What Makes an Airbag Inflate?

In a deployment event, the sensing system sends an electrical signal triggering a release of gas from the inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the airbag causing the bag to break out of the cover. The inflator, the airbag, and related hardware are all part of the airbag module.

For airbag location, see Where Are the Airbags?.

    See also:

    Brake System Messages
    BRAKE FLUID LOW This message is displayed when the brake fluid level is low. See Brake Fluid . PRESS BRAKE PEDAL TO RELEASE PARK BRAKE This message is displayed if you attempt to release the elec ...

    Loss of Control
    Skidding There are three types of skids that correspond to the vehicle's three control systems: • Braking Skid — wheels are not rolling. • Steering or Cornering Skid — too much spee ...

    Diagnostics
    OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics will perform a vehicle check every month. It will check the engine, transmission, antilock brakes, and major vehicle systems. It also checks the tire pressures, if the v ...