Air Bag Module, Driver Side

 CAUTION: The driver side air bag module (043B13) is serviced as a complete assembly.

The driver side air bag module is mounted in the center of the steering wheel (3600) . The driver side air bag module consists of the following components:

• Inflator.
• Air Bag.
• Mounting plate and retainer ring.
• 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 uncoated nylon. It is 673mm (26.5 inch) in diameter and fills completely 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 air bag to the inflator.

• The mounting bracket and housing are also used to attach the trim cover and to mount the entire driver side air bag module to the steering wheel .
• These items are components of the driver side air bag module and cannot be serviced.

Steering Wheel Trim Cover

The cover is an injection-moulded plastic component which encases the driver side air bag module .

• 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 driver side air bag module and is not serviceable.