Get Safety Guide for Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

General information

Depending on where the vehicle is used, it may be a good idea to have an engine and transmission guard installed by

a qualified workshop. An engine and transmission guard can reduce the risk of damage to the vehicle's underbody

and engine oil sump, for example when driving over kerbs, driveways or unsurfaced roads.

Preparing for a journey and driving safety

Observe the following information both before and during every journey to ensure your own safety and the safety of

passengers and other road users →

:

✓ Check that all lights and turn signals are working properly.

✓ Check the tyre pressure (→ Tyre pressure).

✓ Check the fuel level .

✓ Check the coolant level .

✓ Check the washer fluid level (→ Washer fluid).

✓ Make sure that you have a good, clear view through all of the windows (→ Vehicle care, exterior).

✓ Air intake to the engine must not be obstructed, and the engine must not be covered by blankets or insulating

materials .

✓ Secure any loads in the stowage compartments, the load compartment or on the roof .

✓ Make sure that you are able to operate the pedals freely at all times.

✓ Secure any children travelling in the vehicle in a restraint system suitable for their weight and size → Safe transport

of children ▶ Introduction.

✓ Adjust the front seats, head restraints and mirrors correctly in accordance with the size of the occupants .

✓ Wear shoes that provide good grip for your feet when using the pedals.

✓ The floor mat in the footwell on the driver side must leave the pedal area free and must be securely fastened.

✓ Assume a correct sitting position before setting off and maintain this position while driving. This also applies to all

passengers .

✓ Fasten your seat belt correctly before setting off and keep it properly fastened throughout the journey. This also

applies to all passengers .

✓ Each vehicle occupant must sit in a seat of their own and must have their own seat belt.

✓ Never drive if your driving ability is impaired, for example by medication, alcohol or drugs.

✓ Do not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic, e.g. by passengers, telephone calls, opening menus and

making adjustments to settings.

✓ Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.

✓ Observe traffic regulations and speed limits.

✓ Take regular breaks when travelling long distances – at least every two hours.

✓ Secure animals in the vehicle using a system that is suitable for their weight and size.

Driving abroad

In some countries, special safety standards and legislation apply that may differ from the construction of the vehicle.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends that you find out about any legal requirements and the following

points concerning your destination before travelling abroad:

✓ Does the vehicle need any technical modifications for driving abroad, e.g. masking or switching the headlights

over?

✓ Are the necessary tools, diagnostic equipment and spare parts available for service and repair work?

✓ Is there a qualified workshop available at the destination?

✓ Are the correct service fluids that comply with Volkswagen specifications available in the destination country?

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✓ Does the navigation function in the factory-fitted Infotainment system work with the navigation data available in

the destination country?

✓ Are special tyres necessary for travelling in the destination country?

✓ Is a fire extinguisher a requirement in your destination country?

✓ Which requirements must be observed regarding high-visibility waistcoats?

✓ Is fuel of sufficient quality available ?

Checks when filling up

Do not perform any work on the electric motor or in the engine compartment unless you know exactly how to carry

out the tasks, are aware of the general safety procedures and have the correct equipment, service fluids and suitable

tools to hand ! Otherwise, have all work carried out by a suitably qualified workshop. Make sure that the following are

checked regularly:

✓ Washer fluid level (→ Washer fluid).

✓ Engine oil level .

✓ Coolant level .

✓ Brake fluid level (→ Brake fluid).

✓ Tyre pressure .

✓ Vehicle lighting necessary for traffic safety:

✓ Turn signals.

✓ Side lights, dipped beams and main beams.

✓ Tail light clusters.

✓ Brake lights.

✓ Rear fog lights

✓ Number plate light.

Information on changing bulbs .

DANGER

Observe the important safety instructions for the front passenger front airbag (→ Child seats).

WARNING

Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication or narcotics can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.

● Alcohol, drugs, medication and narcotics can severely impair perception, reaction times and driving safety. This

could cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

WARNING

The effectiveness of systems can be severely inhibited if components and systems are retrofitted, for example by

second stage manufacturers. On vehicles with add-ons or modifications, the correct operation of system can then

be impaired or adjusted.

● Have the correct operation of systems confirmed by the second stage manufacturer.

