2001-2008 Skoda Superb SUV Safety -> Airbag system User Manual
MyCarUserManual.com
USER MANUALS FOR EVERY MAKE & MODEL

Safety -> Airbag system for Your Skoda Superb SUV First Generation (2001-2008)

136 Airbag system  
Airbag system  
•
an airbag indicator light showing a switched-off front passenger airbag* in the  
middle of the dash panel flashes.  
Description of the airbag system  
General information on the airbag system  
WARNING  
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.  
•
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 127, “Correct seated position” correctly adjusted to match the body  
size of the occupant.  
In the case of a violent side crash, the side and head airbags* reduce the risk of inju-  
ries 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 electronically. The  
.
•
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 specialist garage if a  
fault exists. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in the  
event of an accident.  
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:  
•
•
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.  
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
an electronic control unit,  
the two front airbags,  
the side airbags,  
•
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.  
Head airbags*  
an airbag warning light in the instrument cluster,  
a front passenger airbag switch* ⇒ page 144,  
an indicator light for a switched off front seat passenger airbag* in the middle  
•
•
The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.  
If you sell your car, please hand over the complete vehicle documenta-  
tion 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!  
of the dash panel ⇒ page 144.  
A fault in the airbag system exists if:  
•
If the vehicle or individual parts of the airbag system are scrapped, it is  
essential to observe the relevant safety precautions. Škoda Service Partners  
are familiar with these regulations.  
•
•
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 ignition is  
switched on,  
•
When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important  
to comply with the national legal requirements.  
•
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,  
Airbag system 137  
•
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:  
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.  
•
−
The interior lighting comes on (if the switch for the interior light is in the door  
contact position),  
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 head airbag*.  
−
−
The hazard warning light is switched on,  
All the doors are unlocked.  
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 collisions, 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 deceleration which occurs and is meas-  
ured 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 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.  
Using the system  
Safety  
Driving Tips  
General Maintenance  
Breakdown assistance  
Technical Data  
138 Airbag system  
The front airbag system, in combination with three-point safety belts, offers addi-  
tional protection for the head and chest area of the driver and front passenger in  
Front airbag  
the event of a frontal collision of major severity ⇒  
tion regarding the front airbag system” on page 139.  
in “Important safety informa-  
Description of the front airbags  
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belt!  
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 the seat belts, not only because this is required  
by law, but also for safety reasons and for your own protection ⇒ page 130, “Why  
seat belts?”.  
Note  
The dash panel must be replaced after the front passenger airbag has been  
deployed.  
Fig. 144 Driver airbag in  
the steering wheel  
Fig. 145 Front passenger  
airbag in the dash panel  
The front airbag for the driver is housed in the steering wheel ⇒ fig. 144. The front  
airbag for the front passenger is housed in the dash panel above the storage  
compartment ⇒ fig. 145. The installation positions are each marked with the  
“AIRBAG” logo.  
Airbag system 139  
The airbag develops enormous forces when triggered, which can lead to injuries if  
Function of the front airbags  
the sitting position or seated position is not correct ⇒  
in “Important safety  
Risk of injury to the head and chest area is reduced by fully inflated  
airbags.  
information regarding the front airbag system”.  
Important safety information regarding the front airbag system  
Correct use of the airbag system considerably reduces the risk of  
injury!  
Fig. 146 Inflated airbags  
Fig. 147 Safe distance to  
steering wheel  
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.  
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!  
If the airbags are deployed, the airbags are filled with a propellant gas and inflated  
in front of the driver and front passenger ⇒ fig. 146. The airbags inflate in fractions  
of a second and at a high speed in order to be able to offer that additional protec-  
tion 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.  
•
For the driver and front passenger it is important to maintain a distance  
of at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dash panel ⇒ fig. 147. Not main-  
taining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be  
able to properly protect you - hazard! The front seats and the head restraints  
must always also be correctly adjusted to match the body size of the occu-  
pant.  
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.  
