Late Production
Driver Side Air Bag ModuleNOTE:
- The air bag module is serviced as a complete assembly.
- The vehicle is not equipped with a passenger side air bag module.
The air bag module is mounted in the center of the steering wheel. The air bag module consists of the following components:
- Inflator
- Air bag
- Mounting plate and retainer ring
- Steering wheel trim cover
Inflator
NOTE: The inflator is a component of the air bag module and is not a serviceable Item. The air bag module is serviced as a complete assembly.
When the sensors close, signaling a crash, battery voltage flows to the inflator. Inside the inflator, an igniter converts the electrical signal to thermal (heat) energy. This energy causes the ignition of the inflator gas generant. The ignition reaction combusts the sodium azide/copper oxide generant in the inflator, producing nitrogen gas, which inflates the air bag.
Air Bag
NOTE: The air bag is a component of the air bag module and is not a serviceable item. The air bag module is serviced as a complete assembly.
The air bag:
- is constructed of neoprene coated nylon.
- is 710 mm (28 inches) in diameter.
- fills to a volume of 65 liter (2.3 cu.ft) in approximately 40 milliseconds.
Mounting Plate and Retaining Ring
NOTE: The mounting plate and retaining ring are components of the air bag module and are not serviceable items. The air bag module is serviced as a complete assembly.
The mounting plate and retainer ring attach and seal the air bag to the inflator. The mounting bracket is also used to attach the trim cover and mount the air bag module on the steering wheel.
Steering Wheel Trim Cover
NOTE: The steering wheel trim is a component of the air bag module and is not a serviceable item. The air bag module is serviced as a complete assembly.
The steering wheel trim cover is made of injection-molded plastic and encases the air bag. When the SRS is activated, tear seams molded into the steering wheel trim cover separate, allowing inflation of the air bag.