Grand Caravan V6-3.8L VIN L (2007)
Air Bag: Description and Operation
Knee Blocker Airbag
Description
DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 KNEE BLOCKER AIRBAG
The Knee Blocker Airbag (Figure 1) is located on the driver side of the vehicle beneath the instrument panel under steering column cover (Figure 2).
Figure 2 KNEE BLOCKER AIRBAG LOCATION
The knee blocker airbag includes one reaction plate and one load plate, within which the cushion and inflator are mounted and sealed. Following a knee
blocker airbag deployment, the knee blocker airbag and instrument panel assembly must be replaced. Refer to the proper diagnostic information for
diagnosis and testing.
Operation
OPERATION
The knee blocker airbag is equipped with a single inflator. When the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) sends the proper electrical signals to the
initiator, the electrical energy generates enough heat to initiate a small pyrotechnic charge which, in turn ignites chemical pellets within the inflator. Once
ignited, these chemical pellets burn rapidly and produce a large quantity of inert gas. The inflator is sealed to the back of the airbag housing and a
diffuser in the inflator directs all of the inert gas into the airbag cushion, causing the cushion to inflate. As the cushion inflates, the knee blocker airbag
trim deploy. Following an airbag deployment, the airbag cushion quickly deflates by venting the inert gas towards the instrument panel through vent
holes within the fabric used to construct the back panel of the airbag cushion.
