Get Safety -> Airbag system Guide for Skoda Superb SUV Second Generation (2009-2015)

Airbag system 157

Airbag system

Description of the airbag system

WARNING

●

To enable the occupants of a car to be protected with the greatest possi-

General information on the airbag system

ble effect when the airbag is deployed, the front seats must be ⇒ꢀpage 150,

Correct seated position correctly adjusted to match the body size of the occu-

pant.

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.

●

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.

In the event of a side collision, the side airbags reduce the risk of injury to the oc-

cupants to the part of their body facing the side of the 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.

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

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

airbag warning light comes on for a few seconds each time the ignition is switch-

ed on.

●

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

●

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

might result in the airbag being deployed.

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

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

ployed.

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

●

an electronic control unit;

the front airbags for the driver and front passenger ⇒ꢀpage 158;

driver's knee airbag ⇒ꢀpage 160;

the side airbags ⇒ꢀpage 161;

head airbags ⇒ꢀpage 163;

an airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster ⇒ꢀpage 25;

a front passenger airbag switch ⇒ꢀpage 165;

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 documentation

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

of deactivating the front passenger airbag are also part of the vehicle docu-

ments!

●

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

sential to observe the relevant safety precautions. The authorised ŠKODA

Service Partners are familiar with these regulations.

of the dash panel ⇒ꢀpage 165.

A fault in the airbag system exists if:

●

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

●

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

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

comply with the national legal requirements.



switched on;

When are the airbags deployed?

●

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

switched on;

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

airbag are deployed in the event of a violent frontal collision.

●

the airbag indicator light comes on or flickers when driving;

the airbag indicator light showing a switched-off front passenger airbag in the

●

In the case of a violent side crash, the front side airbag on the side of the car at

which the collision occurs, is deployed together with the rear side airbag and the

head airbag.

middle of the dash panel flashes.

£

Using the system

Safety

Driving Tips

General Maintenance

Breakdown assistance

Technical data

158 Airbag system

In special cases, the front as well as the relevant side and head airbags may be

deployed together.

Front airbags

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

end collisions, tilting of the vehicle and vehicle rollover.

Description of the front airbags

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

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 acci-

dents 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 oc-

curs during a collision. The control unit analyses the nature of the collision and ac-

tivates 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 acci-

dent.

Fig. 144 Driver airbag in the steering wheel/front passenger airbag in the dash panel

The front airbag for the driver is housed in the steering wheel ⇒ꢀfig. 144 - left. The

front airbag for the front passenger is housed in the dash panel above the storage

compartment ⇒ꢀfig. 144 - right. The installation positions are each marked with the

“AIRBAG” logo.

The airbags are not deployed if:

●

ignition off,

a minor frontal collision,

a minor side collision,

a rear-end collision,

Rollover of the vehicle.

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

the event of a frontal collision of major severity ⇒ꢀpage 159, Important safety in-

formation regarding the front airbag system.

Note

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 pro-

tection in combination with a seat belt which is fastened.

●

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

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

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

deployed.

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),

●

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 pro-

tection.

●

–

You should therefore always fasten the seat belts, not only because this is re-

quired by law, but also for safety reasons and for your own protection ⇒ꢀpage 153,

Why seat belts?.

–

The hazard warning light is switched on,

All the doors are unlocked,

the battery in the luggage compartment is switched off,

the fuel supply to the engine is interrupted.

£



Airbag system 159

Important safety information regarding the front airbag system

Note

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

ployed.

Correct use of the airbag system considerably reduces the risk of

injury!



Function of the front airbags

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

airbags.

Fig. 146 Safe distance to steering wheel

WARNING

●

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

Fig. 145 Inflated airbags

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

the child might suffer severe or even fatal injuries!

The airbag system is designed in such a way that the airbags for the driver and

front passenger are deployed in the event of a violent frontal collision.

●

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. 146. Not maintain-

ing 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 al-

ways also be correctly adjusted to match the body size of the occupant.

In certain accident situations, the front, side and head airbag are simultaneously

deployed.

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

in front of the driver and front passenger ⇒ꢀfig. 145. 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 air-

bag and the risk of injury to head and chest is thus reduced.

●

It is essential to always switch off ⇒ꢀpage 164, Deactivating an airbag the

front passenger airbag when attaching a child safety seat on the front pas-

senger 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 pro-

visions 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.

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 or-

der 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.

●

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

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.

£

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

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

the sitting position or seated position is not correct ⇒ꢀ in Important safety infor-

mation regarding the front airbag system on page 159.



Using the system

Safety

Driving Tips

General Maintenance

Breakdown assistance

Technical data

160 Airbag system

The driver's knee airbag is complementary to the three-point seat belt and offers

adequate protection to the knees of the driver. Please note that an airbag can

only offer you optimal protection in combination with a seat belt which is fas-

tened.

WARNING (Continued)

●

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 oth-

er 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.

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

also hold the driver in a correct seated position in the event of a frontal collision

so as to enable the knee airbag to offer the maximum protection.

You should therefore always fasten the seat belts, not only because this is re-

quired by law, but also for safety reasons and for your own protection ⇒ꢀpage 153,

Why seat belts?.

