Get Sitting correctly and safely -> Seat belts Guide for Volkswagen Up 4 Door First Generation (2011-2019)

Switch off the seat heating when the seat is not occupied.

Function

Action ⇒ Fig. 41

Press the

button. The seat heating is switched on at the

Switching on

highest setting. All indicator lamps light up in the button.

Adjusting the heating

output

Press the

button again until the required heating level is set.

button until the indicator lamps in the button go out.

Switching off

If the second temperature level has been switched on for more than 15 minutes, it will automatically

switch to the first temperature level. Only one indicator lamp will be lit up.

WARNING

Anyone experiencing reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature due to medication, paralysis

or chronic illness (e.g. diabetes) could sustain burns on the back, buttocks and legs when

using the seat heating. These burns may take a long time to heal or may never heal fully.

Please consult a doctor to determine your own level of health.

•

Anyone experiencing reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature should never use the seat

heating.

WARNING

Wet upholstery can cause a fault in the seat heating and increase the risk of burns.

•

Ensure that the seat cushion is dry before the seat heating is used.

Do not sit on the seat when wearing damp or wet clothing.

Do not set any damp or wet objects or items of clothing on the seat.

Do not spill any liquids on the seat.

NOTICE

•

To avoid damaging the heating elements, do not kneel on the seat or apply sharp pressure

at a single point on the seat cushion and backrest.

•

Liquids, sharp objects and insulating materials (such as a protective cover or child seat) on

the seat could damage the seat heating.

If the system starts to emit a smell, switch the seat heating off immediately and have it

checked by a qualified workshop.

The seat heating should be switched off as soon as it is no longer needed. Fuel is otherwise

wasted.

Seat belts

Introduction

This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:

⇒ Warning lamp

⇒ Frontal collisions and the laws of physics

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

⇒ Seat belt protection

⇒ Using seat belts

⇒ Fastening and unfastening seat belts

⇒ Seat belt routing

⇒ Automatic belt retractor, belt tensioner, belt tension limiter

⇒ Service and disposal of belt tensioners

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

seat belt buckle become damaged, the seat belt in question should be replaced immediately by a

qualified workshop ⇒

. The qualified workshop must use correct spare parts that are compatible

with the vehicle, equipment level and model year. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen

dealership for this purpose.

Additional information and warnings:

•

Adjusting the seat position ⇒ Adjusting the seat position

Airbag system ⇒ Airbag system

Child seats (accessories) ⇒ Child seats (accessories)

Stowage ⇒ Stowage area

Cleaning and caring for the interior ⇒ Cleaning and caring for the interior

Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs

and renewal of parts

WARNING

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

belts will only offer the optimum level of protection when they are fastened and used properly.

•

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

the event of an accident. Seat belts must always be fastened properly when the vehicle is

in motion to protect the driver and all vehicle occupants.

Before every trip, each vehicle occupant must adopt the correct sitting position, correctly

fasten the seat belt belonging to their seat and keep it fastened properly throughout the

trip. This applies to all vehicle occupants and also in urban traffic.

While the vehicle is in motion, secure all children travelling in the vehicle in a restraint

system suitable for their weight and height. They must also wear correctly fastened seat

belts ⇒ Child seats (accessories).

•

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

Only ever insert the latch plate into the buckle of the associated seat, and always ensure

that it engages properly. Using a buckle that does not belong to the seat that you are

occupying reduces the level of protection and can lead to severe injuries.

•

Never let any foreign bodies or liquids enter the slot for the seat belt buckle. This could

prevent the belt buckle and seat belt from working properly.

•

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

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

Never travel when children or babies are being carried on somebody's lap and fastened

with the same belt.

•

Never travel wearing loose, bulky clothing (such as an overcoat over a jacket). This could

prevent the seat belts from fitting and functioning properly.

WARNING

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

•

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

If the belt webbing or any other part of the seat belt becomes damaged, the seat belt may

tear during an accident or sudden braking manoeuvre.

•

Damaged seat belts must be replaced immediately with new seat belts approved by

Volkswagen for your vehicle type. Seat belts subjected to stress and stretched during an

accident must be replaced by a qualified workshop. Renewal may be necessary even if

there is no apparent damage. The belt anchorage should also be checked.

