Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Driver-Side Air Bag Module
Air bag module is mounted in center of steering wheel, encased in steering wheel trim cover. See Fig 1 . When safing sensor and at least one impact sensor close, signaling an impact, ignitor ignites inflator gas generant. This reaction combusts sodium azide/copper oxide gas generant in inflator, producing nitrogen gas, inflating air bag.
When air bag is activated, tear seams molded into steering wheel trim cover separate, allowing inflation of air bag assembly. Air bag module is only serviced as a complete assembly.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.