Description

DESCRIPTION





The driver airbag protective trim cover is the most visible part of the driver airbag. The driver airbag is located in the center of the steering wheel (4), where it is secured with two bolts to the two horizontal spokes of the four-spoke steering wheel armature. Concealed beneath the driver airbag trim cover are the horn switch, the folded airbag cushion, the airbag cushion retainer, the airbag housing, the airbag inflator, and the retainers that secure the inflator to the airbag housing.

The resistive membrane-type horn switch is secured within a plastic tray that is inserted in a pocket or pouch sewn onto the airbag cushion retainer strap, between the trim cover and the folded airbag cushion. The horn switch ground pigtail wire has an eyelet terminal connector that is attached to the inflator mounting stud.

The airbag is a multistage, Next Generation-type that deploys with less force than those used in some prior models. A radial deploying fabric airbag cushion with internal tethers is used. The airbag inflator is a dual-initiator, non-azide, pyrotechnic-type unit. Two color-coded connector receptacles on the driver airbag inflator connect the two inflator initiators to the vehicle electrical system through two yellow-jacketed, two-wire pigtail harnesses of the clock spring. The driver airbag cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed or in any way damaged. The driver airbag trim cover and the horn switch are available for individual service replacement. For diagnosis and testing, use a scan tool and refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.