Airbag system for Your Volkswagen Caddy SUV Fifth Generation (2020-2025)

Introduction  
Depending on the equipment level, the vehicle may be fitted with one front airbag each for the driver and front  
passenger. The front airbags can provide front seat occupants with additional chest and head protection if the seat,  
seat belts, head restraints and, in the case of the driver, steering wheel are adjusted and used correctly. Airbags are  
meant only for additional protection. The airbags are not a substitute for seat belts. Seat belts must always be worn,  
even when the front seats are equipped with front airbags.  
WARNING  
Never rely solely on the airbag system for your protection.  
Even if an airbag is triggered, it only offers auxiliary protection.  
The airbag system offers the best level of protection, and reduces the risk of injury, when seat belts are properly  
worn.  
Before every trip, each vehicle occupant must adopt the correct sitting position, correctly fasten the seat belt  
belonging to their seat and keep it fastened properly throughout the trip. This applies to all vehicle occupants and  
also in urban traffic.  
WARNING  
The risk of injury increases if there are any objects located between the vehicle occupants and the deployment area  
of the airbag when it is triggered. This will alter the deployment zone of the airbag, or the objects will be flung  
against the body.  
Never hold any objects in your hand or on your lap while the vehicle is in motion.  
Never transport any objects on the front passenger seat. The objects could enter the deployment zone of the  
airbag during sudden braking or driving manoeuvres and then be flung dangerously through the vehicle interior if  
the airbag is activated.  
Vehicle occupants sitting on the front seats and rear outer seats must never carry any people, pets or objects in  
the deployment zone between themselves and the airbags. Ensure that children and passengers keep to this rule.  
WARNING  
The airbag system can only be triggered once. The system will have to be replaced if the airbags have been  
triggered.  
Airbags that have been triggered, and any affected system parts, must be replaced immediately with new parts  
that are approved by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles for the vehicle.  
Repairs and modifications to your vehicle should only be carried out by a qualified workshop. Qualified workshops  
have the necessary tools, diagnostic equipment, repair information and qualified personnel.  
Never use recycled airbag components or components that have been taken from end-of-life vehicles in your  
vehicle.  
Never alter any components of the airbag system.  
WARNING  
Fine dust particles or steam may be released when the airbags are triggered. This is normal and does not mean that  
there is a fire in the vehicle.  
The fine dust can cause irritation to the skin and eye membranes and cause breathing difficulties, particularly for  
people suffering from asthma or people who have (had) other respiratory problems. To help reduce breathing  
difficulties, get out of the vehicle or open the windows or doors for more fresh air.  
If you come into contact with the dust, you should wash your hands and face with a mild soap and water before  
eating.  
Do not let the dust get into your eyes or into open wounds.  
If dust has entered your eyes, rinse them with water.  
WARNING  
Cleaning agents that contain solvents cause the surface of the airbag modules to become porous. In an accident  
that triggers the airbag, loose plastic parts can cause serious injury.  
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Never clean the dash panel or the airbag covers with cleaning agents that contain solvents.  
Type of front passenger front airbag system  
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers two different front passenger front airbag systems.  
With some equipment levels, anairbag system or an airbag system with front passenger front airbag deactivation  
may be installed.  
Airbag system  
The front passenger front airbag can be deactivated only by a qualified workshop.  
Characteristics of the airbag system:  
Front passenger front airbag in the dash panel.  
Indicator lamp in the instrument cluster display.  
Airbag system with front passenger front airbag deactivation  
The front passenger front airbag can be deactivated manually by means of a key-operated switch (→ Standard airbag  
system).  
Characteristics of the airbag system with front passenger front airbag deactivation:  
Front passenger front airbag in the dash panel.  
Indicator lamp in the instrument cluster display.  
PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp  
PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp  
in the roof console.  
in the roof console.  
Key-operated switch in the side of the dash panel on the passenger side(only visible when the front passenger  
door is open).  
