COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
62
Front airbag sensor
Steering wheel
pad assembly
(airbag and
inflator)
SRS airbag warning light
Passenger airbag module
(airbag and inflator)
Center airbag sensor assembly
Front airbag sensor
The center airbag sensor assembly consists of a safing sensor
and center airbag sensor.
In a severe frontal impact, sensors detect deceleration and the
system triggers the airbag inflators. Then a chemical reaction
in the inflators momentarily fills the airbags with non-toxic
nitrogen gas to help restrain the forward motion of the
occupants.
When the airbags inflate, they produce a fairly loud noise and
release some smoke along with the nitrogen gas. This is not
harmful and does not indicate a fire. Be sure to wash off any
residue as soon as possible to prevent minor skin irritation.
Deployment of the airbags happen in a fraction of a second, so
the airbags must inflate with considerable force. While the
system is designed to reduce serious injuries, it may also
cause minor burns or abrasions and swellings.Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel hub, dashboard)
may be hot for several minutes, but the airbags themselves will
not be hot. The airbags are designed to inflate only once.
A crash severe enough to inflate the airbags may break the
windshield as the vehicle buckles. In vehicles with a passenger
airbag the windshield may also be damaged by absorbing
some of the force of the inflating airbag.
CAUTION:
The SRS airbag system is designed only as a
supplement to the primary protection of the seat belt
systems of the driver and front passenger. The front
seat occupants are particularly susceptible to injury if
they do not wear their seat belts; when sudden braking
or a collision occurs, they may be thrown forward. To
obtain further protection in an accident, the driver and
all passengers in the vehicle should always wear their
seat belts when driving. For instructions and
precautions concerning the seat belt system, see
“SEAT BELTS” on page 54.
A baby or small child who is too small to use a seat belt
should be properly secured in a rear seat using a child
restraint system.