•

Never try to repair, modify or remove the seat belts yourself. All repairs to the seat belts,

belt retractors and buckles must be carried out by a qualified workshop.

Warning lamp

Fig. 42 Warning lamp in the instrument cluster

Fig. 43 Seat belt status for the rear seats in the instrument cluster display

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

Lights Possible cause

Solution

up or

flashes

The driver seat belt and, if the front

passenger seat is occupied, the front

passenger seat belt are not fastened.

Fasten seat belts.

There are objects on the front

passenger seat.

Remove objects from the front passenger

seat and stow them safely.

Lights Possible cause

Solution

up or

flashes

Seat belt not fastened for a rear seat

passenger.

Fasten the seat belt.

Seat belt fastened for a rear seat

passenger.

Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is

switched on. They will switch off after a few seconds.

An acoustic signal will sound for a few seconds if the seat belts are not fastened as the car pulls off

and reaches a speed of more than approximately 25 km/h (15 mph), or if the seat belts are

unfastened while the vehicle is in motion. The warning lamp

will also flash.

When the ignition is switched on, the

passenger fasten their seat belts.

warning lamp will not go out until the driver and front

Belt status display for the rear seats

After the ignition has been switched on, the belt status display ⇒ Fig. 43 in the instrument cluster

display shows the driver whether the rear seat passengers have fastened their seat belts. The

symbol indicates that the passenger on this seat has fastened his or her seat belt.

The belt status display will be shown for approximately 30 seconds if a seat belt is fastened or

unfastened on the rear seats. The display can be hidden by pressing the

the instrument cluster.

button in

If a seat belt for one of the rear seats is unfastened while the vehicle is in motion, the belt status

display will flash for a maximum of 30 seconds. If the vehicle is travelling faster than approximately

25 km/h (15 mph) an acoustic signal will also sound.

WARNING

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

belts only offer the optimum level of protection when they are used properly.

Frontal collisions and the laws of physics

Fig. 44 Unbelted occupants in a vehicle heading for a brick wall

Fig. 45 Unbelted occupants in a vehicle striking a brick wall

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

The physical principles involved in a frontal collision are relatively simple. As soon as the vehicle is

in motion ⇒ Fig. 44, both the moving vehicle and its passengers gain kinetic energy.

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

energy that will have to be released in the event of an accident.

However, the most significant factor is the speed of the vehicle. If the speed doubles from

approximately 25 km/h (15 mph) to approximately 50 km/h (30 mph), for example, the kinetic

energy increases by a factor of four.

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

and passengers. The higher the speed and the heavier the weight, the greater the amount of

energy that will be released in the event of an accident.

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

collision they will continue to move forwards at the same speed at which the vehicle was travelling

before impact, until something stops them. Because the passengers in our example are not

restrained by seat belts, the entire amount of kinetic energy will only be released at the point of

impact against the wall ⇒ Fig. 45.

Even at speeds of approximately 30 km/h (18 mph) to approximately 50 km/h (30 mph), the forces

acting on bodies in a collision can easily exceed one tonne (1,000 kg). These forces are even

greater at higher speeds.

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

What happens to vehicle occupants who have not fastened their seat

belts

Fig. 46 An unbelted driver is thrown forwards

Fig. 47 The unbelted rear passenger is thrown forwards, hitting the belted driver

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

Many people believe that they can brace their weight with their hands in a minor collision. This is

not true.

Even at low speeds, the forces acting on the body in a collision are so great that occupants cannot

brace themselves with their arms and hands. In a frontal collision, unbelted vehicle occupants are

thrown forwards and will make unchecked contact with parts of the vehicle interior, e.g. the steering

wheel, dash panel, or windscreen ⇒ Fig. 46.

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

additional protection. Airbags are not triggered in all kinds of accidents. Even if the vehicle is

equipped with an airbag system, all vehicle occupants, including the driver, must fasten their seat

belt and wear it correctly while the vehicle is in motion. This reduces the risk of severe or fatal

injuries in the event of an accident – regardless of whether an airbag is fitted for the seat.