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Indicator lamp  
Fig. 1 In the roof console: indicator lamp showing front  
passenger front airbag enabled.  
Fig. 2 In the roof console: indicator lamp showing front passenger front airbag disabled.  
The yellow indicator lamp in the instrument cluster display lights up briefly as a functional check when the  
ignition is switched on and goes out after a few seconds.  
Front passenger front airbag switched off. The yellow indicator lamp in the roof console lights up continuously  
→ Fig. 2.  
Front passenger front airbag switched on. The yellow indicator lamp in the roof console will go out  
automatically approximately 60 seconds after the ignition is switched on or after the front passenger front  
airbag is switched on using the key-operated switch → Fig. 2.  
There may be a fault in the airbag system if the PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp  
light up continuously or lights up together with the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster display when the front  
passenger front airbag is switched off→  
in the roof consoledoes not  
.
WARNING  
If there is a fault in the airbag system, the airbag may not trigger correctly, may not trigger at all or may trigger  
unexpectedly. This can cause severe or fatal injuries.  
The airbag system should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.  
Never fit a child seat to the front passenger seat or remove a child seat that is already fitted. The front passenger  
front airbag may trigger during an accident in spite of the fault.  
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Troubleshooting  
Airbag system and belt tensioner system fault  
The yellow indicator lamp lights up continuously. In addition, a message may be displayed in the instrument cluster.  
A malfunction has been detected in at least one airbag or belt tensioner.  
Go to a qualified workshop.  
Have the airbag system and belt tensioner checked.  
Airbag or belt tensioner system switched off with diagnostic tool  
The yellow indicator lamp lights up for around four seconds when the ignition is switched on and then flashes for  
around twelve seconds. In addition, a message may be displayed in the instrument cluster.  
At least one airbag or belt tensioner was deactivated with a diagnostic tool.  
Go to a qualified workshop.  
Have a check carried out to establish whether the airbag system or belt tensioners must remain switched off.  
Front passenger front airbag switched off  
The yellow indicator lamp for the deactivated front passenger front airbag lights up continuously.  
The front passenger front airbag has been switched off.  
Check whether the front passenger front airbag must remain switched off, e.g. when using a child seat on the  
front passenger seat.  
Front passenger front airbag switched on  
The yellow indicator lamp for the activated front passenger front airbag lights up for around 60 seconds after the  
ignition is switched on or after switching on the front passenger front airbag with the key-operated switch  
The front passenger front airbag has been switched on.  
Check whether the front passenger front airbag must remain switched on.  
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Description and function of the airbags  
The airbags can protect vehicle occupants during frontal and side collisions by reducing their movement in the  
direction of the collision.  
When an airbag is triggered, it is inflated by a gas generator. This causes the airbag covers to break, and the airbags  
inflate forcefully to cover their deployment zones within milliseconds. Once a vehicle occupant wearing a seat belt  
starts to sink into the inflated airbag, the gas inside the airbag starts to escape to cushion the occupant and slow  
down their movement. This can reduce the risk of severe and fatal injuries. The triggering of the airbag will not  
always prevent other injuries such as swelling, bruising and grazing. The deployment of the airbag can also produce  
frictional heat.  
Airbags provide no protection for the arms or lower body.  
The most important factors for triggering the airbag are the type of accident, the angle of impact, the vehicle speed  
and the type of object with which the vehicle collides. Therefore, visible damage to the vehicle does not always mean  
that the airbag should have been triggered.  
The triggering of the airbag system depends on the vehicle deceleration rate caused by the collision and registered by  
the electronic control unit. If this rate is below the reference value programmed into the control unit, the airbags will  
not be triggered, even though the vehicle may be badly damaged as a result of the collision. Vehicle damage, repair  
costs or even the lack of vehicle damage in an accident do not necessarily give an indication of whether an airbag  
should inflate or not. It is not possible to define a range of vehicle speeds and reference values, since the  
circumstances will vary considerably between one collision and another. It is therefore impossible to cover every  
possible kind and angle of impact that would trigger the airbags. Important factors in the triggering of the airbag  
include the nature (hard or soft) of the object that the vehicle hits, the angle of impact, and the vehicle speed.  
