Handling A Deployed Inflator Module

Figure 16:

Figure 15:

After the inflator module has been deployed, the surface of the air bag may contain a powdery residue. This powder consists primarily of cornstarch (used to lubricate the bag as it inflates) and by-products of the chemical reaction. Sodium hydroxide dust (similar to lye soap) is produced as a by-product of the deployment reaction. The sodium hydroxide then quickly reacts with atmospheric moisture and is converted to sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Therefore, it is unlikely that sodium hydroxide will be present after deployment. As with many service procedures, you should wear gloves and safety glasses.

Vehicles equipped with RPO ZX1 (driver seat only) use a trim cover (Figure 16) instead of an inflatable restraint I/P module. This trim cover contains a diagnostic resistor and a pigtail harness. The diagnostic resistor has an ohmic value of 2 ohms that satisfies the passenger deployment loop resistance requirements of the inflatable restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM). The pigtail harness allows connection to the inflatable restraint I/P module harness connector. Replace the I/P trim cover under the same conditions that you would the inflatable restraint I/P module.

Remove or Disconnect (Figures 15 and 16)
^ Disable the SIR system. Refer to Air Bag(s) Arming and Disarming.
1. Passenger knee bolster.
2. Connector Position Assurance (CPA) and the electrical connector.
3. Fasteners from the inflatable restraint I/P module (I/P trim cover if equipped with RPO ZX1).
4. Inflatable restraint I/P module (I/P trim cover if equipped with RPO ZX1) from the I/P carrier.

CAUTION: When you are carrying an undeployed Inflator module:
^ Do not carry the Inflator module by the wires or connector on the Inflator module.
^ Make sure the bag opening points away from you.

When you are storing an undeployed inflator module, make sure the bag opening points away from the surface on which the inflator module rests. When you are storing a steering column, do not rest the column with the bag opening facing down and the column vertical. Provide free space for the air bag to expand in case of an accidental deployment. Otherwise, personal injury may result.

Install or Connect
1. Inflatable restraint I/P module (I/P trim cover if equipped with RPO ZX1) to the I/P carrier.
2. Fasteners to the inflatable restraint I/P module (I/P trim cover if equipped with RPO ZX1).

Tighten
^ Fasteners to 10 Nm (89 lb in).
3. Electrical connector and the Connector Position Assurance (CPA).
4. Passenger knee bolster.
^ Enable the SIR system. Refer to Air Bag(s) Arming and Disarming.

Tighten
^ Fasteners to 10 Nm (89 lb in).