The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts.

Fig. 21 Side airbag in driver seat

The side airbags are located in the backrest cushions of the driver seat  fig. 21 and the front passenger seat as well as in the outer rear seats. The locations are identified by the text “AIRBAG” in the upper region of the backrests.

In conjunction with the seat belts, the side airbag system gives the front seat occupants additional protection for the upper body in the event of a severe side collision  “Safety notes on the operation of the side airbag system”.

In a side collision, the side airbags reduce the risk of injury to passengers on the front seats to the areas of the body facing the impact. In addition to their normal function of protecting the occupants in a collision, the seat belts also hold the passengers on the front seats and the outer rear seats in a position where the side airbags can provide maximum protection.

The airbag system is not a substitute for seat belts, but is an integral part of the vehicle's overall passive safety system. Please bear in mind that the airbag system can only work effectively when the occupants are wearing their seat belts. For this reason, it is most important to wear the seat belts at all times - not only because this is required by law in most countries, but also for your safety  “Introduction”.

The side airbag system will not be triggered
• if the ignition is switched off,
• during a minor side collision,
• during a minor frontal collision,
• during a minor rear-end collision,
• or if the vehicle rolls.

The main parts of the airbag system are
• an electronic control and monitoring system (control unit),
• the side airbags in the sides of the backrests of the front and rear seats,
• a warning lamp in the dash panel insert.

The functionality of the airbag system is monitored electronically. The airbag warning lamp will light up for approx. 4 seconds every time the ignition is switched on (self-diagnosis).

WARNING

• In a side-on collision, the side airbags will not work, if the sensors do not correctly measure the pressure increase on the interior of the doors, due to air escaping through the areas with holes or openings in the door panel.
• Never drive the vehicle if the interior panels have been removed.
• Never drive if the interior door panels have been removed or if the panels have not been correctly fitted.
• Never drive the vehicle if the loudspeakers in the door panels have been removed, unless the holes left by the loudspeakers have been correctly closed.
• Always check that the openings are closed or covered if loudspeakers or other equipment are fitted in the interior door panels.
• Any work carried out to the doors should be made in a qualified authorised workshop.
• The seat belts and airbags can only provide maximum protection if the occupants are seated correctly  “Proper sitting position for occupants”.
• If a fault should occur in the airbag system, have the system checked immediately by a qualified workshop. Otherwise there is a danger that during a side collision, the system may fail to trigger, or not trigger correctly.