Chrysler PT Cruiser Owner's Manual page 52

50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The ORC also 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 knee blocker panels. 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 ORC turns on the Airbag Warning
Light and PAD indicator light in the instru-
ment panel for six to eight seconds for a
self-check when the ignition is first turned
on. After the self-check, the Airbag Warning Light will
turn off. The PAD indicator light will function nor-
mally. (Refer to Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) In-
dicator Light in this section.) If the ORC detects a
malfunction in any part of the system, it turns on the
Airbag Warning Light either momentarily or continu-
ously. A single chime will sound if the light comes on
again after initial start up.
WARNING!
Ignoring the Airbag Warning Light in your instrument
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.
When the ORC detects a collision requiring the front
airbags, it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of
nontoxic gas is generated to inflate the front airbags.
The front airbag covers separate and fold out of the way
as the front airbags inflate to their full size. The front
airbags fully inflate in about 50 ms. This is only about
half of the time it takes you to blink your eyes. The front
airbags then quickly deflate while helping to restrain
the driver and front passenger. The driver's and pas-
senger's front airbag gas is vented through holes in the
sides of the airbag. In this way the front airbags do not
interfere with your control of the vehicle.