Get Safety Guide for Skoda Fabia 4 Door Seecond Generation (2007-2013)



Check the tyre inflation pressure.

Check the engine oil, brake fluid and coolant level.

Secure all items of luggage.

Do not exceed the permissible axle loads and permissible gross weight of

the vehicle – risk of accident.

Close all doors and the engine compartment and luggage compartment lid.

Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedals.

Protect children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat

belts » page 19, Transporting children safely.

Adopt the correct seated position » page 7, Correct and safe seated

position. Tell your passengers to assume the correct seated position.

Safety

Passive Safety

General information



 Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

Before every journey

Driving safety

Safety equipment

6



Driving safety

In this section you will find important information, tips and notes on the sub-

ject of passive safety in your vehicle.

 Read and observe on page 6 first.

We have combined everything here which you should be familiar with, for ex-

ample, regarding seat belts, airbags, child seats and safety of children.

The driver is fully responsible for himself and his occupants. If your driving

safety is effected, you place yourself and the oncoming traffic at risk.

WARNING

The following guidelines must therefore be observed.

■

This chapter contains important information on how to use the vehicle for

the driver and his occupants.

You will find further information on safety, which concerns you and those

travelling with you, in the following chapters of this Owner's Manual.



Do not get distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g. by

your passengers or mobile phone calls.

■



Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, e.g. through medication,

alcohol or drugs.

■

The complete on-board literature should always be in the vehicle. This

applies in particular, if you rent out or sell the vehicle.



Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.

Always adjust the driving speed to the road, traffic and weather condi-

tions.

Before every journey



Take regular breaks on long journeys – at least every two hours.

 Read and observe on page 6 first.

Safety equipment

For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you, please

pay attention to the following points before setting off.

 Read and observe on page 6 first.



Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning proper-

The following list contains only part of the safety equipment in your vehicle.

ly.

Three-point seat belts for all the seats.

Belt force limiters for the front seats.

Belt tensioners for the front seats.

Seat belt height adjusters for the front seats.

Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger.

Side airbags.

›



Make sure that the function of the wiper and the condition of the wiper

blades are free of any defects.

›



Ensure that all of the windows offer good visibility to the outside.

Adjust the rear-view mirror so that vision to the rear is guaranteed.

Ensure that the mirrors are not covered.

›



›

6

Safety

Head airbags.

›

Correct seated position of the driver

Anchoring points for child seats using the ISOFIX system.

Anchoring points for child seats using the TOP TETHER system.

Head restraints adjustable for height.

Adjustable steering column.

The specified safety equipment works together, in order to optimally protect

you and those travelling with you in accident situations.

The safety equipment does not protect you or the people travelling with you, if

you or your occupants adopt an incorrect seated position or the equipment is

not correctly adjusted or used.

If the seat belt is not fastened properly, this may result in injuries during an

accident caused by the deployed airbag.

Fig. 1 The correct distance of the driver to the steering wheel/correctly

adjusted head restraint

Correct and safe seated position

 Read and observe on page 7 first.

 Introduction

For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident,

we recommend the following settings.

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:



Adjust the driver’s seat in the forward/back direction so that the pedals

can be fully depressed with slightly bent legs.

Adjust the seat backrest so that the highest point of the steering wheel

can be reached with your arms at a slight angle.

Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance A between the steering

wheel and your chest is at least 25 cm » Fig. 1. Adjusting the steering

wheel » page 8, Adjusting the steering wheel position .

Adjust the head restraint such that the top edge of the head restraint is at

the same level as the upper part of your head B .

Correctly fasten the seat belt » page 10, Wearing seat belts.

Correct seated position of the driver

Adjusting the steering wheel position

Correct seated position of the front passenger

Correct seated position of the rear seat passengers

Examples of incorrect seated positions

7

8

9

WARNING



■

The front seats and all head restraints must be adjusted to match the

body size at all times and the seat belt must always be fastened properly to

provide the most effective levels of protection to the passengers.

■

Each occupant must correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to the seat.



Setting the seats and head restraints » page 65 .

Children must be fastened » page 19, Transporting children safely with a

suitable restraint system.

■

If the occupant adopts an incorrect seated position, he is exposed to life-

threatening injuries, in case he is hit by a deployed airbag.

■

If the occupants on the rear seats are not sitting upright, the risk of injury

is increased due to incorrect routing of the seat belt.

■

The seat backrests must not be tilted too far back when driving, as this

will impair the function of the seat belts and of the airbag system – risk of

injury!

7

Passive Safety

WARNING

■

Always assume the correct seated position before setting off and do not

The lever for adjusting the steering wheel must be locked while you are

change this position while driving. Also advise your passengers to adopt

the correct seated position and not to change this position while the car is

moving.

driving so that the position of the steering wheel cannot accidently change

during the journey – there is the risk of an accident.

Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when

■

Maintain a distance of at least 25 cm from the steering wheel, and a dis-

the vehicle is stationary!

tance of at least 10 cm between the legs and the dash panel at the height

of the knee airbag. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that

the airbag system will not be able to properly protect you - hazard!

Correct seated position of the front passenger

■

When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the out-

 Read and observe on page 7 first.

er edge in the “9 o'clock” and “3 o'clock” position. Never hold the steering

wheel in the “12 o'clock” position or in any other way (e.g. in the middle or

inner edge of the steering wheel). In such cases, you could severely injure

your arms, hands and head when the driver airbag is deployed.

For passenger safety and to reduce the risk of injury in an accident, the follow-

ing instructions must be observed.



Position the front passenger seat back as far as possible. The front pas-

senger must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the dash panel so

that the airbag offers the greatest possible safety if it is deployed.

Adjust the head restraint such that the top edge of the head restraint is at

the same level as the upper part of your head B » Fig. 1 on

page 7 » page 7.

■

Ensure that there are no objects in the driver's footwell, as these may get

caught in the pedal apparatus when driving or braking. You would then no

longer be able to operate the clutch, brake or acceleration pedals.

Adjusting the steering wheel position

Correctly fasten the seat belt » page 10.

Fig. 2

Setting the seats and head restraints » page 65 .

Adjustable steering wheel: Lever

below steering wheel

In exceptional cases the front passenger airbag can be deactiva-

ted » page 17, Deactivating airbags.

WARNING

■

Maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the dash panel. Not maintaining

this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to

properly protect you - hazard!

■

Always keep your feet in the footwell when the car is being driven – nev-

 Read and observe on page 7 first.

er place your feet on the instrument panel, out of the window or on the

surfaces of the seats. You will be exposed to increased risk of injury if it be-

comes necessary to apply the brake or in the event of an accident. If an air-

bag is deployed, you may suffer fatal injuries when adopting an incorrect

seated position!

The height and forward/back position of the steering wheel can be adjusted.

Swivel the lever underneath the steering wheel downwards » Fig. 2.

Adjust the steering wheel to the desired position (with regard to the height

and forward/back position).

›

Push the lever upwards to the stop.

›

8

Safety



Do not lean out of the window.

Correct seated position of the rear seat passengers

Do not put your feet out of the window.

Do not put your feet on the dash panel.

Do not put your feet on the seat upholstery.

Do not transport somebody in the footwell.

Do not drive without wearing a seat belt.

Do not sit in the luggage compartment.

 Read and observe on page 7 first.

To reduce the risk of injury in the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or an

accident, the occupants on the rear seats must observe the following.



Adjust the head restraint such that the top edge of the head restraint is at

the same level as the upper part of the head B » Fig. 1 on page 7 » page 7.



Correctly fasten the seat belt » page 10, Wearing seat belts.

Use a suitable child restraint system if transporting children in the vehi-

cle » page 19, Transporting children safely.

Setting the seats and head restraints » page 65 .

Examples of incorrect seated positions

 Read and observe on page 7 first.

The maximum protection which seat belts can offer is only achieved if your

seatbelts are fastened correctly.

Incorrect seated positions considerably reduce the protective functions of the

seat belts and therefore increase the risk of injury due to an incorrect routing

of the seat belt.

The driver is fully responsible for himself and passengers, especially children.

Never allow a passenger to adopt an incorrect seated position when the car is

moving.

The following list contains instructions which, if not observed, may lead to se-

rious injuries or death. This list is not complete, however we would like you to

familiarise yourself with this subject.

Observe the following instructions while driving.



Do not stand up.

Do not stand on the seats.

Do not kneel on the seats.

Do not recline the seat backrest too far.

Do not lean against the dash panel.

Do not lie on the rear bench seat.

Do not sit only on the front edge of the seat.

Do not sit facing to the side.

9

Passive Safety

WARNING

Seat belts

■

Fasten your seat belt before each journey - even when driving in town!

This also applies to the people seated at the rear – there is a 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 12, Fastening

and unfastening seat belts.

Wearing seat belts

 Introduction

■

The maximum protection which seat belts can offer is only achieved if you

Fig. 3

are correctly seated » page 7, Correct and safe seated position.

Driver wearing seat belt

■

The seat backrests of the front seats must not be tilted too far to the rear

otherwise the seatbelts can lose their effectiveness.

WARNING

Information on the correct routing of the belt

■

Always ensure that the webbing of the seat belts is properly routed. Seat

belts which are not correctly adjusted can themselves cause injuries even

in minor accidents.

