An airbag is a passive restraint system that deploys a fabric cushion in milliseconds during a crash. It relies on impact sensors communicating with a dedicated control module to trigger a pyrotechnic inflator. Technicians must disarm the system by disconnecting the battery and waiting before performing steering column or dashboard work to prevent accidental deployment.
Make sure you disconnect the negative terminal and wait ten minutes before pulling that steering wheel, or you'll take an airbag to the face.
Never probe an airbag connector with a standard multimeter; the tiny amount of voltage from the meter can be enough to trigger the squib and blow the bag.
Related terms
SRS
The supplemental restraint system manages airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to protect occupants during a crash.
Squib
A small pyrotechnic heating element that triggers the deployment of an airbag or seatbelt pretensioner.
Seat belt
A safety harness designed to secure an occupant in a vehicle seat during a collision or sudden stop.