Charger V6-3.5L (2009)
Side Curtain Air Bag - Operation
OPERATION
Each curtain airbag is deployed individually by an electrical signal generated by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) to which it is connected
through squib circuits. The hybrid-type inflator assembly for each airbag contains a small canister of highly compressed inert gas. When the ORC sends
the proper electrical signal to the airbag inflator, the electrical energy creates enough heat to ignite chemical pellets within the inflator.
Once ignited, these chemicals burn rapidly and produce the pressure necessary to rupture a containment disk in the inert gas canister. The inflator and
inert gas canister are sealed and connected to a tubular manifold so that all of the released gas is directed into the folded curtain airbag cushion, causing
the cushion to inflate. As the airbag cushion inflates it will drop down from the roof rail between the edge of the headliner and the side glass/body pillars
to form a curtain-like cushion to protect the vehicle occupants during a side impact collision.
The front and rear tethers keep the airbag cushion taut to the side of the vehicle, thus ensuring that the bag will deploy in the proper position. Following
the airbag deployment, the airbag cushion quickly deflates by venting the inert gas through the loose weave of the cushion fabric, and the deflated
cushion hangs down loosely from the roof rail.
Driver Air Bag - Description
DESCRIPTION
The driver airbag used in this model is a multistage, Next Generation-type that complies with revised federal airbag standards to deploy with less force
than those used in some prior models. A radial deploying fabric cushion with internal tethers is used. The airbag inflator is a dual-initiator, non-azide,
pyrotechnic-type unit with four mounting studs and is secured to the stamped metal airbag housing by four flanged hex nuts. Two keyed and color-coded
connector receptacles on the driver airbag inflator connect the two inflator initiators to the vehicle electrical system through two yellow-jacketed,
two-wire pigtail harnesses of the clockspring.
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.