Get Safety -> Airbag system Guide for Skoda Octavia 4 Door Third Generation (2013-2020)

108

Airbag system

Description of the airbag system

WARNING

 To enable the occupants of a vehicle to be protected with the greatest

General information on the airbag system

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-

The front airbag system is complementary to the three-point seat belts and offers

pant.

additional protection for the head and chest area of the driver and passenger in the

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

event of a frontal collision.

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

In the case of a violent side crash, the side airbags* reduce the risk of injuries to the

of injury in the event of an accident.

occupants on the side of the collision 

 Have the airbag system checked immediately by a specialist garage if a fault

The airbag system is only functional after the ignition has been switched on.

exists. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in the event of

an accident.

The operational readiness of the airbag system is monitored electronically. The airbag

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

indicator light comes on for a few seconds each time the ignition is switched on.

 It is prohibited to manipulate individual parts of the airbag system as this

The airbag system (according to vehicle equipment) consists of:

might result in the airbag being deployed.

 an electronic control unit,

 The protective function of the airbag system is sufficient for only one acci-

 front airbag for the driver and the front seat passenger*,

dent. The airbag system must then be replaced if the airbag has been deployed.

 side airbags*,

 The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.

 an airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster,

 If you sell your car, please hand over the complete vehicle documentation

 Switch for front passenger airbag* in front passenger storage compartment

to the new owener. Please note that the documents relating to the possibility of

 page 113,

deactivating the front passenger airbag are also part of the vehicle documents!

 Indicator light for a switched off front seat passenger airbag*  page 113.

 If the vehicle or individual parts of the airbag system are scrapped, it is

essential to observe the relevant safety precautions. Specialist garages are

A fault in the airbag system exists if:

familiar with these regulations.

 the airbag indicator light does not light up when the ignition is switched on,

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

 the warning light does not go out after about 4 seconds after the ignition is

comply with the national legal requirements.

switched on,

 the airbag indicator light goes out and comes on again after the ignition is switched

When are the airbags deployed?

on,

 the airbag indicator light comes on or flickers when driving.

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.

Airbag system

109

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

In the case of a violent side crash, the side airbag* is deployed on the side of the

vehicle on which the collision occurs.

contact position),

 the hazard warning light is switched on;

In certain accident situations, the front as well as the side airbags are deployed at the

same time.

 All the doors are unlocked.

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

case of rear-end collisions and vehicle rollover.

Front airbags

Deployment factors

Description of the front airbags

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

The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belt!

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 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

damage to the bodywork as a consequence of the accident.

The airbags are not deployed if:

Fig. 117 Driver airbag in the

 ignition is switched off;

steering wheel

 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 indication of a fire in the vehicle.

Fig. 118 Front passenger airbag

 The dash panel must be replaced after the front passenger airbag has been

in the dash panel

deployed.

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

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

Using the system

Safety

Driving Tips

General Maintenance

Breakdown assistance

Technical Data

110

Airbag system

compartment  fig. 118. The installation positions are each marked with the

The airbag system is designed in such a way that the driver and the front passenger

“AIRBAG” logo.

airbag* are deployed in the event of a frontal collision of major severity.

The front airbag system, in combination with three-point safety belts, offers additional

In certain accident situations, the front and side airbags may be deployed together.

protection for the head and chest area of the driver and front passenger in the event

If the airbags are deployed, the airbags are filled with a propellant gas and inflated in

of a frontal collision of major severity 

in “Important safety information regarding

front of the driver and front passenger  fig. 119. The airbags inflate in fractions of a

the front airbag system” on page 110.

second and at a high speed in order to be able to offer that additional protection in the

The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but is part of the complete passive

event of an accident. The forward movement of the driver and of the front passenger

vehicle safety concept. Please note that an airbag can only offer you optimal

is cushioned when they make contact with the fully inflated airbag and the risk of injury

protection in combination with a seat belt which is fastened.

to head and chest is thus reduced.

Apart from their normal protective function, a further task of the seat belts is to also

The specially developed airbag allows the gas to flow out of the inflated airbag in a

hold the driver and front passenger in a correct seated position in the event of a frontal

controlled manner (depending on the load of the particular car occupant) in order to

collision so as to enable the front airbags to offer the maximum protection.

cushion head and chest areas. The airbag then deflates subsequently to such an extent,

after an accident, to again provide a clear view forward.

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

A grey white, non harmful gas is released when airbag is inflated. This is perfectly

belts?”.

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

Note

sitting position or seated position is not correct 

in “Important safety information

regarding the front airbag system”.

The dash panel must be replaced after the front passenger airbag has been

deployed.

Important safety information regarding the front airbag system

Function of the front airbags

Correct use of the airbag system considerably reduces the risk of injury!

Risk of injury to the head and chest area is reduced by fully inflated

airbags.

Fig. 120 Safe distance to

steering wheel

Fig. 119 Inflated airbags

Airbag system

111

Side airbags*

WARNING

 Never transport children on the front seat of a vehicle without using a

Description of side airbags

proper restraint system. If airbags are deployed in the event of an accident, the

The side airbag increases protection of the passenger concerned in the

child might suffer severe or even fatal injuries!

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

case of a side impact.

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 risk of the child suffering severe or even

fatal injuries if the front passenger airbag is deployed. In certain countries

Fig. 121 Installation position of

national legal provisions also require that the side passenger airbags be deac-

side airbag in driver seat

tivated. When transporting a child on the front passenger seat, please comply

with the appropriate national regulations regarding the use of child safety

The side airbags are housed in the upholstery of the seat backrests of the front seats.

seats.

