Attention: This section contains very important information that is designed to help the reader avoid serious injury in the event of an accident, as well as in case of incorrect or careless implementation of recommendations for the use of active safety components!
Remember that SRS is an additional system and in no way replaces the elements of passive safety for the driver and passengers!
Elements of an additional security system (SRS)
Among the devices and components that form the additional security system (SRS) includes:
- a) two front (frontal) 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 "AIRBAG»;
- b) Two side airbags. Pillows are mounted in the backs of the front seats, from their outer side (facing the door). The locations of both cushions are marked with warning labels «AIRBAG»;
- c) Two head airbags (with appropriate equipment). Cushions are mounted on the side edges of the ceiling panel. About the presence of the head cushion system (curtains) safety inform inscriptions «AIRBAG» on the center posts.
- d) Sensors of directional overloads, triggered by a strong frontal / side impact;
- e) 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;
- f) Automatic emergency seat belt tensioners integrated into the front seat belt retractors;
- g) The control lamp of refusals of SRS which is built in in a combination of devices;
- h) The light indicator of the front passenger seat occupancy recognition system on models of the corresponding configuration is displayed in the field of the service/information display;
- i) An autonomous power source designed to duplicate the function of the onboard battery in the event of its failure during a collision.
The additional security system is activated when the ignition is switched on. Operation during the movement of the control lamp of failures SRS which is built in a combination of devices (see below) indicates a possible malfunction of the airbag modules or automatic emergency seat belt tensioners.
Order of functioning of a control lamp of failures SRS
The SRS warning lamp is built into the vehicle's instrument cluster (Section 16).
When the ignition is switched on, the control lamp lights up for approximately 4 seconds, during which the self-diagnostic system polls the status of all electrical circuits connected to the SRS devices. After the specified time, the control lamp should go out, confirming that the system is in good condition.
It is necessary to seek help from an Opel workshop as soon as possible in the following cases:
- a) The control lamp is not activated when the ignition is switched on;
- b) The control lamp continues to burn after the control time has elapsed (4 seconds);
- c) The control lamp is activated while the vehicle is moving.
In the presence of the above symptoms of malfunctions, there is a high probability of failure of the SRS during an accident.
Attention: Neglecting the signals of the SRS warning lamp can lead to the most serious consequences in case of airbag failure during an accident!
Automatic emergency belt tensioners
The emergency automatic tensioners are equipped with the return devices of the three-anchor seat belts of the front seats. The tensioners are actuated by the SRS directional g-force sensors during a frontal collision and provide instant slack removal of the belts, as a result of which the straps of the latter tightly wrap around the body of the occupant, greatly increasing the degree of protection for the driver and front passenger. The tensioner is built into the belt return mechanism assembly. The procedure for using such belts is similar to the procedure for using belts of conventional design, equipped with inertial return devices. The tensioner actuation mechanism is absolutely opaque to the user and does not require any additional skills and knowledge from the latter. The activation of the tensioners occurs only with significant frontal overloads. The operation of the modules is accompanied by a loud pop and slight smoke formation.
Note: The smoke released when the tensioners are actuated is safe for human health, however, if inhaled directly, it can cause irritation of the mucous membranes.
It should be noted that failures in the operation of tensioners during a frontal collision in most cases are due not to a malfunction of the system, but to the fact that the overloads that occur during an impact do not reach the threshold value at which the modules are activated.
Like airbags, emergency tensioner modules are designed for a single operation and after that they must be replaced complete with belts - contact an Opel service station. All complaints about failures of SRS components are also accepted there.
Front passenger seat occupancy recognition system
On appropriately equipped models, the seat occupied recognition system deactivates the front passenger's front and side airbag systems if the front seat is not occupied or a special, transponder-equipped Opel child seat is installed.
Note: If equipped, the head airbags remain activated.
The presence of a driver recognition system informs the indicator displayed in the field of the service display (see Section 16) when the ignition is turned on - after 4 seconds, the indicator should go out, confirming that the system is working. In addition, the front passenger seat assembly with occupancy recognition is marked with a warning sticker (see illustration 13.2). Activation of the indicator in a constant or flashing mode informs about a malfunction in the front passenger seat occupancy recognition system - contact an Opel service station immediately! An installed special child seat equipped with transponders is automatically recognized when the ignition is switched on - in this case, the indicator should be on constantly, confirming that the front and side airbags of the front passenger are deactivated. If the child seat is installed incorrectly or the transponders are faulty, the warning light will flash. It is necessary to check the correct installation of the seat according to the instruction manual attached to it. If the warning lamp flashes when the seat is correctly installed, it means that a malfunction has occurred in which the use of a child seat in the front seat is not allowed. The child seat must be reinstalled on the rear bench seat, and at the first opportunity, contact an Opel workshop to have the problem rectified.
Attention: Only special Opel child seats with transponders may be mounted on the front passenger seat. The use of child seats without transponders is life threatening!
Maintenance of SRS elements
Attention: All work related to the installation, inspection, replacement and disassembly of SRS elements (including when preparing the car for shipment to scrap metal) should only be carried out by specially trained personnel in a service station - improper and careless handling of the components of the additional safety system is associated with a risk of injury to people near the place of work!
Airbags and automatic emergency retractors require little or no regular inspection and maintenance. However, the owner of a properly equipped vehicle should keep in mind the following points:
- The service life of airbag modules is approximately 15 years, after which they should be replaced;
- After the airbags and automatic seat belt tensioners are deployed, both of them must be replaced complete with the SRS control unit - all operations must be performed in a service station;
- It is also mandatory to check and monitor the performance of all elements of the SRS. If the car has been in an accident, but the elements of the system were not used, or were not activated;
- If the operation of the SRS warning lamp indicates a failure in the system, you should immediately contact the nearest Opel service station, where a complete diagnosis and the necessary restoration of the system will be made. Otherwise, the airbags may not work in an accident and may not perform their protective function;
- Independent change in the design of SRS elements and equipment located next to them (steering wheel, front seats. instrument panel, etc.), unacceptable! Placing various kinds of decorations, foreign objects, as well as protective covers and other coatings on the SRS elements can lead to a malfunction of the system and to unnecessary injuries in an accident!
- Do not open the modules or modify the SRS wiring harness - such intervention can lead to involuntary operation of airbags and tensioners and cause injury to the performer or people nearby;
- Do not replace the front seats without first consulting an Opel service station - careless or incorrect replacement can lead to failure of the side airbags in the event of an accident - the compilers of the manual recommend that this procedure be performed by specialists;
- The SRS control unit is built into the center console between the front seats - try not to place devices containing magnets or sources of electromagnetic waves near it;
- The hooks on the ceiling handles are designed to hang only light items of clothing without coat hangers. There should not be any traumatic objects in the pockets of clothing;
- To clean the outer surfaces of the protective covers and covers of the elements of the additional security system, use only a dry cloth or an interior cleaner. Do not use aggressive detergents! Be careful - excessive pressure on the protective covers can trigger the airbags!
- On models equipped with an occupancy recognition system, heavy objects should not be placed on the front passenger seat, otherwise the corresponding airbags will be activated in the event of an accident.
Attention. It is forbidden to use protective upholstery and padding on the front passenger seat in order to avoid malfunctioning of the system, and when installing a special Opel child seat with transponders, place any objects (e.g. foil, stickers or heating mats) under the child seat!
Note: When selling the car, inform the new owner about the elements of the SRS system with which the vehicle is equipped.
On all models equipped with SRS, special warning signs are fixed at the locations of the active elements of the system.
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