sensor BUICK CENTURY 1996 Owners Manual

What will you see after an air bag inflates?
After the air bag inflates, it quickly deflates. This occurs
so quickly that some people may not even realize the air
bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module
in
the steering wheel hub will be hot for a short time. The
part of the bag that comes into contact with you may be
warm, but it will never be too hot to touch. There will be
some smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated
air bag. Air bag inflation will not prevent the driver
from seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor
will it stop people from leaving the vehicle.
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When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air.
This dust could cause breathing problems for
people with
a history of asthma or other
breathing trouble.
To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as
it is safe to do so.
If you have breathing problems but can’t get out
of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get
fresh air by opening
a window or door.
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The air bag is designed to inflate only once. After it
inflates, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag
system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system
won’t be there to help protect you in another crash.
A new system will include the air bag module and
possibly other parts. The service manual for your
vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.
Your vehicle is equipped with a diagnostic module,
which records information about the air bag system.
The module records information about the readiness
of the system, when the sensors are activated and
driver’s safety belt usage at deployment.
Let only qualified technicians work on your air
bag
system. Improper service can mean that your air
bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer
for service.
NOTICE:
If you damage the cover for the driver’s air bag,
it may not work properly. You may have to
replace the air bag module.
Do not open or break
the air bag cover.
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Headlamps on Warning
If you open the door while leaving the lamps on, you
will hear a warning chime.
Daytime Running Lamps (Option)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the
short periods after dawn and before sunset.
A light sensor in the instrument panel cluster makes the
DRL work, so be sure it isn’t covered.
The DRL system will make your low-beam headlamps
come on at reduced brightness when:
the ignition is on,
the headlamp switch is off, and
the parking brake is released.
When the
DRL are on, only your low-beam headlamps
will be
on. The taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps
won’t be on. Your instrument panel won’t be lit up either.
When it’s dark enough outside, your headlamps will
come on to full brightness. The other lamps that come
on with your headlamps will also come on. When
it’s bright enough outside, the regular lamps will
go off, and your low-beam headlamps will come
on at a
reduced brightness.
To idle your vehicle with the DRL off, set the parking
brake while the ignition is in the
OFF or LOCK
position. Then start the vehicle. The DRL will stay off
until you release the parking brake.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when
you need it.
Interior Lamps
Instrument Panel Brightness Control
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LOW
You can brighten or dim the
instrument panel lights by
rotating the control up or
down.
To turn on the
interior courtesy lamps,
rotate the control all the way
up to HI.
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Safety Belt Warning Light
When the key is turned to RUN or START a chime will
come
on for about eight seconds to remind people to
fasten their safety belts, unless the driver’s safety belt is
already buckled.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay on
for about 20 seconds, then
it
will flash for about
55 seconds. If the driver’s
belt is already buckled,
neither
the chime nor the
light will come on.
/r CAUTION:
-
1 urour safety belt light ever comes on or stays on
after the front doors are closed and the driver’s
belt is buckled, have your vehicle fixed.
If you don’t, the belt might not work as it should,
and
you might not have the protection you’d
need in a crash.
Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows AIR BAG. The system checks the
air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light
tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system
check includes the air bag sensors, the air bag module,
the wiring and the diagnostic module.
For more
information
on the air bag system, see “Air Bag” in
the Index.
AIR
BAG
You will see this light flash
for a few seconds when you
turn your ignition
to RUN
or START. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system is ready.
If the air bag readiness light doesn’t come on when you
start your vehicle, or stays on, or comes on when you
are driving, your air bag system may not work properly.
Have your vehicle serviced right away.
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