Safing Sensor: Description and Operation

When the circuit is completed, it grounds the igniter in the air bag module and the air bag is deployed.

NOTE: At least one front air bag sensor and bracket and the safing sensor must be activated simultaneously to inflate the air bag.
Unless the air bag sensor is damaged during impact, the sensing mass returns to its original position after making contact.

The safing sensor is located behind the LH cowl side trim panel.






The safing sensor consists of:
- Sensing mass
- Bias magnet
- Cylindrical tube
- Electrical contacts

The design and operation of the safing sensor is much like that of the front air bag sensors. The primary difference is the calibration; the safing sensor magnet is weaker than the front air bag sensor magnets. The
safing sensor will trigger when the vehicle crashes into a rigid barrier at approximately 3-4km/h (1.9-2.5 mph).

The safing sensor ensures that, in the event of an electrical short circuit in one of the front air bag sensor and brackets or wiring, the driver side air bag module will not deploy when not required.