2009 Chrysler Aspen Owner Manual - Page 60

58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE How the Airbag System Works • The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) determines if a frontal collision is severe enough to require the airbags to inflate. The front airbag inflators are designed to provide different rates of airbag inflation from direction provided by the ORC. The ORC will detect a roll over when equipped with side airbags. The ORC also monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of the system whenever the ignition switch is in the START or RUN positions. These include all of the items listed above except the steering wheel and column, and 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. During a moderate-to-severe rear impact the ORC may deploy the seat belt pretensioners alone. Also, the ORC turns on the AIRBAG warning light in the instrument cluster for 2.5 to 8 seconds for a self-check when the ignition is first turned on. After the self-check, the AIRBAG warning light will turn off. If the ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns on the AIRBAG warning light either momentarily or continuously. 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.