Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) (Opel Vectra C)

Warning! This section contains very important information that is intended to help the reader avoid serious injuries in the event of an accident, as well as in the event 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!

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components

The devices and components that make up the supplemental safety system (SRS) include:

• a) Two front ones (frontal) airbags. The driver's airbag module is housed in the steering wheel hub. The front passenger airbag is housed in a special cavity on the right side of the vehicle's instrument panel. The locations of both airbags are marked with warning signs "AIRBAG";
• b) Two (four) side airbags. The cushions are built into the backrests of the front seats (and with the appropriate equipment, rear side windows) seats, from their outer side (facing the door). The locations of the airbags are marked with warning signs "AIRBAG";
• c) Two head airbags (with appropriate equipment). The airbags are mounted along the side edges of the ceiling panel. The presence of a head airbag (curtain) system is indicated by the inscriptions "AIRBAG" on the central pillars.
• d) Directional overload sensors, triggered in case of a severe frontal/side impact;
• e) Electronic self-diagnostic system, which, when the ignition is on, ensures continuous testing of the overload sensors, control unit, airbag gas generators and connecting electrical wiring of the corresponding circuits;
• f) Automatic emergency seat belt tensioners, built into the front seat belt return devices;
• g) SRS malfunction indicator lamp, integrated into the instrument cluster;
• h) Front passenger seat occupancy recognition indicator light (with appropriate equipment) is displayed in the speedometer display field;
• i) Autonomous power source, designed to duplicate the function of the on-board battery in the event of its failure during a collision.

The additional safety system is activated when the ignition is turned on.



If the SRS malfunction indicator lamp built into the instrument cluster (see below) comes on while driving, it indicates possible malfunctions of the airbag modules or automatic emergency seat belt tensioners.

Operating principle of frontal airbags

The front airbag modules are mounted in the steering wheel hub and in the right side of the instrument panel, directly above the main storage compartment (see illustration 13.1a).



Directional G-sensors respond to acceleration exceeding a certain limit value, which may occur during a severe frontal collision.

Note: Front airbag deployment may also occur in other types of collisions where the loads sensed by the sensors are comparable to those experienced in a severe frontal collision.

The SRS control unit activates the airbag gas generators upon receiving a signal from the sensors, causing them to instantly fill up. In case of minor collisions and rollovers, as well as 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 prevents the lower part of the occupant's body from shifting. The front airbags take on and absorb the main energy of the impact, help prevent injury to the driver and front passenger as a result of their head and chest hitting the steering wheel/dashboard, and reduce the severity of injuries sustained as a result of an accident. However, the actual deployment of the airbags can cause abrasions and other minor injuries to the face.



Directional overload sensors determine the severity of the collision depending on the characteristics of the obstacle. When colliding with a stationary, non-deformable obstacle (for example, a curb, a pole, etc.) airbags deploy at lower speeds than in a collision with a moving deformable obstacle (for example with another car).

Note: This feature is only available for front airbags.

Since the signals for the deployment of both front airbags are sent to the SRS control unit from the same sensors, they also deploy simultaneously. However, it is possible that only one of the airbags will be activated - this becomes possible when the magnitude of the directional overloads that arose during the collision was on the edge of the sensitivity range of the sensors. In this case, the seat belts provide sufficiently reliable protection for the driver and front passenger, while the effect of the airbag deployment will be minimal. The inflation of the airbags is accompanied by a loud bang and the release of smoke. Smoke is not a sign of a fire and does not have a harmful effect on the human body. In fact, it is a suspension of fine powder, which is usually sprinkled on the airbag shells when folded. People with respiratory diseases may experience some discomfort and irritation from the gaseous products contained in the air, emitted by the airbag gas generators - they should leave the car as soon as possible and go out into the fresh air.

Caution! To avoid burns, do not touch the SRS system components immediately after the airbags have deployed!

Immediately after the airbags are triggered and perform their functions, the gas is released from them, which allows the driver to maintain visibility and freely manipulate all the controls of the car. The entire duration of the process from the moment the signal is sent by the overload sensors to the release of gas from the airbags takes no more than a tenth of a second. The modules are triggered so quickly that the human ear is simply unable to perceive the pop of the gas generators when filling the airbags. On models equipped with a front passenger seat occupancy recognition system (see below), if there is no passenger, the corresponding front airbag will not deploy in 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).

Operating principle of side airbags

Side airbags (see illustration 13.1b) designed to provide additional protection for the driver and front passenger (and, if equipped accordingly, rear passengers too) in case of strong side impacts. In case of weak impacts, when the car rolls over, in case of frontal and rear impacts, the side airbags should not be deployed.

Note: Sometimes the side airbags may deploy in other types of collisions when the loads sensed by the sensor are comparable to those caused by 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 deployed.

The operating principle of the side airbags is completely analogous to the operating principle of the front airbags (see above).

Warning! Use of front seat covers may result in SRS malfunction in the event of an accident! Only special covers designed specifically for this model may be installed - contact your authorized Opel dealer!

On models equipped with a front passenger seat occupancy recognition system, the corresponding side airbag will not deploy in the event of a collision if there is no passenger present. It will also be deactivated if a special child seat equipped with built-in transponders is installed in the front seat (see below).

The operating principle of head airbags

Head airbags (curtains) (see illustration 13.1c) are designed to provide additional protection for the driver and passengers' heads in the event of severe side impacts. They operate together with the side airbags. In the event of a severe side impact, the airbag installed on the side that was hit will operate. The operating principle of the head airbags is completely analogous to the operating principle of the front airbags.



On models equipped with the front passenger seat occupancy sensing system, the head airbags deploy even if the front passenger side airbag is deactivated.

