Air Bag: Description and Operation

DRIVER AIR BAG
The driver air bag, located on steering wheel, contains air bag cushion and its supporting components. The driver inflator is mounted on back of module housing. When supplied with proper electrical signal inflator assembly will produce a gas and discharge it directly into cushion. A protective cover is fitted to front of driver air bag module.

Description
The airbag module protective trim cover is the most visible part of the driver side airbag system. The module is mounted directly to the steering wheel. Located under the airbag module trim cover are the airbag cushion, and the airbag cushion supporting components. The airbag module includes a housing to which the cushion and inflator are attached and sealed. The airbag module cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed or in any way damaged.

Operation
The inflator assembly is mounted to the back of the module. 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. 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. Upon airbag deployment, this cover will split at the predetermined breakout line.

PASSENGER AIR BAG
The passenger air bag module is mounted to instrument panel retainer, knee bolster and glove compartment. The passenger inflator assembly is inside module housing. When supplied with proper electrical signal inflator will produce a gas and discharge it directly into cushion. A protective cover is fitted over air bag module.