SRS system components and functions

The SRS system includes the following components:

1. 1
   Driver's front airbag module*
2. 2
   Front passenger airbag module*
3. 3
   Side airbag modules*
4. 4
   Curtain airbag modules*
5. 5
   Driver's side lower instrument panel airbag module*
6. 6
   Seat belt retractors with pretensioners*
7. 7
   Airbag Warning Light
8. 8
   SRS control unit (SRSCM)
9. 9
   Side impact sensors*
10. 10
    Pretensioner anchor assembly* (driver's side)
11. 11
    Front passenger airbag ON/OFF indicator*
12. 12
    Front passenger airbag disabled indicator*

*: if equipped

When the ignition switch is in the ON position, the control unit constantly monitors the parameters to determine whether a frontal or near-frontal impact is severe enough to require deployment of the airbags or seat belt pretensioners.

When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the SRS airbag warning light "" on the instrument cluster comes on for approximately 6 seconds, then it should go off.

CAUTION If any of the conditions listed below occur, the SRS system is malfunctioning. Have the airbag system checked by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.

• The light does not come on briefly when the ignition is switched on
• Once illuminated, the light remains on for approximately 6 seconds
• The light comes on while driving.
• The light flashes when the ignition switch is in the ON position.

The front airbag modules are located in the center of the steering wheel, in the front passenger panel above the glove box, and/or in the lower driver-side dashboard panel. When the control unit detects a frontal impact of a certain force, it automatically triggers the front airbags.

When the airbag inflates, the tear seams made directly in the module covers open under the pressure produced by the expanding airbag. The further widening of the opening in the covers allows the airbag to fully inflate.

Full airbag deployment, together with the action of the seat belt, cushions the impact of the driver or passenger against the interior of the vehicle, thus reducing the risk of head or chest injuries.

After fully inflating, the airbag begins to deflate immediately, allowing the driver to maintain visibility and to steer or operate other controls.

WARNING

• If the vehicle is equipped with a passenger airbag, do not install or place accessories (cup holders, cassette holders, stickers, etc.) on the dashboard panel in front of the passenger, above the glove box. If the passenger airbag inflates, some objects could become dangerous projectiles and cause serious injury.
• When placing a bottle of liquid air freshener in the passenger compartment, do not place it near the instrument cluster or on the top surface of the dashboard.

If the passenger airbag inflates, it could turn into a dangerous projectile and cause serious injury.

WARNING

• If an airbag inflates, you may hear a hissing sound followed by the release of fine powder inside the passenger compartment. These are normal conditions and are not dangerous at all, since this fine powder is simply the substance with which the airbags are coated.

The powder released when the airbag inflates may cause skin or eye irritation, or trigger asthma attacks in some people. Always wash any exposed part of the body thoroughly with lukewarm water and mild soap after being involved in an accident that caused the airbags to deploy.

The SRS system is operational only when the ignition switch is in the ON position.

If the SRS warning light "" does not come on when the ignition switch is turned to ON, does not turn off after remaining on for about 6 seconds, or comes on while driving, the SRS system is malfunctioning. In this case, have the vehicle checked immediately by an authorized Kia dealer.

Before replacing a fuse or disconnecting a battery terminal, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the key. Never remove or replace any airbag system fuse while the ignition switch is in the ON position. If this warning is not followed, the SRS warning light " " will come on.