What Makes an Airbag Inflate?

In an impact of sufficient severity, the airbag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. Additionally, in the case of a “rollover capable” roof-mounted side impact airbag, the sensing system detects that the vehicle is about to roll over. The sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the airbag. The inflator, airbag, and related hardware are all part of the airbag modules inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger. For vehicles with roof-mounted rollover airbags, the airbag modules, the inflator, and the airbags are located in the ceiling of the vehicle, near the side windows.

    See also:

    Headlamps, Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps
    Base Headlamp Assembly (Passenger Side Shown, Driver Side Similar) A. High-Beam Headlamp B. Turn Signal Lamp C. Low-Beam Headlamp/Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) D. Parking Lamp E. Sidemarker ...

    Where Are the Airbags?
    The driver’s frontal airbag is in the middle of the steering wheel. The right front passenger’s frontal airbag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. If your vehicle has a ...

    CD Player
    For vehicles equipped with the MyLink or IntelliLink infotainment system, see the separate MyLink/IntelliLink Features and Functions Guide for more information. The player can be used for CD ...