Get Occupant Restraints Guide for Volkswagen Routan SUV First Generation (2009-2014)

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OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS

Some of the most important safety features in your

vehicle are the restraint systems:

•

An energy-absorbing steering column and steering

wheel

•

Knee bolsters/blockers for front seat occupants

Front seat belts incorporate pretensioners to enhance

occupant protection by managing occupant energy

during an impact event — if equipped

•

Three-point lap and shoulder belts for all seating

positions

Advanced Front Airbags for driver and front passen-

ger

•

All seat belt systems (except the third row center

position) include Automatic Locking Retractors

(ALRs), which lock the seat belt webbing into position

by extending the belt all the way out and then adjust-

ing the belt to the desired length to restrain a child seat

or secure a large item in a seat — if equipped

Supplemental Rear Impact Active Head Restraints

(AHR) located on top of the front seats (integrated into

the head restraint) — if equipped

•

Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC)

that span the front, second, and third row seating for If you will be carrying children too small for adult-sized

the driver and passengers seated next to a window — seat belts, the seat belts or the Lower Anchors and Tether

if equipped

for CHildren (LATCH) feature also can be used to hold

infant and child restraint systems. For more information

on LATCH, see Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren

(LATCH).

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Airbags — if

equipped

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NOTE: The Advanced Front Airbags have a multistage Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even

inflator design. This allows the airbag to have different on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver

rates of inflation based on the severity and type of and cause a collision that includes you. This can happen

collision.

far away from home or on your own street.

Please pay close attention to the information in this Research has shown that seat belts save lives, and they

section. It tells you how to use your restraint system can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a collision. Some

properly, to keep you and your passengers as safe as of the worst injuries happen when people are thrown

possible.

from the vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility of

ejection and the risk of injury caused by striking the

inside of the vehicle. Everyone in a motor vehicle should

be belted at all times.

WARNING!

In a collision, you and your passengers can suffer

much greater injuries if you are not properly buckled

up. You can strike the interior of your vehicle or other

passengers, or you can be thrown out of the vehicle.

Always be sure you and others in your vehicle are

buckled up properly.

Lap/Shoulder Belts

All seating positions in your vehicle are equipped with

combination lap/shoulder belts.

The belt webbing in the retractor is designed to lock

during very sudden stops or collisions. This feature

allows the shoulder part of the belt to move freely with

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you under normal conditions. But in a collision, the belt

will lock and reduce the risk of you striking the inside of

the vehicle or being thrown out.

WARNING! (Continued)

•

Wearing a seat belt incorrectly is dangerous. Seat

belts are designed to go around the large bones of

your body. These are the strongest parts of your

body and can take the forces of a collision the best.

Wearing your belt in the wrong place could make

your injuries in a collision much worse. You might

suffer internal injuries, or you could even slide out

of part of the belt. Follow these instructions to

wear your seat belt safely and to keep your pas-

sengers safe, too.

WARNING!

•

It is dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or

outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in

these areas are more likely to be seriously injured

or killed.

•

Do not allow people to ride in any area of your

vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat

belts.

•

Two people should never be belted into a single

seat belt. People belted together can crash into one

another in a collision, hurting one another badly.

Never use a lap/shoulder belt or lap belt for more

than one person, no matter what their size.

Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and

using a seat belt properly.

(Continued)

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Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions

1. Enter the vehicle and close the door. Sit back and

adjust the seat.

2. The seat belt latch plate is near the seatback of the

front seats and next to your arm in the rear seats. Grasp

the latch plate and pull out the belt. Slide the latch plate

up the webbing as far as necessary to allow the belt to go

around your lap.

Pulling Out Belt and Latch Plate

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3. When the belt is long enough to fit, insert the latch

plate into the buckle until you hear a “click”.

WARNING!

•

A belt that is worn under your arm is dangerous.

Your body could strike the inside surfaces of the

vehicle in a collision, increasing head and neck

injury. A belt worn under the arm can cause

internal injuries. Ribs aren’t as strong as shoulder

bones. Wear the belt over your shoulder so that

your strongest bones will take the force in a

collision.

•

A shoulder belt placed behind you will not protect

you from injury during a collision. You are more

likely to hit your head in a collision if you do not

wear your shoulder belt. The lap and shoulder belt

are meant to be used together.

Inserting Latch Plate into Buckle

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WARNING!

•

A belt that is buckled into the wrong buckle will

not protect you properly. The lap portion could

ride too high on your body, possibly causing

internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the

buckle nearest you.

A belt that is too loose will not protect you as well.

In a sudden stop you could move too far forward,

increasing the possibility of injury. Wear your seat

belt snugly.

Removing Slack from Belt

4. Position the lap belt across your thighs, below your

abdomen. To remove slack in the lap belt portion, pull up

on the shoulder belt. To loosen the lap belt if it is too tight,

tilt the latch plate and pull on the lap belt. A snug belt

reduces the risk of sliding under the belt in a collision.

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6. To release the belt, push the red button on the buckle.

The belt will automatically retract to its stowed position.

If necessary, slide the latch plate down the webbing to

allow the belt to retract fully.

WARNING!

•

A lap belt worn too high can increase the risk of

internal injury in a collision. The belt forces won’t

be at the strong hip and pelvic bones, but across

your abdomen. Always wear the lap belt as low as

possible and keep it snug.

