Airbag system for Your Volkswagen Jetta 4 Door Seventh Generation (2019-2025)

Safety belts, safety belt pretensioners and automatic safety belt retractors cannot be repaired. These components  
must be replaced.  
Some parts of the vehicle, such as the airbag module and safety belt pretensioners, may contain perchlorate. Special  
handling may be required. For further information, visit https://dtsc.ca.gov/perchlorate.  
Airbag system  
Introduction  
Airbags are not a replacement for safety belts, which must always be worn.  
Airbags can only provide additional protection for vehicle occupants if the seats, safety belts, head restraints and steering  
wheel for the driver are adjusted correctly and used.  
Never rely solely on the airbag system. The airbags only provide a supporting safety function.  
The airbag system is part of the entire passive vehicle safety concept. The airbag system can only provide the best possible  
protection when it works in conjunction with safety belts that are fastened correctly and a correct seating position  
⇒ Seating position, ⇒ Safety belts.  
The airbags will not deploy in all situations where there is visible vehicle damage.  
Situations in which airbags will not always deploy:  
If the ignition is switched off during a collision.  
In minor head-on collisions.  
In non-serious side-on collisions.  
In rear-end collisions.  
If the speed of rotation measured by the control module is too low during a rollover.  
In low-speed collisions.  
Applies to front passenger's front airbag: If the passenger seat recognition system recognizes that the front passenger  
seat is unoccupied and the PASSENGER AIR BAG  
indicator light comes on.  
The airbag cannot always prevent injuries, such as swelling, bruises, burns, and abrasions.  
WARNING  
If there are objects located between vehicle occupants and the airbag deployment zone, they will change the airbag  
deployment zone and the risk of injury if the airbag deploys increases. During sudden braking or driving maneuvers or in  
the event of an accident, the objects could move into the airbag deployment zone and then be thrown through the vehicle  
interior if the airbag deploys.  
Never hold objects in your hands or on your lap while driving.  
Never transport objects on the front passenger's seat.  
WARNING  
Once the airbags have been deployed, they lose their protective function and must be replaced. If the airbags do not have  
their protective function, the risk of injury during sudden braking or driving maneuvers or accidents increases.  
Have any deployed safety airbags and affected system components replaced immediately with new parts that are  
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approved by Volkswagen for the vehicle.  
Only have suitably qualified professionals make repairs or modifications to a vehicle. Authorized Volkswagen  
dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities have the required tools, diagnostic devices, repair  
information, and qualified personnel. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or  
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Never install airbag components removed from scrap vehicles or from recycling.  
Never modify components of the airbag system.  
WARNING  
Fine dust and water vapor can develop when the airbags deploy. This is normal and does not indicate a fire in the vehicle.  
The fine dust can irritate the skin and mucous membranes in the eyes and can cause breathing problems, particularly for  
individuals who have asthma or other respiratory conditions.  
To reduce the risk of breathing problems, exit the vehicle or open the windows or doors for fresh air.  
If you come into contact with the dust, wash your hands and face with mild soap and water before eating anything.  
Flush your eyes and any open wounds with water if dust enters them.  
WARNING  
Cleaners that contain solvents can make the surface around the airbag installation locations porous. Plastic pieces that  
come loose could be thrown through the vehicle interior and cause serious injuries in the event of a collision with airbag  
deployment.  
Never treat the instrument panel and the surfaces around the airbag installation locations with cleaners that contain  
solvents.  
Advanced Airbag System  
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒  
Introduction.  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety precautions ⇒ Safety notes on using child restraints.  
An active passenger’s front airbag presents serious dangers for a child ⇒  
. For this reason, all children under the age of 1  
must be secured in the rear seats while the vehicle is in motion.  
The Advanced Airbag System, together with the side and Side Curtain Protection® airbags, is checked every time the ignition  
is switched on. The yellow airbag indicator light  
comes on briefly and turns off after several seconds.  
