2005 Dodge Stratus Owner's Manual - Page 40

40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE Side Airbag System The airbag control module determines if a side collision is severe enough to require the airbag to inflate. The control module receives the level of collision severity from the side impact sensors. The airbag control module will not detect rollover or rear impacts. The side impact SRS Airbags are designed to activate only in certain side collisions. When the airbag control module detects a collision requiring the window bags to inflate, it signals the inflators on the crash side of the vehicle. A quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate the window bag. The inflating window bag pushes the outside edge of the headliner out of the way and inflates (in about the same time it takes to blink your eyes) with enough force to injure you if you are not belted and seated properly, or if items are positioned in the area where the window bag inflates. This especially applies to children. The window bag is only about 3 1⁄2 inches (8 3⁄4 cm) thick when it is inflated. Maintaining Your Airbag System WARNING! • Modifications to any part of the airbag system could cause it to fail when you need it. You could be injured because the airbags are not there to protect you. Do not modify the components or wiring, including adding any kind of badges or stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do not modify the front bumper, vehicle body structure, or frame. • You need proper knee impact protection in a collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket equipment on or behind the knee impact bolster. • It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who works on your vehicle that it has airbags.