WARNING!

A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collision and

leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt system

periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts.

Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do

not disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt

assemblies must be replaced after a collision if they

have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,

etc.).

A twisted belt can’t do its job as well. In a

collision, it could even cut into you. Be sure the

belt is straight. If you can’t straighten a belt in

your vehicle, take it to your authorized dealer and

have it fixed.

5. Position the shoulder belt on your chest so that it is

comfortable and not resting on your neck. The retractor

will withdraw any slack in the belt.

Third Row Center Shoulder Belt Instructions

The shoulder belt for the third row center seat is located

in the headliner slightly behind the third row seat.

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Pull the strap down and secure the small latch plate of

the lap belt into the small buckle until you hear a “click”.

Position the shoulder belt on your chest so that it is

comfortable and not resting on your neck. When the belt

is long enough to fit, insert the large latch plate into the

buckle until you hear a “click.” The retractor should

withdraw any slack in the belt.

To release the small latch plate, position the end of the

large latch plate against the red button on the small latch

plate and push upward. Reinstall the latch plates into the

headliner.

Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage

Adjustable Anchorage

In the front seats and the second row outboard seats, the

shoulder belt anchorage can be adjusted upward or down-

ward to help position the belt away from your neck. The

upper anchorage can be adjusted upward by pushing

anywhere on the anchorage. To move the anchorage

downward, squeeze the actuation buttons while simulta-

neously pushing down on the anchorage assembly.

As a guide, if you are shorter than average you will

prefer a lower position, and if you are taller than average

you will prefer a higher position. When you release the

anchorage, try to move it up or down to make sure that

it is locked in position.

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Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) Mode — If

Equipped

3. Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will

hear a clicking sound. This indicates the safety belt is

In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre- now in the Automatic Locking Mode.

locked. The belt will still retract to remove any slack in

How to Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode

the shoulder belt. The Automatic Locking Mode is avail-

able on all passenger-seating positions with a combina-

tion lap/shoulder belt.

Disconnect the combination lap/shoulder belt from the

buckle and allow it to retract completely to disengage the

Automatic Locking Mode and activate the vehicle sensi-

tive (emergency) locking mode.

When To Use The Automatic Locking Mode

Use the Automatic Locking Mode anytime a child safety

seat is installed in the rear outboard seating position.

Children 12 years old and younger should always be

properly restrained in the rear seat.

Seat Belt Pretensioners — If Equipped

The seat belts for both front seating positions may be

equipped with pretensioning devices that are designed to

remove slack from the seat belt in the event of a collision.

These devices improve the performance of the seat belt

by assuring that the belt is tight about the occupant early

in a collision. Pretensioners work for all size occupants,

How To Use The Automatic Locking Mode

1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt.

2. Grasp the shoulder portion and pull downward until including those in child restraints.

the entire belt is extracted.

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NOTE: These devices are not a substitute for proper seat How the Active Head Restraints (AHR) Work

belt placement by the occupant. The seat belt still must be The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) determines

worn snugly and positioned properly.

whether the severity, or type of rear impact, will require

the Active Head Restraints (AHR) to deploy. If a rear

impact requires deployment, both the driver and front

passenger seat AHRs will be deployed.

The pretensioners are triggered by the Occupant Re-

straint Controller (ORC). Like the airbags, the pretension-

ers are single use items. After a collision deploys the

airbags and/or pretensioners, a deployed airbag and/or When AHRs deploy during a rear impact, the front half

pretensioner must be replaced immediately.

of the head restraint extends forward to minimize the gap

between the back of the occupant’s head and the AHR.

This system is designed to help prevent or reduce the

extent of injuries to the driver and front passenger in

certain types of rear impacts.

Supplemental Rear Impact Active Head Restraints

(AHR) — If Equipped

These head restraints are passive, deployable compo-

nents, and vehicles with this equipment can not be

readily identified by any markings, only through visual NOTE: The Active Head Restraints (AHR) may or may

inspection of the head restraint. The head restraint will be not deploy in the event of a front or side impact.

split in two halves, with the front half being soft foam However if during a front impact, a secondary rear

and trim, the back half being decorative plastic.

impact occurs, the AHR may deploy based on the sever-

ity and type of the impact.

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CAUTION!

All occupants, including the driver, should not oper-

ate a vehicle or sit in a vehicle’s seat until the head

restraints are placed in their proper positions in order

to minimize the risk of neck injury in the event of a

collision.

NOTE: For more information on properly adjusting and

positioning the head restraint, refer to “Adjusting Active

Head Restraints” in “Understanding The Features Of

Your Vehicle”.

Active Head Restraint (AHR) Components

Resetting Active Head Restraints (AHR)

3 — Head Restraint Back Half

(Decorative Plastic Rear

Cover)

1 — Head Restraint Front Half

(Soft Foam and Trim)

If the Active Head Restraints are triggered in a collision,

you must reset the head restraint on the driver’s and

front passenger seat. You can recognize when the Active

Head Restraint has been triggered by the fact that they

have moved forward (as shown in step three of the

resetting procedure).

4 — Head Restraint Guide

Tubes

2 — Seatback

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1. Grasp the deployed AHR from the rear seat.

3. Pull down then rearward towards the rear of the

vehicle then down to engage the locking mechanism.

