Front Airbags
Never use an ohmmeter or similar tool to test airbags, inflatable curtains, adaptive belt force limiters, adaptive steering column or belt tensioners. Disconnect airbags, inflatable curtains, adaptive seat belt limiters, adaptive steering column or belt tensioners before testing them. Failure to do so may result in accidental deployment, which in turn could result in serious injury or death.
The airbags at the front of the vehicle are:
- driver airbag, 2 stage deployment
- front passenger airbag, 2 or 3-stage deployment.
The driver's airbag is located in the steering wheel. The passenger airbag is located above the glove compartment in the dashboard.
Each airbag stage has a separate igniter component. These are electrically separated from each other. This means that the different ignition components have their own separate power supply and grounding points from the control module.
During airbag deployment, electrical signals are transmitted from the supplemental restraint system module (SRS) to the relevant airbag stage.
Stage 1
Stage 1 of the driver's airbag is pyrotechnic. In the event of deployment, the charge combusts and the gas which develops is blown into the airbag.
Stage 1 on the passenger airbag consists of a pyrotechnic component in combination with a reservoir which stores a gas. In the event of deployment, the pyrotechnic charge combusts and mixes with the stored gas. The gas mixture inflates the airbag.
Stage 2
Stage 2 of the driver's and passenger airbags is pyrotechnical. In the event of deployment, the charge combusts and the gas which develops is blown into the airbag.
The time lapse of the airbag's 2-stage deployment depends on the type of collision and seat belt usage. Both stages are always deployed. In the event of a minor collision, there is a long delay between stages 1 and 2, generating a soft airbag. In the event of a severe collision, there is a short delay between stages 1 and 2, generating a harder airbag.
Stage 3 (front passenger airbag only - USA/CAN)
Stage 3 of the front passenger airbag is pyrotechnical. Upon deployment, a valve opens on the airbag.
Using information from the seat position sensor, belt buckle sensor and impact sensor, the control module can adjust the inflation volume of the airbag to the severity of the collision. This is done by ventilating the airbag.