Description & Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mazda RX-8. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Accidental air bag deployment is possible. Personal injury may result. Read and follow all WARNINGS and AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS before working on air bag system or related components.

The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), also known as air bag system, is designed to provide increased accident protection for driver and passengers by deploying front air bags and front seat belt pretensioners in a front-end collision, and side and side curtain air bags in side collisions. Air bag system is designed to be used with 3-point seat belts.

During a front-end collision, the SAS control module, using input from crash sensors, discriminates between an event that warrants front air bag and seat belt pretensioner deployment and an event that does not. Using inputs from driver seat track position sensor and seat belt switches, in conjunction with crash sensor inputs, SAS control module determines which air bags to deploy and at what deployment rate. In a crash of sufficient force, the SAS control module signals the front air bag modules and seat belt pretensioners to simultaneously deploy.

During a side or lateral collision, the SAS control module, using inputs from right and/or left side crash sensors, discriminates between an event that warrants side or side curtain air bag deployment and an event that does not. In lateral collisions of sufficient force, the SAS control module signals the right and/or left side or curtain air bag module(s) to deploy.

Air bag system includes the following components: SAS control module, back-up power supply (located inside the SAS control module), front crash sensor, right and left side crash sensors, dual-stage driver-side air bag module, dual-stage passenger-side air bag module, right and left side air bag modules, right and left side curtain air bag modules, right and left front seat belt pretensioners, right and left front seat belt buckle switches, seat position sensor, AIR BAG warning light, clockspring and associated wiring harnesses. See COMPONENT LOCATIONS .