Front airbags
The front airbag system, in conjunction with the seat belts, further protects the heads and upper bodies of the driver and front seat 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:
- in side impacts
- blows to the rear of the car;
- overturning;
- weak frontal impacts.
Airbags are by no means a substitute seat belts and are one of the important elements of the passive safety of the car. It should be borne in mind that the greatest effectiveness of the airbags is achieved only when they are used in conjunction with seat belts.
The airbag system includes:
- electronic device for controlling the system and monitoring its functional readiness (Control block);
- two airbags (air cushions with gas generator) for the driver (in the steering wheel) and front passenger (in the instrument panel);
- indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.
The functional readiness of the system is controlled by an electronic device.
Each time the ignition is switched on, the airbag warning lamp comes on for a few 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 turning on the ignition, the control lamp goes out and then starts to burn again;
- while driving, the control lamp lights up or flickers.
Warning: In each of the above cases of malfunction of the system, it must be checked by a Volkswagen workshop. Otherwise, there is a risk that, if necessary, the airbags will not work properly.
The airbag system is deployed in severe frontal collisions.
Pic. 1–14. Dimensions of the sector of the direction of the frontal collision in which the airbag system is deployed
The dimensions of the sector of the direction of the frontal impact, at which the system is triggered, are shown in Fig. 1–14.
When the system is activated, the airbags 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 airbag is designed in such a way that in a frontal impact, under the influence of the load from the body of the driver or a passenger sitting next to him, a controlled release of gas from the airbag occurs to mitigate the impact of the head and upper body. After a collision, the airbag becomes empty and does not interfere with the view.
The filling of the pillow occurs at a high speed in a matter of fractions of a second, which provides reliable protection in case of an accident.
The appearance of a large amount of fine dust in the cabin when the airbags are inflated is considered normal and cannot be a cause for concern.
Side airbags
The side airbags are located in the front seat backrest cushions. You can recognize them by the AIRBAG lettering on the top of the back of the seatbacks.
The side airbag system, together with the seat belts, further protects the upper body of the driver and passenger in the front seat in the event of a serious side collision.
The side airbag system does not deploy:
- in frontal impacts;
- weak side impacts;
- blows to the rear of the car;
- overturning.
The side airbag system is by no means a substitute for seat belts and is an important element of the vehicle's passive safety.
The side airbag system includes:
- electronic device for controlling the system and monitoring its functional readiness (Control block);
- airbags on the sides of the rear side of the front seatbacks;
- indicator lamp in 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 may deploy.
Warnings: All work related to 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.
There must be no people, animals or other objects between the passenger sitting in the front seat and the seat of the airbag. In addition, various accessories, such as cup holders, cannot be attached to the doors.
Only small and light items can be hung on the coat hooks.
Do not store heavy or sharp-edged items in the small item pockets.
The sides of the seatbacks must not be subjected to strong forces, such as strong impacts or pressure, as this could damage the side airbag system.
Under no circumstances should seat covers that are not recommended by the manufacturer be fitted to the front seats. Otherwise, when the side airbags deploy, their protective effect will be limited.
Pillows subjected to critical load in an accident must be replaced.
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