Brief Description

The SRS (Supplementary Restraint System) is a complement to the car's seat belts and substantially improves the level of protection in the event of a serious head-on collision.

All Saab 9-5 models are equipped with a driver airbag as well as a side airbag and seat-belt tensioner on both driver and passenger sides. A passenger airbag is available as a factory-fitted option. In certain markets the cars are equipped as standard with a passenger airbag

The driver's airbag is mounted in the steering wheel while the passenger's airbag is placed in the dashboard above the glove box. The side airbags are fitted inside the front seat backrest on the side nearest the door. The seat-belt tensioners are incorporated in the B pillars.

The entire system is managed by a control module which senses when a collision occurs and sends a current pulse to the electric detonators. The detonators activate the gas generators and the airbags are inflated.

The seat belts for the front seats are equipped with pyrotechnical tensioners which tighten the belts in the event of a collision.

A knee shield is fitted under the dashboard on the driver's side to prevent the driver from submarining in the event of a collision. A similar knee shield is fitted on the passenger side on US and CA specification cars having a passenger airbag.

Knee Shield:

The knee shield is screwed to the steering column member and made of foam plastic, sheet metal and aluminium. Together with the lower section of the dashboard, it absorbs the impact force and reduces injury to the knees as well as preventing the driver from submarining in the event of a head-on collision.

The glove box lid is reinforced with sheet metal and provides extra protection for the passenger's knees.

In certain markets (e.g. US/CA), cars with a passenger airbag also have a reinforced knee shield on the passenger's side.

Steering Column Assembly:

The steering column assembly is fastened to the steering column member by means of three bolts at front and rear. It is adjustable for reach as well as vertically. The steering column is connected to the power steering gear by a telescopic intermediate shaft fitted with a universal joint.

For reasons of safety the steering column assembly is designed to collapse in the event of a head-on collision The intermediate shaft will then telescope without stressing the steering column assembly.