airbag off SKODA OCTAVIA TOUR 2010 1.G / (1U) Columbus Navigation System Manual

Passive Safety101
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
WARNING

If the occupant adopts an incorrect seated position, he is exposed to life-
threatening injuries, in case he is hit by a deployed airbag.

Before setting off, please adopt the correct seated position and do not
change this seated position while the car is moving. Also advise your occupants
to adopt the correct seated position and not to change this seated position
while the car is moving.
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Seat belts
102
Seat beltsWhy seat belts?It is a proven fact that seat belts offer good protection in accidents fig. 108 . Thus
wearing a seat belt is a legal requirement in most countries.
Seat belts which have been correctly fasten ed and adjusted hold the occupants of the
car in the correct seated position fig. 108 . The belts reduce the kinetic energy
(energy of motion) to a considerable exte nt. They also prevent uncontrolled move-
ments which, in turn, may well result in severe injuries.
The occupants of a vehicle who have fastened and correctly adjusted their seat belt,
profit to a major extent from the fact that the kinetic energy is optimally absorbed by
the belts. The structure of the front end of the vehicle and other passive safety meas-
ures, such as the airbag system, also cont ribute to reducing the kinetic energy. The
energy produced is thus absorbed and there is less risk of injury.
Accident statistics prove that seat belts which are fastened and properly adjusted
reduce the risk of an injury and enhance the chance of survival in a major accident
 page 103. It is important that you pay attention to
safety measures, particularly when trans-
porting children in the vehicle page 115, “What you should know about trans-
porting children!”.
WARNING

Fasten your seat belt each time before setting off, also when driving in town!
This also applies to the people seated at the rear - risk of injury!

Expectant women must also always wear a seat belt. This is the only way of
ensuring optimal protection for the unborn child page 104, “Fastening
three-point seat belts”.

It is important for the belt webbing to be properly routed if the seat belts are
to offer the maximum protection. You can see a description of how safety belts
should be fitted properly on the next pages.Note
Please comply with any differing legal requirements when using the seat belts.
Fig. 108 Driver wearing seat belt
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Airbag system
108
Airbag systemDescription of the airbag systemGeneral information on the airbag systemThe front airbag system is complementary to the three-point seat belts and offers
additional protection for the head and chest area of the driver and passenger in the
event of a frontal collision.
In the case of a violent side cr ash, the side airbags* reduce the risk of injuries to the
occupants on the side of the collision .
The airbag system is only functional af ter the ignition has been switched on.
The operational readiness of the airbag syst em is monitored electronically. The airbag
indicator light comes on for a few seconds each time the ignition is switched on.
The airbag system (according to vehicle equipment) consists of:
an electronic control unit,

front airbag for the driver and the front seat passenger*,

side airbags*,

an airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster,

Switch for front passenger airbag* in front passenger storage compartment
 page 113,

Indicator light for a switched off front seat passenger airbag* page 113.
A fault in the airbag system exists if:

the airbag indicator light does not light up when the ignition is switched on,

the warning light does not go out after about 4 seconds after the ignition is
switched on,

the airbag indicator light goes out and come s on again after the ignition is switched
on,

the airbag indicator light comes on or flickers when driving.
WARNING

To enable the occupants of a vehicle to be protected with the greatest
possible effect when the airbag is deployed, the front seats must be page 98,
“Correct seated position” correctly adjusted to match the body size of the occu-
pant.

If you do not fasten the seat belts when driving, lean too far forward or
adopt an incorrect seated position, you are exposing yourself to increased risk
of injury in the event of an accident.

Have the airbag system checked immediat ely by a specialist garage if a fault
exists. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in the event of
an accident.

No modifications of any kind may be made to parts of the airbag system.

It is prohibited to manipulate individual parts of the airbag system as this
might result in the airbag being deployed.

The protective function of the airbag system is sufficient for only one acci-
dent. The airbag system must then be re placed if the airbag has been deployed.

The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.

If you sell your car, please hand ov er the complete vehicle documentation
to the new owener. Please note that the documents relating to the possibility of
deactivating the front passenger airbag are also part of the vehicle documents!

If the vehicle or individual parts of the airbag system are scrapped, it is
essential to observe the relevant safety precautions. Specialist garages are
familiar with these regulations.

