PASSENGER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
WARNING: NEVER DISASSEMBLE THE PASSEN-
GER AIRBAG, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG HAS NO
SERVICEABLE PARTS.
The Passenger Airbag is located beneath the
instrument panel and pad assembly. The airbag is
mounted to the back side of the instrument panel
reinforcement.
The instrument panel top pad is the most visible
part of the passenger airbag system. Located under
the instrument panel top pad are the airbag door, the
passenger airbag cushion and the airbag cushion
supporting components.
The passenger airbag includes a magnesium hous-
ing within which the cushion and inflator are
mounted and sealed.
Following a passenger airbag deployment, the pas-
senger airbag and the instrument panel must be
replaced. The passenger airbag cannot be repaired,
and must be replaced if deployed or damaged in any
way.
OPERATION
The passenger airbag is equipped with two infla-
tors, each with three levels of pressure output. The
inflators seal the hole in the airbag cushion so it can
discharge the gas it produces directly into the cush-
ion when supplied with the proper electrical signal.
Following an airbag deployment, the airbag cushion
quickly deflates by venting this gas through the
cushion material towards the instrument panel.
The passenger airbag is secured with screws to the
instrument panel beneath the instrument panel top
pad and above the glove box opening. The instrument
panel top pad above the glove box opening conceals
the airbag door and a predetermined hinge line
beneath its decorative cover. Upon airbag deploy-
ment, the top pad will bend at the hinge line and the
door will fold back out of the way onto the top of the
instrument panel.
When the front airbag system is deployed, the fol-
lowing MUST be replaced:
• Complete Steering Column Assembly.
• Lower Steering Column Coupler.
• Steering Wheel.
• Clock Spring.
• Driver Airbag.
• Passenger Airbag.
• Upper Instrument Panel with Pad.
CARE OF UNDEPLOYED AIRBAGS
Airbags must be stored in their original special
container until used for service. At no time should a
source of electricity be permitted near the inflator on
the back of an airbag. When carrying or handling an
undeployed airbag, the trim side of the airbag should
be pointing away from the body to minimize possibil-
ity of injury if accidental deployment occurs. Do not
place undeployed airbag face down on a solid surface,
the airbag will propel into the air if accidental
deployment occurs.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLEAN UP
Roll or fold the passenger airbag towards the
instrument panel surface and close the door over the
folded bag. Then tape the door shut.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any residual pow-
der from the vehicle interior. Work from the outside
in to avoid kneeling or sitting in a contaminated
area. Vacuum the heater and A/C outlets as well. If
HVAC was in RECIRC mode at time of airbag
deployment, operate HVAC blower on low speed/heat
and vacuum powder residue expelled from the heat
outlets. Multiple vacuum cleaning may be necessary
to decontaminate the interior of the vehicle.
REMOVAL
DEPLOYED AIRBAG
(1) Clean powder residue from interior of vehicle.
Refer to Electrical, Restraints, Passenger Airbag,
Standard Procedure - Passenger Airbag Clean Up.
(2) Remove instrument panel. Refer to Body,
Instrument Panel, Removal.
(3) Remove all reusable components from the
upper instrument panel and transfer to the new
instrument panel.
UNDEPLOYED AIRBAG
(1) Remove instrument panel. Refer to Body,
Instrument Panel, Removal.
(2) De-trim the instrument panel enough to gain
access to the passenger airbag fasteners.
(3) Disconnect yellow wire connector from passen-
ger airbag.
(4) Remove three bolts to the passenger airbag.
(5) Remove airbag from instrument panel through
rear of instrument panel.
INSTALLATION
DEPLOYED AIRBAG
Transfer all reusable components to the new
instrument panel.
(1) Install new Passenger Airbag into instrument
panel.
8O - 6 RESTRAINTS RS
To Next Page