Passenger Airbag: Description
The passenger airbag used in this model is a multistage, Next Generation-type that complies with revised federal airbag standards to deploy with less force than those used in some prior models. The passenger airbag consists of a stamped and welded metal housing, the airbag cushion, the airbag inflator, and a stamped metal airbag cushion retainer plate that is secured to the airbag housing. The airbag housing contains the airbag inflator and the folded airbag cushion. A rectangular fabric cushion is used.
The airbag inflator is a non-azide, pyrotechnic-type unit that is secured to and sealed within the airbag housing. A short four-wire pigtail harness with a keyed, yellow connector insulator connects the two inflator initiators to the vehicle electrical system through the instrument panel wire harness.
This passenger airbag cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed, faulty, or in any way damaged.
The horizontal surface of the injection molded, thermoplastic passenger airbag door (2) is the most visible part of the passenger airbag. The passenger airbag door is located above the glove box opening on the top of the instrument panel, in front of the front seat passenger seating position.
Located below the passenger airbag door within the instrument panel is the passenger airbag. The passenger airbag housing fits into a molded receptacle on the back of the airbag door, where twelve stamped hook formations on the forward and rearward edges of the airbag housing are engaged in mating small window openings on the forward and rearward flanges of the receptacle to secure the airbag door to the airbag housing. These airbag door fasteners and mounting provisions are all concealed beneath the instrument panel base trim.
The passenger airbag is secured by four screws (1) through a stamped mounting bracket to the instrument panel cover/pad and two bolts (2) to the instrument panel structural support.