Get Seat belts Guide for Volkswagen Caddy SUV Fifth Generation (2020-2025)

—Push the front passenger seat as far back as possible so that the airbag can provide maximum protection if it is

deployed.

Introduction

Check the condition of all seat belts regularly. If the belt webbing, belt connections, belt retractor or seat belt buckle

become damaged, the seat belt in question should be replaced immediately by a qualified workshop → . The

qualified workshop must use correct spare parts that are compatible with the vehicle, equipment level and model

year. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends using a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this

purpose.

WARNING

Incorrectly fastened or unfastened seat belts increase the risk of severe or fatal injuries. Seat belts will only offer the

optimum level of protection when they are fastened and used properly.

● Seat belts are the most effective means of reducing the risk of serious and fatal injuries in the event of an

accident. Seat belts must always be fastened properly when the vehicle is in motion to protect the driver and all

vehicle occupants.

● 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.

● While the vehicle is in motion, secure all children travelling in the vehicle in a restraint system suitable for their

weight and height. They must also wear correctly fastened seat belts .

● Only start driving when all passengers have correctly fastened their seat belts.

● Only ever insert the latch plate into the buckle of the associated seat, and always ensure that it engages properly.

Using a buckle that does not belong to the seat that you are occupying reduces the level of protection and can

lead to severe injuries.

● Avoid allowing foreign bodies or liquids to enter the slot for the seat belt buckle. This could prevent the belt

buckle and seat belt from working properly.

● Never unfasten the seat belt while the vehicle is in motion.

● Never allow more than one person to share the same seat belt.

● Never travel when children or babies are being carried on somebody's lap and fastened with the same belt.

● Never travel wearing loose, bulky clothing(such as an overcoat over a jacket). This could prevent the seat belts

from fitting and functioning properly.

WARNING

Damaged seat belts are very dangerous and can cause severe or fatal injuries.

● Never damage the belt by trapping it in the door or in the seat mechanism.

● If the belt webbing or any other part of the seat belt becomes damaged, the seat belt may tear during an

accident or sudden braking manoeuvre.

● Have damaged seat belts replaced immediately with new seat belts that are approved by Volkswagen

Commercial Vehicles for use in the vehicle. Seat belts subjected to stress and stretched during an accident must

be replaced by a qualified workshop. Renewal may be necessary even if there is no apparent damage. The belt

anchorage should also be checked.

● Never try to repair, modify or remove the seat belts yourself. All repairs to the seat belts, belt retractors and

buckles must be carried out by a qualified workshop.

53

Warning lamp

Fig. 1 On the display of the instrument cluster: Warning

lamp.

Fig. 2 On the display of the instrument cluster: Belt status

display for the rear seats.

The red warning lamp lights up when the ignition is switched on and the vehicle occupants have not fastened their

seat belts.

An acoustic signal sounds at the start of a journey or if the seat belts are unfastened while the vehicle is travelling at

speeds of more than around 25 km/h (15 mph). The red warning lamp will also flash→ Fig. 1.

The red warning lamp will not go out until all vehicle occupants have fastened their seat belts when the ignition is

switched on.

Belt status display for the rear seats

The belt status indicator in the instrument cluster display shows the driver the number of seats detected when the

ignition is switched on. Additionally, a black or white symbol indicates whether there are adult passengers in the rear

seats → Fig. 2. The black symbol shows the number of seats that are not occupied. The filled-in white symbol shows

the number of seats that are occupied. The display goes out after around 60 seconds.

The belt status display for the rear seats is battery operated using a radio standard . Other radio-based systems,

such as two-way radios, may interfere with the system →

.

Before setting off, the driver must check whether the number of seats shown in the instrument cluster corresponds

to the number of seats in the passenger compartment → . If the number does not match, have the system checked

by a qualified workshop (→ Belt status indicator).

WARNING

Ignoring the belt status indicator can cause serious injury. The system is not a substitute for the full concentration

of the driver.

● Before setting off, always check whether the number of seats shown in the instrument cluster corresponds to the

54

number of seats in the passenger compartment.

● Before setting off, always check that all vehicle occupants have fastened their seat belts correctly.

WARNING

Incorrectly fastened or unfastened seat belts increase the risk of severe or fatal injuries. Seat belts will only offer the

optimum level of protection when they are fastened and used properly.

WARNING

The buckle-up request is designed to detect adult persons. If a seat is occupied by lighter persons, in particular

children, the detection will not be reliable. The buckle-up request also does not respond or only in a limited way if

child seats and seat supports are used.

● Always ensure that all vehicle occupants, especially children, have fastened their seat belts properly.

The vehicle may still detect seats which have been removed but left near the

vehicle.

