Air Bag: Description and Operation

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

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

Inflator
The inflator assembly is not a serviceable item. When the sensors close, signaling a crash, electrical energy flows to the air bag inflator. Inside the inflator, an igniter converts the electrical signal to thermal (heat) energy, igniting 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 673 mm (26.5 inch) in diameter and fills to a volume of about 0.06 cubic m (2.1 cubic ft) 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 bracket is also used to attach the trim cover and to mount the entire module to the steering wheel. These items are components of the air bag module and cannot be serviced.

Liner and Steering Wheel Trim Cover
The liner is an injection-moulded plastic component which encases the air bag assembly and provides support for the steering wheel trim cover assembly. When the air bag is activated, tear seams moulded into the liner and steering wheel trim cover separate to allow inflation of the bag assembly. The liner is a component of the air bag module and is not serviceable.