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Side Airbag System
The airbag control module determines if a side collision is
severe enough to require the airbag to inflate. The control
module receives the level of collision severity from the
side impact sensors. The airbag control module will not
detect rollover or rear impacts.
The side impact SRS 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 the crash side
of the vehicle. A quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to
inflate the side curtain airbags. The inflating side curtain
airbag pushes the outside edge of the headliner out of the
way and inflates (in about the same time it takes to blink
your eyes) with enough force to injure you if you are not
belted and seated properly, or if items are positioned in
the area where the side curtain airbag inflates. This
especially applies to children. The side curtain airbag is
only about 3
1
⁄
2
inches (8
3
⁄
4
cm) thick when it is inflated.
Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
•
Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbags are not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or
the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do
not modify the front bumper, vehicle body struc-
ture, or frame.
•
You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee impact bolster.
•
It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has airbags.
42 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE