Component Operation

SYSTEM OPERATION





When the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision in the hatched area (Fig. 1) and the shock is larger than a predetermined level. the SRS is activated automatically. Safing sensors are designed to go on at a smaller deceleration rate than the front and center airbag sensors. As illustrated in Fig. 2, ignition is caused when current flows to the squib. which happens when a safing sensor and a front airbag sensor and/or the center airbag sensor go on simultaneously. When a deceleration force acts on the sensors, two squibs in the driver airbag and front passenger airbag ignite and generate gas. The gas discharging into the driver and front passenger airbags rapidly increases the pressure inside the bags, breaking open the steering wheel pad and instrument panel door. Bag inflation then ends, and the bags deflate as the gas is discharged through discharge holes at the bag's rear or side.

FUNCTION OF COMPONENTS





Front Airbag Sensor

A front airbag sensor is mounted inside each of the front fenders. The sensor unit is a mechanical type. When the sensor detects a deceleration force above a predetermined limit, the contact in the sensor make contact, sending a signal to the center airbag sensor assembly. The sensor cannot be disassembled.





Spiral Cable (in Combination Switch)

A spiral cable is used as an electrical joint from the vehicle body side to the steering wheel.





Steering Wheel Pad (with Airbag)

The inflater and bag of the SRS are stored in the steering wheel pad and cannot be disassembled. The inflater contains a squib, igniter charge, gas generant, etc., and inflates the bag when instructed by the center airbag sensor assembly.





Front Passenger Airbag Assembly

The inflater and bag of the SRS are stored in the front passenger airbag assembly and cannot be disassembled. The inflater contains a squib, igniter charge, gas generant, etc., and inflates the bag when instructed by the center airbag sensor assembly.





SRS Warning Light

The SRS warning light is located on the combination meter. It goes on to alert the driver of trouble in the system when a malfunction is detected in the center airbag sensor assembly self-diagnosis. In normal operating conditions when the ignition switch is turned to the ACC or ON position, the light goes on for about 6 seconds and then goes off.





Center Airbag Sensor Assembly

The center airbag sensor assembly is mounted on the floor inside the console box. The center airbag sensor assembly consists of a center airbag sensor, safing sensors, ignition control and drive circuit, diagnosis circuit, etc. It receives signals from the airbag sensors and judges whether the SRS must be activated or not and diagnostic system malfunctions.