Jeep Cherokee

 Service Manual

Passive restraint systems » Description and operation
Passenger side airbag module

DESCRIPTION

The passenger side airbag door on the instrument panel above the glove box is the most visible part of the passenger side airbag system. Located under the airbag door are the passenger side airbag cushion and the airbag cushion supporting components.

The passenger side airbag module includes an extruded aluminum housing within which the cushion and inflator are mounted and sealed. Two stamped metal brackets, one on each end of the housing, enclose the cushion and inflator and also serve as the mounting brackets for the module. The two mounting brackets at the top front of the airbag module are secured with screws to the top of the instrument panel structural support beneath the instrument panel top cover. The two mounting brackets at the bottom front of the airbag module are secured with screws to the instrument panel structural support over the glove box.

Following a passenger side airbag deployment, the passenger side airbag module and the passenger side airbag door must be replaced. The passenger side airbag module cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed or in any way damaged. The passenger side airbag door is available as a separate service item.

OPERATION

The hybrid-type inflator assembly includes a small canister of highly compressed argon gas. 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 signal. Following an airbag deployment, the airbag cushion quickly deflates by venting this gas through the porous fabric material used on each end panel of the airbag cushion.

The molded plastic passenger side airbag door is secured to extruded tabs at the top and bottom rear of the airbag module housing by keyed openings in the upper and lower mounting flange returns of the airbag door. The upper and lower airbag door mounting flanges are then secured to the instrument panel structural support and the upper glove box opening reinforcement with screws. The airbag door has predetermined breakout lines concealed beneath its decorative cover. Upon airbag deployment, the airbag door will split at the breakout lines and the door will fold back over the top of the instrument panel, out of the way.

Airbag system

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Passenger side airbag module

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Clockspring