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

be worn properly. This also ensures that protection is provided in accidents in which the airbag is

not triggered. Any vehicle occupants not wearing a seat belt can be thrown out of the vehicle and

sustain more severe or even fatal injuries as a result.

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

be thrown forwards violently in an accident. Rear passengers who are not wearing seat belts

endanger not only themselves and the driver, but also other people in the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 47.

Seat belt protection

Fig. 48 Driver restrained by a properly positioned seat belt during a sudden braking manoeuvre

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

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

the vehicle occupants in the correct sitting positions and considerably reduce the kinetic energy in

the event of an accident. Seat belts also help to prevent uncontrolled movements that could lead to

severe injuries. In addition, wearing seat belts properly reduces the risk of being thrown from the

vehicle ⇒ Fig. 48.

Passengers wearing seat belts correctly benefit greatly from the ability of the belts to reduce the

kinetic energy. The front crumple zones and other passive safety features (such as the airbag

system) are also designed to reduce kinetic energy. The amount of energy generated will thus

decrease, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

The examples describe frontal collisions. Of course, properly worn seat belts substantially reduce

the risk of injury in all other types of accidents. This is why seat belts must be fastened before every

trip – even if you are only planning to drive a very short distance. Ensure that all passengers also

wear their seat belts properly.

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

reducing the risk of injury and improving the chances of survival in a serious accident. Furthermore,

properly worn seat belts improve the protection provided by airbags in the event of an accident.

This is why wearing a seat belt is a legal requirement in most countries.

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

example, the front airbags will only be triggered in certain types of frontal collision. The front airbags

will not be triggered during minor frontal collisions, minor side collisions, rear collisions, rolls or

accidents in which the airbag trigger threshold in the control unit is not exceeded.

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

belts properly before you drive off.

Using seat belts

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

Checklist

Using seat belts ⇒

:

Check the condition of all seat belts regularly.

Keep the seat belts clean.

Never let any foreign bodies or fluids get on to the seat belt, the latch plate or into the slot

for the seat belt buckle.

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

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

Always fasten the seat belt correctly before every journey and keep it fastened while the

vehicle is in motion.

Twisted seat belt

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

it was returned too quickly into the side trim:

•

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

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

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

part of the seat belt that comes into direct contact with the body. The twist should be corrected

immediately by a qualified workshop.

WARNING

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

•

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

Always keep the seat belt clean.

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

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

Fastening and unfastening seat belts

Fig. 49 Inserting the seat belt latch plate into the buckle

Fig. 50 Removing the latch plate from the buckle

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

During an accident or braking manoeuvre, correctly worn seat belts hold the vehicle occupants in

position in such a way as to provide maximum protection ⇒

.

Fastening the seat belts

Fasten seat belts before every trip.

•

Always adjust the front seat and head restraint correctly ⇒ Adjusting the seat position.

Engage the rear seat backrests in an upright position ⇒

.

Take hold of the latch plate and pull it evenly across your chest and pelvis. Do not twist the belt

in the process ⇒

.

•

Insert the latch plate securely into the buckle belonging to the occupied seat ⇒ Fig. 49.

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

Unfastening the seat belts

Unfasten seat belts only when the vehicle is stationary ⇒

.

•

Press the red button in the buckle ⇒ Fig. 50. The latch plate is released and springs out.

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

damaging the trim.

WARNING

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

•

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

the seat belts have been fastened properly according to the occupant's height.

•

Unfastening seat belts while the vehicle is in motion can lead to severe or fatal injuries in

the event of an accident or sudden braking manoeuvre.

Seat belt routing

Fig. 51 Correct seat belt routing and head restraint adjustment

Fig. 52 Correct seat belt routing during pregnancy

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

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

correctly. Correct seat belt routing reduces the risk of severe or fatal injuries. Correct seat belt

routing also holds the vehicle occupants in position so that an inflating airbag can offer the

maximum level of protection. Therefore you must always fasten your seat belt and ensure that the

seat belt routing is correct.