•
It is essential to always switch off ⇒ page 144, “Deactivating an airbag”  
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 countries also when the child is facing the direction of travel).  
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.  
Using the system  
Safety  
Driving Tips  
General Maintenance  
Breakdown assistance  
Technical Data  
140 Airbag system  
Side airbag  
WARNING (continued)  
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 national regulations regarding the  
use of child safety seats.  
Description of side airbags  
The side airbag together with the head airbag offers enhanced occu-  
pant protection in the event of a side collision.  
•
There must not by any further persons, animals or objects positioned  
between the front seated occupants and the deployment area of the airbag.  
The steering wheel and the surface of the airbag module in the dash  
•
panel on the passenger side must not be stuck onto, covered or modified in  
any other way. These parts should only be cleaned with a dry cloth or a cloth  
moistened with water. No objects such as cup holders, mobile phone  
mounts, etc. may be attached to the covers of the airbag modules or be  
located within the immediate area.  
Fig. 148 Installation  
position of side airbag in  
driver seat  
•
No modifications of any kind may be made to parts of the airbag system.  
Any work on the airbag system including installing and removing system  
components because of other repair work (e.g. removing the steering  
wheel) must only be carried out by a specialist garage.  
The side airbags are housed in the upholstery of the backrests of the front seats and  
are marked ⇒ fig. 148 with the lettering “AIRBAG” on the middle part.  
•
•
Never carry out changes on the front bumper or on the body.  
The side airbag system in combination with the three-point seat belts, offers addi-  
tional protection for the upper area of the body (chest, stomach and pelvis) of the  
Never place any objects on the surface of the front passenger airbag in  
the dash panel.  
occupants of the car in the event of a side collision of major severity ⇒  
in  
“Important safety information on the side airbag” on page 141.  
Apart from their normal protective function, a further task of the seat belts is to  
also hold the driver and front passenger in a correct seated position in the event of  
a side collision so as to enable the side airbags to offer the maximum protection.  
You should therefore always fasten the seat belts, not only because this is required  
by law, but also for safety reasons and for your own protection ⇒ page 130, “Why  
seat belts?”.  
Each time the side airbag is deployed, the head airbag* on the relevant side is auto-  
matically deployed at the same time in order to provide the occupant with  
enhanced protection ⇒ page 142.  
Airbag system 141  
Function of the side airbags  
Important safety information on the side airbag  
Risk of injury to the upper part of the body is reduced by fully inflated  
side airbags.  
Correct use of the airbag system considerably reduces the risk of  
injury!  
WARNING  
•
It is essential to always switch off ⇒ page 144, “Deactivating an airbag”  
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 countries 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 national regulations regarding the  
use of child safety seats.  
Fig. 149 Inflated side  
airbag  
In the case of a violent side crash the side airbag on the front seat on the side on  
which the collision occurs is deployed ⇒ fig. 149.  
•
Your head should never be positioned in the deployment area of the side  
airbag. You might suffer severe injuries in the event of an accident. This  
applies in particular to children who are transported without using a suit-  
able child safety seat ⇒ page 148, “Child safety and side airbag”.  
In certain accident situations both the front airbags as well as the head and side  
airbags may be deployed together.  
•
If children adopt an incorrect seated position when travelling, they may  
If an airbag is deployed, the airbag is filled with propellant gas. The airbags inflate  
in fractions of a second and at a high speed in order to be able to offer that addi-  
tional protection in the event of an accident.  
be exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. This can  
result in serious injuries ⇒ page 146, “What you should know about trans-  
porting children!”.  
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.  
•
There must not be any further persons, animals as well as objects posi-  
tioned between the occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. There  
must also be no accessories such as cup holders, attached to the doors to  
enable the side airbags to activate properly.  
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.  
•
Only hang light items of clothing on the clothes hooks to 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!  
Using the system  
Safety  
Driving Tips  
General Maintenance  
Breakdown assistance  
Technical Data  
142 Airbag system  
The head airbags are positioned above the doors on both sides in the interior of the  
car ⇒ fig. 150. The installation positions are each marked with the “AIRBAG” logo.  
