What does the control module do in an air bag system?

The role of the control module in an airbag system is to activate the airbags based on data received from crash sensors. When a collision occurs, various sensors positioned throughout the vehicle detect the impact and send signals to the control module. This module then evaluates the information to determine whether the intensity of the impact warrants deploying the airbags. If it determines that deployment is necessary, it triggers the airbags to inflate, providing protection to the occupants during a crash.

The activation process is critical for ensuring that airbags deploy only when needed, optimizing safety without unnecessary deployments that could put occupants at risk in minor collisions. Additionally, while the control module may have capabilities to store diagnostic codes, monitor air pressure in the context of other systems, or assist with seat belt tension, its primary function in the airbag system centers on reacting to collision data to prompt airbag deployment effectively.