Driver Airbag Remove/Install - Typical; Operation; Removal - Jeep Wrangler 2001 Service Manual

8Os - 14 RESTRAINTS
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)
that is captured on the upper left inflator mounting
stud between the inflator and the upper trim cover
retainer. The other horn switch pigtail wire is routed
between the upper right inflator stud and the infla-
tor, then secured with a small nylon retainer that is
pressed onto the inflator stud. The driver airbag can-
not be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed or
in any way damaged. The driver airbag trim cover
and the horn switch are available as a unit and may
be disassembled from the driver airbag for service
replacement.

OPERATION

The driver airbag is deployed by an electrical sig-
nal generated by the Airbag Control Module (ACM)
through the driver airbag line 1 and line 2 (or squib)
circuits. When the ACM sends the proper electrical
signal to the airbag inflator, the electrical energy
generates enough heat to initiate a small pyrotechnic
charge which, in turn, ignites chemical pellets within
the inflator. Once ignited, these chemical pellets burn
rapidly and produce a large quantity of nitrogen gas.
The inflator is sealed to the back of the airbag hous-
ing and a diffuser in the inflator directs all of the
nitrogen gas into the airbag cushion, causing the
cushion to inflate. As the cushion inflates, the driver
airbag trim cover will split at predetermined break-
out lines, then fold back out of the way along with
the horn switch. Following an airbag deployment, the
airbag cushion quickly deflates by venting the nitro-
gen gas towards the instrument panel through the
porous fabric material used on the steering wheel
side of the airbag cushion.
Some of the chemicals used to create the nitrogen
gas are considered hazardous in their solid state,
before they are burned, but they are securely sealed
within the airbag inflator. However, the nitrogen gas
that is produced when the chemicals are burned is
harmless. 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 noticed, rinse the affected area
with plenty of cool, clean water. If breathing pas-
sages 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 driver airbag
has been deployed, the clockspring must also be
replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
WARNING: DISABLE
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
2001 JEEP WRANGLER
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE 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.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. If either of the airbags has not been deployed,
wait two minutes for the system capacitor to dis-
charge before further service.
(2) From the underside of the steering wheel,
remove the two screws that secure the driver airbag
to the steering wheel armature (Fig. 13).
Fig. 13 Driver Airbag Remove/Install - Typical
1 - STEERING WHEEL
2 - DRIVER AIRBAG
3 - CLOCKSPRING PIGTAIL WIRE (HORN SWITCH)
4 - CLOCKSPRING PIGTAIL WIRE (AIRBAG)
5 - CLOCKSPRING
6 - SCREW (2)
(3) Pull the driver airbag away from the steering
wheel far enough to access the two wire harness con-
nectors on the back of the airbag.
(4) Disconnect the clockspring horn switch pigtail
wire connector for the horn switch from the switch
feed pigtail wire connector, which is located on the
back of the driver airbag.
TJ