Behaviour after a collision with active bonnet
Fig. 59
Triggered active bonnet.
In the event of a collision at the front of the vehicle, the active bonnet will be triggered by sensors in
the front bumper in the speed range from around 25 to 55 km/h (15 to 34 mph). As a result, the
bonnet is lifted by a few centimetres in front of the windscreen in order to create an additional
crumple zone above the engine, e.g. in the head area of a pedestrian who has been hit.
The active bonnet system can trigger properly only if the bonnet has not previously been deformed
by external influences.
In some cases, the system may trigger even though the collision has not been with a pedestrian.
The system can be triggered in the following situations:
• Frontal collision with a marker post, street lantern, pillar etc.
• Frontal collision with an animal.
• Driving into a mound of snow.
• Bottoming of the vehicle when driving on very poor roads.
When the active bonnet has been triggered, the bonnet is moved up by a few centimetres in front of
the windscreen
⇒
Fig. 59
. Special hinges lock the bonnet in open position
⇒
Fig. 59
(close-up).
The warning lamp
also remains lit in the instrument cluster until the system has been repaired.
The following applies if the active bonnet has been triggered:
• It is necessary to go directly to a qualified workshop.
• The system must be repaired by the qualified workshop.
• It is permitted to continue driving only when the vehicle is roadworthy.
• It is not permitted to drive faster than up to 80 km/h (50 mph).
• The seat position must be adjusted if necessary. In spite of the active bonnet having triggered,
there must always still be unrestricted visibility through the windscreen
⇒
Sitting position
.
If the active bonnet has been triggered, the warning lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up.
Warning lamp
Display Possible cause
Action
Active bonnet has been triggered.
Go to a qualified workshop immediately and
have the system repaired.
Active bonnet: system fault.
Go to a qualified workshop to have the
system checked immediately.
With some vehicle equipment levels, a symbol which indicates that the active bonnet has been
triggered may be shown in the instrument cluster instead of a warning lamp.
Repairing the triggered active bonnet
A triggered active bonnet must be repaired only by a qualified workshop
⇒
. Volkswagen
recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
In the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or accident, loose objects could be
flung though the vehicle and cause severe injuries.
• Always secure the first aid kit, warning triangle and fire extinguisher safely in the
holders in the vehicle.
• Stow the high-visibility waistcoat in the stowage compartments so that it is easily
accessible.
WARNING
