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The airbag control module sends a message
to the instrument cluster to turn on the
AIRBAG light in the instrument panel for 6
to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned ON, then turns the light off. If the airbag
control module detects a malfunction in any part of the
system, the airbag light will turn on either momen-
tarily or continuously.
WARNING!
Ignoring the AIRBAG light in your instrument panel
could mean you won’t have the airbags to protect
you in a collision. If the light does not come on, stays
on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you
drive, have the airbag system checked right away.
•
When the airbag control module detects a collision
requiring the Front Airbags, it signals the inflator
units. A large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to
inflate the front airbags. Different front airbag inflation
rates are possible, these rates are determined by the
airbag control module based on collision severity. The
front airbag covers separate and fold out of the way as
the front airbags inflate to their full size. The front
airbags fully inflate in about 50 milliseconds. This is
only about half of the time it takes you to blink your
eyes. The front airbags then quickly deflate while
helping to restrain the driver and front passenger. The
driver’s and passenger’s front airbag gas is vented
through the airbag material and small vent openings
towards the instrument panel. In this way the front
airbags do not interfere with your control of the
vehicle.
•
The Supplemental Side Curtain Airbags are designed
to activate only in certain side collisions. When the
airbag control module detects a collision requiring the
side curtain airbags to inflate, it signals the inflators on
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47
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