Air Bag Module, Driver Side

The driver side air bag module (043B13) is mounted in the center of the steering wheel (3600). The module consists of:

• Inflator
• Air bag
• Mounting plate and retainer ring
• Steering wheel trim cover

Inflator

NOTE: The inflator is a component of the driver side air bag module and is not a serviceable item. The driver side air bag module is serviced as a complete assembly.

When the sensors close, signaling a crash, electric current flows to the air bag inflator. Inside the inflator, an igniter converts the electrical signal to thermal (heat) energy, 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

NOTE: The air bag is a component of the driver side air bag module and is not a serviceable item. The driver side air bag module is serviced as a complete assembly.

The air bag:

• is constructed of neoprene coated nylon.
• is 711mm (28 inches) in diameter.
• fills to a volume of 0.065m³ (2.3 ft³) in approximately 40 milliseconds.

Mounting Plate and Retainer Ring

NOTE: The mounting plate and retainer ring are components of the driver side air bag module and are not serviceable items. The driver side air bag module is serviced as a complete assembly.

The mounting plate and retainer ring attach and seal the air bag assembly to the inflator. The mounting plate is also used to attach the trim cover and to mount the entire driver side air bag module to the steering wheel.

Steering Wheel Trim Cover

NOTE: The steering wheel trim cover is a component of the driver side air bag module and is not a serviceable item. The driver side air bag module is serviced as a complete assembly.

The steering wheel trim cover is made of injection-moulded plastic and covers the air bag. When the supplemental air bag restraint system is activated, tear seams moulded into the steering wheel trim cover separate, allowing inflation of the air bag.