Air Bag: Description and Operation

Driver Air Bag Module

NOTE: References to the driver air bag module must not be confused with the driver seat side air bag components of the supplemental restraint system (SRS).

The driver air bag module:
- is steering wheel mounted.
- will deploy upon receiving a flow of current from the restraints control module (RCM).
- has no subassemblies.

Passenger Air Bag Module

NOTE: References to the passenger air bag module must not be confused with the passenger seat side air bag components of the supplemental restraint system (SRS).

The passenger air bag module:
- will deploy upon receiving a flow of current from the restraints control module (RCM) initiated by the front impact severity sensor and internal RCM circuitry.
- is installed as an assembly.
- is mounted in the passenger side of the instrument panel.

Seat Side Air Bag Modules and Seat Side Thorax Air Bag Modules

CAUTION: When installing a seat side air bag module or a seat side thorax air bag module always make sure the correct module is being installed. Seat side air bag modules and seat side thorax air bag modules are not interchangeable. The electrical connectors are different between the modules. DO NOT damage or alter the electrical connectors.

NOTE: When installing a new side air bag module or a new side thorax air bag module after deployment, refer to Seats.

This vehicle is equipped with a seat side air bag module or a seat side thorax air bag module. The modules are not interchangeable. The electrical connectors are keyed differently between the modules. DO NOT damage or alter the electrical connectors in any way.

A specific seat side air bag wiring harness is used for a seat side air bag module, with a unique, specific seat side air bag wiring harness used for a seat side thorax air bag module. The electrical connectors to the module and to the body main wiring harness are keyed differently on a seat side air bag wiring harness than those used on a seat side thorax air bag wiring harness. The seat side air bag wiring harness and the seat side thorax air bag wiring harness are not interchangeable.

Seat Side Thorax Air Bag Modules
The seat side thorax air bag module is a new component being introduced on this vehicle. A seat side thorax air bag module provides protection of the thorax area (between the neck and abdomen) of the body, working in conjunction with the head protection provided by a side air curtain module. A seat side thorax air bag module is physically smaller than a seat side air bag module. Although a seat side thorax air bag module and a seat side air bag module are similarly mounted to the front seat backrests, the modules are not interchangeable. Vehicles equipped with seat side thorax air bag modules will also be equipped with side air curtain modules.

The seat side thorax air bag module:
- will deploy upon receiving a flow of current from the restraints control module (RCM) initiated by the side impact sensors and internal RCM circuitry. - is installed as an assembly.
- is mounted in the front seat backrests.
- is used in conjunction with a side air curtain.
- is not interchangeable with a seat side air bag module.