The airbag inflator (4) is a non-azide, pyrotechnic-type unit that is secured to and sealed within the airbag housing.
A short four-wire pigtail harness with a keyed, yellow connector insulator (1) connects the two inflator initiators to the
vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out and connector of the instrument panel wire harness.
The passenger airbag includes the airbag door. This unit cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed,
faulty, or in any way damaged.
OPERATION
The multistage passenger airbag is deployed by electrical signals generated by the Occupant Restraint Controller
(ORC) through the passenger airbag squib 1 and squib 2 circuits to the two initiators in the airbag inflator. By using
two initiators, 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 airbag cushion
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 passenger airbag door will split at predetermined tear seam lines concealed on the inside sur-
face of the door, then the door will pivot up over the top of the instrument panel and out of the way. Following an
airbag deployment, the airbag cushion quickly deflates by venting the inert gas through vent holes within the fabric
used to construct the back (windshield side) of the airbag cushion.
Typically, both initiators are used 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 materials. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
DEPLOYMENT).
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 unit and other interior
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 passenger 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 passenger 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).
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RESTRAINTS - SERVICE INFORMATION
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