Airbag System; Description Of The Airbag System - Skoda Octavia Owner's Manual

Airbag system

Description of the airbag system

Introductory information
The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed to offer additional
protection in the event of an accident.
The functional status of the airbag system is indicated by the indicator light
the instrument cluster » page 19.
The airbag system (according to vehicle equipment) consists of:
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an electronic control unit;
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Front airbags for the driver and front seat passenger
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a driver's knee airbag » page 148;
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side airbags » page 149;
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head airbags » page 150;
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an airbag warning light in the instrument cluster
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a key switch for the front seat passenger airbag
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a warning light in the middle of the dash panel to indicate the front seat pas-
senger airbag is switched off » page
WARNING
The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but instead forms part of the
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complete passive vehicle safety concept. Please note that an airbag can only
offer you optimal protection in combination with a seat belt which is fas-
tened.
To ensure passengers are protected with the greatest possible effect when
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the airbag is deployed, the front seats must be correctly adjusted to match
the body size » page 139, Correct seated position.
If you do not fasten the seat belts when driving, lean too far forward or
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adopt an incorrect seated position, you are exposing yourself to increased risk
of injury in the event of an accident.
If there is a fault, have the airbag system checked immediately by a ŠKODA
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specialist garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in
the event of an accident.
146
Safety
» page 147;
» page 19;
» page 151;
151.
WARNING (Continued)
No modifications of any kind must be made to parts of the airbag system.
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Any work on the airbag system including the installation and removal of sys-
tem components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering wheel)
must only be carried out by a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Never make any changes to the front bumper or bodywork.
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It is prohibited to manipulate individual parts of the airbag system as this
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might result in the airbag being deployed.
The protective function of the airbag system is sufficient for only one acci-
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dent. The airbag system must then be replaced if the airbag has been de-
ployed.
in
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The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.
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If you sell your vehicle, provide the complete vehicle documentation to the
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new owner. Please note that the information relating to the possibility of de-
activating the front passenger airbag must be included!
When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important to
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comply with the national legal requirements.
Airbag deployment
The airbag system is only functional when the ignition is switched on.
When the airbags are deployed they fill with gas and inflate.
A grey white or red, non-harmful gas is released when the airbag is inflated. This
is perfectly normal and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle.
In certain accident situations, the several airbags may be deployed simultaneous-
ly.
The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions, rear-
end collisions, tilting of the vehicle and vehicle rollover.
Deployment factors
It is not possible to generally determine which deployment conditions apply to
the airbag system in every situation. An important role is played by factors such
as the type of object that the vehicle hits (hard, soft), the impact angle, vehicle
speed, etc.
A decisive factor for the deployment of the airbags is the deceleration which oc-
curs. The control unit analyses the nature of the collision and activates the rele-
vant restraint system. If the vehicle deceleration which occurs and is measured
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