During a collision, a pyrotechnic gas generator inflates the airbag in an emergency explosive process, ensuring full inflation prior to 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 according to the physiologically acceptable pressure and 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 installed 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 igniter signal, causing the powder to decompose, inflating the airbag bag.
Pic. 15.64. Front passenger airbag on models up to 2001: 1 - decorative cover; 2 - front passenger airbag; 3 - instrument panel
Pic. 15.65. Front passenger airbag on models from 2001: 1 - front passenger airbag; 2 – an electric socket of a pillow of safety of the forward passenger; 3 - glove box
The front passenger airbag is installed above the glove box and is covered with a decorative cover (pic. 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 in the color of the instrument panel and has a seam that breaks when the airbag is deployed.
The display and diagnostic unit supplies control voltage to the airbags in the event of a collision, even if the battery is disconnected as a result of the impact. The diagnostic unit monitors the security system each time the engine is started, and the indicator in the instrument cluster lights up, which goes out after a few seconds if the system is working. If there is a problem with the system, the indicator will flash and an audible signal will sound. In this case, it is necessary to contact a service station as soon as possible.
Attention! Before carrying out work near the shock sensors, instrument panel and steering column, set the front wheels to move straight ahead, turn off the ignition, disconnect first the negative and then the positive terminals from the battery and wait 2 minutes. This will prevent unauthorized deployment of the airbags and deployment of the seat belt pretensioners, which could cause injury.
Safety measures 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 has a built-in power supply that may cause the airbag to inadvertently deploy.
Transport the airbag separately with the bag up.
When transporting, do not put your hands on the airbag.
Don't drop the airbag.
Do not disassemble the airbag.
Avoid contact with solvents or cleaning agents on the airbag.
Do not allow the airbag to come into contact with an open flame.
When performing any work on the security system or performing electric welding on the vehicle, deactivate the security system.
Do not install a defective or damaged airbag on a vehicle.