Active Head Restraints

[RobA]

Hi all,

Is there an easy way to find out whether a particular Octy has active head restraints fitted?

Thanks

[Organist]

Crash it?

[Ziggur]

Good question.

I will collect my new Elegance Estate this week.

It is a brand new, unregistered, showroom car with heated leather seats but the salesman says that the headrests are not "Active".

Price List shows that leather pack includes Heat and Active Headrests. So if mine does not have the active headrests it will not be the standard upgrade.

I am reluctant to use the extreme test suggested but any sensible suggestions would be welcomed.

Thanks

[dstev2000]

If they are the mechanical type of active head rest which I think they are, they should move slightly when you apply pressure to the top of the seat where your upper back would rest.

Or.............

Try the VAG options list decoder, every option on your car will have a 3 letter code, this link has all the info you need.

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/super...t=option+codes

[RobA]

Originally Posted by dstev2000

Try the VAG options list decoder, every option on your car will have a 3 letter code, this link has all the info you need.

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/super...t=option+codes

Ah - I tried that but it doesn't show on the list. My dealer (where I bought the car) says that it is listed on his computer. Not that I don't trust them, I would just like some proof of my own...

[Ziggur]

Originally Posted by dstev2000

Try the VAG options list decoder, every option on your car will have a 3 letter code, this link has all the info you need.

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/super...t=option+codes

Good link. Many thanks.

[dstev2000]

Going by the experince of my Primera that had anti whiplash head rests as standard they used to flex slightly if you applied pressure to the top of the seat. It's worth a go. If they are standard ones they won't move at all.

The accessories list shows them as part of the leather heated seat package so I would think you have them.

If you can wait 10 weeks till I get my new'un I'll find out for you

[golfturbo]

Originally Posted by Ziggur

Good link. Many thanks.

Very useful link indeed!

[golfturbo]

Personally I thought active would be a bit more active than that! My L&K is supposed to have them.....

[dstev2000]

There are different anti whiplash systems out there and the Skoda system is relatively basic but it works and the most important thing is it resets itself so you dont need costly replacement parts.

Trust me the mechanical system really does work, I know from personal experience.

[JohnMorr]

Originally Posted by dstev2000

There are different anti whiplash systems out there and the Skoda system is relatively basic but it works and the most important thing is it resets itself so you dont need costly replacement parts.

Trust me the mechanical system really does work, I know from personal experience.

So, just how does it work, and how do I check it out? (L&K Estate is supposed to have it).

[dstev2000]

There have been a few threads on this of late.

The basic operation is as follows.

The head restraint is connected to a mechanism in the upper backrest of the seat, when you get hit hard in the backside by A.N.other the car is forced forwards violently.

When this happens the person is forced sharply into the seat, this action activates the anti whiplash mechanism and forces the head rest forwards and slightly upward to meet the back of your head to prevent the whip action the neck would normally experience in this situation.

It is totally mechanical and independant from any other system in the car but there are other system that IIRC use pyrotechnic charges to do the same job.

[cheezemonkhai]

Originally Posted by dstev2000

There have been a few threads on this of late.

The basic operation is as follows.

The head restraint is connected to a mechanism in the upper backrest of the seat, when you get hit hard in the backside by A.N.other the car is forced forwards violently.

When this happens the person is forced sharply into the seat, this action activates the anti whiplash mechanism and forces the head rest forwards and slightly upward to meet the back of your head to prevent the whip action the neck would normally experience in this situation.

It is totally mechanical and independant from any other system in the car but there are other system that IIRC use pyrotechnic charges to do the same job.

But as you said Pyro == Expensive, such that a smaller rear end may have your car written off

[dstev2000]

Tis the trouble with all these safety gizmos, they make a car easier to write off after relatively small accidents.

I dont know how hard it is to replace pyro devices once set off like seatbelt pretentioners or headrests but I bet it isn't cheap

Still, I'd rather that than a nasty injury.

[JohnMorr]

Originally Posted by dstev2000

There have been a few threads on this of late.

The basic operation is as follows.

The head restraint is connected to a mechanism in the upper backrest of the seat, when you get hit hard in the backside by A.N.other the car is forced forwards violently.

When this happens the person is forced sharply into the seat, this action activates the anti whiplash mechanism and forces the head rest forwards and slightly upward to meet the back of your head to prevent the whip action the neck would normally experience in this situation.

It is totally mechanical and independant from any other system in the car but there are other system that IIRC use pyrotechnic charges to do the same job.

Oh. Goody. I think. No really, it sounds like a good dea. I'll let you know if I ever try it out....