... Airbag system
PNM-- --=-- ----------------------------
below the reference value programmed into the control un it, the side
airbags will no t be triggered, even though t he car may be badly
damaged as a result of the collision. It is not possible to define an
airbag tr iggering range that will cover every possible angle of impact,
since the circumstances will vary considerably between one collision
and another . Important factors include, for example, the nature
(hard or soft) of the impacting object, the angle of impact, vehicle
speed, etc . ~
page 203, "Important safety instructions on the side
airbag system" .
Aside from their normal safety function, safety be lts work to help
keep the d river or front passenger in posit ion in the event of a side
collision so that the side airbags can provide protection.
The airbag system is
not a substitute for your safety belt. Rather, it is
part of the ove rall occupant rest raint system in your ve hicle. Always
remember that the side airbag system can only help to protect you if
you a re wea ring your safety belt and wearing it prope rly. This is
another reason why you shou ld always wear your safety belts, not just
because the law requires you to do so ~
page 175, "General no t es" .
It is important t o remembe r that wh ile the supp lemental s ide airbag
system is designed to reduce the likelihood of se rious injur ies, ot her
injuries, fo r examp le, swe lling, bru ising, and minor abras ions can
also be assoc iated with deployed side airbags . Remember too, side
airbags will dep loy only once and only in certai n kinds of accidents -
your safety belts are always there to offer protection.
Vehicle damage, repair costs or even the lack of veh icle damage a re
not necessar ily an ind ication of over-sensitive or failed airbag activa-
t ion . In some collisions, both front a nd side airbags may inflate .
Remember t oo, that a irbags will deploy only once and only in certa in
kinds of collisions - your safety belts are a lways there to offer protec-
tion in those accidents in which airbags are not supposed to deploy or
when they have already deployed.
The s ide airbag system will not deploy :
• when the ignition is turned off
• in side collisions when the acceleration measured by the sensor is
too low
• in front-end collis ions
• in rear -end collisions
• in rollovers .
In some types of accidents t he front airbags, side curt ain airbags and
side airbags may be triggered together.
& WARNING
• Safety belts and the airbag system will only provide protection
when occupants are in the proper seating pos ition ~
page 203.
• If the airbag indicator light comes on when the vehicle is being
used, have th e system inspected immediately by your authorized
Audi dealer. The airbag may not work properly when the vehicle
acceleration in a side collision is high enough to activate the
airbag. •
How supplemental side airbags work
Side airbags deploy instantly and can help reduce the risk
of upper torso injuries for occupants who are properly
restrained.
Fig. 178 I nflated side
airbags on left side of
vehicle
When the system is triggered, the airbag is filled wit h propellant gas
and breaks thro ugh a seam in the seat surface area marked
~
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