Driver Side Air Bag Module

NOTE: The driver air bag module is serviced as a complete assembly. Perform proper disposal procedure as required.

The driver air bag module is mounted in the center of the steering wheel. The driver air bag module consists of the following components:
- inflator
- airbag
- mounting plate and retainer ring
- steering wheel trim cover/air bag cover

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 energy (heat), causing the ignition of the inflator gas generant.
- This ignition reaction causes combustion of the sodium azide/cupric oxide gas generant in the inflator, producing nitrogen gas which inflates the air bag.

Air Bag
The driver air bag:
- is constructed of nylon.
- is 672 mm (26.5 inches) in diameter.
- fills to a volume of about 0.057 cubic meter (2.0 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 the air bag assembly to the inflator.
- also attach the trim cover and mount the entire driver air bag module to the steering wheel.
- are components of the driver air bag module and cannot be serviced.

Steering Wheel Trim Cover
The steering wheel trim cover:
- encases driver air bag module.
- has moulded-in tear seams that separate to allow inflation of the bag.
- is a component of the driver air bag module and is not serviceable.
- must not be repainted for any reason.