Airbags only serve as a supplement to the three-point seat belt in some accident situations when the vehicle braking  
is sufficient to trigger the airbags. Airbags can only be triggered once and only in certain situations. The seat belts are  
always there to provide protection in situations in which the airbags are not triggered or have already been triggered.  
For example, if the vehicle collides with a further vehicle following the initial collision, or is hit by another vehicle.  
The airbag system is part of the vehicle's overall passive safety concept. The airbag system can only work effectively  
when the occupants are wearing their seat belts correctly and have assumed a proper sitting position  
.
Components of the vehicle safety concept  
The following vehicle safety equipment makes up the vehicle's safety concept to reduce the risk of severe and fatal  
injuries. Some of this equipment may not be fitted in your particular vehicle. It may not be available at all in some  
countries.  
Optimised seat belts for all seats.  
Belt tensioners for the driver and front passenger in conjunction with side airbags.  
Seat belt height adjusters for the front seats.  
Red warning lamp and, where applicable, belt status display.  
Front airbags for driver and front passenger.  
Side airbags for the driver, front passenger and, if applicable, for the rear outer seats.  
Curtain airbags on the left and right.  
Central airbag between driver and front passenger.  
Yellow airbag indicator lamp  
.
Yellow PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp  
Yellow PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp  
Control units and sensors.  
in the roof console.  
in the roof console.  
Height-adjustable head restraints optimised for rear impact.  
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Adjustable steering column.  
If fitted, anchor points for child seats on the outer seats in the passenger compartment and on the front passenger  
seat.  
If applicable, mounting points for the top tether for child seats.  
Situations when the front, side, central and curtain airbags will not be triggered:  
If the ignition is switched off during a collision.  
If the level of deceleration measured by the control unit is too low during a collision at the front of the vehicle.  
During a minor side collision.  
During rear collisions.  
If the vehicle rolls over.  
If the impact speed in a collision is lower than the reference value specified in the control unit.  
Front airbags  
Fig. 1 Location and deployment zone of the driver front  
airbag  
Fig. 2 Location and deployment zone of the front  
passenger front airbag  
In conjunction with the seat belts, the front airbag system gives the front occupants additional protection for the  
head and chest in the event of a severe frontal collision. Always keep as far away from the front airbag as possible .  
This allows the front airbags to inflate fully when triggered, thus providing maximum protection.  
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The front airbag for the driver is located in the steering wheel→ Fig. 1 and the front airbag for the front passenger is  
located in the dash panel → Fig. 2. The airbag locations are identified by the text “AIRBAG”.  
The areas inside the red lines are covered by the front airbags when the front airbags are triggered(deployment  
zone). You must never leave or attach any objects in these areas. Any factory-fitted accessories will not be  
struck if the driver and front passenger front airbags are deployed.  
The airbag cover panels fold out when the driver and front passenger front airbags are deployed. The airbag covers  
remain connected to the steering wheel and the dash panel.  
DANGER  
Once triggered, the airbag inflates at very high speed in a fraction of a second.  
Always leave the deployment zones of the front airbags clear.  
Never attach any objects, such as drink or telephone holders, to the covers of the airbags or anywhere in the  
airbag deployment zone.  
No other people, animals or objects may be carried between the occupants of the front seats and the airbag  
deployment zone. Ensure that children and passengers keep to this rule.  
Do not attach any objects, e.g. mobile navigation devices, to the windscreen above the front airbag on the front  
passenger side.  
Do not cover or stick anything on the steering wheel hub or the soft plastic surface of the airbag unit in the dash  
panel on the front passenger side, and do not modify them in any way.  
WARNING  
The front airbags are deployed in front of the steering wheel→ Fig. 1 and dash panel→ Fig. 2.  
