Driver-Side Air Bag Module
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1993 Mercury Sable, 1993 Lincoln Continental, and 1993 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Driver-side air bag module is mounted on front face of steering wheel, encased in steering wheel trim cover. When front impact sensors close, signaling an impact, the ignitor causes ignition of inflator gas generant. This ignition reaction combusts sodium azide/copper oxide gas generant in the inflator, producing nitrogen gas, which inflates air bag.
When air bag deploys, tear seams molded into steering wheel trim cover separate, allowing inflation of the air bag assembly. Driver-side air bag module is not serviceable and must be replaced as a complete assembly.