How does the SRS Airbag System work?

The SRS consists of the following components:

(1) Driver's Front Airbag Module
(2) Front Passenger's Airbag Module
(3) Side Airbag Modules
(4) Side Curtain Airbag Modules
(5) Pretensioner Seat Belt Retractor
(6) Airbag Warning Light
(7) SRS Control Module (SRSCM) / Rollover Sensor
(8) Frontal Impact Sensors
(9) Side Impact Sensors
(10) Side Pressure Sensors
(11) Safety Anchor System
(12) Occupant Classification System
(13) Seat Belt Buckle Switch

The SRSCM constantly monitors all SRS components while the ignition switch is ON to determine whether a collision severe enough to require airbag deployment or seat belt pretensioner activation has occurred.

SRS warning light

The SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbag 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 that there is a potential problem with your airbag system, which may include the side airbags and/or side curtain airbags for rollover protection (if equipped with a rollover sensor).

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 when the engine is running. Have the SRS checked by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible if any of these conditions occur.

During a moderate to severe frontal collision, the sensors detect a rapid deceleration of the vehicle. If the deceleration rate is high enough, the control module deploys the front airbags at the proper time and with the necessary force.

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 by supporting the upper torso area.

• The airbags are activated (capable of deploying when necessary) only when the Engine Start/Stop button is in the ON or START position, and can be activated approximately 3 minutes after the engine is turned off.
• The airbags deploy in certain frontal or side collisions to help protect occupants from serious bodily injury.
• There is no single speed at which the airbags will deploy. In general, airbags are designed to deploy depending on the severity and direction of the collision. These two factors determine whether the sensors send an electronic deployment signal.
• The front airbags fully inflate and deflate in an instant. It is practically impossible to see the airbags deploy during a collision. 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 a severe side collision, vehicles equipped with a rollover sensor, side and/or curtain airbags will deploy if the sensor system detects a rollover. When a rollover is detected, the curtain airbags will remain inflated longer to help provide protection against ejection, especially when used together with the seat belts. (If equipped with a rollover sensor.)
• To provide protection, the airbags must inflate rapidly. The high deployment speed is the result of the extremely short time needed to inflate the airbag between the occupant and the vehicle structure before the occupant contacts those 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 deployment of an airbag can also cause injuries, which may include abrasions on the face, 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 a deployed airbag. The greatest risk is sitting too close to the airbag. The airbag needs approximately 10 in. (25 cm) of space to inflate. The NHTSA recommends that drivers maintain 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 driver's and front passenger's 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.

Upon deployment, a tear seam forms directly in the trim cover, which separates under the pressure of the airbag expansion. Further opening of the covers allows the airbags to fully deploy.

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

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 near the instrument cluster or on the instrument panel surface.