The belt status indicator must be approved by a qualified workshop if seats are replaced or retrofitted at a

later date, for example a third row of seats is added (→ Third seat row)→ Warning lamp. Volkswagen

Commercial Vehicles recommends using a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose.

Troubleshooting

Belt status indicator faulty

The yellow indicator lamp lights up continuously. In addition, a message may be displayed in the instrument cluster.

The battery in the radio system is too weak on at least one seat.

—Go to a qualified workshop.

—Check the rear seat and replace the battery if necessary.

Belt status indicator defective

The yellow indicator lamp lights up continuously. In addition, a message may be displayed in the instrument cluster.

—Go to a qualified workshop.

Belt status indicator faulty

The indicator lamp lights up continuously. In addition, a message may be displayed in the instrument cluster.

The battery in the radio system is too weak on at least one seat.

—Go to a qualified workshop.

—Check the rear seat and replace the battery if necessary.

55

Frontal collisions and the laws of physics

Fig. 1 Unbelted occupants in a vehicle heading for a brick

wall

Fig. 2 Unbelted occupants in a vehicle striking a brick wall

The physical principles involved in a frontal collision are relatively simple. Both the moving vehicle and its occupants

possess energy, which is known as kinetic energy .

The higher the vehicle speed and the heavier the weight of the vehicle, the greater the amount of energy that will

have to be released in the event of an accident.

However, the most significant factor is the speed of the vehicle. For example, if the speed doubles from around

25 km/h to around 50 km/h (15 mph to 31 mph), the kinetic energy increases by a factor of four!

The amount of kinetic energy depends on the speed of the vehicle and the weight of the vehicle and passengers. The

higher the speed and the heavier the weight, the greater the amount of energy that will be released in the event of an

accident.

Passengers not wearing seat belts are not connected to the vehicle. In the event of a frontal collision they will

continue to move forwards at the same speed at which the vehicle was travelling before impact, until something

stops them. Since the passengers in our example are not restrained by seat belts, the entire amount of kinetic energy

will only be released at the point of impact against the wall .

Even at speeds of approximately 30 km/h(19 mph) to approximately 50 km/h (31 mph), the forces acting on bodies in

a collision can easily exceed one tonne (1,000 kg). These forces are even greater at higher speeds.

This example applies not only to frontal collisions, but to all accidents and collisions.

56

What happens to vehicle occupants who have not fastened their seat belts

Fig. 1 An unbelted driver is thrown forwards

Fig. 2 The unbelted rear passenger is thrown forwards,

hitting the belted driver

Many people believe that they can brace their weight with their hands in a minor collision. This is not true.

Even at low speeds, the forces acting on the body in a collision are so great that it is not possible to brace oneself with

arms and hands. In a frontal collision, vehicle occupants who have not fastened their seat belts will be thrown

forward and will collide unchecked with parts of the vehicle interior, e.g. the steering wheel, dash panel or

windscreen .

The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts. When triggered, the airbags only provide additional

protection. Airbags are not triggered in all kinds of accidents. Even if the vehicle is equipped with an airbag system,

all vehicle occupants, including the driver, must fasten their seat belt and wear it correctly while the vehicle is in

motion. This reduces the risk of severe or fatal injuries in the event of an accident – regardless of whether an airbag is

fitted for the seat.

Each airbag can only be triggered once. To achieve best possible protection, seat belts must always be worn properly.

This also ensures that protection is provided in accidents in which the airbag is not triggered. Any vehicle occupants

not wearing a seat belt can be thrown out of the vehicle and sustain more severe or even fatal injuries as a result.

It is also important for the rear seat occupants to wear seat belts properly, as they could otherwise be thrown

forwards violently in an accident. Rear passengers who are not wearing seat belts endanger not only themselves and

the driver, but also other people in the vehicle .

57

Seat belts provide effective protection

Fig. 1 Driver restrained by a properly positioned seat belt

during a sudden braking manoeuvre

Correctly fastened seat belts can make a major difference. When fastened properly, seat belts hold the vehicle

occupants in the correct sitting positions and considerably reduce the kinetic energy in the event of an accident. Seat

belts also help to prevent uncontrolled movements which could lead to severe injuries. In addition, wearing seat belts

properly reduces the risk of being thrown from the vehicle .

Passengers wearing seat belts correctly benefit greatly from the ability of the belts to reduce the kinetic energy. The

front crumple zones and other passive safety features (such as the airbag system) are also designed to reduce kinetic

energy. The amount of energy generated will thus decrease, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

The examples describe frontal collisions. Of course, properly worn seat belts substantially reduce the risk of injury in

all other types of accidents. This is why seat belts must be fastened before every trip – even if you are only planning

to drive a very short distance. Ensure that all passengers also wear their seat belts properly.

