Porsche 968 - Airbag System; Airbag System Components; Airbag System Operation

Airbag System
In conjunction with the seat belt, the airbag is a
passive safety system designed to provide the
driver and passenger maximum protection from
injury in an accident.
Right-hand drive vehicles are not equipped
with an airbag at the passenger side, so
the following information is in sofar not ap-
plicable.
The airbag system consists of the following 4
main elements:
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- Airbag with gas generator (airbag unit)
- Control electronics
- Crash sensors
- Electrical wiring
In the event of a collision of sufficient impact,
the crash sensors transmit a signal via the con-
trol electronics to the ignition mechanism.
In the ignition process, the solid chemical in the
gas generator is combusted within fractions of a
second. This combustion process generates the
quantity of gas needed to inflate the airbag and
the necessary gas pressure.
On the driver's side the airbag is situated be-
neath the padded steering wheel panel and on
the passenger 's side beneath the padded trim
above the glove compartment.
The danger of vision being impeded by the in-
flated airbag is negligible as the airbag deflates
rapidly . Equally, the ignition detonation will be
drowned by the noise of the accident.
The airbag protects face and torso whilst
cushioning the forward motion of the driver and
passenger at the same time.