Jeep Compass Operating Information Manual page 44

and angle offset collisions. On the other hand,
depending on the type and location of impact,
Advanced Front Air Bags may deploy in crashes
with little vehicle front-end damage but that
produce a severe initial deceleration.
The side air bags will not deploy in all side
collisions. Side air bag deployment will depend
on the severity and type of collision.
Because air bag sensors measure vehicle de-
celeration over time, vehicle speed and damage
by themselves are not good indicators of
whether or not an air bag should have de-
ployed.
Seat belts are necessary for your protection in
all collisions, and also are needed to help keep
you in position, away from an inflating air bag.
The ORC monitors the readiness of the elec-
tronic parts of the air bag system whenever the
ignition switch is in the START or ON/RUN
position. If the key is in the OFF position, in the
ACC position, or not in the ignition, the air bag
system is not on and the air bags will not inflate.
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The ORC contains a backup power supply
system that may deploy the air bags even if the
battery loses power or it becomes disconnected
prior to deployment.
Also, the ORC turns on the Air Bag
Warning Light in the instrument
panel for approximately four to
eight seconds for a self-check
when the ignition is first turned on.
After the self-check, the Air Bag Warning Light
will turn off. If the ORC detects a malfunction in
any part of the system, it turns on the Air Bag
Warning Light, either momentarily or continu-
ously. A single chime will sound if the light
comes on again after initial startup.
It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate
the instrument cluster Air Bag Warning Light if a
malfunction is noted that could affect the air bag
system. The diagnostics also record the nature
of the malfunction.
WARNING!
Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your
instrument panel could mean you won't have
the air bags to protect you in a collision. If the
light does not come on as a bulb check when
the ignition is first turned on, stays on after
you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you
drive, have an authorized dealer service the
air bag system immediately.
Driver And Passenger Advanced Front Air
Bag Inflator Units
The Driver and Passenger Advanced Front Air
Bag Inflator Units are located in the center of the
steering wheel and on the right side of the
instrument panel. When the ORC detects a
collision requiring the Advanced Front Air Bags,
it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of
non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the Ad-
vanced Front Air Bags. Different air bag inflation
rates are possible, based on several factors,
including the collision type and severity. The
steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper
right side of the instrument panel separate and
fold out of the way as the air bags inflate to their