1996 Buick Century Owner's Manual

What will you see after an air bag inflates?After the air bag inflates, it quickly deflates. This occursso quickly that some people may not even realize the airbag inflated. Some components of the air bag module inthe steering wheel hub will be hot for a short time. Thepart of the bag that comes into contact with you may bewarm, but it will never be too hot to touch. There will besome smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflatedair bag. Air bag inflation will not prevent the driverfrom seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, norwill it stop people from leaving the vehicle.rWhen an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air.This dust could cause breathing problems forpeople with a history of asthma or otherbreathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in thevehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so.If you have breathing problems but can’t get outof the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then getfresh air by opening a window or door.0a0The air bag is designed to inflate only once. After itinflates, you’ll need some new parts for your air bagsystem. If you don’t get them, the air bag systemwon’t be there to help protect you in another crash.A new system will include the air bag module andpossibly other parts. The service manual for yourvehicle covers the need to replace other parts.Your vehicle is equipped with a diagnostic module,which records information about the air bag system.The module records information about the readinessof the system, when the sensors are activated anddriver’s safety belt usage at deployment.Let only qualified technicians work on your air bagsystem. Improper service can mean that your airbag system won’t work properly. See your dealerfor service.NOTICE:If you damage the cover for the driver’s air bag,it may not work properly. You may have toreplace the air bag module. Do not open or breakthe air bag cover.1-24