Accident statistics have shown properly worn seat belts to be an effective means of substantially reducing the risk of

injury and improving the chances of survival in a serious accident. Furthermore, properly worn seat belts improve the

protection provided by airbags in the event of an accident. This is why wearing a seat belt is a legal requirement in

most countries.

Although the vehicle is equipped with airbags, the seat belts must be fastened and worn. For example, the front

airbags will be triggered only in certain types of frontal collision. The front airbags will not be triggered during minor

frontal collisions, minor side collisions, rear collisions, rolls or accidents in which the airbag trigger threshold in the

control unit is not exceeded.

Therefore, always wear your seat belt and ensure that your passengers have fastened their seat belts properly before

you drive off.

58

Using seat belts

Checklist

Using the seat belts→ Using seat belts:

✓ Check the condition of all seat belts regularly.

✓ Keep the seat belts clean.

✓ Avoid allowing any foreign bodies or fluids to get on to the seat belt or latch plate or into the slot for the seat belt

buckle.

✓ Do not trap or damage the seat belt and latch plate, for example when closing the door.

✓ Never remove, modify or repair the seat belt or any part of the belt fixture system.

✓ Always fasten the seat belt correctly before every journey and keep it fastened while the vehicle is in motion.

Twisted seat belt

If it is difficult to remove the seat belt from the belt guide, the seat belt may have become twisted if it was returned

too quickly into the side trim:

—Take hold of the latch plate then slowly and carefully pull out the seat belt.

—Untwist the seat belt and guide it back slowly by hand.

Fasten the seat belt even if you are unable to undo the twist. However, the twist should not be in part of the seat belt

that comes into direct contact with the body. The twist should be corrected immediately by a qualified workshop.

WARNING

Using seat belts incorrectly increases the risk of severe or fatal injuries.

● Regularly check to see if the seat belt and its related parts are in perfect condition.

● Always keep the seat belt clean.

● Do not allow the belt webbing to become jammed, damaged or to rub on any sharp edges.

● Always keep the latch plate and slot in the buckle free from foreign bodies and liquids.

59

Fastening and unfastening seat belts

Fig. 1 Inserting the seat belt latch plate into the buckle.

Fig. 2 Removing the latch plate from the buckle

If worn properly, seat belts hold the vehicle occupants in the correct sitting position during an accident or braking

manoeuvre, providing maximum protection →

.

Fastening the seat belts

Fasten seat belts before every trip.

—Always adjust the front seat and head restraint correctly .

—Engage the rear seat backrest in upright position→

.

—Take hold of the belt and pull it evenly across your chest and pelvis. Donot twist the belt in the process→

—Insert the latch plate securely into the buckle belonging to the occupied seat→ Fig. 1.

—Pull on the seat belt to ensure that the latch plate is securely locked in the buckle.

.

Unfastening the seat belts

Unfasten seat belts only when the vehicle is stationary→

.

—Press the red button on the belt buckle→ Fig. 2. The latch plate is released and springs out.

—Guide the belt back by hand so that it rolls up easily, without twisting the seat belt and without damaging the trim.

Lockable seat belt

If the belt webbing is fully retracted and a “clicking” sound can be heard as the seat belt is being rolled up, the

vehicle is equipped with lockable seat belts. The seat belt locking function should be used only for fitting certain child

restraint systems . A locked seat belt must be released when a vehicle occupant uses the seat belt. To release the

lock, press the red button in the belt buckle and return the belt completely by hand.

60

WARNING

Incorrect seat belt routing can cause severe or fatal injuries in the event of an accident.

● The seat belts only offer best protection when the backrests are in an upright position and the seat belts have

been fastened properly according to the occupant's height.

● Unfastening seat belts while the vehicle is in motion can lead to severe or fatal injuries in the event of an accident

or sudden braking manoeuvre.

Seat belt routing

Fig. 1 Correct seat belt routing and head restraint

adjustment

Fig. 2 Correct seat belt routing during pregnancy

Seat belts only provide an optimum level of protection during an accident when they are routed correctly. Correct

seat belt routing reduces the risk of severe or fatal injuries. Correct seat belt routing also holds the vehicle occupants

in position so that an inflating airbag can offer the maximum level of protection. Therefore you must always fasten

your seat belt and ensure that the seat belt routing is correct .

Assuming an incorrect sitting position can cause severe or fatal injuries .

Correct seat belt routing

—The shoulder part of the seat belt must always lie on the centre of the shoulder, never across the neck, over or

under the arm or behind the back.

—The lap part of the seat belt must always lie across the pelvis, never across the stomach.

—The seat belt must always lie flat and snugly on the body. Tighten the belt if necessary.

Pregnant women must position the seat belt evenly over the chest and as low as possible over the pelvis. It must lie

61

flat so that no pressure is exerted on the lower body – this applies in every stage of pregnancy .

