Air Bag Module(S)
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 1995 Eagle Talon, 1995 Dodge Avenger, and 1995 Chrysler Sebring. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
An inflator assembly in the air bag module produces nitrogen gas to fill air bag. See Figure . When a small amount of current from SDU is applied, ignitor starts a thermal reaction, which spreads to a pellet-filled canister that produces nitrogen gas. Gas pressure builds and discharges from inflator through a diffuser and screen assembly, forcing trim cover to burst along its seams until air bag is fully inflated. When air bag is fully inflated, gas escapes through vents on sides of air bag.