PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Airbags
WARNINGS
Do not modify the front of your
vehicle in any way. This could
adversely affect deployment of the
airbags.
Extreme Hazard! Do not use a
rearward facing child restraint on a
seat protected by an airbag in front
of it!
Wear a seat belt and keep sufficient
distance between yourself and the
steering wheel. Only when you use
the seat belt properly, can it hold you in a
position that allows the airbag to achieve
its optimum effect. See Sitting in the
Correct Position (page 109).
Have repairs to the steering wheel,
steering column, seats, airbags and
seat belts carried out by a properly
trained technician.
Keep the areas in front of the airbags
free from obstruction. Do not affix
anything to or over the airbag covers.
Do not poke sharp objects into areas
where airbags are fitted. This could
damage and adversely affect
deployment of the airbags.
Use seat covers designed for seats
with side airbags. Have these fitted
by a properly trained technician.
Note: You will hear a loud bang and see a
cloud of harmless powdery residue if an
airbag deploys. This is normal.
Note: Only wipe airbag covers with a damp
cloth.
Front airbags
The driver airbag, front passenger airbag
and the front seat belt pretensioners will
deploy during significant frontal collisions
or collisions that are up to 30 degrees from
the left or the right. The airbags will inflate
within a few thousandths of a second and
deflate on contact with the occupants,
thus cushioning forward body movement.
During minor frontal collisions, overturns,
rear collisions and side collisions, the driver
and front passenger airbags will not
deploy.
Side and curtain airbags
During significant lateral collisions, only
the airbags on the side affected by the
collision and the front seat belt
pretensioners will deploy. The airbags will
inflate within a few thousandths of a
second and deflate on contact with the
occupants, thus providing protection for
the body. The side and curtain airbags will
not deploy during minor lateral collisions,
front collisions, rear collisions or overturns.
25
Occupant protection