●

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 com-

ponents 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.

Function of the driver's knee airbags

●

Never place any objects on the surface of the front passenger airbag mod-

ule in the dash panel.



The airbag system is designed in such a way that the driver's knee airbag is de-

ployed together with the belt tensioner in the event of a frontal collision of major

severity.

If an airbag is deployed, the airbag is filled with gas. The airbags inflate in frac-

tions of a second and at a high speed in order to be able to offer that additional

protection in the event of an accident.

Driver's knee airbag

Description of the driver's knee airbags

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.

The knee airbag reduces the risk of injury to the legs.

The forward movement of the body is cushioned when it makes contact with the

fully inflated airbag and the risk of injury to the legs of the driver is thus reduced.



Fig. 147 Driver's knee airbag below the

steering column

The driver's knee airbag is located in the lower part of the dash panel below the

steering column ⇒ꢀfig. 147. The fitting position is shown in a picture on the side

surface of the dash panel on the driver's side.

Airbag system 161

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

front seats ⇒ꢀfig. 148.

The rear side airbags are located between the entrance area and the seat back-

rest.

Important safety information on the driver's knee airbag

WARNING

●

Position the steering wheel so that there is a gap of at least 10 cm be-

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

occupants of the vehicle in the event of severe side collisions ⇒ꢀpage 162.

tween the legs and the dashboard at the height of the knee airbag ⇒ꢀfig. 138 –

left. If it is not possible to meet this requirement due your body size, please

get in touch with a specialist garage.

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

also hold the occupents of the front or rear exterior seats in a correct seated posi-

tion in the event of a side collision so as to enable the side airbag to offer the

maximum protection.

●

The surface of the airbag module in the lower part of the dash panel below

the steering column 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 must be attached to the cover of the airbag module or

be located within the immediate area.

You should therefore always fasten the seat belts, not only because this is re-



quired by law, but also for safety reasons and for your own protection.

●

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 com-

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

only be carried out by a specialist garage.

Function of the side airbags

●

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

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

ted side airbags.

●

Do not attach any bulky and heavy objects (keys etc.) to the keylock. These

can be ejected by the knee airbag being deployed and hurt you.



Side airbags

Description of side airbags

The side airbag increases protection of the passenger concerned in

the case of a side impact.

Fig. 149 Inflated side airbag

When the side airbags are deployed, the head airbag and the belt tensioner are

also automatically deployed on the relevant side .

In certain accident situations, the front, side and head airbag are simultaneously

deployed.

If an airbag is deployed, the airbag is filled with gas. The airbags inflate in frac-

tions of a second and at a high speed in order to be able to offer that additional

protection in the event of an accident ⇒ꢀfig. 149.

£

Fig. 148 Installation position of side air-

bag in driver seat

Using the system

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Breakdown assistance

Technical data

162 Airbag system

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.

WARNING (Continued)

●

In the event of a side collision, the side airbags will not function properly, if

the sensors cannot measure the increasing air pressure inside the doors, be-

cause the air can escape through large, non-sealed openings in the door pan-

el.

The load of the occupants is cushioned when plunging into the fully inflated air-

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

reduced on the side facing the door.



–

Never drive with removed inner door panels.

Important safety information on the side airbag

–

Never drive, if parts of the inner door panel have been removed and the

remaining openings have not been properly sealed.

Never drive, if the loudspeakers in the doors have been removed, only if

the loudspeaker openings have been properly sealed.

Always make sure that the openings are covered or filled, if additional

Correct use of the airbag system considerably reduces the risk of

injury!

–

loudspeakers or other equipment parts are installed in the inner door pan-

els.

WARNING

●

It is essential to always switch off ⇒ꢀpage 164, Deactivating an airbag the

–

Always work with an authorised ŠKODA Service Partner or have it car-

front passenger airbag when attaching a child safety seat on the front pas-

senger 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. When transporting a child on the front

passenger seat, please comply with the appropriate national regulations re-

garding the use of child safety seats.

ried out by a competent specialist workshop.

●

Only hang light items of clothing on the clothes hooks to the vehicle. Nev-

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

ing.

●

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 dam-

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

●

Your head should never be positioned in the deployment area of the side

●

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

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 168, Child safety and side airbag.

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-ap-

proved seat or protective covers would considerably impair the protective

function of the side airbag.

●

If children adopt an incorrect seated position when travelling, they may be

exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. This can re-

sult in serious injuries ⇒ꢀpage 166, What you should know about transporting

children!.

●

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.

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

●

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

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

ules.

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

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

●

Any work on the side airbag system including removing and installing sys-

●

The airbag control unit operates together with the pressure sensors,

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

be carried out by a specialist garage.

which are attached in the front doors. For this reason no adjustments must be

carried out at the doors as well as at the door panels (for example additional

installation of loudspeakers). Resulting damages can have a negative affect

on the operation of the airbag system. All work on the front doors and their

panels must only be carried out by a specialist garage.



