SRS Components and Functions

The SRS consists of the following components:
- Driver's front airbag module*
- Front passenger airbag module*
- Side airbag modules*
- Side curtain airbag modules*
- Seat belt pretensioner retractor assemblies*
- Airbag warning light
- SRS control module (SRSCM)
- Side impact sensors*
- Front passenger airbag switch*
- Front passenger airbag OFF indicator (front passenger seat only)*
*: if equipped
When the ignition switch is in the ON position, the SRSCM constantly monitors all components and checks whether a frontal or near-frontal collision has occurred that is severe enough to require airbag deployment or seat belt pretensioner activation.
SRS warning light "
" on the instrument panel will
stay on for about 6 seconds after the ignition is turned on, and then turn off.
- The airbag warning light does not come on briefly after the ignition is turned on,
- The airbag warning light remains on after having been on for about 6 seconds,
- The airbag warning light comes on while the vehicle is being driven.
- The light flashes when the ignition switch is in the ON position.

Airbag modules are located in both the steering wheel and the instrument panel above the front passenger glove box. When the SRSCM detects a severe frontal impact, it automatically deploys the front airbags.

When the airbag inflates, the seams formed directly on the airbag cover tear open, and the cover separates under the pressure exerted by the airbag.
Further opening of the covers will allow the airbag to fully inflate.

the seams formed directly on the airbag cover tear open, and the cover separates under the pressure exerted by the airbag.
Further opening of the covers will allow the airbag to fully inflate.
A fully inflated airbag, together with properly worn seat belts, slows the forward movement of the driver's and passenger's bodies, reducing the risk of head and chest injuries.
Once fully inflated, the airbag immediately begins to deflate, allowing the driver to maintain forward visibility and the ability to steer and operate other controls.

WARNING
- Do not mount or place any accessories (cup holders, cassette holders, stickers, etc.) on the passenger-side instrument panel above the glove box where a front airbag is installed. If the passenger airbag deploys, these items can become dangerous projectiles and cause injury.
- When installing an air freshener with a liquid reservoir, do not place it near the instrument panel or on its surface.
If the passenger airbag deploys, these items can become dangerous projectiles and cause injury.
- A loud bang is heard when an airbag deploys, followed by fine powder inside the vehicle. This is completely normal and not hazardous; the airbags are coated with this powder. The powder produced when an airbag deploys may irritate the skin or eyes of some people and may trigger an asthma attack. After any accident in which the airbags have deployed, always wash any exposed skin with warm water and mild soap.
- The SRS works only when the ignition key is in the ON position. If the SRS warning light "

" does not come on, or stays on continuously after it has been on for about 6 seconds following ignition ON, or comes on while driving after the engine has started, the SRS is not functioning properly. In this case, the vehicle must be inspected immediately by an authorized Kia dealer. - Before replacing a fuse or disconnecting a battery terminal, turn the ignition switch to LOCK and remove the key from the ignition. Never remove or replace an airbag-related fuse while the ignition is on. Failure to observe this warning will cause the SRS warning light "
" to
stay on.
Test yourself
A quick Kia Rio YB quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.