WARNING

Always observe the current rules of the road and speed limits and drive with a foresighted driving style. Correct

interpretation of a driving situation can make the difference between reaching your destination safely and having an

accident with serious injuries.

WARNING

The vehicle handling and braking effect may alter significantly if large or heavy objects are being transported.

● Always adapt your speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather and road or traffic conditions.

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● Accelerate particularly carefully and gently.

● Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.

● Brake earlier than usual.

NOTICE

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is not responsible for any vehicle damage which is caused by low-quality fuel,

inadequate servicing work or lack of availability of Genuine Parts.

Servicing the vehicle regularly is not only about vehicle maintenance – it also ensures that your vehicle

remains roadworthy and in perfect working order. You should therefore have your vehicle serviced according

to the Volkswagen guidelines. Some work may have to be carried out before the due date of the next service

if the vehicle is subjected to severe operating conditions. Severe operating conditions are, for example,

regular stop-and-go driving and driving in areas with high levels of dust. Further information can be obtained

from any suitably qualified workshop.

Introduction

Overview of seats (authorised use of vehicle seats in accordance with type approval)

Short wheelbase

(max. seven seats)

Long wheelbase

(max. nine seats)

seat row

1

2

Two individual seats in the direction of travel.

One or two individual seats facing in direction of travel or in opposite direction of travel.

Three-seat bench or two individual seats facing in

One or two individual seats in direction of travel.

direction of travel.

3

4

Three-seat bench or two individual seats facing in

—

direction of travel.

Number of seats

The number of seats depends on the seating configuration and the equipment in the particular vehicle model.

Each seat is equipped with a seat belt.

Retrofitting seats

Additional seats can be retrofitted, provided that the maximum number of seats specified by the manufacturer in the

vehicle documentation is not exceeded. For this purpose, seat anchor points should be fitted to the vehicle floor by a

correspondingly qualified workshop in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

These additional seats must also have seat belt anchor points and seat belts.

WARNING

Assuming an incorrect sitting position in the vehicle can increase the risk of severe or fatal injuries during a sudden

driving or braking manoeuvre, in the event of a collision or accident, or if the airbags are triggered.

● All vehicle occupants must assume a correct sitting position before setting off and maintain this position

throughout the trip. This also applies to the fastening of seat belts.

● The number of vehicle occupants must never exceed the number of seats with seat belts in the vehicle.

● Never tilt the backrest too far to the rear.

● Always keep your feet in the footwell during the journey. Never place your feet on the seat or dash panel, for

example. Never hold your feet out of the window. If you sit like this, the airbag and seat belt cannot provide

optimal protection and could actually increase the risk of injury during an accident.

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The dangers of assuming an incorrect sitting position

If the seat belts are not worn or are worn incorrectly, the risk of severe or fatal injuries increases. Seat belts can only

provide optimal protection if the seat belt routing is correct. Assuming an incorrect sitting position considerably

impairs the level of protection provided by a seat belt. This could lead to severe or even fatal injuries. The risk of

severe or fatal injuries is especially increased when a deploying airbag strikes a vehicle occupant who has assumed an

incorrect sitting position. The driver is responsible for all occupants transported in the vehicle, especially children.

The following list contains examples of sitting positions that can be dangerous for all vehicle occupants.

Whenever the vehicle is in motion:

—Never stand in the vehicle.

—Never stand on the seats.

—Never kneel on the seats.

—Never tilt the backrest too far to the rear.

—Never lean against the dash panel.

—Never lie on the seats in the passenger compartment.

—Never sit on the front edge of a seat.

—Never sit sideways.

—Never lean out of a window.

—Never put your feet out of a window.

—Never put your feet on the dash panel.

—Never place your feet on the seat cushion or seat backrest.

—Never travel in a footwell.

—Never sit on the armrests.

—Never travel on a seat without wearing the seat belt.

—Never travel in the luggage compartment or on the load bed.

WARNING

Every incorrect sitting position in the vehicle increases the risk of severe or fatal injuries in the event of an accident

or sudden driving or braking manoeuvre.

● All vehicle occupants must maintain a correct sitting position and wear their seat belt properly while the vehicle is

in motion.

● Sitting in an incorrect position, not fastening the seat belt, or not leaving adequate space between the occupants

and the airbags could result in critical or fatal injuries, especially if the airbags deploy and strike an occupant who

has assumed an incorrect sitting position.

