Passenger Airbag

A front PAB is standard in this vehicle. This airbag system consists of passive, inflatable, SRS components and vehicles with this equipment can be readily identified by the AIRBAG  logo molded into the PAB door on the instrument panel above the glove box. Vehicles with the airbag system can also be identified by the airbag indicator, which will illuminate in the IPC from four to six seconds as a bulb test each time the status of the ignition transitions to ON.

The Passenger Airbag (PAB) is integral to the top of the dashboard and bolts to the frame. The PAB contains an active vent.

The PAB is a multistage, adaptive-deployment airbag. The airbag contains three squib circuits. Two squibs inflate the airbag, the third squib activates the last charge which allows the cushion to follow a curve of deflation appropriate to impact severity.

The PAB is deployed by electrical signals generated by the ORC through the PAB squib circuits to the initiator in the airbag inflator and, in vehicles so equipped, to the initiator of the Micro Gas Generator (MGG) for the adaptive vent.

Using two initiators and an adaptive vent, the PAB can be deployed at multiple levels of force. The force level is controlled by the ORC to suit the monitored impact conditions by providing one of multiple delay intervals between the electrical signals provided to the two initiators and the MGG. The longer the delay between the initiator signals and the sooner the adaptive vent is opened, the less forcefully the PAB will deploy.

When the ORC sends the proper electrical signals 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 airbag cushion and a diffuser in the inflator directs all of the inert gas into the airbag cushion, causing the cushion to inflate. As the cushion inflates, the PAB door area of the instrument panel cover will split at predetermined breakout lines, then fold back out of the way. Following an airbag deployment, the airbag cushion quickly deflates by venting the inert gas through a discrete vent hole in each fabric side panel of the airbag cushion.

The MGG inflates a small cushion within the primary cushion to control the adaptive vent. The ORC monitors a seat track position sensor on the passenger front seat. If the seat is in the full forward position when an airbag deployment occurs, the ORC keeps the adaptive vent open. With the adaptive vent open the airbag deployment is less forceful, which reduces the possibility of an airbag-induced injury when the passenger is seated close to the deploying airbag. If the passenger front seat is not in the full forward position, the adaptive vent is closed during airbag deployment.

Typically in multistage airbags, all initiators are used during a PAB deployment event. However, it is possible for only one initiator to be used during a deployment due to a SRS fault; therefore, it is necessary to always confirm that all initiators have been used in order to avoid the improper disposal of potentially live pyrotechnic materials. See the Service After A Supplemental Restraint Deployment standard procedure for additional information. Refer to SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM DEPLOYMENT 

The inert gas that is produced when the chemicals are burned during a deployment is harmless. However, 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 noted, 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.

The ORC monitors the condition of the passenger airbag through circuit resistance. If any fault is detected the ORC will illuminate the airbag indicator in the instrument cluster and store a DTC. Proper diagnosis of the PAB inflator, the adaptive vent MGG and the squib circuits requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool and may also require the use of the Airbag Kit. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

The PAB cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed, ineffective or in any way damaged. The PAB door and retainer are serviced only as a unit with the instrument panel cover. If the PAB is deployed, the PAB mounting bracket and the instrument panel must also be replaced.

The PAB is located in the instrument panel, beneath the instrument panel cover and above the glove box on the passenger side of the vehicle.