Volkswagen ID.4: Limitations of the proactive passenger protection system

The proactive passenger protection system depends on local laws and regulations for the vehicle equipment.

The proactive passenger protection system is not available or only available to a limited extent in the following situations:

• Malfunction of the ESC, the reversible safety belt pretensioning or the airbag control module.
• ASR deactivated or ESC restricted.
• System fault or restriction of Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist).
• System fault or restriction of Emergency Assist.
• Reverse gear engaged.
• If there are reflective objects, e.g. guard rails, tunnel entrances, heavy rain, or ice.
• If there are animals or objects that are difficult to detect.

Troubleshooting

A message is briefly shown in the instrument cluster display.

• The proactive passenger protection system has limited availability or is not available. Deactivate the vehicle's drive system and activate it again.
• If the malfunction persists, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the proactive passenger protection system checked. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Additional information may be displayed in the vehicle status, depending on the malfunction (→ Vehicle settings menu).

Introduction

Airbags are not a replacement for safety belts, which must always be worn.

Airbags can only provide additional protection for vehicle occupants if the seats, safety belts, head restraints and steering wheel for the driver are adjusted correctly and used.

The airbags will not deploy in all situations where there is visible vehicle damage.

Situations in which airbags will not always deploy:

• If the ignition is switched off during a collision.
• In minor head-on collisions.
• In non-serious side-on collisions.
• In rear-end collisions.
• If the speed of rotation measured by the control module is too low during a rollover.
• In low-speed collisions.

The airbag cannot always prevent injuries, such as swelling, bruises, burns, and abrasions.

WARNING

If there are objects located between vehicle occupants and the airbag deployment zone, they will change the airbag deployment zone and the risk of injury if the airbag deploys increases. During sudden braking or driving maneuvers or in the event of an accident, the objects could move into the airbag deployment zone and then be thrown through the vehicle interior if the airbag deploys.

• Never hold objects in your hands or on your lap while driving.
• Never transport objects on the front passenger's seat.

WARNING

Once the airbags have been deployed, they lose their protective function and must be replaced. If the airbags do not have their protective function, the risk of injury during sudden braking or driving maneuvers or accidents increases.

• Have any deployed safety airbags and affected system components replaced immediately with new parts that are approved by Volkswagen for the vehicle.
• Only have suitably qualified professionals make repairs or modifications to a vehicle. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities have the required tools, diagnostic devices, repair information, and qualified personnel. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
• Never install airbag components removed from scrap vehicles or from recycling.
• Never modify components of the airbag system.

WARNING

Fine dust and water vapor can develop when the airbags deploy. This is normal and does not indicate a fire in the vehicle. The fine dust can irritate the skin and mucous membranes in the eyes and can cause breathing problems, particularly for individuals who have asthma or other respiratory conditions.

• To reduce the risk of breathing problems, exit the vehicle or open the windows or doors for fresh air.
• If you come into contact with the dust, wash your hands and face with mild soap and water before eating anything.
• Flush your eyes and any open wounds with water if dust enters them.

WARNING

Cleaners that contain solvents can make the surface around the airbag installation locations porous. Plastic pieces that come loose could be thrown through the vehicle interior and cause serious injuries in the event of a collision with airbag deployment.

• Never treat the instrument panel and the surfaces around the airbag installation locations with cleaners that contain solvents.

Functions of the proactive passenger protection systemIndicator light