1994 Honda Prelude Owner's Manual - Page 209

Supplemental Restraint System The SRS includes the steering wheel airbag assembly for the driver, a dashboard-mounted airbag assembly for the front seat passenger, and a control unit with sensors behind the center console. The sensors are decelerometers, set to trigger in a severe frontal impact that generates more force than a 25 mile per hour crash into a parked vehicle of similar size. For the SRS to activate, both sensors must trigger. This duplication is to prevent accidental activation. When the control unit receives trigger signals from both sensors, it sends voltage to the airbags. The control unit stores this charge in capacitors to insure reliability even if a severe impact damages the car's battery or electrical connections. The electrical charge sent to the airbag assembly ignites its propellant, which burns instantaneously. The gas produced by the burning propellant inflates the airbag instantly. The airbags are vented so they stays inflated for only an instant and do not block the driver's vision. Smoke from the burned propellant comes out of the airbag and into the car's interior. This is normal and does not mean there is a fire. The airbags collapse onto the driver's and passenger's laps. The airbags and control unit must be replaced after the system is activated. After use, your Honda dealer must check the complete Supplemental Restraint System and replace the airbag assemblies. To ensure long-term reliability, the SRS uses gold-plated electrical connections throughout. The control unit monitors the SRS circuitry whenever the ignition is ON (II). If the control unit senses any faults, it turns on the SRS indicator light on the instrument panel. Take the car to your Honda dealer to diagnose and repair the system as soon as possible. The SRS needs no regular maintenance other than an inspection by your Honda dealer ten years after manufacture. Technical Information