2008 Dodge Viper Owner Manual - Page 45

44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE The ORC turns on the Airbag warning light and Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) indicator light for 6 to 8 seconds as a self-check when the ignition is first turned on. After the self-check, the Airbag warning light will turn off and the PAD indicator light will function normally (Refer to "Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) Indicator Light" 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. • The Driver Airbag/Inflator Unit is mounted in the steering wheel. The Passenger Airbag/Inflator Unit is mounted underneath a cover in the passenger side of the instrument panel. When the ORC detects a collision requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the airbags. Different airbag inflation rates may be possible based on collision severity and occupant size. The steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper right side of the instrument panel separate and then fold out of the way, as the bags inflate to their full size. The bags inflate fully in about 50-70 milliseconds. This is about half of the time it takes to blink your eyes. The bags then deflate quickly while helping to restrain the driver and passenger. The airbag gas is vented toward the instrument panel through vent holes in the airbag material. In this way, the airbags do not interfere with your control of the vehicle.