What does the dashboard icon of a little person holding a ball mean?
2 Answers
This icon is the airbag indicator light. If it stays lit after the car is started, it indicates a fault in the airbag system or that the airbag has been deployed before, requiring replacement at a 4S shop. The airbag is a passive safety protection system, used in conjunction with seat belts. Both airbags and seat belts provide effective collision protection for passengers. Experiments have shown that in the event of a collision, airbags can reduce head injuries by 25% and facial injuries by about 80%. The airbag inflates in just 0.03 seconds during a collision. When a passenger's head contacts the airbag, it begins to deflate through vents, ensuring a gradual deceleration of the passenger's body. Typically, cars are equipped with one airbag each for the driver and front passenger to protect them in the event of a severe impact, providing effective protection for the head and chest. The principle of the car airbag is: the sensor system continuously sends speed change information to the control unit, which analyzes and evaluates this data. Precautions for using airbags include: airbags must be used in conjunction with seat belts; maintain an appropriate distance from the airbag while seated; do not place objects in front of, above, or near the airbag; and maintain good driving habits to ensure a safe distance between the chest and the steering wheel.
I see you're asking about that little person holding a ball symbol on the dashboard - that's usually the anti-theft system indicator light. Normally after locking the car, it will blink or light up irregularly, indicating the anti-theft system is activated to prevent unauthorized vehicle operation. If you notice it staying constantly lit or behaving abnormally while driving, there might be an issue with the anti-theft system - like a depleted key battery, module malfunction, or loose wiring. I've encountered this before - simply replacing the key battery fixed it, quick and inexpensive. But if the problem persists, visit a repair shop because ignoring it could lead to anti-theft failure or roadside issues. While driving with this light on doesn't immediately affect operation, I recommend addressing it promptly for safety. Modern cars all come with anti-theft systems - don't underestimate its importance. Mention this light during routine maintenance to prevent surprises. Overall, it's a small but crucial warning - no need for guesswork, just get it properly checked.
