Get Occupant Restraints -> Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbags Guide for Volkswagen Routan SUV First Generation (2009-2014)

15

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.

16

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.

17

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

18

•

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.

•

19

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

20

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.

21

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”)

22

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.

23

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.

24

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

25

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.

26

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)

Occupant Restraints -> Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbags for Your Volkswagen Routan SUV First Generation (2009-2014)

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