Air Bag, Passenger: Description: 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 (2), the molded thermoplastic PAB retainer or chute (1) is secured to the underside of the top pad. The retainer defines the airbag 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 unit (1) is also secured by two studs (3) and nuts to a bracket integral to the instrument panel structural support. The PAB unit used in this vehicle 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 unit consists of a stamped metal housing, the airbag cushion, and the airbag inflator (2). The airbag inflator is secured to the housing by four screws and nuts. The airbag housing contains the folded airbag cushion. An approximately 66 centimeter (26 inch) wide by 76 centimeter (30 inch) high rectangular fabric cushion is used.
The airbag inflator is a non-azide, pyrotechnic-type unit that is secured to and sealed within the airbag housing. Two dedicated take outs and yellow connectors of the instrument panel wire harness with keyed, color-coded (black and orange) insulators connect the two inflator initiators to the vehicle electrical system. Vehicles manufactured for domestic markets also include an active vent tether cutter (4) that is connected through a third dedicated take out and connector of the instrument panel wire harness.
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 top pad. If the PAB is deployed, the instrument panel top pad must also be replaced.