OPERATION
The driver airbag is deployed by electrical signals
generated by the Airbag Control Module (ACM)
through the driver airbag squib circuit to the initia-
tor in the airbag inflator (Fig. 20). When the ACM
sends the proper electrical signal to the initiator the
electrical energy generates enough heat to initiate a
small pyrotechnic charge which, in turn, ignites
chemical pellets within the inflator. Once ignited,
these chemical pellets burn rapidly and produce a
large quantity of inert gas. The inflator is sealed to
the back of the airbag housing and a diffuser in the
inflator directs all of the inert gas into the airbag
cushion, causing the cushion to inflate. As the cush-
ion inflates, the driver airbag trim cover will split at
predetermined breakout lines, then fold back out of
the way. Following an airbag deployment, the airbag
cushion quickly deflates by venting the inert gas
towards the instrument panel through filtered vents
within the fabric used to construct the back (steering
wheel side) panel of the airbag cushion.
Some of the chemicals used to create the inert gas
may be considered hazardous while in their solid
state before they are burned, but they are securely
sealed within the airbag inflator. Typically, all poten-
tially hazardous chemicals are burned during an air-
bag deployment event. The inert gas that is produced
when the chemicals are burned is harmless. How-
ever, a small amount of residue from the burned
chemicals may cause some temporary discomfort if it
contacts the skin, eyes, or breathing passages. If skin
or eye irritation is noted, rinse the affected area with
plenty of cool, clean water. If breathing passages are
irritated, move to another area where there is plenty
of clean, fresh air to breath. If the irritation is not
alleviated by these actions, contact a physician.
REMOVAL
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged driver airbag. If the airbag is
faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the rec-
ommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the driver airbag has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT
TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO
DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: WHEN REMOVING A DEPLOYED AIR-
BAG, RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND A
LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT SHOULD BE WORN. THERE
MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE AIRBAG CUSHION AND
OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES,
THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE
SKIN AND EYES.
Fig. 20 Driver Airbag Operation
1 - TRIM COVER
2 - INFLATOR
3 - INITIATOR
4 - CUSHION (FOLDED)
5 - STEERING WHEEL
VA RESTRAINTS 8O - 17
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)
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