Chevrolet 1994 Astro Passenger Owner's Manual page 40

How does an air bag restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, even belted
occupants can contact the steering wheel. The air bag supplements the
protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the
impact more evenly over the occupant's upper body, stopping the occupant
more gradually. But air bags would not provide protection in many types of
collisions, including rollovers and rear and side impacts, primarily because
an occupant's motion is not toward the air bag. Air bags should never be
regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belt protection in
moderate to severe frontal and near-frontal collisions.
What will you see after an air bag inflation?
After the air bag has inflated, it will then quickly deflate. This occurs so
quickly that some people may not even realize that the air bag inflated. The
air bag will not impede the driver's vision or ability to steer the vehicle, nor
will it hinder the occupants from exiting the vehicle. There will be small
amounts of smoke coming from vents in the deflated air bag. Some
components of the air bag module in the steering wheel hub may be hot for
a short time, but the portion of the bag that comes into contact with you will
not be hot to the touch.
The air bag is designed to inflate only once. After it inflates, you'll
need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don't get them, the
air bag system won't be there to help protect you in another crash. A
new system will include the air bag module and possibly other parts.
The service manual has information about the need to replace other
parts.
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Your vehicle is equipped with a diagnostic module, which records
information about the air bag system if the air bag deploys in a crash.
The module records information about the readiness of the system,
which sensors activated the deployment, and whether the driver's
safety belt was in use.
Let only qualifi.ed technicians work on your air bag system. Improper
service can mean that your air bag system won't work properly. See
your dealer for service.
NOTICE:
If you damage the cover of the driver's facial air bag, it may not
work properly. You may have to replace the air bag on the
steering wheel. Do not open or break the air bag cover.
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