Driver Air Bag

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

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
• Air Bag assembly
• Steering wheel trim cover

Inflator

The inflator assembly is not a serviceable item. When the sensors close, signaling 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.

Air Bag

The air bag is constructed of neoprene coated nylon, is 711mm (28 inch) in diameter and fills to a volume of about 0.065 cubic m (2.3 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 wheel. These items are components of the air bag module and cannot be serviced.

Steering Wheel Trim Cover

The cover is an injection-moulded plastic component which encases the air bag assembly. When the air bag is activated, tear seams moulded into the steering wheel trim cover separate to allow inflation of the bag assembly. The cover is a component of the air bag module and is not serviceable.