Jeep 2004 Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual page 40

40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
How The Airbag System Works
• The Airbag Control Module (ACM) determines if a
frontal collision is severe enough to require the airbags
to inflate. Based on the level of collision severity, the
front control module determines the proper rate of
inflation. The front airbag inflators are designed to
provide different rates of airbag inflation.
• The ACM, along with the remote side impact sensors
detects side impact.
• The ACM will not detect roll over, or rear impacts.
• The ACM monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the system whenever the ignition switch is in
the START or ON positions. These include all of the
items listed above except the steering wheel and
column and the knee bolsters. If the key is in the OFF
position, in the ACC position, or not in the ignition,
the airbags are not on and will not inflate.
Also, the ACM turns on the AIRBAG warning light in
the instrument panel for 6 to 8 seconds when the
ignition is first turned on, then turns the light off. If it
detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns
on the light either momentarily or continuously.
WARNING!
Ignoring the AIRBAG warning light in your instru-
ment panel could mean you won't have the airbags
to protect you in a collision. If the light does not
come on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it
comes on as you drive, have the airbag system
checked right away.
• The Driver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Units are
located in the center of the steering wheel and the right
side of the instrument panel. When the ACM detects a
collision requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator