Supplemental Restraint System
The SRS includes the steering wheel
airbag assembly, two sensors in the
dashboard and a control unit with
two more sensors under the dash-
board.
The four sensors are decelerometers,
set to trigger in a frontal impact that
generates more force than a 10 mile
per hour barrier crash. For the SRS
to activate, at least one dashboard
sensor AND one control unit sensor
must trigger. This duplication is to
prevent accidental activation.
When the control unit receives
signals from two sensors, it sends
voltage to the airbag. Even if a
severe impact damages the car's
battery or electrical connections, the
control unit keeps reserve power in a
capacitor.
The electrical signal to the airbag
assembly ignites its propellant, which
burns instantaneously. The gas
produced by the burning propellant
inflates the airbag in about 40 milli-
seconds (1/25 of a second).
The airbag is vented so it stays
inflated for only an instant and does
not block the driver's vision. Smoke
and powder from the burned propel-
lant comes out of the airbag and into
the car's interior. This is normal and
does not mean there is a fire. The
airbag collapses onto the driver's lap.
The airbag unit can inflate only one
time. After use, your Acura dealer
must check the complete Supplemen-
tal Restraint System and replace the
airbag assembly.
To ensure long-term reliability, the
SRS uses gold-plated electrical
connections throughout. Exposed
components are sealed with epoxy.
The control unit monitors the SRS
circuitry whenever the ignition is
ON. If the control unit senses any
faults, it turns on the SRS indicator
light on the instrument panel. Take
the car to your Acura dealer to
diagnose and repair the system as
soon as possible.
The SRS needs no regular mainte-
nance other than an inspection by
your Acura dealer ten years after
manufacture.
Technical Information
