Driver Side Air Bag Module

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

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

Inflator

- The inflator assembly is not a serviceable item.
- When the sensors close, signaling a crash, electrical current flows to the air bag inflator.
- Inside the inflator, an igniter converts the electrical signal to thermal energy (heat), 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.

Air Bag

The air bag:
- Is constructed of neoprene-coated nylon.
- Is 711 mm (28 inches) in diameter.
- Fills to about 0.065 cubic meters (2.3 cubic feet) in approximately 40 milliseconds.
- Is not a serviceable item.

Mounting Plate and Retainer Ring

The mounting plate and retainer ring:
- Attach and seal air bag assembly to the inflater.
- Utilize the mounting plate to attach the trim cover and to mount the entire driver side air bag module to the steering wheel.
- Cannot be serviced because they are components of the driver side air bag module.

Steering Wheel Trim Cover

The steering wheel trim cover:
- Encases the driver side air bag module.
- Has tear seams molded into the cover which separate to inflate the air bag when it is activated.
- Is not serviceable because it is a component of the driver side air bag module.