Adjust the height of the belt in such a way that the shoulder part of the

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

■

The physical principle of a frontal collision

Fastening and unfastening seat belts

Belt height adjustment on the front seats

11

12

13

belt is roughly positioned across the middle of your shoulder - on no ac-

count across your neck.

A seat belt which is hanging too loose can result in injuries as your body is

moved forward by the kinetic energy produced in an accident and is then

suddenly held firm by the belt.

■

Seat belts that are fastened correctly offer good protection in the event of an

accident. They reduce the risk of an injury and increase the chance of survival

in the event of a major accident.

■

The belt must not run across solid or fragile objects (e.g. spectacles, ball-

point pens, keys, etc.). Such objects can cause injury.

Correctly fastened seat belts hold occupants of the car in the correct seated

position » Fig. 3.

WARNING

Information on dealing with the safety belts

The belt webbing must not be jammed in-between at any point or twis-

ted, or chafe against any sharp edges.

The seat belts reduce the kinetic energy (energy of motion) to a considerable

extent. They also prevent uncontrolled movements which, in turn, may well re-

sult in severe injuries.

■

Make sure you do not catch the seat belt in the door when closing it.

The occupants of a vehicle who have fastened and correctly adjusted their

seat belt benefit greatly from the fact that the kinetic energy is absorbed by

the belts as much as possible.

WARNING

Information on the proper use of the safety belts

The structure of the front end of the vehicle and other passive safety meas-

ures, such as the airbag system, also contribute to reducing the kinetic energy

in the best possible way. The energy produced is thus absorbed and there is

less risk of injury.

■

Never use a seatbelt to secure two persons (not even children). Nor may

the seat belt be placed over a child who is sitting on the lap of another pas-

senger.



Particular safety aspects must be observed when transporting children in the

vehicle » page 19, Transporting children safely.

10

Safety

WARNING (Continued)

The physical principle of a frontal collision

■

The lock tongue should only be inserted into the lock which is the correct

one for your seat. Wrong use of the safety belt will reduce its capacity to

protect and the risk of injury increases.

■

The slot of the belt tongue must not be blocked otherwise the belt

tongue will not lock in place properly.

■

Many layers of clothing and loose clothing (e. g. a winter coat over a jack-

et) do not allow you to be correctly seated and impairs proper operation of

the seat belts.

■

It is prohibited to use clamps or other objects to adjust seat belts (e. g. for

shortening the belts for smaller persons).

■

The seat belts for the rear seats can only fulfil their function reliably

when the seat backrests are correctly locked into position » page 66.

Fig. 4 Driver without a fastened seat belt/rear seat passenger without a

fastened seat belt

WARNING

 Read and observe on page 10 first.

Information on the care and maintenance of the safety belts

The belt webbing must always be kept clean. Soiled belts may impair

proper operation of the inertia reel » page 134, Seat belts.

The seat belts must not be removed or changed in any way. Do not at-

■

As soon as the vehicle is moving, so-called kinetic energy (the energy of mo-

tion) is produced both in terms of the car as well as in terms of the occupants.

■

The magnitude of this kinetic energy depends essentially on the speed at

which the vehicle is travelling and on the weight of the vehicle including the

occupants. The greater the speed and weight increase, the greater the

amount of energy which has to be absorbed in the event of an accident.

tempt to repair the seat belts yourself.

Check the condition of all the seat belts on a regular basis. If any damage

to the seat belts, seat belt connections, inertia reel or the lock is detected,

the seat belt concerned must be replaced by a specialist garage.

■

Damaged seat belts which have been subjected to stress in an accident

The speed of the vehicle is the most important factor. Doubling the speed of

the vehicle from 25 km/h up to 50 km/hour increases the kinetic energy four

times.

and were therefore stretched, must be replaced - this is best done by a

specialist garage. The anchorage points of the belts must also be inspec-

ted. The anchorage points for the belts should also be checked.

The notion that it is possible to support your body with your hands in a minor

accident is incorrect. Even in a collision at only a low speed, the forces acting

on the body are such that it is no longer possible to support your body.

Note

The national legal requirements must be observed when using seat belts.

Even if you only drive at a speed of 30 km/h to 50 km/h, the forces that your

body is exposed to in the event of an accident can exceed a ton (1000 kg).

For example, a person's weight of 80 kg “increases” at 50 km/h to 4.8 tons

(4800 kg).

In the event of a frontal collision, occupants of the car not wearing a seat belt

are thrown forward and strike parts of the interior of the car, such as the

steering wheel, dash panel, windscreen in ways which cannot be control-

led » Fig. 4 - . In certain circumstances you could even be thrown out of the

vehicle, which could cause life threatening or even fatal injuries.