DANGER  
The front passenger seat of a vehicle is a potential danger to children (even for advanced airbags). In the event that the  
front passenger seat air bag is deployed, children who are completely unsecured in an unsecured child restraint or in a  
rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat will suffer serious or fatal injuries.  
Even if your vehicle is equipped with an Advanced Airbag System, make sure that children (particularly children  
younger than 12 years of age) are always transported in such a way that they are secured to the rear seats  
according to their age and size.  
Indicator light for front passenger's front airbag  
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Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒  
Introduction.  
Meaning of the indicator light for front passenger's front airbag  
Fig. 29 In the center console: indicator light for the switched off front passenger's front airbag.  
Fig. 30 In the center console: indicator light for the activated passenger's front airbag.  
The yellow PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator light  
deactivated the front passenger airbag.  
fig. 29 comes on as soon as the Advanced Airbag System has  
The yellow PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator light  
activated the front passenger airbag.  
fig. 30 comes on as soon as the Advanced Airbag System has  
The yellow  
PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator light blinks for around five seconds in the following situations:  
The capacitive passenger detection system detects that the front passenger seat is not occupied.  
The capacitive passenger detection system detects a child restraint according to FMVSS 208 or CMVSS 208 ⇒ Airbag  
system.  
The yellow  
PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator light blinks for around five seconds when the capacitive passenger  
detection system has detected an adult occupying the seat. The yellow PASSENGER AIR BAG  
illuminates for about 60 seconds, or, depending on the vehicle equipment, it will remain illuminated.  
indicator light then  
Ensure that the status of the airbag (on or off) is shown correctly by the indicator light according to the load on the seat.  
If the front passenger seat is not occupied, the front passenger's front airbag is also deactivated and the PASSENGER AIR  
BAG indicator light  
remains on.  
Indicator light for the front passenger's front airbag when using a child restraint  
The yellow PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator light  
must come on when the ignition is switched on and an infant carrier  
or child restraint is installed on the front passenger seat and the measured capacity is less than or equal to the capacity of an  
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average one-year old child in a child restraint system as per FMVSS 208 or CMVSS 208.  
Never install a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat. The safest place for a child restraint is on the rear seat.  
Under these conditions, the yellow PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator light  
must come on permanently whenever the  
ignition is on. If this is not the case, stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and follow these instructions:  
Switch the ignition off for at least 4 seconds and then on again.  
Remove the child restraint from the front passenger seat and install it again according to the manufacturer's instructions.  
When doing so, ensure that the child restraint is installed correctly.  
Ensure that the safety belt has been guided around the child restraint correctly and that it is secure.  
Ensure that there are no electronic devices on the front passenger seat.  
Ensure that the safety belt and belt buckle are working correctly and not blocked.  
Ensure that no seat heating or similar systems have been retrofitted.  
Ensure that there are no damp objects on the front passenger seat.  
If the yellow PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator light  
still does not come on, remove the child restraint immediately and  
install it on the rear seat. Visit an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility as soon as  
possible to have the airbag system checked. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or  
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Indicator light for the front passenger's front airbag with seat occupied by an adult  
The yellow PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator light  
must not come on if the front passenger seat is occupied by an  
adult. However, if this is the case, stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and ensure the following:  
Ensure that the passenger is sitting in the middle of the seat and that the backrest is upright.  
Ensure that the belt is correctly positioned and tight.  
Ensure that there are no other objects on the seat cushion, such as blankets or booster seats, that could affect the  
system's ability to detect a passenger.  
If the yellow PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator light  
is still permanently on, the passenger must move to the rear seat.  
Visit an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility as soon as possible to have the airbag  
system checked. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service  
Facility.  
Troubleshooting  
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒  
Introduction.  
Indicator light for front passenger's front airbag malfunction  
The yellow indicator light stays on.  
