How does the airbag system work?

The SRS consists of the following components:

1. Driver's front airbag module
2. Front passenger's airbag module
3. Front side airbag modules
4. Curtain airbag modules
5. Seat belt pretensioner assemblies
6. SRS warning light
7. SRS Control Module (SRSCM) / Rollover sensor
8. Frontal impact sensors
9. Side impact sensors (acceleration)
10. Side impact sensors (pressure)
11. Occupant classification system
12. Driver's and front passenger's seat belt buckle switch sensors

The SRSCM (Supplemental Restraint System Control Module) continuously monitors all SRS components while the ignition switch is in the ON position or for approximately 3 minutes after the ignition is turned OFF, to determine whether a collision is severe enough to require airbag deployment or seat belt pretensioner activation.

SRS warning light

The SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) warning light on the instrument cluster displays the airbag symbol shown in the illustration. The system checks the airbag electrical system for malfunctions. The light indicates a potential malfunction in your airbag system, which may include the side and curtain airbags used for rollover protection.

WARNING

If the SRS is malfunctioning, the airbags may not deploy properly in a crash, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.

If any of the following conditions occur, your SRS is malfunctioning:

• The light does not come on for approximately three to six seconds when the ignition switch is turned ON.
• The light remains on after approximately three to six seconds.
• The light comes on while the vehicle is in motion.
• The light flashes while the engine is running.

Have the SRS inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible if any of these conditions occur.

In a frontal collision, the sensors detect the deceleration of the vehicle. If the deceleration is high enough, the control unit inflates the front airbags.

The front airbags help protect the driver and front passenger in frontal impacts where the seat belts alone cannot provide adequate restraint. When necessary, the side airbags help provide protection in a side impact or rollover.

• The airbags are activated (ready to inflate if necessary) when the engine start/stop button is in the ON position or for approximately 3 minutes after the ignition is turned OFF.
• The airbags deploy in certain frontal or side collisions to help protect occupants from serious bodily injury.
• In general, airbags are designed to inflate depending on the severity of the collision, its direction, and other factors. These two factors determine whether the sensors send an electronic deployment/inflation signal.
• Front airbags inflate and deflate in an instant. It is practically impossible to see the airbags deploy during an accident. It is much more likely that you will only see the deflated airbags hanging from their storage compartments after a collision.
• In addition to deploying in the direction of impact, vehicles equipped with a rollover sensor, side and curtain airbags will deploy if the sensor system detects a rollover. When a rollover is detected, the side and curtain airbags will remain inflated longer to help provide ejection protection, especially when used in combination with seat belts.
• To provide protection, airbags must inflate rapidly. The speed of airbag deployment is a result of the extremely short time needed to inflate the airbag between the occupant and the vehicle structure before the occupant contacts these structures. This inflation speed reduces the risk of serious or life-threatening injury and is therefore a necessary part of airbag design. However, the rapid airbag deployment can also cause injuries, which may include facial abrasions, bruises and broken bones, because the airbag expands with great force due to the inflation speed.
• There are even circumstances in which contact with an airbag can result in fatal injuries, especially if an occupant is positioned excessively close to the airbag.

You can take steps to reduce the risk of injury from an inflating airbag. The greatest risk is sitting too close to the airbag. The airbag requires approximately 10 in (25 cm) of space to inflate. NHTSA recommends that drivers allow at least 10 in (25 cm) between the center of the steering wheel and the chest.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury or death from an inflating airbag, take the following precautions:

• NEVER install a child restraint in the front passenger seat. Always properly secure children under 13 years old in the rear seats of the vehicle.
• Adjust the front passenger and driver seats as far back as possible while still allowing you to maintain full control of the vehicle.
• Hold the steering wheel at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions.
• NEVER place anything or anyone between the airbag and the occupant.
• Do not allow the front passenger to place feet or legs on the instrument panel.

When the SRSCM detects a sufficiently strong impact to the front of the vehicle, it will automatically deploy the front airbags.

When deployed, tear seams form directly in the trim covers, which separate under the pressure of the airbag expansion. Further opening of the covers allows the airbags to fully deploy.

A fully inflated airbag, in combination with a properly worn seat belt, slows the forward movement of the driver or front passenger, reducing the risk of head injury and chest injury.

After full deployment, the airbag immediately begins to deflate, allowing the driver to maintain forward visibility and the ability to steer or control other vehicle controls.

WARNING

To prevent objects from becoming dangerous projectiles when the passenger airbag deploys:

• Do not install or place any objects (cup holder, cup holder accessories, stickers, etc.) on the front passenger instrument panel above the glove box, where the passenger airbag is located.
• Do not install a liquid-filled air freshener container near the instrument panel or on the instrument panel surface.