Neon R/T L4-2.0L VIN F HO (2001)
Air Bag: Description and Operation
Driver Airbag
Fig.11 Driver Airbag Location
DRIVER AIRBAG MODULE (DAB)
The driver airbag module protective trim cover is the most visible part of the driver airbag system. The driver airbag module is mounted directly to
the steering wheel. Located under the airbag module trim cover are the horn switch, the folded airbag cushion, and the airbag cushion supporting
components. The resistive membrane-type horn switch is secured within a plastic tray between the driver airbag module cover and the backer plate
which is heat staked on to the driver airbag module cover.
The driver airbag module cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed or in any way damaged. The driver airbag module trim cover and
the horn switch are available for service replacement.
The driver airbag module includes a stamped metal housing to which the cushion and an inflator unit are attached and sealed. The conventional
pyrotechnic-type inflator assembly is mounted to studs on the back of the airbag module housing. The inflator seals the hole in the airbag cushion
so it can discharge the gas it produces directly into the cushion when supplied with the proper electrical signal. Following an airbag deployment,
the airbag cushion quickly deflates by venting this gas towards the instrument panel through the porous fabric material used on the steering wheel
side of the airbag cushion.
The protective trim cover is fitted to the front of the airbag module and forms a decorative cover in the center of the steering wheel. The inside of
the trim cover has locking blocks molded into it that engage a lip on the airbag module metal housing. Two stamped metal retainers then fit over
the inflator mounting studs on the back of the airbag module housing and are engaged in slots on the inside of the cover, securely locking the trim
cover into place. The trim cover will split at predetermined breakout lines, then fold back out of the way along with the horn switch and tray unit
upon airbag deployment.
THE AIRBAG MODULE INFLATOR ASSEMBLY CONTAINS SODIUM AZIDE AND POTASSIUM NITRATE. THESE MATERIALS ARE
POISONOUS AND EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. CONTACT WITH ACID, WATER, OR HEAVY METALS MAY PRODUCE HARMFUL
AND IRRITATING GASES (SODIUM HYDROXIDE IS FORMED IN THE PRESENCE OF MOISTURE) OR COMBUSTIBLE
COMPOUNDS. IN ADDITION, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG MODULE CONTAINS ARGON GAS PRESSURIZED TO OVER 2500 PSI. DO
NOT ATTEMPT TO DISMANTLE AN AIRBAG MODULE OR TAMPER WITH ITS INFLATOR. DO NOT PUNCTURE, INCINERATE,
OR BRING INTO CONTACT WITH ELECTRICITY. DO NOT STORE AT TEMPERATURE EXCEEDING 93 °C (200 °F).
