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How does the side air curtain system work?
The side air curtain system consists
of the following:
• An inflatable nylon curtain with a
gas generator concealed behind
the headliner and above the
doors.
• The headliner will flex to open
above the side doors to allow air
curtain deployment.
• The same warning light,
electronic control and diagnostic
unit as used for the front airbags.
• Two crash sensors located under
the outboard side of the front
seats, attached near the floor.
• Two crash sensors located at the
base of the “C” pillars above the
wheel house.
• An inflatable nylon bag (airbag) with a gas generator concealed behind
the outboard bolster of the driver and front passenger seatbacks.
• A special seat cover to allow airbag deployment (front seats only).
Side air curtains, in combination with seat belts, can help reduce the risk
of severe injuries in the event of a significant side impact collision.
The side air curtains are mounted to the sheet metal above the first and
second row seats. In certain lateral collisions, the air curtain on the side
affected by the collision will be inflated, even if the respective seat is not
occupied. The air curtain was designed to inflate between the side
window area and occupant to further enhance the head protection
provided to occupants in side impact collisions.
The air curtain SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains
lateral deceleration sufficient to cause the sensors to close an electrical
circuit that initiates air curtain inflation.
The fact that the air curtains did not inflate in a collision does not mean
that something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces
were not of the type sufficient to cause activation. Side air curtains are
designed to inflate in side-impact collisions, not roll-over, rear-impact,
frontal or near-frontal collisions, unless the collision causes sufficient
lateral deceleration.
Seating and Safety Restraints
167
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