Air Bag: Description and Operation

DRIVER AIRBAG

WARNING: NEVER DISASSEMBLE THE DRIVER AIRBAG. THE DRIVER AIRBAG HAS NO SERVICEABLE PARTS.

Driver Airbag Location:

The driver side airbag module protective trim cover is the most visible part of the driver side airbag system. The driver side airbag module is mounted directly to the steering wheel. Located under the airbag module trim cover are the horn switch, the folded airbag cushion, and the airbag cushion supporting components. The resistive membrane-type horn switch is secured beneath a plastic tray that is mounted to the back side of the driver airbag trim cover.

The driver side airbag module cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed or in any way damaged. The driver side airbag module trim cover and the horn switch are not serviceable separately from the driver airbag module.

The driver side airbag module includes a stamped metal housing to which the cushion and an inflator unit are attached and sealed. The conventional pyrotechnic-type inflator assembly is mounted to studs on the back of the airbag module housing. The inflator seals the hole in the airbag cushion so it can discharge the gas it produces directly into the cushion when supplied with the proper electrical signal. Following an airbag deployment, the airbag cushion quickly deflates by venting this gas towards the instrument panel through the porous fabric material used on the steering wheel side of the airbag cushion.

The protective trim cover is fitted to the front of the airbag module and forms a decorative cover in the center of the steering wheel. The inside of the trim cover has locking blocks molded into it that engage a lip on the airbag module nylon housing. A stamped metal retainer is placed over the inflator mounting studs on the back of the airbag nylon housing. A stamped metal retainer is placed over the inflator mounting studs The trim cover will split at predetermined breakout lines, then fold back out of the way along with the horn switch and tray unit upon airbag deployment.

PASSENGER AIRBAG

WARNING: NEVER DISASSEMBLE THE PASSENGER AIRBAG, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG HAS NO SERVICEABLE PARTS.

Fig.7 Airbag Component Location:

The Passenger Airbag is located beneath the instrument panel and pad assembly. The airbag is mounted to a bracket (welded to the floor pan) with three screws.

The instrument panel top pad is the most visible part of the passenger airbag system. Located under the instrument panel top pad are the airbag door, the passenger airbag cushion and the airbag cushion supporting components.

The passenger airbag includes an extruded housing within which the cushion and inflator are mounted and sealed. Two stamped metal brackets, one on each end of the housing, enclose the cushion and inflator and also serve as the mounting brackets for the airbag.

Following a passenger airbag deployment, the passenger side airbag and the instrument panel must be replaced. The passenger side airbag cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed or in any way damaged.

The passenger inflator assembly is within the airbag housing. The inflator seals the hole in the airbag cushion so it can discharge the gas it produces directly into the cushion when supplied with the proper electrical signal. Following an airbag deployment, the airbag cushion quickly deflates by venting this gas through the discrete vent holes used on each end panel of the airbag cushion.

The passenger airbag is secured with screws to the instrument panel beneath the instrument panel top pad and above the glove box opening. The instrument panel top pad above the glove box opening conceals the airbag door and a predetermined hinge line beneath its decorative cover. Upon airbag deployment, the top pad will bend at the hinge line and the door will fold back out of the way onto the top of the instrument panel.

Fig.1 Side Airbag Location - Typical:

Fig.14 Seat Airbag - Typical:

SEAT AIRBAG
The side impact airbag system Seat Airbags are located in the outboard side of the front seat backs. One in each front seat. The seat airbag inflator assembly is within the airbag housing. Each airbag is mounted to the seat back frame.

Only the Side Impact Airbag Control Module (SIACM) can deploy the side airbags. When supplied with the proper electrical signal the seat airbag inflator will produce a gas and discharge the bag directly between the occupant and the side of the vehicle, protecting the occupant. Upon deployment, the seat back trim cover will tear open and allow the side airbag to fully inflate and quickly deflate.