Honda 1994 Civic Owner's Manual page 192

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The SRS includes the steering
wheel airbag assembly for the
driver, a dashboard-mounted
airbag assembly for the passenger,
and a control unit with sensors
behind the center console.
The sensors are decelerometers,
set to trigger in a severe frontal
impact that generates more force
than a 25 mile per hour crash into a
parked vehicle of similar size. For
the SRS to activate, both sensors
must trigger. This duplication is to
prevent accidental activation.
When the control unit receives
trigger signals from both sensors, it
sends voltage to the airbags. The
control unit stores this charge in
capacitors to insure reliability even
if a severe impact damages the car's
battery or electrical connections.
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The electrical charge sent to the
airbag assembly ignites its propel-
lant, which burns instantaneously.
The gas produced by the burning
propellant inflates the airbag
instantly.
The airbag is vented so it stays
inflated for only an instant and
does not block the driver's vision.
Smoke from the burned propellant
comes out of the airbag and into
the car's interior. This is normal
and does not mean there is a fire.
The airbag collapses onto the
driver's lap.
The airbags and control unit must
be replaced after the system is
activated. After use, your Honda
dealer must check the complete
Supplemental Restraint System
and replace the airbag assemblies.
Supplemental Restraint System
To ensure long-term reliability, the
SRS uses gold-plated electrical
connections throughout. The
control unit monitors the SRS
circuitry whenever the ignition is
ON (II). If the control unit senses
any faults, it turns on the SRS
indicator light on the instrument
panel. Take the car to your Honda
dealer to diagnose and repair the
system as soon as possible.
The SRS needs no regular mainte-
nance other than an inspection by
your Honda dealer ten years after
manufacture.
Technical Information