2004 Dodge Stratus Owner's Manual - Page 37

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37 • The airbag control module also turns on the AIRBAG 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 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 airbag control module detects a collision requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate the airbags. Three levels of airbag inflation rates are possible. These rates are determined by the airbag control module based on collision severity. The airbag covers separate and fold out of the way as the airbags inflate to their full size. The airbags fully inflate in about 60 milliseconds. This is only about half of the time it takes you to blink your eyes. The airbags then quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and front passenger. The driver's front airbag gas is vented through a vent hole in the rear of the airbag. The passenger's front airbag gas is vented through vent holes in the sides of the airbag. In this way the airbags do not interfere with your control of the vehicle. • The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees and position you for the best interaction with the front airbag. If A Deployment Occurs The airbag system is designed to deploy when the airbag control module detects a moderate-to-severe collision, to help restrain the driver and front passenger, and then to immediately deflate. NOTE: A collision that is not severe enough to need airbag protection will not activate the system. This does not mean something is wrong with the airbag system. If you do have a collision which deploys the airbags, any or all of the following may occur: 2