Acura RLX HYBRID (2020 year). Manual in english - page 3

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Safe Driving

Airbags

Airbag System Components

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Airbag System Components

Safe Driving

The front, driver’s knee, front side, and side 
curtain airbags are deployed according to 
the direction and severity of impact. Both 
side curtain airbags are deployed in a 
rollover. The airbag system includes:

a

Two SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) 
front airbags. The driver’s airbag is stored 
in the center of the steering wheel; the 
front passenger’s airbag is stored in the 
dashboard. Both are marked 

SRS 

AIRBAG

.

b

Driver’s knee airbag. The knee airbag is 
stored under the steering column. It is 
marked 

SRS AIRBAG

.

c

Two side airbags, one for the driver and 
one for a front passenger. The airbags are 
stored in the outer edges of the seat-
backs. Both are marked 

SIDE AIRBAG

.

d

Two side curtain airbags, one for each 
side of the vehicle. The airbags are stored 
in the ceiling, above the side windows. 
The front and rear pillars are marked 

SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG

.

e

An electronic control unit that, when the 
power mode is in ON, continually 
monitors information about the various 
impact sensors, seat and buckle sensors, 
rollover sensor, airbag activators, seat 
belt tensioners, and other vehicle 
information. During a crash event the 
unit can record such information.

f

Automatic front seat belt tensioners. In 
addition, the driver’s and front 
passenger’s seat belt buckles incorporate 
sensors that detect whether or not the 
belts are fastened.
The front seat belt tensioners also include 
the e-pretensioners.

g

A driver’s seat position sensor. This 
sensor determines the optimal force at 
which the airbag will deploy in a crash.

h

Weight sensors in the front passenger’s 
seat. The front passenger’s airbag will be 
turned off if the weight on the seat is 
approximately 65 lbs (29 kg) or less (the 
weight of an infant or small child).

i

Impact sensors that can detect a 
moderate-to-severe front or side impact.

j

An indicator on the dashboard that alerts 
you that the front passenger’s front 
airbag has been turned off.

k

An indicator on the instrument panel that 
alerts you to a possible problem with your 
airbag system or seat belt tensioners.

l

Safing Sensor

m

A rollover sensor that can detect if your 
vehicle is about to roll over and signal the 
control unit to deploy both side curtain 
airbags.

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Airbag System Components

Safe Driving

Airbags can pose serious hazards. To do their job, airbags must inflate with 
tremendous force. So, while airbags help save lives, they can cause burns, bruises, 
and other minor injuries, sometimes even fatal ones if occupants are not wearing 
their seat belts properly and sitting correctly.

What you should do:

 Always wear your seat belt properly, and sit upright and as 

far back from the steering wheel as possible while allowing full control of the 
vehicle. A front passenger should move their seat as far back from the dashboard as 
possible.

Remember, however, that no safety system can prevent all injuries or deaths that 
can occur in a severe crash, even when seat belts are properly worn and the airbags 
deploy.

Do not place hard or sharp objects between yourself and a front airbag.

 

Carrying hard or sharp objects on your lap, or driving with a pipe or other sharp 
object in your mouth, can result in injuries if your front airbag inflates.

Do not attach or place objects on the front and driver’s knee airbag covers.

 

Objects on the covers marked 

SRS AIRBAG

 could interfere with the proper 

operation of the airbags or be propelled inside the vehicle and hurt someone if the 
airbags inflate.

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Important Facts About Your Airbags

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Important Facts About Your Airbags

Do not attempt to deactivate your airbags. Together, 
airbags and seat belts provide the best protection.

When driving, keep hands and arms out of the 
deployment path of the front airbag by holding each 
side of the steering wheel. Do not cross an arm over 
the airbag cover.

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Types of Airbags

Safe Driving

Types of Airbags

Your vehicle is equipped with four types of airbags:

•

Front airbags:

 Airbags in front of the driver’s and front passenger’s seats.

•

Driver’s knee airbag:

 Airbag under the steering column.

•

Side airbags:

 Airbags in the driver’s and front passenger’s seat-backs.

•

Side curtain airbags:

 Airbags above the side windows.

Each is discussed in the following pages.

Front Airbags (SRS)

The front SRS airbags inflate in a moderate-to-severe frontal collision to help protect 
the head and chest of the driver and/or front passenger.

SRS

 (Supplemental Restraint System) indicates that the airbags are designed to 

supplement seat belts, not replace them. Seat belts are the occupant’s primary 
restraint system.

The front airbags are housed in the center of the steering wheel for the driver, and 
in the dashboard for the front passenger. Both airbags are marked 

SRS AIRBAG

.

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Housing Locations

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Types of Airbags

The airbags can inflate whenever the power mode is 
in ON.

