2011 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab Owner Manual - Page 57

56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 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 an authorized dealer service the airbag system immediately. Driver and Passenger Advanced Front Airbag Inflator Units The Driver and Passenger Advanced Front Airbag Inflator Units are located in the center of the steering wheel and the right side of the instrument panel. When the ORC detects a collision requiring the Advanced Front Airbags, it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the Advanced Front Airbags. Different airbag inflation rates are possible, based on the collision type and severity. The steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper right side of the instrument panel separate and fold out of the way as the airbags inflate to their full size. The airbags fully inflate in about 50 to 70 milliseconds. This is about half of the time it takes to blink your eyes. The airbags then quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and front passenger. The Advanced Front Airbag gas is vented through the vent holes in the sides of the airbag. In this way, the airbags do not interfere with your control of the vehicle. Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) Inflator Units - If Equipped During collisions where the impact is confined to a particular area of the side of the vehicle, the ORC may deploy the SABIC airbags, depending on the severity and type of collision. In these events, the ORC will deploy the SABIC only on the impact side of the vehicle.