System Description - Acura 2002 RSX Service Manual

sRs
System Description
SRS Components
Airbags
The SRS is a safety device which, when used with the seat belt, is designed to help protect the driver and tront
passenger in a frontal impact exceeding a certain set limit. The system consists of the sRs unit, including safing
sensor and impact sensor {A), the cable reel (B), the driver,s airbag (C), the front passenger,s airbag (D), side airbags
(E), seat belt tensioners (l), and front impact sensors (J).
Since the driver's and front passenger's airbags use the same sensors, both normally inflate at the same trme.
However, it is possible for only one airbag to inflate. This can occur when the severity of a collision is at the margin, or
threshold, that determines whether or not the airbags will deploy. In such cases, the seat belt will provide sufficient
protection, and the supplemental protection offered by the airbag would be minimal.
Side Airbags
The side airbags (E) are in each front seat-back. They help protect the upper torso of the driver or front sear passenger
during a moderate to severe side impact. Side impact sensors (F) in each door sill and in the SRS unit detect such an
impact and instantly inflate the driver's or the passenger's side airbag. Only one side airbag will deploy during a side
impact lf the impact is on the passenger's side, the passenger's side airbag will deploy even iflhere is no passenger.
Seat Belt and Seat Belt Buckle Tensioners
The seat belt and seat belt buckle tensioners are linked with the SRS airbags to further increase the effectiveness of
the seat belt. In a front-end collision, the tensioners instantly retract the belt and buckle firmly to secure the occupants
in their seats.
OPDS
The side airbag system also includes an occupant position detection system (OPDS). This system consists of sensors
(G) and a OPDS unit (H) in the fronl passenger's seat-back. The OPDS unit sends occupant height
and position data to
the SRS unit. lf the SRS unit determines that the front passenger is of small stature {for example, a child) and the front
passenger is leaning into the side airbag deployment path. the SRS unit will automatically disable the passenger's
airbag. The SRS unit will also disable the airbag when the OPDS detects certain objects on the seat. When the side
airbag is disabled, the side airbag cutoff indicator on the instrument panel alerts the driver that the passenger,s side
airbag will not deploy in a side impact. When the object is removed. or the passenger sits upright, the side airbag
cutoff indicator will go off after a few seconds. alerting the driver that the side airbag will deploy in a side impact.
I
23-28