Front airbags
The front airbag system, in conjunction with the three-point seat belts, provides additional protection for the head and upper body of the driver and front seat passenger in the event of a serious frontal collision.
Warning: The maximum protective effect of seat belts and air bags is achieved only if the seats are correctly adjusted.
The front airbag system will not deploy if:
- side impacts,
- impacts to the rear of the car,
- capsizing,
- weak frontal impacts.
The airbag system is in no way a substitute for seat belts, but is an essential component of the overall concept of passive safety of the vehicle. Please remember that the greatest efficiency of the airbags is achieved only when used in conjunction with the seat belts.
The airbag system consists of the following main components and parts:
- electronic device for controlling the system and monitoring 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);
- control lamp on the instrument cluster.
The functional readiness of the airbag system is monitored by an electronic device.
Each time the ignition is turned on, the airbag system indicator lamp comes on for approximately 3 seconds (self-check).
The following indicates a violation of the functional readiness of the system:
- when the ignition is turned on, the control lamp does not light,
- approximately 3 seconds after turning on the ignition, the indicator lamp does not go out,
- after turning on the ignition, the control lamp goes out and then starts to glow again,
- while driving the indicator lamp lights up or flickers.
Warning: If a system malfunction is detected, it is essential to have the system checked by a Volkswagen service centre. Otherwise, there is a risk that the airbags will not operate properly if necessary.
System action
The airbag system is designed to deploy in severe frontal collisions.
The dimensions of the frontal collision direction sector at which the system is triggered are shown in the figure.
When the system is activated, the air bags are filled with working gas and, as they inflate, deploy in front of the driver and passenger.
By placing the driver and front passenger into fully inflated air bags, their forward momentum is dampened and the risk of head and upper body injuries is significantly reduced.
The air bag is designed so that in a frontal impact, the body load of the driver or passenger seated next to him causes a controlled release of gas from the bag to soften the impact of the head and upper body on the inflatable bag. After the collision, the air bag is so empty that it does not interfere with forward visibility.
The air bag fills at high speed in a matter of seconds, which provides reliable protection in the event of an accident.
When the airbags inflate, a small amount of fine dust will appear in the cabin. This is completely normal and should not be a cause for concern.
Disabling the front passenger airbag
In your vehicle, you can turn off the front passenger airbag, for example, when a rear-facing child seat is installed in the front passenger seat.
The functional readiness of the airbag system is monitored electronically even when the front passenger airbag is deactivated.
Each time the ignition is turned on, the air bag system indicator lamp comes on for approximately 3 seconds and then starts flashing for 12 seconds (self-check).
The following indicates a violation of the functional readiness of the system:
- when the ignition is turned on, the indicator lamp does not light up or does not flash,
- after turning on the ignition, the control lamp does not go out after the above-mentioned time,
- after turning on the ignition, the control lamp goes out and then starts to glow again,
- while driving, the indicator lamp lights up, flickers or blinks.
Side airbags
The side airbags are located in the front seat back cushions and you can identify them by the "AIRBAG" inscription on the upper part of the rear side of the seat backs.
The side airbag system, in conjunction with the three-point seat belts, provides additional protection for the upper body of the driver and front passenger in the event of a serious side collision.
The side airbag system will not deploy if:
- frontal impacts,
- weak side impacts,
- impacts to the rear of the car,
- capsizing.
The side airbag system consists of the following main components and parts:
- electronic device for controlling the system and monitoring the functional readiness of the system (control unit),
- airbags on the sides of the rear side of the front seat backs,
- control lamp on the instrument cluster.
In case of severe side impacts, the airbag on the side of the collision is deployed.
In special, combined types of collisions, both front and side airbags may deploy.
Warning: All work on side airbags, as well as installation and dismantling of devices of this system during other work (for example, when removing the front seats) must only be performed by a Volkswagen service centre. Otherwise, the side airbag system may not function properly.
Warning: No person, animal or other object should be placed between the front passenger and the airbag. Also, 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. No heavy items or items with sharp edges should be placed in small item pockets.
Warning: Never use any front seat covers that are not recommended by Volkswagen. Otherwise, when the side airbags deploy, their protective effect will be significantly reduced due to the use of non-recommended covers.
Warning: Each airbag system will only deploy once. If this occurs, the system must be replaced.
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