DESCRIPTION OF AIR BAG

2.0 16V JTD, 2.2 16V JTD · MY 2005

The vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled safety system which, in the case of a frontal impact of a certain severity, activates the front seat belt pretensioners and the front Air Bags protecting the driver and the passenger.

In the case of a fairly serious side impact, the side Air Bags (Side Bags) and the corresponding front Window Bags (only on the side where the impact took place) are activated.

An electronic control unit manages the entire system controlling all the components and activating the retention systems (pretensioners and Air Bags), when necessary.

The control unit is located under the centre console and is securely fastened to the bodyshell: in this way the deceleration sensors located inside the unit are near the centre of gravity and detect the deceleration for the entire vehicle accurately.

An accelerometric sensor on the pillar of both front doors transmits a signal to the control unit in the case of a side impact.

When, according to the control logic, the two sensors detect a slight frontal impact, the control unit sends signals for the intervention of the front modules in the first stage and both the front and rear pretensioners.

If a more serious frontal impact is detected, the control unit sends signals for the intervention of the front modules in the second stage.

In the case of a fairly serious side impact, the front and rear side Air Bags (Side Bags) and the corresponding Head Bag (only on the side where the impact took place) are activated.

There are two stages for the front Air Bag modules: the first intervenes at an intial impact level, the second in the case of a more serious impact.

The two stages are produced by means of two separate charges which "fill" the bag 60% (first stage) and 40% (second stage).

The Air Bag module is fitted in the centre of the steering wheel. it is fitted on a rocker plate that allows the horn to be operated. The plate houses a metal container that contains the folded bag and the gas generation device that inflates the bag.

A clock spring allows the connecting cables for the Air Bag module to follow the rotation of the steering wheel without danger of breaking.

The passenger Air Bag module is located in the dashboard, above the glove compartment and is fastened directly to the vehicle crossmember through a special bracket.

The passenger air bag may be deactivated manually by means of a special switch which can be operated using the key: it is located at the edge of the dashboard and is only accessible with the door open.

With the key OFF the control unit also controls activation of a special "passenger air bag disabled" warning light.

The Side Bags are housed in the outer part of the front seats.

The Head Bag consists of a bag that inflates positioning itself between the head of the passengers and the side windows. The folded Head Bag is located under the ceiling lining, whilst the rear pillar houses the gas generator.

The pretensioners are incorporated in the reels of both the front and rear seat belts.

The control unit is equipped with an autodiagnostic function:

• it detects and stores faults;
• it recognises the various components and the fault type;
• it indicates the onset of faults by means of the special warning light.

The activation of the system following a particularly serious impact is memorized by the control unit.

When operations are carried out to the Air Bag system, the following safety recommendations must be closely followed.

For more details,

Op. 5580C AIR BAG SYSTEM