How does the airbag system work?

Driver's front airbag module

(1) Driver's front airbag module
(2) Front passenger airbag module
(3) Seat belt pretensioner system (front/rear)
(4) Airbag warning light
(5) SRS control module (SRSCM)
(6) Frontal impact sensors
(7) Side airbag modules
(8) Curtain airbag modules
(9) Side impact sensors
(10) Side pressure sensors*
(11) Front passenger airbag ON/OFF indicator light* (front passenger seat only)
(12) Front passenger airbag ON/OFF switch* (front passenger seat only)

The SRSCM continuously monitors the SRS components, except the loop, when the ignition switch is in the ON position, to determine whether an impact is severe enough to require airbag deployment or seat belt pretensioner activation.

SRS airbag warning light

The SRS airbag warning light on the instrument panel illuminates for about 6 seconds after the ignition is turned on, then goes off.

WARNING

If the SRS is malfunctioning, the airbag may not deploy properly in an accident where there is an increased risk of serious injury or even death. If one of the following events occurs, it indicates that your SRS is defective:

• The light does not come on for approximately six seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position.
• The light remains on after 6 seconds.
• The light comes on while the vehicle is in motion.
• The light comes on while the engine is running.

If any of these conditions occur, we recommend that you have the SRS inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.

In a frontal collision, the sensors detect the deceleration of the vehicle. If the rate of deceleration is high enough, the control unit deploys the front airbags at the proper time and with the necessary force.

The front airbags help protect the driver and front passenger by responding to frontal impacts where the seat belts alone cannot provide adequate restraint. When necessary, the side airbags provide protection in the event of side impacts.

• The airbags are only activated (ready to deploy when necessary) when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position.
• The airbags deploy in certain frontal collisions to help protect occupants from serious injury.
• There is no specific speed at which the airbags deploy. In general, airbags are designed to deploy depending on the force and direction of the impact. These two factors determine whether the sensors send the electronic deployment signal.
• Airbag deployment depends on a number of factors, including: vehicle speed, collision angles, and the density and stiffness of the vehicles or objects your vehicle strikes during a collision. However, the factors are not limited to those listed above.
• The front airbags inflate and deflate almost instantly. It is virtually impossible to see the airbags deploy during the course of an accident. Most likely, the airbags will be deflated and hanging out of their storage compartments after the collision.
• To provide protection, the airbags must deploy quickly. The speed of airbag deployment is critical due to the extremely short time in which the collision occurs and the need for the airbag to deploy between the occupant and the vehicle interior before the occupant strikes that interior. Rapid deployment reduces the risk of serious or fatal injury during a severe collision and is therefore an essential element of airbag design. However, airbag deployment may cause injuries, usually abrasions to the face, bruises and hematomas, fractures, and sometimes more serious injuries, because the deployment speed and the force of airbag deployment are important.
• There are also cases where contact with the airbag located in the steering wheel may result in fatal injuries, especially if the occupant is too close to the airbag.

You can take steps to reduce the risk of injury from airbag deployment. The greatest risk is sitting too close to the airbag. Space is required for the airbag to deploy. Drivers are recommended to sit as far back as possible from the steering wheel while still maintaining control of the vehicle.

Driver's front airbag (1)

When the SRSCM detects a severe impact to the front of the vehicle, it automatically deploys the front airbags.

Driver's front airbag (2)

During deployment, the molded seams on the airbag cushions do not hold against the pressure of the airbag inflation. The opening of these seams then allows the airbags to fully inflate.

A fully inflated airbag, used together with a properly fastened seat belt, slows the forward movement of the driver or front passenger and reduces the risk of head and chest injuries.

Driver's front airbag (3)

Front passenger airbag

After full deployment, the airbag begins to deflate immediately, allowing the driver to see forward and operate the steering wheel or perform other tasks.

WARNING

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

• Do not install or place any accessories (cup holder, cassette case, sticker, etc.) on the instrument panel above the glove box in front of the front passenger in a vehicle equipped with a passenger airbag.
• If you install a liquid air freshener in the vehicle, do not place it near the instrument cluster or on the surface of the instrument panel.