All safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or components of the sys- tem are scrapped. Volkswagen Dealerships are familiar with such requirements. Airbag system Introduction Service and disposal of belt tensioners The vehicle is equipped with one front airbag for the driver and one for the passenger. Front air- bags can provide the driver and front passenger with additional chest and head protection if the seat, seat belts, head rests and, in the case of the driver, steering wheel are adjusted and used cor- rectly. Airbags are meant to provide additional protection. Airbags are not a substitute for seat belts.
Seat belts must always be worn, even when the vehicle is equipped with front airbags. Please refer to at the start of the chapter on page 34. 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. Such damages 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. WARNING Never rely solely on the airbag system for your protection.
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. Volkswagen Dealer- ships are familiar with such requirements. ● Even if an airbag is triggered, it only offers additional protection. ● The airbag system only enhances protection if the seat belt is properly used, in order to mitigate injuries → page 34, Seat belts . WARNING ● Before every trip, each vehicle occupant must assume a correct sitting position, cor- rectly fasten the seat belt belonging to their seat and keep it fastened properly through- out the trip.
The risk of severe or fatal injuries may be in- creased if the seat belts, automatic belt retrac- tors and belt tensioners are not used correctly, or if they are repaired by a non-professional. In this case, the belt tensioners may not be trig- gered when they should, or they may be trig- gered unexpectedly. WARNING The risk of injury increases if there are any items located between the occupant and the deployment area of the airbag when it is trig- gered. This will impinge on the deployment zone of the airbag or the items will be flung against the body.
● Only Volkswagen → page 260, Accessories, modifications, repairs and part replacement may carry out repairs, adjustments or remov- al and refitting of parts in the belt tensioner system or seat belts. ● Belt tensioners and automatic belt retractors cannot be repaired. They must be replaced. ● Never hold any objects in your hand or on your lap while the vehicle is in motion. ● Belt tensioners can only be activated once. Once the belt tensioners are activated, they must be replaced. ● Never transport any objects on the front pas- senger seat.
Objects could enter the deploy- ment zone of the airbag during sudden brak- ing or driving manoeuvres and then be flung dangerously through the vehicle interior if the airbag is activated. Airbag modules and belt tensioners may contain toxic substances. This product can- not be disposed / discarded along with common trash. For your own safety and comfort, Volkswagen recommends replacing belt tension- ers and airbag modules only at Volkswagen Deal- erships. ● People, animals or objects must never be in- between the vehicle's front seat occupants, the rear side seat occupants and the airbag expansion areas. Ensure this is also followed by children and passengers. Owner's Manual 42