Safety Systems. Transporting Children

GENERAL INFORMATION

Seat Belts

CAUTION

Always fasten your seat belts before every trip, including short trips within town! This also applies to passengers on the rear seats. Pregnant women should also always wear seat belts.

The protective effect of the seat belts depends to a large extent on how the belt webbing is positioned after fastening. Recommendations for correct belt fastening are provided below.

Why wear seat belts?

Seat belts are known to be an effective means of protection in road traffic accidents. In a frontal collision, unbelted passengers are thrown forward and strike various parts of the vehicle interior (as shown in the illustration), such as the steering wheel, instrument panel, and windshield.

The common belief that the body can be protected with the hands in a minor collision is incorrect. Even at low speed, collision forces arise that cannot be resisted with the hands.

Rear seat passengers must also fasten their seat belts, since in a collision they move uncontrollably inside the vehicle. An unbelted rear passenger is a danger not only to themselves but also to the front passengers.

CAUTION

Be sure to observe the following: The belt webbing must not be pinched, twisted or rubbed against sharp edges. Never use one belt to restrain two people at the same time (including children). The maximum protective effect of the seat belts is achieved only with the correct seat position – refer to the section Seats. The belt webbing must not press against hard or brittle objects (glasses, ballpoint pens, etc.), as this may cause injury. Bulky loose clothing (for example, a coat worn over a jacket) restricts the fit and impairs the function of the seat belts. The belt buckle must be inserted into the buckle of its own seat. Keep the belt webbing clean, since heavy soiling may impair the operation of the belt retractor. Do not allow paper or other debris to get into the buckle opening, as this prevents the buckle tongue from latching. Do not remove the seat belts or make any changes to their design, and do not repair them yourself. Damaged seat belts, as well as belts stretched as a result of an accident activation, must be replaced at an Audi Service Center. Also check the belt anchorage points.

Automatic Three-Point Seat Belts

Automatic seat belts allow complete freedom of movement when the webbing is extended smoothly. However, they lock during sudden braking.

The automatic mechanism also locks the belts when the vehicle accelerates, when driving on mountain roads, and when cornering. In addition, the front passenger's belts may be permanently locked, as well as the rear outboard seat belts used to secure child seats.

CAUTION

The front seat backrests may be reclined only if the diagonal belt rests against the chest. Otherwise the protective effect of the seat belts may be lost.

The split rear seatback* must be securely latched to ensure the protective function of the center rear seat belt. Refer to the Seats subsection.

Pyrotechnic Seat Belt Pretensioner

In dangerous frontal and side collisions, the three-point belt webbing is tensioned automatically. In even more severe collisions, the airbags also deploy.

Pyrotechnic belt pretensioners do not activate in rear collisions or rollovers.

CAUTION

All work on the system, as well as removal and installation of its components for other repair operations, must be performed only at an Audi service station. The system is single-use. After deployment, it must be replaced. When pyrotechnic belt tensioners are triggered, smoke is released. The smoke does not indicate that the vehicle is on fire.

Fastening the Three-Point Seat Belts

Grasp the buckle tongue, pull the webbing out smoothly, place it across the chest and lap, and insert the tongue into the buckle until it clicks (pull on the belt to make sure the latch is locked!).

The diagonal part of the webbing must pass across the middle of the shoulder (refer to the illustration) and must never touch the neck. It must lie snugly against the chest.

The lap portion of the belt must always lie snugly against the hips. If necessary, slide it down and tighten it.

Pregnant women must also always fasten their seat belts.

In this case, the lap portion of the belt must be positioned as low as possible to avoid pressure on the abdomen.

Seat Belt Height Adjustment

The front seats are equipped with a means of adjusting the position of the diagonal webbing.

To adjust, move the height adjuster slider up or down so that the diagonal webbing is approximately at mid-shoulder height, as shown in the previous illustration, but never touching the neck.

After adjustment, tug on the belt to make sure the latch is securely engaged.

Releasing the Three-Point Seat Belts

Release the belt by pressing the red button on the buckle. The tongue is ejected from the buckle by spring force.

To assist the retractor, pull the buckle back by hand. A plastic button built into the webbing is provided to hold the belt in a convenient position.

Lap Belt*

The center seat may also be equipped with a lap belt.

Using the lap belt is the same as using the three-point automatic seat belt.

To fasten, pull the belt out in one continuous motion and insert the tongue into the corresponding buckle until it latches (be sure to pull on the belt to make sure the latch is locked).

When the belt is properly fastened, the red button is located on the outside of the buckle.

The belt must always lie snugly across the hips.

