E I ect r ica I
15.1 SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
15.1.1 System Description
The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) installation comprises:
0 electronic Diagnostic Module (DM)
0 driver and passenger-side air bag modules (including firing mechanisms)
0 two front impact sensors (left and right)
0 one safing sensor
0 dedicated wiring harness
0 two cable reel cassettes (integral part of the steering column harness)
0 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and driver information message
The system is designed to provide protection for both driver and front seat passenger by automatically deploying air
bags in the event of a collision during forward travel. The driver
-side air bag is located in the centre of the steering
wheel assembly and the passenger-side air bag in the fascia panel.
In the event of a collision the impact
/ safing sensors operate, completing the electrical firing circuit and causing the
air bags to inflate within 32 milliseconds. At least two of the three sensors (at least one impact, and the safing sensor)
.must be activated to initiate firing. System operation is dependent upon battery voltage supplied directly, and via the
ignition switch, to the DM and the correct installation and operation of all system components, including the wiring
harness. Faults in system components, installation or wiring will be indicated by the MIL Lamp, located on the instru
- ment panel, which will illuminate 'SRS AIR BAG'. Indication is also given by the driver information message'AIR BAG'
displayed on the LCD panel below the speedometer.
15.1.2.1 Diagnostic Module (Fig. I)
The Diagnostic Module (DM), mounted below the passenger-side air bag module, behind the console fascia panel, is
the electronic microprocessor unit which monitors the whole SRS system. The state of the three system sensors, two
air bag modules and the wiring harness is monitored constantly to detect activation criteria and component faults.
15.1.2 COMPONENT DESCRIPTIONS
The unit also confirms correct supply conditions by compar- ing a direct battery voltage input with an input, via the igni- tion switch, of the same voltage value. Detection of system
faults will be relayed by the DM to the instrument panel and
the air bag MIL Lamp illuminated.
The DM contains a reserve power supply unit, enabling the
air bagsto fire even if supply voltage is lost during an impact
situation. The reserve power charge will be retained for ap
- proximately one minute after the positive supply voltage is
disconnected. An auxiliary internal circuit, known as the
'dwell enhancer', provides a temporary ground to compen
- sate for damaged primary crash sensors. If either primary
crash sensor operates for 5 milliseconds the 'dwell en- hancer' circuit will turn on, completing the firing circuit to
ground for 90 milliseconds. The purpose of this is to allow
air bag deployment even if the operated primary crash sen- sor circuit is defective or opens.
15.1.2.2 Wiring Harness
Fig. 1
A dedicated wiring harness, covered with yellow sheathing, independent of any other vehicle system, is used to electri- cally connect all the component items. To allow movement of the steering mechanism, two cable reel cassettes are
incorporated into the driver-side air bag module circuitry, as a means of compensating for steering wheel rotation is
required to prevent harness damage or disconnection. The two cable reel cassettes form an interface between the
steering column and air bag module and, due to their coiled construction, are able to contract or expand as required.
15.1.2.3 Air Bag Modules
The two air bag modules, driver and passenger side, are
each activated when either front impact sensor (Fig. 2) and
the safing sensor operate simultaneously. Both modules
contain a charge of sodium
azide/copper oxide which, when
ignited by an electrical impulse, generate a volume of ni
- trogen gassufficientto inflatetheair bag. Theamountof gas
generated is greater in the passenger-side air bag due to its
larger size. Both modules, including surrounding trim pan- els, are non-serviceable and once activated must be re-
newed as a complete assembly.
Fig. 2
X300 EDM 15.1 - 1 Issue 1 August 1994