Hand Positioning Points On AHR

1 — Downward Movement

2 — Rearward Movement

2. Position the hands on the top of the deployed AHR at

a comfortable position.

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AHR In Reset Position

3 — Final Downward Movement To Engage Locking Mecha-

nism

NOTE:

•

If you have difficulties or problems resetting the head

restraints, see an authorized dealer.

4. The AHR front soft foam and trim half should lock

into the back decorative plastic half.

•

For safety reasons, have the Active Head Restraints

checked by a qualified specialist at an authorized

dealer.

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Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System

If the driver’s seat belt has not been buckled within Programming

60 seconds of starting the vehicle and if the vehicle speed The Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder can be enabled or

is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h), the BeltAlert௡ will alert disabled by your authorized dealer or by following these

the driver to buckle the seat belt. The driver should also steps:

instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat belts.

NOTE: The following steps must occur within the first

Once the warning is triggered, the BeltAlert௡ will con-

60 seconds of the ignition switch being turned to the ON

tinue to chime and flash the Seat Belt Reminder Light for

or START position. The manufacturer does not recom-

96 seconds or until the driver’s seat belt is buckled. The

mend deactivating the Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder.

BeltAlert௡ will be reactivated if the driver’s seat belt is

unbuckled for more than 10 seconds and the vehicle 1. With all doors closed and the ignition switch in any

speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h).

position except ON or START, buckle the driver’s seat

belt.

Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder will be reactivated if

the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled for more than 10 sec- 2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (do not

onds and the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph start the engine), and wait for the Seat Belt Reminder

(8 km/h).

Light to turn off.

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3. Within 60 seconds of turning the ignition switch to the Seat Belts and Pregnant Women

ON/RUN position, unbuckle and then re-buckle the We recommend that pregnant women use the seat belts

driver’s seat belt at least three times within 60 seconds, throughout their pregnancies. Keeping the mother safe is

ending with the seat belt buckled.

the best way to keep the unborn child safe.

NOTE: Watch for the Seat Belt Reminder Light to turn Pregnant women should wear the lap part of the belt

on while unbuckling and off while re-buckling the seat across the thighs and as snug across the hips as possible.

belt.

Keep the belt low so that it does not come across the

abdomen. That way the strong bones of the hips will take

the force if there is a collision.

4. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. A single

chime will sound to signify that you have successfully

completed the programming.

Seat Belt Extender

If a seat belt is too short, even when fully extended and

when the adjustable upper shoulder belt anchorage (if

equipped) is in its lowest position, your authorized

The Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder can be reactivated

by repeating this procedure.

NOTE: Although the Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder dealer can provide you with a seat belt extender. This

has been deactivated, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will extender should be used only if the existing belt is not

continue to illuminate while the driver’s seat belt remains long enough. When it is not required, remove the ex-

unbuckled or retracted.

tender and stow it.

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WARNING!

Using a seat belt extender when not needed can

increase the risk of injury in a collision. Only use

when the lap belt is not long enough when it is worn

low and snug, and in the recommended seating

positions. Remove and store the extender when not

needed.

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbags

This vehicle has Advanced Front Airbags for both the

driver and front passenger as a supplement to the seat

belt restraint systems. The driver’s front airbag is

mounted in the center of the steering wheel. The passen-

ger’s front airbag is mounted in the instrument panel,

above the glove compartment. The words SRS AIRBAG

are embossed on the airbag covers.

Front Airbag Components

1 — Driver and Passenger Air- 2 — Knee Bolsters

bags

NOTE: These airbags are certified to the new Federal

regulations for Advanced Airbags.

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The Advanced Front Airbags have a multistage inflator NOTE:

design. This allows the airbag to have different rates of

inflation based on the severity and type of collision.

•

Airbag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim;

but they will open during airbag deployment.

The vehicle may be equipped with driver and/or front

passenger seat track position sensors that may adjust the

inflation rate of the Advanced Front Airbags based upon

seat position.

•

After any collision, the vehicle should be taken to an

authorized dealer immediately.

Airbag System Components

Your vehicle may be equipped with the following airbag

The vehicle may be equipped with a driver and front system components:

passenger seat belt buckle switch that detects whether

•

Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)

the driver or front passenger seat belt is fastened. The

seat belt buckle switch may adjust the inflation rate of the

Advanced Front Airbags.

Airbag Ignition Circuit

Voltage Source

This vehicle may also be equipped with Supplemental

Side Airbag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) to protect the

driver, front, and rear passengers sitting next to a win-

dow. If the vehicle is equipped with SABIC airbags, they

are located above the side windows and their covers are

also labeled: SRS AIRBAG.

Vehicle BUS

Interconnecting Wiring

Steering Wheel and Column

Instrument Panel

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•

Knee Impact Bolster

Advanced Front Airbag Features

The Advanced Front Airbag system has multistage driver

and front passenger airbags. This system provides output

appropriate to the severity and type of collision as

determined by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC),

which may receive information from the front impact

Driver Advanced Front Airbag

Passenger Advanced Front Airbag

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Airbags

Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) sensors.

