Air Bag, Passenger: Description
The vertical surface of the injection molded, thermoplastic Passenger AirBag (PAB) door (1) is the most visible part of the PAB. The PAB door is located above the storage tray opening (2) on the face of the instrument panel in front of the passenger seating position.
The outboard edges of the PAB door (4) are secured with integral snap features to the instrument panel base trim. Located behind the PAB door within the instrument panel is the PAB unit. The PAB fits into a molded receptacle on the back of the PAB door. The PAB and mounting provisions are all concealed beneath the instrument panel base trim. The PAB unit is secured by three screws through a stamped mounting bracket and inflator retainer unit (2) to the instrument panel structural support.
The PAB unit used in this vehicle is a Single-stage, Next Generation-type that complies with revised federal airbag standards to deploy with less force than those used in some prior vehicles. The PAB unit consists of a stamped metal housing (1), the airbag cushion (5), the airbag inflator (6) and a stamped metal airbag cushion retainer plate (3) that is secured to the airbag housing with studs and nuts. The PAB housing contains the airbag inflator and the folded airbag cushion. An approximately 120 liter (4.24 cubic foot) rectangular fabric cushion is used.
The PAB inflator is a non-azide, hybrid-type unit that is secured to and sealed within the airbag housing. The inflator initiator is connected to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out and connector of the instrument panel wire harness.
The PAB includes the PAB door. This unit cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed, ineffective or in any way damaged.