Airbag system 163

Function of the head airbags

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 oc-

cupant 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 rele-

vant side airbag ⇒ꢀfig. 151 and the belt tensioner on the side of the car on which

the accident occurs.

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

the car ⇒ꢀfig. 150. The installation positions of the head airbags are each marked

with the “AIRBAG” logo.

If the system is deployed, the airbag is filled with propellant gas and covers the

entire area of the side window including the door pillars ⇒ꢀfig. 151.

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 collision occurs,

as well as to the rear occupants. Any impact of the head against parts of the inte-

rior or objects outside of the car, is cushioned by the inflated head airbag. The re-

duction 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 air-

bag also offers additional protection in the case of an offset impact by covering

the front door pillar.

The head airbag together with the three-point seat belts and the side airbags, of-

fers additional protection for the head and neck area of the occupants in the

event of a side collision of major severity ⇒ꢀpage 164, Important safety informa-

tion on the head airbag.

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.

You should therefore always fasten the seat belts, not only because this is re-

quired by law, but also for safety reasons and for your own protection ⇒ꢀpage 153,

Why seat belts?.

In certain accident situations, the front, side and head airbag are simultaneously

deployed.

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.

Together with other elements (such as cross bars in the doors, stable vehicle

structure) the head airbags are the consequent further development of occupant

protection in the case of side collisions.



Using the system

Safety

Driving Tips

General Maintenance

Breakdown assistance

Technical data

164 Airbag system

Important safety information on the head airbag

WARNING (Continued)

sories fitted may in certain circumstances be thrown into the interior of the

car and cause injuries to the occupants ⇒ꢀpage 215, Accessories, changes and

replacement of parts.

Correct use of the airbag system considerably reduces the risk of

injury!

●

Any work on the head airbag system including installing and removing sys-

WARNING

tem components because of other repair work (e.g. removing headliner) must

only be carried out by a specialist garage.



●

It is essential to always switch off ⇒ꢀpage 164, Deactivating an airbag the

front passenger airbag when attaching a child safety seat on the front pas-

senger 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. When transporting a child on the front

passenger seat, please comply with the appropriate national regulations re-

garding the use of child safety seats.

Deactivating an airbag

Deactivating airbags

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

soon as possible so that they are able to again provide their proper

protection.

●

There 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. Nev-

●

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

ing. In addition, it is not permitted to use clothes hangers for hanging up

items of clothing.

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 spe-

cialist garage.

●

The airbag control unit operates together with the sensors, which are at-

tached in the front doors. For this reason no adjustments must be carried out

at the doors as well as at the door panels (for example additional installation

of loudspeakers). Resulting damages can have a negative affect on the opera-

tion of the airbag system. All work on the front doors and their panels must

only be carried out by a specialist garage.

On vehicles equipped with the switch for deactivation of the airbags, you can de-

activate the front passenger airbag by means of this switch ⇒ꢀpage 165.

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

●

There must not be any other persons (e.g. children) or animals between

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 166, Important safety information regarding the use of child safety seats,

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.

●

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).

●

The sun visors must not be swivelled to the side windows into the deploy-

ment 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 air-

bag 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 acces-

Monitoring the airbag system

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

airbag has been switched off.

£

Airbag system 165

If the airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment:

The warning light for the airbag system lights up for 4 seconds after switching

Switching on an airbag

–

Switch off the ignition.

●

on the ignition and then flashes for 12 seconds afterwards in 2 second intervals.

1

–

Turn the slot of the airbag switch using the key in the position

(ON)

⇒ꢀfig. 152 - left.

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

switch for the airbag in the storage compartment:

–

Check whether the airbag indicator light  in the display     in

the middle of the dash panel does not light up when the ignition is switched

on ⇒ꢀfig. 152 - right.

●

the airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster comes on for about 4 sec-

onds each time the ignition is switched on,

switching off airbags is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the light-

●

The airbags should only be switched off under exceptional circumstances.

ing up of the indicator light  in the display     ⇒ꢀfig. 152.

Indicator light  in display     (airbag switched off)

Note

The airbag indicator light is located in the middle of the dash panel ⇒ꢀfig. 152 -

Your authorised ŠKODA Service Partner will be able to advise you whether nation-

al legislation in your country allows airbags in your vehicle to be deactivated, and

which ones.

right.



If the front passenger airbag is switched off, the warning 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.

Switch for the front passenger airbag

WARNING

●

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

off.

●

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

fault can occur in the system for the airbag deactivation.

If the indicator light  in display     (airbag switched off)

flashes:

●

–

Front passenger airbag is not deployed in the event of an accident!

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

–

Fig. 152 Storage compartment: Switch for the front passenger airbag/indicator light for a

switched off front seat passenger airbag

specialist garage.



Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the switch.

Deactivating an airbag

–

Switch off the ignition.

2

–

Turn the slot of the airbag switch using the key in the position

(OFF)

⇒ꢀfig. 152 - left.

–

Check whether the airbag indicator light in the display      in

the middle of the dash panel lights up when the ignition is switched on

⇒ꢀfig. 152 - right.

Using the system

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Safety -> Airbag system for Your Skoda Superb SUV Second Generation (2009-2015)

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