How does the airbag system work?

The SRS consists of the following components:

(1) Driver's front airbag module
(2) Passenger's front airbag module
(3) Side airbag modules
(4) Curtain airbag modules
(5) Pretensioner retractor
(6) Airbag warning light
(7) SRS control module (SRSCM)/rollover sensor
(8) Front impact sensors
(9) Side impact sensors
(10) Side pressure sensors
(11) Seat belt buckle switch
(12) Airbag mounting system
(13) Occupant classification system

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

SRS warning light

SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbag warning light: The airbag symbol shown in the illustration appears on the instrument panel. The system checks the airbag electrical system for malfunctions. The light indicates a potential problem with your airbag system, which may involve the side airbags and/or curtain airbags used for rollover protection (if equipped with a rollover sensor).

WARNING

If your SRS is malfunctioning, the airbag may not deploy properly during 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 engine start/stop button is in the ON position.
• The light remains on after illuminating for approximately three to six seconds.
• The lamp comes on while the vehicle is being driven.
• The lamp flashes while the engine is running.
• Have the SRS system checked by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible if any of these conditions occur.

In 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 inflates the front airbags at the correct time and with the necessary force.

The front airbags help protect the driver and front passenger by responding to frontal impacts in which the seat belts alone cannot provide sufficient restraint. When necessary, the side airbags help provide protection in the event of a side impact or rollover by supporting the upper body.

• The airbags are activated (able to inflate if necessary) only when the engine start/stop button is in the ON or START position, and they 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 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/inflation signal.
• The front airbags inflate and deflate instantly. It is virtually impossible to see the airbags deploy during an accident. It is much more likely that you will only see deflated airbags hanging from the storage compartments after a collision.
• In addition to inflating in severe side collisions, vehicles equipped with a rollover sensor will deploy the side airbags and/or curtain airbags if the sensor system detects a rollover. When a rollover is detected, the curtain airbags deploy and remain inflated longer to provide protection against ejection, especially when used together with seat belts. (if equipped with a rollover sensor)
• To provide protection, airbags must inflate quickly. The inflation speed of the airbag is a result of the extremely short time available to inflate the airbag between the occupant and the vehicle structures 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, rapid airbag deployment can also cause injuries, which may include facial abrasions, bruises, and broken bones, because the inflation speed also forces the airbags to expand with great force.