Passenger Side Airbag Module

PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG MODULE
The passenger side airbag door on the instrument panel above the glove box is the most visible part of the passenger side airbag system. Located under the airbag door are the passenger side airbag cushion and the airbag cushion supporting components.

The passenger side airbag module includes a stamped metal housing within which the cushion and inflator are mounted and sealed. The airbag housing has three stamped metal mounting brackets spot welded to it. The mounting brackets at the top and at the lower rear of the airbag module secure the module to the instrument panel armature. The stamped metal mounting bracket at the lower front of the housing secures the passenger side airbag module to two studs on the dash panel, behind the glove box. A plastic end bracket encloses the inboard end of the housing and retains the wire harness connector for the inflator.

Following a passenger side airbag deployment, the passenger side airbag module, the passenger side airbag door and the instrument panel assembly must be replaced. The passenger side airbag module cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed or in any way damaged. The passenger side airbag door is available as a separate service item.

The hybrid-type inflator assembly includes a small canister of highly compressed argon gas. 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 porous fabric material used on each end panel of the airbag cushion.

The molded plastic passenger side airbag door is secured to the instrument panel at the upper and lower flanges with screws. A stamped metal bracket located on the back side of the airbag door is secured to the instrument panel armature with one screw on each end, and serves as the hinge for the door upon an airbag deployment. The airbag door has predetermined breakout lines concealed beneath its decorative cover. Upon airbag deployment, the airbag door will split at the breakout lines and the door will fold back over the top of the instrument panel, out of the way.