Pacifica V6-3.8L VIN L (2005)
Knee Blocker Airbag - Location
The Knee Blocker Airbag is located on the driver side of the vehicle beneath the instrument panel steering column outer cover.
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.
The knee blocker airbag is equipped with a single inflator. When the 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.
Some of the chemicals used to create the inert gas may be considered hazardous while in their solid state before they are burned, but they are securely
sealed within the airbag inflator. Typically, the potentially hazardous chemicals are burned during an air-bag deployment event.
The inert gas that is produced when the chemicals are burned is harmless. However, a small amount of residue from the burned chemicals may cause
some temporary discomfort if it contacts the skin, eyes, or breathing passages. If skin or eye irritation is noted, rinse the affected area with plenty of cool,
clean water. If breathing passages are irritated, move to another area where there is plenty of clean, fresh air to breath. If the irritation is not alleviated by
these actions, contact a physician.