The airbag system includes airbag units with gas generators, a control unit with an integrated crash sensor and a warning light in the instrument cluster.
The pillow block, mounted in the center of the steering wheel, is stamped with the inscription «AIRBAG». If a passenger airbag is installed, this is stamped on the airbag unit located on the dash in front of the passenger.
When the ignition is switched on, the control unit performs a check that lasts about 3 seconds, during which the warning lamp in the instrument cluster comes on. At the end of the test, the control lamp should go out. If the lamp does not light up, lights up later, or lights up when the vehicle is moving, then there is a malfunction in the system. In this case, you must immediately contact the car service specialists.
The system is triggered by a front impact of a certain force, depending on the direction of impact. In a matter of milliseconds, the airbag inflates to form a safety bubble between the driver and steering wheel, as well as between the passenger (if installed) and instrument panel. This greatly reduces the risk of injury to the driver and passenger. The pillow deflates almost instantly. The control unit causes the mechanisms of the pretensioners to work simultaneously with the operation of the airbags (see section «Body»).