Air Bag: Description and Operation

Fig. 1 Driver Airbag:

WARNING: Never disassemble the driver or passenger airbag module, there are no serviceable parts within the module.

DRIVER SIDE
The driver airbag module located on the steering wheel is the most visible part of the system. It contains the airbag cushion and its supporting components. The airbag module contains a housing to which the cushion and inflator are attached and sealed.

The driver side inflator assembly is mounted from the back of the module housing. When supplied with the proper electrical signal the inflator assembly will produce a gas and discharge it directly into the cushion. A protective cover is fitted to the front of the driver airbag module and forms a decorative cover in the center of the steering wheel. The driver airbag module is mounted directly to the steering wheel.

Fig. 2 Passenger Airbag:

PASSENGER SIDE
The passenger airbag module is located beneath the decorative cover of the instrument panel, facing the passenger seat.

The passenger inflator assembly is contained in the airbag module housing. The airbag module housing is mounted to the instrument panel retainer, knee bolster and glove box.

When supplied with the proper electrical signal the inflator produces a gas and discharges it directly into the cushion. A decorative, protective cover is fitted over the airbag module.