Air Bag, Passenger: Description
The horizontal surface of the instrument panel top pad (1) above the glove box (2) is the most visible part of the Passenger Airbag (PAB). The PAB door is integral to the top of the instrument panel top pad forward of and above the glove box on the instrument panel in front of the front seat passenger seating position.
Located below the PAB door area of the instrument panel top pad, the molded thermoplastic PAB retainer or chute is secured to the underside of the top pad. The retainer defines the PAB door breakout area of the top pad and serves as the receptacle for the PAB cushion and housing. Numerous small window openings on the forward and rearward flanges of the receptacle receive mating hook formations stamped into the airbag housing, which locate and secure the housing to the top pad.
The PAB is also secured by a mounting bracket (4) and fasteners to the instrument panel structural support. The PAB used in domestic market vehicles is a multistage type that complies with revised federal airbag standards to deploy with less force than those used in some prior vehicles. The PAB consists of a stamped metal housing (3), the airbag cushion (1), a Micro Gas Generator (MGG) for the active vent (6) and the two-stage airbag inflator (2). The PAB inflator, the mounting bracket and the airbag cushion are secured to the housing by fasteners. The airbag housing contains the folded airbag cushion and the cushion retainer (7). An approximately 66 centimeter (26 inch) wide by 76 centimeter (30 inch) high rectangular fabric cushion is used.
The PAB used in export market vehicles is a single stage-type that complies with the airbag standards of the market they are used in.
The PAB inflator is a non-azide, pyrotechnic-type unit that is secured to and sealed within the airbag housing. Three dedicated take outs and yellow connectors of the PAB wire harness (5) with keyed, color-coded insulators connect the two inflator initiators and the active vent MGG to a yellow, 6 way connector secured to the mounting bracket. A dedicated take out and connector of the instrument panel wire harness connects the PAB to the vehicle electrical system.
The PAB cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed, ineffective or in any way damaged. The PAB door and chute or retainer are serviced only as a unit with the instrument panel top pad. If the PAB is deployed, for a complete summary of items that need to be replaced or inspected. Refer to SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM DEPLOYMENT .