Air Bag: Description and Operation

The driver air bag is mounted in the center of the steering wheel. The module consists of:
- Inflator.
- Mounting plate and retainer ring.
- Bag assembly.
- Steering wheel trim cover.

NOTE: The driver air bag is serviced as a complete assembly.

Inflator
The inflator assembly is not a serviceable item. When the sensors close, signalling a crash, battery power flows to the air bag inflator. Inside the inflator, an igniter converts the electrical signal to thermal (heat) energy, causing the ignition of the inflator gas generant. This ignition reaction combusts the sodium azide/copper oxide gas generant in the inflator, producing nitrogen gas, which inflates the air bag.

Driver Air Bag
The air bag is constructed of neoprene coated nylon, is 28 inches in diameter and fills to a volume of about 2.3 cubic feet in approximately 40 milliseconds. It is not a serviceable item.

Mounting Plate and Retainer Ring
The mounting plate and retainer ring attach and seal the bag assembly to the inflator. The mounting plate is also used to attach the trim cover and to mount the entire module to the wheel. These items are components of the air bag module and cannot be serviced.

Steering Wheel Trim Cover
When the air bag is activated, tear seams moulded into the steering wheel trim cover separate to allow inflation of the bag. The cover is a component of the air bag module and is not serviceable.