11

Seat belts

It is also important that rear passengers fasten their seat belts, as they could

otherwise be thrown through the vehicle in an uncontrolled manner in the

event of an accident.

Insert the lock tongue into the belt buckle belonging to the seat » Fig. 5 – 

until it you hear it click into place.

Pull on the belt to check that it has engaged correctly in the lock.

›

A rear seat passenger who has not fastened the seat belt is a danger not only

to himself but also for those seated in the front » Fig. 4 - .

A plastic knob in the belt webbing holds the belt tongue in a position which is

easy to get hold of.

It is important that the belt is properly routed to ensure seat belts offer the

maximum protection.

Fastening and unfastening seat belts

The shoulder part of the seat belt must never run across the neck but must

roughly run over the middle of the shoulder and fit snugly against the chest.

The lap part of the belt must run across the pelvis, must not be lie across the

stomach and must always fit snugly » Fig. 6 - .

Expectant women must also always wear a seat belt. This is the only way of

ensuring optimal protection for the unborn child.

The lap part of the belt must be positioned as low as possible on the pelvis on

expectant mothers to avoid exerting any pressure on the lower abdo-

men » Fig. 6 - .

Fig. 5 Fastening/unfastening the seat belt

Release

Release the seat belt only when the vehicle is stationary.

Press the red button in the belt buckle » Fig. 5 - , the lock tongue pops out.

Manually guide the belt back so that it is easier to fully roll up the webbing,

the seat belt does not twist.

›

CAUTION

When releasing the seatbelt ensure that the tongue of the lock does not dam-

age the door trim or other parts of the interior.

Fig. 6 Routing of belt webbing over the shoulders and the lap belt/Rout-

ing of belt webbing for an expectant mother

 Read and observe on page 10 first.

Fasten

Correctly adjust the front seat and head restraint before fastening the seat

belt » page 68.

›

Use the lock tongue to slowly pull the webbing over your chest and pelvis.

›

12

Safety

Belt height adjustment on the front seats

Belt tensioners

Safety for the driver and front passenger wearing their seat belts is enhanced

by the belt tensioners fitted to the inertia reels of the front three-point seat

belts.

Fig. 7

Front seat: Seat belt height ad-

juster

The three-point seat belts are automatically tensioned in the event of a frontal

collision of a certain severity. The belt tensioners can also be deployed if the

seat belts are not fastened.

The seat belts are automatically tensioned in the event of a collision of a cer-

tain severity.

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 accidents in

which no major forces are produced from the front.

 Read and observe on page 10 first.

The seat belt height adjuster makes it possible to adjust the routing of the

front seat belts in the area of the shoulder to the body size.

WARNING

■

Press the height adjuster and move up or down in the desired direc-

tion » Fig. 7.

Then pull firmly on the belt to ensure that the seat belt height adjuster has

correctly locked in place.

Any work on the belt tensioner system including removal and installation

›

of system components because of other repair work, must only be carried

out by a specialist garage.

›

■

The protective function of the system is only adequate for a single acci-

dent. If the belt tensioners have been deployed, it is then necessary to re-

place the entire system.

Inertia reel and belt pretensioners

Note

 Introduction

■

Smoke is generated when the belt tensioners are deployed. This is not an in-

dication of a fire in the vehicle.

When disposing of the vehicle or parts of the belt tensioner system, it is im-

portant to comply with national legal requirements. ŠKODA service partners

are familiar with these regulations and will be able to provide you with de-

tailed information.

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

■

Inertia reel

Belt tensioners

13

Inertia reel

Each seat belt is equipped with an inertia reel.

The seat belt can move freely when it is pulled slowly. The seat belt is locked

by the inertia reel when it is pulled suddenly.

The belts also lock under full braking, under acceleration, when driving down-

hill and when cornering.

WARNING

If the seat belt does not lock when it is pulled sharply, have it inspected im-

mediately by a specialist garage.

13

Seat belts

System description

Airbag system

 Read and observe on page 14 first.

Description of the airbag system

The functional status of the airbag system is indicated by the  indicator light

in the instrument cluster » page 40.

 Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

When the airbags are deployed they fill with gas and inflate.

System description

Airbag deployment

14

A grey white or red, non-harmful gas is released when the airbag is inflated.

This is perfectly normal and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle.

The airbag system consists – depending on the vehicle equipment – of the

following modules.

WARNING

■

An airbag can only offer you optimal protection in combination with a fas-

tened seat belt.

The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but instead forms part of

the complete passive vehicle safety concept.