Front and Side Impact Sensors

Front Seat Belt Pretensioners

The first stage inflator is triggered immediately during an

impact that requires airbag deployment. The timing of

the second stage determines whether the output force is

Supplemental Rear Impact Active Head Restraint for low, medium, or high. If a low output is sufficient to meet

Driver and Front Passenger

Seat Track Position Sensors

Seat Belt Buckle Switch

the need, the remaining gas in the inflator is expended.

•

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Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Airbags — If

Equipped

WARNING!

Supplemental seat-mounted side airbags provide en-

hanced protection to help protect an occupant during a

side impact. The supplemental seat-mounted side airbag

is marked with an airbag label sewn into the outboard

side of the front seats.

•

No objects should be placed over or near the

airbag on the instrument panel, because any such

objects could cause harm if the vehicle is in a crash

severe enough to cause the airbag to inflate.

Do not put anything on or around the airbag

covers or attempt to open them manually. You may

damage the airbags and you could be injured

because the airbags may no longer be functional.

The protective covers for the airbag cushions are

designed to open only when the airbags are inflat-

ing.

•

Do not drill, cut or tamper with the knee bolster in

any way.

Do not mount any accessories to the knee bolster

such as alarm lights, stereos, citizen band radios,

etc.

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Airbag Label

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When the bag deploys, it opens the seam between the

front and side of the seat’s trim cover. Each bag deploys

independently, that is a left side impact deploys the left

bag only and a right-side impact deploys only the right

bag.

•

Airbag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim;

but they will open during airbag deployment.

The system includes side impact sensors adjacent to both

front and rear seat occupants that are calibrated to deploy

the SABIC airbags during impacts that require airbag

occupant protection.

Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtain

(SABIC) — If Equipped

WARNING!

SABIC airbags may offer side-impact and vehicle rollover

protection to front and rear seat outboard occupants in

addition to that provided by the body structure. Each

airbag features inflated chambers placed adjacent to the

head of each outboard occupant that reduce the potential

for side-impact head injuries. The curtains deploy down-

ward, covering both windows on the impact side.

•

If your vehicle is equipped with left and right

Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtain

(SABIC), do not stack luggage or other cargo up

high enough to block the location of the SABIC.

The area where the SABIC is located should re-

main free from any obstructions.

Do not use accessory seat covers or place objects

between you and the side airbags; the performance

could be adversely affected and/or objects could

be pushed into you, causing serious injury.

NOTE:

•

Should a vehicle rollover occur, the pretensioners

and/or SABIC airbags on both sides of the vehicle

may deploy.

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Knee Impact Bolsters

WARNING!

The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees of the

driver and the front passenger, and position everyone for

the best interaction with the Advanced Front Airbags.

Infants in rear-facing child restraints should NEVER

ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger

front airbag. An airbag deployment can cause severe

injury or death to infants in that position.

Along with seat belts and pretensioners, Advanced Front

Airbags work with the knee bolsters to provide improved

protection for the driver and front passenger. Side airbags

also work with seat belts to improve occupant protection.

Children that are not big enough to wear the vehicle seat

belt properly (see Section on Child Restraints) should be

secured in the rear seat in child restraints or belt-

positioning booster seats. Older children who do not use

child restraints or belt-positioning booster seats should

ride properly buckled up in the rear seat. Never allow

children to slide the shoulder belt behind them or under

their arm.

Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize the

risk of harm from a deploying airbag:

Children 12 years old and younger should always ride

buckled up in a rear seat.

If a child from 1 to 12 years old (not in a rear facing child

seat) must ride in the front passenger seat, move the seat

as far back as possible and use the proper child restraint.

(Refer to “Child Restraints”)

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You should read the instructions provided with your

child restraint to make sure that you are using it properly.

WARNING!

•

Relying on the airbags alone could lead to more

severe injuries in a collision. The airbags work

with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In

some collisions, the airbags won’t deploy at all.

Always wear your seat belts even though you have

airbags.

All occupants should ALWAYS wear their lap and shoul-

der belts properly.

The driver and front passenger seats should be moved

back as far as practical to allow the Advanced Front

Airbags room to inflate.

Being too close to the steering wheel or instrument

panel during front airbag deployment could cause

serious injury, including death. Airbags need

room to inflate. Sit back, comfortably extending

your arms to reach the steering wheel or instru-

ment panel.

Do not lean against the door. If your vehicle has side

airbags, and deployment occurs, the side airbags will

inflate forcefully into the space between you and the

door.

If the airbag system in this vehicle needs to be modified

to accommodate a disabled person, contact the Customer

Center. Phone numbers are provided under ЉIf You Need

AssistanceЉ in this manual.

Side airbags also need room to inflate. Do not lean

against the door. Sit upright in the center of the

seat.

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Airbag Deployment Sensors and Controls

The Advanced Front Airbags will not deploy in all frontal

collisions, including some that may produce substantial

vehicle damage — for example, some pole collisions,

truck underrides, and angle offset collisions. On the other

hand, depending on the type and location of impact,

Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)

The ORC is part of a Federally regulated safety system

required for this vehicle.

The ORC determines if deployment of the front and/or Advanced Front Airbags may deploy in crashes with

side airbags in a frontal or side collision is required. little vehicle front-end damage but that produce a severe

Based on the impact sensors signals, a central electronic initial deceleration.

ORC deploys the Advanced Front Airbags, SABIC air-

The side airbags will not deploy in all side collisions. Side

bags — if equipped, Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side

airbag deployment will depend on the severity and type

Airbags — if equipped, and front seat belt pretensioners

of collision.

