Operation; Removal - Dodge dakota 2002 Service Manual

DR
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)
seven integral snap features to the instrument panel
base trim, while two screws secure the integral
inboard mounting flange to the base trim, and four
screws secure the lower mounting flange to the upper
glove box opening reinforcement integral to the
instrument panel structural support. The passenger
airbag door includes two air conditioning panel out-
lets and their housings. Each of the panel outlet
housings feature four snap features that secure them
to the back of the airbag door and two mounting tabs
that are also secured with one screw each to the
upper glove box opening reinforcement.
Located behind the passenger airbag door within
the instrument panel is the passenger airbag unit
(Fig. 31). The passenger airbag housing fits into a
molded receptacle on the back of the airbag door,
where six stamped hook formations on the upper and
lower edges of the airbag housing are engaged in six
small window openings on the upper and lower
flanges of the receptacle to secure the airbag door to
the airbag housing. The inboard airbag door fasten-
ers and mounting flange are concealed beneath the
instrument panel center bezel, while the lower fas-
teners and mounting flange are concealed beneath
the instrument panel lower surround. The passenger
airbag unit is secured by four screws through four
brackets (two front and two rear) that are integral to
the base of the airbag housing to the instrument
panel structural support.
Fig. 31 Passenger Airbag Unit
1 - DOOR
2 - PANEL OUTLET HOUSING (2)
3 - SNAP FEATURE (7)
4 - REAR BRACKET (2)
5 - PIGTAIL WIRE CONNECTOR
6 - INFLATOR
7 - FRONT BRACKET (2)
8 - HOUSING
The passenger airbag unit used in this model is a
Next Generation-type that complies with revised fed-
eral airbag standards to deploy with less force than
those used in some prior models. The passenger air-
bag unit consists of a stamped and welded metal
housing, the airbag cushion, the airbag inflator, and
a stamped metal airbag and inflator retainer plate
that is secured to the airbag housing with six studs
and nuts. The airbag housing contains the airbag
inflator and the folded airbag cushion. An approxi-
mately 80 centimeter (31.5 inch) wide by 90 centime-
ter (35.5 inch) high rectangular fabric cushion is
used. The airbag inflator is a non-azide, pyrotechnic-
type unit that is secured to and sealed within the air-
bag housing. The inflator initiator is connected to the
vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take
out and connector of the instrument panel wire har-
ness.
The passenger airbag includes the airbag door and
the two panel outlet housings. This unit cannot be
repaired, and must be replaced if deployed, faulty, or
in any way damaged.

OPERATION

The passenger airbag is deployed by an electrical
signal generated by the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) through the passenger airbag squib circuits to
the initiator in the airbag inflator. The hybrid-type
inflator assembly includes a small canister of highly
compressed inert gas. When the ACM sends the
proper electrical signal to the airbag inflator, the ini-
tiator converts the electrical energy into chemical
energy. This chemical energy produces the pressure
necessary to rupture a burst disk in the inert gas
canister.
The inflator is sealed to the airbag cushion so that
all of the released inert gas is directed into the air-
bag cushion, causing the cushion to inflate. As the
cushion inflates, the passenger airbag door will split
at predetermined tear seam lines concealed on the
inside surface of the door, then the door will pivot up
over the top of the instrument panel and out of the
way. Following a passenger airbag deployment, the
airbag cushion quickly deflates by venting the inert
gas through vent holes within the fabric used to con-
struct the back (instrument panel side) of the airbag
cushion.

REMOVAL

The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged passenger 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 passenger airbag has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
RESTRAINTS 8O - 35
SUPPLEMENTAL