Description & Operation: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Saab 9-3. 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.

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), also known as air bag system, is designed to provide increased accident protection for driver and passenger by deploying air bags in front-end collision or seat air bags in side collision. Air bags, stored in center of steering wheel, instrument panel above glove box and in driver's and passenger's seat back, deploy in about 40 milliseconds after sensors located within air bag control module close. Air bag system is designed to be used with 3-point seat belts.

During front-end collision, air bag control module discriminates between an event warranting air bag deployment or not. In crash of sufficient force, air bag control module signals air bag modules and/or front seat belt pretensioners to deploy.

During side or lateral collision, air bag control module receives information from right and/or right side impact sensor, discriminates between an event warranting air bag deployment or not. In collision of sufficient force, air bag control module signals right and/or left seat air bag module to deploy.

Seat belts for front seats are equipped with pyrotechnic pretensioners which tighten seat belts in event of collision. Also, in rear-end collision (sudden acceleration), front seat belt pretensioners may be activated.

Air bag system includes following components: Air bag control module, back-up power supply (located inside air bag control module), left and right side impact sensors, driver-side air bag module, passenger-side air bag module, right and left seat air bag modules (located in outboard side of driver and passenger seat backs), AIR BAG warning light, clockspring, front seat belt pretensioners, driver-side and passenger-side knee bolsters, and associated wiring harnesses. See COMPONENT LOCATIONS .