Patriot 4WD L4-2.4L (2009)
Air Bag: Description and Operation
Side Curtain Air Bag - Description
DESCRIPTION
Side curtain airbags are available equipment in this vehicle when it is also equipped with dual front airbags. These airbags are passive, inflatable,
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components, and vehicles with this equipment can be readily identified by a molded identification trim button with
the SRS - AIRBAG logo located on the headliner above each B-pillar. This system is designed to reduce injuries to the vehicle occupants in the event of
a side impact collision or a vehicle rollover incident.
Vehicles equipped with side curtain airbags have two individually controlled curtain airbag units. These airbag units are concealed and mounted above
the headliner where they are each secured to one of the roof side rails. Each folded airbag cushion is contained within a fabric wrap and extruded plastic
channels that extend along the roof rail from the A-pillar at the front of the vehicle to just forward of the D-pillar at the rear of the vehicle.
A long tether (3) extends down the A-pillar from the front of the airbag cushion. The end of the tether is secured to a slot in the sheet metal with a metal
clip, while two additional plastic fasteners secure the tether to the inside of the A-pillar. A short tether (4) extends down the D-pillar from the rear of the
airbag cushion and is also secured with a metal clip.
The hybrid-type inflator (1) for each airbag is secured to the roof rail near the rear of the airbag unit between the C-pillar and the D-pillar, and is
connected to the airbag cushion by a long tubular manifold (2). The inflator bracket and the extruded airbag cushion channel are secured with both
plastic push-in fasteners and screws to U-nuts installed in the roof rail.
The initiator (5) of the airbag inflator is connected to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out and connector of the body wire harness
near the top of the D-pillar. The body wire harness connects the airbag unit to the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC).
The side curtain airbag unit cannot be adjusted or repaired and must be replaced if deployed, ineffective, or in any way damaged. Once a side curtain
airbag has been deployed, the complete airbag unit, the headliner, the upper A, B, C and D-pillar trim, and all other visibly damaged components must be
replaced.
