Description & Operation: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2001 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.

The 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 a front-end collision or seat air bags in a side collision. The 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 a front-end collision, the air bag control module discriminates between an event that warrants air bag deployment and an event that does not. In a crash of sufficient force, the air bag control module signals the air bag modules and-or front seat belt pretensioners to deploy.

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

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

Air bag system includes the following components: Air bag control module, a 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 .