To ensure passengers are protected with the greatest possible effect

when the airbag is deployed, the front seats must be correctly adjusted to

match the body size » page 7, Correct and safe seated position.

If you do not fasten the seat belts when driving, lean too far forward or

Electronic control unit.

Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger » page 15.

Side airbags » page 16.

Head airbags » page 17.

Airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster » page 40.

Key switch for the front passenger airbag » page 18.

Warning light for front passenger airbag deactivation in dash panel cen-

tre » page 18.

›

■

›

■

›

■

adopt an incorrect seated position, you are exposing yourself to increased

risk of injury in the event of an accident.

Note

■

The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.

If you sell your vehicle, provide the complete vehicle documentation to the

WARNING

■

Information on the use of the airbag system

If there is a fault, the airbag system must be checked by a specialist ga-

rage immediately. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activa-

ted in the event of an accident.

No modifications of any kind must be made to parts of the airbag system.

Any work on the airbag system including the installation and removal of

system components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering

wheel) must only be carried out by a specialist garage.

Never make any changes to the front bumper or bodywork.

It is prohibited to tamper with individual parts of the airbag system as this

might result in the airbag being deployed.

new owner. Please note that the information relating to the possibility of de-

activating the front passenger airbag must be included!

■

When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important to

comply with the national legal requirements.

■

Airbag deployment

 Read and observe on page 14 first.

■

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 protective function of the airbag system is sufficient for only one ac-

cident. The airbag system must then be replaced if the airbag has been de-

ployed.

The airbag system is only functional when the ignition is switched on.

In certain accident situations, the several airbags may be deployed simultane-

ously.

The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions,

rear-end collisions, tilting of the vehicle and vehicle rollover.



14

Safety

Deployment factors

Front airbags

It is not possible to generally determine which deployment conditions apply to

the airbag system in every situation. An important role is played by factors

such as the type of object that the vehicle hits (hard/soft), the impact angle,

vehicle speed, etc.

A decisive factor for the deployment of the airbags is the deceleration which

occurs. 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 not deployed although the vehicle may well suffer severe dam-

age to the bodywork as a consequence of the accident.

Fig. 8 Driver airbag in the steering wheel/front passenger airbag in the

The following airbags will be deployed in the event of a severe frontal

collision.

dashboard

Driver’s front airbag.

Front passenger airbag.

›

The following airbags will be deployed in the event of a severe side collision.

Front side airbag on the side of the accident.

Head airbags on the side of the accident.

›

In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed:

the interior lighting comes on (if the switch for the interior light is in the door

contact position),

›

the hazard warning light is switched on;

all the doors are unlocked;

the fuel supply to the engine is interrupted.

›

Fig. 9 Safe distance to steering wheel/inflated airbags

›

In the event of a severe frontal collision, the front airbag system offers addi-

tional protection for the head and chest area of the driver and front passenger.

Airbag overview

The front airbag for the driver is housed in the steering wheel » Fig. 8 - .

 Introduction

The front airbag for the front seat passenger is located in the dash panel

above the glove compartment » Fig. 8 - .

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

Front airbags

Side airbags

Head airbags

15

16

17

The airbags inflate in front of the driver and front passenger when they are

deployed » Fig. 9 - . 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.



15

Airbag system

WARNING

Side airbags

Information on correct seating position

For the driver and front passenger, it is important to maintain a distance

■

of at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dashboard A » Fig. 9. Not

keeping to this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not

be able to properly protect you – risk of death. The front seats and the

head restraints must always also be correctly adjusted to match the body

size of the occupant.

■

The airbag develops enormous forces when triggered, which can lead to

injuries if the sitting position or seated position is not correct.

■

There must not by any further persons, animals or objects positioned be-

tween the front seated occupants and the deployment area of the airbag.

Fig. 10 Location of the side airbag in the driver's seat/gas-filled side air-

bag

WARNING

Front airbag and transporting children

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!

In the event of severe side collisions, the side airbag system provides addition-

al protection for the upper body (chest, stomach and pelvis) of passengers in

the vehicle.

■

It is essential to switch off the front passenger airbag if you are using a

The side airbags are housed in the upholstery of the seat backrests of the

child seat on the front passenger seat in which the child is carried with its

back facing the direction of travel » page 17, Deactivating 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. When transporting a child on the

front passenger seat, pay attention to any relevant national regulations re-

garding the use of child safety seats.

front seats » Fig. 10 – .

The head airbag and belt tensioner on the relevant side are also automatically

deployed when the side airbags » Fig. 10 -  are deployed.

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 pel-

vis) is reduced on the side facing the door.

