Dakota 4WD V8-4.7L Flex Fuel (2008)
Each side curtain airbag is deployed individually by an electrical signal generated by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) to which it is connected
through left or right curtain airbag line 1 and line 2 (or squib) circuits. The hybrid-type inflator assembly for each airbag contains a small canister of
highly compressed inert gas. When the ORC sends the proper electrical signal to the airbag inflator, the electrical energy creates enough heat to ignite
chemical pellets within the inflator.
Once ignited, these chemicals burn rapidly and produce the pressure necessary to rupture a containment disk in the inert gas canister. The inflator and
inert gas canister are sealed and connected to a tubular manifold so that all of the released gas is directed into the folded curtain airbag cushion, causing
the cushion to inflate. As the airbag cushion inflates it will drop down from the roof rail between the edge of the headliner and the side glass/body pillars
to form a curtain-like cushion to protect the vehicle occupants during a side impact collision.
The front and rear tethers keep the side airbag cushion taut to the side of the vehicle, thus ensuring that the bag will deploy in the proper position.
Following the airbag deployment, the airbag cushion quickly deflates by venting the inert gas through the loose weave of the cushion fabric, and the
deflated cushion hangs down loosely from the roof rail.
Proper diagnosis of the side curtain airbag inflator and the curtain airbag squib circuits requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate
diagnostic information.
