Air Bag Module
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1997 GMC Safari and 1997 Chevrolet Astro. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
When the vehicle is in an accident of sufficient force to close the discriminating sensor, nitrogen gas inflates the cloth bag packed inside the steering wheel hub and in passenger-side instrument panel. The bags inflate in less than 1/20 of a second. As air bag is contacted by driver or passenger, the gas is vented through openings in the bag, which deflates almost as soon as it is completely deployed.