Assuming an incorrect sitting position can cause severe or fatal injuries ⇒ Adjusting the seat

position.

Correct seat belt routing

•

The shoulder part of the seat belt must always lie on the centre of the shoulder, never across

the neck, over or under the arm or behind the back.

•

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

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

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

over the pelvis. It must lie flat so that no pressure is exerted on the lower body – this applies in

every stage of pregnancy ⇒ Fig. 52.

Correct seat belt routing according to height

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

•

Height-adjustable front seats ⇒ Adjusting the seat position.

WARNING

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

braking or driving manoeuvre.

•

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

the seat belts have been fastened properly.

The seat belt itself or a loose seat belt can cause serious injuries if the seat belt shifts from

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

The shoulder part of the seat belt must lie on the centre of the shoulder and never under

the arm or across the neck.

•

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

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

seat belt must lie flat and snugly on the pelvis. Tighten the belt if necessary.

•

For pregnant women, the lap part of the seat belt must be as low as possible over the

pelvis and lie flat around the bulge of the belly.

•

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

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

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

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

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

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

provide the optimum level of protection. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership

for this purpose.

Automatic belt retractor, belt tensioner, belt tension limiter

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

The seat belts in the vehicle are part of the vehicle safety concept ⇒ Airbag system and include the

following important functions:

Automatic belt retractor

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

freedom of movement is made possible when the shoulder belt is pulled slowly or when the vehicle

is travelling at normal speeds. However, if the belt is pulled out quickly or during sudden braking,

during travel in mountains or bends and during acceleration, the automatic belt retractor is locked.

Belt tensioners

The seat belts for the front seat occupants are equipped with belt tensioners.

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

tighten the seat belts against the direction in which they are pulled. A loose seat belt is retracted,

which can reduce the forward movement or the movement of the vehicle occupants in the direction

of the impact. The belt tensioner works together with the airbag system. If the side airbags are not

activated, the belt tensioner will not be activated if the vehicle rolls over.

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

mean that there is a fire in the vehicle.

Belt tension limiter

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

accident.

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

scrapped. Qualified workshops are familiar with these requirements ⇒ Service and disposal of belt

tensioners.

Service and disposal of belt tensioners

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

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

refitting any vehicle parts in conjunction with any other repair work. This damage will not always be

noticeable. The consequence may be that the belt tensioners could function incorrectly, or not

function at all, in the event of an accident.

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

and that removed parts do not cause any injuries or environmental pollution. Qualified workshops

are familiar with these requirements.

WARNING

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

and belt tensioners are not used correctly, or if they are repaired by a non-professional. As a

result, the belt tensioners may not be triggered when they should, or they may be triggered

unexpectedly.

•

Any repairs, adjustments or removal and refitting of parts in the belt tensioners or seat

belts should always be carried out by a qualified workshop and never by yourself

⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts.

•

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

The airbag modules and belt tensioners may contain perchlorate. Please comply with

legislation regarding disposal.

Airbag system

Introduction

This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:

⇒ Types of front passenger front airbag system

⇒ Indicator lamps

⇒ Description and function of the airbags

⇒ Front airbags

⇒ Switching the front passenger front airbag on and off manually using the key-operated switch

⇒ Side airbags

The vehicle is equipped with a front airbag for the driver and front passenger. The front airbags can

provide front seat occupants with additional chest and head protection if the seat, seat belts, head

restraints and, in the case of the driver, steering wheel are adjusted and used correctly. Airbags are

meant only for additional protection. The airbags are not a substitute for seat belts. Seat belts must

always be worn, even when the front seats are equipped with front airbags.

Additional information and warnings:

•

Driving tips ⇒ Driving tips

Central locking system ⇒ Central locking system

Correct sitting position ⇒ Adjusting the seat position

Seat belts ⇒ Seat belts

Child seats (accessories) ⇒ Child seats (accessories)

Cleaning and caring for the interior ⇒ Cleaning and caring for the interior

Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs

and renewal of parts

•

Consumer information ⇒ Consumer information

Sitting correctly and safely -> Seat belts for Your Volkswagen Up 4 Door First Generation (2011-2019)

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