Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Air Bag Modules
Driver-side and passenger-side air bag modules are dual-stage air bags. When vehicle is in an accident of sufficient force, SDM causes current flow through driver-side and passenger-side air bag modules in one or both deployment loops, depending on severity of impact. Stage 1 will deploy during a moderate frontal collision. Stage 1 and Stage 2 will deploy during a more severe frontal collision. Current passing through one or both inflators ignites inflator charges, producing gas which rapidly inflates one or both air bag stages.
Side impact air bag module consists of a single-stage inflatable bag and inflator. When a side impact of sufficient force occurs, SDM causes current to flow through side impact air bag deployment loop, causing side impact air bag to deploy.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.