Supplemental front air bag system
The driver supplemental air bag is located in
the center of the steering wheel. The front
passenger supplemental air bag is mounted in
the dashboard above the glove box.
These systems are designed to meet optional
certification requirements under U.S. regula-
tions. They are also permitted in Canada. The
optional certification allows front air bags to
be designed to inflate somewhat less force-
fully than previously.However, all of the
information, cautions and warnings in this
manual still apply and must be followed.
The supplemental front air bag system is
designed to inflate in higher severity frontal
collisions, although it may inflate if the forces
in another type of collision are similar to those
of a higher severity frontal impact. It may not
inflate in certain frontal collisions. Vehicle
damage (or lack of it) is not always an indica-
tion of proper supplemental air bag system
operation.
When the supplemental front air bag in-
flates, a fairly loud noise may be heard,
followed by the release of smoke. This
smoke is not harmful and does not indicate
a fire, but care should be taken to notintentionally inhale it, as it may cause irrita-
tion and choking. Those with a history of a
breathing condition should get fresh air
promptly.
The supplemental front air bags, along with
the use of seat belts, help to cushion the
impact force on the face and chest of the
occupant. They can help save lives and
reduce serious injuries. However, an inflat-
ing front air bag may cause facial abrasions
or other injuries. Front air bags do not
provide restraint to the lower body.
Seat belts should be correctly worn and the
driver and passenger seated upright as far
away as practical from the steering wheel or
instrument panel. Since the supplemental
front air bag inflates quickly in order to help
protect the occupant, the force of the front air
bag inflating can increase the risk of injury if
the occupant is too close to or is against the
air bag module during inflation.The air bag
deflates quickly after a collision.
The supplemental air bags operate only
when the ignition switch is in the ON or
START position.
After turning the ignition key to the ON
position, the supplemental air bag warn-
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1-34Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
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