2005 Dodge Magnum Owner's Manual - Page 40

40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE • Left and Right Side Curtain Airbags Above Side Windows • Left and Right Side Impact Sensors • Interconnection Wiring How The Airbag System Works • The airbag control module determines if a frontal collision is severe enough to require the airbags to inflate. The control module receives the level of collision severity, determines the proper level of airbag to be deployed. The frontal airbag inflators are designed to provide three different rates of airbag inflation. • The airbag control module will not detect a rollover. • The airbag control module 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 knee bolster, the instrument panel, and the steering wheel and column. If the key is in the "LOCK" position, in the ACC position, or not in the ignition, the airbags are not on and will not inflate. • The airbag control module also turns on the AIRBAG light, and the Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) Indicator 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