CAUTION

Pull out the belt only if the webbing has been fully retracted by the retractor. To unbuckle the belt, press the red release button on the buckle and allow the webbing to retract into the retractor.

Airbags

In dangerous frontal collisions, airbags together with three-point seat belts provide additional protection for the head and chest of the driver and front passenger. Side and head airbags* reduce the risk of injury to occupants in the impact zone during severe side collisions.

The airbag is not a replacement for seat belts; it is part of the overall passive safety concept of the vehicle.

Always keep in mind that the maximum protective effect of the airbag system is achieved only in combination with properly fastened seat belts.

Therefore, always fasten your seat belt.

System Components

The main components are: · electronic control unit (control module) · both front airbags · side airbags · left and right head airbags*

Warning Lamp

System readiness is monitored electronically and indicated by the “AIRBAG” warning lamp. After each ignition switch-on, the “AIRBAG” warning lamp illuminates for several seconds and should go out once the self-diagnosis is complete. If the lamp does not go out or illuminates while driving, a system fault is present. Refer to the Instruments and Controls subsection, Warning and Diagnostic Systems.

CAUTION

If there is a malfunction, the system must be inspected immediately at an Audi service station. Otherwise, in the event of an accident, there is a risk that the airbags or belt tensioners will not deploy as intended.

Airbag Modules

The locations of the airbag modules (airbag with inflator) are described below.

The driver's front airbag is located in the steering wheel hub cover. Location is marked “AIRBAG”.

CAUTION

The maximum protective effect of the belts and the airbag system is achieved only when you are correctly positioned on the seat.

The front passenger's front airbag is located in the instrument panel above the glove compartment. Location is marked “AIRBAG”.

The side airbags are located in the side bolsters of the front seatbacks (refer to the illustration). Location is marked “AIRBAG”.

The head airbags* are located on the left and right roof sides above the doors. Locations are marked “AIRBAG”.

When deployed, the head airbags cover the window areas of the front and rear doors on both sides.

Under what conditions do the airbags deploy?

The driver and front passenger airbags are triggered in severe frontal collisions. In severe side collisions, the side airbags are triggered together with the head airbag on the corresponding side of the vehicle*.

In special accident situations, both the front and side airbags may be triggered together with the corresponding head airbag*. The airbags are not triggered in minor frontal and side collisions, rear-end collisions, or if the vehicle rolls over. In such situations, passengers are protected by properly worn seat belts.

There are no fixed criteria for airbag deployment in every situation, because accidents vary widely. Important factors include the nature of the object the vehicle strikes (hard or soft), the angle of impact, vehicle speed, and so on.

The decisive condition for triggering the airbag system in a collision is the deceleration of the vehicle as measured by the control unit. The airbags are not triggered in a collision where the vehicle deceleration is below the values programmed into the control unit, even though considerable vehicle deformation may occur as a result of the accident.

Front airbags

When the system is triggered, the airbags are inflated with gas and deploy, as shown in the illustration. Contact with the fully inflated airbag cushions the forward movement of the occupants and reduces the risk of injury to the head and upper body.

The airbag is specially designed to vent the inflation gas in a controlled manner under the pressure of the driver or passenger, in order to cushion the impact on the head and torso. As a result, the airbag deflates after deployment, which again clears the forward view.

The airbags inflate within a fraction of a second and at high speed to provide additional protection in an accident.

The airbag generates a very high force, which can cause injuries to occupants who are not seated upright, or if objects are located within the airbag's deployment area.

When an airbag inflates, fine dust is produced. This is normal and does not indicate a fire in the vehicle. Be sure to take the following into account:

CAUTION

the following warnings:

CAUTION

Sit upright in a normal position and keep a distance from the steering wheel / instrument panel in order to achieve the maximum protective effect when the airbags deploy. In addition, seats must always be adjusted correctly for your height (refer to the Seats subsection). If you do not fasten your seat belt, lean forward while the vehicle is moving, or sit in an incorrect position on the seat, you are at increased risk of injury in the event of an accident when the airbag system deploys. Never transport children in the front seats without an appropriate child restraint system. Airbag deployment in an accident can cause serious injury or death. For more detailed information, refer to the section "Child Safety Rules." No other persons (for example, children), animals, or objects may be located between the front occupants and the airbag deployment zone. The steering wheel trim cover and the surface of the airbag module in the front passenger instrument panel must not be covered, wrapped in fabric, or treated in any other way. Clean them only with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Do not attach any objects to the airbag module covers, such as cup holders or phone holders. The protective function of the airbag system is good for only one accident. After one deployment, the entire system must be replaced. Do not make any modifications to the airbag system.

