Patent ID: 6552657
Filing Date: 2003-04-22
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
In a motor vehicle airbag system, having a module with a plurality of igniters for causing an airbag to inflate, a multi-function vehicle system computer that monitors the status of the module, and first and second wires extending between each of the igniters and the vehicle system computer for conveying signals between the module and the vehicle system computer, the improvement comprising:a manually operable switch having portions connected to each of the first wires, for selectively providing continuity in the first wires between the multi-function vehicle system computer and each of the igniters while in an on position and breaking continuity of the first wires between the vehicle system computer and each of the igniters while in an off position; and a resistor connected to each of the second wires and connected to the switch, so that while in the off position, the switch places the resistors in series between the first and second wires and the vehicle system computer, each of the resistors having an impedance similar to that of one of the igniters, so as to provide a false indication to the vehicle system computer that the continuity exists with the igniters while the switch is in the off position.