SRS Components
SRS ComponentsAirbags
The SRS is a safety device which, when used with the seat belt, is designed to help protect the driver and front passenger in a frontal Impact exceeding a certain set limit. The system consists of the SRS unit, including safing sensor and impact sensor (A), the cable reel (B), the driver's airbag (C), the front passenger's airbag (D), side airbags (E), seat belt tensioners (I), and front impact sensors (J).
Since the driver's and front passenger's airbags use the same sensors, both normally inflate at the same time. However, it is possible for only one airbag to inflate.
This can occur when the severity of a collision is at the margin, or threshold, that the determines whether or not the airbags will deploy. In such cases, the seat belt will provide sufficient protection, and the supplemental protection offered by the airbag would be minimal.
Front Passenger's Weight Sensors
The front passenger's weight sensors unit (K) is located under the front passenger's seat along with the weight sensors (L). The weight sensors detect the weight on the seat, and sends the information to the front passenger's weight sensors unit. If the total weight is about 65 lbs (30 kg) or less, the front passenger's weight sensors unit sends a signal to the SRS unit to prevent the passenger's airbag from deploying. When the passenger's airbag is disabled, the passenger airbag cutoff indicator on the center panel comes on to alter the driver that the front passenger's airbag will not deploy in a front-end collision.
Driver's Seat Position Sensor
The driver's seat position sensor (M) is under the driver's seat on the inside of the left seat When the driver's seat is moved to its full forward position, the deployment of the driver's airbag is moderated to decrease its force of impact during a front-end collision.
Side Airbags
The side airbags (E) are in each front seat-back. They help protect the upper torso of the driver or front seat passenger during a moderate to severe side impact. Side impact sensors (F) in each door sill and in the SRS unit detect such an impact and instantly inflate the driver's or the passenger's side airbag. Only one side airbag will deploy during a side impact. If the impact is on the passenger's side, the passenger's side airbag will deploy even if there is no passenger.
Seat Belt Tensioners
The seat belt tensioners are linked with the SRS airbags to further increase the effectiveness of the seat belt. In a front-end collision, the tensioners instantly retract the belt and buckle firmly to secure the occupants in their seats.
OPDS
The side airbag system also includes an Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS). This system consists of sensors (G) and a OPDS unit (H) in the front passenger's seat-back. The OPDS unit sends occupant height and position data to the SRS unit. If the SRS unit determines that the front passenger is of small stature (for example, a child) and the front passenger is leaning into the side airbag deployment path, the SRS unit will automatically disable the airbag. The SRS unit will also disable the airbag when the OPDS detects certain objects on the seat. When the side airbag is disabled, the Side Airbag Cutoff indicator on the instrument panel alerts the driver that the passenger's side airbag will not deploy in a side impact. When the object is removed, or the passenger sits upright, the Side Airbag Cutoff indicator will go off, alerting the driver that the side airbag will deploy in a side impact.