WARNING

General information

The steering wheel and the surface of the airbag module in the dash pan-

Information on correct seating position

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 ap-

plies in particular to children who are transported without using a suitable

child safety seat » page 21, Child safety and side airbag.

There must not be any further persons, animals or objects positioned be-

tween the occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. No accesso-

ries, such as cup holders, should be attached to the doors.

■

el on the passenger side must not have stickers attached, be covered or

modified in any other way. These parts should only be cleaned with a cloth

that is dry or has been moistened with water. No objects such as cup hold-

ers, mobile phone mounts, etc. must be attached to the covers of the air-

bag modules or be located within their immediate vicinity.

■

Never place objects on the surface of the front passenger airbag module

in the dash panel.

■

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 19, Child seat.



16

Safety

The airbag covers the windows of the front and rear doors, as well as the door

pillar when it is deployed » Fig. 11 - .

WARNING

■

Only hang light items of clothing on the hooks fitted in 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!

Head impact with interior parts is reduced by the inflated head airbag. The re-

duction in any impact to the head and the resultant minimizing of any move-

ments of the head additionally reduce the risk of injuries to the neck area.

■

WARNING

■

Any seat or protective covers which you fit to the driver or front passen-

■

There must not be any objects in the deployment area of the head air-

ger seats must only be of the type expressly authorized by ŠKODA. 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 pro-

tective function of the side airbag.

Any damage to the original seat covers in the area of the side airbag mod-

ule must be repaired without delay by your specialist garage.

bags which might prevent the airbags from inflating properly.

Only hang light items of clothing on the hooks fitted in the vehicle. Never

leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets of the items of

clothing. Additionally, clothes hangers must not be used to hang up items

of clothing.

■

The installation of impermissible accessories in the vicinity of the head

■

The airbag modules in the front seats must not display any damage,

airbags can 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 could be thrown into the interior of the car

and injure the occupants » page 126.

cracks or deep scratches. It is not permissible to use force in order to open

the modules.

■

The sun visors must not be swivelled towards the side windows in the

Head airbags

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.

■

There must not be any further persons, animals or objects positioned be-

tween the occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. In addition,

none of the occupants should lean their head out of the window when driv-

ing, or extend their arms and hands out of the window.

Note

In vehicles with head airbags, the word AIRBAG can be seen on the B column

cladding.

Fig. 11 Location of the head airbag/gas-filled head airbag

Deactivating airbags

In the event of a severe side collision, the head airbag system offers additional

protection for the head and neck area of passengers.

 Introduction

The head airbags are positioned above the doors on both sides in the interior

of the car » Fig. 11 - .

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

Deactivating airbags

Switching off the front passenger airbag

18

In the event of a side collision the head airbag is deployed together with the

relevant side airbag and the front seat belt tensioner on the side of the car on

which the accident occurs.

17

Airbag system

Deactivating airbags

Switching off the front passenger airbag

Deactivating an airbag should be considered only in the following cases, for

example.

When using a child seat on the front passenger seat, in which the child has

›

its back to the vehicle's direction of travel (in some countries this must be in

the direction of travel due to different legal regulations applying) » page 19,

Transporting children safely.

If it is not possible to maintain a distance of at least 25 cm between the mid-

dle of the steering wheel and chest, despite the driver's seat being correctly

adjusted.

›

If special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because

of a physical disability.

›

Fig. 12 Key-operated switch for the front passenger airbag/warning light

for front seat passenger airbag deactivation

If other seats have been installed (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side air-

bags).

›

Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch.

The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated

switch » page 18.

Switching off

Switch off the ignition.

Open the passenger door.

Fold the key bit out completely for the radio key »

Carefully insert the key into the key slot in the key switch as far as the stop.

We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA Service Partner to switch off any other

airbags.

›

.

›

Monitoring the airbag system

The functionality of the airbag system is monitored electronically even if one

of the airbags is switched off.

Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into position 2 » Fig. 12 OFF.

Pull the key out of the slot in the key switch »

Close the passenger door.

.

Airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment

Check whether the 3  ¹⁾warning light in the      mes-

sage in the centre of the dash panel lights up after the ignition has been

switched on.

The  warning light lights up for approximately 3 seconds after the ignition

is switched on and then flashes again for approximately 12 seconds.

›

Front passenger airbag switched off with the key switch in the storage com-

partment

Switching on

The  warning light comes on for about 3 seconds after the ignition has

been switched on.

The   3 » Fig. 12 on page 18 warning light comes on when the ignition

is switched on.

Switch off the ignition.

Open the passenger door.

Fold the key bit out completely for the radio key »

Carefully insert the key into the key slot in the key switch as far as the stop.

Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into position

Pull the key out of the slot in the key switch »

Close the passenger door.

›

.

›

1

» Fig. 12 ON.

Note

.

■

The national regulations for switching off airbags must be observed.

A ŠKODA Service Partner will be able to inform you which airbags in your ve-



■

hicle can/must be deactivated.

1)

The   airbag warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition is switched on, goes out for

about 1 second and then comes on again.

18

Safety

Check whether the 3   warning light in the      mes-

sage in the centre of the dash panel does not light up after the ignition is

switched on.

›

Transporting children safely

Child seat

WARNING

 Introduction

■

The driver is responsible for whether the airbag is switched on or switch-

ed off.

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

■

Only switch off the airbag when the ignition is switched off! Otherwise a

fault can occur in the system for deactivating the airbag.

Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat

Child safety and side airbag

20

21

■

If the   warning light flashes, the front passenger airbag will not be

Classification of child seats

Use of child seats fastened with a seat belt

deployed in the event of an accident. Have the airbag system checked by a

specialist garage immediately.

The key cannot be inserted in the key switch while driving.

■

Children are generally safer on the rear seats than on the front passenger

seat.

■

Shocks can cause the key to turn in the slot and trigger the airbag!

The airbag can be triggered unexpectedly in an accident - it may result

■

in injury or death!

In contrast to adults, the muscles and bone structure of children are not yet

fully developed. Thus children are exposed to increased risk of injury.

CAUTION

Children should be transported in accordance with the relevant statutory pro-

visions.

An insufficiently folded out key bit can damage the key switch!

Child seats that comply with the ECE-R 44 standard must be used. The ECE-R

standard stands for: Economic Commission for Europe - Regulation.

Child seats that comply with the ECE-R 44 standard have a test seal that can-

not be removed: a large E within a circle with the test number below.

WARNING

■

The national legal requirements must be observed when using child

seats.

■

One should never carry children, and also not babies! - on one's lap.

Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. Certain outside climatic

■

conditions can cause life-threatening temperatures in the vehicle.

■

The child must be secured in the vehicle throughout the journey. Other-

wise, in the event of an accident, the child would be thrown through the

vehicle and as a result may suffer fatal injuries, and also injure other occu-

pants.

■

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 as they can suffer severe, or even fatal injuries

if the airbag system is deployed!



19

Transporting children safely

WARNING (Continued)

■

Pay particular attention to the information provided by the manufacturer

of the child safety seat regarding the correct routing of the belt. Seat belts

which are not correctly adjusted can themselves cause injuries even in mi-

nor 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 fit-

tings.

■

It is essential to switch off the front passenger airbag if using a child seat

on the front passenger seat in which the child is carried with its back facing

the direction of travel. Further information » page 20, Use of a child seat

on the front passenger seat.

Fig. 14 Front passenger sun visor / label

 Read and observe on page 19 first.

Note

For safety reasons, we recommend that you install child seats on the rear

seats whenever possible.

We recommend that you use child seats from ŠKODA Original Accessories.

These child seats were developed and also tested for use in ŠKODA vehicles.

They meet the ECE-R 44 standard.

The following advice must be heeded when using a child seat in which the

child is carried on the front passenger seat.

Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat

It is essential to switch off the front passenger airbag if using a child seat in

›

which the child is carried with its back facing the direction of travel »

.

Never use a rearward-facing child restraint system on a seat which is protec-

ted by an active airbag installed in front of it. This could cause serious injury to

the child, even death.

Adjust the front passenger seat back as vertically as possible so that there is

firm contact passenger seat back and the child seat back.

Where possible, move the front passenger seat back so that there is no con-

tact between the front seat and the child seat behind.

In the case of Group 2 or 3 child seats, make sure that the deflector pulley

mounted on the child seat headrest is in front of or level with the pulley on

the B-pillar on the passenger side.

›

Fig. 13

Sticker on the B column on the

front passenger side.

Set the height-adjustable front passenger seat as high up as possible.

Set the front passenger seat belt as high up as possible.

Place and fasten the child seat on the seat and the child in the child seat ac-

cording to the specifications in the manufacturer's user manual of the child

seat .

›



20

Safety

WARNING

■

It is essential to switch off the front passenger airbag if you are using a

Children must never be seated with their head in the deployment area of

child seat on the front passenger seat in which the child is carried with its

back facing the direction of travel » page 17, Deactivating airbags.

the side airbag – there is a risk of injury.

Do not place any objects within the deployment area of the side airbags –

there is a risk of injury.

■

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 if the airbag is

switched on. 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 fact is also indicated by the label that can be found in one of the fol-

lowing locations.

Classification of child seats

 Read and observe on page 19 first.

Classification of child seats according to the ECE-R 44 standard.

