Air Bag Systems: Description and Operation

INTRODUCTION
The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) is designed to supplement the driver's and front passenger's seat belts to help reduce the risk or severity of injury to the driver and front passenger by activating and deploying both air bags and seatbelt pretensioners in certain frontal collisions. The SRS Airbag consists of two air bag modules, SRS air bag control unit (SRS-ECU), SRS warning light, and clock spring. One air bag is located in the center of the steering wheel and another above the glove box. Each air bag is made up of a folded air bag and an inflator unit. The control unit under the floor console monitors the system and has a safing G sensor and an analog G sensor. The warning light on the instrument panel indicates the operational status of the SRS. The clock spring is installed in the steering column.

The seat belt pretensioner is a device built into the front seat belt retractor assembly which activates to retract the seat belt and remove looseness in the event of a collision in which the deceleration force exceeds a specific value. Only authorized service personnel should do work on or around the SRS components. Those service personnel should read the instructions carefully before starting any such work.

CAUTION: Extreme care must be used when servicing the SRS or performing repairs on components mounted near SRS components to avoid injury to the service personnel (by inadvertent deployment of the air bags or seatbelt pretensioners) or the driver (by rendering the SRS inoperative).