Airbag Deployment

The airbag system is designed to provide increased collision protection for front seat occupants in addition to that provided by the safety belt system. Safety belt use is necessary to obtain the best occupant protection and to receive the full advantages of the airbag system.

This vehicle is equipped with driver, passenger, side impact airbags and seat belt pretensioners, which are electrically controlled by a Restraints Control Module (RCM).

The purpose of the driver, passenger and side airbags is to provide additional protection for the front seat occupants in the event of a serious impact (front or side impacts). The airbags are supplementary to the seat belts.

Airbag Deployment

⚠ Warning ⚠
Airbags inflate rapidly and with considerable force, there is therefore a risk of death or serious injury such as fractures, facial and eye injuries or internal injuries, particularly to occupants who are not properly restrained by seat belts or are not sitting correctly when the airbags deploy. The risk of injury from a deploying airbag is greatest close to the trim covering the airbag.

⚠ Warning ⚠
The whole sequence of airbag deployment, from sensing the impact to full inflation of the airbag takes place in a fraction of a second.

Dual Inflation Technology

When activated, the airbags will deploy at either a normal or reduced level of inflation, depending on crash severity. Various sensors determine the direction and severity of an impact. The system analyses this information then deploys the appropriate airbags.

Driver airbag Module

The driver airbag module is installed in the steering wheel, the cover forming the outer surface of the steering wheel boss. The cover has a split line moulded into its surface allowing the airbag to exit through the cover when the system deploys.

No routine maintenance is required and there are no serviceable parts. The driver airbag module is replaced as an assembly.

Passenger Airbag Module

The passenger airbag module is located above the glove compartment behind a deployment panel.

The passenger airbag deployment panel hinges up out of the way during airbag deployment.

The passenger airbag module is replaced as an assembly. There is no routine maintenance required and there are no serviceable parts.

Side Airbag Module

A side impact airbag module is mounted in the outboard bolster of each front seat. In a side airbag module deployment situation, the airbag module deploys from behind a hard trim panel.

Clockspring

The airbag clockspring continuously transfers electrical signals from the driver airbag module to the airbag sensor.

The airbag clockspring is mounted on the steering column, behind the steering wheel and does not contain any serviceable components. Ensure that the steering wheel is locked in the central position before commencing any work on the steering column, wheel or airbag.