Restraint Systems
Restraint Systems
This domain covers airbag systems, seat belts, and pretensioners. You must understand safety procedures (disconnecting battery, waiting for capacitor discharge), inspection after a collision, and replacement of deployed or damaged components. Traps include not waiting the specified time after battery disconnect (typically 3-5 minutes), reusing deployed airbags or loaded pretensioners, and neglecting to inspect seat belts for damage (stretched webbing, damaged buckles). Also, be aware of airbag sensors and clock springs; these may need replacement after a crash. Worked example: After a front collision, the driver airbag deployed; you must replace the airbag, clock spring, and inspect the seat belt for pretensioner activation; if the belt is locked, replace it. Rule of thumb: Always follow the manufacturer's disarming procedure and never probe airbag connectors with a test light. Key concepts: battery disconnect, capacitor discharge, airbag inspection, seat belt inspection, pretensioner replacement, clock spring.