When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important to
comply with the national legal requirements.
When are the airbags deployed?The airbag system is designed in such a way that the driver and the front passenger
airbag* are deployed in the event of a frontal collision of major severity.
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Airbag system109
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
In the case of a
violent side crash , the side airbag* is depl oyed on the side of the
vehicle on which the collision occurs.
In certain accident situ ations, the front as well as the side airbags are deployed at the
same time.
The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions, in the
case of rear-end collisi ons and vehicle rollover.
Deployment factors
It is not possible to state globally which deployment conditions apply to the airbag
system in every situation as the circumstances which exist in the case of accidents vary
greatly. An important role in this case, for ex ample, is played by factors such as the type
of object against which the vehicle impacts (h ard, soft), the angle of impact, the vehicle
speed etc.
A decisive factor for the deployment of the airbags is the deceleration which occurs
during a collision. The control unit analyses the nature of the collision and activates the
relevant restraint system. If the vehicle deceleration which occurs and is measured
during the collision remains below the prescribed reference values specified in the
control unit, the airbags are no t deployed although the vehicle may well suffer severe
damage to the bodywork as a consequence of the accident.
The airbags are not deployed if:

ignition is switched off;

a minor frontal collision;

a minor side collision;

a rear-end collision;

Rollover of the vehicle.Note

A grey white, non harmful gas is released when airbag is inflated. This is perfectly
normal and is not an indicati on of a fire in the vehicle.

The dash panel must be replaced after the front passenger airbag has been
deployed.

In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed: 
the interior lighting comes on (if the swit ch for the interior light is in the door
contact position),
 the hazard warning li ght is switched on;
 All the doors are unlocked.
Front airbagsDescription of the front airbags
The airbag system is not a su bstitute for the seat belt!The front airbag for the driver is housed in the steering wheel fig. 117 . The front
airbag for the front passenger* is housed in the dash panel above the storage
Fig. 117 Driver airbag in the
steering wheelFig. 118 Front passenger airbag
in the dash panel
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Airbag system
110
compartment  fig. 118. The installation positions are each marked with the
“AIRBAG” logo.
The front airbag system, in combination with three-point safety belts, offers additional
protection for the head and chest area of the driver and front passenger in the event
of a frontal collision of major severity  in “Important safety information regarding
the front airbag system” on page 110.
The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but is part of the complete passive
vehicle safety concept. Please note that an airbag can only offer you optimal
protection in combination with a seat belt which is fastened .
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 frontal
collision so as to enable the front ai rbags to offer the maximum protection.
You should therefore always fasten the seat be lts, not only because this is required by
law, but also for safety reasons and for your own protection page 102, “Why seat
belts?”.
Note
The dash panel must be replaced after the front passenger airbag has been
deployed.Function of the front airbags
Risk of injury to the head and ches t area is reduced by fully inflated
airbags.
The airbag system is designed in such a way that the driver and the front passenger
airbag* are deployed in the event of a frontal collision of major severity.
In certain accident situations, the front an d side airbags may be deployed together.
If the airbags are deployed, the airbags are filled with a propellant gas and inflated in
front of the driver and front passenger fig. 119 . 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. The forward movement of the driver and of the front passenger
i s c us h i o n e d w h e n th e y m a ke co n t a c t w i t h t h e f u l l y i n f l a t e d a i r ba g a n d th e r i s k o f i n j u r y
to head and chest is thus reduced.
The specially developed airbag allows the gas to flow out of the inflated airbag in a
controlled manner (depending on the load of the particular car occupant) in order to
cushion head and chest areas. The airbag then deflates subsequently to such an extent,
after an accident, to again provide a clear view forward.
A grey white, non harmful gas is released when airbag is inflated. This is perfectly
normal and is not an indicati on of a fire in the vehicle.
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”.Important safety information regarding the front airbag system
Correct use of the airbag system cons iderably reduces the risk of injury!
Fig. 119 Inflated airbags
Fig. 120 Safe distance to
steering wheel
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Airbag system111
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
WARNING

Never transport children on the front seat of a vehicle without using a
proper restraint system. If airbags are de ployed 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 page 110, fig. 120 . Not
maintaining 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 occupant.

It is essential to always switch off the front passenger airbag and/or side
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) page 113, “Deactivating an
airbag”. If this is not done, there is a ri sk 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 deac-
tivated. When transporting a child on the front passenger seat, please comply
with the appropriate national regulati ons 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 imme-
diate area.

No modifications of any kind may be made to parts of the airbag system.
Any work on the airbag system includ ing installing and removing system
components because of other repair wo rk (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 module
in the dash panel.
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 seat backrests of the front seats.
The side airbag system in combination with the three-point seat belts, offers additional
protection for the upper area of the body (chest, stomach and pelvis) of the occupants
of the vehicle in the event of severe side collisions  in “Important safety informa-
tion on the side airbag” on page 112.
Apart from their normal protective function, a further task of the seat belts is to also
hold the driver and front pass enger in a correct seated position in the event of a side
collision so as to enable the side ai rbags 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 102, “Why seat
belts?”.
Fig. 121 Installation position of
side airbag in driver seat
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Airbag system
112
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 in the front seat is deployed on the
side of the vehicle on which the collision occurs fig. 122 .
In certain accident situations , the front and side airbags may be deployed together.
If an airbag is deployed, the airbag is filled with gas. 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 indicati on 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 upper body (chest, stomach and pelvis) is reduced on the
side facing the door.Important safety information on the side airbag
Correct use of the airbag system cons iderably reduces the risk of injury!
WARNING

It is essential to always switch off the front passenger airbag and/or side
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)
page 113, “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 ai rbag is deployed. In certain countries
national legal provisions also require th at the side passenger airbags be deac-
tivated. 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 suitable child
safety seat page 117, “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 115, “What you should know about transporting
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-ed ged objects in the pockets of the items of clothing.

Ensure that there are no excessive forc es, 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.
Fig. 122 Inflated side airbag
WARNING (continued)
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Airbag system113
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data

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 a diagnostic equipment (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 de activation of the airbags, you can deacti-
vate the front passenger airbag and/or side airbag by means of this switch page 113.
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 ba ck to the direction of travel (in some countries this must
be in the direction of travel due to other legal regulations applying) page 115,
“Important safety information regarding the use of child safety seats”;

you are not able to maintain the distan ce 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 ar ea 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 instrume nt cluster lights up for about 3 seconds
after switching on the ignition and then flashes after that for about 12 seconds.
The following situation applies if the ai rbag has been switched off using the
switch for the airbag* in the storage compartment:

the airbag indicator light in the instrume nt cluster comes on for about 4 seconds
each time the igniti on is switched on;

The deactivation of the airbag is indicated by the lighting up of the indicator light

 at the front interior lighting of the vehicle page 113.
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)*
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 123 Storage compartment:
Switch for the front passenger
airbag(s)
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Airbag system
114
The front passenger airbag as well as side airbag (if the vehicle is fitted with side
airbags) are switched off using the switch. Deactivating an airbag– Switch off the ignition.
– Turn the slot of the airbag switch using the key in the position OFF  page 113,
fig. 123 - (vertical position).
– Check whether the indicator light

 lights up in the lighting of the interior
of the vehicle (front) when the ignition is switched on page 114, fig. 124 .
Switching on an airbag– Switch off the ignition.
– Turn the slot of the airbag switch using the key in the position ON  page 113,
fig. 123 - (horizontal position).
– Check whether the indicator light

 does not light up in the lighting of the
interior of the vehicle (front) when the ignition is switched on page 114, fig. 124 .
The airbag should only be switched off under exceptional circumstances page 113.
Indicator light

 (airbag switched off)
The indicator light is located at the front interior lighting of the vehicle page 114,
fig. 124 . In cases where the front passenger airbag and also possibly the side airbag* are
switched off
, the indicator light comes on about 4 seconds 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 i mmediately by a specialist garage.
WARNING

The driver is responsible for whether th e 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.
Fig. 124 Indicator light for a
switched off front seat passenger
airbag
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Transporting children safely
116
passenger seat if the airbag system deploy s 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 104, “How are seat belts correctly
fastened?”. Pay particular attention to the information provided by the manu-
facturer of the child safety seat regarding correct routing of the belt. Seat belts
which are not correctly adjusted can themselves cause injuries 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 and possibly
the side airbag* when attaching a child safety seat on the front passenger seat
where the child is seated wi th its back facing in direction of travel (in some
countries also when the child is facing the direction of travel)  page 113. If this
is not done, there is a risk of the child su ffering severe or even fatal injuries if
the front passenger airbag is deployed . In certain 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.
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 yo u 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 th e 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. 125 . The sticker is visible
upon opening the front pass enger door. For some countri es, 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 neverthe less wish to use a child safety seat on
the front passenger seat where the child is seated with its back facing in direc-
tion of travel (in some countries also when the child is facing the direction of
travel) page 113, “Deactivating an airbag”. If this is not done, there is a risk of
the child suffering severe or even fatal in juries if the front passenger airbag is
deployed. In certain 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 appropri ate 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 te ster, the side passenger airbag* remains switched
on. In certain countries national legal provisions require that besides the front
passenger airbag also the side airbag is deactivated. Please comply with any
differing national legal r egulations 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 pass enger seat must be moved back fully.
For vehicles with height adjustable front passenger seat, the seat must be put in
the highest position.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 125 Sticker on the centre
column of the body on the front
passenger side.
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