When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the outside of the ring: 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock  
position.  
Adjust the driver seat so that there is at least 25 cm between your breastbone and the hub of the steering wheel.  
Contact a qualified workshop if your physical build makes this impracticable.  
Adjust the front passenger seat so that the distance between the passenger and the dash panel is as large as  
possible.  
Switching the front passenger front airbag on and off  
Fig. 1 On the front of the dash panel: key-operated switch  
for switching the front passenger front airbag on and off.  
The front passenger front airbag must be deactivated if you fit a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat.  
Disabling the front passenger front airbag  
Switch off the ignition.  
Open the front passenger door.  
Fold the key bit completely out of the vehicle key, or remove the spare key (→ Vehicle key).  
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Use the spare key to turn the key-operated switch on the front of the dash panel to theOFF position → Fig. 1.  
Close the front passenger door.  
The PASSENGER AIR BAG  
indicator lamp in the roof console lights up continuously when the ignition is  
switched on (→ Indicator lamp for standard airbag system).  
Do not let any vehicle occupants travel on the front passenger seat when the front passenger front airbag is  
switched off. Only rear-facing child seats must be used →  
.
Identifying characteristics for a disabled front passenger front airbag  
A deactivated front passenger front airbag is indicatedonly by the PASSENGER AIR BAG  
up continuously in the roof console (→ Indicator lamp for standard airbag system).  
indicator lamp lighting  
indicator lamp in the  
For safety reasons, do not fit a child restraint system on the front passenger seat if the  
roof console does not light up continuouslyor lights up together with the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster  
display. The front passenger front airbag may trigger during an accident.  
Enabling the front passenger front airbag  
Switch off the ignition.  
Open the front passenger door.  
Use the vehicle key to turn the key-operated switch on the front of the dash panel to theON position → Fig. 1.  
Close the front passenger door.  
Check that the PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp  
in the roof consoledoes not light up (→ Indicator lamp  
for standard airbag system).  
WARNING  
The front passenger front airbag should only be switched off in exceptional circumstances.  
To prevent damage to the airbag system, only switch the front passenger front airbag on and off when the  
ignition is switched off.  
It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that the key-operated switch is set to the correct position.  
Only switch the front passenger front airbag off if, in exceptional circumstances, a child seat has to be attached  
to the front passenger seat.  
Switch the front passenger front airbag back on again as soon as the child seat on the front passenger seat is no  
longer being used.  
NOTICE  
If the key bit is not inserted far enough, the key switch could be damaged when the key is turned.  
NOTICE  
Do not leave the vehicle key in the key-operated switch, as this can damage the key-operated switch and vehicle key  
when the door is closed.  
Side airbags  
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Fig. 1 On the side of the front seat: Location of the side  
airbag.  
Fig. 2 On the left-hand side of the vehicle: side airbag  
deployment zone.  
Depending on the vehicle equipment, side airbags are fitted for the driver and the front passenger.  
The side airbags are located in the outer seat backrest cushions of the driver seat and, in some vehicles, the front  
passenger seat → Fig. 1.  
The locations of the airbags are identified by labels with the lettering “AIRBAG”.  
The area in the red frame is covered by the side airbag when triggered(deployment zone) → Fig. 2. For this reason,  
never leave or attach any items in this area →  
.
During a side collision, the side airbags will be deployed on the side of the vehicle which is impacted, thus reducing  
the risk of injury to the areas of the occupants' bodies facing the impact.  
WARNING  
Once triggered, the airbag inflates at very high speed in a fraction of a second.  
Always leave the deployment zones of the side airbags clear.  
No other people, animals or objects may be carried between the occupants of the front seats and the airbag  
deployment zone. Ensure that children and passengers keep to this rule.  
The built-in coat hooks should only be used for lightweight clothing. Do not leave any heavy or sharp objects in  
the pockets.  
Do not fit any accessories to the doors.  
