Chevrolet Silverado: Airbag System / What Makes an Airbag Inflate?

Chevrolet Silverado 2019-2026 Owners Manual / Seats and Restraints / Airbag System / What Makes an Airbag Inflate?

In a deployment event, the sensing system sends an electrical signal triggering a release of gas from the inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the airbag causing the bag to break out of the cover. The inflator, the airbag, and related hardware are all part of the airbag module.

For airbag locations, see Where Are the Airbags?

When Should an Airbag Inflate?

This vehicle is equipped with airbags. See Airbag System. Airbags are designed to inflate if the impact exceeds the specific airbag system's deployment threshold...

How Does an Airbag Restrain?

In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle...

Other information:

Chevrolet Silverado 2019-2026 Owners Manual: Engine Exhaust

Warning Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be seen or smelled. Exposure to CO can cause unconsciousness and even death. Exhaust may enter the vehicle if: The vehicle idles in areas with poor ventilation (parking garages, tunnels, deep snow that may block underbody airflow or tail pipes)...

Chevrolet Silverado 2019-2026 Owners Manual: Airbag Readiness Ligh

This light shows if there is an electrical problem with the airbag system. The system check includes the airbag sensor(s), the passenger sensing system, the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic module...