Air Bag: Description and Operation

CURTAIN AIRBAG
Vehicles equipped with the Side Impact Airbag System utilize two Curtain Airbags mounted in each respective side of the headliner, stretching from the middle of the A-pillar at the instrument panel along the roof line to the C-pillar at the rear shelf panel. This system is designed to provide supplemental restraint to driver or outboard passengers in the event of a side impact collision.

The Side Impact Airbag Control Module (SIACM) controls the curtain airbags. If the SIACM determines the impact is severe enough, the appropriate SIACM will send a message to inflate the respective curtain airbag. The appropriate airbag will inflate, dropping down from the ceiling between the headliner and windows/pillars, to provide supplemental restraint to driver or outboard passengers in the event of a side impact collision. Once a curtain airbag has been deployed, the complete curtain airbag, headliner, upper A, B, and C-pillar trim panel, and all damaged parts must be replaced on the deployed side.

DRIVER AIRBAG

WARNING: THE DRIVER AIRBAG TRIM COVER AND HORN SWITCH ASSEMBLY ARE THE ONLY SERVICEABLE PARTS OF THE DRIVER AIRBAG. DO NOT DISASSEMBLE OTHER PARTS WITHIN AS THEY ARE NOT SERVICEABLE.

The Driver Airbag located in the center of the steering wheel is the most visible part of the system. It contains the airbag inflator, cushion, cover assembly, and their supporting components. The airbag utilizes a dual stage inflator and two initiator wire connections. the trim cover assembly, consisting of cover and horn switch in the only serviceable part of the airbag. The cushion, inflator, and inflator adaptor are covered with a wrap so the cushion does not unfold when servicing the trim cover and horn switch assembly

When supplied with the proper electrical signal from the ORC, the inflator produces gas and discharges it directly into the pillow. The airbag will deploy and the pillow will fully inflate.

PASSENGER AIRBAG

WARNING: NEVER DISASSEMBLE THE PASSENGER AIRBAG, THERE ARE NO SERVICEABLE PARTS WITHIN.

The most visible part of the Passenger Airbag is the passenger airbag decorative cover located just above the front right side of the instrument panel.

The passenger airbag is mounted to the instrument panel assembly. The passenger inflator assembly is within the airbag housing. The airbag is mounted to the instrument panel retainer and support structure.

The Passenger Airbag consists of:
- Dual Initiator Inflator Assembly
- Reaction Canister
- Airbag Pillow
- Passenger Airbag Cover/Door

When supplied with the proper electrical signal from the ORC, the inflator produces gas and discharges it directly into the pillow. The airbag will deploy and the pillow will fully inflate.