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.
Description & Operation: Notes
The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), also known as air bag system, is designed to provide increased accident protection for driver and passenger by deploying air bags and front seat belt pretensioners in a front-end collision. The air bags, stored in center of steering wheel and in instrument panel above glove box, deploy in about 40 milliseconds after impact sensors close. air bag system is designed to be used with 3-point safety belts.
During a front-end collision, the air bag Restraints Control Module (RCM), or diagnostic monitor, discriminates between an event that warrants air bag deployment and an event that does not. In a crash of sufficient force, the RCM signals the air bag modules and front seat belt pretensioners to simultaneously inflate.
Air bag system includes following components: Restraints Control Module (RCM) (also known as electronic crash sensor or air bag monitor), a safing sensor (located inside the RCM), a back-up power supply (also located inside the RCM), driver-side air bag module, passenger-side air bag module, right and left front seat belt pretensioners (located in seat belt buckles), Passenger-Side Air Bag Deactivation (PAD) switch, AIR BAG warning light, clockspring and associated wiring harnesses. See COMPONENT LOCATIONSΒ .
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.