airbag SKODA SUPERB 2003 1.G / (B5/3U) User Guide

Seats and Stowage101
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Rear armrest with stowage compartment*
– You can fold down the armrest to enhance occupant comfort.
The armrest includes a stowage compartment. You open the compartment
by pressing the button on the front side of the armrest and raising the
cover. A drinks can holder* ⇒page 90 and the operation control for the
electrical passenger seat* ⇒page 75are located in the armrest.
Clothes hooks
You will find a clothes hook above each of the rear doors.
Fig. 97 Armrest of rear
seats:
WARNING
•Ensure that any clothes hanging from the hooks do not impair
your vision to the rear.
•Use the hooks for hanging only light items of clothing and
ensure that there are no heavy or sharp-edged objects in the
pockets.
•Do not use clothes hangers for hanging up items of clothing
otherwise this will interfere with the protection offered by the head
airbag*.
Fig. 98 Area above
rear doors: Clothes
hooks

Communicating and Navigating135
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Note
For technical reasons it is not possible to use simultaneously the front and
rear mobile phone. Ensure that the adapter is always inserted only in
the bracket .
Mobile phones and two-way radio systems
The installation of mobile phones and two-way radio systems in a vehicle
should generally be undertaken by a Škoda dealer.
Škoda Auto permits the operation of mobile phones and two-way radio
systems with a professionally installed external aerial and a maximum
transmission power of up to 10 watts.
Our Skoda dealers are also happy to inform you about the possibilities
available for installing and operating mobile telephones and radio trans-
mitters which have an output greater than 10 watts. The Skoda dealers
can provide you with details about the technical possibilities for retrofitting
of mobile telephones and radio transmitters.
The operation of commercially available mobile phones or two-way radio
systems may cause operational problems in the electronic systems of
your car. The reasons for this may be:
•no external aerial
•external aerial incorrectly installed
•transmission power greater than 10 watts.
You should therefore not operate a mobile phone or two-way radio
system inside the vehicle without the use of an external aerial, or with
an external aerial which has been incorrectly installed.
You should also note that only an external aerial makes it possible to
achieve the optimal range of such equipment.
Note
Please also refer to the operating instructions of the mobile phones and
two-way radio systems.
Navigation system*
The controls for the navigation system, radio, CD player are located in the
centre console on both sides of the monitor screen. Navigation data is
also shown in the information display.
Please refer to the relevant operating instructions for a detailed descrip-
tion of the navigation system.
AAAB
WARNING
•If a mobile phone or two-way radio system is operated inside
the vehicle without using an external aerial, or with an external
aerial which has been incorrectly installed, the result can be exces-
sive electromagnetic fields which may cause harm to your health.
•Please always pay full attention to the traffic situation around
you!
•You must not install two-way radio systems, mobile phones or
mounts on the covers of the airbags or within the immediate
deployment range of airbags. This might result in injuries to the
occupants in the event of an accident.

Passive Safety137
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Safety
Passive Safety
Driving the safe way
Passive safety measures reduce the risk of injury in acci-
dent situations.
In this section you will find important information, tips and notes on the
subject of passive safety in your vehicle. We have combined everything
here which you should be familiar with, for example, regarding seat belts,
airbags, child seats and safety of children. It is therefore important, in
particular, to comply with the notes and warnings in this section for your
own interest and in the interest of all those travelling with you.
The information provided in this section applies to all models of your type
of vehicle. It is also possible that equipment is described here which does
not necessarily apply to your vehicle.
Requirements for maximum safety
What you have to pay attention to in order to obtain the
maximum protection from the passive safety measures.
It is important that you comply with the following requirements in order to
ensure that the seat belts and the airbag systems offer you and the occu-
pants of your vehicle maximum protection:
•front seats correctly adjusted ⇒page 69, “Front seats”,
•head restraints adjusted to match your body size ⇒page 74,
•seat belts correctly fastened and adjusted ⇒page 141,
•adopting a correct seated position
WARNING
Please do not forget to give the new owner the complete vehicle
documentation, if you sell your vehicle, including the service
schedule and documents relating to the possible deactivation of
airbags.

Seat belts
138
Seat belts
Why seat belts?
It is a proven fact that seat belts offer good protection in accidents
⇒ fig. 120 . Thus wearing a seat belt is a legal requirement in most coun-
tries.
Seat belts which have been correctly fastened and adjusted hold the
occupants of the car in the correct seated position ⇒ fig. 120. The belts
reduce the kinetic energy (energy of motion) to a considerable extent.
They also prevent uncontrolled movements 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 measures, such as the airbag system,
also contribute 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 139.
It is important that you pay attention to safety measures, particularly when
transporting children in the vehicle ⇒page 157, “What you should know
about transporting children!”.
Note
Please comply with any differing legal requirements when using the seat
belts.
Fig. 120 Driver
wearing seat belt (a
basic illustration)
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 141.
•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.

