44 Driver and Passenger Safety
• Sensors that can detect a
moderate to severe frontal
collision.
• A sophisticated electronic
system that continually
monitors the sensors, control
unit, the airbag activators and
all related wiring when the
ignition is ON (II).
• An indicator light on the
instrument panel to alert you to
a possible problem with the
system (see page 45).
•Emergency backup power in
case your vehicle’ s electrical
system is disconnected in a
crash.
How Your Airbags Work
If you ever have a moderate to
severe frontal collision, the
sensors will detect rapid
deceleration and signal the control
unit to instantly inflate the
airbags.
During a crash, your seat belt
helps restrain your lower body
and torso. Your airbag provides a cushion to help restrain and
protect your head and chest.
Since both airbags use the same
sensors, both airbags normally
inflate at the same time. However,
it is possible for only one airbag
to inflate.
This can occur when the severity
of a collision is at the margin, or
threshold, that determines whether
or not the airbags will deploy. In
such cases, the seat belt will
provide sufficient protection and
the supplemental protection
provided by the airbag would be
minimal.
46 Driver and Passenger Safety
• If the light stays on after the
engine starts.
• If the light comes on or flashes
on and off while you drive.
If you see any of these
indications, your airbags may not
deploy when you need them. See
your Honda dealer as soon as
possible.
Ignoring the SRS indicator light
can result in serious injury or
death if the airbags do not
inflate when needed.
Have your vehicle checked by a
dealer as soon as possible if
the SRS light alerts you to a
potential problem.
SRS Service
Your Supplemental Restraint
System is virtually maintenance-
free, and there are no parts you
can safely service. However, you
must have your vehicle serviced
if:
• Your airbags ever inflate. The
airbags and control unit must
be replaced. Do not try to
remove or replace the airbags
yourself. This must be done by
a Honda dealer or a
knowledgeable body shop.
• The SRS indicator light alerts
you to a problem. Take your
vehicle to an authorized Honda
dealer as soon as possible. If
you ignore this indication, the
airbags might not inflate when
you need them.
Additional Safety
Precautions
• Do not attempt to deactivate
your airbags. Together, airbags
and seat belts provide the best
protection in a moderate to
severe frontal collision.
• Do not tamper with SRS
components or wiring for any
reason. Tampering could cause
the airbags to deploy, possibly
causing very serious injury.
See page 174 for further
information and precautions
relating to your SRS.
