5580c - airbag system

This subgroup includes these systems:

• Airbag system with mechanical triggering
• Airbag system with electronic triggering
• Anti-theft device (FIAT CODE and Alarm)

For further information concerning the systems, see the descriptions of the individual units.

5580C - AIRBAG SYSTEM

Overview

The airbag system triggers to protect the occupant in the case of a medium or very serious frontal crash. In order that this system can offer maximum safety it is necessary that the occupants of the front seats fasten their seat belts with the pretensioner. In the case of a less serious frontal crash or side or rear bumps it is not necessary that it triggers, therefore, in these cases if it does not activate this is not a sign of a system fault.

According to the car version there are two different system configurations:

• "standard" configuration with an airbag module on the driver's side and two pretensioners. This system, with mechanical triggering, does not have an electronic control and there is no interconnection between components.
• complete airbag configuration on passenger side, in which there is an electronic control of the airbag modules that in a serious frontal crash triggers the airbags on the driver and passenger sides. The passenger side airbag can be cut out for safety reasons. In this configuration the seat belt pretensioners are mechanically triggered.

The system consists of the following components:

• Driver's side and passenger side airbag ECU
• driver's side airbag module
• passenger side airbag module
• left-hand belt pretensioner
• right-hand belt pretensioner
• switch to disable the passenger side airbag
• system fault warning light
• passenger side airbag disabled warning light.

The system components, with the exception of the pretensioners, are interconnected to each other and to the car electrical system by means of special wiring that can easily be identified by the yellow sheath which contains a diagnostic socket for system verification through the diagnostic tools.

When working on the airbag system the prescribed safety precautions are to be strictly observed. For further details see: PROCEDURES 5580C