Air Bag Control Module: Description and Operation

DRIVER'S
Inflator and air bag are stored in steering wheel pad that cannot be disassembled. Inflator contains a squib, igniter charge and gas generant. When sensors detect sufficient impact, electric current is sent through squib in inflator. This heats filament and sets off igniter, which ignites chemical packed around squib. The burning chemical generates a very large amount of gas, which flows through a filter into the air bag and inflating it within .1 second.

PASSENGER'S
Inflator and air bag are stored in passenger side instrument panel and cannot be disassembled. Inflator contains a squib, igniter charge and gas generant. When sensors detect sufficient impact, electric current is sent through squib in inflator. This heats filament and sets off igniter, which ignites chemical packed around driver squib. The burning chemical generates a very large amount of gas, which flows through a filter into the air bag and inflating it within .1 second.