After an airbag inflates in a crash, you may see a 
small amount of smoke. This is from the combustion 
process of the inflator material and is not harmful. 
People with respiratory problems may experience 
some temporary discomfort. If this occurs, get out of 
the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

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Front Airbags (SRS)

During a frontal crash severe enough to cause one or 
both front airbags to deploy, the airbags can inflate 
at different rates, depending on the severity of the 
crash, whether or not the seat belts are latched, and/
or other factors. Frontal airbags are designed to 
supplement the seat belts to help reduce the 
likelihood of head and chest injuries in frontal 
crashes.

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Front Airbags (SRS)

Safe Driving

Front airbags are designed to inflate during moderate-to-severe frontal collisions. 
When the vehicle decelerates suddenly, the sensors send information to the control 
unit which signals one or both front airbags to inflate.

A frontal collision can be either head-on or angled between two vehicles, or when a 
vehicle crashes into a stationary object, such as a concrete wall.

While your seat belt restrains your torso, the 
front airbag provides supplemental protection 
for your head and chest.

The front airbags deflate immediately so that 
they won’t interfere with the driver’s visibility 
or the ability to steer or operate other 
controls.

The total time for inflation and deflation is so fast that most occupants are not 
aware that the airbags deployed until they see them lying in front of them.

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Operation

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How the Front Airbags Work

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How the Front Airbags Work

Although the driver’s and front passenger’s airbags 
normally inflate within a split second of each other, it 
is possible for only one airbag to deploy. This can 
happen if the severity of a collision is at the margin, 
or threshold that determines whether or not the 
airbags will deploy. In such cases, the seat belt will 
provide sufficient protection, and the supplemental 
protection offered by the airbag would be minimal.

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Airbags

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Front Airbags (SRS)

Safe Driving

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When front airbags should not deploy

Minor frontal crashes:

 Front airbags were designed to supplement seat belts and 

help to save lives, not to prevent minor scrapes, or even broken bones that might 
occur during a less than moderate-to-severe frontal crash.

Side impacts:

 Front airbags can provide protection when a sudden deceleration 

causes a driver or front passenger to move towards the front of the vehicle. Side 
airbags and side curtain airbags have been specifically designed to help to reduce 
the severity of injuries that can occur during a moderate-to-severe side impact which 
can cause the driver or passenger to move towards the side of the vehicle.

Rear impacts:

 Head restraints and seat belts are your best protection during a rear 

impact. Front airbags cannot provide any significant protection and are not designed 
to deploy in such collisions.

Rollovers:

 In a rollover, your best form of protection is a seat belt or, if your vehicle 

is equipped with a rollover sensor, both a seat belt and a side curtain airbag. Front 
airbags, however, are not designed to deploy in a rollover as they would provide 
little if any protection.

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When front airbags deploy with little or no visible damage

Because the airbag system senses sudden deceleration, a strong impact to the 
vehicle framework or suspension might cause one or more of the airbags to deploy. 
Examples include running into a curb, the edge of a hole, or other low fixed object 
that causes a sudden deceleration in the vehicle chassis. Since the impact is 
underneath the vehicle, damage may not be readily apparent.

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When front airbags may not deploy, even though exterior damage 
appears severe

Since crushable body parts absorb crash energy during an impact, the amount of 
visible damage does not always indicate proper airbag operation. In fact, some 
collisions can result in severe damage but no airbag deployment because the airbags 
would not have been needed or would not have provided protection even if they 
had deployed.

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Front Airbags (SRS)

Safe Driving

The airbags have advanced features to help reduce the likelihood of airbag related 
injuries to smaller occupants.

The driver’s advanced airbag system includes a 
seat position sensor.

Based on information from this sensor and the 
severity of the impact, the advanced airbag 
system determines the optimal deployment of 
the driver’s airbag.

The front passenger’s advanced airbag system 
has weight sensors.

We advise against allowing a child age 12 or 
under to ride in the front passenger’s seat. 
However, 

if you do allow a child age 12 or 

under to ride in the front passenger’s 
seat

, note that the system will automatically 

turn off the front passenger’s airbag if the 
sensors detect that the child is approximately 
65 lbs (29 kg) or less.

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Advanced Airbags

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Advanced Airbags

If there is a problem with the driver’s seat position 
sensor, the SRS indicator will come on, and in the 
event of a crash, the airbag will deploy (regardless of 
the driver’s seating position) with a force 
corresponding to the severity of the impact.

For the advanced airbags to work properly:

•

Do not spill any liquid on or under the seats.

•

Do not put any object under the passenger’s seat.

•

Make sure any objects are positioned properly on 
the floor. Improperly positioned objects can 
interfere with the advanced airbag sensors.

•

All occupants should sit upright and wear their seat 
belts properly.

•

Do not cover the passenger’s side dashboard with 
a cloth, towel, cover, etc.

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Passenger Front Airbag Off Indicator

 

P. 58

Make sure the floor mat behind the front passenger’s 
seat is hooked to the floor mat anchor. An improperly 
placed mat can interfere with the advanced airbag 
sensors.

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Floor Mats

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Driver’s 
Seat 
Position 
Sensor

Passenger’s 
Seat Weight 
Sensors

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Driver’s Knee Airbag

Safe Driving

Driver’s Knee Airbag

The driver’s knee SRS airbag inflates in a moderate-to-severe frontal collision to help 
keep the driver in the proper position and to help maximize the benefit provided by 
the vehicle’s other safety features.

SRS

 (Supplemental Restraint System) indicates that the airbag is designed to 

supplement seat belts, not replace them. Seat belts are the occupant’s primary 
restraint system.

The driver’s knee airbag is housed under the 
steering column.

The airbag is marked 

SRS AIRBAG

.

When the driver’s front airbag inflates, the 
driver’s knee airbag also inflates.

Even if the collision is not severe enough to 
deploy the front airbag, the knee airbag may 
inflate alone.

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Housing Locations

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Driver’s Knee Airbag

Do not attach accessories on or near the driver’s knee 
airbag. They can interfere with the proper operation 
of the airbag, or hurt someone if an airbag inflates.

Housing 
Location

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Operation

When 
inflated

Knee 
Airbag

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Driver’s Knee Airbag

Safe Driving

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When driver’s knee airbag deploys with little or no visible damage

Because the airbag system senses sudden deceleration, a strong impact to the 
vehicle framework or suspension might cause one or more of the airbags to deploy.
Examples include running into a curb, the edge of a hole, or other low fixed object 
that causes a sudden deceleration in the vehicle chassis. Since the impact is 
underneath the vehicle, damage may not be readily apparent.

■

When driver’s knee airbag may not deploy, even though exterior damage 
appears severe

Since crushable body parts absorb crash energy during an impact, the amount of 
visible damage does not always indicate proper airbag operation. In fact, some 
collisions can result in severe damage but no airbag deployment because the airbags 
would not have been needed or would not have provided protection even if they 
had deployed.

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Side Airbags

Safe Driving

Side Airbags

The side airbags help protect the torso and pelvis of the driver or a front passenger 
during a moderate-to-severe side impact.

The side airbags are housed in the outside 
edge of the driver’s and passenger’s seat-
backs.

Both are marked 

SIDE AIRBAG

.

When the sensors detect a moderate-to-
severe side impact, the control unit signals the 
side airbag on the impact side to immediately 
inflate.

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Housing Locations

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Side Airbags

Make sure you and your front seat passenger always 
sit upright. Leaning into the path of a side airbag can 
prevent the airbag from deploying properly and 
increases your risk of serious injury.

Do not attach accessories on or near the side airbags. 
They can interfere with the proper operation of the 
airbags, or hurt someone if an airbag inflates.

Do not cover or replace the front seat-back covers 
without consulting a dealer.
Improperly replacing or covering front seat-back 
covers can prevent your side airbags from properly 
deploying during a side impact.

Housing 
Location

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Operation

When 
inflated

Side 
Airbag

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Side Airbags

Safe Driving

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When a side airbag deploys with little or no visible damage

Because the airbag system senses sudden acceleration, a strong impact to the side 
of the vehicle’s framework can cause a side airbag to deploy. In such cases, there 
may be little or no damage, but the side impact sensors detected a severe enough 
impact to deploy the airbag.

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When a side airbag may not deploy, even though visible damage appears 
severe

It is possible for a side airbag to not deploy during an impact that results in 
apparently severe damage. This can occur when the point of impact was toward the 
far front or rear of the vehicle, or when the vehicle’s crushable body parts absorbed 
most of the crash energy. In either case, the side airbag would not have been 
needed nor provided protection even if it had deployed.

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Side Curtain Airbags

Safe Driving

Side Curtain Airbags

The side curtain airbags help protect the heads of the driver and passengers in the 
outer seating positions during a moderate-to-severe side impact. The side curtain 
airbags equipped in this vehicle are also designed to help reduce the likelihood of 
partial and complete ejection of vehicle occupants through side windows in crashes, 
particularly rollover crashes.

The side curtain airbags are located in the 
ceiling above the side windows on both sides 
of the vehicle.

The side curtain airbag is designed to deploy 
in a rollover or a moderate-to-severe side 
impact.

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Housing Locations

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Side Curtain Airbags

If the SRS control unit senses that your vehicle is 
about to rollover, it immediately deploys both side 
curtain airbags and activates both front seat belt 
tensioners.

If the impact is on the passenger’s side, the 
passenger’s side curtain airbag deploys even if there 
are no occupants on that side of the vehicle.

To get the best protection from the side curtain 
airbags, occupants should wear their seat belts 
properly and sit upright and well back in their seats.