Do not fit seat covers or protective covers over the seats unless they have been expressly approved for use in the  
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vehicle. Otherwise the side airbag may not be able to inflate once triggered.  
WARNING  
Incorrect use of the driver and front passenger seat could hinder the proper function of the side airbag and cause  
serious injury.  
Never remove the front seats from the vehicle or alter any components of these seats.  
If too much pressure is applied to the backrest side bolsters, the side airbags may not be triggered correctly, may  
not trigger at all, or may trigger unexpectedly.  
Any damage to the original seat upholstery or around the seams of the side airbag units must be repaired  
immediately by a qualified workshop.  
Central airbag  
Fig. 1 In the inner backrest cushion on the driver seat:  
centre airbag.  
A centre airbag for the driver and the front passenger may be fitted, depending on the vehicle equipment.  
The centre airbag is located in the inner backrest cushion on the driver seat.  
The location of the centre airbag is indicated by the word AIRBAG→ Fig. 1.  
The area in the red frame is covered by the central airbag when triggered(deployment zone) → Fig. 1. For this reason,  
you must never leave or attach any items in this area →  
.
The central airbag is triggered in the event of a side collision and vehicle rollover and thus reduces the risk of injury to  
the vehicle occupants.  
WARNING  
Once triggered, the airbag inflates at very high speed in a fraction of a second.  
Always leave the deployment zones of the central airbag clear.  
Never secure any items on the cover or in the deployment zone of the central airbag.  
There must be no other people, animals or objects between the occupants of the front seats and the airbag  
deployment zones. Ensure that children and passengers keep to this rule.  
Do not fit seat covers or protective covers over the seats unless they have been expressly approved for use in the  
vehicle. Otherwise the central airbag may not be able to inflate once triggered.  
WARNING  
Incorrect use of the driver and front passenger seat could hinder the proper function of the central airbag and cause  
serious injury.  
Never remove the front seats from the vehicle or alter any components of these seats.  
If too much pressure is applied to the backrest side bolsters, the central airbag may not be triggered correctly,  
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may not trigger at all, or may trigger accidentally.  
Any damage to the original seat covers or around the seams of the central airbag unit must be repaired  
immediately by a qualified workshop.  
Curtain airbags  
Fig. 1 On the left-hand side of the vehicle: Location and  
deployment zone of the curtain airbag (2-seater).  
Fig. 2 On the left-hand side of the vehicle: Location and deployment zone of the curtain airbag(5-seater).  
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Fig. 3 On the left-hand side of the vehicle: Location and deployment zone of the curtain airbag(7-seater).  
Depending on the vehicle equipment, curtain airbags are fitted on the driver side and possibly on the front passenger  
side.  
The curtain airbags are located inside the vehicle above the doors . The airbag location is identified by the text  
“AIRBAG”.  
The area in the red box is covered by the curtain airbag when triggered(deployment zone) . For this reason, you must  
never leave or attach any items in this area →  
.
In a side collision the curtain airbag is triggered on the impact side of the vehicle.  
In a side collision, the curtain airbags reduce the risk of injury to the areas of the body facing the impact for vehicle  
occupants on the front seats and outer rear seats.  
WARNING  
Once triggered, the airbag inflates at very high speed in a fraction of a second.  
Always leave the deployment zones of the curtain airbags clear.  
Never secure any items to the cover or in the deployment zone of the curtain airbag.  
Vehicle occupants sitting on the front seats and rear outer seats must never carry any people, pets or objects in  
the deployment zone between themselves and the airbags. Ensure that children and passengers keep to this rule.  
The built-in coat hooks should only be used for lightweight clothing. Do not leave any heavy or sharp objects in  
the pockets.  
Do not fit any accessories to the doors.  
Do not install any sun blinds onto the side windows unless they have been expressly approved for use in your  
vehicle.  
Only push the sun visors over to the side windows if no items are attached to them(e.g. pens or the remote  
control for a garage door).  
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