The yellow PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator light  
is malfunctioning and the status of the front passenger's front airba  
is no longer correct. However, a faulty yellow PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator light  
passenger's front airbag is malfunctioning.  
does not mean that the front  
1. Contact a suitably qualified professional to have the airbag system checked. Volkswagen recommends contacting an  
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Airbag System or Safety Belt Pretensioner Malfunction  
The yellow indicator light stays on. There may also be a message in the instrument cluster display.  
A malfunction has been detected in at least one of the airbags or safety belt pretensioners.  
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1. Visit an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the airbag system and safety  
belt pretensioners checked. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized  
Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Airbag System or Safety Belt Pretensioner deactivated with Diagnostic Device  
After the ignition is switched on, the yellow indicator light turns on for about four seconds and then blinks for about twelve  
seconds. There may also be a message in the instrument cluster display.  
At least one airbag or safety belt pretensioner has been switched off by a diagnostic device.  
1. Visit an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have a check carried out as to  
whether the airbag system or safety belt pretensioners need to remain switched off. Volkswagen recommends contacting  
an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Front passenger's front airbag enabled  
The yellow indicator light blinks for about 5 seconds when the capacitive passenger detection system has detected an adult  
occupying the seat or a child restraint. The yellow indicator light then illuminates for about 60 seconds, or, depending on the  
vehicle equipment, it will remain illuminated.  
The front passenger's front airbag is switched on.  
1. Ensure that the correct status of the airbag (on or off) is shown by the indicator light according to the load on the seat.  
2. If the front passenger's front airbag is incorrectly switched off, there may be a malfunction in the airbag system. Contact a  
suitably qualified professional. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized  
Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Front passenger's front airbag switched off  
The yellow indicator light blinks for about 5 seconds when the capacitive passenger detection system has detected no adult  
occupying the seat or a child restraint.  
The front passenger's front airbag is switched off.  
1. Check whether the front passenger's front airbag has to be switched off.  
2. If the front passenger's front airbag is incorrectly switched off, there may be a malfunction in the airbag system. Contact a  
suitably qualified professional. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized  
Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Front passenger's front airbag switched off  
The yellow indicator light stays on.  
The front passenger's front airbag is switched off.  
1. Check whether the front passenger's front airbag has to be switched off.  
2. If the front passenger's front airbag is incorrectly switched off, there may be a malfunction in the airbag system. Contact a  
suitably qualified professional. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized  
Volkswagen Service Facility.  
If the status of the  
indicator light is one of the following, the Advanced Airbag System must be checked by an  
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility:  
The indicator light does not come on for several seconds when the ignition is switched on.  
The indicator light stays on after the ignition is switched on.  
The indicator light comes on or flashes again after it is turned off.  
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The indicator light comes on while driving.  
Components of the Advanced Airbag System  
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒  
Introduction.  
The following components are essential parts of the Advanced Airbag System:  
Capacitive passenger detection system in the front passenger seat.  
Optimized safety belts with safety belt pretensioners and safety belt load limiters.  
Front airbags for the driver and front passenger.  
Airbag indicator light  
.
PASSENGER AIR BAG  
PASSENGER AIR BAG  
indicator light  
indicator light  
Control modules and sensors.  
How the components of the Advanced Airbag System work together:  
On the passenger's side, regardless of whether the safety belt is being used or not, the front passenger's front airbag is  
switched off if the electrical capacity measured by the capacitive front passenger detection system is smaller than the value  
saved in the control module. The front passenger's front airbag is also switched off if the measured capacity corresponds to  
the value for an infant of around one year old in a child restraint certified in accordance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety  
Standard 208.  
The indicator light for the front passenger's front airbag lights up continuously to tell you that the Advanced Airbag System on  
the front passenger side has been deactivated.  
WARNING  
Airbags and safety belt pretensioners that do not function properly can cause serious or fatal injuries in the event of an  
accident.  
