Description And Operation: Description
The injection molded, thermoplastic Driver AirBag (DAB) protective trim cover (2) is the most visible part of the DAB. The DAB is secured to an integral combination floating horn switch and fixing plate unit. The DAB is located in the center of the steering wheel (1), where it is secured by a spring wire retainer integral to the fixing plate to two hooks of the steering wheel armature within the hub cavity of the steering wheel. An injection molded emblem with the Chrysler logo is applied to the center of the trim cover.
Concealed beneath the DAB trim cover (1) are the folded airbag cushion, the airbag inflator (5), the electrically controlled airbag vent (3) and the retainers that secure the inflator to the housing. The airbag cushion, housing and inflator are secured within a molded plastic case to which the trim cover is secured. A horn switch, retainer spring and fixing plate unit (6) secured to the back of the DAB case is used to secure the unit to the steering wheel armature. The fixing plate also includes integral horn switch wiring, the horn switch connector (4) and four horn switch contacts.
The DAB used in this vehicle is a multistage-type that complies with revised federal airbag standards to deploy with less force than those used in some prior vehicles. A radial deploying fabric airbag cushion with internal tethers is used. The airbag inflator is a bi-initiator, single active vent initiator, non-azide, pyrotechnic-type unit and is secured to the airbag housing. Three keyed and color-coded connector receptacles (3) on the DAB inflator connect the three inflator initiators to the vehicle electrical system through three jacketed, two-wire pigtail harnesses from the clockspring. These connections are completed to the vehicle electrical system through three pigtail harnesses from the clockspring.
The DAB cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed, ineffective or in any way damaged. The DAB trim cover and the floating horn switch are serviced only as a unit with the DAB.