All work on the airbag system, as well as removal and installation of its components during other repair operations (for example, removing the steering wheel), must be performed only at an Audi service center.

Side Airbags

When the system is triggered, the airbags are inflated with gas. The airbag inflates within a fraction of a second and at high speed to provide additional protection in an accident. The fully inflated airbag, through the controlled venting of gas under load, cushions the lateral movement of the occupants. As a result, the risk of injury to the upper body from the doors is reduced. Be sure to take the following into account:

CAUTION

the following warnings:

CAUTION

If you do not fasten your seat belt, lean forward while the vehicle is moving, or sit in an incorrect position on the seat, you are at increased risk of injury in the event of an accident when the side airbag system deploys. To achieve the maximum protective effect of the side airbags, always sit in the correct position on the seat with your seat belt fastened. Your head must never be in the deployment area of the side airbags. Otherwise, you may suffer serious injury in an accident. This applies especially to children. No other persons (for example, children), animals, or objects may be located between the front occupants and the airbag deployment zone. In addition, do not attach foreign objects to the doors, such as cup holders for drinks, so that the side airbags can deploy properly. Only lightweight clothing may be hung on clothes hooks. Heavy or sharp-edged objects must not be placed in pockets. Under no circumstances use seat covers not approved by Audi. The airbag deploys from the seatback. Therefore, non-approved seat covers or upholstery significantly impair the protective function of the side airbag. Damage to the original seat upholstery or seams at the location of the side airbag module must be repaired immediately at an Audi service station. Leaning a child forward or an incorrect seating position during driving exposes children to increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. This applies primarily to children seated in the front passenger seat when the airbag system deploys in an accident. This may result in life-threatening injuries or even fatal injuries. The protective function of the airbag system is good for only one accident. After one deployment, the system must be replaced. Do not make any modifications to the airbag system components. All work on the side airbag system, as well as removal and installation of its components due to other repair operations (for example, removal of the front seat), must be performed only at an Audi service station. Otherwise, functional failures of the safety system are possible.

Head airbags (SIDEGUARD)*

Deployment of the head airbag reduces the risk of head injuries from striking the glass, as well as the door pillars, for occupants seated next to the doors. In addition, the head airbag protects against objects entering from outside, such as broken glass.

When the side airbags are triggered, the corresponding head airbag deploys automatically.

In this case, the head airbag covers the side windows and door pillars, as shown in the illustration, and therefore provides effective protection for both front and rear passengers.

To ensure this additional protective function, no objects may be placed within the airbag's deployment area.

Be sure to take the following into account:

CAUTION

the following warnings:

CAUTION

Only lightweight clothing may be hung on clothes hooks. Heavy or sharp-edged objects must not be placed in pockets. In addition, do not use clothes hangers. No other persons (for example, children), animals, or objects may be located between the front occupants and the airbag deployment zone. In addition, passengers must not stick their heads or arms out of the windows. Furthermore, to ensure unobstructed deployment of the head airbags, no objects may be located in their deployment area. Do not swing the sun visors toward the side windows if items such as a ballpoint pen or a garage door opener are attached to them. When the head airbag deploys, these items may cause injury. Only original Audi sunshades may be installed on the rear doors. Do not make any modifications to the airbag system components. The protective function of the airbags is good for only one accident. After one deployment, the system must be replaced. All work on the head airbag system, as well as removal and installation of its components due to other repair operations (for example, removal of the interior roof lining), must be performed only at an Audi service station. Otherwise, functional failures of the safety system are possible.

It is also important to remember:

No later than 14 years after the date of manufacture, the airbag system must be replaced with a new one at an Audi service center. The date of manufacture (month/year) can be found on the data plate in the service booklet.

To maintain the system's operability, this time limit must be strictly observed.

If airbag components (modules) are replaced before the specified time limit (for example, as a result of an accident), the new replacement date is determined and confirmed in the service booklet by the corresponding entries made by your Audi service center.

When selling the vehicle, hand over the complete vehicle documentation to the buyer. Remember that this also includes the documentation for the deactivated front passenger airbag!

When scrapping the vehicle or disposing of individual components of the airbag and pyrotechnic seat belt tensioner systems, the relevant safety regulations known to Audi service specialists must be strictly observed.

Deactivating the Airbags

Deactivation of the airbags is provided only in certain cases, for example: · if, in exceptional cases, a child seat with the child facing rearward must be installed on the front passenger seat, and the minimum distance (25 cm) between the center of the steering wheel and the breastbone cannot be maintained even with the driver's seat correctly adjusted, · if special equipment must be installed in the steering wheel area for physical disabilities, · if other seats are installed (for example, orthopedic seats without side airbags).

