2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser Owner Manual - Page 52

50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE The ORC also 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 knee blocker panels. 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 ORC turns on the Airbag Warning Light and PAD indicator light in the instrument panel for six to eight seconds for a self-check when the ignition is first turned on. After the self-check, the Airbag Warning Light will turn off. The PAD indicator light will function normally. (Refer to ЉPassenger Airbag Disable (PAD) Indicator LightЉ in this section.) 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. • When the ORC 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. The front airbag covers separate and fold out of the way as the front airbags inflate to their full size. The front airbags fully inflate in about 50 ms. 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 holes in the sides of the airbag. In this way the front airbags do not interfere with your control of the vehicle.