- a) Two front airbags. The driver's airbag module is housed in the steering wheel hub. The front passenger airbag is placed in a special cavity on the right side of the car's instrument panel. The locations of both cushions are marked with warning labels "SRS AIRBAG";
- b) Sensors of directional overloads, triggered by a strong frontal impact;
- c) An electronic self-diagnostic system that, with the ignition on, provides continuous testing of overload sensors, the control unit, airbag gas generators and the connecting wiring of the corresponding circuits;
- d) Automatic emergency tensioners for front seat belts (see above);
- e) The control lamp of refusals of SRS which is built in in the panel of devices (see Section Vehicle equipment, arrangement of instruments and controls);
- f) A spare autonomous power source designed to back up the main power supply system in the event of its failure in a car collision.
The principle of operation of the front airbags
Directional g-force sensors respond to exceeding a certain limit value, which can occur in a severe frontal collision. At the signal of the sensors, the control unit turns on the gas generators of the airbags, causing them to instantly fill.
During a collision, the seat belt keeps the occupant's lower torso from moving. Front airbags help prevent injury to the driver and front passenger from head and chest impacts on the steering wheel/dashboard. Because the signals to deploy both airbags come from the same sensors, both airbags deploy at the same time. However, the probability of initiation of only one of the pillows is not ruled out. This becomes possible when the magnitude of the directional overloads that occurred during the collision was on the verge of the range of operation of the gas generators. In this case, the seat belts provide sufficient protection for the driver and front passenger, while the effect of the airbag deployment will be minimal.
Immediately after the airbags are deployed and perform their functions, gas is released from them, which allows the driver to maintain visibility and freely manipulate all vehicle controls.
The total duration of the process from the moment the signal is given by the overload sensors to the release of gas from the pillows takes a fraction of a second. The airbags are deployed so quickly that the human ear is simply unable to perceive the popping of gas generators when the airbags are filled.
After a traffic accident in which the airbags were deployed, the interior of the car looks slightly smoky. In fact, this is a suspension of finely dispersed powder, which is usually sprinkled with pillow shells in the folded state. People with a respiratory disease may experience some discomfort from the airborne gaseous products emitted by airbag generators.
Order of functioning of a control lamp of failures SRS
The SRS warning lamp is built into the vehicle's instrument panel and is designed to warn the driver about failures detected by the self-diagnosis system in the additional security system. On some modifications of the car, the operation of the warning lamp indicates possible malfunctions in the side airbag units or automatic emergency seat belt tensioners.
When the ignition is turned on (ignition key turned to position "ON" [II]) the control lamp lights up for a short time, then immediately goes out, which confirms that all system components are functioning properly.
If the warning light comes on randomly at any other time, the vehicle owner should seek assistance from a Honda dealer as soon as possible. Such situations include the following:
- a) The control lamp does not turn on when the ignition key is turned to the ON position (II);
- b) The control lamp continues to burn after implementation of start of the engine;
- c) The control lamp has turned on and is lit in a constant or flashing mode while the car is moving.
In the presence of the signs of malfunction listed above, the additional security system may fail in the event of a vehicle accident.
Attention! Neglecting the SRS warning light signals can lead to the most serious consequences if the airbags fail during an accident.
More information about side airbags
On some models, side airbags for the driver and front passenger can be installed as an option. Cushion modules are built into the outer ends of the front seat backs. The locations of both side airbags are labeled "SIDEAIRBAG". The SRS warning lamp on the vehicle's instrument panel also comes on when there is a malfunction in the side airbag initiation circuits.
In case of a strong side impact, the sensors of directional overloads record the excess of the emerging loads of a certain threshold value and issue an information signal to the control unit, which generates a command to deploy the gas generator of the corresponding side airbag. In this case, if the impact came from the side of the passenger seat, the passenger side airbag will work even if there is no passenger in the front seat.
For the most effective protection from airbags, the driver and front passenger should sit up straight and wear their seat belts.
Maintenance of SRS elements
Airbags and automatic emergency retensioners require little to no regular checks and maintenance. However, the owner of a properly equipped vehicle should keep in mind the following points:
- a) After the airbags have deployed, they must be replaced together with the system control unit. Do not attempt to dismantle used airbags yourself. These operations should be performed only in the conditions of a car service workshop;
- b) If the activation of the SRS warning light indicates a system failure, you should immediately contact your nearest Honda workshop for a complete diagnosis and necessary reconditioning of the system. Otherwise, the airbags may not deploy in an accident and fail to perform their protective function;
- c) Only specially trained personnel are allowed to work with the nodes of the additional security system. It is forbidden to dismantle airbags and emergency seat belt pretensioners from the car by yourself. In the event of SRS failure or after an emergency deployment of the airbags and seat belt tensioners, contact a Honda workshop to have the system repaired or replaced;
- d) Do not open the modules and do not change the wiring of the airbag systems and automatic emergency tensioner of seat belts - such intervention can lead to involuntary operation of the airbags and tensioners and cause injury to the performer and people nearby;
- e) Do not replace front seats without first consulting a Honda Dealership.
Careless or incorrect replacement or removal of covers may cause the side airbags to fail to deploy in the event of an accident.
Danger of carbon monoxide poisoning (SO)
Engine exhaust gases contain highly toxic carbon monoxide (SO). With a working exhaust system and proper operation of the car, the exhaust gases of the engine should not enter the passenger compartment. Try to check the technical condition of the exhaust system and the tightness of the connections of its pipelines in the following cases:
- a) At the next change of engine oil, when the car is installed on a lift;
- b) With a noticeable change in the nature of the noise emitted by the exhaust system;
- c) After an accident in which parts located under the bottom of the car could be damaged.
Attention! Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas. Inhalation of carbon monoxide causes loss of consciousness and can be fatal. Beware of being in a closed, unventilated area or doing work in which you are forced to breathe air containing high concentrations of carbon monoxide! In closed rooms with poor ventilation, such as a garage, CO concentration can quickly increase to a dangerous level. Therefore, never leave the engine running with the garage door closed. Even with the gate open, do not leave the engine running for a long time. Immediately after starting the engine, you should leave the garage and continue warming up the engine outside.
When driving with the tailgate/trunk lid open, engine exhaust fumes can enter the passenger compartment and create a dangerous situation. If a situation arises where it is not possible to close the door/lid, fully open all windows and turn on the ventilation and air conditioning system.
When inside a vehicle with the engine idling (even outdoors), make the following inclusions:
- a) Turn on the interior ventilation system in fresh air mode;
- b) Turn on the heater fan at maximum speed;
- c) Set the controller to a comfortable level of air temperature.
Placement of signs warning of potential hazards
Decals are located in the places indicated in the illustration and are intended to warn of a possible danger. Neglect of these warnings is fraught with serious consequences. Read the text of the warnings carefully.
The following warning labels are affixed to the underside of the hood:
SRS airbag.
SRS airbag.
Potential danger sign.
Warning about the need to follow the instructions in the vehicle's instruction manual.