Driver-Side Air Bag Module
Air bag module is mounted in center of steering wheel, encased in steering wheel trim cover. See Fig 1 . When safing sensor and at least one impact sensor close, signaling an impact, ignitor ignites inflator gas generant. This reaction combusts sodium azide/copper oxide gas generant in inflator, producing nitrogen gas, inflating air bag.
When air bag is activated, tear seams molded into steering wheel trim cover separate, allowing inflation of air bag assembly. Air bag module is only serviced as a complete assembly.