2004 Jeep 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 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. • 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