■

On the B-column on the front passenger side » Fig. 13. The sticker is

Group

Weight of the child

up to 10 kg

up to 13 kg

9-18 kg

Approximate age

up to 9 months

up to 18 months

up to 4 years

visible when opening the front passenger door.

■

On the front passenger's sun visor. In some countries, the sticker is lo-

0

0+

1

cated on the front seat passenger's sun visor » Fig. 14.

In the case of Group 2 or 3 child seats, make sure that the deflector pulley

■

mounted on the child seat headrest is in front of or level with the pulley on

the B-pillar on the passenger side.

2

15-25 kg

up to 7 years

■

The front passenger airbag should be switched on again once the child

3

22-36 kg

over 7 years

seat, in which the child is transported with the back to the direction of trav-

el, is no longer in use on the passenger seat.

Use of child seats fastened with a seat belt

 Read and observe on page 19 first.

Child safety and side airbag

Overview of the use of child seats fastened with a seat belt on each of the

seats in accordance with the ECE-R 16 standard.

Fig. 15

Incorrect seated position of a

child who is not properly secured

– risk from the side airbag/Child

properly protected by safety seat

Front passenger

seat

Rear seats

outer

Rear seat

Center

Group

0

U

up to 10 kg

0+

up to 13 kg

1

9-18 kg

 Read and observe on page 19 first.

2

The child must not be positioned in the area into which the side airbag will de-

15-25 kg

ploy » Fig. 15 - .

3



There must be sufficient room between the child and the area into which the

side airbag will deploy to allow the airbag to provide as much protection as

possible » Fig. 15 - .

22-36 kg

21

Transporting children safely

U

“Universal” child seat category - a child seat designed for fastening on

the seat with the seat belt.

There are two locking eyes between the rear exterior seats for fixing the

ISOFIX system child seat in place.

The places are marked with labels with the ISOFIX logo » Fig. 16.

Fastening systems

WARNING

 Introduction

■

Always refer to the instructions from the manufacturer of the child seat

when installing and removing a child seat with the ISOFIX system.

■

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

Never attach other child seats, belts or objects to the attachment points

ISOFIX system attachment points

Use of child seats with the ISOFIX system

TOP TETHER system attachment points

22

23

eyes intended for the installation of a child seat with the ISOFIX system –

risk of death.

Note

■

A child seat fitted with the ISOFIX system can only be mounted in a vehicle

ISOFIX system attachment points

fitted with an ISOFIX system if the child seat has been approved for this type

of vehicle. Further information is available from a ŠKODA Partner.

Fig. 16

ISOFIX system label

■

Child seats with the ISOFIX system can be purchased from ŠKODA Original

Accessories.

Use of child seats with the ISOFIX system

Overview of the use of child seats fastened with the ISOFIX system on each of

the seats in accordance with the ECE-R 16 standard.

Size class

Group

Front passenger seat^b)

Outer rear seats

IL-SU

Rear seat middle

X

of the child seat^a)

0

E

X

up to 10 kg

E

D

C

0+

IL-SU

X

up to 13 kg



22

Safety

Size class

Group

Front passenger seat^b)

Outer rear seats

Rear seat middle

of the child seat^a)

D

C

1

IL-SU

IUF

B

X

9-18 kg

B1

A

a)

b)

The size category is shown on the label attached to the child seat.

If the front passenger seat is fitted with the ISOFIX system attachment points, it is suited for the installation of an ISOFIX child seat with the “Semi-Universal” approval.

IL-SU The seat is suited for installation of an ISOFIX child seat with the “Semi-

Universal” approval. The “Semi-Universal” category means that the ISO-

FIX child seat is approved for your vehicle. Observe the information in

the list of vehicles which comes with the child seat.

WARNING (Continued)

■

Only ever attach one belt from the child seat to a locking eye.

On no account should you equip your vehicle, e.g. mount screws or other

anchorage points.

IUF The seat is suitable for the installation of an ISOFIX child seat with the

approval “Universal” and attachment with the TOP TETHER belt.

X

The seat is not fitted with ISOFIX system attachment points.

TOP TETHER system attachment points

Fig. 17

Anchor eyelets on the TOP

TETHER system

The anchor eyelets for attaching the belt for a child seat with the TOP TETHER

system are located on the rear side of the outer rear seat backrests » Fig. 17.

WARNING

■

Always refer to the instructions from the manufacturer of the child seat

when installing and removing a child seat with the TOP TETHER system.

■

Only use child seats with the TOP TETHER system on the seats with the

locking eyes.

23

Transporting children safely

Safety for Your Skoda Fabia 4 Door Seecond Generation (2007-2013)

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