicle ⇒page 123.
Note
A specialist garage will be able to advise you whether national legislation in your
country allows airbags in your vehicl e to be deactivated, and which ones.
Switch for the front passenger airbag(s)*If the vehicle is fitted with side airbags, the front passenger airbag as well
as the side passenger airbag can be deactivated by using the switch.
Deactivating an airbag
– Switch off the ignition.
– Turn the slot of the airbag switch using the key in the position OFF
⇒ fig. 130 (vertical position).
Fig. 130 Storage compart-
ment: Switch for the front
passenger airbag(s)Fig. 131 Warning light for
the deactivation of the front
passenger airbag(s)
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Airbag system
124
– Check whether the airbag indicator light


lights up at the
interior lighting (front) when the ignition is turned on ⇒page 123,
fig. 131 .
Switching on an airbag
– Switch off the ignition.
– Turn the slot of the airbag swit ch using the key in the position ON
⇒ page 123, fig. 130 (horizontal position).
– Check whether the airbag indicator light


does not light up
at the interior lighting (front) when the ignition is turned on
⇒ page 123, fig. 131 .
The airbags should only be switched off under exceptional circumstances
⇒ page 122.
Indicator light

 (airbag switched off)
The indicator light is located at the fr ont interior lighting of the vehicle ⇒page 123,
fig. 131 .
In cases where the front passenger or side* passenger airbag is switched off, the
indicator light comes on about 4 second s after the ignition is switched on.
There is a system fault present in the airbag switch off ⇒ if the indicator light
flashes. Please have the car inspected immediately by a sp ecialist garage.
WARNING
•
The driver is responsible for whether the airbag is switched on or
switched off.
•
Only switch off the airbag when the ignition is switched off! Otherwise a
fault can occur in the system for the airbag deactivation.
•
If the warning light

 (airbag switched off) flashes:
− There is a risk of the front passenger airbag not being activated in the
event of an accident. Therefore do not use any child safety seats on the
front passenger seat. −
If the front passenger seat is occupied , there is a risk that the airbag is
deployed unexpectedly and thus the occupant of this seat may suffer
possible injuries.
− It is also important to have the system inspected without delay by a
specialist garage.
WARNING (continued)
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Transporting children safely125
Using the system
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Transporting children safelyWhat you should know about transporting children!An introduction to the subject
Accident statistics have revealed that children are generally more
safely transported on the rear seat s than on the front passenger seat.Children younger than 12 years of age should normally travel on the rear seat of the
vehicle (take note of any na tional legal provisions which differ from this). They
should be secured there by means of a child restraint system or by using the
existing seat belts depending on their ag e, body size and weight. The child seat
should be mounted behind the front passenger seat for safety reasons.
The physical principle of an accident do es, of course, also apply to children
⇒ page 111, “The physical princi ple of a frontal collision”. They differ from adults
in that their muscles and bone structure of children are not yet fully developed.
Thus children are exposed to increased risk of injury.
Children should be transported by using special child safety seats in order to
reduce this risk of injury.
Use only child safety seats which are offici ally approved and are suitable for chil-
dren and which comply with the ECE-R 44 Standard, which classifies child safety
seats into 5 groups ⇒page 128, “Classification of child seats into groups”. Child
restraint systems which have been tested for conformity with ECE-R 44 have a non-
detachable test seal (a large E within a circle and below this the test number)
attached to the seat.
We recommend that you use child safety seats from the Škoda genuine accesso-
ries. These child seats were developed and also tested for use in Škoda vehicles.
They fulfil the standard ECE-R 44.
WARNING
Always comply with legal provisions and instructions from the relevant
child safety seat manufacturer when installing and using the child seat ⇒
in “Important safety information regarding the use of child safety seats”.
Note
Any varying national legal regulations take priority over the information provided
in these instructions for use, or stated in this chapter.Important safety information regarding the use of child safety seats
Correct use of child safety seats considerably reduces the risk of
injury!
WARNING
•
All the occupants of the car - in particular children - must wear a seat belt
when the car is moving.
•
Chi ld re n le s s tha n 1. 5 0 m i n h e ig ht or younger than 12 years must not use
a normal seat belt withou t a child restraint system otherwise this may result
in injuries to the stomach and neck areas. Comply with the national legal
requirements.
•
One should never carry children, and also not babies! - on one's lap.
•
You can transport a child safely in a suitable child safety seat
⇒ page 128, “Child seat”!
•
Only one child may be fastened with a seat belt into a child safety seat.
•
Never leave the child sitting unattended in the seat.
•
Certain outside climatic conditions can cause life-threatening tempera-
tures in the vehicle.
•
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.
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Transporting children safely
126•
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 airb ag 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 112, “How are seat belts
correctly fastened?”. Pay particular at tention 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 the front passenger airbag or the side
passenger airbag* as well when attach ing 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 122. If this is not done, there is a risk of the child suffering severe or
even fatal injuries if the front passen ger airbag is deployed. In certain coun-
tries national legal provisions also re quire that the side airbags be deacti-
vated. 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 th en you must pay attention to the following
warnings in connection with the use of th e 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 seat ed 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. 132 . The sticker is
visible upon opening the front passen ger 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 or the side
passenger airbag* as well if you nevertheless wish to use a child safety seat
on the front passenger seat where the chil d is seated with its back facing in
direction of travel (in some countries also when the child is facing the direc-
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 132 Sticker on the
centre column of the body on
the front passenger side.
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Transporting children safely127
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
tion of travel)
⇒page 122, “Deactivating an airbag”. 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 certai n countries national legal provisions
also require that the side 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.
•
If the front passenger airbag has been switched off by a specialist garage
using the vehicle system tester, th e side passenger airbag* remains
switched on. The national legal provisions in certain countries require that
both the front and side airbags be deactivated. Please comply with any
differing national legal regulations r egarding 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 fully. For vehicles with height ad justable front passenger seat, the seat
must be put in the highest position.
•
If this is not done, a child seated on the front passenger seat may suffer
severe or even fatal injuries if the front passenger airbag or airbags are
deployed. Have the airbag (or ai rbags) deactivated if necessary ⇒page 122.
•
You should have the front passenger airbag (or airbags) reactivated just
as soon as you no longer use a child sa fety seat on the front passenger seat.
Child safety and side airbag*
Children must never be seated in the deployment area of side
airbags.In the event of a side collision, the si de airbags offer the vehicle occupants
enhanced protection.
The side airbags are inflated in fractions of a second in order to be able to provide
this protection ⇒page 121, “Function of the side airbags”.
An airbag inflating develops such a strong force that an occupant who has not
adopted an upright seated position may suffer injuries from the airbag or as a result
of objects which are located within th e deployment area of the side airbag.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 133 Seated position of
an unprotected child at risk
from side airbagFig. 134 Child properly
protected by safety seat
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Transporting children safely
128This 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 th e 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 the front passenger airbag or the side
passenger airbag* as well when attach ing 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 122. If this is not done, there is a risk of the child suffering severe or
even fatal injuries if the front passen ger airbag is deployed. In certain coun-
tries national legal provisions also re quire that the side airbags be deacti-
vated. 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 fr ont 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: Economic Commis-
sion of Europe - Regulation. Child safety seats which have been tested for conformity with ECE-R 44 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 safety seatsAn overview of the usefulness of child se
ats on each of the seats according to the
EG guidelines 77/541 and ECE 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.
Group
Weight
0
0 - 10 kg
⇒page 129
0+
up to 13 kg
⇒page 129
1
9 - 18 kg
⇒page 129
2
15 - 25 kg
⇒page 130
3
22 - 36 kg
⇒page 130
Child seat
groups
Front passenger seat
Rear seat outside
Rear seat middle
0