Seat belts143
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– Press the red button in the belt lock ⇒fig. 126. The spring
force causes the tongue of the lock to jump out.
– Guide the belt back with your hand to enable the inertia reel to wind up the belt webbing more easily.
A plastic knob in the belt webbing holds the belt tongue in a position which
is easy to get hold of.
Three-point safety belt for the middle rear seat
Your car is equipped as standard with the three-point seat belt in the
middle rear seat. It is used in the same way as the three-point seat belts
on the left and right (at front and rear). The three-point seat belt for the rear
middle seat must be put on first to allow the pelvic part of the belt to run
between the belt lock for the right three-point seat belt and the backrest,
while avoiding crossing the belt webbing of the right and middle seat
belts.
Blocking seat belts
The three-point seat belts for the front passenger and for the rear seats
can be blocked for attaching a child safety seat ⇒page 164, “Attaching
child safety seat”. Blocking the belt in this way ensures that the child seat
is held firmly in position in the car.
Belt tensioners
Safety for the driver and passengers wearing their seat belts, is
enhanced by the belt tensioners fitted to the inertia reels of the front and
rear side three-point seat belts, in addition to the protection afforded by
the airbag system.
The fastened three-point seat belts are automatically tensioned in the
event of a frontal collision of a certain severity. The rear outside belt
tensioners are also deployed if the seat belt is not fastened.
The belt tensioner is deployed in the event of a frontal collision of major
severity. A powder charge is ignited in the inertia reels during deployment.
The belt webbing is pulled into the inertia reels by a mechanical system
and the belt is tensioned.
Belt tensioners are not activated in the event of minor frontal collisions,
side and rear-end collisions, in the case of a rollover and also not in acci-
dents in which no major forces are produced from the front.
WARNING
Never attach a child safety seat on the front passenger seat if the
child is seated with its back facing in direction of travel when the
front passenger airbag is still activated ⇒page 158, “Use of child
safety seats on the front passenger seat”. Risk of severe or even
fatal injuries!

Airbag system145
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Airbag system
Description of the airbag system
General information on the airbag system
The 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 crash, the side and head airbags reduce the
risk of injuries to the occupants on the part of the body facing the side of
the accident ⇒.
The airbag system is only functional after the ignition has been switched
on.
The operational readiness of the airbag system is monitored electroni-
cally. The airbag warning light comes on for a few seconds each time the
ignition is switched on.
The airbag system (according to vehicle equipment) essentially
consists of:
•an electronic control unit
•the two front airbags
•the side airbags
•Head airbags*
•an airbag warning light in the instrument cluster
•a front passenger airbag switch* ⇒page 155
•an indicator light showing a switched-off front passenger airbag* in the
middle of the dash panel ⇒page 155 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 3 seconds after the igni-
tion is switched on
•the airbag indicator light goes out and comes on again after the ignition
is switched on
•the airbag indicator light comes on or flickers when driving
•an airbag indicator light showing a switched-off front passenger
airbag* in the middle of the dash panel flashes
WARNING
•To enable the occupants of a car to be protected with the
greatest possible effect when the airbag is deployed, the front
seats must be ⇒page 69, “Front seats”correctly adjusted to
match the body size of the occupant.
•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 immediately by a Škoda Dealer
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.

Airbag system
146
When are the airbags deployed?
The airbag system is designed in such a way that the driver and the front
passenger airbag are activated in the event of a frontal collision of major
severity.
In the case of a violent side crash , the side airbags on the side of the car
at which the collision occurs, are deployed together with the relevant head
airbag*.
In certain accident situations it is possible that both the front as well as the
side airbags and the relevant head airbag are deployed at the same time. The airbags
are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side colli-
sions, in the case of rear-end collisions 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 example,
is played by factors such as the type of object against which the vehicle
impacts (hard, 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 decel-
eration which occurs and is measured during the collision remains below
the prescribed reference values specified in the control unit, the airbags
are not 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 off
•a minor frontal collision
•a minor side collision
•a rear-end collision
•rollover
Note
•A fine dust is produced when airbag inflated. This is perfectly normal
and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle.
•The dash panel must be replaced after the front passenger airbag has
been deployed.
WARNING (continued)
•The protective function of the airbag system is sufficient for
only one accident. The airbag system must then be replaced if the
airbag has been deployed.
•The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working
life.
•The service life of the airbag system is 15 years from the date of
manufacture of the vehicle. Have the airbag system replaced by a
Škoda Dealer after this period.
•If you sell your car, please hand over 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.
Škoda dealers are familiar with these regulations.
•When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is
important to comply with th e national legal requirements.

Airbag system147
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Front airbags
Description of the front airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belt!
The front airbag for the driver is housed in the steering wheel ⇒fig. 127 .
The front airbag for the front passenger is housed in the dash panel above
the storage compartment ⇒fig. 128 . 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 148.
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 airbags to offer
the maximum protection.
You should therefore always fasten ⇒page 138 the seat belts, not only
because this is required by law, but also for safety reasons and for your
own protection.
Note
The dash panel must be replaced after the front passenger airbag has
been deployed.
Fig. 127 Driver airbag
in the steering wheel
Fig. 128 Front
passenger airbag in the
dash panel

Airbag system
148
Function of the front airbags
Risk of injury to the head and chest area is reduced by fully
inflated airbags.
The airbag system is designed in such a way that the driver and front
passenger airbag are deployed in the event of a frontal collision of major
severity.
In certain accident situations both the front airbags as well as the head
and 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. 129 . 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 is cushioned when they
make contact with the fully inflated airbag and the risk of injury 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 fine dust is produced when airbag inflated. This is perfectly normal and
is not an indication 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 informati on regarding the front
airbag system
Correct use of the airbag system considerably reduces the
risk of injury!
Fig. 129 Inflated
airbags
Fig. 130 Safe distance
to steering wheel

Airbag system149
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Side airbags
Description of side airbags
The side airbag together with the head airbag offers
enhanced occupant protection in the event of a side colli-
sion.
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
⇒ page 148, fig. 130 . 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 ⇒page 154 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 countri es 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 nation al regulations regarding the use
of child safety seats.
•There must not by any further persons, animals or objects posi-
tioned 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.
WARNING (continued)
•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 Škoda
dealer.
•Never place any objects on the surface of the front passenger
airbag in the dash panel.
Fig. 131 Installation
position of side airbag
in driver seat