The side airbag system in combination with the three-point seat belts, offers additional

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

protection for the upper area of the body (chest, stomach and pelvis) of the occupants

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

of the vehicle in the event of severe side collisions 

in “Important safety informa-

 The steering wheel and the surface of the airbag module in the dash panel

tion on the side airbag” on page 112.

on the passenger side must not be stuck onto, covered or modified in any other

Apart from their normal protective function, a further task of the seat belts is to also

way. These parts should only be cleaned with a dry cloth or a cloth moistened

hold the driver and front passenger in a correct seated position in the event of a side

with water. No objects such as cup holders, mobile phone mounts, etc. may be

collision so as to enable the side airbags to offer the maximum protection.

attached to the covers of the airbag modules or be located within the imme-

diate area.

You should therefore always fasten the seat belts, not only because this is required by

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

law, but also for safety reasons and for your own protection  page 102, “Why seat

belts?”.

Any work on the airbag system including installing and removing system

components because of other repair work (e.g. removing the steering wheel)

must only be carried out by a specialist garage.

 Never carry out changes on the front bumper or on the body.

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

in the dash panel.

Using the system

Safety

Driving Tips

General Maintenance

Breakdown assistance

Technical Data

112

Airbag system

Function of the side airbags

WARNING (continued)

Risk of injury to the upper part of the body is reduced by fully inflated

child is seated with its back facing in direction of travel (in some countries also

side airbags.

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 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 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

Fig. 122 Inflated side airbag

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

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.

children!”.

 There must not be any further persons, animals as well as objects posi-

In certain accident situations, the front and side airbags may be deployed together.

tioned between the occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. No

If an airbag is deployed, the airbag is filled with gas. The airbags inflate in fractions of a

accessories, such as a can holder, should be attached to the doors.

second and at a high speed in order to be able to offer that additional protection in the

 Only hang light items of clothing on the clothes hooks to the vehicle. Never

event of an accident.

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

A grey white, non harmful gas is released when airbag is inflated. This is perfectly

 Ensure that there are no excessive forces, such as violent knocks, kicks etc.,

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

impact on the backrests of the seats otherwise the system may be damaged.

The load of the occupants is cushioned when plunging into the fully inflated airbag and

The side airbags would not be deployed in such a case!

the risk of injury to the entire upper body (chest, stomach and pelvis) is reduced on the

 Any seat or protective covers which you fit to the driver or front passenger

side facing the door.

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-

Important safety information on the side airbag

approved seat or protective covers would considerably impair the protective

function of the side airbag.

Correct use of the airbag system considerably reduces the risk of injury!

 Any damage to the original seat covers in the area of the side airbag module

must be repaired without delay by your specialist garage.

WARNING

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

 It is essential to always switch off the front passenger airbag and/or side

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

airbag when attaching a child safety seat on the front passenger seat where the

modules.

Airbag system

113

 The airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster lights up for about 3 seconds

WARNING (continued)

after switching on the ignition and then flashes after that for about 12 seconds.

 Any work on the side airbag system including removing and installing

The following situation applies if the airbag has been switched off using the

system components because of other repair work (e.g. removing seats) must

switch for the airbag* in the storage compartment:

only be carried out by a specialist garage.

 the airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster comes on for about 4 seconds

each time the ignition is switched on;

 The deactivation of the airbag is indicated by the lighting up of the indicator light

Deactivating an airbag

  at the front interior lighting of the vehicle  page 113.

Deactivating airbags

Note

If any airbags have been deactivated, switch them on again as soon as

A specialist garage will be able to advise you whether national legislation in your

possible so that they are able to again provide their proper protection.

country allows airbags in your vehicle to be deactivated, and which ones.

There is the technical means installed within your vehicle to switch off the front or

Switch for the front passenger airbag(s)*

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 deactivation 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 back to the direction of travel (in some countries this must

be in the direction of travel due to other legal regulations applying)  page 115,

Fig. 123 Storage compartment:

“Important safety information regarding the use of child safety seats”;

Switch for the front passenger

 you are not able to maintain the distance of at least 25 cm between middle of

airbag(s)

steering wheel and chest, despite the driver seat being correctly adjusted;

 special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because of a

physical disability;

 you have installed other seats (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side airbags).

Monitoring the airbag system

The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically when one airbag

has been switched off.

If the airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment:

Using the system

Safety

Driving Tips

General Maintenance

Breakdown assistance

Technical Data

114

Airbag system

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 immediately by a specialist garage.

WARNING

 The driver is responsible for whether the airbag is switched on or switched

Fig. 124 Indicator light for a

switched off front seat passenger

off.

airbag

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

fault can occur in the system for the airbag deactivation.

The front passenger airbag as well as side airbag (if the vehicle is fitted with side

 If the warning light   (airbag switched off) flashes:

airbags) are switched off using the switch.

 There is a risk of the front passenger airbag not being activated in the

Deactivating an airbag

event of an accident. Therefore do not use any child safety seats on the front

passenger seat.

– Switch off the ignition.

 If the front passenger seat is occupied, there is a risk that the airbag is

– Turn the slot of the airbag switch using the key in the position OFF  page 113,

deployed unexpectedly and thus the occupant of this seat may suffer

fig. 123 - (vertical position).

possible injuries.

– Check whether the indicator light   lights up in the lighting of the interior

 It is also important to have the system inspected without delay by a

of the vehicle (front) when the ignition is switched on  page 114, fig. 124.

specialist garage.

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.

Safety -> Airbag system for Your Skoda Octavia 4 Door Third Generation (2013-2020)

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