Challenger SRT-8 V8-6.1L (2009)
The driver airbag unit cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed or in any way damaged. The driver airbag trim cover and horn switch unit
may be disassembled from the driver airbag unit, and is available for separate service replacement.
The driver airbag protective trim cover (1) is the most visible part of the driver airbag. The driver airbag is located in the center of the steering wheel (1),
where it is secured with two screws to the armature of the four-spoke steering wheel. Concealed beneath the driver airbag trim cover are the horn switch,
the folded airbag cushion, the airbag cushion retainer, the airbag housing, the airbag inflator, and the retainers that secure the inflator to the airbag
housing.
The airbag cushion, housing, and inflator are secured within the trim cover.
The vertical walls of this trim cover have small windows with blocking tabs that are engaged by hook formations around the perimeter of the airbag
housing. Each hook is inserted through one of the windows and the blocking tab in each window keeps the hook properly engaged with the trim cover,
locking the trim cover securely into place on the airbag housing.
The resistive membrane-type horn switch is secured with heat stakes to the inside surface of the driver airbag trim cover, between the trim cover and the
folded airbag cushion.
Driver Air Bag - Operation
OPERATION
The multistage driver airbag is deployed by electrical signals generated by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) through the driver airbag squib 1
and squib 2 circuits to the two initiators in the airbag inflator. By using two initiators, the airbag can be deployed at multiple levels of force. The force
level is controlled by the ORC to suit the monitored impact conditions by providing one of three delay intervals between the electrical signals provided
to the two initiators. The longer the delay between these signals, the less forcefully the airbag will deploy.
When the ORC sends the proper electrical signals to each 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