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:

    Airbag System Check
    The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag readiness light is working. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 5‑11 for more information. ...

    Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
    The vehicle has a passenger sensing system. See Passenger Sensing System on page 3‑31 for important safety information. The instrument panel has a passenger airbag status indicator. United S ...

    Diagnostics
    OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics will perform a vehicle check every month. It will check the engine, transmission, antilock brakes, and major vehicle systems. It also checks the tire pressures, if the vehic ...