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3.1.1 DRIVER AIRBAG
The airbag protective trim cover is the most
visible part of the driver side airbag system. 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 module is
mounted directly to the steering wheel. Located
under the trim cover are the horn switch, the airbag
cushion, and the airbag cushion supporting compo-
nents. The airbag module includes a housing to
which the cushion and hybrid inflator are attached
and sealed. The Minivan is equipped with driver
airbag with dual stage inflators that include a small
canister of highly compressed argon gas. The ACM
uses vehicle crash severity, seat belt switch status
(buckled or unbuckled) as inputs to determine the
level of airbag deployment. When supplied with the
proper electrical signal, the hybrid inflator or infla-
tors discharge the compressed gas it contains di-
rectly into the cushion. The airbag cannot be re-
paired, and must be replaced if deployed or in any
way damaged.
GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNING: THE DRIVER AIRBAG MODULE
CONTAINS ARGON GAS PRESSURIZED TO
OVER 17236.89 Kpa (2500 PSI). DO NOT
ATTEMPT
TO
DISMANTLE
MODULE OR TAMPER WITH ITS INFLATOR.
DO
NOT
PUNCTURE,
BRING INTO CONTACT WITH ELECTRICITY.
DO
NOT
STORE
EXCEEDING 93°C (200°F). REPLACE AIRBAG
SYSTEM
COMPONENTS
INTERNAL DIFFERENCES MAY RESULT IN
INFERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION. THE
FASTENERS,
SCREWS,
ORIGINALLY
USED
SYSTEM
COMPONENTS
COATINGS
AND
DESIGNED FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THEY
MUST NEVER BE REPLACED WITH ANY
SUBSTITUTES. ANY TIME A NEW FASTENER
IS
NEEDED,
REPLACE
CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE
SERVICE PACKAGE OR SPECIFIED IN THE
MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
3.1.2 CLOCKSPRING
The clockspring is mounted on the steering col-
umn behind the steering wheel. This assembly
consist of a plastic housing which contains a flat,
ribbon-like, electrically conductive tape that winds
and unwinds with the steering wheel rotation. The
clockspring is used to maintain a continuous elec-
trical circuit between the instrument panel wiring
and the driver airbag, the horn, and the vehicle
speed control switches if equipped. The clockspring
must be properly centered when it is reinstalled on
the steering column following any service proce-
dure, or it could be damaged. The clockspring can-
not be repaired and it must be replaced.
3
AN
AIRBAG
INCINERATE,
OR
AT
TEMPERATURE
ONLY
BUT
AND
BOLTS
FOR
THE
AIRBAG
HAVE
SPECIAL
ARE
SPECIFICALLY
IT
WITH
THE
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