2008 Dodge Caliber Owner Manual - Page 56

54 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE • The Side Impact (SRS) Side Curtain Airbags (If Equipped) are designed to activate only in certain side collisions. The ORC module determines if a side collision is severe enough to require the side airbags to inflate. The side airbag control module will not detect roll over, front or rear collisions. The ORC module monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of the system whenever the ignition switch is in the START or ON position. These include all of the items previously mentioned. In moderate to severe side collisions, the side airbag inflator on the crash side of the vehicle is triggered, releasing a quantity of nontoxic gas. The side curtain airbag moves at a very high speed and with such a high force, that it could injure you if you are not seated properly, or if items are positioned in the area where the side curtain airbag inflates. This especially applies to children. NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with left and right side curtain airbags, do not install a clothing bar mounted to the coat hooks (or similarly mounted). A clothing bar will impede the proper performance of the bags. • When the ORC and the impact sensors detect a collision requiring the Driver Inflatable Knee Blocker, it signals the inflator unit. A quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate the Driver Inflatable Knee Blocker. The Driver Inflatable Knee Blocker inflates rearward toward the driver's knees to help protect the knees and position the driver for the best interaction with the front airbag. The Driver Inflatable Knee Blocker fully inflates in about 50 milliseconds;