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Correct sitting position

Fig. 1 Illustration: correct distance between the driver and

the steering wheel, correct seat belt routing and correct

head restraint adjustment.

The following details the correct sitting positions for the driver and passengers.

If any vehicle occupants cannot assume a correct sitting position due to their physical build, they should contact a

correspondingly qualified workshop to find out about possible special modifications. The seat belts and airbags can

only provide a maximum level of protection if you assume a correct sitting position.

Adopt the following seating position for your own safety and to reduce the level of injury in the event of a sudden

braking manoeuvre or an accident:

The following applies to all vehicle occupants:

—Adjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same height as the top of the head, but not lower than eye

level. Position the back of your head as close to the head restraint as possible → Fig. 1.

—For shorter people: Push the head restraint all the way down, even if the head is then underneath the top edge of

the head restraint.

—For taller people: Push the head restraint up as far as it will go.

—Keep both feet in the footwell while the vehicle is in motion.

—Adjust and fasten seat belts properly .

Additional points for the driver:

—Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance between the steering wheel and your breastbone is at least 25 cm

A

→ Fig. 1

and the circumference of the steering wheel can be held at the sides with the arms slightly bent.

—The steering wheel must always point towards the breastbone and not towards the face.

—Move the backrest into an upright position so that your back rests fully against it.

—Adjust the driver seat by moving it forwards or backwards so that you are able to press the pedals to the floor with

B

your knees slightly bent and the distance from the dash panel to your lower legs is at least 10 cm → Fig. 1

.

—Adjust the height so that you can reach the highest point of the steering wheel.

—Always leave both feet in the footwell, to help ensure you maintain control of the vehicle at all times.

Additional points for the front passenger:

—If possible, move the backrest into an upright position so that your back rests fully against it.

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

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deployed.

Introduction

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

become damaged, have the seat belt in question replaced immediately by a correspondingly qualified workshop →

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

model year.

WARNING

Incorrectly fastened or unfastened seat belts can increase the risk of severe or fatal injuries.

● 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.

● Before every journey and 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 .

● Insert the latch plate only into the belt buckle of the corresponding seat and make sure that the latch plate

engages securely. 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.

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

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

● Never transport children or babies on your lap and never secure them together with a person.

● 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 increase the risk of serious or fatal injuries. 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.

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

● If the belt webbing, belt connections, belt retractor or seat belt buckle become damaged, have the seat belt or

belt attachment element in question replaced immediately by a correspondingly qualified workshop. The

correspondingly qualified workshop must use correct replacement parts that are compatible with the vehicle,

equipment level and model year.

● Never try to repair, modify or remove the seat belts or belt attachment elements yourself. Have all repairs to seat

belts, belt retractors and buckles carried out by a correspondingly qualified workshop. The correspondingly

qualified workshop must replace the seat belt only with a seat belt approved for the seat.

● Have seat belts that have been subjected to stress and stretched during an accident replaced by a

correspondingly qualified workshop. Renewal may be necessary even if there is no apparent damage. Also check

the anchorages of the seat belts.

WARNING

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

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

● Always keep the seat belts clean.

● Avoid allowing foreign bodies or liquids to enter the seat belt buckle slots and belt buckles. This could prevent

the seat belt buckle slots, belt buckles and seat belts from working properly.

● Never trap the seat belt. Never damage the belt or allow it to rub against sharp edges.

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Seat belt prompt

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

lamp (depending on the equipment).

An acoustic signal will sound for a few seconds if the seat belt for the driver seat and, depending on the equipment,

the front passenger seat are not fastened as the vehicle pulls off and reaches a speed of more than approximately

25 km/h (15 mph), or if the seat belts are unfastened while the vehicle is in motion. The red warning lamp will also

flash → Fig. 1.

The red warning lamp only goes out when the seat belt is fastened.

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Fastening and unfastening seat belts

Fastening the seat belts

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

Fasten seat belts before every trip.

1. Always adjust the seat and head restraint correctly .

2. Engage the backrest in upright position.

3. Take hold of the belt and pull it evenly across your chest and pelvis. Donot twist the belt when doing this.

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

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

Unfastening the seat belts

Fig. 2 Removing the latch plate from the buckle

Unfasten seat belts only when the vehicle is stationary.