Correct seat belt routing according to height

The following equipment can be used to adjust the seat belt routing:

—Seat belt height adjuster for the front seats (→ Seat belt height adjuster).

—Front seat height adjustment (→ Front seats).

WARNING

Incorrect seat belt routing can cause severe injuries in the event of an accident or a sudden braking or driving

manoeuvre.

● The seat belts only offer best protection when the backrests are in an upright position and the seat belts have

been fastened properly.

● The seat belt itself or a loose seat belt can cause serious injuries if the seat belt shifts from harder body parts in

the direction of softer body parts (e.g. stomach).

● The shoulder part of the seat belt must lie on the centre of the shoulder and never under the arm or across the

neck.

● The seat belt must lie flat and snugly on the chest.

● The lap part of the seat belt must lie across the pelvis and never across the stomach. The seat belt must lie flat

and snugly on the pelvis. Tighten the belt if necessary.

● For pregnant women, the lap part of the seat belt must be as low as possible over the pelvis and lie flat around

the bulge of the belly.

● Do not twist the belt webbing while the seat belt is being worn.

● Never hold the seat belt away from the body by hand.

● The belt webbing should not lie over hard or fragile objects, such as glasses, pens or keys.

● Never use seat belt clips, retaining rings or similar items to alter the seat belt routing.

If a person's physical build prevents them from routing the seat belt properly, contact a qualified workshop to

find out about any special modifications so that the seat belts and airbags can provide the optimum level of

protection. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends using a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

dealership for this purpose.

Seat belt height adjuster

Fig. 1 Next to the front seats: Seat belt height adjuster.

The seat belt height adjusters for the front seats can be used to adjust the position of the seat belt on the shoulder so

that it can be fastened properly:

62

—Squeeze and hold the shoulder belt guide→ Fig. 1.

—Push the shoulder belt guide up or down so that the seat belt is routed over the middle of the shoulder (→ Seat

belt routing).

—Let go of the shoulder belt guide.

—Pull sharply on the seat belt to check whether the shoulder belt guide is engaged securely.

WARNING

Never adjust the seat belt height when the vehicle is in motion.

Belt retractor, belt tensioner, belt tension limiter

The seat belts in the vehicle are part of the vehicle safety concept (→ Standard airbag system) and include the

following important functions:

Automatic belt retractor

Every seat belt is equipped with an automatic belt retractor on the shoulder part of the belt. Full freedom of

movement is made possible when the shoulder belt is pulled slowly or when the vehicle is travelling at normal

speeds. However, if the belt is pulled out quickly or during sudden braking, during travel in mountains or bends and

during acceleration, the automatic belt retractor is locked.

Belt tensioners

The seat belts for the front seat vehicle occupants, and in some cases those on the outer rear seats, are equipped

with belt tensioners.

The belt tensioners are activated by sensors during severe frontal, side and rear collisions. They tighten the seat belts

against the direction in which they are pulled. A loose seat belt is retracted and kept taught, which can reduce the

forward motion of the vehicle occupants and their motion in the direction of impact. The belt tensioner works

together with the airbag system. If the side airbags are not activated, the belt tensioner will not be activated if the

vehicle rolls over.

A fine dust may be produced when the airbags are triggered. This is quite normal and does not mean that there is a

fire in the vehicle.

Belt tension limiter

The belt tension limiter reduces the pressure exerted by the seat belt on the body during an accident.

All safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or components of the system are scrapped.

Qualified workshops are familiar with these requirements.

63

Service and disposal of belt tensioners

Seat belts may become damaged during any work on the belt tensioners or while removing or refitting any vehicle

parts in conjunction with any other repair work. This damage will not always be noticeable. The consequence may be

that the belt tensioners could function incorrectly, or not function at all, in the event of an accident.

Regulations must be observed to ensure that the effectiveness of the belt tensioner is not reduced and that removed

parts do not cause any injuries or environmental pollution. Qualified workshops are familiar with these requirements.

WARNING

The risk of severe or fatal injuries may be increased if the seat belts, automatic belt retractors and belt tensioners

are not used correctly, or if they are repaired by a non-professional. As a result, the belt tensioners may not be

triggered when they should, or they may be triggered unexpectedly.

● Any repairs, adjustments or removal and refitting of parts in the belt tensioners or seat belts should always be

carried out by a qualified workshop and never by you yourself .

● Belt tensioners and automatic belt retractors cannot be repaired. They must be replaced.

The airbag modules and belt tensioners may contain perchlorate. Observe the applicable legislation

regarding disposal.

64

Seat belts for Your Volkswagen Caddy SUV Fifth Generation (2020-2025)

Related Topics

Popular Owner Manuals

Latest Owner Manuals