type unit with four mounting studs and is secured to the stamped metal airbag housing by four flanged hex nuts.
Two keyed and color-coded connector receptacles on the driver airbag inflator connect the two inflator initiators to
the vehicle electrical system through two yellow-jacketed, two-wire pigtail harnesses of the clockspring.
The driver airbag unit cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed or in any way damaged. The driver
airbag trim cover and horn switch unit may be disassembled from the driver airbag unit, and is available for sepa-
rate service replacement.
OPERATION
The multistage driver airbag is deployed by electrical signals generated by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
through the driver airbag squib 1 and squib 2 circuits to the two initiators in the airbag inflator. By using two initi-
ators, the airbag can be deployed at multiple levels of force. The force level is controlled by the ORC to suit the
monitored impact conditions by providing one of three delay intervals between the electrical signals provided to the
two initiators. The longer the delay between these signals, the less forcefully the airbag will deploy.
When the ORC sends the proper electrical signals to each 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 cushion inflates, the driver airbag trim cover will split at predetermined breakout lines, then fold
back out of the way along with the horn switch unit. Following an airbag deployment, the airbag cushion quickly
deflates by venting the inert gas towards the instrument panel through vent holes 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, both initiators are used and all
potentially hazardous chemicals are burned during an airbag deployment event. However, it is possible for only one
initiator to be used during a deployment due to an airbag system fault; therefore, it is necessary to always confirm
that both initiators have been used in order to avoid the improper disposal of potentially live pyrotechnic or hazard-
ous materials. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUP-
PLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
The inert gas that is produced when the chemicals are burned is harmless. However, a small amount of residue
from the burned chemicals may cause some temporary discomfort if it contacts the skin, eyes, or breathing pas-
sages. 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
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supplemental
restraint system before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbag, occupant classification sys-
tem, seat belt tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect
and isolate the battery 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 accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, when removing a deployed airbag, rubber gloves, eye protec-
tion, and a long-sleeved shirt should be worn. There may be deposits on the airbag cushion and other inte-
rior surfaces. In large doses, these deposits may cause irritation to the skin and eyes.
NOTE: 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 recommended procedures for handling non-deployed sup-
plemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HANDLING 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 PROCEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
8O - 432
RESTRAINTS - SERVICE INFORMATION
ND