Your Audi service center can tell you the options for deactivating the airbags in your vehicle. The procedure for deactivating the front passenger airbag on standard-equipment vehicles is described below.

At an Audi service center, a deactivated airbag is marked with a label in the instrument panel area (when the front passenger airbag is deactivated).

When the front passenger airbag is deactivated using the key-operated switch* (see the following information), the “PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF” indicator lamp remains on continuously.

Reactivate the deactivated airbags as soon as possible so that they can perform their protective function.

Deactivating the front passenger airbag when installing a child seat

Deactivate the front passenger airbag only in the exceptional case when a child seat with the child facing rearward must be installed on the front passenger seat.

However, we recommend installing the child seat only on the rear seat so that the front passenger airbag remains active.

Reactivate the front passenger airbag at an Audi service center or with the airbag on/off switch*, as soon as the child seat is no longer needed.

When installing child seats, be sure to observe the recommendations in the section "Safe Transport of Children".

CAUTION

If it is necessary to transport a child in the front seat in exceptional cases using a child seat in which the child faces rearward, first deactivate the front passenger airbag at an Audi service station or with the key-operated switch located in the glove compartment. Otherwise, there is a risk of serious injury or death. For advice, contact an Audi service station.

Front passenger airbag on/off switch*

Deactivate the front passenger airbag using the on/off switch shown in the illustration and located in the glove box, only in the exceptional case when a child seat with the child facing rearward must be installed on the front passenger seat.

To deactivate the front passenger airbag, turn the vehicle key to position (0).

The airbag is activated by turning the key to position (I).

When the front passenger airbag is deactivated, the warning lamp shown above remains illuminated.

Also monitor the "AIRBAG" warning lamp on the instrument panel. Refer to the subsection Instruments and Warning Lamps. Warning and Diagnostic Systems.

CAUTION

With the front passenger airbag deactivated, all other airbags remain in operating mode. Immediately reactivate the front passenger airbag once it is no longer necessary to use a child seat, so that the airbag can perform its protective function. The driver is responsible for the correct position of the key-operated switch. The front passenger airbag can be deactivated at an Audi service station if your vehicle is not equipped at the factory with a system for deactivating this airbag. Refer to the information provided above.

Safe Transport of Children

Accident statistics show that the rear seat is safer for children than the front passenger seat. Children up to 12 years old should generally be transported on the rear seat. Depending on the child's age, height and body weight, use special child restraints or the belts already installed in the vehicle. For safety reasons, install the child restraint system on the center or the rear outboard seat farthest from the driver.

CAUTION

Everyone must wear a seat belt while the vehicle is in motion. This applies especially to children. Never allow a child to stand in the vehicle or kneel on the seat while driving. In the event of an accident, a child may sustain dangerous injuries. Leaning a child forward or incorrect positioning on the seat while driving exposes children to an increased risk of injury in an accident. This applies primarily to children seated in the front passenger seat when the airbag system deploys in an accident. This may result in life-threatening injuries or even fatal injuries. To avoid injuries to the abdomen and neck of children under 150 cm tall, do not secure them with the standard seat belt without using a special child restraint system. Never hold children, including infants, on an adult's lap.

Only child restraint systems that are officially approved and suitable for the specific child may be used.

Child restraint systems are governed by standard ECE-R 44, adopted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, which divides such systems into 5 groups:

Group 0: up to 10 kg (approx. up to 9 months) Group 0+: up to 13 kg (approx. up to 18 months) Group 1: 9–18 kg (approx. 8 months to 4 years) Group 2: 15–25 kg (approx. 3 to 7 years) Group 3: 22–36 kg (approx. 6 to 12 years)

Child restraint systems tested in accordance with standard ECE-R 44 are marked with confirmation (a large "E" in a circle, with the approval number below). The label with the marking is firmly attached to the seat.

Group 0 / 0+

For infants up to approx. 9 months / 10 kg, and up to 18 months / 13 kg, child seats that can be converted for lying-down transport are best suited (refer to the illustration).

CAUTION

If it is necessary to transport a child in the front passenger seat in exceptional cases using a child seat in which the child faces rearward, first deactivate the front passenger airbag at an Audi service station or with the key-operated switch located in the glove compartment. Otherwise, there is a risk of serious injury or death. For advice, contact an Audi service station.

Reactivate the front passenger airbag at an Audi service center or with the on/off switch* immediately once the child seat is no longer needed.

