Front Airbag System

The front airbag system electrical circuits are continuously monitored and controlled by a microprocessor and software contained within the Airbag Control Module (ACM). The ACM also contains an impact sensor and a safing sensor, which are monitored by the ACM to determine when an impact occurs that is severe enough to require front airbag system protection. When a frontal impact is severe enough, the ACM initiates the inflator units of both front airbag modules to deploy the airbags.

An airbag indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights for about six to eight seconds as a bulb test each time the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. Following the bulb test, the airbag indicator lamp is turned ON or OFF by the ACM to indicate the status of the airbag system. If the airbag indicator lamp comes ON at any time other than during the bulb test, it indicates that there is a problem in the airbag system circuits. Such a problem may cause the airbags not to deploy when required, or to deploy when not required.

During a frontal vehicle impact, the knee blockers work in concert with properly adjusted seat belts to restrain the driver and front seat passenger in the proper position for an airbag deployment. The knee blockers also work to absorb and distribute the crash energy from the driver and front seat passenger to the structure of the instrument panel. The driver side knee blocker is integral to the left lower instrument panel bezel. The passenger side knee blocker is integral to the glove box door.

Following are general descriptions of the major components in the airbag system.