Front airbags
The front airbag system, in conjunction with the three-point seat belts, provides additional head and upper body protection for the driver and front passenger in the event of a severe frontal collision.
Warning: The maximum protective effect of the seat belts and airbags is only achieved when the seats are properly adjusted.
The front airbag system does not deploy when:
- side kicks,
- hitting the rear of the car,
- overturning,
- weak frontal impacts.
The airbag system is by no means a substitute for seat belts, but is an essential part of the overall concept of passive vehicle safety. Please remember that airbags are most effective only when used in conjunction with seat belts.
The airbag system consists of the following main components and parts:
- electronic device for system control and monitoring of the functional readiness of the system (control unit);
- two airbags (air bags with gas generator) for: driver (in the steering wheel); front passenger (in the instrument panel);
- indicator lamp on the instrument cluster.
The functional readiness of the air bag system is controlled by an electronic device.
Each time the ignition is switched on, the airbag warning lamp comes on for approximately 3 seconds (self-test).
The following indicates a violation of the functional readiness of the system:
- when the ignition is turned on, the control lamp does not light up,
- approximately 3 seconds after the ignition is switched on, the control lamp does not go out,
- after the ignition is switched on, the control lamp goes out and then turns on again,
- while driving, the control lamp lights up or flickers.
Warning: When a malfunction of the system is noted, it is imperative to have the system checked by a Volkswagen service facility. Otherwise, there is a risk that, if necessary, the airbags will not work properly.
System action
The airbag system is designed to deploy in the event of a severe frontal collision.
The dimensions of the sector of the direction of the frontal collision, in which the system is triggered, are shown in the figure.
When the system is activated, the air bags are filled with working gas and, inflating, unfold in front of the driver and passenger.
By resting the driver and front passenger on fully inflated airbags, the forward momentum of their bodies is damped and the risk of injury to the head and upper body is greatly reduced.
The air bag is designed in such a way that in a frontal impact, under the influence of a load from the body of the driver or a passenger sitting next to him, a controlled release of gas from the pillow occurs to soften the impact of the head and upper body on the airbag. After a collision, the air bag becomes so empty that it does not interfere with forward vision.
The filling of the air bag occurs at a high speed in a matter of fractions of a second, which provides reliable protection in case of an accident.
When the airbags are inflated, a little fine dust appears in the cabin. This is quite normal and should not be cause for concern.
Deactivating the front passenger airbag
It is possible to deactivate the front passenger airbag on your vehicle, for example, when a child seat is installed in the front passenger seat with the child in the rear-facing position.
The functional readiness of the airbag system is monitored electronically and with the front passenger airbag deactivated.
Each time the ignition is switched on, the airbag warning lamp comes on for approximately 3 seconds and then flashes for 12 seconds (self-test).
The following indicates a violation of the functional readiness of the system:
- when the ignition is switched on, the control lamp does not light up or does not flash,
- after the ignition is switched on, the control lamp does not go out after the above time has elapsed,
- after the ignition is switched on, the control lamp goes out and then turns on again,
- while driving, the indicator lamp lights up, flickers or flashes.
Side airbags
The side airbags are located in the front seat back cushions and you can identify them by the inscription "AIRBAG" at the top of the rear of the seat backs.
The side airbag system, in conjunction with the three-point seat belts, provides additional upper body protection for the driver and front seat passenger in the event of a severe side collision.
The side airbag system does not deploy when:
- frontal strikes,
- weak side impacts
- hitting the rear of the car,
- overturning.
The side airbag system consists of the following main components and parts:
- electronic device for system control and monitoring of the functional readiness of the system (control unit),
- airbags on the sides of the rear side of the front seatbacks,
- indicator lamp on the instrument cluster.
In severe side impacts, the airbag deploys on the side of the collision.
In special, combined types of collisions, both front and side airbags can be triggered.
Warning: All work on the side airbags, as well as the installation and dismantling of devices of this system during other work (e.g. when removing the front seats) must only be carried out by a Volkswagen workshop. Failure to do so may result in a malfunction of the side airbag system.
Warning: No people, animals or other objects should be placed between the front seat passenger and the airbag seat. In addition, no accessories, such as cup holders, should be attached to the doors.
Warning: Only small and light items of clothing should be hung on coat hooks. Small items pockets should not contain heavy or sharp-edged items.
Warning: Under no circumstances should you fit any front seat covers that are not recommended by Volkswagen. Otherwise, when the side airbags deploy, their protective effect will be significantly limited due to the use of non-recommended covers.
Warning: Each airbag system will only deploy once. If this happens, the system must be replaced.
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