7 Parts of an Airbag System (SRS)
An airbag or Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) is a vehicle safety device designed to restrain the driver and passengers in the event of an accident.
For example, if a driver crashes their vehicle into the rear of another vehicle at high speed, the steering wheel airbag module inflates almost instantly. This prevents the driver from hitting their head or upper body against the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield.
The airbag deflates within seconds of inflation, so the driver cannot be suffocated by the airbag. The airbag system deploys when a sudden drop in acceleration is detected or when the vehicle hits another hard object.
Airbag Parts
A vehicle’s airbag system is made up of several parts. Each of these parts has a specific function to ensure that the airbag inflates at exactly the right time. Below we explain the seven main parts of an airbag system and how they work:
1) Airbag Gas Generator
The airbag inflator is part of the airbag module, which also contains the airbag. The function of an airbag inflator is pretty self-explanatory. Its purpose is to quickly inflate the airbag inside the airbag module and prevent the airbag from coming out and throwing you out of the vehicle.
The inflation system is able to create this inflation effect by mixing potassium nitrate and sodium azide to create nitrogen gas. When this gas enters the airbag, it creates an immediate inflation effect.
2) Impact Sensor
Airbag systems rely on impact or crash sensors that help the airbag module know when to inflate the airbag. These impact sensors detect if the car suddenly stops accelerating.
If the car hits a solid object at a speed of 15 miles per hour or more, the impact sensors activate the airbag inflation system.
3) SRS Airbag Module
Every time you start the vehicle, the diagnostic monitoring unit runs a test on the airbag system to ensure that it is functioning properly. If you have already been in an accident and the airbag has inflated, you must take your vehicle to an airbag-savvy dealer or auto repair shop to have the airbag system reset.
Otherwise, the diagnostic monitoring unit will constantly warn you that the airbag system is not working properly. 4) Indicator Light
The indicator light is basically a warning light for the airbag system. The Check Engine Light will come on for a few seconds when the vehicle runs a diagnostic check of the system. However, if there is an issue with the airbag system, the indicator light will stay on.
5) Clock Spring (Symptoms of a Broken Clock Spring)
The clock spring connects the steering wheel to the airbag system. This applies to the driver’s side airbag in your vehicle. It contains a coiled wire that allows the car’s steering wheel to turn while maintaining electrical connections to the airbag, steering wheel buttons, and the car’s horn.
6) Airbag
Of course, the airbag itself is another part of the airbag system. It’s the bag that inflates in the event of a collision with another vehicle or solid object in front of (or next to) the driver or passenger. Airbags are usually made from nylon fabric. They are coated with a heat shield to protect tissue in the event of a burn.
7) Wiring Harness (SRS Wiring Harness)
The wiring harness represents the series of wires that connect all the components of the airbag system. If even one cable is damaged or inoperable in any way, the entire airbag system will not function.