The airbags inflate and deflate
rapidly upon activation. After airbag
deployment, it is normal to notice a
smoke-like, powdery residue or
smell the burnt propellant. This may
consist of cornstarch, talcum
powder (to lubricate the bag) or
sodium compounds (e.g., baking
soda) that result from the
combustion process that inflates the
airbag. Small amounts of sodium
hydroxide may be present which
may irritate the skin and eyes, but
none of the residue is toxic.
While the system is designed to help
reduce serious injuries, contact with
a deploying airbag may also cause abrasions, swelling or temporary
hearing loss. Because airbags must inflate rapidly and with considerable
force, there is the risk of death or serious injuries such as fractures,
facial and eye injuries or internal injuries, particularly to occupants who
are not properly restrained or are otherwise out of position at the time
of airbag deployment. Thus, it is extremely important that occupants be
properly restrained as far away from the airbag module as possible while
maintaining vehicle control.
The SRS consists of the following items:
•
Driver and passenger airbag modules (which include the inflators and
airbags)
•
safety belt pretensioners
•
Front passenger sensing system
•
“Passenger airbag off” or “pass airbag off” indicator lamp. Refer to
Front passenger sensing system
later in this chapter.
•
Driver and passenger side airbags
•
One or more impact and safing sensors
•
A readiness light and tone
•
A diagnostic module
•
The electrical wiring which connects the components
The diagnostic module monitors its own internal circuits as well as the
supplemental airbag electrical system wiring (including the impact
Seating and Safety Restraints
115
2010 Crown Victoria
(cro)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA
(fus)
