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:

    Compass Messages
    CAL This message is displayed when the compass needs to be calibrated. See Compass . – – – Three dashes will be displayed if the compass needs service. See your dealer for service. ...

    All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
    Your vehicle may have this feature. There is no lever or switch to engage or disengage the front axle. It is fully automatic and adjusts as needed for road conditions. Your vehicle has an active t ...

    Vehicle Messages
    Messages displayed on the DIC indicate the status of the vehicle or some action that may be needed to correct a condition. Multiple messages may display one after the other. The messages that do ...