Restraints and Safety Systems: Description and Operation

Restraint Systems Description and Operation

The airbag supplementary restraint system (SRS) is a safety device which, when used in conjunction with the seat belt, is designed to protect the driver and front passenger.







Pre 97MY
In the event of a frontal impact, when the airbag diagnostic control unit and one of the airbag crash sensors senses the impact, the diagnostic control unit fires igniters. This in turn ignites tablets of sodium azide which generate a large amount of Nitrogen gas leading to airbag inflation in approximately 30 milli-seconds.

97 MY On
In the event of a frontal impact, when the airbag diagnostic control unit senses the impact, the diagnostic control unit fires igniters. This in turn ignites tablets of sodium azide which generate a large amount of Nitrogen gas leading to airbag inflation in approximately 30 milli-seconds.

All Models
When fully deployed the airbag offers additional protection to the front seat occupant. As an occupant moves into the airbag it immediately discharges the gas to provide progressive occupant deceleration and reduce risk of injuries. The whole process is completed in approximately 0.3 seconds.


WARNING: All the airbag system components, including the wiring harness, MUST be renewed after the airbags have deployed.


SRS warning light (airbag)







Pre 97MY
The warning light in the instrument pack illuminates after the electrical circuits are switched on whilst a system check is carried out. After about 8 seconds the warning light will go out. The system checks airbag diagnostic control unit, airbag crash sensors, airbag harness, driver and passenger modules.

97MY On
The warning light in the instrument pack illuminates after the electrical circuits are switched on whilst a system check is carried out. After about 5 seconds the warning light will go out. The system checks airbag diagnostic control unit, airbag harness, driver and passenger modules.

All Models
In the event of a fault in the system the warning light will illuminate. The airbag diagnostic control unit logs the fault which can only be accessed using TestBook.