Operation; Removal - Dodge dakota 2002 Service Manual

DR
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)
inflator connects the inflator initiator to the vehicle
electrical system through a yellow-jacketed, two-wire
pigtail harness of the clockspring.
The driver airbag cannot be repaired, and must be
replaced if deployed or in any way damaged.

OPERATION

The driver airbag is deployed by electrical signals
generated by the Airbag Control Module (ACM)
through the driver airbag squib circuit to the initia-
tor in the airbag inflator. When the ACM sends the
proper electrical signal 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 chem-
ical 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
driver airbag trim cover will split at predetermined
breakout lines, then fold back out of the way along
with the horn switch unit. 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 con-
struct the back (steering wheel side) panel of the air-
bag 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, all poten-
tially hazardous chemicals are burned during an air-
bag deployment event. The inert gas that is produced
when the chemicals are burned is harmless. How-
ever, 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.

REMOVAL

The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged driver airbag. If the airbag is
faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the rec-
ommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED
RESTRAINTS). If the driver airbag has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE
PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
TAKE
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: WHEN REMOVING A DEPLOYED AIR-
BAG, RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND A
LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT SHOULD BE WORN. THERE
MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE AIRBAG CUSHION AND
OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES,
THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE
SKIN AND EYES.
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
remove the two screws that secure the two trim cov-
ers or speed control switches to each side of the
driver airbag trim cover.
two trim covers or speed control switches from the
pockets on each side of the driver airbag trim cover
to access the driver airbag mounting screws.
airbag to the steering wheel armature (Fig. 23).
wheel far enough to access the two electrical connec-
tions at the back of the airbag housing.
horn switch feed take out connector from the horn
switch feed pigtail wire connector insulator located
SUPPLEMENTAL
on the back of the driver airbag housing.
THE PROPER
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
(2) From the underside of the steering wheel,
(3) From the top of the steering wheel, remove the
(4) Remove the two screws that secure the driver
(5) Pull the driver airbag away from the steering
(6) Disconnect the steering wheel wire harness
RESTRAINTS 8O - 23
PRECAUTIONS COULD