Side Curtain Airbag: Description

Fig 1: Side Curtain Airbag

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Optional side curtain airbags are available for this model when it is also equipped with dual front airbags. These airbags are passive, inflatable, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components. See Fig 1. This system is designed to reduce injuries to the vehicle occupants in the event of a side impact collision.

Vehicles equipped with side curtain airbags have two individually controlled curtain airbag units. These airbag units are concealed and mounted above the front door openings where they are each secured to one of the roof side rails. Each folded airbag cushion is contained within a channel in the molded plastic garnish molding that extends along the roof rail from the A-pillar at the front of the vehicle to just behind the B-pillar. A tether extends down the A-pillar from the front of the airbag cushion, where it is secured to the base of the pillar near the belt line with a screw.

The hybrid-type inflator for each airbag is connected to the airbag cushion by a tubular manifold. The inflator bracket and the airbag cushion channel are located with a stamped metal lug to a bore in the roof rail, then secured with screws at the A-pillar in the front and the B-pillar in the rear. A two-wire pigtail wire is routed from the airbag inflator down the B-pillar where it connects the unit to a take out of the vehicle body wire harness with a keyed and latched connector insulator.

The side curtain airbag unit cannot be adjusted or repaired and must be replaced if deployed, faulty, or in any way damaged. Once a side curtain airbag has been deployed, the complete airbag unit and all other visibly damaged components must be replaced.