The air bag SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains lateral
deceleration sufficient to cause the sensors to close an electrical circuit
that initiates air bag inflation.
The fact that the air bags did not inflate in a collision does not mean that
something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces were not
of the type sufficient to cause activation. Side air bags are designed to
inflate in side-impact collisions, not roll-over, rear-impact, frontal or near-
frontal collisions, unless the collision causes sufficient lateral deceleration.
Several air bag system
components get hot after
inflation. Do not touch them after
inflation.
If the side air bag has
deployed,
the air bag will
not function again. The side
air bag system (including the
seat) must be inspected and
serviced by a qualified
technician in accordance with
the vehicle service manual.
If
the air bag is not replaced, the
unrepaired area will increase the
risk of injury in a collision.
Determining if the system is operational
The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster or a tone to
indicate the condition of the system. Refer to the
Air bag readiness
section in the
Instrumentation
chapter. Routine maintenance of the air
bag is not required.
A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following:
•
The readiness light (same light as for front air bag system) will either
flash or stay lit.
•
The readiness light will not illuminate immediately after ignition is
turned on.
•
A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat
periodically until the problem and light are repaired.
Seating and safety restraints
103
