General information
Airbags in combination with automatic three-anchor belt tensioners (see above) forms an additional vehicle security system (SRS).
The system is activated only when the ignition is turned on.
On all models equipped with airbags on the steering wheel hub and (with appropriate equipment) on the right side of the instrument panel there are warning labels with the inscription "Airbag".
Airbags do not deploy:
- With side impacts;
- Rear collisions;
- Rollover of the car;
- Light frontal collisions.
For this reason, airbags should not be considered as an alternative to seat belts and should not be worn without fail on every trip.
The components of the airbag system include:
- Electronic control unit (ECU);
- One or two inflatable pillows with a built-in gas generator;
- The control lamp on the dashboard of the car.
The driver's airbag module is placed in the steering wheel hub, the passenger's - in the right side of the instrument panel.
The serviceability of the state of the system components is confirmed by the short-term operation of the control lamp of the instrument panel when the ignition is turned on.
Airbags do not need any maintenance during the entire life of their / car service.
Signs of a malfunctioning airbag condition are as follows:
- When the ignition is turned on, the corresponding control lamp does not light up in the instrument panel;
- The control lamp does not go out a few seconds after starting the engine;
- The control lamp lights up or starts flashing while driving.
In each of these cases, the car should be driven to a service station as soon as possible for a detailed diagnosis of the system using special equipment.
Operating principle
The design of the airbags is such that the operation of the gas generators occurs only in severe frontal impacts.
The plot of the sensitivity of the initiators is shown in the illustration.
When the gas generator is activated, the inflatable bag inflates with gas in a fraction of a second and fills the free space between the steering wheel / instrument panel and the driver / front passenger, minimizing the freedom of movement of the latter.
The airbags of recent years of production additionally provide for the possibility of automatic controlled release of gas from the working tank as the overload increases, which makes it possible to significantly mitigate the impact.
Precautionary measures
On models equipped with airbags, be careful not to lean too close to the steering wheel/dashboard, and pay particular attention to properly adjusting the front seats. To avoid accidental triggering of the initiators, it is forbidden to perform any manipulations with the system components.
Note. When scrapping a car equipped with airbags, it is necessary to take measures against spontaneous operation of the modules. Consult a car service specialist.