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
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) or air bag system is designed to deploy air bags in a frontal or lateral (side) impact of moderate to severe force. The SRS uses an Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC), also known as Air Bag Control Module (ACM), to determine direction and severity of impact, deploy air bags and monitor system readiness. When front and side impact sensors and ORC accelerometer registers sufficient deceleration force during a front-end or side collision, ORC deploys appropriate air bags and seat belt pretensioners.
The air bag system consists of an AIR BAG warning light (also known as AIR BAG warning indicator), dual-stage driver-side air bag module, dual-stage passenger-side air bag module, right and left curtain air bag modules, driver knee blocker air bag module, right and left seat belt pretensioners, clockspring, right and left front impact sensors, right and left side impact sensors (3 on each side) and Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). The ORC contains a energy-storage capacitor and accelerometer. See COMPONENT LOCATIONS .
NO RELATED
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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.