WARNING (continued)  
•
Any seat or protective covers which you fit to the driver or front  
The head airbag together with the three-point seat belts and the side airbags, offers  
additional protection for the head and neck area of the occupants in the event of a  
passenger seats must only be of the type expressly authorized by Škoda  
Auto. In view of the fact that the airbag inflates out of the backrest of the  
seat, use of non-approved seat or protective covers would considerably  
impair the protective function of the side airbag.  
side collision of major severity ⇒  
in “Important safety information on the head  
airbag” on page 143.  
Apart from their normal protective function, a further task of the seat belts is to  
also hold the driver and the occupants in a correct seated position in the event of a  
side collision so as to enable the head airbags to offer the maximum protection.  
•
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,  
•
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 130, “Why  
seat belts?”.  
cracks or deep scratches. It is not permissible to use force in order to open  
the modules.  
•
Any work on the side airbag system including removing and installing  
Together with other elements (such as cross bars in the seats, stable vehicle struc-  
ture) the head airbags are the consequent further development of occupant  
protection in the case of side collisions.  
system components because of other repair work (e.g. removing seats) must  
only be carried out by a specialist garage.  
Head airbags*  
Function of the head airbags  
The risk of injury to the head and neck area is reduced in the event of  
a side collision by fully inflated head airbags.  
Description of the head airbags  
The head airbag together with the side airbag offers enhanced occu-  
pant protection in the event of a side collision.  
Fig. 151 Inflated head  
airbag  
Fig. 150 Installation  
position of the head  
airbags  
In the case of a side collision the head airbag is deployed together with the side  
airbag on the side of the car on which the accident occurs ⇒ fig. 151.  
Airbag system 143  
If the head airbag is deployed, the airbag is filled with propellant gas and extends  
over the entire area of the side window including the door pillars ⇒ fig. 151.  
WARNING (continued)  
•
There must not be any objects in the deployment area of the head  
airbags which might prevent the airbags from inflating properly.  
Only hang light items of clothing on the clothes hooks to the vehicle.  
The protection offered by the head airbags is thus available simultaneously both to  
the front occupants of the car seated on the side on which the accident occurs, as  
well as to the rear occupants. Any impact of the head against parts of the interior or  
objects outside of the car, is cushioned by the inflated head airbag. The reduction  
in any impact to the head and the resultant minimizing of any movements of the  
head additionally reduce the risk of injuries to the neck area. The head airbag also  
offers additional protection in the case of an offset impact by covering the front  
door pillar.  
•
Never leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets of the items of  
clothing. In addition, it is not permitted to use clothes hangers for hanging  
up items of clothing.  
•
There must not be any other persons (e.g. children) or animals between  
the car occupant and the deployment area of the head airbag. In addition,  
none of the occupants should lean their head out of the window when  
driving, or extend their arms and hands out of the window.  
In certain accident situations both the front airbags as well as the side and head  
airbags may be deployed together.  
•
The sun visors must not be swivelled to the side windows into the  
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 indication of a fire in the vehicle.  
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.  
•
Installing impermissible accessories in the area of the head airbags may  
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 may in certain circumstances be thrown into the interior  
of the car and cause injuries to the occupants ⇒ page 205, “Accessories,  
changes and replacement of parts”.  
Important safety information on the head airbag  
Correct use of the airbag system considerably reduces the risk of  
injury!  
•
Any work on the head airbag system including installing and removing  
system components because of other repair work (e.g. removing headliner)  
must only be carried out by a specialist garage.  
WARNING  
•
It is essential to always switch off ⇒ page 144, “Deactivating an airbag”  
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 countries 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 national regulations regarding the  
use of child safety seats.  
Using the system  
Safety  
Driving Tips  
General Maintenance  
Breakdown assistance  
Technical Data  
144 Airbag system  
•
The airbag warning light comes on in the instrument cluster for about 3 seconds  
each time the ignition is switched on.  