If the airbag indicator light turns on, have the system inspected by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized  
Volkswagen Service Facility as soon as possible. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen  
dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Ensure that installation is only carried out by certified specialists and only with original Volkswagen replacement  
parts. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service  
Facility.  
Never use used or recycled airbags or parts in the Advanced Airbag System. Only use new parts.  
WARNING  
Damage to the front passenger seat may affect the function of the Advanced Airbag System and cause severe or fatal  
injuries.  
Have damaged components in the front passenger seat and the capacitive detection system replaced by  
authorized specialists as soon as possible.  
Never remove the front passenger seat or components of the front passenger seat, such as seat surfaces, wires,  
lines or seat covers.  
Never damage the seat covers or the seat surface of the front passenger seat.  
Never use protective covers or seat surfaces on the front passenger seat as these affect the capacitive detection  
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system.  
Never transport electronic or electrical objects on or under the front passenger seat as these affect the capacitive  
detection system.  
Never use blankets, cushions or similar items on the front passenger seat as these affect the capacitive detection  
system.  
Never install seat heating on the front passenger seat.  
Never replace the seat cover on the front passenger seat.  
WARNING  
If the front passenger seat becomes wet or damp, this can cause the Advanced Airbag System to malfunction.  
Allow the seat to dry as soon as possible and have it checked for damage by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or  
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or  
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Installation Locations and Deployment Zones  
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒  
Introduction.  
Fig. 31 Installation locations and deployment zones of the airbags.  
Installation location  
Driver's front airbag in the steering wheel.  
Front passenger's front airbag in the instrument panel  
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Side Curtain Protection® airbags above the front and rear side windows (both sides).  
Front side airbags in the driver seat and passenger seat backrests.  
The airbag installation locations are indicated by the word “AIRBAG”.  
The white areas shown in the figure are accounted for by the airbags (deployment zone) fig. 31. Therefore, never place or  
attach objects in these areas fig. 31.  
Side Curtain Protection airbags offer the “ejection mitigation” function, which protects the vehicle occupants and body parts  
from being completely or partially ejected from the vehicle in the event of a side impact collision or if the vehicle rolls over.  
WARNING  
An airbag deploys within a few milliseconds and at a very high speed. This could result in objects being thrown through the  
vehicle interior. This may cause serious injuries.  
Always keep the deployment zones of the airbags clear.  
Never attach objects to the covers or in the deployment zones of airbags.  
There should be no people, animals, or objects between the vehicle occupants and the airbag deployment zone.  
Make sure that children and other passengers also follow this instruction.  
Only hang lightweight clothing from the garment hooks in the vehicle. Never store heavy or sharp-edged objects in  
pockets.  
Do not attach any accessories to the doors.  
Do not attach any sunshades to the side windows that are not specifically approved for use in the vehicle.  
Only pivot sunshades toward the side windows if no objects such as pens or garage door openers are attached to  
the visor.  
WARNING  
An incorrect seating position may prevent the front airbag from functioning properly and cause serious injuries.  
Always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the sides of the outer edge, in the nine o'clock and three o'clock  
position.  
Adjust the driver seat so that there is a distance of at least 25 cm (10 inches) between your chest and the center of  
the steering wheel. If body characteristics mean that this is not possible, you must contact an authorized  
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized  
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Adjust the front passenger seat so that there is the greatest possible distance between the front passenger and the  
instrument panel.  
WARNING  
Incorrect handling and use of the seats can inhibit the airbags from functioning correctly and cause serious injuries.  
Never remove the front seats from the vehicle or modify parts of them.  
Do not apply excessive force to the backrest bolsters.  
Only use seat covers or protective covers that are specifically approved for use in your vehicle.  
Have any damage to the seat covers or the seam in the airbag areas repaired immediately by suitably qualified  
professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen  
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Related Topics

Introduction
Advanced Airbag System
Components of the Advanced Airbag System
Installation Locations and Deployment Zones

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