2004 Chrysler Town & Country Owner's Manual - Page 55
2004 Chrysler Town & Country Manual
Page 55 highlights
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55 The front airbag control module sends a message to the instrument cluster to turn on the AIRBAG light in the instrument panel for 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first turned ON, then turns the light off. If the front control module detects a malfunction in any part of the system, the airbag light will turn on 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 front airbag control module 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. Different front airbag inflation rates are possible, these rates are determined by the front airbag control module based on collision severity. The front airbag covers separate and fold out of the way as the airbags inflate to their full size. The front airbags fully inflate in about 50 milliseconds. 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 passenger's front airbag gas is vented through the airbag material towards the instrument panel. In this way the front 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 airbags. 2