Are steering wheels universal?

[Tuckerfan]

@Rick

Cite? In every system I am familiar with, the system is inert after no more than 30 seconds after key off. If the systems were live 24/7 getting bumped in a parking lot would result in a blown bag. They aren’t and it doesn’t.

I don’t remember where I read it (most likely Car and Driver), and I certainly didn’t mean to imply that the system would be live 24/7, just that there would be a residual charge in the things.

[commasense]

Thanks for clarifying things, Rick.

[danceswithcats]

@Rick

Cite? In every system I am familiar with, the system is inert after no more than 30 seconds after key off. If the systems were live 24/7 getting bumped in a parking lot would result in a blown bag. They aren’t and it doesn’t.

Courtesy of a GM guide to airbags and pretensioners for first responders:

The GM air bag system is equipped with an energy reserve feature that enables the air bag(s) to deploy even if the battery has been destroyed early in a severe frontal crash. Though unlikely, it is possible that the energy reserve in some air bag systems has power to deploy the bag(s) for up to 10 minutes after the battery is disconnected or the ignition is turned off.

(page 8)

It is also worth noting that although the ignition switch may be in the off position, damage to the column and associated wiring may complete the SRS circuit. The battery isn’t always where we can get at it to safely disconnect power following an accident. As such, we fire rescue types approach undeployed bags with caution during an auto extrication.