0+


1


2 and 3
AUA+
AUA+
AU
AUA+
AUA+
AU
AUA+
AUA+
AU
AU
AU
AU
AUA+
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Transporting children safely129
Using the system
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Child seats of group 0/0+The optimal solution for babies of up to about 9 months old weighing up to 10 kg
or babies up to about 18 mont hs old weighing up to 13 kg is a child safety seat
which can be adjusted into the reclining position ⇒fig. 135 .
In view of the fact that such child seats are installed that the child is seated with its
back facing the direction of travel, they must not be used on the front passenger
seat ⇒page 126, “Use of child safety seats on the front passenger seat”.
WARNING
•
It is essential to always switch off the front passenger airbag (airbags)
when attaching in exceptional circumstances 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).
−in a specialist garage
− or by using the switch for the front passenger airbag* ⇒page 123.
•
The national legal provisions in certain countries require that the front
and the side passenger airbags are de activated. Please comply with any
differing national legal regulations r egarding the use of child safety seats.
•
If this is not done, a child seated on the front passenger seat may suffer
severe or even fatal injuries if the front passenger airbag or airbags are
deployed.
•
You should have the front passenger ai rbag (or airbags) reactivated just
as soon as you no longer use a child sa fety seat on the front passenger seat.
Child safety seats in Group 1Child seats in Group 1 are for babies and sm all children up to 4 years of age with a
weight of between 9 and 18 kilograms. It is best for children in the lower range of
this group, to use a child seat which allows the child to sit with its back to the direc-
tion of travel. It is best for children in the upper range of the Group 0+, to use a child
seat which allows the child to sit ⇒fig. 136 in the direction of travel.
Child safety seats in which the child is seat ed with its back facing the direction of
travel, must not be used on the front passenger seat ⇒page 126, “Use of child
safety seats on the front passenger seat”.
WARNING
•
It is essential to always switch of f the front passenger airbag (airbags)
when attaching in exceptional circumstances a child safety seat on the front
Fig. 135 Child seats of group
0/0+
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 136 Child seat with
padded table in Group 1
installed on rear seat bench
facing the direction of travel
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