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)
Depending on the configuration, the number of devices and components that form the additional security system (SRS) may include:
- a) two front (frontal) airbags. The driver's airbag module is housed in the steering wheel hub. With the appropriate configuration, 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 (with appropriate equipment). Pillows are mounted in the backs of the front seats from their outer side (facing the door). Pillow locations are marked with warning labels «AIRBAG»;
- c) Two head airbags (with appropriate equipment). Pillows are mounted on the side edges of the ceiling panel in the area of the head of the driver and front passenger. 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) Control lamp of system of recognition of occupation of a forward passenger seat (with appropriate equipment) built into the assembly of the lamps of the front seats (see Section 17);
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.
The principle of operation of frontal airbags
Frontal airbag modules are mounted in the steering wheel hub and in the right side of the instrument panel, directly above the main glove box (see illustration 13.1a).
13.1a. Front airbag system
Directional g-force sensors respond to acceleration exceeding a certain limit value, which may occur in a severe frontal collision.
Note: Front airbags are sometimes observed to deploy in other types of collisions when the loads sensed by the sensors are commensurate with the loads that occur in a severe frontal collision.
Based on a signal from the sensors, the SRS control unit turns on the airbag inflators, causing them to instantly inflate. In light collisions and rollovers, as well as in side and rear impacts, the front airbags should not deploy, which once again confirms the need to use seat belts. During a collision, the seat belt keeps the occupant's lower torso from moving. Frontal airbags absorb and absorb the brunt of the impact, help prevent injury to the driver and front passenger from head and chest impacts on the steering wheel/instrument panel, and reduce the severity of injuries sustained as a result of an accident. However, the actual deployment of airbags can cause abrasions and other minor injuries to the face.
Directional g-force sensors determine the severity of a collision depending on the characteristics of the obstacle. In a collision with a fixed non-deformable obstacle (e.g. curb, post, etc.) airbags deploy at lower speeds than when hitting a moving deformable obstacle (e.g. with another car).
Note: This feature is only available for front airbags.
Since both front airbags are sent to the SRS control unit by the same sensors, they also deploy simultaneously. Nevertheless, the possibility of module initiation by only one of the cushions is not ruled out - this becomes possible when the magnitude of the directional overloads that occurred during a collision was on the verge of the sensitivity range of the sensors. In this case, the seat belts provide sufficient protection for the driver and front passenger, while the effect of airbag deployment will be minimal.
Inflating airbags is accompanied by a strong pop and smoke. Smoke is not a sign of fire and does not have a harmful effect on the human body. 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 and irritation from the airborne gaseous products emitted by airbag generators - they should leave the car interior and go to fresh air as soon as possible.
Attention: To avoid burns, do not touch the elements of the SRS system immediately after the airbags have deployed!
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 no more than a tenth of a second. The operation of the modules is so fast that the human ear is simply not able to perceive the pop of the gas generators when the pillows are filled.
On models equipped with front passenger seat occupied recognition (see below), if there is no passenger, the corresponding frontal airbag will not deploy in the event of a collision. It will also be deactivated if a special Opel child seat equipped with built-in transponders is installed in the front seat (see below).
How the side airbags work
Side airbags are designed to provide additional protection for the driver and front passenger in severe side impacts (see illustration 13.1b). In case of weak impacts, when the car is turned over, during frontal and rear impacts, the side airbags should not work.
13.1b. Side airbag system
Note: Side airbags may occasionally deploy in other types of collisions, when the load sensed by the sensor is comparable to that of a severe side impact. In the event of a severe side impact, the airbag installed on the seat from which the impact was received will be activated.
The principle of operation of the side airbags is completely similar to the principle of operation of the front airbags (see above).
Attention: The use of front seat covers can lead to malfunction of the SRS in an accident! It is allowed to install only special covers designed specifically for this model - contact an authorized Opel dealer!
On models equipped with Front Passenger Seat Occupancy Recognition, if there is no passenger present, the corresponding side airbag will not deploy in the event of a collision. It will also be deactivated if a special child seat equipped with built-in transponders is installed in the front seat (see below).
The principle of operation of head airbags
Head airbags (curtains) designed to provide additional head protection for the driver and front passenger in case of severe side impacts (see illustration 13.1c). They work in conjunction with the side airbags. In the event of a severe side impact, the airbag installed on the side on which the impact fell will be triggered.
13.1s. Head airbag system
The principle of operation of the head airbags is completely similar to the principle of operation of the front airbags.
On models equipped with Front Passenger Seat Occupancy Recognition, the head airbags deploy even if the front passenger seat side airbag is disabled.
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 the service station 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
Emergency automatic tensioners can be equipped (with appropriate equipment) return devices of the three-anchor seat belts of the front seats. The tensioners are actuated by a signal from the SRS directional overload sensors during a frontal collision and provide instant slack removal of the belts, as a result of which the straps of the latter tightly cover the body of the seated person, greatly increasing the degree of protection for the driver and passengers.
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 Opel equipped with transponder child seat is installed.
Note: If equipped, the head airbags remain activated.
The presence of a driver recognition system is indicated by a control lamp mounted in the assembly of the front seat lamps (see illustration 13.2), which lights up when the ignition is turned on - after 4 seconds the lamp 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 13.3). Activation of the indicator in a constant or flashing mode informs about a malfunction in the front passenger seat occupancy recognition system - immediately contact an Opel service station!
13.2. Front passenger seat occupancy recognition indicator lamp integrated into front seat lamp assembly | 13.3. Front Passenger Seat Occupancy Recognition Sticker |
An installed special child seat equipped with transponders is automatically recognized when the ignition is switched on - in this case, the indicator should be constantly on, 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. In this case, and also if the control lamp does not light up at all, the child seat must be reinstalled on the rear bench seat, and as soon as possible, contact an Opel service station for troubleshooting.
Attention: Only special Opel child seats with transponders may be mounted on the front passenger seat equipped with airbags; 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 be carried out only by specially trained personnel in the conditions of service stations - improper and careless handling of the components of the additional safety system is associated with the 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 limited, after a certain period they should be replaced - consult with authorized representatives of Opel;
- 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 SRS elements if the car has been in an accident, but the system elements 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.), is not allowed! 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 yourself and do not change the wiring of the SRS - such intervention can lead to involuntary operation of the 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 of them 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 additional security system (SRS), 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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