|
For each airbag there are two pairs of acceleration sensors:
- 2 sensors in the control module
- 2 sensors on the perimeter (quarter panels)
In order for an airbag to deploy at least 1 sensor of each pair has to signal.
This is done intentionally - two are used to avoid false triggering if one of the sensors gives a false signal, and to trigger in an accident if one of the sensors malfunctions and does not signal at all.
The sensors are effectively weights on a spring. They are cylindrical objects rolled in a spring roll. If acceleration is above the threshold, the spring unrolls.
They are one-shot; the spring is not designed to return back to the original position. It means that after an airbag fired, all sensors and the airbag control unit have to be replaced ($$$).
Whether the forward airbags will still work after a lateral one has deployed - they may not and you don't want them to.
The control unit will fail self-check at power up and may go into failure lockout (to prevent accidental firing). In any case the remaining sensors may have partially unwound and be very close to triggering the front airbags on a small bump.
|