Dodge 2011 Nitro - Manual (Page 68)

If there is a fault present in the airbag system, the Airbag
Warning Light (a red light located in the center of the
instrument cluster directly in front of the driver) will be
turned on. This indicates that you should have an autho-
rized dealer service the system immediately. The Airbag
Warning Light is turned on whenever there is a fault that
can affect the operation of the airbag system. If there is a
fault present in the PAD Indicator Light, the Airbag
Warning Light will be illuminated to show that the
passenger Advanced Front Airbag may be turned off
until the fault is cleared. If the Airbag Warning Light is
illuminated, have an authorized dealer service the airbag
system immediately. If an object is lodged under the seat
and interferes with operation of the weight sensors, a
fault will occur which turns on both the PAD Indicator
Light and the Airbag Warning Light. Once the lodged
object is removed, the fault will be automatically cleared
after a short period of time. Driver and Passenger Advanced Front Airbag
Inflator Units
The Driver and Passenger Advanced Front Airbag In-
flator Units
are located in the center of the steering wheel
and the right side of the instrument panel. When the
ORC detects a collision requiring the Advanced Front
Airbags, it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of
non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the Advanced Front
Airbags. Different airbag inflation rates are possible
based on collision severity and type. The steering wheel
hub trim cover and the upper right side of the instrument
panel separate and fold out of the way as the airbags
inflate to their full size. The airbags fully inflate in about
50 to 70 milliseconds. This is about half of the time it
takes to blink your eyes. The airbags then quickly deflate
while helping to restrain the driver and front passenger.
The Advanced Front Airbag gas is vented through the
vent holes in the sides of the airbag. In this way, the
airbags do not interfere with your control of the vehicle.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 67