Driver-Side Air Bag Module

The driver-side air bag module is mounted on center of steering wheel, covered by steering wheel trim cover. See Figure . When impact sensor and safing sensor close, signaling an impact, ignitor triggers inflator. During ignition, sodium azide reacts with copper oxide, producing nitrogen gas, which inflates air bag.

When air bag deploys, tear-seams molded into steering wheel trim cover separate, allowing inflation of air bag assembly. Driver-side air bag module is not serviceable and must be replaced as a complete assembly.