Driver Airbag: Description

Fig 1: Driver Airbag Trim Cover

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

The color-keyed, injection molded, thermoplastic driver airbag protective trim cover is the most visible part of the driver airbag. See Fig 1. The driver airbag is located in the center of the steering wheel, where it is secured with two screws to the armature of the horn switch within the hub cavity of the four-spoke steering wheel. Concealed beneath the driver airbag trim cover are the folded airbag cushion, the airbag cushion retainer, the airbag housing, the airbag inflator, and the retainers that secure the inflator to the airbag housing. See Fig 2. The airbag cushion, housing, and inflator are secured within an integral receptacle molded into the back of the trim cover.

Fig 2: Driver Airbag Housing

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

The airbag used in this model is a Next Generation-type that complies with revised federal airbag standards to deploy with less force than those used in some prior models. A radial deploying fabric cushion with internal tethers is used. The airbag inflator is a solid fuel, pyrotechnic-type unit with four studs and is secured by four hex nuts to four studs on the airbag cushion retainer ring to the back of the stamped metal airbag housing. A keyed connector receptacle on the driver airbag inflator connects the inflator initiator to the vehicle electrical system through a yellow-jacketed, two-wire pigtail harness of the clockspring.

The driver airbag and trim cover unit cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed, faulty, or in any way damaged.