SRS Malfunction Indicator Lamp Operation Procedure

SRS warning light - built into the vehicle's instrument cluster (see Section 16). When the ignition is turned on, the indicator 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 indicator lamp should go out, confirming the correct condition of the system. It is necessary to seek help from a service station as soon as possible in the following cases:

• a) The indicator lamp does not activate when the ignition is turned on;
• b) The control lamp continues to light after the control time (4 seconds) has elapsed;
• c) The indicator lamp is activated while the vehicle is moving.

If the above symptoms are present, there is a high probability that the SRS will fail during an accident.

Warning! Ignoring the SRS warning light signals can lead to the most serious consequences if the airbags fail during an accident!

Automatic emergency seat belt tensioners

The return devices of the three-anchor seat belts of the front seats are equipped with emergency automatic tensioners (and with the appropriate equipment, rear side windows) seats. The tensioners are activated by a signal from the SRS directional overload sensors during a frontal collision and provide instant selection of slack in the belts, as a result of which the straps of the latter tightly encircle the body of the occupant, significantly increasing the level of protection of the driver and passengers. The tensioner is built into the assembly of the belt return mechanism. The procedure for using such belts is similar to the procedure for using conventional belts equipped with inertial return devices. The tensioner activation mechanism is absolutely opaque to the user and does not require any additional skills or knowledge from the latter.

The tensioners are activated only under significant frontal overloads. The activation of the modules is accompanied by a loud bang and minor smoke formation.

Note: The smoke released when the tensioners are activated is safe for human health, but when inhaled directly it can cause irritation of the mucous membranes.

It should be noted that failures of the tensioners to operate in a frontal collision are in most cases explained not by a malfunction of the system, but by the fact that the overloads that occur during the impact do not reach the threshold value at which the modules are activated. Like airbags, the emergency tensioner modules are designed for a single activation and after that are subject to replacement together with the belts - contact an Opel service station. All claims regarding failures of SRS components are also accepted there.

Front passenger seat occupancy recognition system

On models with the appropriate equipment, the seat occupancy recognition system deactivates the front and side airbag systems of the front passenger if the front seat is unoccupied or if a special transponder-equipped Opel child seat is installed in it.

Note: With the appropriate configuration, the head airbags remain activated.

The indicator informs about the presence of the driver recognition system , which appears in the odometer/resettable trip meter display field when the ignition is turned on, and should go out after 4 seconds, confirming that the system is working properly. In addition, the front passenger seat assembly with the occupancy recognition system is marked with a warning sticker (see illustration 13.2). activation of the indicator in constant or flashing mode informs about a malfunction in the front passenger seat occupancy recognition system - contact an Opel service station immediately!



An installed child seat equipped with transponders is automatically recognized when the ignition is switched on - in this case, the indicator should light continuously, confirming that the front passenger front side airbags are switched off. If the child seat is installed incorrectly or the transponders are faulty, the indicator will flash. It is necessary to check that the seat is installed correctly according to the operating instructions supplied with it. If the indicator flashes when the seat is installed correctly, this means that a fault has occurred in which the use of the child seat in the front seat is not permitted. The child seat must be reinstalled on the rear bench seat and, as soon as possible, an Opel service specialist must be contacted to rectify the fault.

Attention! Only special Opel child seats with transponders are allowed to be installed on the front passenger seat; using child seats without transponders is dangerous to the child's life!

Maintenance of SRS components

Warning! All work related to installation, testing, replacement and disassembly of SRS elements (including when preparing a car for scrap metal disposal) must be carried out only by specially trained personnel in service station conditions - incorrect and careless handling of the components of the additional safety system is associated with the risk of injury to people near the work site!

Airbags and automatic emergency seat belt tensioners require virtually no regular inspection or maintenance. However, the owner of a properly equipped vehicle should keep the following points in mind:

• The service life of airbag modules is approximately 15 years, after which they should be replaced;
• After the airbags and automatic seat belt tensioners have been deployed, both must be replaced together with the SRS control unit - all operations must be performed at a service station;
• It is also necessary to check and control the functionality 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 SRS warning light is triggered, indicating a system failure, you should immediately contact your nearest Opel service station for a full diagnostics and necessary repairs of the system. Otherwise, the airbags may not deploy in an accident and may not perform their protective function;
• Independent modification of the design of SRS elements and equipment located next to them (steering wheel, front seats, instrument panel, etc.), is not allowed! Placing various types of decorations, foreign objects, as well as protective covers and other coatings on SRS elements may lead to a malfunction of the system and to unnecessary injuries in an accident!
• Do not open modules or modify the SRS wiring - such intervention may result in inadvertent deployment of the airbags and tensioners and cause injury to the operator or nearby people;
• Do not replace the front seats without first consulting an Opel service station - careless or incorrect replacement may result in failure of the side airbags to deploy in the event of an accident - the authors 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;
• Hooks on ceiling handles are intended for hanging only light items of clothing without hangers. There should be no dangerous items in the pockets of clothing;
• To clean the outer surfaces of the protective covers and the covers of the additional safety system elements, use only a dry cloth or interior cleaning agent. Do not use aggressive cleaning agents! Be careful - excessive pressure on the protective covers may trigger the airbags!
• On models equipped with the occupancy recognition system, do not place heavy objects on the front passenger seat, otherwise the corresponding airbags will be activated in the event of an accident.

Attention: It is prohibited to use protective upholstery and linings on the front passenger seat to avoid disruption of the system's operation, and when installing a special Opel child seat with transponders, to put any objects under it (for example, film, stickers or heating mats) under the child seat!

Note: When selling a vehicle, inform the new owner about the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components that the vehicle is equipped with.

On all models equipped with SRS, special warning signs are attached to the locations of the active elements of the system.