Dodge 2008 Viper Automobile User Manual


 
The ORC turns on the Airbag warning light
and Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) indica-
tor light for 6 to 8 seconds as a self-check
when the ignition is first turned on. After the
self-check, the Airbag warning light will turn off and
the PAD indicator light will function normally (Refer to
“Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) Indicator Light” in
this section). If the ORC detects a malfunction in any
part of the system, it turns on the Airbag warning light
either momentarily or continuously. Asingle chime will
sound if the light comes on again after initial start up.
WARNING!
Ignoring the Airbag Warning 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.
The Driver Airbag/Inflator Unit is mounted in the
steering wheel. The Passenger Airbag/Inflator Unit is
mounted underneath a cover in the passenger side of
the instrument panel. When the ORC detects a colli-
sion requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator units.
A large quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate
the airbags. Different airbag inflation rates may be
possible based on collision severity and occupant size.
The steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper right
side of the instrument panel separate and then fold out
of the way, as the bags inflate to their full size. The
bags inflate fully in about 50–70 milliseconds. This is
about half of the time it takes to blink your eyes. The
bags then deflate quickly while helping to restrain the
driver and passenger. The airbag gas is vented toward
the instrument panel through vent holes in the airbag
material. In this way, the airbags do not interfere with
your control of the vehicle.
44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE