Taurus V6-182 3.0L FF (1995)
Side Air Bag: Description and Operation
Driver Side Air Bag Module
CAUTION: The driver side air bag module is serviced as a complete assembly.
The driver side air bag module is mounted in the center of the steering wheel. The driver side air bag module consists of the following components:
-
Inflator.
-
Mounting plate and retainer ring.
-
Airbag.
-
Steering wheel trim cover.
Inflator
NOTE: The inflator assembly is not a serviceable item.
-
When the sensors close, signaling a crash, electrical current flows to the air bag inflator.
-
Inside the inflator, an igniter converts the electrical signal to thermal energy (heat), causing the ignition of the inflator gas generant.
-
This ignition reaction combusts the sodium azide/copper oxide gas generant in the inflator, producing nitrogen gas, which inflates the air bag.
Air Bag
The driver side air bag:
-
Is constructed of neoprene-coated nylon.
-
Is 711 mm (28 inches) in diameter.
-
Fills to about 0.065 cubic meter (2.3 cubic feet) in approximately 40 milliseconds.
-
Is not a serviceable item.
Mounting Plate and Retainer Ring
The mounting plate and retainer ring:
-
Attach and seal air bag assembly to the inflater.
-
Also attach the trim cover and mount the entire driver side air bag module to the steering wheel.
-
Are components of the driver side air bag module and cannot be serviced.
Steering Wheel Trim Cover
The steering wheel trim cover:
-
Encases the driver side air bag module.
-
Has moulded in tear seams that separate to allow inflation of the bag.
-
Is a component of the driver side air bag module and is not serviceable.