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

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

trim.

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:

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

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

3. 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.

4. Contact a correspondingly qualified workshop as soon as possible to have the twist removed.

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 → Fig. 1.

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

flat so that no pressure is exerted on the lower body – this applies in every stage of pregnancy → Fig. 2.

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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).

—Height-adjustable 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).

● Route the seat belt so that it lies flat and snugly on your upper body.

● The lap part of the seat belt must lie across the pelvis and never across the stomach. Route the seat belt so that it

lies flat and snugly on your pelvis. Pull the belt a little again to tighten it if necessary.

● For pregnant women, the seat belt must be positioned evenly over the chest and as low as possible over the

pelvis during the entire course of the pregnancy. It must lie flat so that no pressure is exerted on the lower body.

● Do not twist the seat belt when it is fastened.

● Never hold the seat belt away from your body with your hand.

● Do not route the belt over hard or fragile objects, such as glasses, pens or keys.

● Never change the belt routing by means of belt clips, retaining eyes or similar.

If a person’s physical build prevents them from routing the seat belt properly, contact a correspondingly

qualified workshop to find out about any special modifications so that the seat belts and airbags can provide

the optimum level of protection.

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:

1. Push and hold the shoulder belt guide in the direction of the arrow→ Fig. 1.

2. Push the shoulder belt guide up or down so that the seat belt is routed over the middle of the shoulder .

3. Let go of the shoulder belt guide.

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

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WARNING

If the belt height is not adjusted correctly, this can increase the risk of serious or fatal injuries.

● Always adjust the belt height according to the correct sitting position before starting your trip.

● Never change the belt height while 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

The seat belts on the front seats and, depending on equipment, on the rear seats are equipped with a belt retractor.

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 of the driver seat and the outer front passenger seat are equipped with belt tensioners depending on

the equipment level.

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. Depending on the equipment,

the belt tensioner works together with the airbag system.

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.

WARNING

The protective function of the belt tensioners permits only one activation of the belt tensioners. The system must

be replaced if the belt tensioners have been triggered.

● Belt tensioners that have been triggered, and any affected system parts, must be replaced immediately with new

parts that are approved for the vehicle.

● Have repairs and modifications to your vehicle carried out only by a correspondingly qualified workshop. Qualified

workshops have the necessary tools, diagnostic equipment, repair information and trained personnel.

● Never install recycled belt tensioner components or components that have been taken from end-of-life vehicles

in your vehicle.

● Never modify any components of the belt tensioners.

Belt tension limiter

Depending on the equipment, the seat belts are equipped with belt tension limiters. 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.

Suitably qualified workshops are familiar with these requirements.

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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. Suitably 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.

● Never carry out any repairs, adjustments or removal and refitting of parts in the belt tensioners or seat belts by

yourself, and have such work carried out only by a qualified workshop .

● Seat belts, 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.

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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. Make sure that all children and adults travelling with

you also observe 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 the vehicle manufacturer has approved for the vehicle.

● Have repairs and modifications to your vehicle carried out only by a suitably qualified workshop. Qualified

workshops have the necessary tools, diagnostic equipment, repair information and trained personnel.

● Never install recycled airbag components or components that have been taken from end-of-life vehicles in your

vehicle.

● Never modify 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

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that triggers the airbag, loose plastic parts can cause serious injury.

● Never clean the dash panel or the airbag covers with cleansers that contain solvents.

Type of front passenger front airbag system

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 correspondingly 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

in the roof console.

—Key-operated switch on the front passenger side.

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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. 1.

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.

● Have the airbag system checked by a correspondingly qualified workshop as soon as possible.

● Never fit a child seat on the front passenger seat. Remove a fitted child seat. The front passenger front airbag

may trigger during an accident in spite of the fault.

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Troubleshooting

Fault in airbag system and belt tensioner system

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.

1. Go to a correspondingly qualified workshop and have the airbag system and belt tensioner checked.

Airbag system or belt tensioner deactivated 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.

1. Go to a correspondingly qualified workshop and ask them to check whether the airbag system or belt tensioner

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.

1. 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.

1. 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 curtain and 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.

—Curtain and side airbags for the driver and front passenger.

—Curtain airbags possibly also on the rear outer seats of the second and third row of seats.

