Knee Blocker Air Bag - Description

DESCRIPTION





A knee blocker airbag (also known as the Knee AirBag/KAB or the Inflatable Knee Blocker/IKB) is used on vehicles manufactured for domestic markets. These airbags are passive, inflatable, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components. Vehicles with this equipment may be readily identified by the SRS - AIRBAG logo located on the upper outboard corner of the instrument panel steering column opening cover.

The knee blocker airbag is concealed behind the steering column opening cover below the steering column on the driver side lower instrument panel. Located behind the steering column opening cover, the stamped metal airbag housing (1) is secured by four studs (2) with nuts to the stamped metal lower instrument panel reinforcement of the instrument panel support structure. A molded plastic protective cover (4) is secured over the folded airbag cushion by several hook formations stamped into the airbag housing that are engaged through window openings in tabs integral to the outer perimeter of the cover.

The airbag housing contains the airbag inflator and a heat shield. The airbag inflator is a single-initiator, non-azide hybrid-type unit that is secured to the housing by two studs with nuts and sealed within the airbag housing. The airbag is connected to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out and connector insulator of the instrument panel wire harness that connects directly to the inflator initiator (3).

The knee blocker airbag cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed, ineffective or in any way damaged. If the airbag is deployed, the knee blocker and the steering column opening cover must also be replaced.