Group 1

For infants and young children up to approx. 4 years / 18 kg, seats with a fixing table (refer to the illustration) or seats in which the child faces rearward are most suitable.

CAUTION

If it is necessary to transport a child in the front passenger seat in exceptional cases using a child seat in which the child faces rearward, first deactivate the front passenger airbag at an Audi service station or with the key-operated switch located in the glove compartment. Otherwise, there is a risk of serious injury or death. For advice, contact an Audi service station. Immediately reactivate the front passenger airbag at an Audi service station or with the key-operated switch* once it is no longer necessary to use a child seat.

Group 2

For children approx. 7 years / 25 kg, a combination of child seats with diagonal-lap belts is most suitable.

CAUTION

The diagonal belt must pass approximately across the middle of the shoulder and must never cross the neck, while fitting snugly against the chest. The lap belt must cover the child's hips, not the abdomen.

Group 3

For children approx. 7 years and older, up to 150 cm tall, booster cushions combined with diagonal-lap belts are most convenient.

CAUTION

The diagonal belt must pass approximately across the middle of the shoulder and must never cross the neck, while fitting snugly against the chest. The lap belt must cover the hips, not the abdomen. Children taller than 150 cm may use seat belts without booster cushions. Use child seat belt systems included in the range of Audi genuine accessories. Systems for all age groups are offered under the name "Huckerpack". These systems comply with ECE-R 44 and were also developed and tested for use in Audi vehicles. Exercise particular caution when using child seat belt systems that are attached by threaded fasteners combined with the belts already in the vehicle. Make sure the bolts are tightened fully to 50 N·m. Check that the belts are routed correctly. In addition, make sure the belt webbing cannot be damaged by sharp edges of the buckles. Only one child can be secured with one set of child seat belts at a time.

When installing and using child restraints, observe the legal requirements as well as the instructions of the manufacturer of the specific system.

Child Seat Locking

A three-point belt can be locked for long-term use to secure a child seat.

Locking the Belt

Secure the child seat with the three-point belt according to the manufacturer's instructions.

After buckling, fully pull out the diagonal portion of the belt.

Release the belt webbing and make sure it lies tightly against the child seat. The webbing must not retract. Pull the belt sharply by hand. It must not move!

Releasing the Lock

Press the red button in the belt buckle. The belt webbing retracts and the belt is unlocked.

Installing Child Seats on the Front Passenger Seat

For safety reasons, we recommend installing child restraint systems on the rear seats. When installing a child seat on the front passenger seat, note the following due to the presence of the airbag:

CAUTION

When the front passenger airbag is activated, a child seat in which the child faces rearward must not be installed in that seat. The child seat is within the deployment zone of the front passenger airbag. Therefore, there is a risk of serious or fatal injury to the child if the airbag deploys. When using a child seat in which the child faces forward, the front passenger seat must be moved fully rearward. If it is necessary to transport a child in the front passenger seat in exceptional cases using a child seat in which the child faces rearward, first deactivate the front passenger airbag using the key-operated switch located in the glove compartment or at an Audi service station. When the front passenger airbag is deactivated, the front passenger's side airbag remains in operating mode. Immediately reactivate the front passenger airbag at an Audi service station or with the key-operated switch* once it is no longer necessary to use a child seat.

Child Safety and the Side Airbag

Audi side airbags provide additional protection for occupants in the event of a side collision. To provide this protective function in a collision, the side airbag must deploy within milliseconds.

The airbag generates very high force, which can cause injuries to occupants who are not sitting upright or if objects are located within the airbag's deployment area.

This applies especially to children if they are not transported in accordance with the applicable regulations.

CAUTION

To avoid serious injury, always use seat belt positioning and tensioning systems appropriate to the child's age, height and weight.

Child Seat Mounting (ISOFIX System)*

On each of the outboard rear seats, between the backrest and the seat cushion, there are two anchorages (B) for mounting a child seat using the ISOFIX system.

Child seats with the ISOFIX mounting system are available at Audi service centers.

Before installing the child seat, install the receiving sockets (A) included with the child seat onto the anchorages (B) (refer to the illustration). This prevents damage to the seat upholstery.

The illustration shows the receiving sockets already installed with the child seat locking levers inserted in them.

Currently, child seats with the ISOFIX mounting system are offered for children weighing from 9 to 18 kg. This corresponds to an age range from approx. 9 months to 4 years.

A detailed installation manual is included with the child seat.

CAUTION

A retrofit ISOFIX child seat anchorage system can be installed at an Audi service station.