Driver Side Air Bag Module

CAUTION: 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 module consists of the following components:
1. Inflator
2. Mounting plate and retainer ring
3. Airbag
4. Steering wheel trim cover

Inflator
The air bag 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 energy 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 inch) in diameter and fills to a volume of about 0.065 cubic meters (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 steering wheel. These items are components of the air bag module and cannot be serviced.

Steering Wheel Trim Cover
When the air bag is activated, tear seams moulded into the steering wheel trim cover separate to allow inflation of the bag. The cover is a component of the air bag assembly and is not serviceable.