— if equipped, as required, depending on severity and

type of impact.

Because airbag sensors measure vehicle deceleration over

time, vehicle speed and damage by themselves are not

good indicators of whether or not an airbag should have

deployed.

Advanced Front Airbags are designed to provide addi-

tional protection by supplementing the seat belts in

certain frontal collisions depending on the severity and

type of collision. Advanced Front Airbags are not ex- Seat belts are necessary for your protection in all colli-

pected to reduce the risk of injury in rear, side, or rollover sions, and also are needed to help keep you in position,

collisions.

away from an inflating airbag.

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The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the instru-

the system whenever the ignition switch is in the START ment cluster Airbag Warning Light if a malfunction is

or ON position. If the key is in the LOCK position, in the noted that could affect the airbag system. The diagnostics

ACC position, or not in the ignition, the airbag system is also record the nature of the malfunction.

not on and the airbags will not inflate.

WARNING!

The ORC contains a backup power supply system that

may deploy the airbags even if the battery loses power or

it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.

Ignoring the Airbag Warning Light in your instru-

ment panel could mean you won’t have the airbags to

protect you in a collision. If the light does not come

on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes

on as you drive, have the airbag system checked right

away by an authorized dealer.

Also, the ORC turns on the Airbag Warning

Light in the instrument panel for approxi-

mately four to six seconds for a self-check

when the ignition is first turned on. After the

self-check, the Airbag Warning Light will turn off. If the

ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it

turns on the Airbag Warning Light, either momentarily

or continuously. A single chime will sound if the light

comes on again after initial startup.

Driver and Passenger Airbag Inflator Units

The Driver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Units are

located in the center of the steering wheel and the right

side of the instrument panel. When the ORC detects a

collision requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator units.

A large quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate

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the Advanced Front Airbags. Different airbag inflation The ORC determines if a side collision requires the side

rates are possible, based on the collision type and sever- airbags to inflate based on the severity and type of

ity. The steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper collision.

right side of the instrument panel separate and fold out

The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of

of the way as the bags inflate to their full size. The bags

the system whenever the ignition switch is in the START

fully inflate in about 50 to 70 milliseconds. This is about

or ON positions. These include all of the items previously

half of the time it takes to blink your eyes. The bags then

mentioned.

quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and

front passenger.

Based on the severity and type of collision, the side

airbag inflator on the crash side of the vehicle may be

triggered, releasing a quantity of non-toxic gas. The

inflating side airbag exits through the seat seam into the

space between the occupant and the door. The side

airbags fully inflate in about 10 milliseconds. The side

airbag moves at a very high speed and with such a high

force, that it could injure you if you are not seated

properly, or if items are positioned in the area where the

The driver front airbag gas is vented through the vent

holes in the sides of the airbag. The passenger front

airbag gas is vented through the vent holes in the sides of

the airbag. In this way, the airbags do not interfere with

your control of the vehicle.

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Airbag Inflator

Units — If Equipped

The Side Impact (SRS) Seat-Mounted Side Airbags are side airbag inflates. This especially applies to children.

designed to activate only in certain side collisions.

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Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtain

(SABIC) Inflator Units — If Equipped

Because airbag sensors estimate deceleration over time,

vehicle speed and damage are not good indicators of

During collisions where the impact is confined to a whether or not an airbag should have deployed.

particular area of the side of the vehicle, the ORC may

NOTE: In a rollover the pretensioners and/or SABIC

deploy the SABIC airbags, depending on severity and

airbags may deploy on both sides of the vehicle.

type of collision. In these events, the ORC will deploy the

SABIC only on the impact side of the vehicle.

Front and Side Impact Sensors

In front and side impacts, impact sensors can aid the

ORC in determining appropriate response to impact

events. Additional sensors in the ORC determine the

level of airbag deployment and provide verification.

A quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the side

curtain airbag. The inflating side curtain airbag pushes

the outside edge of the headliner out of the way and

covers the window. The airbag inflates in about 30 ms

(about one-quarter of the time that it takes to blink your Enhanced Accident Response System

eyes) with enough force to injure you if you are not belted In the event of an impact causing airbag deployment, if

and seated properly, or if items are positioned in the area the communication network remains intact, and the

where the side curtain airbag inflates. This especially power remains intact, depending on the nature of the

applies to children. The side curtain airbag is only about event the ORC will determine whether to have the

3-1/2 in (9 cm) thick when it is inflated.

Enhanced Accident Response System perform the follow-

ing functions:

27

•

Cut off fuel to the engine.

•

The nylon airbag material may sometimes cause abra-

sions and/or skin reddening to the driver and front

passenger as the airbags deploy and unfold. The

abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or those

you might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium

floor. They are not caused by contact with chemicals.

They are not permanent and normally heal quickly.

However, if you haven’t healed significantly within a

few days, or if you have any blistering, see your doctor

immediately.

Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power or

until the ignition key is turned off.

•

Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as

the battery has power or until the ignition key is

removed.

•

Unlock the doors automatically.

If a Deployment Occurs

The front airbags are designed to deflate immediately

after deployment.

