Airbag system

1. These models are equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), more commonly known as airbags. This system is designed to protect the driver and the front seat passenger from serious injury in the event of a head-on or frontal collision. It consists of an airbag module in the center of the steering wheel and another airbag module on the right side of the instrument panel, a pair of impact sensors that are located at the front of the vehicle, and a sensing/diagnostic module, which is mounted in the center of the vehicle below the instrument panel. Plus, on some later models, driver knee airbags, side airbags and curtain shield airbags designed to protect the occupants in a side impact.

2. Some models are equipped with seatbelt pre-tensioners, also part of the airbag system. The pre-tensioners are pyrotechnic (explosive) devices designed to retract the seat belts in the event of a collision.

3. On models equipped with pre-tensioners, do not remove the front seat belt retractor assemblies. Problems with the pre-tensioners will turn on the SRS (airbag) warning light on the dash. If any pre-tensioner problems are suspected, take the vehicle to a dealer service department.

Airbag module

Steering wheel-mounted

4. The airbag inflator module contains a housing incorporating the cushion (airbag) and inflator unit, mounted in the center of the steering wheel. The inflator assembly is mounted on the back of the housing over a hole through which gas is expelled, inflating the bag almost instantaneously when an electrical signal is sent from the system. A spiral cable assembly on the steering column under the module carries this signal to the module. This spiral cable assembly can transmit an electrical signal regardless of steering wheel position.

Instrument panel -mounted

5. The passenger’s side airbags are mounted above the glove compartment and designated by the letters SRS (Supplemental Restraint System). It consists of an inflator containing an igniter, a bag assembly, a reaction housing and a trim cover.

6. The passenger’s airbags are considerably larger than the steering wheel-mounted unit and is supported by the steel reaction housing. The trim cover has a molded seam which splits when the bag inflates.

Sensing and diagnostic module

7. The sensing and diagnostic module sup- plies the current to the airbag system in the event of the collision, even if battery power is cut off. It checks this system every time the vehicle is started, causing the AIRBAG light to go on then off, if the system is operating properly. If there is a fault in the system, the light will go on and stay on, flash, or the dash will make a beeping sound. If this happens, the vehicle should be taken to your dealer immediately for service.

Side and curtain airbags

8. The passenger’s side airbag and inflator modules are mounted on the sides of the front seats and contain an inflator containing an igniter and bag assembly. The curtain shield airbag assemblies run along the interior of the roof from the front A-pillar to the rear of the passenger compartment. In the event of a side impact, both airbag assemblies are activated by the sensors mounted at the base of the center pillar behind the seats.

Precautions

Disabling the SRS system

Warning: Failure to follow these precautions could result in accidental deployment of the airbag and personal injury.

Warning: Never install a memory-saver device, used to preserve PCM memory and radio station presets, when working on or around any of the airbag system components.

9. Whenever working in the vicinity of the steering wheel, instrument panel or any of the other SRS system components, the system must be disarmed. To disarm the system:

  1. ) Point the wheels straight ahead and turn the ignition key to the LOCK position.
  2. ) Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery.
  3. ) Wait at least two minutes for the back-up power supply capacitor to be depleted.

10. Whenever handling an airbag module, always keep the airbag opening (trim side) pointed away from your body. Never place the airbag module on a bench or other surface with the airbag opening facing the surface. Always place the airbag module in a safe location with the airbag opening (trim side) facing up.

11. Never measure the resistance of any SRS component. An ohmmeter has a built-in battery supply that could accidentally deploy the airbag.

12. Never use electrical welding equipment on a vehicle equipped with an airbag without first disconnecting the negative battery cable.

13. Never dispose of a live airbag module. Return it to your dealer for safe deployment, using special equipment, and disposal.

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