The airbag SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) is a passive safety system installed inside the passenger compartment. Together with the use of the seat belt, car airbags offer better protection and reduce the risk of a fatal injury in case of a collision.
For the airbag to work, a series of sensors work together and are controlled by the airbag module. The airbag module receives the signals from the sensors and activates the actuators which will inflate these airbags.
Read on and find out more about the airbag control module and how it works.
Terminologies Used for Airbag Control Module
The airbag module is also known as:
- Airbag Module
- SRS Airbag Control Module
- Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
- Airbag Control Module (ACM)
- Airbag ECU (Electronic Crash Unit)
- SAS Unit (Sophisticated Airbag Sensor) Module
- Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM)
- SRS Control Module (SRSCM)
- Restraint Control Module (RCM)
- Event data recorder (EDR)
What is the Airbag Control Module?
The car airbag module is also known as an electric crash unit. The airbag control module is responsible for controlling the airbag’s deployment, crash data storage and exchanging information with the car’s engine. Hence, if your airbag control model is bad, your car’s airbags may not respond in case of collision. Check if your airbag light is on or it doesn’t deploy during an accident, then you need to get the SRS airbag module reset.
Functions of Airbag Control Module
The airbag control model is one of the essential car safety features that not only deploy airbags but also have other functions to perform. Let’s find out.
- Monitors car sensors: The airbag electronic control unit receives data from different car sensors. The data from the sensors communicate with the airbag module in case of collision, airbag deployment and data recording.
- Records seatbelt data: The airbag control unit also keeps the recording of all the driving moments. For instance, the deployment of a safety belt or the usage of the seat belt in a vehicle.
- Store car speed data: Besides, the airbag module also keeps a record of speed data. Moreover, it also keeps a track of speed changes to identify the severity of the collision.
- Records other collision data: Some advanced airbag control units also record the data of the moments that lead to the collision. All the data is stored in the airbag module and can only be cleared through airbag module reset.
Where is the Airbag Module Located
The control unit is the core of the airbag system and is located in the centre of the vehicle, under the radio or behind the steering wheel. Normally located in the area of the dashboard or sometimes under the front seats of the vehicle.
However, there is no fixed place in the car where you can find an airbag control module. For a quick guide, it is best to refer to the owner’s manual.
This control unit is responsible for receiving signals from the different crash and weight sensors to activate the actuators quickly and efficiently.
It fulfils the following functions:
- Accident detection
- Timely detection of the signals emitted by the sensors
- Timely activation of the necessary ignition circuits
- The power supply of the ignition circuits with the help of the capacitor
- Self-diagnosis of the entire system
- Recording of the faults that have arisen in the fault memory
- The airbag control light comes on if the system fails
In modern control units, information is stored that has been obtained thanks to various tests that simulate accidents. They allow the accident to be classified by its degree of severity. Also, when you buy a used car in the UAE, make sure you test car airbags to ensure that they are functional.
Moreover, always follow a complete checklist when buying a used car in the UAE.
Can I Reset Airbag Module
Yes, thankfully you can reprogram and reset the airbag module. However, if your airbag control module is damaged due to fire, flood and other accidents, then you might need to replace the module completely. Besides, you can also get your car airbag repaired after an accident.
With this, we conclude our guide on car airbag control modules. Car airbags are added safety features which help in reducing severe injuries. However, it is important to note here that even though your car airbags are functioning properly, together with a seatbelt, the airbags offer safer and safer driving.
To extend the life of your car airbags and another part of your vehicle, make sure you follow a car maintenance checklist.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s popular auto blog to know more about car parts.
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