Driver Airbag Description; Operation; Removal; Installation - Chrysler 300M 2002 Service Manual

LH
DRIVER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
Fig. 5 AIRBAG COMPONENT LOCATION
1 - DRIVER AIRBAG
2 - PASSENGER AIRBAG
3 - OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROLLER (ORC)
4 - KNEE BLOCKER
The driver airbag protective trim cover is the most
visible part of the driver airbag. The driver airbag is
mounted directly to the steering wheel (Fig. 5).
Located under the airbag trim cover are the horn
switch, the folded airbag cushion, and the airbag
cushion supporting components. The resistive mem-
brane-type horn switch is secured beneath a plastic
tray that is mounted to the back side of the driver
airbag trim cover.
The driver airbag cannot be repaired, and must be
replaced if deployed. The driver airbag trim cover/
horn switch are serviced separately from the driver
airbag (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG TRIM COVER - REMOVAL).

OPERATION

The driver airbag includes a stamped metal hous-
ing to which the cushion and an inflator unit are
attached and sealed. The inflator assembly is
mounted to studs on the back of the airbag housing.
The inflator seals the hole in the airbag cushion so it
can discharge the gas it produces directly into the
cushion when supplied with the proper electrical sig-
nal. Following an airbag deployment, the airbag
cushion quickly deflates by venting this gas towards
the instrument panel.
The protective trim cover is fitted to the front of
the airbag and forms a decorative cover in the center
of the steering wheel. The inside of the trim cover
has locking blocks molded into it that engage a lip on
the airbag nylon housing. A stamped metal retainer
is placed over the inflator mounting studs on the
back of the airbag nylon housing. A stamped metal
retainer is placed over the inflator mounting studs
The trim cover will split at predetermined breakout
lines, then fold back out of the way along with the
horn switch and tray unit upon airbag deployment.

REMOVAL

When removing a deployed airbag, rubber gloves,
eye protection and long sleeved shirt should be worn,
as there may be deposits on the surface which could
irritate the skin and eyes.
When removing a Driver Airbag for any rea-
son the following procedures must be followed:
(1) Open hood and disconnect the negative battery
cable remote terminal from the remote battery post.
(2) Remove speed control switch screws from steer-
ing wheel back cover, remove switches and disconnect
the wires.
(a) If equipped with remote radio switches, it is
not necessary to disconnect the speed control
switches.
(3) Remove two bolts retaining Driver Airbag.
(4) Lift airbag and disconnect airbag and horn
wire connectors.
(5) Remove Driver Airbag from vehicle.
WARNING: When replacing a deployed Driver Air-
bag, the clock spring must also be replaced. Refer
to Electrical, Restraints, Clock Spring Removal.

INSTALLATION

(1) Connect clock spring, horn and airbag wiring
connectors to the airbag. Make airbag connection by
pressing straight in on the connector. The connector
should be fully seated to assure positive connection.
Check that the wires are not pinched during instal-
lation.
(2) Install the airbag screws and tighten to 7 to 9
N·m (65 to 85 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Connect the wire connectors to the speed con-
trol switches and install switches. Tighten speed con-
trol screws to 1.5 N·m (13 in. lbs).
(a) If equipped with remote radio switches, only
the 4-way connector between the steering wheel
and wire harness and the clock spring needs to be
connected. Dock the 4-way connector in the tab at
the 12 o'clock position of the steering wheel back
cover.
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT THE BATTERY NEG-
ATIVE CABLE REMOTE TERMINAL. REFER TO
ELECTRICAL, RESTRAINTS, DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING - AIRBAG SYSTEM FIRST.
RESTRAINTS 8O - 7