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trim (e.g. retrofitting loudspeakers), as this
could impair the function of the side air
bags. Any damage to the front doors could
lead to faults in the system. Repairs or any
other work on the front doors must there
fore always be carried out by a qualified
workshop.
- Do not apply excessive force to the sides of
the backrests (such as hard knocks or kicks),
as this could damage parts of the system.
The side airbags could then fail to operate
when required.
- If you intend to fit protective covers over the
seats, these must be of the specific type ap
proved for use on Audi seats with side air
bags. Conventional seat covers would ob
struct the side airbag when it inflates out of
the backrest, and seriously reduce the air
bag's effectiveness.
- Any damage to the original seat upholstery
or around the seams of the side airbag units
must be repaired immediately by a qualified
workshop.
- Any work involving the side airbag system or
removal and installation of the airbag com
ponents for other repairs (such as repairs to
the seats) must always be performed by a
qualified workshop. Otherwise the airbag
system may fail to work properly.
Head-protection airbags
Description of head-protection airbags
Applies to vehicles: with head-protection airbags
Fig. 202
Location of head-protection airbag above the
door
The head-protection airbags are located above
the doors on the left and right sides of the vehi-
Airbag system
de
¢Fig. 202.
The locations of the airbags are
marked with the word "AIRBAG".
In conjunction with the three-point seat belts
and side airbags, the head-protection airbags
give the occupants additional protection against
head and neck injuries in a severe side collision
¢
.&.
in Important safety notes on the head-pro
tection airbags on page 216.
Together with other design features (including
cross-braces in the seats and the overall strength
of the body structure), the head-protection and
side airbag system offers an effective further im
provement to occupant protection in side im
pacts.
How the head-protection airbags work
Applies to vehicles: with head-protection airbags
When fully inflated, the airbags reduce the risk
of head or chest injury in a side collision.
Fig. 203
Head-protection airbag in inflated condition
In certain types of side collision, the head-protec
tion airbag is triggered on the impact side of the
vehicle¢
Fig. 203.
Further airbag systems may
also be triggered, depending on the circumstan
ces.
When the system is triggered, the airbag fills
with a propellant gas and covers the entire area
in front of the side windows, including the door
pillars. In this way the system is able to protect
both the front and the rear occupants on the side
of the vehicle where the impact occurs. The head
protection airbag inflates to soften the impact if
..,.
215
