GMC 2011 Sierra Denali, Owner'S Manual

Page: 85 / 492

Seats and Restraints 3-31
Frontal airbags may inflate at
different crash speeds.
For example:
. If the vehicle hits a stationary
object, the airbags could inflate
at a different crash speed than if
the vehicle hits a moving object.
. If the vehicle hits an object that
deforms, the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits an object
that does not deform.
. If the vehicle hits a narrow object
(like a pole), the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits a wide
object (like a wall).
. If the vehicle goes into an object
at an angle, the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle goes straight
into the object.
Thresholds can also vary with
specific vehicle design.
Frontal airbags are not intended to
inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear
impacts, or in many side impacts.
The vehicle has dual ‐ stage frontal
airbags. Dual-stage airbags adjust
the restraint according to crash
severity. The vehicle has electronic
frontal sensors, which help the
sensing system distinguish
between a moderate frontal impact
and a more severe frontal impact.
For moderate frontal impacts,
dual-stage airbags inflate at a
level less than full deployment.
For more severe frontal impacts,
full deployment occurs.
Vehicles with dual stage airbags
also have a seat position sensor
which enables the sensing system
to monitor the position of the driver
seat (all models) and the right front
passenger seat (light-duty models
only). The seat position sensor
provides information that is used to
determine if the airbags should
deploy at a reduced level or at full
deployment.
The vehicle may have
seat
‐ mounted side impact airbags.
The vehicle has roof-rail airbags.
See
Airbag System on page 3 ‑ 27 .
Seat ‐ mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags are intended to
inflate in moderate to severe side
crashes. In addition, these roof-rail
airbags are intended to inflate
during a rollover or in a severe
frontal impact. Seat
‐ mounted side
impact and roof-rail airbags will
inflate if the crash severity is above
the system's designed threshold
level. The threshold level can vary
with specific vehicle design.
Roof-rail airbags are not
intended to inflate in rear impacts.
A seat
‐ mounted side impact airbag
is intended to deploy on the side of
the vehicle that is struck. Both
roof-rail airbags will deploy when
either side of the vehicle is struck,
or if the sensing system predicts
that the vehicle is about to roll over,
or in a severe frontal impact.