Passenger Airbag: Operation

The passenger airbag is deployed by an electrical signal generated by the Airbag Control Module (ACM) through the passenger airbag squib circuits to the initiator in the airbag inflator. When the ACM sends the proper electrical signal to the 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 back of the airbag housing and a diffuser in the inflator directs all of the inert gas into the airbag cushion, causing the cushion to inflate.

As the airbag cushion inflates, the passenger airbag door will unsnap from the clips that retain it to the instrument panel at the top and bottom, then pivot towards the top of the instrument panel and out of the way on the woven straps. Following a passenger airbag deployment, the airbag cushion quickly deflates by venting the inert gas through the loose weave of the fabric used to construct the back (instrument panel side) of the airbag cushion.

Some of the chemicals used to create the inert gas may be considered hazardous while in their solid state before they are burned, but they are securely sealed within the airbag inflator. However, the gas that is produced when the chemicals are burned is harmless. A small amount of residue from the burned chemicals may cause some temporary discomfort if it contacts the skin, eyes, or breathing passages. If skin or eye irritation is noticed, rinse the affected area with plenty of cool, clean water. If breathing passages are irritated, move to another area where there is plenty of clean, fresh air to breath. If the irritation is not alleviated by these actions, contact a physician immediately.