—Yellow airbag indicator lamp

.

—Yellow PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp

—Control units and sensors.

in the roof console.

—Height-adjustable head restraints optimised for rear impact.

—Adjustable steering column.

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—If fitted, anchor points for child seats on the individual seats in the passenger compartment and the outer seats of

the bench seat.

Situations in which the front, the combined curtain and side airbag and the curtain airbag

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 dynamics measured by the control unit are too low in the event of a vehicle rollover.

—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 (illustration).

Fig. 2 Location and deployment zone of the front

passenger front airbag (illustration).

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.

The front airbag for the driver is located in the steering wheel→ Fig. 1 and the front airbag for the front passenger is

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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 affix stickers to or cover the airbag unit in the steering wheel and the surface of the dash panel in the

deployment zone of the front passenger’s airbag or modify them in any other 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(approximately 10 inches) between the driver’s rib cage and

the hub of the steering wheel. If your build makes it impossible to fulfil this requirement then you must contact a

correspondingly qualified workshop for assistance.

● 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.

Enabling the front passenger front airbag

1. Switch off the ignition.

2. Open the door on the front passenger side.

3. Fold the key bit of the vehicle key all the way out.

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4. Insert the key bit into the key-operated switch until you feel the second point of resistance→ Fig. 1. Around

three quarters of the key bit should be inserted in the key switch at this point →

5. Turn the vehicle key, without applying force, to theON position.

6. Remove the vehicle key from the key switch and fold the key bit away.

7. Close the door on the front passenger side.

.

8. Check that the PASSENGER AIRBAG

indicator lamp in the upper section of the centre console doesnot

light up when the ignition is switched on (→ Indicator lamp for standard airbag system).

Disabling the front passenger front airbag

1. Switch off the ignition.

2. Open the door on the front passenger side.

3. Fold the key bit of the vehicle key all the way out.

4. Insert the key bit into the key-operated switch until you feel the second point of resistance→ Fig. 1. Around

three quarters of the key bit should be inserted in the key switch at this point →

5. Turn the vehicle key, without applying force, to theOFF position.

6. Remove the vehicle key from the key switch and fold the key bit away.

7. Close the front passenger door.

.

When the ignition is switched on, the indicator lamp PASSENGER AIRBAG

section of the centre console (→ Indicator lamp for standard airbag system).

will light up continuously in the upper

Identifying characteristics for a disabled front passenger front airbag

The only indication that the front passenger front airbag has been deactivated is when the PASSENGER AIR BAG

indicator lamp

airbag system).

lights up continuously in the upper section of the centre console (→ Indicator lamp for standard

If the PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp

in the upper section of the centre console isnot lit up continuously,

or if it lights up simultaneously with the indicator lamp on the instrument cluster display, do not attach a child

restraint system to the front passenger seat for safety reasons. The front passenger front airbag may trigger during

an accident.

DANGER

Please observe important safety information about the front passenger front airbag (→ Child seats).

DANGER

The front passenger front airbag should only be switched off in exceptional circumstances.

● To prevent damage to the airbag system, switch the front passenger front airbag on and off only 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.

● Switch the front passenger front airbag off only if, in exceptional circumstances, a rear-facing child seat is

secured on the front passenger seat.

● Switch the front passenger front airbag back on again as soon as the rear-facing 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.

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Side airbags

Fig. 1 On left-hand side of vehicle: deployment zone of the

side airbag.

Fig. 2 On the side of the front seat: location of the side

airbag.

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. 2.

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. 1. For this reason,

you must 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 coat hooks in the vehicle should be used only for lightweight clothing. Never leave any heavy or sharp objects

in the pockets.

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● 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

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 modify any part of them.

● 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.

● Have any damage to the original seat covers or around the seams of the side airbag units repaired immediately by

a suitably qualified workshop.

Curtain airbags

Fig. 1 On the left-hand side of the vehicle: location and deployment zone of the curtain airbag for the rear vehicle

occupants on the left side of the vehicle.

Fig. 2 On left-hand side of vehicle: deployment zone of the

curtain airbag.

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” → Fig. 1.

The area in the red frame is covered by the curtain airbag when triggered(deployment zone). For this reason, you

must never leave or attach any items in this area →

.

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Safety for Your Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

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