What Makes an Airbag Inflate?

In a deployment event, the sensing system sends an electrical signal triggering a release of gas from the inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the airbag causing the bag to break out of the cover. The inflator, the airbag, and related hardware are all part of the airbag module.

For airbag location, see Where Are the Airbags? on page 3‑26.

    See also:

    Key and Lock Messages
    REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY This message displays if a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter battery is low. The battery needs to be replaced in the transmitter. See “Battery Replacement” unde ...

    Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
    If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see “Pickup Models” under “Engine Air Cleaner/Filter” in the Duramax® Diesel Supplement for the correct inspection and replacement procedures. See Engine ...

    Recommended Fuel
    Use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating of 87 or higher. If the octane rating is less than 87, an audible knocking noise, commonly referred to as spark knock, might be heard when ...