Do not attach any objects to the side windows or roof 
pillars as they can interfere with the proper operation 
of the side curtain airbags.

Side Curtain Airbag Storage

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Operation

Deployed Side Curtain Airbag

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Airbag System Indicators

Safe Driving

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When side curtain airbags deploy in a frontal collision

One or both side curtain airbags may also inflate in a moderate-to-severe angled 
frontal collision.

Airbag System Indicators

If a problem occurs in the airbag system, the SRS indicator will come on and a 
message appears on the multi-information display.

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When the power mode is set to ON

The indicator comes on for a few seconds, 
then goes off. This tells you the system is 
working properly.

If the indicator comes on at any other time, or does not come on at all, have the 
system checked by a dealer as soon as possible. If you don’t, your airbags and seat 
belt tensioners may not work properly when they are needed.

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Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Indicator

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Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Indicator

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WARNING

Ignoring the SRS indicator can result in 
serious injury or death if the airbag systems 
or tensioners do not work properly.

Have your vehicle checked by a dealer as 
soon as possible if the SRS indicator alerts 
you to a possible problem.

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Airbags

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Airbag System Indicators

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Safe Driving

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When the passenger front airbag off 
indicator comes on

The indicator comes on to alert you that the 
passenger’s front airbag has been turned off.
This occurs when the weight sensors detect 
about 65 lbs (29 kg) or less, the weight of an 
infant or small child, on the seat.

Children age 12 or under should always ride properly restrained in a back seat.

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Child Safety

 P. 60

Objects placed on the seat can also cause the indicator to come on.

If the front passenger seat is empty, the passenger’s front airbag will not deploy and 
the indicator will not come on.

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Passenger Front Airbag Off Indicator

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Passenger Front Airbag Off Indicator

If the indicator comes on with no front passenger and 
no objects on the passenger’s seat, or with an adult 
riding there, something may be interfering with the 
weight sensors, such as:

•

An object hanging on the seat or in the seat-back 
pocket.

•

A child seat or other object pressing against the 
rear of the seat-back.

•

A rear passenger pushing or pulling on the back of 
the front passenger’s seat.

•

The front seat or seat-back is forced back against 
an object on the seat or floor behind it.

•

An object placed under the front passenger’s seat.

If none of these conditions exist, have your vehicle 
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.

The passenger front airbag off indicator may come 
on and go off repeatedly if the total weight on the 
seat is near the airbag cutoff threshold.

U.S.

Canada

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Airbag Care

Safe Driving

Airbag Care

You do not need to, and should not, perform any maintenance on or replace any 
airbag system components yourself. However, you should have your vehicle 
inspected by a dealer in the following situations:

■

When the airbags have deployed

If an airbag has inflated, the control unit and other related parts must be replaced. 
Similarly, once an automatic seat belt tensioner has been activated, it must be 
replaced.

■

When the vehicle has been in a moderate-to-severe collision

Even if the airbags did not inflate, have your dealer inspect the following: the driver’s 
seat position sensor, weight sensors in the passenger’s seat, front seat belt 
tensioners, and each seat belt that was worn during the crash.

■

Do not remove or modify a front seat without consulting a dealer

This would likely disable or affect the proper operation of the driver’s seat position 
sensor or the weight sensors in the passenger’s seat. If it is necessary to remove or 
modify a front seat to accommodate a person with disabilities, contact an Acura 
dealer, or for U.S. vehicles, Acura Client Relations at 1-800-382-2238 and for 
Canadian vehicles, Acura Client Services at 1-866-78-ACURA.

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Airbag Care

We recommend against the use of salvaged airbag 
system components, including the airbag, tensioners, 
sensors, and control unit.

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Safe Driving

Child Safety

Protecting Child Passengers

Each year, many children are injured or killed in vehicle crashes because they are 
either unrestrained or not properly restrained. In fact, vehicle crashes are the 
number one cause of death of children ages 12 and under.

To reduce the number of child deaths and injuries, every state, Canadian province 
and territory requires that infants and children be properly restrained when they ride 
in a vehicle.

Children should sit properly restrained in a rear seat.

 This is because:

•

An inflating front or side airbag can injure 
or kill a child sitting in the front seat.

•

A child in the front seat is more likely to 
interfere with the driver’s ability to safely 
control the vehicle.

•

Statistics show that children of all sizes and 
ages are safer when they are properly 
restrained in a rear seat.

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Protecting Child Passengers

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 
and Transport Canada recommend that all children 
ages 12 and under be properly restrained in a rear 
seat. Some states or provinces/territories have laws 
restricting where children may ride.

3

WARNING

Children who are unrestrained or 
improperly restrained can be seriously 
injured or killed in a crash.

Any child too small for a seat belt should be 
properly restrained in a child seat. A larger 
child should be properly restrained with a 
seat belt, using a booster seat if necessary.