•

As the airbags deflate, you may see some smoke-like

particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the

process that generates the non-toxic gas used for

airbag inflation. These airborne particles may irritate

the skin, eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye

irritation, rinse the area with cool water. For nose or

throat irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation

NOTE: Front and/or side airbags will not deploy in all

collisions. This does not mean something is wrong with

the airbag system.

If you do have a collision which deploys the airbags, any

or all of the following may occur:

28

continues, see your doctor. If these particles settle on Maintaining Your Airbag System

your clothing, follow the garment manufacturer’s in-

WARNING!

structions for cleaning.

Do not drive your vehicle after the airbags have de-

ployed. If you are involved in another collision, the

airbags will not be in place to protect you.

•

Modifications to any part of the airbag system

could cause it to fail when you need it. You could

be injured if the airbag system is not there to

protect you. Do not modify the components or

wiring, including adding any kind of badges or

stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or the

upper right side of the instrument panel. Do not

modify the front bumper, vehicle body structure,

or add aftermarket side steps or running boards.

It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the

airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who

works on your vehicle that it has an airbag system.

WARNING!

Deployed airbags and seat belt pretensioners cannot

protect you in another collision. Have the airbags,

seat belt pretensioners, and the front passenger seat

belt retractor assembly replaced by an authorized

dealer as soon as possible. Also, have the Occupant

Restraint Controller (ORC) system serviced as well.

•

(Continued)

29

Airbag Warning Light

WARNING! (Continued)

You will want to have the airbags ready to

inflate for your protection in a collision. While

the airbag system is designed to be mainte-

nance free, if any of the following occurs, have

an authorized dealer service the system immediately.

•

Do not attempt to modify any part of your ad-

vanced airbag system. The airbag may inflate

accidentally or may not function properly if modi-

fications are made. Take your vehicle to an autho-

rized dealer for any advanced airbag system ser-

vice. If your seat, including your trim cover and

cushion, needs to be serviced in any way (includ-

ing removal or loosening/tightening of seat attach-

ment bolts), take the vehicle to your authorized

dealer. Only manufacturer approved seat accesso-

ries may be used. If it is necessary to modify an

advanced airbag system for persons with disabili-

ties, contact your authorized dealer.

•

The Airbag Warning Light does not come on for

approximately four to six seconds when the ignition

switch is first turned ON.

•

The light remains on after the approximate four to

six-second interval.

The light comes on intermittently or remains on while

driving.

NOTE: If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine

related gauges are not working, the Occupant Restraint

Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. The airbags may

not be ready to inflate for your protection. Promptly

check the fuse block for blown fuses. Refer to the label

30

located on the inside of the fuse block cover for the 2. Under certain circumstances, EDR data may not be

proper airbag fuses. See your authorized dealer if the recorded (e.g., loss of battery power).

fuse is good.

In conjunction with other data gathered during a com-

Event Data Recorder (EDR)

plete accident investigation, the electronic data may be

In the event of a collision, your vehicle is designed to used by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.and others to

record up to five seconds of specific vehicle data param- learn more about the possible causes of crashes and

eters (see list below) in an event data recorder prior to the associated injuries in order to assess and improve vehicle

moment of airbag deployment, or near deployment (if performance. In addition to crash investigations initiated

applicable), and up to a quarter second of either high- by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., such investiga-

speed deceleration data or change in velocity during tions may be requested by customers, insurance carriers,

and/or after airbag deployment or near-deployment. government officials, and professional crash researchers,

EDR data is ONLY recorded if an airbag deploys, or such as those associated with universities, and with

nearly deploys, and is otherwise unavailable.

hospital and insurance organizations.

NOTE:

In the event that an investigation is undertaken by

1. A near-deployment event occurs when the airbag Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (regardless of initia-

sensor detects severe vehicle deceleration usually indica- tive), the company or its designated representative will

tive of a crash, but not severe enough to warrant airbag first obtain permission of the appropriate custodial entity

deployment.

for the vehicle (usually the vehicle owner or lessee)

31

before accessing the electronic data stored, unless or- 3. Requested by police under a legal warrant.

dered to image the data by a court with legal jurisdiction

(i.e., pursuant to a warrant). A copy of the data will be

4. Otherwise required by law.

provided to the custodial entity upon request. General Data parameters that are recorded:

data that does not identify particular vehicles or crashes

•

Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning light status for

electronically-controlled safety systems, including the

airbag system

may be released for incorporation in aggregate crash

databases, such as those maintained by the U.S. govern-

ment and various states. Data of a potentially sensitive

nature, such as would identify a particular driver, ve-

hicle, or crash, will be treated confidentially. Confidential

data will not be disclosed by Volkswagen Group of

America, Inc. to any third party except when:

•

Vehicle speed

Engine RPM

Brake switch status

Pedal position

1. Used for research purposes, such as to match data

with a particular crash record in an aggregate database,

provided confidentiality of personal data is thereafter

preserved.

And other parameters depending on vehicle

configuration

Child Restraints

Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up at all

times, including babies and children. Every state in the

2. Used in defense of litigation involving a Volkswagen

Group of America, Inc. product.

32

United States and all Canadian provinces require that Infants and Small Children

small children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the There are different sizes and types of restraints for

law, and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.

children from newborn size to the child almost large

enough for an adult safety belt. Always check the child

seat owner’s manual to ensure you have the right seat for

your child. Use the restraint that is correct for your child.