Switching off airbags is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the lighting  
Deactivating an airbag  
•
Deactivating airbags  
up of the indicator light   ⇒ fig. 153.  
If any airbags have been deactivated, switch them on again as soon  
as possible so that they are able to again provide their proper protec-  
tion.  
Note  
Your Škoda Service Partner will be able to advise you whether national legislation in  
your 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,  
side or head airbag (take out of commission).  
This is why you should have the deactivation of the airbags carried out by a  
specialist garage.  
Switch for the front seat passenger airbags*  
On vehicles equipped with the switch for deactivation of the airbags, you can deac-  
tivate the front and side passenger airbag by means of this switch ⇒ page 144.  
Deactivation of airbags is envisaged only for particular instances, such as if:  
•
you must in exceptional cases use a child seat on the front passenger seat  
where the child has its back to the direction of travel of the vehicle (in some coun-  
tries this must be in the direction of travel due to other legal regulations applying)  
⇒ page 146, “Important safety information regarding the use of child safety seats”  
Fig. 152 Storage  
compartment: Switch for  
the front seat passenger  
airbags  
•
you are not able to maintain the distance of at least 25 cm between middle of  
steering wheel and chest, despite the driver seat being correctly adjusted,  
special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because of a  
physical disability,  
you have installed other seats (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side airbags).  
•
•
Monitoring the airbag system  
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically, when one  
airbag has been switched off  
If the airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment:  
•
The warning light for the airbag system lights up for 3 seconds after switching  
on the ignition and then flashes for 12 seconds afterwards in 2 second intervals.  
Fig. 153 Indicator light  
for a switched off front  
seat passenger airbag  
Front passenger airbags switched off using the switch for front passenger  
airbags* in stowage compartment on the front passenger side:  
Airbag system 145  
On vehicles without the function windscreen heater* the indicator light showing a  
switched-off front passenger airbag* is at the position 15 windscreen heater* see  
⇒ page 8, fig. 1.  
The front and side passenger airbag is deactivated with the switch.  
Deactivating airbags  
–
–
Switch off the ignition.  
WARNING  
Turn the slot of the airbag switch using the master key in the direction  
of the arrow to the position OFF ⇒ fig. 152. The slot of the airbag  
switch must be located in the vertical position.  
•
The driver is responsible for whether the airbags are switched on or  
switched off.  
•
Only switch off the airbag when the ignition is switched off! Otherwise a  
fault can occur in the airbag deactivation system.  
–
Check whether the airbag indicator light   in the middle of  
the dash panel lights up ⇒ page 144, fig. 153 when the ignition is  
turned on.  
•
If the warning light   (airbag switched off) flashes:  
−
−
Front passenger airbag is not deployed in the event of an accident!  
Switching on airbags  
It is also important to have the system inspected without delay by a  
specialist garage.  
–
–
Switch off the ignition.  
Turn the slot of the airbag switch using the master key in the direction  
of the arrow to the position ON ⇒ page 144, fig. 152. The slot of the  
airbag switch must be located in the horizontal position.  
–
Check whether the airbag indicator light   in the middle of  
the dash panel lights up ⇒ page 144, fig. 153 when the ignition is  
turned on.  
The airbags should only be switched off under exceptional circumstances  
⇒ page 144.  
Indicator light   (airbag switched off)  
The airbag indicator light is located in the middle of the dash panel ⇒ page 144,  
fig. 153.  
If the airbags are switched on, the airbag indicator light comes on for a few seconds  
after the ignition is switched on.  
When the front and side passenger airbag is switched off, the indicator light comes  
on after the ignition is switched on.  
There is a system fault present in the airbag switch off ⇒  
if the indicator light  
flashes.  
Using the system  
Safety  
Driving Tips  
General Maintenance  
Breakdown assistance  
Technical Data  

Related Topics

Safety
Passive Safety Seat belts Transporting children safely

Popular Owner Manuals

Audi
Audi
BMW
BMW
Citroen
Citroen
Ford
Ford
Honda
Honda
Peugeot
Peugeot