Air Bag: Description and Operation

DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE

NOTE: References to the driver air bag module must not be confused with the driver seat side air bag components of the supplemental restraint system (SRS).

The driver air bag module:
- is steering wheel mounted.
- will deploy upon receiving a flow of current from the restraints control module (RCM).
- has no sub-assemblies.

SEAT SIDE AIR BAG MODULES

NOTE: When installing a new seat side air bag module after deployment, refer to Seats for additional information.

When installing a new seat side air bag module without deployment, refer to Side Air Bag Module.

A seat side air bag module provides protection of the thorax area (between the neck and abdomen) of the body, working in conjunction with the head protection provided by a safety canopy module. Vehicles equipped with seat side air bag modules will also be equipped with safety canopy modules.

The seat side air bag module:
- will deploy upon receiving a flow of current from the restraints control module (RCM) initiated by the side impact sensors and internal RCM circuitry.
- is installed as an assembly.
- is mounted in the front seat backrests.
- is used in conjunction with a safety canopy module.

SAFETY CANOPY MODULE

WARNING: Anytime the safety canopy module has deployed, the headliner, and all A, B, C and D pillar upper trim panels and attaching hardware must be replaced along with any other damaged components and hardware. Failure to do so can result in personal injury in the event of a safety canopy module deployment.

NOTE: If the headliner has the word "AIR BAG" embossed on it near each B-pillar, the vehicle is equipped with safety canopy modules.

The safety canopy module:
- will deploy upon receiving a flow of current from the restraints control module (RCM) initiated by the side impact sensors and internal RCM circuitry when a side impact or vehicle rollover condition is detected.
- is installed as an assembly.
- is mounted above the headliner.
- attaches from the A-pillar frame to the D-pillar frame.
- cannot be interchanged from side to side.

PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE

NOTE: References to the passenger air bag module must not be confused with the passenger seat side air bag components of the supplemental restraint system (SRS).

The passenger air bag module:
- will deploy upon receiving a flow of current from the restraints control module (RCM) initiated by the front impact severity sensor and internal RCM circuitry.
- is installed as an assembly.
- is mounted in the passenger side of the instrument panel.