During a collision, a pyrotechnic gas generator inflates the airbag with an explosive burst, ensuring full inflation before contact with the driver or front passenger. The airbag then responds to contact with the driver or front passenger by partially reducing the deployment pressure calculated in accordance with the physiologically acceptable pressure and the braking forces acting on the driver or front passenger. As a result, the likelihood and severity of head and chest injuries are prevented or significantly reduced.
The driver's airbag is mounted in the center of the steering wheel. A coiled wire mounted on the steering column is used to transmit the signal from the control unit to the airbag. The coiled wire transmits the signal regardless of the position of the steering wheel. The pyrotechnic gas generator converts the control electrical signal into an ignition signal, which causes the powder to decompose, inflating the airbag bag.
Figure 15.64. Front passenger airbag on models before 2001: 1 – decorative cover; 2 – front passenger airbag; 3 – instrument panel
Figure 15.65. Front passenger airbag on models from 2001: 1 – front passenger airbag; 2 – Front passenger airbag electrical connector; 3 – glove compartment
The front passenger airbag is mounted above the glove compartment and is covered by a decorative cover (figure 15.64, 15.65). The volume of the airbag is significantly larger than the volume of the driver's airbag. The decorative cover is painted to match the instrument panel and has a seam that rips when the airbag is deployed.
The indicator and diagnostic unit supplies control voltage to the airbags during a collision, even if the battery is disconnected as a result of the impact. The diagnostic unit monitors the safety system every time the engine is started, and a warning light comes on in the instrument cluster, which goes out after a few seconds if the system is working properly. If there is a problem with the system, the indicator will flash and a beep will sound. In this case, you must contact a service station as soon as possible.
Caution! Before working near the impact sensors, instrument panel, and steering column, position the front wheels in the straight-ahead position, turn off the ignition, disconnect the negative and then the positive battery terminals, and wait 2 minutes. This will prevent the airbags from deploying unexpectedly and the seatbelt pretensioners from triggering, which could cause injury.
Safety precautions for the operation and repair of airbags
When moving and storing the pillow, observe the following safety precautions:
Do not measure the resistance of any SRS component. The ohmmeter contains a built-in power source that could cause accidental airbag deployment.
The airbag must be transported separately with the bag facing upwards.
Do not place your hands on the airbag during transportation.
Don't throw away the airbag.
Do not disassemble the airbag.
Avoid contact of the airbag with solvents or cleaning agents.
Do not allow the airbag to come into contact with an open flame.
When performing any work on the security system or electric welding on the vehicle, deactivate the security system.
Do not install an airbag on a vehicle that is defective or damaged.