Children 12 years and younger should ride properly

buckled up in a rear seat. According to crash statistics,

children are safer when properly restrained in the rear

seats rather than in the front.

•

Safety experts recommend that children ride

rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least

one year old and weigh at least 20 lbs (9 kg). Two types

of child restraints can be used rearward-facing: infant

carriers and ЉconvertibleЉ child seats. Both types of

child restraints are held in the vehicle by the lap/

shoulder belt or the LATCH child restraint anchorage

system. Refer to “Lower Anchors and Tether for CHil-

dren (LATCH)”.

WARNING!

In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny baby,

can become a projectile inside the vehicle. The force

required to hold even an infant on your lap could

become so great that you could not hold the child, no

matter how strong you are. The child and others

could be badly injured. Any child riding in your

vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the child’s

size.

33

•

The infant carrier is only used rearward-facing in the Older Children and Child Restraints

vehicle. It is recommended for children who weigh up Children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) and who are

to about 20 lbs (9 kg). ЉConvertibleЉ child seats can be older than one year can ride forward-facing in the

used either rearward-facing or forward-facing in the vehicle. Forward-facing child seats and convertible child

vehicle. Convertible child seats often have a higher seats used in the forward-facing direction are for children

weight limit in the rearward-facing direction than who weigh 20 to 40 lbs (9 to 18 kg) and who are older

infant carriers do, so they can be used rearward-facing than one year. These child seats are also held in the

by children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) but are vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt or the LATCH child

less than one year old.

restraint anchorage system. Refer to “Lower Anchors and

Tether for CHildren (LATCH)”.

WARNING!

An aftermarket belt-positioning booster seat is for chil-

dren weighing more than 40 lbs (18 kg), but who are still

too small to properly fit the vehicle’s seat belts. If the

child can not sit with knees bent over the vehicles seat

cushion while the child’s back is against the seatback,

they should use a belt-positioning booster seat. The child

and booster seat are held in the vehicle by the lap/

shoulder belt.

Rearward-facing child seats must NEVER be used in

the front seat of a vehicle with a front passenger

airbag. An airbag deployment could cause severe

injury or death to infants in this position.

34

Children Too Large for Booster Seats

NOTE:

For additional information, refer to

Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt www.seatcheck.org or call 1–866–SEATCHECK. Cana-

comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend dian residents, should refer to Transport Canada’s web-

over the front of the seat when their back is against the site for additional information. http://ww w .tc.gc.ca/

seatback, should use the lap/shoulder belt in a rear seat. roadsafety/safedrivers/childsafety/index.htm

•

Make sure that the child is upright in the seat.

WARNING!

The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug

as possible.

•

Improper installation can lead to failure of an

infant or child restraint. It could come loose in a

collision. The child could be badly injured or

killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions ex-

actly when installing an infant or child restraint.

A rearward-facing child restraint should only be

used in a rear seat. A rearward-facing child re-

straint in the front seat may be struck by a deploy-

ing passenger airbag which may cause severe or

fatal injury to the infant.

•

Check belt fit periodically. A child’s squirming or

slouching can move the belt out of position.

If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the

child closer to the center of the vehicle. If this doesn’t

help, move the child to the center rear seating position

and use the lap belt. Never allow a child to put the

shoulder belt under an arm or behind their back.

35

Here are some tips on getting the most out of your child

restraint:

shoulder portion of the lap/shoulder belt will tighten

the belt. The cinching latch plate will keep the belt

tight; however, any seat belt system will loosen with

time, so check the belt occasionally and pull it tight if

necessary.

•

Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it

has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety

Standards. We also recommend that you make sure

that you can install the child restraint in the vehicle

where you will use it, before you buy it.

•

In the rear seat, you may have trouble tightening the

lap/shoulder belt on the child restraint because the

buckle or latch plate is too close to the belt path

opening on the restraint. Disconnect the latch plate

from the buckle and twist the short buckle end of the

belt several times to shorten it. Insert the latch plate

into the buckle with the release button facing out.

•

The restraint must be appropriate for your child’s

weight and height. Check the label on the restraint for

weight and height limits.

Carefully follow the instructions that come with the

restraint. If you install the restraint improperly, it may

not work when you need it.

•

If the belt still can’t be tightened, or if pulling and

pushing on the restraint loosens the belt, disconnect

the latch plate from the buckle, turn the buckle

around, and insert the latch plate into the buckle

again. If you still can’t make the child restraint secure,

try a different seating position.

The passenger seat belts are equipped with cinching

latch plates, which are designed to keep the lap

portion tight around the child restraint so that it is not

necessary to use a locking clip. Pulling up on the

36

•

Buckle the child into the seat according to the child

restraint manufacturer’s directions.

WARNING!

Improper installation of a child restraint to the

LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of an infant or

child restraint. The child could be badly injured or

killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly

when installing an infant or child restraint.

•

When your child restraint is not in use, secure it in the

vehicle with the seat belt or remove it from the vehicle.

Don’t leave it loose in the vehicle. In a sudden stop or

collision, it could strike the occupants or seatbacks and

cause serious personal injury.

Installing the Child Restraint System

Installing the LATCH-Compatible Child Restraint

System

In general, you will first loosen the adjusters on the lower

straps and tether straps so that you can more easily attach

the hook or connector to the lower anchorages and tether

anchorages. Then tighten all three straps as you push the

child restraint rearward and downward into the seat.

Each vehicle, except commercial cargo vehicles, is

equipped with the child restraint anchorage system

called LATCH, which stands for Lower Anchors and

Tether for CHildren. Two LATCH child restraint anchor-

age systems are installed on all second-row seats and in

the center position on all third row fold-in-floor seats.

Second-row seats also feature tether strap anchorages,

located in the rear surface of the seatback. In addition, all

Not all child restraint systems will be installed as we

have described here. Again, carefully follow the instruc-

tions that come with the child restraint system.

37

third row fold-in-floor seats are equipped with a child NOTE:

restraint tether anchor at the center seating position.

•

When using the LATCH attaching system to install a

child restraint, please ensure that all seat belts not

being used for occupant restraints are stowed and out

of reach of children. It is recommended that before

installing the child restraint, buckle the seat belt so the

seat belt is tucked behind the child restraint and out of

reach. If the buckled seat belt interferes with the child

restraint installation, instead of tucking the seat belt

behind the child restraint, route the seat belt through

the child restraint belt path and then buckle it. This

should stow the seat belt out of the reach of an

inquisitive child. Remind all children in the vehicle

that the seat belts are not toys and should not be

played with, and never leave your child unattended in

the vehicle.

We urge you to follow the manufacturer’s directions

carefully when installing your child restraint. Many, but

not all restraint systems will be equipped with separate

straps on each side, with each having a hook or connec-

tor, and a means for adjusting the tension in the strap.

Forward facing toddler restraints and some rearward

facing infant restraints will also be equipped with a tether

strap, a hook and means for adjusting the tension in the

strap. Not all child restraint systems will be installed as

described here. Again, carefully follow the installation

instructions that are provided with the child restraint

system.

38

•

If your child restraint seat is not LATCH-compatible, 2. Loosen the adjusters on the lower child restraint

install the restraint using the vehicle seat belts.

attachment straps (reference the child restraint seat in-

structions) to ease the installation.

WARNING!

NOTE: It is recommended to loosen the top tether strap

and route it loosely prior to securing the lower anchors so

the top tether strap is not trapped between the vehicle

seat and child restraint.

Improper installation of a child restraint to the

LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of an infant or

child restraint. The child could be badly injured or

killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly

when installing a infant or child restraint.

3. Attach the lower child restraint attachment straps to

the vehicle’s lower anchor bars. Ensure that the lower

attachment strap is firmly engaged and that the hook is

secure.

Installing the Lower Attachments:

1. The vehicle lower anchorages are round bars located

at the rear of the seat cushion where it meets the seatback.

39

4. Tighten the lower attachment strap while firmly push- Installing the Top Tether Strap (with either Lower

ing the child restraint rearward and downward into the Anchors or Vehicle Seat Belt):

vehicle seat. Remove all slack in the lower attachment

1. Route the top tether strap under the adjustable head

restraint between the steel posts.

straps. Reference the child restraint instructions for infor-

mation on properly removing slack.

2. Provide enough slack (reference child restraint in-

structions) for the tether strap to reach the tether anchor

located near the bottom of the seat back.

3. Clip tether hook to tether anchor. Ensure that the hook

is firmly engaged and secure.

4. Remove all slack and tighten tether strap according to

child restraint manufacturer’s instructions.

NOTE: The top tether strap is always to be secured,

regardless of if the child restraint is installed with the

lower anchors or the vehicle seat belt.

LATCH Anchorages

40

WARNING!

An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to

increased head motion and possible injury to the

child. Use only the anchor positions directly behind

the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether

strap.

Installing the Child Restraint Using the Vehicle

Seat Belts

Because the lower anchorages are to be introduced to

passenger carrying vehicles over a period of years, child

restraint systems having attachments for those anchor-

ages will continue to have features for installation in

vehicles using the lap or lap/shoulder belt. They will also

have tether straps, and you are urged to take advantage

of all of the available attachments provided with your

child restraint in any vehicle.

Rear Seat Tether Strap Mounting

41

Seat belts, except for the driver seat belt, are equipped Once you have completed securing the child restraint

with an Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) and/or a with the seat belt secure the top tether strap. Refer to

cinching latch plate. Both types of seat belts are designed ЉInstalling the Top Tether StrapЉ for instructions.

to keep the lap portion tight around the child restraint so

Transporting Pets

that it is not necessary to use a locking clip. In seating

Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.

positions that are equipped with an ALR retractor, it will

An unrestrained pet could be thrown about and possibly

make a ratcheting noise after all the webbing is extracted

injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in

and allowed to return back. For additional information,

a collision.

refer to “Automatic Locking Mode”.

Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses

or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.

To install a child restraint, pull enough of the seat belt

webbing from the retractor to route it through the belt

path of the child restraint and slide the latch plate into the

buckle. Next, pull all the seat belt webbing, until it is fully

extracted, from the retractor. Allow the belt to return to

the retractor, pulling on the excess webbing to tighten the

lap portion around the child restraint. (Any seat belt

system will loosen with time, so check the belt occasion-

ally and pull it tight if necessary).

Occupant Restraints for Your Volkswagen Routan SUV First Generation (2009-2014)

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