Passenger Airbag

WARNING: Never disassemble the passenger air-bag. The passenger airbag has no serviceable parts. If tampered with internally, the airbag could deploy and result in personal injury or death.

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 housing within which the cushion and inflator are mounted and sealed.

Following a passenger airbag deployment, the passenger 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.

The passenger airbag is equipped with two inflators, 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 cushion 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 deployment, 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 following 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 possibility 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.