Purpose of the System:

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The MRS III is a passive safety system that is designed to provide the maximum amount of driver and occupant protection in the event that the vehicle is involved in a collision. The system is designed to activate only the necessary components for protection based on:

The severity of the impact.
The number and positioning of the passengers.
The direction from which the impact occurs.

The protection is provided by inflated air bags and tubes as well as seat belt tensioning devices.

The Multiple Restraint System (MRS III) employs the use of "SMART" technology. Smart technology refers to the control module's programming which allows for the deployment of the airbags, in stages depending on the severity of the impact. Two stage airbags are used for both the driver and front passenger which allows for a softer cushioning effect when the bags are triggered at lighter impacts.

In addition to the front air bags, the MRS III incorporates the following restraint/safety devices:

Front door side impact (thorax) air bags.
Head protection air bags (ITS).
Rear door side impact (thorax) air bags - optional.
Front pyrotechnic seat belt tensioners.
Battery safety terminal (BST).
Fuel pump cut off message.

MRS III control modules are manufactured by either Bosch or Temic. While the functional operation of both modules are the same. The control modules are not interchangeable from a replacement standpoint.